 UBBFriend: Email This Page to Someone! |
 On Our Own Terms: General Discussion [all categories]
 The Issues
 The Afterlife (Page 1)
|
| This topic is 2 pages long: 1 2 | next newest topic | next oldest topic |
| Author | Topic: The Afterlife |
|
Stamm44 Moderator Posts: 63 |
posted 07-30-2000 07:16 PM
  
What happens once we die? Do you believe in an afterlife? What are the arguments for and against. [This message has been edited by Stamm44 (edited 10-16-2000).] |
|
dbrownuu Member Posts: 6 |
posted 09-02-2000 12:58 AM
Since my ministry was almost entirely with Unitarian Universalists, I can say that for almost all of them, there was no belief in an afterlife, and no felt need for one. There is, however a very strong sense of the continuing presence of the departed loved one in the lives of those who were involved with the departed. Most UUs are naturalists, which means, very briefly, that there is no belief in another dimension where souls go at the time of death. Rather, there is a real religious reverence for the natural processes of birth and growth, and finally dying, all of which are seen as part of life, all of which are important to the functioning and evolutionary development of life on earth. UUs have a deep emotional allegiance to their belief in the continuity of the life process, of which they are individually a part for the period of their own lives, but which was alive long before their birth and will still be alive long after their death. It is not individuals who are immortal, it is the creative process of the universe, and the comfort offered by such beliefs is for UUs, in my experience, at least as powerful as that offered to traditional Christians by the concept of individual life after death. In a larger sense, both patterns of belief affirm the powerful continuity of the reality in which we all live and move and have our being. |
|
Grandmae Member Posts: 5 |
posted 09-07-2000 10:50 PM
I don't believe in GOD as most people do. I believe we are like nature, we are born, we live and we die. But our spirit lives in another place, so I believe in an after life. If I thought my husbands spirit had died when his physical body died, I would not be able to sustain myself. I believe I will see him when it comes my time to die. |
|
EKGsR2COOL Member Posts: 3 |
posted 09-10-2000 11:53 PM
quote:I have been blessed to have had a few experiences with the afterlife. As a Christian, I do believe in heaven and Christ's words that He had gone to prepare a place for us there. I am not so sure about hell since I believe that God is forgiving and loving to all His children. I got to see my mom go to heaven in a dream I had the night she had died. I did not live near her or knew that she was dying, she was perfectly healthy. I feel that my dream helped me to accept that mom had gone to a peaceful place and that she loved me enough to say goodbye. Hope this helps! |
|
msbbg New Member Posts: 1 |
posted 09-11-2000 02:36 AM
I have just seen the first segment of the Bill Moyers series on dying. Except for the scene at the Baptist church, there was no reference to God in the entire broadcast. I am old enough to have seen many people pass on, and though in good health, am eagerly looking forward to my own dying, death and afterward. I am not unique in this. My whole circle of many friends looks on death as a beginning, a return to God, a coming home at last. This is something we talk of in ordinary conversation. Are there really so many people for whom God is not a continuing presence. When Bill Moyers left God out of the loop with this first broadcast, was he showing the norm? I wish someone would answer this. I feel sorry for a lot of folks if this is so. |
|
Laurie Member Posts: 2 |
posted 09-11-2000 09:42 AM
I would have to agree with you about God. My dad just passed away in January from cancer and the only way to go on with my life is knowing that he is with God and I will be with him some day soon. I often wondered about those who did not have the same reassurance in their life. How do you get through the grieving? How do you get on with life? I feel comforted knowing that my dad is safe and free from pain! I know that God was there to take my dad. He held on as long as he could and what a peaceful death he had and I know that was all in God's hands. I see how God worked through the pain. My dad was able to mend relationships with his family, was able to forgive several friends, and showed us the strength that he had while dealing with a terminal illness. He went through every step of this journey with a smile on his face. He was the one that lifted our spirits. His faith in God taught me lessons that I would never have learned without him dying. As hard as it is to not have my dad around, knowing that he won't be there for many important moments in our families life, I know that he is in a much better place. I will see him again.
