In The Beginning

[Ma Betty in MO]

if the Mormons believe in Jesus like it says in John 3:16 or those of any other religion then, yes, they are Christians, but if not, NO they are not! Jesus says, I am the way, the truth and the life and no man comes to God the Father but by Him, either we believe or we don't! I believe in Jesus and that the whole Bible is true!! How about you???? Ma Betty

 

[lud]

So then Mormons are Christians. Do you research other sects of chistianity? Obviously not. You know, they say athiests and agnostics understand and know more about christianity than the hard core fundies.

 

[Ma Betty in MO]

believe in Christ Jesus than how can you call yourself a Christian? They were first called Christians in Antioch after Jesus had come to Earth! Sorry but you may be Theological wise but I know what I know that is Bible truth by the leading and guidance of God's Holy Spirit dwelling within me Who leads me into all truth! Mankind profess to be wise but are foolish when it comes to understanding and believing in Jesus and God's Holy Spirit unless they have asked God to forgive them and He will forgive when they are sincere in believing in Jesus and serve Him faithfully and keep studying the Bible to show themselves approved as a workman of God Almighty, Who is God Jehovah, Jesus and His Holy Spirit all working in one accord! Believe in Jesus and you shall be saved! Amen! Ma Betty

 

[SeniorSeeker]

John 3:16

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life".

So, from what we've just read, we must believe in God's Son, Jesus Christ, to be save. And, if we believe in God's Son, wouldn't we also believe in His Word, as it is written? Obviously the answer is 'Of course we would'! So why is it so many call themselves Christians and yet don't believe in what He has accomplished? Such as creating all that is in 6 literal 24 hour days. How can you follow Christ and yet not accept His accomplishments? Either you believe or you don't and, if you don't, you cannot call yourself 'Christian'. You can argue all day long about what you think is right but you don't posses the wisdom of God, so why would anyone believe you?

"Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God" (Eph. 4:30) essentially means not to hurt the One who loves us and is here to help us. For we read Jesus

 

[C. Nyal de Kaye]

This discussion has moved on quite a bit and I have been out of the loop for a day or so due to being otherwise busy.

However, as the thread continues, I would like to comment on a few matters raised.

Lud writes "I believe in God and the teachings of Jesus, so I am a Christian."

I'm sorry Lud but that is not the definition of a Christian. It must be obvious that Satan believes that God exists, but he is in total rebellion against God. Deists believe that there is a God, but many live in total rebellion against God as well. So believing that God exists is nothing more than a type of common sense and has no saving power in itself.

Secondly, almost everyone who considers the teachings of Jesus, and understands the benefits to themselves of the wisdom that Jesus proclaimed, would say the they "believe" in the teachings of Jesus.

Believing in the teachings of Jesus is also a common sense type of thought and that belief alone does not make you a Christian either.

Others in the thread have clearly spelled out what a Christian is and, based on your comments Lud, it seems that you do not know the saving grace of Jesus yet.

You go on to say, "... the vision of Christianity that you people see, is my vision's greatest enemy."

Sadly Lud, that comment says it all and is so revealing.

In this thread we are simply observing the Lords people, with sincere hearts, offering Biblical advice and it is being rejected out of hand. The authority of the Bible itself is also being totally rejected. A Christian however, by definition, believes the Word of God for the Holy Spirit within them confirms its authenticity and truth. People who know Jesus have God's Holy Spirit within and He leads them into all truth. People who do not know Jesus do not have His indwelling Spirit and the Word of God is often offensive to them.

In fact, this type of argument is not really understood by non-believers at all, and that in itself is evidence that one is at the moment lost to the Spirit of God.

And that is exactly what we have observed in this thread and it is why people like Ma Betty and Senior Seeker and others have been so forthright in their statements.

They do not speak out of malice or anything other than love and concern for all who are currently lost to the Lord.

If you really do like wise words then hear the Word of God and act on it. "Seek the LORD while He may be found; call on Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the LORD, and He will have mercy on him, and to our God, for He will freely pardon.

 

[Ma Betty in MO]

n/t