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Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for justice: for they shall be filled. Mine eye also shall see my desire on mine enemies, and mine ears shall hear my desire of the wicked that rise up against me. The glory of the Lord shall endure for ever: the Lord shall rejoice in his works. He looketh on the earth, and it trembleth: he toucheth the hills, and they smoke. I will sing unto the Lord as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being. My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the Lord. Let sinners be consumed out of the earth, and let the wicked be no more. Bless thou the Lord, O my soul. Praise ye the Lord.

Author Topic: Christian Teachings  (Read 814 times)

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AGelbert

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Christian Teachings
« on: April 01, 2022, 02:42:01 pm »
AGelbert NOTE: This post by David Rossiter about 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 should be shouted from the rooftops.

That said, the fact that David Rossiter included having built an 🦖 Oil Rig , of all things, in his bio does not help :(. Now that we all know how polluting to our biosphere and damaging to human health Oil Rigs are, and more importantly, how diametrically opposed to all things Christian (i. e. Christ’s Commandment to have the same benevolent compassion for our neighbor as we have for ourselves) the “business model” of the Social Darwinist, Mammon worshipping Hydrocarbon Fuels “Industry” is, I hope he has repented of the sin of building an Oil Rig.

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David Rossiter A preacher for several decades, a lover of the Bible but more a lover of God . 4y
BIO: Preacher ☝🏻👍, successful MLM advocate 👍 Former Engineer. Built an Offshore Oil Rig 🤦‍♂️ at Chicago Bridge & Iron B Comm (Law) from Curtin University Graduated 2016 Lived in Perth, Western Australia

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What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 6:9-11?

The meaning of the verses look so clear it seems to be a loaded question. It means exactly what it says, but as with everything, some context will clarify some issues.

Paul is very explicit in chapter 6 that unrighteousness will not inherit the kingdom of God. He then gives some very explicit examples, which I am sure are representative and not a complete list, of the type of lifestyle or behaviour typical of unrighteousness.

The good news is he says in vs 11

And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.

You were like this and now you are not. How did they change? They appeared to be out of a very hedonistic community which seem to regard such actions as normal and every man for himself, anything goes. How could they possibly transform?

The question goes to the heart of becoming a believer. Since God first began nurturing his relationship with man, it was obvious that man could not keep a law no matter how good its intention was. The nature of mankind was against the law. This is well spoken about in both Galatians and Romans.

So it is obvious to me that the NT life was not going to succeed by imposing or encouraging a new set of laws even if they were sanctioned by someone who rose from the dead.

The only way a believer could live a righteous life especially coming out of such a hedonistic society was to have a complete change of heart or nature.

That is the gospel. Paul wrote as stated above

And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.

What happened to them?

They were washed, they were sanctified, separated by God, for God. Accepting the blood of Jesus and the work of God to wash away their sins, their nature was changed. They were like that but no more.

Were they accepted even though they had a sordid (normal!) history? Absolutely!

Why accepted? Because their heart change gave them a different nature. They were no longer the same.

The question posed brings me to the issue of how many people view salvation. They have no faith in the power of the blood. They have no respect for the cross and its power.

All they see is what they feel or what they have done or what they are labelled. The focus is on them and what they feel powerless to change.

So the focus shifts to a fight for tolerance instead of faith in the blood. The church becomes challenged to be inclusive by those who are unwilling to exercise faith in the blood. The message of the cross is watered down so it becomes a symbol only instead the doorway to the power of God.

Paul wrote in chapter 1 of 1 Corinthians

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

So what does 1Cor 6:9–11 mean?

It means that the power of God is both necessary and sufficient to change a life no matter what their past. The change that ensues in a life makes one a new creation, able to inherit the kingdom of God.

Even though Christianity is a choice, choosing opens one to the power of God for change. One is not left with self motivation or will power to effect a change. It is God who makes the difference and it is entirely supernatural.

« Last Edit: April 01, 2022, 05:29:02 pm by AGelbert »
So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 7:12

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AGelbert

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If you have met me and forgotten me, you have lost nothing. If you have met Jesus Christ and now only make a pretense of following Him, you have lost everything.

As to those Socialists that hunger and thirst for Justice but have never had anything to do with real Christianity because of the Mammon worshipping fake version practiced by too many self labelled "Christians" , please read about this experience by Paul the Apostle:

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A group of Epicurean and Stoic philosophers began to debate with him. Some of them asked, “What is this babbler trying to say?” Others remarked, “He seems to be advocating foreign gods.” They said this because Paul was preaching the good news about Jesus and the resurrection. Then they took him and brought him to a meeting of the Areopagus, where they said to him, “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting? You are bringing some strange ideas to our ears, and we would like to know what they mean.” (All the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there spent their time doing nothing but talking about and listening to the latest ideas.)

Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: “People of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious. For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: to an unknown god. So you are ignorant of the very thing you worship—and this is what I am going to proclaim to you.

“The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything.

Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us.  ‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’

“Therefore since we are God’s offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone—an image made by human design and skill. In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent. For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead.”

When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some of them sneered, but others said, “We want to hear you again on this subject.” At that, Paul left the Council. Some of the people became followers of Paul and believed. -- Acts 17:18-34

And there's the rub, isn't it? Too many of my fellow Socialists DO NOT believe Jesus Christ rose from the dead, regardless of the irrefutable historical fact that His small group of terrified and defeated Apostles, only weeks after Christ was Crucified and killed, changed from cowering scared rabbits into bold, miracle working leaders championing Christianity all over the Roman Empire.

