The Religion Discussion

[megadoc1]

JW's base their teachings on the Bible.

what teachings are based on rev 20:9-15?

Concerning Jesus, Colossians 1:15, 16 says according to the KJV:

"15Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: 16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:"

He is the image of the invisible God: The word translated image (the ancient Greek word eikon) expressed two ideas.
1.Likeness, as in the image on a coin or the reflection in a mirror.
2. Manifestation, with the sense that God is fully revealed in Jesus.
If Paul meant that Jesus was merely similar to the Father, he would have used the ancient Greek word homoioma, which speaks merely of similar appearance. The stronger word used here proves that Paul knew that Jesus was God just as God the Father is God. It means that “Jesus is the very stamp of God the Father.” (Robertson)

The firstborn over all creation: Firstborn (the ancient Greek word prototokos) can describe either priority in time or supremacy in rank. As Paul used it here, he probably had both ideas in mind, with Jesus being before all created things and Jesus being of a supremely different order than all created things.

i. Firstborn is also used of Jesus in Colossians 1:18, Romans 8:29, Hebrews 1:6, and Revelation 1:15.

ii. In no way does the title firstborn indicate that Jesus is less than God. In fact, the ancient Rabbis called Yawhew Himself “Firstborn of the World” (Rabbi Bechai, cited in Lightfoot). Ancient rabbis used firstborn as a Messianic title: “God said, As I made Jacob a first-born (Exodus 4:22), so also will I make king Messiah a first-born (Psalm 89:28).” (R. Nathan in Shemoth Rabba, cited in Lightfoot)

iii. “The use of this word does not show what Arius argued that Paul regarded Christ as a creature like ‘all creation’ . . . It is rather the comparative (superlative) force of protos that is used.” (Robertson)

iv. Bishop Lightfoot, a noted Greek scholar, on the use of both eikon (image) and prototokos (firstborn): “As the Person of Christ was the Divine response alike to the philosophical questionings of the Alexandrian Jew and to the patriotic hopes of the Palestinian, these two currents of thought meet in the term prototokos as applied to our Lord, who is both the true Logos and the true Messiah.” (Lightfoot)

v. “Prototokos in its primary sense expresses temporal priority, and then, on account of the privileges of the firstborn, it gains the further sense of dominion. . . Whether the word retains anything of its original meaning here is doubtful.” (Peake)

d. For by Him all things were created: There is no doubt that Jesus is the author of all creation. He Himself is not a created being. When we behold the wonder and the glory of the world Jesus created, we worship and honor Him all the more.

In harmony with that, Genesis 1:26 says:

"26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth."

Who was God talking to?

No son no! don't do that there are some that will embarrass you for that cheap shot.

[ichiniisama99]

Because HE already has, the HOLY QUR'AAN!!!

i never said the Bible was superior to the Qur'aan

You didn't have to. The minute you said you were a Jehovah Witness, that was implied. If I say I am a Christian, I'm also insinuating that my Holy Book is greater than the others. Why? Cuz every religion promotes intolerance.

You asked if i was, and i answered.

[Dizzy28]

what makes one religious text more right than the other? Faith?

Quantity!!! The largest mass makes the loudest noise and would be the most right.

[Dizzy28]

Because HE already has, the HOLY QUR'AAN!!!

i never said the Bible was superior to the Qur'aan

You didn't have to. The minute you said you were a Jehovah Witness, that was implied. If I say I am a Christian, I'm also insinuating that my Holy Book is greater than the others. Why? Cuz every religion promotes intolerance.

Ever heard of the dharmic religions? Sikhism, Buddhism, Hindusim....they do not promote intolorance.
(Sat Maharaj does not represent Hinduism in Trinidad)

[ichiniisama99]

JW's base their teachings on the Bible.

what teachings are based on rev 20:9-15?

