Christian Photographers Community

Quote from: Al Moak on November 18, 2003, 05:08:24 PM
Since the words of the passage were directed to Israel - God's Covenant people - what are the chances that its modern application is to the present people of God, the Church?

I'm not really positive (it's been a while since I read my personal doctrinal statement, developed under the firm guidelines of Pensacola Christian College ) of exactly where I stand on that  I would tend to think that is correct, but since MOST of the new covenant is a spiritual agreement rather than a physical one, I'm unsure as to whether the "land" that would be healed is a physical one (ie, America, Canada, Australia, or wherever), or a spiritual one (the "land" of the church.)  For some reason, it has always tickled my noodle a little bit to refer to America as a "Christian" nation and almost equate it to Israel.  That somehow doesn't sit right with me, because Christ died for all and definitely not just for Americans.  

I've taken this a lot further than Pat would probably like me to take a NEM discussion, so I'll chill and perhaps post elsewhere if desired.  I know we like to keep this area a little less "direct", so forgive me if this has gotten out of line.  I meant it as a devotional thought, and I hope you can all think about it, but I definitely don't want it to get argumentative.  It's just some issues I wonder about, and sometimes public discussion is a good way to deal with that.  Sorry if this is the wrong place...

Well, I would think that God now, in the new covenant deals with us more as individuals in the body of Christ, He says that the sins of the fathers is no more but that the individual that sins will answer for his or her sin, unless they repent. "Ezekiel ch 18."
Reading Paul's letters to the Corinthians, he said that some of them were sick because of their greed at the Lord's table etc.
Also the man who was in an illicit relationship was going to get what he deserved as an individual.
We must not equate ourselves with the Israel of the flesh, God's first covenant people.
We are certainly to pray for our un-Christian nation but we, are not them, this nation and many others comprise of many different faiths and beliefs, from atheists, agnostics  to satanists, some in high places too.
There cannot really be a "Christian" nation, just a nation founded long ago on Christian beliefs,
true born again believers are now in the minority.
In the end times "evil will abound and the love of many will grow cold."
We are just grafted on to the vine, and one day our Jewish brethren "our older brothers"
will once again take their rightful place as His chosen people the "true branches" when they recognise and obey Jesus Christ as the true Messiah."Romans ch 9."
But it can be very confusing  reading the Old Testament and just picking out some Scriptures,
some legalist reckon that we should keep the Jewish laws because Jesus didn't do away with them!
Jesus fullfilled them in Himself, and as we live in Him we are free indeed!
No longer under bondage as Paul says in Romans ch 6,7,8.
Yes, we should "humble ourselves and pray, and seek His face, and turn from our wicked ways, so that He will hear from heaven and forgive our sins and heal our land."
But that was a command to Israel as a Nation, and I just cannot see our nations' leaders doing this !!
We as Believers are expected to ask forgiveness for our sins daily, hourly, and we are expected to walk in Holiness all the day.
God bless you.

Nards: I really appreciate your postings today. I am ejnoying the commentary back and forth with Judy B and Pastor Al.

This may not be the place for my next statement if I am out of line please tell me to delete it.

This nation was founded on Christian principles and the teachings of Jesus Christ. Not Buddha Not Mohammed. It really irks me that the government of the USA is going along witht he removal of Prayer from the schools, God from our money and the Ten commandments from public display. It (the government) is condoning same sex marriages, and other abominations, legalizing them and expecting the christians to sit iddly by and accept the decisions made by the Supreme court of the USA. I am so proud of the stand that Judge Moore of Alabama took, for Jesus. I wish I was back there to show my support.

By the way, I got a nice surprise at the doctor's office today, There was a Bible and a New Testament in the waiting room. I complimented the Doctor on this.

TTYL

You and I are on the same track, Chris.  I guess what I'm trying to say in way too many words is that I sometimes feel like we waste a lot of time looking for the day that America will turn back to God.  Sure, that would be a wonderful thing.  But I really don't expect it.  I expect us (America) to get further away.  And I don't see that Christians can or even are responsible to stop that.  We are to be salt and light, but we cannot force our country, our world, or even our neighbors to follow Jesus.  If they choose not to, we should still follow Him with all our heart, and He will reward that on an individual basis, as you said.