[This message has been edited by Laurie (edited 09-11-2000).] |
|
Mona LaVine New Member Posts: 1 |
posted 09-11-2000 12:00 PM
I really enjoyed Bill Moyer's first program on Dying and look forward to the rest with great interest. I think 'religion' is responsible for our fear death. It really depends on one's belief system, whether one believes in an afterlife. So what is the Truth? Many will not know until death. Since there are so many people, there are many, many belief systems. I read a lot and fortunately I found two interesting books: "Death, the Great Adventure", "A Soul's Journey" (out of print now) and "The Reappearance of the Christ and the Masters of Wisdom." They have shown me that there IS life after death.I believe we only leave behind the physical body. Our emotional body and our mental body continue on. So I have no fear of death but look forward to it as a great adventure: No need for a ticket, a passport or luggage and you don't have to stand in line! :-) It is my belief |
|
glmann Member Posts: 3 |
posted 09-11-2000 05:33 PM
What comes after death for a person depends on his/her belief system. For me, it is a sleep until Jesus comes back to take me home with him. This belief is based on the bible and what it tells us about death, the dead know nothing, it is liken to a deep sleep. The dead in Christ shall arise in the second coming of Christ. Now, for others this may mean nothing to them but each of us must face death and what may lies beyond it. |
|
clea New Member Posts: 1 |
posted 09-11-2000 10:56 PM
Hi, I found your message just what I was looking for. Someone for whom life after death is a given and the journey pleasantly awaited. I was raised with no religion and have always been interested in finding my faith and "truth", but at present I am someone for whom God is not a given and life after death is only a hope. I'll keep it brief, for now, I look forward to your response
quote: |
|
ForFrancine Member Posts: 3 |
posted 09-11-2000 11:32 PM
I'm a young woman who has a chronic illness and many major surgeries. During one of my surgeries I almost died. I had the tunnel experience that people speak of, but at the end of my tunnel there was a darkness that was so beautiful and so profoundly peaceful that I still long for that place. I was very upset when they brought me back, because I believe that peace and joy that profound cannot be felt here on earth. I wanted to stay there. And even though I didn't see any of my dead relatives or a divine light, the experience made me completely unafraid of death. If that is all there is after death, it's more than enough for me. I'm not afraid of death anymore; I'm just afraid of suffering(at the hands of over-enthusiastic technology loving doctors) during the dying process. |
|
MagT New Member Posts: 1 |
posted 09-12-2000 05:59 PM
No pun intended, but dying scares me to death. I struggle with a belief in God and am skeptical about an afterlife. I am afraid that heaven is a comforting fabrication of man. I love my life so much,(my children, husband, parents, etc.), that unless heaven is an alternative reality of my life, I cannot imagine how heaven can be this wonderful place. I wish I had a firm faith in a God; it would certainly lessen my fears. I just can't imagine ever reaching a point in my life where I am tired of living; but I have been fortunate and have a good life. I might not feel the same if life had dealt me a different hand. I am comforted though by watching this series. I know now, that if I were to ever get a terminal diagnosis (as of now, I am 31 and in good health)there are steps I can take to own and embrace the experience of dying; as Dr. Bartholomew said in the first night of the series "..living in the light of death." I know that I want my friends and family to celebrate my life and remember me fondly. For purely economical reasons, I want to be cremated, I want to donate my organs and do not want calling hours in a funeral home (I find funeral homes to be scary, cold places). Anyhow, I am grateful for this series and to those people in the series who have shared their experiences. I found Dr. Bartholomew's (first night of the series) story to be particulary profound, touching and comforting. |
|
sherylmcintosh Member Posts: 5 |
posted 09-13-2000 11:03 PM
The Bible tells us what we need to know about heaven. Jesus told his apostles "I go to prepare a place for you. If it were not so, I would not have told you so." (John) |
|
edie New Member Posts: 1 |
posted 09-14-2000 01:49 AM