If you think they were "crazy", how does that square with common sense? The Apostles were NOT pampered members of the privileged classes with the time on their hands to engage in religious flights of fancy. Jewish Dietary Laws handed down from Moses on guaranteed that they didn't do hallucinogenic drugs either. The Apostles were all hard working members of the common people, not given to 'pie in the sky' promises or illusions of grandeur. In fact, every single one of them, sticking steadfastly to their Faith to the end of their earthly lives, was brutally murdered by the Roman Empire.

Don't tell me they had some "secret strategy" to "spread their religion" by becoming martyrs. That too defies elementary common sense. These people had the unforgettable jaw dropping experience of eating and drinking with Jesus Christ AFTER He rose from the dead, not once, but several times, for a period of just over a month. Faith that Christ rose from the dead was NOT the basis of their Faith; it is the basis of the Faith of true Christians since then.
 
Paul made it clear to any that doubted the Resurrection, like many people of good will do today, that their logic was superficially sound, but tragically short sighted.    
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Now if there is no resurrection, what will those do who are baptized for the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are people baptized for them? And as for us, why do we endanger ourselves every hour? I face death every day—yes, just as surely as I boast about you in Christ Jesus our Lord. If I fought wild beasts in Ephesus with no more than human hopes, what have I gained? If the dead are not raised, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.” Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God—I say this to your shame. -- 1 Corinthians 15:29-33

Paul starts out in 1 Corinthians 15 by reminding them that Jesus did die and was raised from the dead for the salvation of man. This is the foundation of the gospel. Next Paul states that there were witnesses of the resurrection of Jesus, not only by His disciples but by more than 500 people. Paul wrote 1 Corinthians approximately 20 years after Jesus' death and resurrection. It would be very hard to argue or dispute that many credible witnesses.

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But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. More than that, ]we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.

But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.  -- 1 Corinthians15:12-20


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"if God doesn't exist, then everything is permitted" -- Fyodor Dostoevsky, The Brothers Karamazov

I have never met a person of good will, Socialist or not, who wants "everything" to be permitted. "Everything permitted" is as socially AND spiritually DESTRUCTIVE as you can get. You atheists who claim to have a principled code of ethics are engaging in wishful thinking. All concepts used to define what is "Right" and what is "Wrong" are meaningless in a random universe where "might equals right". In a universe where humans are the result of "random, undirected processes", ethics based principles are 'limitations pretending to be virtues'. In a random universe, ethics are "situational". That is, they are 'feel good illusions' that humans invented to pretend our species has empathy.

Social Darwinists are the champions of this morally bankrupt ideology, but there logic is sound if God does not exist. To all true believers in evolutionary theory, whether they label themselves as "Social Darwinists" or not, believe empathy is irrefutable evidence of inexcusable weakness. To them, all who are guided by ethics are deluded fools that should be eliminated from the human 'apex predator' gene pool for the "good" of our species.

But, if God DOES EXIST, we have a firm basis for ETHICAL BEHAVIOR. The term "situational ethics" is an oxymoron. Ethics ALWAYS dictates what is the "right" course of action and the "wrong" course of action. These actions do not change just so some "clever apex predator" can weasel out of principled behavior by using sophistry to "redefine" the "situation". Ethics are NEVER "situational", period.

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“Above all, don't lie to yourself. The man who lies to himself and listens to his own lie comes to a point that he cannot distinguish the truth within him, or around him, and so loses all respect for himself and for others. And having no respect he ceases to love.” -- Fyodor Dostoyevsky

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“The world says: "You have needs -- satisfy them. You have as much right as the rich and the mighty. Don't hesitate to satisfy your needs; indeed, expand your needs and demand more." This is the worldly doctrine of today. And they believe that this is freedom. The result for the rich is isolation and suicide, for the poor, envy and murder.” ― Fyodor Dostoevsky, The Brothers Karamazov

God exists. He created EVERYTHING. The fact that humans, despite our selfish nature, can genuinely CARE about others through empathy that causes us to joyfully help the downtrodden, though that produces no material gain whatsoever, and always some material loss, is irrefutable evidence of our Creator's BENEVOLENT COMPASSION shining through us, not some "limitation pretending to be a virtue", just so we can "feel good" about ourselves.

Jesus Christ is the Open Door. I'm as much a total failure in just about everything I have ever done that you can imagine, but He Saved me, several times, from the slavery of a godless world. Amazing Grace - AMAZING GOD. Open that door, friend. Jesus Christ is calling you home now.

Amazing grace, How sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me. I once was lost, but now I am found, Was blind, but now I see. ✨  'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, And grace my fears relieved. How precious did that grace appear The hour I first believed. ✨  Through many dangers, toils and snares I have already come, 'Tis grace has brought me safe thus far And grace will lead me home. ✨ The Lord has promised good to me His word my hope secures; He will my shield and portion be, As long as life endures. ✨  Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail, And mortal life shall cease I shall possess within the veil, A life of joy and peace. ✨  When we've been there ten thousand years Bright shining as the sun, We've no less days to sing God's praise Than when we've first begun. 🕊️

Amazing Grace Instrumental With Lyrics




« Last Edit: April 02, 2022, 06:20:05 pm by AGelbert »
So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 7:12

AGelbert

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So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 7:12

AGelbert

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Agelbert NOTE: I take full responsibility for the emojies and bunny gifs, along with the bold and colored font below. Pastor Mike Winger DID NOT do any of that. I did all that because I am convinced (for several decades now) that Kenneth Copeland is, and has been from the beginning of his "ministry", one of these:
 

207,560 views Streamed live on Sep 28, 2020

A Serious Study of the Best 💰😇 "Name-It-and-Claim-It" 😈 Verse Ever: The Mark Series pt 43 (11:22-25)


Mike Winger 361K subscribers

This, right here, is probably the most powerful "name-it-and-claim-it" verse in the Bible.

