I hear you.

There are so many interpretations of the Bible you are correct. I also agree with your point about the original text.

Having said that God has said that he will give us the Holy Spirit, “who will guid you into all truth” Problem is that many only want their truth and not what God says.

It is not my job to save people, neither convince them not convict them of sin. That is the Job of the Holy Spirit.

My job is to present the truth as the Holy Spirit has allowed me to interpret.

I do also realise that being human I must not rely on any private interpretation, as the scripture rightly admonishes us.

But his topic of interpretation and textual criticism can go on for ever. I would like to think that as people debate these topics that they not allow their own feeling or judgements to prevail, but allow the Spirit of God to teach us.

Hey, I have been know to be wrong at times, But let me tell you this, God is never wrong.

Thanks for your honest opinion, and it is great to be acquainted.
Robert Bravery´s last blog ..What is the one thing that can improve your blog?

As far as what people believe, as I said I can respect that as a choice. the hundreds of variations and interpretations of the bible is what is concerning to me and if there are that many interpretations of what the bible is now, what variations happened in translation by the people that have evolved it from the Hebrew Masoretic Text and the Greek Textus Receptus. For one are not fluent enough to be any kind of judge on authenticity. One of the most interisting things is the origin of the letter J and when it was changed from an I.

This subject can be debated forever and has been through the years right up until now. To me the respect of others belief is important. I am not one to push my personal beliefs and tell people there is no other way. I even respect the Jehovah Witnesses that worship a tower on a hill in upper New York State.

It is a great world we live in!
Brad West ~ onomoney
Brad West´s last blog ..Recovering American Soldier Christmas Cards

Anyway, who am I to judge someone else.

I’ve always thought to try and lead by example, which is what I believe Jesus did. I’m far from perfect, but I try the best I can.

I’m glad you liked the poem, it means a lot to me as it’s one of my favorites.

As to those who have never heard of Jesus, I doubt very much God will hold that against them. I suppose in the long run it all depends on what sort of life they led.

As to the violence, that’s pretty much Old Testament, and perhaps a lot of that was necessary. Most of it was directed against those who were contrary to God’s commandment. Perhaps in those day’s violence was the only way they would learn a lesson. Come to think of it, even then most of them forgot the lesson and were led astray.

Merry Christmas to you and your family.

I am also of the persuasion that you will not get a firm believe if you beat him into submission. AS you say, I don’t see Christ doing this. Yes he was strong but also meek and humble.

I am amazed to see how blogging and building a blog, and Christianity and spreading the gospel have so much in common.

For your blog to succeed, in a way, you have to build up a loyal readership. To do this you have to build relationships. Open up to people. Forcing them to read and comment on your blog will not cut it.

Similar in Christianity and spreading the Gospel. It’s all about building relationships. Getting people to lowers their walls and understand who you are and who God is.

Yes stand for the truth, speak out against evil, but remember that God still Loves the sinner. He wants them to Choose to love him, not forced into it.

I come from a Baptist Fundamental background, so fully understand the concept. The difficulty is Telling people they are sinners and are heading for the punishment of God if they do not Turn to Christ.

Anyway, lovely poem, I wish I had that gift. We all have talents, it’s how we use them that count. Not everyone is called to be a preacher, but we are all called to be a witness. You presenting this poem to the world is your witness. Well done.
Robert Bravery´s last blog ..What is the one thing that can improve your blog?

To conclude I remember asking when I was real young if you have to claim Jesus as lord and savior in order to get to heaven, what happens to those people that never even heard the story? I was told they just go to hell. That was unacceptable to me, even at a young age I remember what unconditional was and unconditional love to me did not include ultimatums.

I believe God to be love the most powerful entity there is. The God within me if unconditional has power beyond belief.

Trying to make this short, I do always have allot to say when it comes to religion and personal growth. I do love Christmas, and your poem is fantastic Sire I am not at all meaning to change anyone. Just stating where I am.

It is a good thing to question things, the followers of Jim Jones may have felt different if they had asked questions.

May everyone enjoy their Holiday Season and your Christmas be filled with great joy.
Brad West ~ onomoney
Brad West´s last blog ..Make a Turning Point in Your Life with the Alliance of Prosperity