what are your thoughts on this scripture?
603888
I believe the people Jesus is speaking of are people who never had a relationship with him. It would be like me going to Brad Pitt and saying - hey - you should let me in your house. I have seen all of your movies and I'm president of your fan club. But Brad Pitt would say - I'm not letting you in my house - I've never met you. You see, Jesus wants us to share ourselves with him. He wants to meet us and get to know us personally. He wants that relationship with us above everything. I wouldn't want someone I didn't know living in my house for all eternity either. Especially if I laid down my life for them and they still didn't want to get to know me.
54058
It's not wrong. Actually I think it's great!\n\nThe bible doesn't say that it's wrong. Even if it did, so what? It's just a book. Fiction, too.\n\nDoesn't it also say "Don't judge, lest ye be judged"? Or something like that?
283257
"Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand."\n\nNot only are we blessed to read this book, but are encouraged to keep it. This book is not just the revelation of some really confusing visions, it is:\n\n"The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw."\n\nIt reveals Jesus, and was given to us by Him. He is the Word that was made flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14).\n\nMany who claim to be Christian cast this book aside if not in part, or whole, by their heretical self interpretations. We ought not to interpret the Bible to our on devices, using our own understanding, rather we should pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit.\n\n"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" 2 Timothy 3:16\n\nThe Bible was inspired by the Spirit of God and is not of any private interpretation.\n\n"KNOWING THIS FIRST, THAT NO PROPHECY OF THE SCRIPTURE IS OF ANY PRIVATE INTERPRETATION. FOR THE PROPHECY CAME NOT IN OLD TIME BY THE WILL OF MAN: BUT HOLY MEN OF GOD SPAKE AS THEY WERE MOVED BY THE HOLY GHOST." 2 Peter 1:20,21\n\nThe Bible is good for us in it's entirety, both testements, all books, and you should be encouraged to read it as well as encourage others.\n\nGod Bless
681758
"...can it be backed up with scripture?"\n\nCertainly not; it's not Scriptural.  It's a pseudo-religious phrasing of an old conservative attitude.
692460
Ah good question - as it's oft misquoted...\n\nFrom Revelation 20:\nThen I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. Earth and sky fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what he had done. Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.\n\nBut Christians believe (and I think it's pretty obvious) that:\n\n"for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God"\n\nand:\n\n"For the wages of sin is death"\n\nSo everyone will be found guilty and deserves death.\n\nHowever, Christians believe that Jesus paid the price for us (ie he died in our place) and because we choose to trust in him, He will step in and say - the price has been paid and so they'll get into heaven, not because of anything they have done, but simply because of God's grace.\n\n"Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him."\n\nHence, as Christians we should not judge others - because we are no better - we all only get into heaven by grace.  Hence, Jesus saying:\n\n"Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven."
667577
As a firm believer in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, I must admit, that the book was well written. The cast of the movie is top notch. However the movie is complete blasphemy against our Lord. The Bible clearly shows the Life of Jesus, no where does it mention Him being married or having children. \nIt is sad, but true, that many Christians and non-Christians that watch this movie are going to be shown a perverted view of Jesus Christ.\nIf somebody was really interested in learning about the Lord God, please I encourage you to pick up a Bible. \nCompare how Jesus fulfills all the prophecies about the coming messiah. Some of which were written 500+ years before His birth.\n\nJohn 3:16- For God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten son, that whoever shall believe in Him, shall not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world but that the world through Him might be saved.\n18 He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believe in the name of the only begotten Son of God
293665
It is confusing. That is why I read my Bible everyday. I believe it is the Word of God. That is all He has given me to go on. I do feel sorry for people who do not realize this. They are easily swayed. It also keeps me on track by belonging to a church. Jesus loves the church, He is coming back for the church.