I have no idea what happens after we die and as far as I know, neither does any other living person. But I do believe in the Maker, and that he probably has a plan.I've had some peculiar experiences in my life that make me think that some of those who go before us are not totally gone. My husband died a few weeks ago and when I realized that I was going to be responsible for his care and I was afraid, I went to visit my grandmother's grave. I talked to her and said I didn't think I could do it and her voice in my head said, "you can do what you must do". My father's death is a different story.He was a curious man and when he got to the hereafter he was so busy exploring he never gave a thought to those he left behind. I know that many people find comfort in their beliefs and rituals and in my time of trial I prayed, not for a miracle but peace in some way for my husband. He and I spoke many times about our God and we each did not believe in an organized religion, although he was a spiritual man. My main complaint about religion and its practitioners is the number of people who didn't even know the man well who, when they learned he was terminally ill, came to visit and proceeded to take it upon themselves to determine the state of his soul. Which, incidentally, irritated him mightily. Perhaps those fearing to meet their maker may need to be persuaded to affirm a belief but by the time you are on your deathbed you should have already sought some guidance. And the presumptious fools who pussyfoot around the subject and then ask 'are you saved' ought to check the state of their own souls! |
|
Tonyaaa New Member Posts: 1 |
posted 09-14-2000 09:50 AM
Francine, I found your experience consistent with three other individuals who have crossed over and were resuscitated. Somehow the fear of death is no longer an issue. I assume with major surgeries and chronic illness follows great pain. Have you been able to go into God for the relief of pain? I have found that great pain changes ones perception of what is important as well as leading, actually forcing me to search for God. Anyone else following this route? |
|
Norval New Member Posts: 1 |
posted 09-14-2000 01:18 PM
Having gone the route of Methodist>Catholic>Atheist>Agnostic>Buddhist>Pagan. My belief system regarding death is at best eclectic and one that I find extremely comforting. I doubt the existence of a gendered entity, however, I support each individual's belief system as valid for them. My reasoning for a belief in an afterlife is based on the scientific principle that nothing in this particular universe is destroyed--it merely changes form, so whether my individuality survives bodily disintegration, my substance has always been and always will be a part of this universe. The Hindu/Buddhist belief in reincarnation appeals to me because of its antiquity and the simplicity of its structure--if at first you don't succeed, try, try again. I believe that when I cross over, I will meet my guides/teachers and review my life, I will decide the lessons I want to learn in my next existence, I will look over the parent pool, choose my parent's, and reincarnate. If I have worked well in my past incarnation, I will have more tools to work with than if I have wasted my gifts. My maternal grand-father is my spirit guide. When my parents died they were "outahere" immediately. I know because I dressed their bodies for burial. All of this just goes to say that one may create a philosophical/spiritual system that comforts oneself. When I look at what I believe, it is not rational. How could I believe in reincarnation and have a grand-father for a spirit guide? Or how can I both believe in God, Heaven and Hell for those who believe in this system, and not believe these concepts for those of us who don't accept them? My advice to those who want something to believe in is to read from all the spiritual systems, observe their similarities and develop a philosophy that comforts you, because in the final analysis, nobody knows what happens after death-- nobody has been there and returned to talk about it. |
|
joanpi Member Posts: 3 |
posted 09-14-2000 09:32 PM
quote: MagT, you spoke in many ways for me - and you're the only one so far! I've never believed in an omnipotent, omniscient supreme being who is watching over us, and I've tended to see belief in religion as a search for magic. Since I see myself as a realist, this doesn't suit me. I fear death because I fear the loss of connection with those I love and that which gives me meaning. |
|
Martin Member Posts: 4 |
posted 09-15-2000 07:37 AM