Concerning Jesus, Colossians 1:15, 16 says according to the KJV:

"15Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: 16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:"

He is the image of the invisible God: The word translated image (the ancient Greek word eikon) expressed two ideas.
1.Likeness, as in the image on a coin or the reflection in a mirror.
2. Manifestation, with the sense that God is fully revealed in Jesus.
If Paul meant that Jesus was merely similar to the Father, he would have used the ancient Greek word homoioma, which speaks merely of similar appearance. The stronger word used here proves that Paul knew that Jesus was God just as God the Father is God. It means that “Jesus is the very stamp of God the Father.” (Robertson)

The firstborn over all creation: Firstborn (the ancient Greek word prototokos) can describe either priority in time or supremacy in rank. As Paul used it here, he probably had both ideas in mind, with Jesus being before all created things and Jesus being of a supremely different order than all created things.

i. Firstborn is also used of Jesus in Colossians 1:18, Romans 8:29, Hebrews 1:6, and Revelation 1:15.

ii. In no way does the title firstborn indicate that Jesus is less than God. In fact, the ancient Rabbis called Yawhew Himself “Firstborn of the World” (Rabbi Bechai, cited in Lightfoot). Ancient rabbis used firstborn as a Messianic title: “God said, As I made Jacob a first-born (Exodus 4:22), so also will I make king Messiah a first-born (Psalm 89:28).” (R. Nathan in Shemoth Rabba, cited in Lightfoot)

iii. “The use of this word does not show what Arius argued that Paul regarded Christ as a creature like ‘all creation’ . . . It is rather the comparative (superlative) force of protos that is used.” (Robertson)

iv. Bishop Lightfoot, a noted Greek scholar, on the use of both eikon (image) and prototokos (firstborn): “As the Person of Christ was the Divine response alike to the philosophical questionings of the Alexandrian Jew and to the patriotic hopes of the Palestinian, these two currents of thought meet in the term prototokos as applied to our Lord, who is both the true Logos and the true Messiah.” (Lightfoot)

v. “Prototokos in its primary sense expresses temporal priority, and then, on account of the privileges of the firstborn, it gains the further sense of dominion. . . Whether the word retains anything of its original meaning here is doubtful.” (Peake)

d. For by Him all things were created: There is no doubt that Jesus is the author of all creation. He Himself is not a created being. When we behold the wonder and the glory of the world Jesus created, we worship and honor Him all the more.

In harmony with that, Genesis 1:26 says:

"26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth."

Who was God talking to?

No son no! don't do that there are some that will embarrass you for that cheap shot.

When one called Jesus "good teacher", why did Jesus rebuke him? look at what he said at mark 10:17,18:

"17 And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?

18 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God."

He plainly says no one is good, as a title, except God. Why would he say that if he is God? Jesus was not one to be sarcastic or misleading, was he?

[Bizzare]

When one called Jesus "good teacher", why did Jesus rebuke him? look at what he said at mark 10:17,18:

"17 And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?

18 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God."

He plainly says no one is good, as a title, except God. Why would he say that if he is God? Jesus was not one to be sarcastic or misleading, was he?

He became MAN to dwell on earth (John 1:14).
Jesus was a MAN while he was on EARTH.
Where was he when referred to as "good teacher"? On EARTH.

[ichiniisama99]

When one called Jesus "good teacher", why did Jesus rebuke him? look at what he said at mark 10:17,18:

"17 And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?

18 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God."

He plainly says no one is good, as a title, except God. Why would he say that if he is God? Jesus was not one to be sarcastic or misleading, was he?

He became MAN to dwell on earth (John 1:14).
Jesus was a MAN while he was on EARTH.
Where was he when referred to as "good teacher"? On EARTH.

That proves nothing. Jesus identified himself as the son of God, not as God himself.

Consider this:

John 6:39:"39 And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day."

He says here his father sent him, and the will he was sent to do was the father's will, not his own.

[ichiniisama99]

Also when Jesus was baptized, at Matthew 3:17 it gives us this:

"And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."

The "voice" was from heaven, NOT earth, where he was at the time.

[megadoc1]

can you give me a proper response to what I posted? in the mean time lets deal with this

When one called Jesus "good teacher", why did Jesus rebuke him? look at what he said at mark 10:17,18:

"17 And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?

18 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God."

He plainly says no one is good, as a title, except God. Why would he say that if he is God? Jesus was not one to be sarcastic or misleading, was he?