1183517
How about taking that quotation a bit further- includsing the verses that come afterwards...\n\n"18. I will set up a prophet for them from among their brothers like you, and I will put My words into his mouth, and he will speak to them all that I command him.\n19. And it will be, that whoever does not hearken to My words that he speaks in My name, I will exact [it] of him.\n20. But the prophet who intentionally speaks a word in My name, which I did not command him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet shall die.\n21. Now if you say to yourself, "How will we know the word that the Lord did not speak?"\n22. If the prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, and the thing does not occur and does not come about, that is the thing the Lord did not speak. The prophet has spoken it wantonly; you shall not be afraid of him."\n\nand let us not forget from Deuteronomy, Chapter 13\n\n"1. Everything I command you that you shall be careful to do it. You shall neither add to it, nor subtract from it.\n2. If there will arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of a dream, and he gives you a sign or a wonder,\n3. and the sign or the wonder of which he spoke to you happens, [and he] says, "Let us go after other gods which you have not known, and let us worship them,"\n4. you shall not heed the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of a dream; for the Lord, your God, is testing you, to know whether you really love the Lord, your God, with all your heart and with all your soul."\n\nYep- no prohpet can change the law of God- it is eternal and even somebody doing miraclkes is just a test- and one you pass by ignoring them!
183195
I am a member of Christian of Texas. I enjoy reading the daily digest that is sent to me. My 360 link is http://360.yahoo.com/brickcollecter and my favorite scripture is John 3:16 because it explains our entire plan of salvation in one, simple verse. Too many think that it has to be hard to be saved, that you have to prove something. You don't, it's a gift from God, you only have to accept it and declare it! God bless you.
682487
I walk in the faith that the Bible is a load of codswallup. Especially concerning the parlor tricks of the New Testiment. 1Peter 2-24 included.\n\n-SD-
654974
Having grown up in Pentecostal churches I can say that it is a doctrinal statement and NOT a scripture. It is derived from reading of the experiences of the early church and evangelistic successes. The true evidence of having received the Holy Spirt are the fruit as others have mentioned. Certainly we would expect "Holiness" right? And of course Jesus made it an absolute requirement for His disciples.\nWhy? \nI have been working on this for years... I believe we are to wait corporately for a revelation of Jesus as "glorified King". This is what we are to be witnesses of. It was this revelation that transformed common men into "uncommon" men. This is when they really changed. After that event they were unstoppable and filled with power. They were effective and walked in wisdom. I think this is our mandate also. What do you think about my suggestion?
231392
We would be well to let the Bible interpret itself, and gather all verses on a subject. I would like to encourage everyone to do this.\n\nHere are a few to take a look at:\n\nDaniel 1:8- Daniel refuses wine because he has purposed not to defile himself. I doubt this was new wine, as the fresh juice of the grape does not defile.\n\nIsa. 5:11- Woe to those who drink intoxicating drinks.\nProverbs 23:29-30-More woe...\n\nAlcohol has lead to alot of shame in the Bible. Noah naked (Gen. 9:21), Lot sexually active with his own daughters (Gen. 19:33), The Golden Calf (Ex. 32:6, 25), Amnon rapes his half-sister (2 Sam. 13:28)\n\nWhen you take an honest look at the Biblical record of fermented drink, it is apaulling to think how Christians would try to endorce alcohol as righteous even in moderation!\n\nThe win, grape juice, represented Christ's Blood, and the bread his Body. Just as the bread was "unleavened", leaven representing sin, his blood ought to be considered pure, free from fermentation.\n\nThe Bible is clear on this point, for more info please read:
248703
Sadly, again you are twisting the scripture. According to the structure of the verse, you are likely using the KJV of the Bible. While many Christians swear that this is the "most accurate" version of the Bible, theologians have long disagreed. When looking at the original text for the word "gods" in this text, we find it is the word Elohim. In different translations Elohim is translated as these different words:\nGod\ngods\njudges\n\nIn Exodus 22:8-9, the word Elohim is translated as judges. So what is the proper translation in the case of Ex 22:28. Well, we should read the rest of the chapter to find the proper context. \n\nWhat concept best fits the context of the term? What concept is best understood in the second language? The idea has to be transferred from one culture and time to another culture and time. There may or may not be a literal translation from the first to the second language.\n\nIn the case of the term Elohim in Exodus 22: 28. the translators of the various versions have used gods, God, judges, or simply have carried the Hebrew term over as is. Technically, each translation is correct. However, which one is the best in this passage?\n\nThe term gods carries the idea of something other than the true God of heaven. Why would the people be told not to revile the gods? They were to have nothing to do with them. Because of its connotation, this is not a good translation here.\n\nWhen Exodus 22: 8 and 9 are considered, the term God has definite meaning for the time when this commandment was given. The people were being led by God. He had just issued the Ten Commandments. Whatever the people did or said was considered to be before God. Thus, all judgments were considered to be made by God.\n\nThe judges were considered to be knowledgeable men who represented God. It was they who made decisions when there was a dispute. As a guide, they used the laws that God had given to them through Moses. Because of their position and the authority given to them by Moses, going before them with a case to be decided was as if they were going before God.\n\nAt first glance, the use of several versions for understanding in this example will cause confusion. However, with a knowledge of the background, one can see why the versions use different words in translation. Now, the reader can choose the rendering that he can best comprehend. The person who uses one version only can be at a disadvantage. If there is a poor translation in his version, he may obtain a misunderstanding of the concept. \n\nIn conclusion, I would suggest that either God or judges can be used. However, the reader must read the whole chapter to avoid interpreting this verse out of context. Here is a lesson for not using one verse by itself to formulate a belief.
