hey all~
first off, this is a copy of a post of mine on a minister's forum. It's from a section where we can post questions that seem like a paradox or contradiction. Questions someone trying to make an argument AGAINST God may make.
after posing the question (that someone may try to use to argue against God) we then suggest answer(s) ... and prove that the question doesn't show a paradox or contradiction in the Bible!
so here it is ....
how can a Loving God allow people to go to hell? it's often asked by someone who is trying to counter the fact we have a Loving God. so how do we (Christians) respond? maybe a few ways ...
1. the free will argument -
counter with the fact that God loves and respects us (humans) enough that He allows us to FREELY choose to accept Him (and thus go to heaven) or to reject Him (and thus go to hell). While that is the truth of the matter (i.e. it's NOT God sending them to hell, rather it's someone choosing to reject Him and thus going to hell) they may throw out another argument ...
Their secondary argument - why would He not provide a guaranteed way (means) for ALL people to eventually make it to Heaven?
Reply to the secondary argument - Everyone is given at the very least one (1) chance to accept Christ!
Their third argument - What about those in the Amazon Jungle or the Heart of Africa? or in some closed communist country? How do they get a chance?
Reply to their third argument - (This one is my PERSONAL BELIEF on this matter. It is NOT directly discussed in The Bible as to how there is a guarantee that everyone gets a chance, BUT in order for God to be a Just God [and He IS] there HAS to be a way! Here's my thoughts) I believe that EVERYBODY will in fact have, at the very least, one (1) chance to accept Christ. If they are in a location where the Gospel is not presented to them (either due to being under an oppressive government OR to being in such a remote locale) then they will have seen the PROOF of a Creator in nature (The Bible says that all nature points to God). Then, in their dying moment, their last moment of life here on earth, I believe that Christ will appear to them (like He did to Saul on the road to Damascus ... when Saul converted and changed his name to Paul) and offer them a chance at forgiveness!
A close reading of The Bible shows that this kind of thing (a up close and personal visitation from God) has happened throughout history. So it's not too far fetched an idea. Since we KNOW God is in fact a Loving God, and that He IS Just, then we know that there has to be someway everyone gets a chance ... so we remove the variables that don't fit the puzzle and what we have left, well there's a good chance what's left is the answer!
So to sum it up, God does NOT 'allow' someone to go to hell. Someone rejecting Him is that person deciding to go to hell instead of heaven. For those who haven't heard of the chance to accept Christ, Christ may very well visit them in their last moments of life to give them the chance!
vaya con Dios
~Rev. J
Friday, March 11, 2011
Friday, February 25, 2011
WBC Does NOT Represent True, Biblical Christianity!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZJwSjor4hM
That's the link to a live interview between a wbc lady (west burrow baptist ... not sure if she's an official spokesperson or just a member) and a supposed member of the hacktivist group anonymous.
what struck me while watching this, and the reason i buzzed this, is how 'polite' (read RUDE) the lady from wbc is. she kept interrupting (maybe she got that from bill o'riely)
this supposed 'spokeswoman for God' is NOT in any way showing a true Biblical faith. She instead is making Christians look horrible.
I'm not touching on the stunt that anon pulled ... that's not the point of this buzz. my point is, how can people like wbc members actually think they are speaking for God? How can true, honest, Biblical Christians allow them to continue to spew their hate and blatant disregard for living peaceably among all men? Isn't it long past the time we stand up and say 'enough is enough'?
again I say, to all those who are not Christians, please ... don't judge us by the wbc extremists. That is NOT what we (Christian's) are really about. We really serve a God who LOVES, who's Patience and Mercy rules how He interacts with us. We really serve a God who allows us free choice and we really serve a God who is Real!
~Rev. J
That's the link to a live interview between a wbc lady (west burrow baptist ... not sure if she's an official spokesperson or just a member) and a supposed member of the hacktivist group anonymous.
what struck me while watching this, and the reason i buzzed this, is how 'polite' (read RUDE) the lady from wbc is. she kept interrupting (maybe she got that from bill o'riely
this supposed 'spokeswoman for God' is NOT in any way showing a true Biblical faith. She instead is making Christians look horrible.
I'm not touching on the stunt that anon pulled ... that's not the point of this buzz. my point is, how can people like wbc members actually think they are speaking for God? How can true, honest, Biblical Christians allow them to continue to spew their hate and blatant disregard for living peaceably among all men? Isn't it long past the time we stand up and say 'enough is enough'?
again I say, to all those who are not Christians, please ... don't judge us by the wbc extremists. That is NOT what we (Christian's) are really about. We really serve a God who LOVES, who's Patience and Mercy rules how He interacts with us. We really serve a God who allows us free choice and we really serve a God who is Real!