This is not Jesus denying His deity. Instead, He invited the young man to reflect upon it. It is as if Jesus said, “do you really know what you are saying when you call Me good? This title was never applied to other Rabbis in Jesus’ day, because it implied sinlessness, a complete goodness. Jesus and everyone else recognized that He was being called by a unique title...now my question to you is,,, was Jesus good or not?
now If I were to follow your reasoning with scripture then my next question would be, why did the Jews seek to stone Jesus for blasphemy? (that is making himself equal with God) was it a false accusation by the jews? or did he really make that claim here is a verses for refference
please respond to this alone!

Joh 8:58 Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.
Joh 8:59 Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.

and
Joh 10:30 I and my Father are one.
Joh 10:31 Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him.


Lev 24:16 And he that blasphemeth the name of the LORD, he shall surely be put to death, and all the congregation shall certainly stone him: as well the stranger, as he that is born in the land, when he blasphemeth the name of the LORD, shall be put to death.

then while you are there what do you think of this veres?
Php 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
Php 2:6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
Php 2:7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
Php 2:8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

oh yeah and don't forget to respond to my previous post

[Chimera]

Can the concept of time be applied / subjected to GOD? He created time. He said the son of Adam abuses Him by his abuse of time.

GOD has informed us that the question "Who created GOD?" Is from the Whisper of Satan.
(Muslim perspective).

God has said...god has informed us....


just curious again, where did GOD say and inform us ? in the flawed MAN-MADE koran,bible, all other holy books?

This is like the whisper of the jinn... Evil from among jinn and from among man...

LOL

i may have misunderstood but did you just say my completely logical question is like the whisper of the jinn? and its a evil question?

[megadoc1]

That proves nothing. Jesus identified himself as the son of God, not as God himself.

Consider this:

John 6:39:"39 And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day."

He says here his father sent him, and the will he was sent to do was the father's will, not his own.

does the new world translation say that Jesus is a god yes or no?
1 In [the] beginning the Word was, and the Word was with God, and the Word was a god

[ichiniisama99]

can you give me a proper response to what I posted? in the mean time lets deal with this

When one called Jesus "good teacher", why did Jesus rebuke him? look at what he said at mark 10:17,18:

"17 And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?

18 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God."

He plainly says no one is good, as a title, except God. Why would he say that if he is God? Jesus was not one to be sarcastic or misleading, was he?

This is not Jesus denying His deity. Instead, He invited the young man to reflect upon it. It is as if Jesus said, “do you really know what you are saying when you call Me good? This title was never applied to other Rabbis in Jesus’ day, because it implied sinlessness, a complete goodness. Jesus and everyone else recognized that He was being called by a unique title...now my question to you is,,, was Jesus good or not?
now If I were to follow your reasoning with scripture then my next question would be, why did the Jews seek to stone Jesus for blasphemy? (that is making himself equal with God) was it a false accusation by the jews? or did he really make that claim here is a verses for refference
please respond to this alone!

Joh 8:58 Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.
Joh 8:59 Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.

and
Joh 10:30 I and my Father are one.
Joh 10:31 Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him.


Lev 24:16 And he that blasphemeth the name of the LORD, he shall surely be put to death, and all the congregation shall certainly stone him: as well the stranger, as he that is born in the land, when he blasphemeth the name of the LORD, shall be put to death.

then while you are there what do you think of this veres?
Php 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
Php 2:6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
Php 2:7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
Php 2:8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

oh yeah and don't forget to respond to my previous post

Goodness, a fruitage of the spirit, is an active, outgoing quality. It is moral excellence. The apostle Paul indicated that in humans it is even more appealing than righteousness. A righteous man can be relied on to faithfully obey the requirements of the law, but a good man takes the initiative, actively seeking ways to benefit others. Jesus surely fits this description. However, the man who addressed Jesus was using the words “Good Teacher” as a flattering title. By being called this, Jesus would be classed with Jewish Rabbis of the day. He wanted no rabbinical titles whatsoever, and he also urged his disciples to reject them. Matthew 23: 8, 9: "8 But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. 9 And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Although Jesus had no objections to being properly identified as the teacher or master or leader, when designations were linked in a title-setting that was commonly used to address rabbis in a flattering way, he did object. Apparently this man did not really consider Jesus as such a good teacher, because he went off without following Christ’s counsel.

