Man, didn't know this area was even on the site until this morning!
Gene and progun, you guys are the man. Grackle, you bring up interesting topic, one often brought up, but one I would call a "boondoggle". Ascribing anything to Jesus- "what would He have done, what would He do now........etc. begs questions that we have only His parables, sermon on the mount, the beatitudes, etc. to go by, as well as all that He said and did throughout scripture. There is no closure to a discussion like this, I know because I have debated MANY times with both Christians and non-Christians, and I can rarely get a definition of either group to even get a start. The verse quoted regarding the camel and entering the kingdom of Heaven has been, and is so often quoted, but if there was time, I would show you that Christ is not referring-as so many think- to eternal life in the "heavenlies" that Paul talks about to the Body of Christ (what one might call "Christians"), but rather referring to what the Jew would call the "Promised Land"- the eternal Kingdom that Christ came to offer the Jew (the Children of Abraham to whom were offered the covenants), which sadly was not accepted but rather turned away (which fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah 53). Jesus said that only in His own country is a prophet turned away, and he further said to the pharisees "I come in the name of My Father who sent me, and you accept Me not, If one will come in his own name (which he will by the way) him you will accept". These days are nearly upon us, I am both afraid to say, and excited to say at the same time. I am sad to see what is coming for this world, and especailly Israel, but can hardly wait for the event Paul tells awaits those who are "alive in Christ" as well as those who are "currently sleeping" (have passed away) but will be taken up in the twinkling of an eye even before us living folks. Grackle, the verse you quoted is regarding the precious few Jews, Jesus own people, who-just as when He was on this earth the first time, will accept His message of the New Covenant the second time around when it is brought amidst the seven year period known as the tribulation. Unlike most of us "Cristians" believe, or understand as we were taught as children growing up, the parables are not a template to "show us how to live", but rather the things Israel must do to "enter the Kingdom of Heaven", which is why Jesus starts them all out with "The kingdom of Heaven is like unto........". Incidentally, "the Kingdom" with Christ at His throne for one final thousand year period before a "final reckoning" and an eventual brand new Heaven and earth, will be in and on the exact geographical parameters as the original garden of eden, again fulfilling what Ecclesiastese says "as it was in the beginning, so shall it be in the end,......all in it's seasons". It all began in the garden of eden, and it will end for Israel in the same place for eternity, but this time with Christ their "husbandman" on His throne, and they as His pure and acceptable bride,never again seeking other "husbands"- false gods. I love your threads Grackle, we would definately be shooting together at my "seccret pidgeon barn" if you were in Colorado, but don't get too bogged down in politics here on this earth. Vote, let your "yes" be "yes", and your "no" be "no", raise your children to know and love Jesus and His doctrine in scripture, and know to keep their eyes towards the heavens! I believe the time here on this earth is short for "those who know and love Him, and are called according to His purpose". Boy that was windy, sorry guys.
What am I gonna do now? I already have no time left for Hunting Gate, not as much time as I'd like for Airgun Gate, and now an area on Religion and Politics, I'm HOSED"! Take care guys, I imagine there will be responses to this which I will in turn respond to, but I truly believe that the Lord brought this site to me to fill in a hard time, as I have watched a business of twelve years that has supported my wife and four great kids literally go away like the wind. With jobs applied for, and taking what the Lord brings to us in any manner financially, I rest in Him. This forum, and guys like Gene have been a blessing in this largest of "inbetween times". It's scary sometimes, but what a great time to go through my mid-life crisis and second time around with airguns!
God Bless you guys,.......Ross