After reading the vast array of "ideas" that were all over the board regarding the afterlife was shocking. Its amazing, although rediculous to think that regardless of anyone's "belief system" (a worn-out but popular buzz phrase today) it can get you into heaven "whatever or wherever that maybe" (yet another tiresome buzz phrase). Its so laughable and baseless to say the least. For others who believe nothing is even worse. Its incredible that anyone could dare deny the one and only true God of the Holy Bible as their creator who made everything and everyone, especially when they're on their deathbed about to face eternity. Views and opinions, everyone's got one and God couldn't care less whether you believe in Him or not, nor to what degree. The Bible says that only a fool would deny that God exists. He does exist, always has and always will. The Bible plainly tells anyone willing and able to understand and believe the very basics about God and what happens to us when we die. The only assured route to heaven after death is painfully simple and plain. The Bible says (John 3:16) that when we die we either go to heaven or hell depending on whether or not we have accepted Jesus Christ as our Saviour when we repent of our earthly sins to Him before we die; after that, its too late. If sin and how we live our lives doesn't matter with God despite what the Bible teaches us and still expectedly get to heaven, then one could conclude that absolutely anyone could get there. That's far too easy and impossible because heaven isn't all inclusive. Is hell only reserved for the Hitler's, Stalin's and Mao's of the world? Sin is sin and nothing or nobody can change that truth. There isn't a sliding scale for sin just to suit each individuals own agenda; if there was, then society is in serious trouble with a morals and virtues lapse in the human conscience. Think about it. The Bible says about the afterlife in part that (for those who know Jesus as their Saviour), "to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord". I don't fear death in the least. When I die I know without a doubt that I'll be in the presence of the Lord in heaven. My last breath here will be my first breath there. I can hardly wait. I know both my parents are there right now. When my mom died earlier this summer after a lengthy battle with brain cancer and secondary illnesses, she went straight to heaven joining my dad after 13 years apart. When mom was diagnosed, she never once was angry with God or blamed Him. Nor did she ever say "Why me?" as many do, but only said that she put the whole situation into God's hands come what may. She was such an inspiration and testimony of true faith in God to all that knew her. I miss my parents dearly, but I'm at complete peace knowing that I will see them again someday when the time comes. [This message has been edited by Martin (edited 09-15-2000).] [This message has been edited by Martin (edited 09-15-2000).] [This message has been edited by Martin (edited 09-15-2000).] [This message has been edited by Martin (edited 09-15-2000).] |
|
mmck Member Posts: 2 |
posted 09-15-2000 01:05 PM
quote: I would like to believe in an afterlife. It |
|
joanpi Member Posts: 3 |
posted 09-15-2000 01:31 PM
quote: MARTIN, I CAN ONLY SAY THAT YOU REMIND ME OF ONE OF MY FAVORITE QUOTATIONS: DEAR LORD, LET ME SEEK THE TRUTH, BUT SPARE ME THE COMPANY OF THOSE WHO HAVE FOUND IT. |
|
raphael6068 Member Posts: 18 |
posted 09-15-2000 05:23 PM
quote: Dear Stamm44: Hope you don't mind my referencing you to my reply to Francis under "Farewell My Fellow Soul Friends" in Issues, rather than type the whole paper for you. In addition to my reply to Francis, I also believe the following happens when we die: Within seconds after the soul leaves the body, it appears before Jesus for the particular judgment, as opposed to the general judgment at the end of the world. The soul sees its complete life in seconds and is aware that it is in the presence of the Lord but does not see the Lord. After "seeing" the full picture of its life, the soul, having received a special enlightenment, now fully comprehends precisely when it did good and when it did evil(or sin). It understands the moments of guilt and all mitigating circumstances, and sees and understands completely why it now deserves to spend eternity in Heaven or Hell. In this time of enlightened knowledge of itself, and understanding that it rejected God's help and made deliberate decisions to reject God in favor of lethal sinful decisions that were fatal to the soul, rending the state of frienship between itself and God, the soul flings itself into Hell where it now undertands it is the place it deserves to be; or, seeing that it died in a state of sorrow for its sins, truly repntent, and undertanding the justice of God as well as His mecy, the soul is welcomed into Heaven. For those who died in friendship with God, but are not yet completely free of the consequences of its sins,it realizes that it cnnot endure to be in the presence of the Holy God, and takes itslf to a place of purifiction(purgatory) where some sensible suffering takes place and much learning takes place untill the soul fully comprehends how and when it failed to cooperate wih the grace of God and failed to love God as it should have and failed to love its fellow man as it should have. When the soul understands what the teachings of Christ were and how and where it viloated