[megadoc1]

can you give me a proper response to what I posted? in the mean time lets deal with this

When one called Jesus "good teacher", why did Jesus rebuke him? look at what he said at mark 10:17,18:

"17 And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?

18 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God."

He plainly says no one is good, as a title, except God. Why would he say that if he is God? Jesus was not one to be sarcastic or misleading, was he?

This is not Jesus denying His deity. Instead, He invited the young man to reflect upon it. It is as if Jesus said, “do you really know what you are saying when you call Me good? This title was never applied to other Rabbis in Jesus’ day, because it implied sinlessness, a complete goodness. Jesus and everyone else recognized that He was being called by a unique title...now my question to you is,,, was Jesus good or not?
now If I were to follow your reasoning with scripture then my next question would be, why did the Jews seek to stone Jesus for blasphemy? (that is making himself equal with God) was it a false accusation by the jews? or did he really make that claim here is a verses for refference
please respond to this alone!

Joh 8:58 Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.
Joh 8:59 Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.

and
Joh 10:30 I and my Father are one.
Joh 10:31 Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him.


Lev 24:16 And he that blasphemeth the name of the LORD, he shall surely be put to death, and all the congregation shall certainly stone him: as well the stranger, as he that is born in the land, when he blasphemeth the name of the LORD, shall be put to death.

then while you are there what do you think of this veres?
Php 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
Php 2:6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
Php 2:7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
Php 2:8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

oh yeah and don't forget to respond to my previous post

Goodness, a fruitage of the spirit, is an active, outgoing quality. It is moral excellence. The apostle Paul indicated that in humans it is even more appealing than righteousness. A righteous man can be relied on to faithfully obey the requirements of the law, but a good man takes the initiative, actively seeking ways to benefit others. Jesus surely fits this description. However, the man who addressed Jesus was using the words “Good Teacher” as a flattering title. By being called this, Jesus would be classed with Jewish Rabbis of the day. He wanted no rabbinical titles whatsoever, and he also urged his disciples to reject them. Matthew 23: 8, 9: "8 But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. 9 And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Although Jesus had no objections to being properly identified as the teacher or master or leader, when designations were linked in a title-setting that was commonly used to address rabbis in a flattering way, he did object. Apparently this man did not really consider Jesus as such a good teacher, because he went off without following Christ’s counsel.

did you read my post?I said This title was never applied to other Rabbis in Jesus’ day, because it implied sinlessness, a complete goodness. Jesus and everyone else recognized that He was being called by a unique title.
anyways....... ..does the new world translation say that Jesus is a god yes or no?
1 In [the] beginning the Word was, and the Word was with God, and the Word was a god
is he not good?

according to your bible, is Jesus a god,the son of God or both?

[ichiniisama99]

can you give me a proper response to what I posted? in the mean time lets deal with this

When one called Jesus "good teacher", why did Jesus rebuke him? look at what he said at mark 10:17,18:

"17 And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?

18 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God."

He plainly says no one is good, as a title, except God. Why would he say that if he is God? Jesus was not one to be sarcastic or misleading, was he?

This is not Jesus denying His deity. Instead, He invited the young man to reflect upon it. It is as if Jesus said, “do you really know what you are saying when you call Me good? This title was never applied to other Rabbis in Jesus’ day, because it implied sinlessness, a complete goodness. Jesus and everyone else recognized that He was being called by a unique title...now my question to you is,,, was Jesus good or not?
now If I were to follow your reasoning with scripture then my next question would be, why did the Jews seek to stone Jesus for blasphemy? (that is making himself equal with God) was it a false accusation by the jews? or did he really make that claim here is a verses for refference
please respond to this alone!

Joh 8:58 Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.
Joh 8:59 Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.

and
Joh 10:30 I and my Father are one.
Joh 10:31 Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him.


