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 |
Yes, my friend, but what of bacon? (Ummmm. Baconnnnnnn) :-)
SD
True, but the same can be said for most of the Bible, including some of the passages you cited as Messianic.
They are thus easily literalized and misinterpreted.
Yes, but also true for much of Scripture.
Iowegian, are you really saying that the Bible contains much imagery which is easily misinterpreted? I find this admission interesting for a member of your "side," which usually argues differently.
SD
The outside of the ark was decorated, under orders from God, with images of cherubim, among others. God didn't seem to think that that would distract others from worshipping Him.
I guess maybe the best way to determine it is to ask, Does it look like an idol? Is it an object of worship? Is it a focal point for worship? Does it distract from true worship? If the answer to any one or more of these questions is "yes", then it probably shouldn't be there.
We don't believe that sacred images distract from true worship. I am sure others might disagree.
SD
Excuse me if I find this amazing. Are you perhaps suggesting that the manner in which your salvation was realized, or the impetus for your salvation may have been a sin? That you entered a Catholic Church, looked at the Crucifix and were reminded of the real Crucifixion, brought to your knees in repentence, but Crucifixes might be evil?
SD
How can a statue help you in your faith? Maybe you place it next to your nightstand and it is the first thing you see in the morning and it reminds you of your purpose on earth? Is that bad?
SD
Thursday, November 8, 2001 | ||
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And some wise words from the usual site ...
We do not live to ourselves and we do not die to ourselves. (Romans 14:7)
Paul had caught wind of the fact that the Christians in Rome were bickering. Some saw themselves as better than others. And so he asked them, "Why do you pass judgment" or even "despise your brother and sister?" (Romans 14:10). After all, he argued, all Christians have given their lives to the Lord and therefore belong to him (14:7-9). What's more, "We will all stand before the judgment seat of God" (14:10). Since God is the judge, Paul said, stop judging your brothers and sisters! Look instead to your own relationship with God!
Paul's words encourage us not just to stop judging fellow believers in Christ but to think differently about ourselves: who we are, where we come from, and where we're going. The most essential piece of information here is that we belong to a God who is for us and who loves us immensely. We belong to a God who wants us to know, love, and serve him, and be with him forever. To that end, God invites us to see ourselves as his--not as slaves belonging to a master, but as children of a loving Father.
We all know how children resemble their parents and take on family characteristics as they grow up. This is meant to happen in God's family, too. As we yield to God's authority over our lives, his image develops in us. This is not just theory. It has practical consequences for our everyday conduct and decisions. How do we spend our time? How do we use the resources that God has given us? How do we relate to the people in our lives? In every area of life God has a way of thinking and acting that he wants us to adopt.
This month, when it is traditional to remember those who have died and to consider the end of life, why not take a closer look at your relationship with the Lord? Are you living as if you belong to him? Are there areas of your life that are not under his authority? Don't put off turning to your Father. He longs to help you. In time of need, he is always there for you.
"Father, I come to you in humble surrender. You are the Lord. I am not. Help me in those areas of my life where I most need your loving guidance."
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Have a great day, everyone!
-ksen
Leave it to a Packer fan to get us all wound up about cheese again.
Did someone say CHEESE, MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM GOOD. :)
BigMack
Did you say "wound up" or "bound up"?
SD
Don't worry Doug. You can say "good morning" to some of them and that's catholic bashing.
You're a real big help Reggie. I'm trying to skip lunch today.
We find out today that Blue Cross is trying to screw us on some shots we need for the baby. Since she's a preemie she needs to get a series of shots during flu season for a particular virus which we all have gotten before, but which can lead to death in about 50% of the cases if a preemie gets it. Blue Cross doesn't believe this is necessary and will only pay 70% of the cost. She will need to get one a month for 5 months. The shot costs $1400 each.
My wife called the company that makes the shot and asked them if they could waive the rest of the payment and had someone tell her that our co-pay was "cheaper than a funeral."
SD
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