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Re: Revitalization of the American Churches
[Re: ]
#7354437
09/13/21 06:52 AM
09/13/21 06:52 AM
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J Staton
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J Staton
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Now James and Danny answer me a question. When you think of what God would look like, do you see Jesus?
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Re: Revitalization of the American Churches
[Re: ]
#7354440
09/13/21 06:55 AM
09/13/21 06:55 AM
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Mark June
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Mark June
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It's ages old and it still exists. Human nature.
Sincerely, those who demand to hear precise exact perfect answers from people must know;
don't miss this >>>> you're asking the wrong person.
The Gospel of John, especially chapter 8 is really explicit on this.
Sinful people who have humbly sought God's face through His Son Jesus are typically doing about the best they can with what they they got. Literally.
So, the Bible is available and with the help of the Holy Spirit, Truth can be sought through the Word of God.
It's best to interpret with other faithful souls so as to guard against prideful "knowing it all."
Some might smile at this kind of answer but it's biblical and therein lies the answer for sincere hearts. You will know Him through the hearing of His Word.
If you believe the Bible is God's Word or at least come with an humble nature.
We always remember the biblical narrative that hard hearts don't come to listen, they come to provoke, accuse, or silence.
It's in the Old Testament writings everywhere and it's certainly in the NT where people didn't recognize or want to hear from God.
He came as the Lamb, and they demanded a Lion of Judah, so they accused Him with nonstop questions, didn't like his answers, and killed Him.
We pray always God gathers more to Himself before the Trumpet sounds.
Blessings,
Mark
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Re: Revitalization of the American Churches
[Re: Chancey]
#7354444
09/13/21 07:02 AM
09/13/21 07:02 AM
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Mark June
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Mark June
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Great post Mark, I think it speaks directly to all of us believers as far as God's way as to where we are in our walk with our Lord and Savior.
I'm a rotten individual, and when I read the Bible; especially The Revelation, I know that I am the Lukewarm Church - The Laodiceans.
I hate it that I am that, but I'm certain that is where I belong. There are a lot of things I need to fix.
It is my opinion, that when we asked Jesus into our hearts to be our Lord and Savior, He truly does live within us. It is our responsibility and ambassadorship to show up daily! I fail in many ways; and depend on His Grace and Mercy to get me through it. I realize that I'm a rotten individual, but then I think of the wonderful opportunity I have. I have 5 different Bibles that I read from, also the ability to research anything I want. I've never been persecuted, and I can speak freely about what I want. I can study the Bible all I want and make my own decisions about Truth.
In China today, Xi Xinping is destroying all Christian Churches, Mosques, Hindu Temples, etc. He if proclaiming himself as the Holy Ruler and is incorporating his pictures and glory in all grade school textbooks.
Jesus Christ lives within each and every one of us believers. The Religion of Christianity may be dying because of deception, but I think the Church is strong. Our bodies and the way we treat one another is the Church in my opinion.
The below videos are very powerful to me. It narrows the focus and puts things into perspective, and brings me to tears.
All flesh is grass, but the Word of our Lord will stand forever!!
We are all sinners, yet for the Grace of the Lord God Almighty. Thank you Jesus!! Thank you for this post. I still recall one of my favorite profs John Hannah saying; God seems apparent oftentimes to people who undergo great tragedy.... and every human will undergo great tragedy. Whether we blame God or thank God during these times is how it all really plays out. Dr. Hannah grew up as a street urchin on the streets of Philadelphia. Smart. Humble. Straight shooter. There is wonder to it all THANK GOD. Blessings! Mark
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Re: Revitalization of the American Churches
[Re: ]
#7354449
09/13/21 07:09 AM
09/13/21 07:09 AM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 29,880
williamsburg ks
danny clifton
"Grumpy Old Man"
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"Grumpy Old Man"
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 29,880
williamsburg ks
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J Staton, no. If I imagine a god like the bible describes I see a man in a black leather skin tight jumpsuit, sunglasses with mirrors, an old style biker hat, lineman boots and wearing a dog collar with spikes. A pair of shackles in one hand and slip joint pliers in the other
Those who would give up essential liberty, to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety. Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)
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Re: Revitalization of the American Churches
[Re: ]
#7354458
09/13/21 07:28 AM
09/13/21 07:28 AM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 29,880
williamsburg ks
danny clifton
"Grumpy Old Man"
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"Grumpy Old Man"
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 29,880
williamsburg ks
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When I picture Jesus, I see the worlds first hippie. Make love not war kinda guy. No job, no ambition, living off the generosity of others. A man tortured to death for refusing to assimilate. All the stories of him being holy evolving out of anger and frustration. Getting more wild after all the people who knew him were dead.