Thanks!  I'll try to be quiet now

EDIT - This sounds like I am promoting a pacifist Christianity - but I am not.  I am all about taking a stand for what we believe and promoting Christ to the utmost of our ability.  We will have some victories.  We may win battles.  But we should not be defeated by the fact that the world is still "going downhill" in regards to Christian principles.  Live it with all you've got.  Shine Christ like a beacon in the night.  HE IS THE DIFFERENCE!  BUT, it's ONE INDIVIDUAL AT A TIME that makes a difference.  Let's win those around us!  (Ouch, that hurt!!!!  I'm a terrible witness...) Don't be downtrodden by government leaders who do not believe in Christ!  That's in God's hands.  Be a Christian even when no one else is!!  God will honor it.

Okay.  NOW, maybe I'll shut up....

Quote from: Janet on November 18, 2003, 05:26:59 PM
Hi there, Sonja!  Any mail yet?  

Nope, not yet!

I have enjoyed the descussion.  A lot to think about.  It really got me digging, that is what this is all about, getting into the word.  

Well said brother Nards.
Jesus warned us over and over, that the Church, His body (us) will be persecuted.
Look around you folks, it is beginning in every country in the world.
Christian beliefs are being made illegal.
Regards, and reigning in Him, Chris.

Yes nards. I agree too.  We are to save people in burning houses, BUT if they won't follow us out of the smoke and insist on staying despite the fire then all we can do is pray.  That in itself is in reality all we can do. Pray them out one person at a time.

And we need to remember that WE can't change anyone.  Only God can do that.  

Why do so many Christians feel they have to analyse everything to death?  For example Nards, I could take offense at your comment posted after what I thought was a cheerful, possibly helpful post.  Why bother!  Certainly this person is anything but selfrighteous or wasteful......

America is not any different from other countries where God is being tossed out of pretty much everything.  Answers can be found in Revelation.  Our concern should be in trying to simplify the gospel in order to encourage new Christians who come to this site.

God Bless

How often has our Lord said:  "Those with eyes to see and ears to hear"?   I may stand alone on this, but the USA is on a downslide to the abis.  I do not see a turning back to our Christian roots.  The liberals are making a wreck of morality and we now await the Rapture of the church.  You agree?  Fine.  You disagree? Fine.  I stand on Biblical truths.  My Christian life has been devoted to Biblical prophecies, both O.T. and N.T.  We (Christian) have but one purpose in life, and that's to spread the Word of God to the lost.  Our Lord will take us home after we have witnessed to the last person He knows we will witness to.

I totally agree with you Lee.

Marantha Lord Jesus. I am ready for the rapture of the church. I don't want to be here during the tribulation period.

But I do worry about my children, Will they make the rapture or will they have to stay behind.? Will they take the mark or not?

Nards You brought some very interesting things up today, I for one appreciate some substance in these posts.
Not any specific beliefs, but thought questions.

Please no offense directed at any posts, just saying it as I feel it.  

This is what I have to add about the world going down the drain.

I wish I was the author of this but I am not so here is the quote.

If God does not close this world soon, then He has an appology due Sodom and Gomorrah."

I have a story to tell and will put it in another post.

Boots

Pat:  I was able to glean some photos that I thought were lost - Thank you so much!

A very interesting discussion going on in here - I am only an observing type person and not prone to say anything so please forgive this quiet post.  Carol

Nards You also mentioned wealth in the first post of today.

Notice.... this is a story... read it in that fashion.

There was a very wealthy man nearing his death and he wanted to bring something nice to Heaven when he left earth.

He prayed to God about it, and finally God said ok bring something small.

When the man entered the gates of Heaven he was carring a small bag.  The guard said he must inspect it.  The wealthy man said well I brought something very valuable to be used in Heaven.

The guard opened the bag and saw some 24 carat gold bars.

The guard looked up and exclaimed, "why this is nothing but pavement material."

If you have already heard it, laugh anyway, it might just help your heart burn.

If you have trouble catching on, think streets of gold.  

Boots

LEE-You will be happy with the Dell-we purchased the 4600 Dimension Desktop with the flat screen-we use dial up-but the speed is faster because it is a 2.6 ghz.
Rachelle

Quote from: Liz on November 18, 2003, 07:52:39 PM
Why do so many Christians feel they have to analyse everything to death?  For example Nards, I could take offense at your comment posted after what I thought was a cheerful, possibly helpful post.  Why bother!  Certainly this person is anything but selfrighteous or wasteful......