Lev 24:16 And he that blasphemeth the name of the LORD, he shall surely be put to death, and all the congregation shall certainly stone him: as well the stranger, as he that is born in the land, when he blasphemeth the name of the LORD, shall be put to death.

then while you are there what do you think of this veres?
Php 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
Php 2:6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
Php 2:7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
Php 2:8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

oh yeah and don't forget to respond to my previous post

Goodness, a fruitage of the spirit, is an active, outgoing quality. It is moral excellence. The apostle Paul indicated that in humans it is even more appealing than righteousness. A righteous man can be relied on to faithfully obey the requirements of the law, but a good man takes the initiative, actively seeking ways to benefit others. Jesus surely fits this description. However, the man who addressed Jesus was using the words “Good Teacher” as a flattering title. By being called this, Jesus would be classed with Jewish Rabbis of the day. He wanted no rabbinical titles whatsoever, and he also urged his disciples to reject them. Matthew 23: 8, 9: "8 But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. 9 And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Although Jesus had no objections to being properly identified as the teacher or master or leader, when designations were linked in a title-setting that was commonly used to address rabbis in a flattering way, he did object. Apparently this man did not really consider Jesus as such a good teacher, because he went off without following Christ’s counsel.

did you read my post?I said This title was never applied to other Rabbis in Jesus’ day, because it implied sinlessness, a complete goodness. Jesus and everyone else recognized that He was being called by a unique title.
anyways....... ..does the new world translation say that Jesus is a god yes or no?
1 In [the] beginning the Word was, and the Word was with God, and the Word was a god
is he not good?

Of course he was good, did YOU not read mine? My post stated that Jesus would have been classed as the rabbis of his day, meaning the way they viewed them. Why did the man not listen to Jesus and went his way? Because he did not sincerely feel that Jesus was "good". That man was trying to flatter Jesus, but he rejected. And yes, Jesus did recognize that he was being called by a unique title, which is why i rejected it, and attributed that quality of complete goodness to his father.

As regards John 1:1:

The language is the Sahidic dialect of Coptic. The Coptic language was spoken in Egypt in the centuries immediately following Jesus’ earthly ministry, and the Sahidic dialect was an early literary form of the language. Regarding the earliest Coptic translations of the Bible, The Anchor Bible Dictionary says: “Since the [Septuagint] and the [Christian Greek Scriptures] were being translated into Coptic during the 3d century C.E., the Coptic version is based on [Greek manuscripts] which are significantly older than the vast majority of extant witnesses.”

The Sahidic Coptic text is especially interesting for two reasons. First, as indicated above, it reflects an understanding of Scripture dating from before the fourth century, which was when the Trinity became official doctrine. Second, Coptic grammar is relatively close to English grammar in one important aspect. The earliest translations of the Christian Greek Scriptures were into Syriac, Latin, and Coptic. Syriac and Latin, like the Greek of those days, do not have an indefinite article. Coptic, however, does. Moreover, scholar Thomas O. Lambdin, in his work Introduction to Sahidic Coptic, says: “The use of the Coptic articles, both definite and indefinite, corresponds closely to the use of the articles in English.”

Hence, the Coptic translation supplies interesting evidence as to how John 1:1 would have been understood back then. What do we find? The Sahidic Coptic translation uses an indefinite article with the word “god” in the final part of John 1:1. Thus, when rendered into modern English, the translation reads: “And the Word was a god.” Evidently, those ancient translators realized that John’s words recorded at John 1:1 did not mean that Jesus was to be identified as Almighty God. The Word was a god, not Almighty God.

http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2008 ... %3A1&p=par

[megadoc1]

my question to you ichiniisama99 is jesus a god?

[ichiniisama99]

my question to you ichiniisama99 is jesus a god?

Did you read it?:

Hence, the Coptic translation supplies interesting evidence as to how John 1:1 would have been understood back then. What do we find? The Sahidic Coptic translation uses an indefinite article with the word “god” in the final part of John 1:1. Thus, when rendered into modern English, the translation reads: “And the Word was a god.” Evidently, those ancient translators realized that John’s words recorded at John 1:1 did not mean that Jesus was to be identified as Almighty God. The Word was a god, not Almighty God.

If you believe Jesus is God, fine, i do not want to argue with you sir. But your very signature says: "Jesus came to pay the price for us and to restore us to the father"; not "Jesus came to pay the price for us and to restore us to him"

So personally you are not convincing me of anything.