Mark 11:23–24 (NASB95)
“Truly I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is going to happen, it will be granted him.

“Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you.

Honestly, I really struggled in prep for this study. At first I found myself wanting to just make sure that this passage wasn't used for the kind of stuff 😈 Kenneth Copeland teaches.

But I sensed that, in my desire to avoid a particular interpretation, I might be blinding myself to what the passage is saying. So, I took a different approach, one that I try to always take but one that was particularly difficult for me to do this time around. I took myself out of the debate over "name-it-and-claim-it" teaching in the 21st century and instead sought to thoroughly understand how this radical passage makes sense in the context of Mark and the rest of the New Testament. The result has been a really rewarding study on the power of prayer and the reality of faith in the midst of suffering. This passage doesn't fit "name-it-and-claim-it" and it doesn't fit cessationism either. My hope is that I can bring clarity with this study and stir up faith. Faith 🕊️ for miracles and faith 🕊️ for suffering.

See the WHOLE Gospel of Mark playlist here

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« Last Edit: April 16, 2022, 06:15:40 pm by AGelbert »
So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 7:12

AGelbert

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Why Did Jesus’ Body Still Have Marks?
« Reply #4 on: April 16, 2022, 05:59:05 pm »
29,808 viewsStreamed live on Apr 15, 2022

20 Questions with Pastor Mike (Episode 70)


Mike Winger 406K subscribers

Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference:
0:00 - Intro

1. 0:34 {Why Did Jesus’ Body Still Have Marks?} Why did Jesus' resurrected body still bear the scars and injuries which brought about His death? It is my understanding that our own resurrected bodies will be perfect in every way, not merely those we had just prior to death. I, for one, want all my absent teeth and hair back! Why wasn't Jesus' body also perfect, as ours will be?

2. 10:28 {Typology in Noah’s Story?} Do you think Noah could be a “type” of Christ? Why or why not?

3. 13:18 {Learning to Desire our Study Time} How do I develop a craving for solid biblical teaching? I really enjoy your content, but I become bored easily. It’s easy for me to get distracted in my free time.

4. 16:25 {Is Evolution Contrary to Belief in God?} I've noticed many people don't believe in God because of evolution. Is evolution contrary to God? Could God really have created the earth in 6 literal days? Can God “speed up” the creation process?

5. 25:26 {Was Adam the First Man?} It seems in Genesis 1, that God creates humanity and blesses them, but then later in Genesis 2, God creates Adam as a representative in Eden. Doesn’t Scripture teach Adam was the first man?

6. 31:09 {Are Angels Made in the Image of God?} In a previous episode, you stated that angels are not made in the image of God. Is that really something that we can state definitively?

7. 34:32 {God/Satan in our Dreams?} Does God and/or Satan visit us in dreams?

8. 39:12 {Was Simon Magus Repentant?} In Acts 8:9, Do you think Simon Magus was aware that he wasn’t right with God before Peter rebuked him? Some commentaries assume that he was never truly repentant, but some say he was genuine.

9. 43:56 {Can We “Over-Study” the Bible?} Is it possible to over-study Scripture & theology? I feel like I constantly burn myself out on God's Word, but I also feel terrible if I go too long (like a day or two) without studying it.

10. 46:33 {Where Did Satan’s Rebellion Come From?} Since God is not the author of evil and didn't create a kingdom with temptation or evil beings, how did Lucifer's pride and rebellion come about?

11. 50:27 {How Intimate Before Marriage is Appropriate?} I think sexual intimacy prior to marriage (i.e., clothed sexual touching/rubbing) is sinful, but my fiancée disagrees. What do I do, as a soon to be husband, when we disagree on what is sinful?

12. 58:15 {Resolving a “Contradiction”} About generational sin: Exodus 34:7 vs Ezekiel 18: 20…can you please explain how we should understand this apparent contradiction?

13. 1:03:51 {Is a Continuous Drunkard Saved?} Are you still saved if you can't stop drinking?

14. 1:07:48 {Does God Control our Free Will?} In Proverbs 21:1 it says, "The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord. Like the rivers of water He turns it wherever He wishes." Does that mean God controls the king's free will?

15. 1:09:53 {How was Solomon Wise since he Turned Away?} How was Solomon considered to be the wisest man on Earth and yet he, too, turns away from God in his old age? He also doesn't seem to recognize his sinful ways. He doesn't even ask God to relent.

16. 1:12:01 {Witnessing Opportunity vs. Spiritual Trap!} I met some Muslims who were evangelizing, and I went up to them to challenge their beliefs. They invited me to a Ramadan dinner at a mosque. Should I go, or would that be a spiritual trap?

17. 1:13:28 {Are Court Weddings Recognized by God?} I watched the whole marriage series and didn’t find anything about this: my wife and I have been married for 8 years (through the court) and she claims God doesn’t acknowledge it. Thoughts?

18. 1:16:13 {About Jesus’ 40 Days in the Desert} I saw a video where you said “3 days and nights” was a Jewish idiom. Is 40 days in the desert the same, or is the Bible referring to 40 as just a long time that can be tangible (40 days, 40 nights, 40 years, etc.)?

19. 1:19:09 {Can a True Christian Deny Jesus’ Deity?} If a person believes in the Gospel, that Christ died for our sins and rose from the dead, but they don't believe that Jesus was God (just a "higher spiritual being"), are they a Christian?

20. 1:22:21 {Obeying vs. Honoring Parents} I am a legal adult and I currently still live in my parents’ home. I am looking at moving out in the near future, but my parents believe that young women shouldn’t leave the home until they’re married. Where do you draw the line between personal convictions and the command to honor your parents?

CLICK HERE for my worship song, "I Believe"  (I give permission for people to freely use it for ministry)

THANK YOU for your patience as we always get more questions than I can possibly answer, but I will do my best.

