Posted on 10/15/2001 6:54:40 AM PDT by malakhi
| Statesmen may plan and speculate for liberty, but it is religion and morality alone which can establish the principles upon which freedom can securely stand. The only foundation of a free constitution is pure virtue. - John Adams |
The Bible doesn't paint Peter with any primacy. There is not an argument to be made for it. And if I were trying to usurp the authority of the Church, I would have claimed Paul without hesitation - and for reasons that should be apparent to anyone who's studied up. Pete don't have a prayer next to Paul. I just can't wait to get to Heaven and talk to the Apostles about how much their names and titles have been abused and maligned into something else. I know what the reaction will be, I'd just like to hear it from them.
| Tuesday, March 5, 2002 | ||
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Have you ever noticed how difficult it can be to say, "I forgive you"? Yet, as Jesus explained in this parable, forgiveness is one of the most fundamental aspects of life in his kingdom. In fact, Jesus said, if we want to know the peace and joy of his kingdom, then we must forgive, and forgive often.
Why is this? Because the Christian life is founded on forgiveness freely given to an undeserving people--that's all of us. Mercy is the constitution and charter of the kingdom, and none of us can experience its blessings without sharing with one another the forgiveness so freely given to us.
Jesus' words about forgiveness aren't just theoretical. Have you ever noticed how, when the thought of someone who has wronged you and whom you haven't forgiven comes up, you experience physical changes? Your heart beats a little faster. Your breathing becomes more rapid. Your body becomes tense, and your face droops a bit. Now, think about what happens in your mind. You might rehearse the wrong done against you--over and over. You might recount the reasons why this person doesn't deserve mercy. You might even begin to think negatively of that person's friends and family.
Now try to imagine what happens on the spiritual level. Think about how much harder it is to trust in God's love. Think about how much more difficult it is to know the peace of Christ or to feel the movements of the Holy Spirit. All because of unforgiveness.
This is quite a somber picture, but it shouldn't make us frustrated. God is only asking us to take a few steps toward forgiveness this Lent. Just spend a few minutes every day looking at a cross and considering that Jesus gave up his very life to win forgiveness for you. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you find the way to peace, restoration, and reconciliation. Tell him you want to try. He knows that you may not resolve everything in a short amount of time, but by taking just a few steps in the right direction, you will be giving God the opportunity to work a miracle in your life.
"Lord Jesus, I believe that you are the mercy of God. By your Spirit, teach me to walk in your mercy so that I will know your freedom. Lord, help me to forgive!"
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Have a great day, everyone!
AC
Are you then planning on coming over to the "Catholic" side of Heaven and yelling "I'm sorry, I was wrong!"
Kidding there, but seriously, I wouldn't think any of this stuff matters at that point. (unless "Neverending" continues in the afterlife) :-)
Follow the linkd on Nate's post. Yeah, a baby ... and a miracle.
I would recommend you follow angelo's advice and forget about reacting to things we said months and months ago.
SD
Just asking you to cite your sources. Nobody else on this thread seems to have a problem with that sort of common courtesy. Just don't come cryin' to me because folks don't take you seriously. Don't confuse that with folks not taking the word of God seriously. Believe me there's a big difference.
Nope, just common sense. When I take 2000/1000 I get 2, you apparently get one. That's 2 millenia unless you are stupid. I'll leave that up to any reader to decide if you can do interpretation of Scripture any better than math. Next.
You say "nope," but the rest of your answer screams out "yes." We just did this yesterday. What is it that you have a difficulty understanding? 1000 years as used in Revelation is an idiom. So is "40 days and 40 nights" as used elesewhere in the Bible. It is not to be understood literally.
So yes, Mr. Smarty-pants, we are in the third millennia since Christ. This has absolutely no impact upon the Revelation's "Millennium," as this millenium is not a literal one.
SD
Ummm, Elsie, please compare the passages in question. Matthew not only is the victim of a mistranslation, but he misquotes Isaiah. This is Matthew's version:
"Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and his name shall be called Emmanuel" (which means, God with us). (Matthew 1:23)
Compare this to what Isaiah actually wrote:
Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign: behold, the young woman shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. (Isaiah 7:14)
Can you point to the passage in the gospel where Mary calls Jesus 'Immanuel'?
Why do you think it is so hard to find the opposing view? Why is it apparently a small minority?
SD
Does this constitute a personal attack?
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