[megadoc1]

my question to you ichiniisama99 is Jesus a god?
do you believe your translation that says he was a god?
where did yo get that I am trying to convince you of something? all I am asking is questions
a simple yess or no would suffice ...I am asking this to show you how your agument is flawed here

When one called Jesus "good teacher", why did Jesus rebuke him? look at what he said at mark 10:17,18:
"17 And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?
18 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God."

He plainly says no one is good, as a title, except God. Why would he say that if he is God? Jesus was not one to be sarcastic or misleading, was he?

but your translation clearly state that he was a god
1 In [the] beginning the Word was, and the Word was with God, and the Word was a god. 2
http://www.watchtower.org/e/bible/joh/chapter_001.htm

[megadoc1]

The teaching that hell is a literal place of torment however, is not a teaching of the Bible.

http://www.watchtower.org/e/bible/re/chapter_020.htm

10 And the Devil who was misleading them was hurled into the lake of fire and sulphur, where both the wild beast and the false prophet [already were]; and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.

11 And I saw a great white throne and the one seated on it. From before him the earth and the heaven fled away, and no place was found for them. 12 And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and scrolls were opened. But another scroll was opened; it is the scroll of life. And the dead were judged out of those things written in the scrolls according to their deeds. 13 And the sea gave up those dead in it, and death and Ha´des gave up those dead in them, and they were judged individually according to their deeds. 14 And death and Ha´des were hurled into the lake of fire. This means the second death, the lake of fire. 15 Furthermore, whoever was not found written in the book of life was hurled into the lake of fire.

but your bible teaches that "whoever was not found written in the book of life was hurled into the lake of fire". is that not the same place where"the Devil who was misleading them was hurled into the lake of fire and sulphur, where both the wild beast and the false prophet [already were]; and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever".?
it is a teaching of the bible maybe not of the watchtower society

[stev]

$50 note for your thoughts

[bluefete]

For all the God "haters". It still won't convince you but Faith is a powerful tool. Thank God for her parents and coach (from Communist China that!!) and her support system.

Does God deserve credit for Gabrielle Douglas’ Olympic Gold Record ?

As a record shattering Olympian, gold medalist Gabrielle (Gabby) Douglas leapt into history as the first American athlete to win the prestigious team gold and the all-around gold medal in the same Olympics.



What is equally monumental is that she prepared herself for the arduous competitions by drawing upon her strength from God. In the midst of what has to be tremendous pressure, she has always maintained her faith and presence of mind to reach out to the Lord.

Sounds familiar?

Of course football sensation and devout Christian quarterback Tim Tebow does it as well, and many national comedians and liberal political pundits have attacked him for his faithful practice of kneeling on the gridiron and giving thanks to God.

His righteous practice has accomplished very noble purposes and caused him to be the target of vilification as well. First, he has shown his strength to honor his creator and thereby be a Christian role model for other young athletes. His commitment on the football field helps them to not be afraid to show that God has prepared their spirit and heart for the competition of the day.

Gabby has shown that God endures in her heart and in her spirit and helped guide her pathway to historic Olympic gold.

Secondly, Tebow's practice demonstrates a true Christian ministry that parents can point their children to as an example of standing for your faith, even when adversity and cruel pointless comments attempt to diminish their young spirits.

Does God deserve credit for Gabrielle Douglas Olympic gold record?

It appears that Gabby believes that he does. In fact, before the beginning of her All-Around competition, Gabby tweeted to the whole world, "Let all that I am praise the LORD; may I never forget the good things He does for me."

Yes, Gabby sent out a message that is as clear as her faith is pure and her determination is focused, that the Lord, is responsible. She has shown that he endures in her heart and in her spirit and helped guide her pathway to historic Olympic gold.



Will she become scoffed at by comedic hatchet men for atheists, disbelievers, and liberal sanity challenged liberal pundits like HBO Bill Maher’s diatribes or even worse Bill Press? Yes it was liberal pundit Bill Press, who denounced Tebow’s actions in December of 2011 on his radio show, by stating, “Tell Tebow: ‘S-T-F-U’ (Shut the F**k Up) About Jesus.” Seems that Bill Press is immersed in his fear of Tim Tebow’s influence and his ability to expand his Christian ministry on the football field. Tough luck Press, on field penalty for illegally holding onto hate!