~Rev. J
Monday, February 21, 2011
Why would anyone who is FREE oppose Freedom?
I'm sort of an amateur history buff. I love studying history … what happened and why it happened. How it happened and the aftermath of what happened. It's in that vein, my love of history, that this article came to be. But not just that vein alone. Also in that vein is my commitment to freedom for all, to democracy, to compassion and justice and to Christ! So in that sense, this is historical commentary, contemporary commentary, religious commentary and political commentary. So understand you will see all these facets in this article.
Most everyone knows, well strike that, most everyone living in a free country should know, what has been happening in north Africa and across the 'Arab world'. For those who don't, one word sums it up: Revolution!
So far, there has been a sort of coup, peaceful protests and everything in between. Most notably, so far, is Tunisia (where this current revolutionary desire started) and Egypt.
I am somewhat confused though, by some people's comments and reaction to these circumstances. I have a difficult time understanding why some seem to favor supporting a dictator as opposed to supporting the will of the people.
Okay so now I've set up the article, but before I go further, I want you to read something. It's something EVERY AMERICAN SHOULD be familiar with. Still, I insist you read it, and not just gloss over it, but really think about what you read.
“W hen, in the course of human events, it becomes
necessary for one people to dissolve the political
bonds which have connected them with another,
and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate
and equal station to which the laws of nature and of nature's
God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind
requires that they should declare the causes which impel them
to the separation.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are
created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with
certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty
and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure these rights,
governments are instituted among men, deriving their just
powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any
form of government becomes destructive to these ends, it is
the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute
new government, laying its foundation on such principles and
organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem
most likely to effect their safety and happiness. Prudence,
indeed, will dictate that governments long established should
not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly
all experience hath shown that mankind are more disposed to
suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by
abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when
a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably
the same object evinces a design to reduce them under
absolute despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw
off such government, and to provide new guards for their
future security. ”
I thought about highlighting or underlining some of the quotation there, but it's all extremely important. So it's all emphasized. What is it? The first two paragraphs to The Declaration of Independence of The United States of America. (I hope you already knew that!)
So did you understand it? Really, truly, honestly understand it? I hope so, but just in case … throughout the remainder of this article some will be not only quoted but paraphrased to make its meaning more understandable to you … in contemporary language.
When the Deceleration was penned, it was in response to an oppressive government. The then colonists had very few basic rights. Rights we believe are God given rights! (Regardless or race, creed or religion) In drafting the Deceleration, these men were committing high treason against the oppressors.
Yet they believed, as we should today, that those who have the ability to fix the oppressive system (in that case the British Monarchy) should fix the oppressive system. That even if it means installing a new government, or new system of government, it should be done!
This action should only be done when there is a long train of abuses. A history of having the rights we all deserve taken away from us. The rights to peaceably gather (and protest), the rights to be secure, to believe, think and say that which we want to. The right to travel freely, to live freely, to die freely.
Today, most all Americans profess a deep support of our forefathers. A support and respect for The Deceleration, The Bill of Rights and The Constitution. We say we value our freedoms and our democratic system of government.
Many go so far as to support our Nation in its attempt to spread these ideals around the globe. While we may not always agree on the methods, most say they DO support freedom for ALL!
Then why, WHY is it that some, who say they support these ideals and respect the documents I have mentioned, protest when we support people starting to exercise their rights to these freedoms?
Why do some seem to think it is better to support a dictator, who we can possibly influence but who denies these God Given rights to their citizens then it is to support the citizens who rise up to demand their freedom?
Why do some, from all walks (both major political parties, most major religions, most ethnicities and creeds) object when a company or group or even a person supports freedom?
Why are we looked at with such contempt if we stand with those seeking freedom? Why are we made to sound evil if we support the actions that bring freedom?
If we truly honestly valued our freedoms, if we truly and honestly valued our God Given rights, if we truly and honestly believe in our nations ideals … we would support those around the globe who only wish to experience these same freedoms for themselves!
The fact that there is a risk that another oppressive regime may gain some power, exists in every situation and can not be a reason to support a dictator. Because a dictator has been bent to our will or worked for our good in the past doesn't excuses the abuses made by that dictator.
I will finish with this … if we lived in the late 1700's, in the then colonies of Great Britain, how would you have reacted to the then rebels? Would you have vilified the newspapers who supported revolution? What about the bars where those wishing freedom meet to discuss freedom? Would you have despised those who went to Independence Hall? Those who risked their lives for OUR Freedoms?
