I'm trying to convert a friend. Can you help me? - Page 3

Faithfulservant · 02-01-2005, 09:43 AM

I want to know this as well if you could please provide the source for that.

Sacredstar · 02-02-2005, 01:04 AM

Dear Marsh it is in the Essene Gospels and I also think it is mentioned in one of the other scriptures that I have read that as nothing to do with the Essenes.

Dear All

I repeat read all the other scriptures and you will find for yourself that a lot of the teachings of Jesus were not included purposely, because St Jerome writes himself when he changes the first Origen translation, Origen was accused of many things including being a heretic. I am really surprised at how few Christians seriously investigate the origins of the bible and all the changes that were made. For instance the quotes about 'the salt of the earth' were included by Tyndale in the 1611 it was never in any original translation in any original language. I think it was Augustine that requested various aspects to do with astrology be removed and the church fathers had text removed to do with Jesus singing and dancing as this was perceived as pagan, we also know that Sunday worship and many doctrines in the bible originated from paganism.

The truth sets people free.

Love beyond measure

Sacredstar

Dor · 02-02-2005, 08:41 AM

Just a question not a slam or attack just simply want to find out what you think.

the Bible has been influenced and corrupted by Rome and false/bad translations.
well how come the essense gospils, all the gnostic books, etc and etc dont seem to have been corrupted and/or had false/bad translations?

What makes them any more of an authority than the Bible itself?

Basstian · 02-02-2005, 09:04 AM

How to convert a friend
I havent acomplished it yet but wanted to share this.
I take care of my Dad he has been an Alcoholic all his life he is 65 and 2 yrs ago O scraped him of the floor of a whinos house put him in ICU got hime detoxed and in stable condition. And moved him in to a place I had provided for him on my Property for the first time ever I had A dad IRL we talk I administer his meds clean etc I try to be a good son.
H e has proclaimed to not believe in God and beside if there was a god he could never be forgiven for all he has done that was his view point.

Well this week Has been Bad he is really weak relying on me for all his basic needs its real hard on him.
This evening I asked a simple question (fully expecting a NO)
I asked Dad we have tried all the Meds we can we do everything the doctors say, I would like you to pray with me It cant hurt but I only want to if you believe there is a chance it will work.

He agreed and told me when he was young he used to be the first on the church bus.

35 years I have had my Dad in my life but only 2 without the alcohol ruining every encounter
I am Glad and thank God to say I help his weak Hand and asked God to help and come into his life and strengthen Him. I prayed with my DAD you would have to live my life to understand what a miracal this is. He asked me can we do this every night I siad we can do thid anytime day or night.

I did not save my Dad but my devotion and alot of work from the spirit is bringing him around
Kepp us in your prayers and donot give up on your own HARD CASES
it can take years but believe me with tears in my eyes and Joy in my heart I say it is worth it

Marsh · 02-03-2005, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sacredstar

Dear Marsh it is in the Essene Gospels and I also think it is mentioned in one of the other scriptures that I have read that as nothing to do with the Essenes.

To everyone listening:

Last Sunday we had a guest preacher from a Methodist church (I attend a Baptist church, but don't really care much about denominations). His message was a simple one but at the same time quite profound: How can a Christian understand his or her purpose if they don't know the mind of God, and how can one know the mind of God if one does not read God's message via the Bible?

I've heard a lot of people trash the Bible as being out-dated, as being unreliable, as being filtered and edited, and even as being dishonest. Strange thing is that these people, typically, have not even read it! This isn't a shot at you, Sacredstar, by any means.

Even five years ago I considered the Bible to be a relic of the past, and completely unreliable. I thought that if God ever read it he would laugh, recognizing parts of it but on the whole being astounded by how confused and erroneous the message had become. And then I read it.

I think it's important for every believer to read the Bible daily for many reasons. I agree with Sacredstar insofar as scripture taken alone, out of context, or for non-spiritual purposes is dead. However, I also believe that the Spirit makes them alive by directing our attention to certain verses or lines, by taking the seemingly confusing information and turning them into meaningful lessons, by using the lessons within it to convict us of our sins and make see the need to be humble, and for a host of other reasons.

In encourage every Christian believer who does not trust the Bible or who does not feel the need to read it regularly to test this: For one month, first thing in the morning, read for about 10 minutes. That might be one chapter in one book; it isn't too much. Read slowly and deliberately, so that you understand. And please don't read from the King James Version; it's too heavy for the morning. The NT in a new translation is lighter reading, and suitable for the early morning. Do this for one month and compare your state of mind to the usual. You may be surprised with the results.