those teachings, and when the soul has made "satisfaction" for its transgressions in the sensible sufferings( in whatever form- thought by many to be a form of fire-, only then will the soul be welcomed into Heaven. The souls in Purgatory are called The Holy Souls because they are saved and can never go to hell. They can pray for us on earth but cannot pray for themselves there. They can benefit from our prayers for them. They are dearly loved by God while there but they must, in God's justice, make reparation for their sins and weaknesses in living God's commandments.The merit of the good they did on earth can attain for them a high state of glory after their time of learning in purgatory is completed. All is a great mystery- how God's mercy and justice work together for man. Those in hell were not "sent" to Hell by God. Those souls, while enlightened in those moments after death, understand that they chose of their own free will to choose evil and reject God and His grace and therefore fling themselves into the fires of hell for eternity, now hating God with a full fury and hating themselves even more for their pride and selfishnes. The joys of Heaven for the saved soul is shown, in a limited way, in my reply to Francis. St. Thomas Aquinas and other Doctors of the church have taught essentially what I have tried to describe here. The Bible is full of references to hell and heaven and the requirement for mankind to be accountable for its transgressions of god's law. It is full of explanations of god's love and mercy, and it is full of guidelines and admonitions on how to benefit from his love and mercy and to avoid the suffering of hell. There are alleged incidents of persons coming on earth to tell of the sufferings of hell and purgatory, but it requires a strong faith to believe. To reject all belief in a life hereafter will be a tragedy indeed for those who find the Bible was God's way of informing us of His truths but insist now in denying He even exists. Many very learned authors, considered also to be saintly persons, have taught that Heaven Hell, and Purgatory exist. Is it pride and stupidity for some of us to reject totally that God exists and there is no such thing as life after death. Sometimes I think some who reject belief in God and/or the hereafter, are, in their own fears, fearful of facing the truth that we are all going to be held accountable. It might be comforting to believe death is the end of everything, but we pray that God's grace will touch every peron so they can one day realize the joy He has in store for us for all eternity.God Bless.raphael@dakotacom.net [This message has been edited by raphael6068 (edited 09-15-2000).] |
|
Stamm44 Moderator Posts: 63 |
posted 09-15-2000 11:19 PM
[QUOTE]Originally posted by raphael6068: [B] Dear Stamm44: Hope you don't mind my referencing you to my reply to Francis under "Farewell My Fellow Soul Friends" in Issues, rather than type the whole paper for you. In addition to my reply to Francis, I also believe the following happens.... Raphael, i don't mind your referencing at all. Reading over your message, i am reminded of long-ago classes in Catholic religion classes. It is worth mentioning, i think, that a belief in purgatory is not shared by all other Christian sects. |
|
Sandiloo Member Posts: 2 |
posted 09-18-2000 04:25 PM
[MARTIN, I CAN ONLY SAY THAT YOU REMIND ME OF ONE OF MY FAVORITE QUOTATIONS: DEAR LORD, LET ME SEEK THE TRUTH, BUT SPARE ME THE COMPANY OF THOSE WHO HAVE FOUND IT.[/B][/QUOTE] I loved your response to "Martin." His posting was giving me the willies, and you hit it on the head. What frightened me by his narrow-minded certainty was the fact he's in Denver, where I am. It's one thing to have beliefs; it's another to be a "know-it-all." |
|
Pat Member Posts: 14 |
posted 09-19-2000 03:45 PM
I read the message you posted. There are many people who are searching for the "truth" regarding life and death. Many people find it difficult just to delve into the Bible for answers because it is such a large and deep book. I would be happy to explain to you the Bibles viewpoint on death. An interesting question to think about is: If death is such a natural process, why is it so hard to accept? Why isn't it easy? The Bible answers this as well. Death was a punishment from God to Adam and Eve for their sin that has been passed down to the rest of mankind. But we were not created to die- if Adam and Eve had not sinned, God had promised them they would live forever without the prospect of dying right here on the earth. So then, since we have inherited this death from Adam and Eve, what hope does mankind have today? Well the Bible also explains that God's original purpose for mankind - living forever in perfection on a paradise earth, has not changed. He still intends to fulfill this promise- and at that time death