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« Last Edit: April 16, 2022, 06:13:44 pm by AGelbert »
So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 7:12

AGelbert

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Skeptics Respond To The Evidence For The Resurrection of Jesus
« Reply #5 on: May 08, 2022, 01:19:09 pm »
Skeptics Respond To The Evidence For The Resurrection of Jesus


Mike Winger 416K subscribers

Here's some links you may want...

My full presentation on the resurrection of Jesus

A lot of good stuff on the evidence for the resurrection http://garyhabermas.com

AGelbert's two cents:

Teen Atheist Becomes Christian Because of This Evidence

« Last Edit: May 08, 2022, 05:22:58 pm by AGelbert »
So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 7:12

AGelbert

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SOURCE: The Hebrew-Greek Key Study Bible

Editor: Spiros Zodhiates 🕊️✨
AGelbert NOTE: Italics are from Spiros Zodhiates. Extra emphasis from font size increase, bold and smileys are my doing.

In order to understand this parable, two words must be comprehended. The word diebllēthē in verse 1, translated as "accused.", should actually be translated "falsely accused." It is derived from diaballō, from which the word diabolos, "devil," is derived. The devil's accusations are always false.

The unjust person in this parable is not the business manager, but the rich employer who dismissed this business manager on hearsay or false accusation.

The next important word is the one found in verse 4 and translated "when I am put out." The Greek word is metastathō, from methistēmi, which was the word used by the Greeks to denote the removal from this world to the next (see Acts 13:22 where the word "removed" is the same word, "taken away from this world").

The basic lesson of this parable is that when the business manager was given a termination notice from his job and was required to collect the bad debts due his lord before his final removal as he engaged in the forgiveness of part of the debts due his lord; so the believer must act from the moment he is saved. In view of metastasis, his removal from the earth, he must engage in the declaration of the forgiveness of debts (sins). This declaration of forgiveness of sins is the most important ☝🏻 thing that any believer can engage in during his life of faith before his departure from the earth (death ).

Verse 9 declares what will happen when the believer, here presented as the business manager (see I Corinthians 4:1), is finally removed from his job on earth as a steward of God. The business manager  collected at least part of the debts due to his master, thus pleasing his master, who would have otherwise received nothing. It pleased the debtors who were unable to pay the full debt due, and they became friends of the business manager. When the busness manager was going to be found in need himself after his removal from his job became effective, they would take him in their homes and give him hospitality. In the same way the Lord says in verse 9 that the friends, the people we win to Christ by means of the mammon of unrighteousness (money), will constitute the welcoming committee in heaven when we die (hotan, "when, eklipēte, "you are eclipsed, you die").


One more basic thing needs to be made clear inthe translation of verse 8. The literal translation is "And the Lord commended the economist (or business manager) of unrighteousness (of injustice, adikia)." It is very unfortunate that the "economist of unrighteousness" has been translated as the "unjust steward." The Lord would never commend and unjust steward. In this story, it is not the steward who was unjust, but the employer who dismissed him on a false accusation.


The, word adikia, "unrighteousness." in many instances in the New Testament stands for money, because money is used for unrighteous purposes much of the time (see verse 9). For instance, in Acts 1:18, the money which Judas receied for betraying the Lord Jesus is called misthos, the reward or pay for adikias, "iniquity or unrighteousness," exactly the same word used in Luke 16.8. The word translated "wisely" or "wiser" in verse 8 is not "wise" at all but "prudent", phronimos, as contrasted to sophos and sophia. Phronimos means "he who knows how to regulate his affairs with his fellow humans," while sophos means "the one who knows how to regulate his relationship with God." The one is a horizontal relationship and the other is a perpendicular one. He who is managed by God manages people best. See a very detailed study in the Editor's book, How to Manage Money.

Luke Chapter 16 KJV

1 And he said also unto his disciples, There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused falsely accused unto him that he had wasted his goods.

2 And he called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this of thee? give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward.

3 Then the steward said within himself, What shall I do? for my lord taketh away from me the stewardship: I cannot dig; to beg I am ashamed.

4 I am resolved what to do, that, when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.

5 So he called every one of his lord's debtors unto him, and said unto the first, How much owest thou unto my lord?

6 And he said, An hundred measures of oil. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and sit down quickly, and write fifty.

7 Then said he to another, And how much owest thou? And he said, An hundred measures of wheat. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and write fourscore.

8 And the lord commended the unjust steward 👉 economist of the mammon of unrighteousness , because he had done wisely 👉 been more prudent: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser 👉 more prudent than the children of light.

9 And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations.

10 He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.

11 If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?

12 And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own?

13 No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

14 And the Pharisees also, who were 😈💰 covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him.

15 And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.
« Last Edit: May 19, 2022, 04:16:53 pm by AGelbert »
So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 7:12

AGelbert

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Re: Christian 🕊️ Teachings
« Reply #7 on: May 25, 2022, 08:20:10 pm »
20 Questions with Pastor Mike 🕊️ Episode 73)


47,879 views Streamed live on May 20, 2022 Mike Winger 🕊️ 426K subscribers

0:00 - Intro

1. 0:49 {Conviction vs. Condemnation} Can you help me process the difference between “conviction” and “condemnation”? I know it’s right to feel sorry when I sin, but where’s the fine line between that feeling and allowing my guilt to cripple me and make me feel like a failure who is unclean before God?

2. 14:09 {Thoughts about IVF} What are your thoughts about IVF? I’ve been battling infertility for a few years, but I’m concerned about whether IVF is biblically acceptable, especially about discarding the extra embryos. Is it equal to abortion to discard the embryos even if we can't guarantee they will grow if planted in the womb?