One has to wonder just how soon will these types of callous assaults that have been targeted at Tim Tebow by the likes of David Letterman, Jimmy Fallon, Jay Leno and others, will soon be directed toward Gabby Douglas. Yet, does it truly even matter that these comedic assaults which are germinated in the garden of hate and fear of God and of Christ are aired over and over again?

Not really, because the faith in Gabby Douglas’ and Tim Tebow’s heart and in their spirit is far more powerful than the comic engineers of hateful assaults upon Christian athletes.

Gabby and Tim listen to a different voice and it is both kind and reassuring, “Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.” 1 Corinthians 9:25

So Gabby, you go girl and keep competing and keep winning for a grateful nation and a God who has provided you with the strength, courage and spiritual peace that has kept your eye on the sparrow.

What will her stellar Olympic wins mean in the months and years ahead for other young gymnasts who are witnessing her testimony of faith as she gracefully excelled in Olympic excellence? It means that like Tim Tebow, she can be a tremendous Christian role model, for other young girls and women. They will not fear to display the heart of a true a Christian, and a potential Olympian, who is guided by the hand of God.

They will now have the courage of their convictions to say aloud and to say proudly, as Gabby prayed before her competition: "Let all that I am praise the LORD; may I never forget the good things He does for me."

http://www.examiner.com/article/does-go ... old-record

[Duane 3NE 2NR]

the her fellow competitors who didnt get gold didnt pray as hard as she did?

[pioneer]

Sadly they didn't

So did the people who suffer heinous crimes like rape, torture, murder and the countless children that die each day.

They just don't pray hard enough meng

[Gladiator]

Why is it so hard for people to just believe in themselves and see that they made the effort, the sacrifice and reached the top because of their will power.

Why create a man in the sky to praise and give credit for you accomplishments.... i guess if she ever looses she will have the imaginary man to blame it on and not herself...

The brain is a marvelous organ!

[bluefete]

Why is it so hard for people to just believe in themselves and see that they made the effort, the sacrifice and reached the top because of their will power.

Why create a man in the sky to praise and give credit for you accomplishments.... i guess if she ever looses she will have the imaginary man to blame it on and not herself...

The brain is a marvelous organ!

Learn from King Nebuchadnezzar!!!!

Daniel 4:30-37


30 The king spake, and said, Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty?

31 While the word was in the king's mouth, there fell a voice from heaven, saying, O king Nebuchadnezzar, to thee it is spoken; The kingdom is departed from thee.

32 And they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field: they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and seven times shall pass over thee, until thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.

33 The same hour was the thing fulfilled upon Nebuchadnezzar: and he was driven from men, and did eat grass as oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven, till his hairs were grown like eagles' feathers, and his nails like birds' claws.

34 And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation:

35 And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?

36 At the same time my reason returned unto me; and for the glory of my kingdom, mine honour and brightness returned unto me; and my counsellors and my lords sought unto me; and I was established in my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added unto me.

37 Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase.

[bluefete]

$50 note for your thoughts

Stev: That can't be right. Remember all lifeforms came from the sea including the bugs. Thus they had to wait until the fish walked onto land and evolved into bugs!!!!

Isn't that what evolution teaches?? That fish walked onto the land and evolved into people and camels and dinosaurs and bugs and so on???????

[MG Man]

sorry for not responding to questions posted to me earlier....it's been a very bad week for me. My 13 year old daughter was threatening to commit suicide after she found out she was pregnant. We could not determine the father, as she admitted she has had 4 sexual partners in the last 2 months..........luckily we got the abortion done in time

[megadoc1]

lol.. what about the 4 sexual partners they still around? with the rate she is going at
pregnancy/abortion would be the last of my worries .....why not tie up them tubes?

[Duane 3NE 2NR]

Stev: That can't be right. Remember all lifeforms came from the sea including the bugs. Thus they had to wait until the fish walked onto land and evolved into bugs!!!!

