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Post by Johnny Edwards on Dec 10, 2010 14:11:09 GMT -5
I seen a great video recently, watch the movie The Bethlehem star. Some interesting facts about the stars around the Birth and death of Jesus.
As far as Christmas goes Ryan, I don't see it being any different than taking up armwrestling devoting time to working out or doing anything non-God related. It's all personal conviction, thats why God gave us a free will and conscience. To pray and estabilish what he thinks is right and wrong for us. Think about where armwrestling came from. Most people associate it with people drunk at a bar. Does God smile kindly at that??? Christmas in the same sense is not held to a different standard than anything else you let run your life. There is a line there but you can still have the holidays and be faithful to God at the same time.
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Post by Michael Wells on Dec 10, 2010 14:12:11 GMT -5
We have enlisted in God's army and now we can't identify the real enemy. Our problem is that we keep trying to negotiate a compromise with an enemy who is totally dedicated to destroying us. It's time that, as Christians, we decide to draw a battle line again. When it comes to commercializing Christ's birth or resurrection, we need to establish a balance. You make my point exactly. We as Christians should be set apart!! What's the difference between you and me celebrating Christmas in the same way the non Christian celebrates Christmas? How are we set apart then? How u's the line drawn? Unless it is drawn clear. And that we are clear on the right side of that line? Please define "set apart" because it can be used in may areas. Armwrestlng tourneys are mixed with many diverse cultures and beliefs, yet all after the same goal. Believe me, I understand the debate. "Be not conformed to this world: but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is good. (I don't remember the rest of that verse, sorry). I go to work with many people. To be "set apart" is to be spiritually set apart. God didn't create AutoCAD but I still have to do it, but with a renewed mind.
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Post by Ryan Thames on Dec 10, 2010 14:16:24 GMT -5
Armwrestling doesn't stem from paganism and worship of other gods.
Big difference.
Yes armwrestling itself can be our own "god".
But if kept in check. With Christ as priority in your life. There is nothing wrong with having a hobby.
But at the same time we have to remember that we will all face our lord and give answer to what we did with the time he has given us
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Post by Johnny Edwards on Dec 10, 2010 14:25:57 GMT -5
True, but when you get nit picky about things you can't choose and pick. They either all have a place if used in the proper context or they all don't whatsoever. Christmas is no different than armwrestling. Where is armwrestling in the Bible??? It's been a tradition in the past in Pagan cultures...... No arguing that fact. Used in the proper context with God, Christmas is a good tradition. It has Pagan roots true but so does almost anything else. It is what you make it to be. The church did start actual Christmas itself. They started calling it Christmas and made the tradition. Some of the ideas may have been borrowed but it was something they reinvented/improved however you wanna look at it. Now the whole santa clause thing and what not has changed it. Even though Santa Clause was an actual person. A Preacher actually that did help needy people.
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Post by Johnny Edwards on Dec 10, 2010 14:26:48 GMT -5
And the strength sports were used to pick the best warriors which fought for Pagan gods. Thats a fact also, so it most certainly stems from that. Where did the olympics come from?
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Post by ericmyler on Dec 10, 2010 14:27:08 GMT -5
Johnny,
Are you trying to be an ass?
Matthew 7: 1-5 1Judge not, that ye be not judged. 2For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. 3And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? 4Or 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? 5Thou 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.
If I want to post a link as to how December 25th was picked, who are you to tell me I can’t?
And who are you to tell me I can’t use scripture to remind others that they should give what God has given them to the needy?
What because I’m a Mormon, I now have to get permission from Johnny Edwards, before I can even quote from the Bible, to make sure that it is in line with your religious views?
Please don’t try to compare yourself to me. You’ll come up short. But unlike the Pharisees, I don’t pray and thank God that I’m better than you.
I served a two-year mission for the Lord. Now if you feel my religion is false and that I worship a different Lord. Then, how much more should you Johnny Edwards preach the Gospel to those who don’t have it if you feel that you have the truth and worship the Lord in truth?
I was a Big Brother in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program for a year. To a boy who didn’t have a dad, because his dad was an alcoholic. I took him out every week at my expense, so that he would know that God loved him and that even though his dad wasn’t there, that I would try to be there for him.
I know a less fortunate girl, who needed a car and so I gave her one of my car’s seeing that I had two. It was a 1993 Cadillac Coupe Deville, in good condition and she still uses it. That was my Christmas gift to her. I really liked that car, but I know God loves her more than I like that car.
This year my wife and I went to an Angel tree that they had at the mall. My wife and I took two child’s names off of the tree and bought them each- shoes, pants, shirts, backpacks, and toys. I also give 10% of what I earn to my church, as well as additional money as a Fast Offering every month so that the money can be used to feed the hungry.
I also donate my time to teach a Sunday school class.
I also regularly donate to Children’s hospitals, and to the Humane Society.
When I was a kid, I had a sister who had Cerebral Palsy. Because of the medical bills, we never had anything growing up, but what was given to us as charity. She ended up passing away. But without the charity of others, we wouldn’t have eaten, and we would have ended up on the street. If I choose to be charitable especially at Christmas time and try to get others to do the same, that’s my business, not yours.
Don’t ever mock me again.