Bandit · 02-03-2005, 04:27 PM

Quote:

How can a Christian understand his or her purpose if they don't know the mind of God, and how can one know the mind of God if one does not read God's message via the Bible?

Marsh, I do see this also. I know it is possible to know and at least try to understand God (in part). It can only be done by the spiritiual man, not with a carnal eye. So, some think it is impossible to do.

I also feel can and must know the mind of the enemy, especially if we want to win the war. I do not believe it is just soemthing in the mind (our own natural or spiritual mind) but there is another mind (s) out there.

Faithfulservant · 02-04-2005, 05:43 AM

I also notice the difference. I read an article about a journalist that was captured in the middle east by extremist muslims.. he was an athiest.. Ironically all they gave him was a bible and he spent 5 years in that prison with nothing but the bible he came out a devout Christian.. It goes to prove that if all we have is the word we can be sustained. Its our food. I suggest that every Christian that does not do so.. make sure you get your daily nourishment.

Bandit · 02-04-2005, 07:03 AM

Quote:

the Bible has been influenced and corrupted by Rome and false/bad translations.
well how come the essense gospils, all the gnostic books, etc and etc dont seem to have been corrupted and/or had false/bad translations?

maybe that is exactly how God wanted it to be done.

when I read the bible it fits together perfectly like a masterpiece plan that no one will ever be able to duplicate.
everytime I read the 66 books something new is shown to me and established.
I love it!

maybe it just everyones approach and bouncing off of others negative feedback that influences those to despise it so much and get nothing out of it.

Quahom1 · 02-04-2005, 08:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Faithfulservant

I want to know this as well if you could please provide the source for that.

Be your self. Be silent, act the part. How we behave BOOMS (or sings) the sound that the unbeliever wants to hear. What we do in everyday life, catches their eye (and they watch like hawks).

They don't look or listen for our ocassional faultering, but rather our consistent get up and go.

One of the most powerful "Godly" men I ever met, swore up a storm. But that was part of his life, his behavior towards others however, is what caught my attention...get my point?

v/r

Q

Faithfulservant · 02-04-2005, 08:44 AM

Are you scolding me again Q? :P

Quahom1 · 02-04-2005, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Faithfulservant

Are you scolding me again Q? :P

Me?, Never! I wouldn't think of such a thing...(yer tie's a little crooked)
I believe in live and let live (there's a scuff on yer shoe)
People have a right to do as they see (fingerprint on your brass buckle) fit!
Everyone can dance (keep in step soldier, this ain't no Irish jig we're doin') to their own beat.
I'm just here to help in any way I can (even if it kills ya')

That is the sole purpose for God makin' drill sergeants...

CWO Q sends

p.s. sorry about that

Faithfulservant · 02-04-2005, 06:39 PM

Want to know what I like about you Q?

Everything

Feel free to scold me anytime.

Its tough being under a microscope all the time.

Mariah · 02-09-2005, 01:36 AM

Thankz guys. You're helping me now, especially Basstian and Q. thankz. I continue to try to tell these people about God, and I hope I can help them before it's too late.
Thankz again,
***Mariah***

Quahom1 · 02-09-2005, 03:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mariah

Thankz guys. You're helping me now, especially Basstian and Q. thankz. I continue to try to tell these people about God, and I hope I can help them before it's too late.
Thankz again,
***Mariah***

Just don't place it up their collective backside. Nobody likes that. Gentle and firm is a great way to get people's attention. They might laugh at you, so let them. Remember to back off if you are being too heavy. You'll know when.

Better yet, just chill, and take things slow. You can always ramp up later.

v/r

Q

p.s. you can never force people. They gotta wanta...

bodhi_mindisfree · 10-25-2006, 04:46 PM

Quote:

You cant convert anybody.. thats Gods job. Your job is to spread the good news and the Holy Spirit is the one that calls people to God. Pray that the Spirit calls your friend and be there to answer questions.

Christian missionaries have been an excuse for European imperialist and colonialism in the past. Why does Christianity have to convert people? Don't play some verse from a book I don't recognize either (You can't use bible verses to prove something because most of the time they are taken out of context anyway). Millions of Native Americans were killed because of Missionaries. Missionaries were evicted in early Japan because of being corrupt. Southern churches used the bible as an excuse for slavery. Millions died during the crusades. WHEN WILL IT ALL END??? Don't play some revelations verse because EVERY generation since Jesus thought they were living in the last of days. Hell, read the bible, the way Jesus speaks makes you think he would be back in thier lifetimes. Guess not, 2000 years later with one corrupt religion.