Politics and Culture Killed God, Family, And Community — And Now It’s Killing Us

bèlla

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Posting scripture is sharing an opinion. You’re saying the issue is best viewed from the vantage point of the text cited. It’s easy to cherry pick passages to substantiate a position that may wholly wrong or out of context.
 
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NightHawkeye

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Posting scripture is sharing an opinion. You’re saying the issue is best viewed from the vantage point of the text cited. It’s easy to cherry pick passages to substantiate a position that may wholly wrong or out of context.
Sigh ... and now we've gone from a specific Bible verse which was posted to arguing hypotheticals.

Well, since you keep asking for my opinion:
In relation to the topic of this thread my opinion is quite straight-forward. People have a choice to make, choosing between good and evil. That simple choice was put forth by Moses.

For this commandment which I command thee this day, it is not hidden from thee, neither is it far off. It is not in heaven, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go up for us to heaven, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it? Neither is it beyond the sea, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go over the sea for us, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it? But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it.

See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil; In that I command thee this day to love the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commandments and his statutes and his judgments, that thou mayest live and multiply
:​

This was modified under the new covenant to include abundant love.

Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.

Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?

Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.

Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity
.​

The choice has always been the choice between life and good, and death and evil. Be gentle.
 
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bèlla

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No one is arguing anything. If the Lord laid something on your heart to share it seems strange you wouldn’t explain it. We are at different points of understanding and maturity and there are many unbelievers reading these threads.

Truth is meant to edify not mystify. We should ideally say a-ha not look with confusion. But continue in the way you deem best.
 
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NightHawkeye

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No one is arguing anything. If the Lord laid something on your heart to share it seems strange you wouldn’t explain it. We are at different points of understanding and maturity and there are many unbelievers reading these threads.

Truth is meant to edify not mystify. We should ideally say a-ha not look with confusion. But continue in the way you deem best.
Thank you LaBella. I tend to use scripture sparingly on this forum as it's often not the best way to communicate a concept. Still, basic concepts in scripture often have marked contrasts which require little further explanation: good vs evil, life vs death, dark vs light, freedom vs slavery, etc.

By all means provide criticism when appropriate, or ask a question if I post something which is unclear.
 
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Pommer

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I think it’s more conducive to the discussion to add your thoughts when citing scriptures. Posting lengthy text with no insight isn’t helpful. If the scripture reinforces your point explain why.
You miss the point.
If you do not come (logically) to the exact same frame of mind as the poster of scripture, then there is “something wrong” in your thinking.
But then the 35,000 denominations of Christianity rely on being 100% correct interpretations of the scriptures.
So YMMV.
 
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bèlla

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You miss the point.
If you do not come (logically) to the exact same frame of mind as the poster of scripture, then there is “something wrong” in your thinking.

Logic without grace is legalistic. We are influenced by our circumstances and experiences. I am bettered by perspectives which differ from my own. Even when we don’t agree. Their comment may spark further insight down the road.

Healthy discourse always involves many vantage points. I’m not seeking an echo in my discussions. I want to be broadened or enlightened in some way. If the lone voice I hear are those which mirror my own. I’ll remain in a stasis and grow stagnant.

Growth is my aim. Not validation. :)
 
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Shiloh Raven

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