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Post by Johnny Edwards on Dec 10, 2010 14:29:13 GMT -5
Where does it mention sports at all, better yet where is there talk of the Apostles or Jesus practicing sports. He says to pick up your cross and follow him. One tradition is no different than the rest. I agree with Michael, we are to be spiritually set apart. As in not worshipping gods as the pagan religions did. We put our God in OUR traditions.
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Post by Johnny Edwards on Dec 10, 2010 14:33:45 GMT -5
Johnny, Are you trying to be an ass? Matthew 7: 1-5 1Judge not, that ye be not judged. 2For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. 3And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? 4Or 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? 5Thou 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. If I want to post a link as to how December 25th was picked, who are you to tell me I can’t? And who are you to tell me I can’t use scripture to remind others that they should give what God has given them to the needy? What because I’m a Mormon, I now have to get permission from Johnny Edwards, before I can even quote from the Bible, to make sure that it is in line with your religious views? Please don’t try to compare yourself to me. You’ll come up short. But unlike the Pharisees, I don’t pray and thank God that I’m better than you. I served a two-year mission for the Lord. Now if you feel my religion is false and that I worship a different Lord. Then, how much more should you Johnny Edwards preach the Gospel to those who don’t have it if you feel that you have the truth and worship the Lord in truth? I was a Big Brother in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program for a year. To a boy who didn’t have a dad, because his dad was an alcoholic. I took him out every week at my expense, so that he would know that God loved him and that even though his dad wasn’t there, that I would try to be there for him. I know a less fortunate girl, who needed a car and so I gave her one of my car’s seeing that I had two. It was a 1993 Cadillac Coupe Deville, in good condition and she still uses it. That was my Christmas gift to her. I really liked that car, but I know God loves her more than I like that car. This year my wife and I went to an Angel tree that they had at the mall. My wife and I took two child’s names off of the tree and bought them each- shoes, pants, shirts, backpacks, and toys. I also give 10% of what I earn to my church, as well as additional money as a Fast Offering every month so that the money can be used to feed the hungry. I also donate my time to teach a Sunday school class. I also regularly donate to Children’s hospitals, and to the Humane Society. When I was a kid, I had a sister who had Cerebral Palsy. Because of the medical bills, we never had anything growing up, but what was given to us as charity. She ended up passing away. But without the charity of others, we wouldn’t have eaten, and we would have ended up on the street. If I choose to be charitable especially at Christmas time and try to get others to do the same, that’s my business, not yours. Don’t ever mock me again. Where did I mock you? I think you take things to heart to much man. I was posting my opinions. Don't tell ME what I can and cannot post, you can post what you like thats your right. I never judged you whatsoever.... sounds like you are me though by trying to throw scripture in my face, which is the same thing as judging me??? Why pick the scripture you did?? Whats the reason for that??? Also sounds like your trying to brag to me??? You know when you truly do good works you don't gloat about them or remind people that you do them......then you straight up said your better than me............. I won't even reply to that........
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Post by Johnny Edwards on Dec 10, 2010 14:36:22 GMT -5
Fellowship is key. Whether it be giving gifts or not. The Bible clearly speaks to help those in need Eric. But fellowship is important also. Spreading love is the most important commandment. You can pull different scripture from anywhere to try and make it mean one certain thing when it doesnt. If your talking about this the only post I was talking to you with then never was judging you or anything. I clearly think you read something the wrong way. I didn't say you didn't do stuff for people, never said that whatsoever, never said it was bad to do stuff for needy people it's excellent.................fellowship is very important. Family is important and coming together and having fellowship is also.
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Post by Johnny Edwards on Dec 10, 2010 14:38:36 GMT -5
Matthew 6:3-43But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
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Post by Johnny Edwards on Dec 10, 2010 14:40:21 GMT -5
2 Corinthians 9:6-7
6Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
that sums it up the best
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Post by ericmyler on Dec 10, 2010 14:46:32 GMT -5
I didn't say that I was better than you. That's what the Pharisee at the temple did. Thanked God that he was better than the Publican. I was saying that I don't pray to God and tell Him that I am grateful that He made me better, because He didn't. God is the Judge, not us.
I am not trying to brag. You started out by telling me that I can't use scripture, if it doesn't fall in line with what you believe.
I was even thinking about you when I wrote my first post. I was trying to help others see that we should help the needy, not exchange gifts with our middle-class friends, and consider it Christian.
Your post came out and told me that I was using scripture incorrectly. Well, who are you to tell me what the Bible says? Are you a Scriptorian?
People were charitable towards my family, and I am grateful that the Lord touched their heart and that they showed charity. I am showing my gratitude, by being charitable in return. But, I know that no matter what I do, I am still an unprofitable servant, and that it is God's grace that saves me.
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Post by Johnny Edwards on Dec 10, 2010 14:47:42 GMT -5
Please don’t try to compare yourself to me. You’ll come up short. But unlike the Pharisees, I don’t pray and thank God that I’m better than you.
^thats what you wrote Eric
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Post by Johnny Edwards on Dec 10, 2010 14:48:10 GMT -5
Show me where I said you can't use a scripture?
I'll not say another word to you sir.
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Post by Johnny Edwards on Dec 10, 2010 14:51:06 GMT -5
To everyone else though. Who is to say who is needy??? The richest man in the world could be more likely to need Christ than a poor person. Who is to say your not supposed to share fellowship with him and show him genuine kindness?? The poor truly do need help with material things sometimes but they are usually the richest in the kingdom of heaven because all some of them have is the hope that is in Christ.
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