Isn't that what evolution teaches?? That fish walked onto the land and evolved into people and camels and dinosaurs and bugs and so on???????

Insect fossils have been dated back to the Silurian period which was before the Devonian period mentioned in the cartoon.

"The Silurian is a geologic period and system that extends from the end of the Ordovician Period, about 443.7 ± 1.5 million years ago (mya), to the beginning of the Devonian Period, about 416.0 ± 2.8 mya (ICS, 2004). As with other geologic periods, the rock beds that define the period's start and end are well identified, but the exact dates are uncertain by several million years. The base of the Silurian is set at a major extinction event when 60% of marine species were wiped out. See Ordovician-Silurian extinction events.
A significant evolutionary milestone during the Silurian was the appearance of jawed and bony fish. Life also began to appear on land in the form of small, moss-like, vascular plants which grew beside lakes, streams, and coastlines. However, terrestrial life would not greatly diversify and affect the landscape until the Devonian."

take a read on the period mentioned in the cartoon before stating "that's not right"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devonian

oh and it's a satirical comic BTW

[Humes]

$50 note for your thoughts

Stev: That can't be right. Remember all lifeforms came from the sea including the bugs. Thus they had to wait until the fish walked onto land and evolved into bugs!!!!

Isn't that what evolution teaches?? That fish walked onto the land and evolved into people and camels and dinosaurs and bugs and so on???????

You really don't have a clue, do you?

You're not even trying.

[AdamB]

sorry for not responding to questions posted to me earlier....it's been a very bad week for me. My 13 year old daughter was threatening to commit suicide after she found out she was pregnant. We could not determine the father, as she admitted she has had 4 sexual partners in the last 2 months..........luckily we got the abortion done in time

Unfortunate but luckily you say??

No one wishes something like this to happen to another person's daughter because we wouldn't want it to happen to our own. However, this is the reality of life.

I feel for you man, ironically, I have a sister whom an uncle was suggesting to my father to marry at age 16/17, he had even found a guy, working, able to maintain her. This is just over 25yrs ago. I guess he thought she was too young or immature. Big mistake. She started to go to church with a neighbour (family). She got sucked in the whole christianity / evangelism poison that dspike spoke about that you see some (a lot but not all) of the followers become victim of. She studied bible whole night, slept for most of the day, was no help in the home, started to sleep around with a boy in the village, had a child for him. I guess she didn't see in the bible that fornication was a sin, oh sorry, once you accept Jesus as your saviour (crap) / salvation on a silver platter BS! A few yrs later, she did the same thing again, had another kid, this time we didn't even know who the father was. Maybe it was a holy spirit in one of the church dudes.

So we ask the question again, what is the youngest age that a girl can have sex (that her sexual organs are developed sufficiently)?

There are so many other questions that can be asked:

Are any of those partners over 17/18? Statutory rape? Oh we living in T&T.

How long has she been sexually active (after menstruation)? Did she have sex before? I ask this because we don't know what happens in schools these days and though one girl might not be "ready", the peer pressure would cause her to do these things.

The timing kinda coincide with the end of school term/year. 2 months ago, shouldn't kids have been preparing for end of yr tests instead of banging around? Well maybe both can be done...possible the marks would tell.

What about the issue of abortion - is it taking a life that is not our place to do? Islamically, the opinions are in that favour - that it should only be done if the life of the mother is in jeopardy.

Tie tubes you say? What the girl has made a mistake and can turn her life around. You want to deny her the opportunity to have kids? That's extreme.

What about the whole evolution / survival of the fittest debate? Why not let it be / let her have the child? Maybe that's what the human race needs - younger stronger gene pool.

What about the parents? Islamically, we (esp father) are responsible for our kids until they are able to know right from wrong / just after puberty. There is no "teenage" years to allow kids to waste time and progress negatively.

MGMan, I wish you all the best and success to teach your kid that there are consequences for actions and that she must be more responsible. If she doesn't follow a religion, I invite her to get to know about Islam, where she can find a purpose, comfort and the solution for life's challenges. Please, offer it to her, let her decide for herself, pm me if interested and we'll arrange something (counseling, etc). If not interested, just say "no thanks".