3. 18:32 {Did the Father Turn His Face Away?} Did the Father really turn His face away from Jesus on the cross?

4. 24:27 {About the Witness in John 8} In John 8: 13-19, Jesus testifies that the Father is His witness. Given the emphasis on 2 witnesses in the Law, why did He not mention the Holy Spirit in this point? The absence is conspicuous.

5. 31:06 {Are Ministry Raffles & Lotteries Biblical?} What does the Bible say about ministries that raise money using raffles, lotteries, or giveaways? Would you give money to them? They appeal to my (and presumably others’) carnality. Is this sinful?

6. 37:01 {The Trinity: Can We Ever be 100% Certain?} I've been fighting doubts and "what ifs" about the Trinity lately, and though I'm confident in the answers I've gotten, I fear I'll never be certain about it again. Any advice?

7. 45:02 {Help Understanding Gossip} I’ve been confused about what type of talk is considered “gossip.” I don’t want to be doing it, but sometimes it’s hard for me to tell if it’s gossip or not. How do I tell what is and isn’t gossip?

8. 49:32 {Are there Differing Accounts of Who Saw Jesus?} How should we explain the differing accounts of people who saw Jesus after He rose? Some verses say women saw Him first, and others say men.

9. 52:04 {Is it Biblical to Spank Children?} Is it biblical for parents to spank their children? Does it model Christian character? Any advice for parents on how to biblically discipline their children, especially young children (around 2 years old)?

10. 57:47 {About the Treasure/Pearl in Matthew 13} Is Matthew 13: 44-46 about us finding salvation in Jesus, OR is it about Jesus giving all for us? Is the treasure/pearl our salvation in Jesus? Or is it our value to Him?

11. 1:02:38 {Wisdom in Applying for Ministry Jobs} I'm pursuing a degree in religion, and considering looking for ministry jobs. Is it right of me to apply for ministry jobs I might not be qualified for and trust the church to make a good decision?

12. 1:04:13 {Clarifying a Confusing Verse} What’s your opinion on Genesis 3: 16? ESV says “contrary to” and other translations say “for.”  It can’t be both, can it? I’m so confused by it.

13. 1:09:39 {Did God Command Balaam & then Become Upset?} Why does God get angry with Balaam in Numbers 22: 20-22 for going when it seems He just told him to go in verse 20?

14. 1:16:01 {About Repentance & Rebuke} Can you talk about Luke 17:3? Should you rebuke someone after they repent?

15. 1:19:23 {Does God Only Speak through Scripture?} Does God still speak to us? I have heard it said that if you want to hear God speak, read your Bible; and if you want to hear Him speak audibly, read the Bible out loud. I believe God does still speak, but I’m conflicted.

16. 1:25:43 {Why is Transgender Surgery Wrong?} If Christian work is restorative: healing the sick, clothing the naked, etc. to create "foretastes" of Heaven, then why is transgender surgery wrong? Isn't that also restorative/fixing disorder?

17. 1:31:53 {About Prophecy in Matthew’s Gospel} A Muslim asked: “Why did the Gospel of Matthew ascribe the prophecy in Isaiah 7 to Jesus, when that prophecy described events which didn’t happen within centuries in Jesus’ lifetime?”

18. 1:36:16 {Loving our Enemies when it’s Difficult} How must we love enemies according to the Bible in extreme scenarios, such as loving murderers and rapists? In which way should we love them?

19. 1:38:34 {Should Pastors Preach Using Commentaries?} We just got a new pastor, and he preaches from commentaries in addition to the Bible. Is this something that we should be cautious about? Is there a line where it can become too much?

20. 1:40:17 {Can God be in the Presence of Sin?} If God cannot be in the presence of sin, how do you reconcile an eternal perfect unity within the Trinity with the moment that Jesus “became sin” on the cross?

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CLICK HERE for my video on supposed contradictions about the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus.

CLICK HERE to see my thorough playlist of videos defending Penal Substitutionary Atonement.
« Last Edit: May 25, 2022, 09:47:11 pm by AGelbert »
So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 7:12

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The World to Come: The Afterlife 🕊️ in Christian Thought
« Reply #8 on: June 14, 2022, 11:03:35 pm »
 

Apr 27, 2012 Carol Zaleski

The World to Come: The Afterlife in Christian 🕊️ Thought



Gordon College 7.44K subscribers

Carol Zaleski; Professor of World Religions, Smith College; Author, "Otherworld Journeys: Accounts of Near-Death Experience in Medieval and Modern Times" and "The Life of the World to Come" - Gordon College - Faith Seeking Understanding Series - Thursday, April 26 2012
« Last Edit: June 15, 2022, 12:26:29 am by AGelbert »
So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 7:12

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Stephen Meyer 🕊️ Answers Questions about the Judeo-Christian Origins of Science


Discovery Science 166K subscribers

Philosopher of science Stephen Meyer answers audience questions on his lecture about the Judeo-Christian origins of modern science. This Q and A was presented at the 2022 Dallas Conference on Science and Faith in January 2022.

The original lecture can be viewed here:

============================
The Discovery Science News Channel is the official Youtube channel of Discovery Institute's Center for Science & Culture. The CSC is the institutional hub for scientists, educators, and inquiring minds who think that nature supplies compelling evidence of intelligent design. The CSC supports research, sponsors educational programs, defends free speech, and produce articles, books, and multimedia content. For more information visit https://www.discovery.org/id/
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« Last Edit: June 20, 2022, 03:41:24 pm by AGelbert »
So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 7:12

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20 Questions with Pastor Mike 🕊️ (Episode 78)


July 15, 2022 39,715 views

Mike Winger 457K subscribers

CLICK HERE for the video on Christophanies (appearances of Jesus) in the Old Testament

CLICK HERE for the FULL series on How to Find Jesus in the Old Testament

0:00 - Intro

1. 0:07 {Spiritual but Not Religious?} How should we respond when someone says, “I’m not religious, I’m spiritual”?