Those who would give up essential liberty, to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety. Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)
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Re: Revitalization of the American Churches
[Re: ]
#7354462
09/13/21 07:32 AM
09/13/21 07:32 AM
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Mark June
OP
Unregistered
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Mark June
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Now James and Danny answer me a question. When you think of what God would look like, do you see Jesus? That's actually very close to would be termed someone's "worldview" and our worldview pretty much determines our answers to basic life questions. The 1st worldview that dials in the scope would be; "Why is there something from nothing?" How we answer this is predictive to the next basic question, "Why do we exist?" From our 1st answer logically flows the next answers in most cases anthropologists have studied. Most of the millions of humanity, no matter the culture, wander without giving too much thought to these questions, but it's in us all. The Roman Poet Virgil is famous for penning; By the choice of our gods, we choose our destiny.Pretty much.... for all the gods, except followers of Christ who are unique in saying, "He first loved us." Blessings, Mark
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Re: Revitalization of the American Churches
[Re: ]
#7354466
09/13/21 07:51 AM
09/13/21 07:51 AM
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Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 2,536
NW Illinois
Kevin Stake
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trapper
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 2,536
NW Illinois
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Sin is sin. None is any bigger than the other. Murder versus a little white lie. Asking to be forgiven for the sins you did and truly mean it. God will forgive you. I’m not the judge, God is. I am far from perfect. Nobody is perfect living on this earth, although many think they are. Every knee will bow to God one day. It’s up to each person if they want to believe it.
It is more blessed to give than to receive
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Re: Revitalization of the American Churches
[Re: ]
#7354470
09/13/21 07:57 AM
09/13/21 07:57 AM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 29,880
williamsburg ks
danny clifton
"Grumpy Old Man"
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"Grumpy Old Man"
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 29,880
williamsburg ks
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Mark, why does there have to be something from nothing? Isnt the "nothing" theory just one possibility? Kevin Stake we all know that is what the bible says. The question was: Jesus said that divorce (except for adultery) is a sin. So how many Christians are living in sin when they go to church with their new spouse? Why is Christians' special hatred reserved for gay people and not for divorced people?
Those who would give up essential liberty, to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety. Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)
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Re: Revitalization of the American Churches
[Re: danny clifton]
#7354478
09/13/21 08:10 AM
09/13/21 08:10 AM
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Mark June
OP
Unregistered
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Mark June
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Mark, why does there have to be something from nothing? Isnt the "nothing" theory just one possibility? Kevin Stake we all know that is what the bible says. The question was: Jesus said that divorce (except for adultery) is a sin. So how many Christians are living in sin when they go to church with their new spouse? Why is Christians' special hatred reserved for gay people and not for divorced people? Yes, danny it is. In a functional sense, the atheist view is there is no God and something always existed. Hardly anyone takes this view at a serious level in this age of "serious answers." Agnostics, positivists, scientivists, marxists, and existentialism (realism), all come from this worldview in most scholar's opinions. Too often scholars say, it is assumed in university educational settings that an atheistic posture is a scientific, critical, middle of the road position, but it's viewed as none of these. It is simply a subjective position. Blessings, Mark
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Re: Revitalization of the American Churches
[Re: ]
#7354489
09/13/21 08:34 AM
09/13/21 08:34 AM
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Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 2,536
NW Illinois
Kevin Stake
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trapper
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NW Illinois
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Bowhunter, don’t put all truck drivers in one category. I have my CDL and I’m sure Danny drives also. Don’t put us all in the same basket. Yes many drivers are slobs and shouldn’t have a CDL.
Danny, all I can say is ask Jesus for forgiveness. God is the judge not me. My sister just got a divorce and I believe God forgave her. That’s all I can say.
It is more blessed to give than to receive
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Re: Revitalization of the American Churches
[Re: ]
#7354495
09/13/21 08:37 AM
09/13/21 08:37 AM
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Mark June
OP
Unregistered
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Mark June
OP
Unregistered
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I believe Bowhunter was trying to point out the "error" of lumping everyone as being the same. 
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Re: Revitalization of the American Churches
[Re: ]
#7354498
09/13/21 08:40 AM
09/13/21 08:40 AM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 29,880
williamsburg ks
danny clifton
"Grumpy Old Man"
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"Grumpy Old Man"
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 29,880
williamsburg ks
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Bowhunter, its a fool who doesn't judge others. Else you will be taken advantage of, your family wont be safe.