If the answer is no you would not have objected then … then by all rights, you should support others who are doing the same thing, at the same risk, for their own nation! If you honestly are in support of freedoms, if you honestly believe that God wants all mankind to be free and has given us freewill, you should support anyone and everyone who honestly wishes for their freedom!
~Rev. J
Most everyone knows, well strike that, most everyone living in a free country should know, what has been happening in north Africa and across the 'Arab world'. For those who don't, one word sums it up: Revolution!
So far, there has been a sort of coup, peaceful protests and everything in between. Most notably, so far, is Tunisia (where this current revolutionary desire started) and Egypt.
I am somewhat confused though, by some people's comments and reaction to these circumstances. I have a difficult time understanding why some seem to favor supporting a dictator as opposed to supporting the will of the people.
Okay so now I've set up the article, but before I go further, I want you to read something. It's something EVERY AMERICAN SHOULD be familiar with. Still, I insist you read it, and not just gloss over it, but really think about what you read.
“W hen, in the course of human events, it becomes
necessary for one people to dissolve the political
bonds which have connected them with another,
and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate
and equal station to which the laws of nature and of nature's
God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind
requires that they should declare the causes which impel them
to the separation.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are
created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with
certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty
and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure these rights,
governments are instituted among men, deriving their just
powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any
form of government becomes destructive to these ends, it is
the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute
new government, laying its foundation on such principles and
organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem
most likely to effect their safety and happiness. Prudence,
indeed, will dictate that governments long established should
not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly
all experience hath shown that mankind are more disposed to
suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by
abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when
a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably
the same object evinces a design to reduce them under
absolute despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw
off such government, and to provide new guards for their
future security. ”
I thought about highlighting or underlining some of the quotation there, but it's all extremely important. So it's all emphasized. What is it? The first two paragraphs to The Declaration of Independence of The United States of America. (I hope you already knew that!)
So did you understand it? Really, truly, honestly understand it? I hope so, but just in case … throughout the remainder of this article some will be not only quoted but paraphrased to make its meaning more understandable to you … in contemporary language.
When the Deceleration was penned, it was in response to an oppressive government. The then colonists had very few basic rights. Rights we believe are God given rights! (Regardless or race, creed or religion) In drafting the Deceleration, these men were committing high treason against the oppressors.
Yet they believed, as we should today, that those who have the ability to fix the oppressive system (in that case the British Monarchy) should fix the oppressive system. That even if it means installing a new government, or new system of government, it should be done!
This action should only be done when there is a long train of abuses. A history of having the rights we all deserve taken away from us. The rights to peaceably gather (and protest), the rights to be secure, to believe, think and say that which we want to. The right to travel freely, to live freely, to die freely.
Today, most all Americans profess a deep support of our forefathers. A support and respect for The Deceleration, The Bill of Rights and The Constitution. We say we value our freedoms and our democratic system of government.
Many go so far as to support our Nation in its attempt to spread these ideals around the globe. While we may not always agree on the methods, most say they DO support freedom for ALL!
Then why, WHY is it that some, who say they support these ideals and respect the documents I have mentioned, protest when we support people starting to exercise their rights to these freedoms?
Why do some seem to think it is better to support a dictator, who we can possibly influence but who denies these God Given rights to their citizens then it is to support the citizens who rise up to demand their freedom?
Why do some, from all walks (both major political parties, most major religions
Why are we looked at with such contempt if we stand with those seeking freedom? Why are we made to sound evil if we support the actions that bring freedom?
If we truly honestly valued our freedoms, if we truly and honestly valued our God Given rights, if we truly and honestly believe in our nations ideals … we would support those around the globe who only wish to experience these same freedoms for themselves!
The fact that there is a risk that another oppressive regime may gain some power, exists in every situation and can not be a reason to support a dictator. Because a dictator has been bent to our will or worked for our good in the past doesn't excuses the abuses made by that dictator.
I will finish with this … if we lived in the late 1700's, in the then colonies of Great Britain, how would you have reacted to the then rebels? Would you have vilified the newspapers who supported revolution? What about the bars where those wishing freedom meet to discuss freedom? Would you have despised those who went to Independence Hall? Those who risked their lives for OUR Freedoms?
If the answer is no you would not have objected then … then by all rights, you should support others who are doing the same thing, at the same risk, for their own nation! If you honestly are in support of freedoms, if you honestly believe that God wants all mankind to be free and has given us freewill, you should support anyone and everyone who honestly wishes for their freedom!
