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That's why I thought it might be angelic.Why would any ordinary star point to any city?
I boiled it down to seven reasons in the OP.I can't help but question the discernment of fellow believers who get angry with other believers for expressing a different understanding.
My advice is to present your view and provide scriptural support and then let it go. If another disagrees then so be it.
Demons dropping in to pick up their paychecks?That's why I thought it might be angelic.
Did you see this?
I boiled it down to seven reasons in the OP.
1. You've never heard it before. (knee-jerk defensive response)
2. You have heard of it before, but assume it's false. (haven't looked into it)
3. Doesn't align with your church's doctrine (your church would say it is false)
4. Doesn't align with your personal doctrine (your views differ)
5. YOUR "Bible" says it is false. (other biblical opinions don't matter)
6. It makes you uncomfortable. (therefore it must be wrong)
7. Everyone knows it's false. (except those who believe it)
This is why I think doctrine is man-made.I thank God for keeping me humble enough to be willing to adjust my doctrinal views, otherwise I'd still be a Catholic.
Bad translation. It is not bad because the translators didn't do their job, its bad because the English language lacks variety and depth compared to Hebrew and Greek.Zachariah
Hello, What boat did you just get off ?
6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Also in 2 Thess 2:13 the word belief is actually the noun Faith
13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:
The word belief is pistis which is translated Faith 239 times,
So you havent ca clue. Study before you come making comments like that friend.
Its not asked that you just believe what im saying. Its a seed and food for thought so you do some research if you wish. Its personally going to my next area of study. Most religions comes from astrology as you could imagine the first primitive humans and their relationship with the sun and the stars before any philosophy was introduced. The sun brings life and light. Its a practical assumption.Most that are involved with these religions (although I'm not a sure about Islam)
would object to the idea that their religion is rooted in astrology.
In fact, I'm pretty sure they would deny it outright.
Can these followers unwittingly participate in what is claimed if they are unaware?
As a Christian, I certainly would deny sun worship. Pretty sure Jews would feel the same way about Saturn.
Id be careful saying God is unfair because you dont accept His ways. Man can neither believe or repent unless its granted to them by God.So God judged them unfairly is how I read what you are saying, because they weren't "given" the faith they were judged for not having. That's harsh.
I believe God knows what it is that causes any human being to close his heart (mind) to the gospel. I'm satisfied with that, but not with your explanation. I don't believe the reason some human hearts remain closed has anything to do with psychological reactions to harsh experiences or anything like that, either. However only God knows the human heart, so He did not and does not judge unfairly, just because we struggle to understand.
Jesus actually told us why many humans will not come to the light.
lol, You been showed the truth, but you cant believe it.Bad translation. It is not bad because the translators didn't do their job, its bad because the English language lacks variety and depth compared to Hebrew and Greek.
My concern, I suppose, is that this view makes God seem distant and disconnected from his creation.Its not asked that you just believe what im saying. Its a seed and food for thought so you do some research if you wish. Its personally going to my next area of study. Most religions comes from astrology as you could imagine the first primitive humans and their relationship with the sun and the stars before any philosophy was introduced. The sun brings life and light. Its a practical assumption.
Condemning people is never a part of a believer's commission, whether it be matters of the Sabbath or inappropriate sexual relations, even murder. However, patience, guidance, rebuke or shinning a light on matters which encourage us to walk in step with God's designs is necessary.St. SteVen said:
The 4th Commandment is the Sabbath Commandment, correct?
Probably the most controversial of the lot.
That one can't help but be divisive. Unless you keep it to yourself.
As soon as you claim that the seventh day Sabbath is God's holy day, what does that say about any other day?
And by extension, what does that say about anyone who "observes" another day?
I understand that there is biblical support on both sides of the issue. I spent years in debate on the subject.
Fine folks on both sides of the issue get pretty worked up over it.
I don't consider Sabbatarianism to be a false doctrine.
I respect those who have chosen to observe. They have the freedom to do that.
They do not however have the freedom to say terrible things about
my free-will choice in the matter. But, what else can they do if they really believe it?
Other than keep it to themselves, or share in a non-condemning way about their personal choice.
Unfortunately, if you really believe it, there is no other choice. There's the rub.
Does that make sense?
Truth is deeper than words of scripture. When we see the real Truth behind the words we come to a place of knowing hence giving us the ability to outwardly express that Truth in our own words. People who fall back on scripture with no real personal input or understanding are stuck within the realm of blind belief.I can't help but question the discernment of fellow believers who get angry with other believers for expressing a different understanding.
My advice is to present your view and provide scriptural support and then let it go. If another disagrees then so be it.
Ultimately our connection to God is our known connection to all of nature around us. When we stop seeing ourself as seperate from nature and start seeing ourself as one and the same we have found our true existence and purpose. As within, so without. They are merely reflections of themselves. To feel, know and understand this truly is to know thyself.My concern, I suppose, is that this view makes God seem distant and disconnected from his creation.
As if man created religion to explain his origins, rather than knowing the Creator intimately.
The biblical narrative seems to indicate a more involved God that is reaching out to humankind.
'I am the way, the truth and the life'.....Jesus.Truth is deeper than words of scripture. When we see the real Truth behind the words we come to a place of knowing hence giving us the ability to outwardly express that Truth in our own words. People who fall back on scripture with no real personal input or understanding are stuck within the realm of blind belief.
John 20:29 esvPeople who fall back on scripture with no real personal input or understanding are stuck within the realm of blind belief.
God's eyes and hears are always present. He sees and hears representations (points of view) of those claiming to be his followers for centuries.John 20:29 esv
Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
Jesus is a representation of Truth. Truth incorporates both the way and the life as the Father incorporates both the Son and the Spirit. It is a reference to the triune nature of God. I speak this from Truth and understanding because I know this same nature to be apart of myself. I feel it, know it intimately and can outwardly express it at any given moment without the need for scripture. It has become apart of me.'I am the way, the truth and the life'.....Jesus.
Conclusion, without knowing Jesus, thrashing around in the untamed undergrowth of imagination is inevitable.