Oh, my!  I am terribly sorry about the timing and wording of my post, Liz.  I was not referring to what you posted at all, and I apologize a thousand times over for it appearing that way!  What I was referring to was MY post yesterday where I talked about treating Christians and non-Christians alike.  After I made that post yesterday, I had an absolutely terrible day and wound up "blowing up" at a fellow Christian that I work with.  My post today was kind of a joke about that, saying that I wasn't going to make that mistake two days in a row.  

I read your post but didn't make the connection between what you wrote and what I was writing.  I am incredibly sorry that it came across that way.  Your post was indeed helpful and cheery.  So sorry.

Lee that indeed is a story that catches a person up short.  Where your treasure is there will your heart be also.

Nards I am so glad you made the connection with Liz, I didn't have a clue and wondered if I had said something wrong in analysing the passage of scripture.  LOL

Boots, I agree, this world is doomed, but that is Revelation end times isn't it.  

I have a late night tonight.  I have to pick up John at work at midnight or later.  I am waiting for him to call me that he is nearby.  He has a training day on Saturday and I am going to have to miss Praise Team Practise.

I have a big day ahead of me tomorrow, French and Art classes as well Melaura has Choir at night.  I believe they are going again to a nursinghome.  The night won't be as late as a regular practise night.

Well need to sign off soon and free up the phone lines.

Love JudyB

Hi folks...just checkin in!  Don't have time to read all the entries today.  Sorry.  Just wanted to tell you of a rescue I made today!  I was stopped at a traffic light at an extremely busy intersection in my city, and a little kitten was observed by me, frightened and running under the cars that were waiting for the light to change - seeking safety.  Well I knew that as soon as the light changed - all that would be left would be a flat cat, so I got out and finally coaxed her to come to me.  I put her in my car and proceeded to try and find a home for her (which I did).  She was soo sweet and appreciative of being rescued!

Good story about the rich man's treasure.  He thought gold was so valuable and it turned out to be just "paving material" for the streets of Heaven.    

Pinkie:  I'm so glad you found a home for that little kitten!

Thanks for explaining that Jeanne!

That's okay Nards.  I also tend to trip over people's posts now and again...

hey ya'll
we are now 1 and 0 we won the game tonight it wasn't pretty but we won! now we got to concentrate on the game friday they will be a bit tougher! well i'm tired so i'll ttyl
Sarah

Hi Everyone:

Tonight I went out with EE.   I went on a team of one Pastor from Thunder Bay and a lady from Montreal.   They were taking an EE Clinic and I was the trainer.

We went to a high class upscale mall.   I was a little hesitant to go to the mall, but God told me to go, so I went.  The first person we talked to, a lady and her daughter listened to the gospel and then accepted Christ while standing in the mall.   The Pastor, Gene Howard and the lady from Montreal Josie, just listened.     We all praise God because He is awesome!

Love Ruthie

Ruthie -- too cool.  God is good <karmat waits for response>

Sarah -- you go girl.  may you do well on friday!

I'm exhausted, so I'm off to bed.  Have a good one ya'll, and I'll "see" you tomorrow.

Yeah, me too - I too have to make my final comment, then shut down.  The document that constitutes us a nation - the constitution - says that our government is "of the people, by the people, and for the people."  If that is so, then whatever government does in this nation is my responsibility, your responsibility, and every citizen's responsibility.  So I'm responsible for those evil laws that allow same-sex marriages, partial-term abortions, etc.  Therefore, as a good Christian citizen, since I'm responsible, I must do all in my power to prevent these things.  I know I won't likely be successful, for I believe, as many of you do, that we'll be going downhill until our Lord returns.  But I don't serve success.  I serve Christ.

Al...........

Well said my freind.  I'm sure all Born Again Christians, regardless of how terrible thing are and will become, strive to serve our Lord.  As for myself Al, I am never satisfied.  I always feel I'm falling short.  

Vivian and I receive booklets, books, audio and video tapes from several Christian sources.  One of them is Midnight Call.  Not long ago they sponsored a "Prophecy Conference" in Atlantic City.  We received five video tapes from the conference and we're on the last one tonight.  Very enlightening, and informational material from the speakers.

Ruthie...........

Well done good and faithful servant.  No quotes, I intentionally left out one word so it would come from me.  You're a soldier my dear friend, and you're placing yourself on the front lines.

Night all

Leaving to pick up john

Blessings.

JudyB

Time to close the door...

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