Why are churches so racially segregated?

If anyone has ever lived or died on this earth without hearing the gospel of salvation, I feel we serve a just God, and they will get a "free pass". jmho, and in no way a "gospel" statement. It does however stae in the Bible that it had been better if someone had not heard the Word at all, than to have heard the Word and not believed.

 

Jeff ... it's hard to try and discuss these things with people that don't believe God wrote a perfect Book for all of mankind to read or hear ..... I answered your question ....is God not able to send a witness for Christ to a seeking heart?

 

Thank you, Bobby. I'm not saying that because I agree with you. I'm saying that because I know that's a stretch for many Christians (which I know you are).

 

Not so much of a stretch Jeff. Lol, I just "really" believe we serve a just God, and He would never unjustly punish someone that never knew right from wrong. There is a fine line there though, because some will try to claim to be ignorant for the free pass. That will be judged accordingly I believe.

 

PT....If God wrote a perfect book, he's condemning billions of his children to Hell. Because, it's a fact they'll never know of him or his word. There's a master plan to God's kingdom. He gives us the blueprint. Problem is, many never get a set of plans or know what they're supposed to be building.

You have to accept that, if you indeed think his book is perfect.

I don't have the answer to my question. If I did, I wouldn't have asked you (and the forum).

 

Jeff ... Nature itself .. there is your answer ... read the Scriptures ...God will send the seeking soul a witness .. He is able .. I have seen miracle after miracle of how God has brought those seeking Him to a witness ... I am one of those miracles ....

 

So, what is the point of our existence? Are we part of a game? See who can prove themselves to spend eternity with God, the maker of the game?

Why is it weird to wonder if God is egotistical?

 

You also weren't born in Bali.

 

Must the things (beings) created question their creator? Yes, but out of ignorance (not calling you ignorant) they question, because only the creator can answer why.

 

Wait, you mean they don't have a copy of the bible in hotel rooms in Bali? Someone needs to get on that.




Sorry, I made way too many posts without sarcasm. I was starting to freak myself out.

 

Gri22....

That's as good as I've heard. "Eloquent". Sounds like a great lady.

 

We were created for GOD'S glory ... He is looking to be worshiped of our own free will

it's no game .. see above .... we cant prove ourrself .. thats the point ..we are all sinners ..sin cannot enter into Heaven ..THAT is why Jesus came ..so we can stand in HIS righteousness....

 

Why should we not question? How do we get answers without asking questions? No offense, but that statement rings of communism.

That statement, or something very similar to it, is very common when I ask a question that doesn't have an easy answer...at least one the person doesn't know how to answer. I've heard it many times regarding this subject.

 

Someone up in here want to explain dinosaurs to me?

 

2 things (and I'm out of this):

1. Thanks for a wonderful and civil discussion.

2. I was thinking about this the last few minutes. I think the biggest difference between me and most die-hard (forgive my terminology) Christians is.....I see the pathway to Heaven as something God views more subjectively, in lieu of objectively.

Thanks again.

 

I believe they existed before the flood ... oh yeah, carbon dating is a joke...

 

Ok, my last post...

now, I'm no biblical scholar so take this with a grain of salt.

I always get a kick out of people who string together bible verses to prove a point. This is quite possibly the most dangerous practice there is. A verse cannot convey the whole chapter. The chapter cannot convey the whole letter. The letter cannot convey the Bible. And, gasp, the Bible cannot convey the Living God.

The authors didn't write them as verses. Most were letters. And many of those where to Very specific people that had unique problems or questions that were being addressed. The quote from Romans 1:20 for instance seems pretty condemning for all the world
"For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse."

But I only have to go to the next chapter to find something overly graceful, Rom 2:6-7
God "will give to each person according to what he has done."
To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life.

This is an easy, but dangerous game to play. What's lost in this is the context. Sure we can apply verses, in some cases, directly to our lives, but it is the context in which this story plays out that depends and clarifies the meaning. Knowing that Paul wrote this letter to the Church in Rome. A church that was struggling with many problems. Christians were being killed for their faith by the 100s. There was infighting between Christian Jews and Christian Gentiles (non-Jews), many thought you still had to be Jewish to be saved or at least follow all Jewish Laws. Many were condemning others (Paul spends a fair amount of time dealing with this). Some believed you were saved through deeds, other believed that it you had faith you could do anything because God would just forgive you.

It helps to know about Paul, how he previously was a fierce persecutor of Christians, then he met the risen Christ and repented. Or learn about the role of women, slaves, tax collectors, kings of the period. Learn the use of the original words (the Hebrew word for righteousness 'sedeq' can easily take pages to define).

Entire Volumes of books have been written about this one letter Paul wrote.

My point is this. Throwing out verses can be dangerous, because people will interpret the same verse in many different ways. The Bible is Gods word. I believe this. But it's interpretation is up to the broken human race. The whole story of the Bible, it's whole purpose, is to bring you into a personal relationship with Jesus. All these great questions can only be answered truthfully through his influence.

Now after that I will hypocritically end with a verse

Four actually-
Jesus replied: " ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."

My input in this thread is well exhausted. If anyone would like to continue feel free to PM me, or better yet call me, or come for a visit!

 

God does view it subjectively ... Him as the Subject .. and what He says goes ....whether we like it or not ..

 

PT, is that it? He created us so we could worship him? I don't like to keep using the word egotistical, but this has to be the greatest example of it.

How do you feel about being created by someone, just so you can worship him? Doesn't that not seem a little strange? Just a little?

 

Easy...people and dinosaurs existed at the same time. See "The Flintstones" or the new Rage commercial for proof.