Since I am the one with the original post let me 'splain myself and answer a couple of accusations. First of all, I am not bashing other religions, I was just stating what every Christian believes and what is a physical fact. That's it, nothing more. Secondly, I am in no way intolerant. I absolutely do not think my way is the only way but I do think God's way is the only way. If that offends, you'll have to take a number because if I recall from my New Testament studies, Jesus, when He was on earth, offended many, especially the religious folks. I also, like many of you, abhor religion. I am much more interested in having a personal relationship with Jesus. Am I perfect...absolutely not, but that's where the grace comes in. I cannot nor would not want to try to force my beliefs on others. I will simply tell you what Jesus has done for you and me. What you decide to do with that information is your responsibility. The scriptures say that it is the Spirit of God that draws others to him so I can't do His job. I will never argue religion with anyone, it's simply a waste of time. I would never ever burn a Koran or any other religious book for that matter. What's the point, it has no power. IMO to burn a Koran elevates it to a position it does not deserve. On the other hand, if someone were to burn a bible, even in my presence, that is their perogative and their problem. I wouldn't threaten to kill them or the soldiers from their country as some radicals have threatened to do to us. Now who's intolerant? Fact is I love everyone because Christ loved them enough to die for them. The two commands I try to follow; Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength. And love your neighbor as yourself. That's it, pure and simple. Everything else I do flows from these two commands that Jesus gave the religious leaders of the day. I am not intolerant of any person or their religion because Jesus was not intolerant. As a matter of fact, He was more accepting of the poor and downtrodden of His day than anyone who had ever lived. Don't believe it...read the gospels for yourself. I f anyone disagrees with me, that's okay, I'm not going to bash you but I will pray for you. That's it. Blessings to all......Pastorjim
While I wholeheartedly believe the OP, I agree that the manner in which it was presented was easily seen in a mocking tone. Though I am 100% positive that Jim did not intend it in that manner. If you boil down the religions, this point is the essential difference between Christianity and all others. The Resurrection is unique to Jesus. VS, here's the way I understand it. The Resurrected Jesus had a body, but it's unlike any body we know. One moment He was passing through walls and unknowingly entering locked rooms, the next He was hugging someone. His burial cloths were left undisturbed as if He passed right through them, yet Thomas was able to stick his fingers inside His wounds. He seemingly appeared from nowhere, yet would eat a meal with them. For 40 days the Resurrected Jesus was seen, heard & felt. Then He ascended to heaven. The Resurrected Jesus was not a ghost. Was not a revived body that later would die. I think this is the kind of existence waiting for us all. I think this is just another glimpse of what we can expect when the Kingdom of God is fully realized. I'm going to stop before I get too winded, just seemed to me that your questions and thoughts were lost in the usual back&forth of these threads.