~Rev. J
Monday, January 17, 2011
Why so Skeptical?
Hey everyone~
So it's been a while since I posted I know, but now that the holiday's are past I can catch up and start posting again!
So here we go ... this is simply a question. One to hopefully make you think.
Why are we Christian's, a people of faith so skeptical? Don't get me wrong ... I DO believe in everything the Bible teaches. But for many, some or many of the precepts put forth in the Bible seem far fetched.
In fact, isn't faith in and of itself believing in something WITHOUT physical proof? Isn't it accepting something before seeing it?
So then why, after accepting Christ, after accepting so much on faith, do we turn around and view the world thru such a skeptical lens?
Why do we doubt someone's faith without ever having meet them? Why do we doubt someone's sincerity without having meet them? Why do we look at so much so pessimistically?
Is it really the world view Christ would want? Is it really Christ-like? Is it Biblical?
Let's all challenge ourselves NOT to be like 'doubting' Tomass ...let's instead take more things on good faith. We would probably be utterly surprised at how much better we'd feel ... and how many more people might listen to us!
~Rev.J
So it's been a while since I posted I know, but now that the holiday's are past I can catch up and start posting again!
So here we go ... this is simply a question. One to hopefully make you think.
Why are we Christian's, a people of faith so skeptical? Don't get me wrong ... I DO believe in everything the Bible teaches. But for many, some or many of the precepts put forth in the Bible seem far fetched.
In fact, isn't faith in and of itself believing in something WITHOUT physical proof? Isn't it accepting something before seeing it?
So then why, after accepting Christ, after accepting so much on faith, do we turn around and view the world thru such a skeptical lens?
Why do we doubt someone's faith without ever having meet them? Why do we doubt someone's sincerity without having meet them? Why do we look at so much so pessimistically?
Is it really the world view Christ would want? Is it really Christ-like? Is it Biblical?
Let's all challenge ourselves NOT to be like 'doubting' Tomass ...let's instead take more things on good faith. We would probably be utterly surprised at how much better we'd feel ... and how many more people might listen to us!
~Rev.J
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Patriots Day 2010
Hey All~
So this may seem odd...but I want to wish everyone the best Patriots day possible.
For those who are lost...Patriots day is the newly formed holiday now observed on Sept. 11. It was named, of course, in honor of all those patriots who died in the terrorist attacks on our Great Nation!
We had almost 3000 lives lost that day. But while the terrorists thought they could stamp out capitalism, the west and Christianity...they were wrong. These colors DON'T RUN!
They only strengthened our resolve. To root out extremism, to make the world a safe place, for people of all faiths, of all nationalities, all across the political spectrum.
President Bush was right in going after al-quidea. President Obama has stepped up the game deploying more troops and technological resources to the efforts. Our troops are committed to our safety and the honor of our Nation!
So on this Patriots Day 2010, 9 years after we were attacked...take a moment to Thank God for His Blessings upon our nation. To thank those who serve: the military, the public safety officials [law enforcement and firefighters], emergency responders [ambulance, emt's, communications operators] our leaders [from city counsels all the way to our President] ministers and other civic leaders.
May we never forget the lessons learned on 9/11/01!
May we ALWAYS HONOR those who fell and those who serve!
May Freedom forever reign in our Great Nation!
God Bless us all...God Keep us all!
~Rev. Jason Marin
So this may seem odd...but I want to wish everyone the best Patriots day possible.
For those who are lost...Patriots day is the newly formed holiday now observed on Sept. 11. It was named, of course, in honor of all those patriots who died in the terrorist attacks on our Great Nation!
We had almost 3000 lives lost that day. But while the terrorists thought they could stamp out capitalism, the west and Christianity...they were wrong. These colors DON'T RUN!
They only strengthened our resolve. To root out extremism, to make the world a safe place, for people of all faiths, of all nationalities, all across the political spectrum.
President Bush was right in going after al-quidea. President Obama has stepped up the game deploying more troops and technological resources to the efforts. Our troops are committed to our safety and the honor of our Nation!
So on this Patriots Day 2010, 9 years after we were attacked...take a moment to Thank God for His Blessings upon our nation. To thank those who serve: the military, the public safety officials [law enforcement and firefighters], emergency responders [ambulance, emt's, communications operators] our leaders [from city counsels all the way to our President
May we never forget the lessons learned on 9/11/01!
May we ALWAYS HONOR those who fell and those who serve!
May Freedom forever reign in our Great Nation!
God Bless us all...God Keep us all!
~Rev. Jason Marin
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