Those who would give up essential liberty, to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety. Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)
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Re: Revitalization of the American Churches
[Re: ]
#7354511
09/13/21 09:05 AM
09/13/21 09:05 AM
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Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 5,570
Dunbar, Wisconsin
Pike River
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 5,570
Dunbar, Wisconsin
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Forgiveness is a foundational part of Christianity but it shouldn't be used as an excuse for badness/sin. Oh....I'll just divorce and remain....and ask for forgiveness...That's why Jesus died...  Too many excuse their willful sins as just simple imperfect and say Jesus will forgive. Hebrews 10:26.
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Re: Revitalization of the American Churches
[Re: danny clifton]
#7354512
09/13/21 09:07 AM
09/13/21 09:07 AM
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Mark June
OP
Unregistered
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Mark June
OP
Unregistered
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Bowhunter, its a fool who doesn't judge others. Else you will be taken advantage of, your family wont be safe.
Safe? Is the being taken advantage of bodily injury or loss of freedom?
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Re: Revitalization of the American Churches
[Re: ]
#7354544
09/13/21 09:48 AM
09/13/21 09:48 AM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 29,880
williamsburg ks
danny clifton
"Grumpy Old Man"
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"Grumpy Old Man"
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 29,880
williamsburg ks
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Why do you get so upset when someone says they don't believe and then says why? Its not a personal attack.
FWIW when log books were still hand written I didnt know anybody that stayed within its parameters and did not lie. I myself can't remember a single day where I drove what I logged.
It has not changed either. All time spent loading and unloading and all time waiting to load or unload and all time waiting for dispatch, is to be logged on duty not driving. Time that counts against the 70 hours in 8 days allowed to be used for working/driving. NO ONE I know, does not go offduty if the truck isn't moving after 15 minutes for loading, unloading, fuel, pretrip etc.
Mark dont play games. You know exactly what I meant by safe.
Those who would give up essential liberty, to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety. Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)
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Re: Revitalization of the American Churches
[Re: ]
#7354547
09/13/21 10:13 AM
09/13/21 10:13 AM
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Mark June
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Mark June
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I have no idea and was trying to see your perspective?
If I ask a clarifying question, I'm. "told" to not "play games."
How convenient for your monolog.
You alone will do all the asking?
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Re: Revitalization of the American Churches
[Re: ]
#7354563
09/13/21 10:29 AM
09/13/21 10:29 AM
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Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 1,102
KY
ILcooner
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trapper
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 1,102
KY
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this kind of theological discussion bore most who seek a sense of community and belonging at a church. Many of the younger generation want to be part of something bigger than themselves in worship to God but don't find it in most current day churches who bicker over minor doctrinal differences. Its no wonder church attendance continues to decline. https://news.gallup.com/poll/248837/church-membership-down-sharply-past-two-decades.aspx![[Linked Image]](https://content.gallup.com/origin/gallupinc/GallupSpaces/Production/Cms/POLL/nyi9r4mrikq5unkl5g36bg.png) Not hard to see this trend is not sustainable. ![[Linked Image]](https://content.gallup.com/origin/gallupinc/GallupSpaces/Production/Cms/POLL/ovxdts2eskgsmxrobnyg7a.png)
Last edited by ILcooner; 09/13/21 10:31 AM.
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Re: Revitalization of the American Churches
[Re: ]
#7354574
09/13/21 10:45 AM
09/13/21 10:45 AM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 29,880
williamsburg ks
danny clifton
"Grumpy Old Man"
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"Grumpy Old Man"
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 29,880
williamsburg ks
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I think the decline is the result of the world getting smaller. First radio, then TV, now computers. It took a couple weeks to get from New York City to San Francisco in 1900 by train. For most people it took longer as the trip was to arduous. Now its a few hours on a plane with a reclining seat and a movie. In 1900 a trip to Europe took two or three weeks once the traveler got to New York. Now a just graduated high school student in rural AK can be in London in less than 24 hours. Peoples view is not limited to their immediate community. That same decline is evident world wide in all religion
Those who would give up essential liberty, to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety. Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)
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Re: Revitalization of the American Churches
[Re: ]
#7354578
09/13/21 10:54 AM
09/13/21 10:54 AM
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Mark June
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Mark June
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People have long discussed the things that matter ILcooner and a few today would say theology fits that mold. The reason church attendance is down isn't for the reasons you offer and even if it were... Is the primary reason people go to church for a sense of community? If so, they'll drift. Not to say believers aren't called to edify and encourage one another, but let's be honest, culture will win that siren song. All sorts of fun gatherings every Sunday, or Wednesday or whenever. Eat, drink, and be Merry is the history of human culture. Jesus didn't start a club, he started a movement. His. Remember too that Tman isn't a church. It's an Internet forum where opinions are discussed. A thread. Back and forth amongst friends. Ever argue with your mom? Dad? Still love 'em? Kinda like TMan'ers.  Right Jim! Blessings, Mark
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