2. 23:14 {Who is our “Neighbor”?} “Who, then, is my neighbor?” In Luke 10: 25-37, I know the Good Samaritan is me, but who does the "neighbor" he helped represent? I have never met a naked, beaten, and robbed Jew...I don't think.

3. 26:35 {About Mid-Acts Dispensationalism} Can you give some more information on the Mid-Acts Dispensationalism movement? It sounds biblical.

4. 31:11 {Should Ungodly Behavior Cause Doubt?} If I were to doubt Christianity (I don't), it would be because of a lack of holiness. Christians seem to be jerks at the same rate as the world, or more. Why is this, if we have the Holy Spirit?

5. 36:40 {God in the Garden} Who was walking in the garden in Genesis 3:8? Was it Jesus, the Father, the Holy Spirit, or all three?

6. 41:50 {About Anglo/British Israelism} What are your thoughts on Anglo-Israelism or British Israelism? It is the belief that America and the British commonwealth are physical descendants of Israel.

7. 44:41 {Discerning True vs. False Prophecies} How do you test WOF prophecy when it sounds more like insights/encouragements, not foretelling future events? What SHOULD modern prophecy sound like?

8. 48:49 {Is Fear of Hell a Valid Motivator?} Would a death bed conversion work if the main driving factor is the fear of Hell rather than choosing to trust God?

9. 51:58 {Biblical Advice for Parents} What advice can you give to parents in these times to help them raise children who choose to trust and follow Jesus later in life? Can you do a biblical series on parenting?

10. 55:33 {What Should I Do if I Question My Salvation?} If someone is thinking that they might not be saved, seeing their sinfulness, what should they do? “Not sinning” sort of seems like a Band-Aid on the problem.

11. 1:00:07 {Singular vs. Plural Pronouns for God?} Why is it improper to refer to God as "they" instead of "He," since He is three persons? Example of the problem: "He spoke to Job out of the storm" tends to make us think the Father alone is speaking.

12. 1:03:03 {Can Past Sins Disqualify a Man from Leadership?} If a man’s pre-salvation life is especially disgraceful, could he ever truly be “above reproach” (1 Timothy 3:2)? Could old sin, then, even if confessed, disqualify him from being a pastor or elder?

13. 1:09:07 {About the Geneva Bible} In your study of Bible translations, have you ever looked at the Geneva Bible that I believe the pilgrims used? What is its textual basis? Do you think Christians should read it?

14. 1:12:54 {Is there Room in Christianity for Psychedelics?} Given the resurgence of psychedelics for recreation and therapeutic use in Western society, is there room for it in Christianity, or should its use stay separate from spiritual practice?

15. 1:17:59 {What were the “Horns” on the Altar?} Why did the altar in the Tabernacle have the horns? Could you please clarify this?

16. 1:20:20 {What does it Mean to “Share in Christ’s Sufferings”?} When we share in Christ’s sufferings, does that refer only to suffering that comes in opposition to doing God’s will, or can it also include something like suffering through a disease or a loss?

17.
1:24:35 {Is Anyone Presently in Hell?} Is Hell something that is taking place right now, or is that a future reality after the final judgment (Luke 16: 19-31)?

18. 1:27:19 {Seminary Suggestions and How to Study Well} I’m currently a Junior in high school and plan to go to a seminary after school to become a preacher. How and where do I start studying the Bible to become a true BibleThinker?

19. 1:30:56 {Are there Multiple “Gods” in Jeremiah?} Why does Jeremiah 46: 25 and Jeremiah 51: 44 make it seem like there are multiple gods? How can God punish a god that doesn’t exist?

20. 1:35:41 {Should Prayer be a Dialogue or Monologue?} Should prayer be a dialogue or monologue? How should we determine if instances of humans having a dialogue with God in the Bible are to be taken as normative?

This is the secret location where I store my searchable database of hundreds of videos 
https://biblethinker.org/biblethinker-qa-topical-index/

You can also find me on podcast, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and the dreadful TikTok. Just search my name.
« Last Edit: July 17, 2022, 12:44:54 pm by AGelbert »
So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 7:12

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I Found These Atheist Memes Online. Here’s What’s Wrong with Them.



Mike Winger 468K subscribers

Timestamps!
0:00 - Intro
Meme 1: 0:43
Meme 2: 4:51
Meme 3: 11:28
Meme 4: 21:39
Meme 5: 31:37
Meme 6: 35:57
Meme 7: 39:49

I hope that this video doesn't just trigger people (though I'm sure that's unavoidable) but that it stirs serious thought and consideration.

https://BibleThinker.org

AGelbert COMMENT: Pastor Winger, you are a 🕯️ light in the present darkness.

The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out. Proverbs 13:9 King James Version
« Last Edit: August 09, 2022, 05:50:46 pm by AGelbert »
So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 7:12

AGelbert

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🙏🏼
« Reply #12 on: August 20, 2022, 06:46:57 pm »
🙏🏼
So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 7:12

AGelbert

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Three Big Myths about the History of Christianity and Science Exposed by Historian Michael Keas


Discovery Science 169K subscribers

Historian of science Michael Keas explores the relationship between science and Christianity, discussing three big myths about the history of science and Christianity. Dr. Keas is author of Unbelievable: 7 Myths about the History and Future of Science and Religion.

