quote:Originally posted by Lets Go Jeepin':quote:Originally posted by Bill Gray:
We are saved -- by the grace of God, through faith in Jesus Christ -- plus NOTHING else (Ephesians 2:8-9). All the other issues we can discuss, we can debate -- but, we should be willing to occasionally agree to disagree. We should NEVER allow these issues to become divisive among Christian believers.
Thank you for answering the question. I had to reread your post, at first I thought you were accusing me of arguing just to be arguing, but once I reread it I understood you were recapping the other topic.
Your interpretation of Genesis makes sense and, while I am not quite ready to look at it exactly as you, I do see the thought behind your belief in Lunar days.
I quoted you above, a quote I really thought to be the best part of your post. we should be willing to occasionally agree to disagree. Too often people get caught up in the 'that's not what I believe' mentality and cannot open themselves up to (at least) listen to others. My biggest issue personally is that I have a problem telling someone else that their belief is wrong. I've never though of it as being my place to criticize someone for their religious beliefs just because they are not the same as my own. That is the only downfall of 'debating' this topic. It is so much worse than politics because you usually are not successful in swaying folks to believe as you do, so the debate quickly becomes an argument because no one is listening to anyone else. But, as I have heard many times before, there is victory in just one person won. So I guess I have to take my hat off to the people that can go out there and stick to their convictions, whatever they might be . Jeepin
Hi Jeepin,
While I never want to "argue" politics or religion -- you are right that there are times when me must speak up. I agree that it is difficult to tell someone they are wrong about religion or Christianity. And, if it is just a matter of non-essential doctrines, i.e, how a person is to be baptized; whether a church should have music or not; whether a person should speak in tongues; etc. -- it is best to not tell them if we believe they are wrong; for in their faith, they are not wrong.
However, if it is an Essential Christian Doctrine: the deity of Jesus Christ, the Bible as the Word of God, the Trinity, etc. -- then, if a person is walking the wrong path, it is our duty to tell him/her.
And, on the Religion Forum, when an atheists or non-believer is sharing their non-Christian faith; it is our duty to refute their teachings. Not that we will change their minds, although God has done greater miracles; but, because of the others reading the Religion Forum. There are now over 10,000 registered members on the TimesDaily Forums -- and only God knows how many who do not register, but come to read what is written. If we allow even one of those to be misled -- or to be led away from God; that loss is upon our shoulders.
Do all 10,000 plus members and the unknown number of non-member readers ALL read the Religion Forum? No. However, I am sure that many do at least take a peak at what we write here. We owe it to them to make sure that the true Word of God is presented, to the best of our abilities.
God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,
Bill