will be done away with as Revelation 21:3,4 says forever. I would be happy to send you a very interesting brochure that is brief and to the point. It directs attention right into your own copy of the Bible, as a Bible study aid, so that you see the information is coming from the Bible itself. Some of the questions it addresses are: "How Can We Know there Is A God? Why God Has Permitted Suffering. Why Do We Grow Old and Die? What Has Happened to Our Dead Loved Ones? , and many others that I think you would find of interest. I do not have the brochure in email format, but I would be happy to mail it to anyone who would be interested in reading it. You can email be directly with a mailing address at rm.lvti@worldnet.att.net
quote: |
|
Martin Member Posts: 4 |
posted 09-22-2000 11:37 PM
quote: MARTIN, I CAN ONLY SAY THAT YOU REMIND ME OF ONE OF MY FAVORITE QUOTATIONS: DEAR LORD, LET ME SEEK THE TRUTH, BUT SPARE ME THE COMPANY OF THOSE WHO HAVE FOUND IT.[/B][/QUOTE] Joanpi and Sandiloo, Somebody pinch me, I can't stop laughing. After I read both of your transparent and paranoid, although silly comments regarding my 9/13/00 posting, I was in stiches. To put it quite bluntly, you're as lost as two goats in a snow storm incapable of grasping such simple and basic Biblical truths, even though its staring you in the face. Duh!!! It reminds me of something I heard once that the confines of the decieved are many, but yet easy enough to escape if they really wanted to. The Bible says blessed are those that seek wisdom for they shall find it. I'm sorry you find the Bible offends you so, but I understand that truth can sometimes be painful caused when conviction burns the soul. I never claimed to be a "know-it-all", but thanks for the "compliment" just the same. I'm sorry to burst your bubbles, but the Bible is the one and only true "know-it-all". Try reading it sometime and soak it in, you just might learn something from it that will change your lives forever; if you really wanted it to of course. Its incredulous that their are so many who will readily use the Bible, but only to suit their own selfish agendas. And then they make veiled attacks on others who desire to be Bible believing Christians, with obvious intents to silence them somehow if they could have their way. But again as the Bible has so accurately predicted will occur in the last days, is coming to fruition today according to II Timothy 3:1-7 which reads, "(1) This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. (2) For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, (3) Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, (4) Traitors, heady, highmined, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; (5) Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. (6) For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, (7) Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth." How true indeed. Contrary to popular belief rampant today, all roads don't lead to Rome. If they did, then there would have been only one church, belief or religion to get you there, but mankind has always had a tendency to reject truth, especially if it will interfere with or alter their lifestyle. They want a tailor made belief system that will cater to and accomodate their own agendas in order to keep the status quo. Their afraid or feel threatened that they might have to change their self-centered ways and I guess, sadly some just can't bare the thought of those stark possibilities. My three siblings and I thank God that we were so fortunate to have had such fabulous parents who were determined to teach us Biblical truths which steered us in the right direction. How truly blessed we were to have had them in our lives. When my mom was ill, she never waivered in her firm Biblical faith. Considering the fact that she had a glio 4 brain tumor that should have killed her in the end, it didn't. Her tumor was in remission and she lived nine times as long as was predicted, only to die from pneumonia after ineffective radiation treatments that weakened her too much, compromising her immunity. Then too her age was a factor, for she was nearly 75 when she died. Our prayers and faith in God of the Bible, but especially that of our mom's was honored. When my mom first became ill, I prayed that she would never have one headache or seizure and she didn't, despite what we were told to expect everyday with her screaming in pain because of horrible headaches and becoming a contortionist due to seizures. Quite a rarity indeed with such a typically aggressive cancer in the brain. Such facts speak for themselves and I thank the Lord for His mercies. And oh yes, speaking of "narrow" Sandiloo, the Bible has this to say on that matter too in Matthew 7:14 which reads, "Because straight is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." God help you.