============================
The Discovery Science News Channel is the official Youtube channel of Discovery Institute's Center for Science & Culture. The CSC is the institutional hub for scientists, educators, and inquiring minds who think that nature supplies compelling evidence of intelligent design. The CSC supports research, sponsors educational programs, defends free speech, and produce articles, books, and multimedia content. For more information visit https://www.discovery.org/id/
http://www.evolutionnews.org/
http://www.intelligentdesign.org/

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter:
Twitter: @discoverycsc
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/discoverycsc/

Visit other Youtube channels connected to the Center for Science & Culture
Discovery Institute:
Dr. Stephen C. Meyer:
The Magician's Twin - CS Lewis & Evolution:
Darwin's Heretic - Alfred Russel Wallace
« Last Edit: August 27, 2022, 02:57:27 pm by AGelbert »
So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 7:12

AGelbert

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IT'S THE SOCIAL DARWINISM, STUPID!
« Reply #14 on: September 08, 2022, 04:45:49 pm »

By Anthony G. Gelbert

IT'S THE SOCIAL DARWINISM, STUPID!

The Ethical Human Shows Kindness Toward Women, the Poor, the Outcasts, the Weak, and Those Who are Suffering in different ways. To the Social Darwinist, Empathy Practiced by Ethical Humans is irrefutable evidence of inexcusable weakness.
Quote
so·cial Dar·win·ism [ˈsōSHəl ˈdärwənˌizəm] NOUN

the theory that individuals, groups, and peoples are subject to the same Darwinian laws of natural selection as plants and animals. Now largely discredited, social Darwinism was advocated by Herbert Spencer and others in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and was used to justify political conservatism, imperialism, and racism and to discourage intervention and reform.

AGelbert NOTE: The above definition found in Bing is correct in everything but the part about Social Darwinism being "Now largely discredited". If anything, it is more destructively widespread than ever. Social Darwnism is the ideological cornerstone of Capitalism! Capitalism certainly hasn't "been discredited", but instead, has increased its pernicious (i.e. having a harmful effect, especially in a gradual or subtle way) influence on the fabric of human society.

Quote
"Capitalist ideology claims that the world is perfectly ordered and everybody is in their place (i.e. everybody gets what they deserve). This self legitmating aspect of Capitalism is Socially Catastrophic. This is the Victorian view of the world." Rob Urie - Author " Zen Economics

In the above quote, Capitalist ideology is equated with the Victorian worldview. The problem for readers is that most people, especially my fellow Socialists, associate the Victorian worldview with "Christianity". This 'common wisdom' (used too often among Socialists to make Christianity the whipping boy) is an erroneous assumption. The fact is that the Victorian worldview was Orwellian (before Orwell!), in the extreme, because it claimed to be "Christian" when, in practice, it was Social Darwinism, the antithesis of Christianity.   

For those who claim that "Capitalism" is NOT "Social Darwinism", and 'I should not try to associate the morally bankrupt ideology of Social Darwism with Capitalism, which is only problematic for society when taken to extremes', please remember that exploiting the labor of other humans for profit, an integral part of the Capitalist's modus operandi, is NOT the MAIN goal of a Capitalist. The fundamental goal of every Capitalist true believer is to eliminate the competition in order to corner the market, thus guaranteeing price setting dictatorship which results in continually increasing the amount of Capital. This is socially destructive. WHY? Because, as more and more Capital is concentrated in fewer and fewer hands, more and more misery results in more and more humans.

To the Capitalist, this is exactly the way it should be. That is why anyone who cares to look at what Capitalism REALLY means to the Capitalist worldview will see that there isn't a dime's worth of difference between the ideology of a Capitalist and that of a Social Darwinist.

Capitalist ideology militates against altruistic behavior because it is a profit reducing "weakness". There is NO invisible hand "benefiting" (see: Orwell) society; there is only the "invisible" hand benefit (i.e. profit) for the self-interested (i.e. egocentric) individual, no matter what the cost to the community (there ALWAYS is a cost, NOT a benefit, to the community when an individual profits at the expense of others). A no holds barred "fiduciary responsibility" to bankrupt the competition is integral (necessary to make a whole complete; essential or fundamental) to Capitalism.

To clearly see the Social Darwinist rot in Capitalism, you simply need to understand that every Capitalist (see: "Apex Predator") sees himself or herself as a 🦍 self-interested individual, NOT a member of the community, duty-bound (i.e. morally or legally obliged to do something) to preserve and protect the welfare of his or her community.     

Read the following and tell me if it doesn't fit EXACTLY with the Capitalist ideology dominating the USA today:
                           
Social Darwinists believe that ethics based principles are 'limitations pretending to be virtues'. To them, ethics are 'feel good illusions' that humans invented to pretend our species has empathy. To Social Darwinists, empathy is irrefutable evidence of inexcusable weakness. To them, all who are guided by ethics are deluded fools that should be eliminated from the human 'apex predator' gene pool for the "good" of our species.

Enthusiastic converts to Social Darwinism have, to this day, used the language of evolution to frame an understanding of the growing gulf between the rich and the poor, as well as the many differences between cultures all over the world. The explanation they arrived at, and continue to use to justify biosphere trashing profit over people and planet, regardless of any alligator tear filled mendacious claims to the contrary, is that businessmen and others who are economically and socially successful are so because they are biologically and socially “naturally” the fittest. 🙄🤔

Conversely they reason that the poor are “naturally” weak and unfit and it would be an error to allow the weak of the species to continue to breed. 😨


The 😈 money lenders have played a key role in funding this deceit propagated in high schools and universities, where it is passed off as "the Capitalist fiduciary duty of corporations to make a profit above ANY OTHER CONSIDERATION, be it the health and wellbeing of employees or the environment". It is, and always was, legerdemain formulated by the monied elite to dress up selfish, abusive, exploitative and cruel behavior towards "less important" humans and/or animals experimented upon in research labs, as "scientifically justified".

