Posted on 04/25/2005 7:59:46 AM PDT by NotchJohnson
Great! Isn't it amazing how God gets even atheists into the act. A contribution all of the way from Minnesota down to North Carolina.
What does "free for the asking" mean? Are you telling me sinners do not have to change their ways? Does Scott Peterson now get to be saved without changing his course?
Why do you care what it teaches? You reject the central teaching, so who the heck cares what you think?
It seems to me the issue is not about doing something to "get you into heaven". The issue seems to be that as a person who believes you are saved, what do you do with your faith; what does God call you to do; ignore the poor in your community, or simply lend a helping hand with others? If your are saved, is your contribution "polluted" if it is co-mingled with contributions from the "unsaved", who had the same good intentions, good expression of their faith, as you did?
If you do not stand and present yourself, with your faith, openly, among people who have not come witness your faith, then who will? The only door you are closing is the door you shut your faith behind.
... perhaps they will find ministry opportunities they feel more comfortable with
"Great! Isn't it amazing how God gets even atheists into the act."
I donate to Loaves and Fishes here in the Twin Cities, too. God has nothing to do with my donations, nor do I not donate to organizations that are church-based. I make donations based on what the organization does.
""However the New Testament (II Corinthians 6:14) also teaches us that we should not yoke ourselves unevenly (meaning with unbelievers). "
Why do you care what it teaches? You reject the central teaching, so who the heck cares what you think?"
Actually, the parable of the Good Samaritan seems to fit this case perfectly!
We are expected to take care of all of God's people no matter who they are.
"It seems to me the issue is not about doing something to "get you into heaven". The issue seems to be that as a person who believes you are saved, what do you do with your faith; "
And that, I believe, is the message in the passage from James that I quoted. It is not that works will get you into heaven, according to Christianity, but that works are evidence of your faith.
I suspect that the second chapter of James is not one of the frequently used texts in the church which cancelled its donation. It's not a popular New Testament book among some Protestant denominations.
"Your citing of a book you reject is like Hitler pontificating on the rights of citizens."
Oh? And you contribute to an agency called "Loaves and Fishes"? Still, if your statement was completely true, North Carolina is a "richer" place.
Just exactly what it says...Faith + nothing = Salvation...Just ask Jesus to save you...
Are you telling me sinners do not have to change their ways? Does Scott Peterson now get to be saved without changing his course?
Your heart gets changed...(Man judges the outward appearance, God judges the heart...)And as a result of the change of heart, you will see the sin that you previously took for granted...
Even Paul the Apostle couldn't get over his sinful nature after he got saved, For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.
But to answer your question, you will repent in your heart as a result of your salvation and you will want, and try to do good, and will even succeed at times...
Yep, it's great to be free enough to point out what a hypocrite you are.
You quoting the bible is so far past ludicrous it's pathetic.
A believer in nothingness preaching what Christians should do in their relationships with each other is height of arrogance.
Believers caring what you say about faith is like the founders caring what King George thought about our new form of government.
I do not believe the issue is a matter of anyone "paying homage" to anyone else, or to any other "Church". The joint effort is not a "missionary" effort to "spread their version of the truth through ministry". As individuals and as contributing churches the joint effort of helping the poor is a mutual expression that comes, individually, from the persons and from each church, as an expression of something they feel called to do - helping the poor. It is not an effort that makes any attempt to say "I endorse you" or "you must endorse me". It is a mutual effort that endorses something they each feel called, in their own way, to do.
I believe the one church's negative response comes from a misplaced sense of fear; which they should not have if they believe God is walking with them.
"Oh? And you contribute to an agency called "Loaves and Fishes"? "
Sure. They do good work, wherever they are. The Bible exists. I agree with its social teachings, as I agree with Jesus' social teachings. It's very well done and represents the culmination of social mores up to the time Jesus lived.
I can do that without believing in the divinity of Jesus. Wise teachers leave behind wisdom, and wise men listen to wise teachers. That I do not believe in any sort of supernatural entity does not mean that I do not believe in the wisdom of wise men.
That's fine. You keep on making personal attacks. You're free to do so, and they don't bother me. If you don't mind, though, I'll refrain from returning such attacks. I find them noisome.
That is the Protestant view of James 2.
That always has been incorrect. And being incorrect is what you do best. Not to mention that this isn't a competition, so there is no loser.
You appear to have some sort of problem with my posting on this thread.
No problem. Just making sure I get to comment about things just like you. You don't seem to be bright enough to understand how moronic your comments are on this subject.
Isn't it nice that you are not in charge of Free Republic?
Yes, I don't have the time nor inclination.
Do you wish to comment on the passage I quoted from James? Perhaps you can offer an explanation for his views on the subjects of faith and works.
Why on earth would I discuss the bible with someone who rejects it? You can't seriously think your opinion would matter one bit to any thinking person on this topic.
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