[This message has been edited by Martin (edited 09-23-2000).] [This message has been edited by Martin (edited 09-23-2000).] |
|
STJOHN New Member Posts: 1 |
posted 09-24-2000 03:47 PM
quote: MARTIN, I CAN ONLY SAY THAT YOU REMIND ME OF ONE OF MY FAVORITE QUOTATIONS: DEAR LORD, LET ME SEEK THE TRUTH, BUT SPARE ME THE COMPANY OF THOSE WHO HAVE FOUND IT.[/B][/QUOTE] Joanpi and Sandiloo, Somebody pinch me, I can't stop laughing. After I read both of your transparent and paranoid, although silly comments regarding my 9/13/00 posting, I was in stiches. To put it quite bluntly, you're as lost as two goats in a snow storm incapable of grasping such simple and basic Biblical truths, even though its staring you in the face. Duh!!! It reminds me of something I heard once that the confines of the decieved are many, but yet easy enough to escape if they really wanted to. The Bible says blessed are those that seek wisdom for they shall find it. I'm sorry you find the Bible offends you so, but I understand that truth can sometimes be painful caused when conviction burns the soul. I never claimed to be a "know-it-all", but thanks for the "compliment" just the same. I'm sorry to burst your bubbles, but the Bible is the one and only true "know-it-all". Try reading it sometime and soak it in, you just might learn something from it that will change your lives forever; if you really wanted it to of course. Its incredulous that their are so many who will readily use the Bible, but only to suit their own selfish agendas. And then they make veiled attacks on others who desire to be Bible believing Christians, with obvious intents to silence them somehow if they could have their way. But again as the Bible has so accurately predicted will occur in the last days, is coming to fruition today according to II Timothy 3:1-7 which reads, "(1) This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. (2) For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, (3) Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, (4) Traitors, heady, highmined, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; (5) Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. (6) For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, (7) Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth." How true indeed. Contrary to popular belief rampant today, all roads don't lead to Rome. If they did, then there would have been only one church, belief or religion to get you there, but mankind has always had a tendency to reject truth, especially if it will interfere with or alter their lifestyle. They want a tailor made belief system that will cater to and accomodate their own agendas in order to keep the status quo. Their afraid or feel threatened that they might have to change their self-centered ways and I guess, sadly some just can't bare the thought of those stark possibilities. My three siblings and I thank God that we were so fortunate to have had such fabulous parents who were determined to teach us Biblical truths which steered us in the right direction. How truly blessed we were to have had them in our lives. When my mom was ill, she never waivered in her firm Biblical faith. Considering the fact that she had a glio 4 brain tumor that should have killed her in the end, it didn't. Her tumor was in remission and she lived nine times as long as was predicted, only to die from pneumonia after ineffective radiation treatments that weakened her too much, compromising her immunity. Then too her age was a factor, for she was nearly 75 when she died. Our prayers and faith in God of the Bible, but especially that of our mom's was honored. When my mom first became ill, I prayed that she would never have one headache or seizure and she didn't, despite what we were told to expect everyday with her screaming in pain because of horrible headaches and becoming a contortionist due to seizures. Quite a rarity indeed with such a typically aggressive cancer in the brain. Such facts speak for themselves and I thank the Lord for His mercies. And oh yes, speaking of "narrow" Sandiloo, the Bible has this to say on that matter too in Matthew 7:14 which reads, "Because straight is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." God help you.
[This message has been edited by Martin (edited 09-23-2000).] [This message has been edited by Martin (edited 09-23-2000).][/B][/QUOTE] Dear Martin it great to see a fellow believers standing up for the word of GOD.My heart was greatly sadden to see so many people on the show not knowing what awaits them after death. God Bless, STJOHN |
| This topic is 2 pages long: 1 2 All times are ET (US) | next newest topic | next oldest topic |
  |
|
Technical Problems? | Thirteen/WNET
Powered by: Ultimate Bulletin Board, Version 5.42a
© Infopop Corporation (formerly Madrona Park, Inc.), 1998 - 1999.