📢 Not only is Social Darwinism NOT scientifically justified in ANY way, shape or form, if we do not vigorously 🗽 act to make 🕊️ ethical 🌞 behavior sine qua non in our schools, businesses and all other everyday social activities and practices, AND take 🗽 punitive measures to permanently remove the socially, AND ☠️ environmentally, catastrophic influence of 💰😈🎩 Social Darwinists through 🗽 fines and/or prison, things will only get 💩 worse. 😬😵😱

Here are some quotes by erudite ✨ writers that clearly expose the pernicious Social Darwinist ROT destroying the fabric of our society:
Quote
"The American idea, meanwhile — descended from slavery — was just the opposite: only the strong should survive, and the weak should perish. Therefore, nobody deserved anything at all — even the basics — because human life had no inherent or intrinsic worth. Only the strong deserved such things — and they were the ones who could dominate and exploit and control everyone else." -- Umair Haque
Quote
"Trump’s failure to go strong with masking, “lockdowns,” and invocation of the Defense Production Act (to order the mass manufacture of medical supplies) reflected not only his desire to keep the economy going (ironically enough since failure to undertake proper public health measures deepened the economic impact of the virus) for his re-election but also his rejection of science and his racist, Social Darwinian, and pre-genocidal approval of how COVID-19 especially killed the old, the infirm, the poor, and the nonwhite and how the virus initially targeted big multiracial urban and Democratic areas." -- Paul Street February 7, 2021
Agelbert NOTE: "Free-dumb", as described below by Paul Street, is indistinguishable from Social Darwinism in action:     
Quote
"America became obsessed with free-dumb: the idea of freedom as the removal of all restraint, the right to harm others, the ability to do anything you please, no matter how destructive, toxic, foolish, or inane. Americans — in the vast, vast majority — think of freedom in a way that by now the rest of the rich world and much of the poor one regards as dangerously backwards. Freedom is the right not to ever have to cooperate, to invest, to act for the common wealth or common good. Why is America the only rich society in the world that doesn’t have effectively any public goods? No functioning healthcare, retirement, higher education, and so forth? Because of free-dumb. “I won’t pay for their healthcare, education, retirement!!” Why not? “They’re weak! They’re liabilities and burdens!! They cost me money!!” But wait, don’t you understand that means you won’t have those very same things yourself — because such social institutions are for everyone? “I don’t care! I won’t reward weakness and laziness! Such people need to be punished! And I should be free not to have support the weak!”" -- Paul Street  February 7, 2021
Quote
"Environmental decline is a threat to the everyone. If people conceived of themselves as members of this community, rather than as self-interested individuals, then ending environmental decline might take precedence over individual self-realization. Before dismissing this formulation as utopian, we, the people, do constitute the community that is threatened by environmental decline. The social tension here isn’t between individual and group interests. It is between people who understand themselves to be members of a community and those who don’t. While granting differences by class on the road to environmental Armageddon, ‘we’ are the community that will be ☠️ annihilated. In this sense individualism is the ultimate authoritarian conceit." -- Rob Urie February 12, 2021
Quote
"Look at our world, our country, our interactions with each other… … this is not the mark of a healthy society, and if these are the self-appointed leaders of this flaming meteor… ... it’s time to move on... ... Let’s relegate these fools to history. They perpetuate a narrative that it is right to behave in a strictly selfish, exploitative manner towards all. We simply can’t survive it any longer. Things will change because they have to -- Kathleen Wallace
So then, do you agree that human society MUST embrace Ethical Behavior as the indispensable condition (sine qua non) in order to survive, and overcome, the onslaught of Social Darwinism?

If not, you can stop reading now. If so, please read on. All people of good will who truly want to change things for the better should ponder the words below, of Spiros Zodhiates, seriously, prudently leaving aside preconcieved (i.e. formed before having the evidence for its truth or usefulness) notions of the Gospel of Luke. Ethical behavior is not optional for people of good will, whether they be Socialists or not. And, if you are a devotee of Greek Classical Literature, you will certainly find this interesting.

Spiros Zodhiates,Th.D, wrote the folllowing introduction to the Gospel of Luke in the 1988 edition of the Hebrew-Greek Key Study Bible. Notice the contrast of the behavior of Jesus with what the "modern" Social Darwinist (See; "Apex Predators") empathy rejecting, morally bankrupt, "might equals right" worshipping ideology:
     
"The Most Beautiful Book Ever Written"
Quote
The Gospel of Luke portrays Jesus as the long awaited Messiah of the Jews and also the Savior of all mankind. Special emphasis is placed upon the kindness of Jesus toward women, the poor, the outcasts, the weak, and those who were suffering in different ways. In addition, the book is filled with expressions of praise and prayer. Luke's account had a universal appeal, aspecially to the Gentiles. Jesus is presented as the perfect Man who is truly interested in every person on earth, no matter what his station in life.

Luke was aimed at the Greek mind, and therefore had to be written in a comprehensive, logical, and orderly manner. There are portions of the book which approach Classical Greek Literature. Luke has been called "the most beautiful book ever written."

There is little doubt that the author was Luke, the "beloved physician" (Col. 4:14). From the context of this passage we learn that Luke was "not of the circumcision" and, consequently, he may have been the only Gentile writer of the New Testament.

Paul refers to him as his "fellow worker" in Philemon 24. Several pasages indicate that he was a close companion to the Apostle during the missionary journys of the book of Acts.

He was with Paul until the very end (II Tim. 4:11). Judging fom the style of his Greek, we surmise that he was the most cultured of all the writers of the Gospel.

« Last Edit: September 08, 2022, 06:24:40 pm by AGelbert »
So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 7:12