106125
Heeeww, alot of opinions. But just like the Bible, only the author's interpretation is the correct one. ;)\n\nFor those who stumble at the thought of comparing God to man... it is just a parable or analogy. After all, did not Jesus do this with the prodigal son? Or was He blowing it as well?\n\nOK, Heron, here is the skinny. The guard is that which blocks personal fellowship with God. I can describe it no better than Isaiah did in chapter 59...\n\nBehold, the LORD’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; Nor His ear heavy, that it cannot hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear.\n\nSo to all of those commenting above, yes, God is capable of hearing all who call. But if there is sin in your life, it will cause a seperation. Eliminate the sin barrier, and you have instant access. This is why we needed a Savior.\n\nSo, what my study says is that we need a mediator, someone to go before us and grant us access. Job lamented that he had no such mediator to go before him to a holy God (see Job 9) It says in 1 Timothy 2:5\n\nFor there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus.\n\nSo, we accept Christ into our hearts as Lord and Savior for the forgiveness of sin. Through His blood we are made clean, thus eliminating the "guard" and granting us access. Now we can speak to God, not as some fearful omnipotent Creator, but as our Father in heaven. As we get to know and love Him, we realize through the promises in the Bible that we have been adopted as sons and daughters wherein we can cry out, "Abba!"\n\nThis point was so important for me to teach my kids, that while they were growing up, they learned to call me Abba instead of Dad. Because I want them to know that when they read this promise in the Bible, they will know immediately what it means.\n\nRomans 8:15\nFor you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.”\n\nGalatians 4:6\nAnd because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!”\n\nThe whole point of "Getting Past the Guard" was to put in earthly terms a parable about the eternal realm. It is not an easy task, but it has caused at least a few people to come to know Jesus as Savior. And for that I am thankful and all the angels in heaven rejoice.
84196
I don't think that's an exact Bible passage; it's the title of a song sung in church.\n\nIf you want to search for something in the Bible, this is a great website... put in a keyword or phrase and it'll tell you the passage:\nhttp://www.biblegateway.com/
1121257
The first time I read Isaiah 58, I cried.  And I'm misty reading it again just now.\n\nThis terribly sad Chapter is one of many oracles Isaiah was told to give the Jewish people.  The gist of the entire Chapter is this:  don't say with your mouth you love God, but prove with your actions you don't.  The people said they loved God and they even enjoyed seeking Him in prayer and fasting.  However, when they fasted, they did so for the wrong reasons and they indulged in physical pleasures and iniquity, such as refusing to pay their laborers.  God sees right through this hypocrisy and insists that Isaiah yell his condemnatory message from the rooftops.  The people hated him for it, just as they hated Jeremiah and the rest of the prophets.  And, of course, Jesus.\n\nYes, the world will be angered when you announce its iniquities as if you are blowing a trumpet.  Some, however, will be moved to repentance.  That's what encourages me.\n\nPeace and love in Jesus.
756639
What exactly are you asking? What am I agreeing with? If it's a matter of whether I think this verse sets forth biblical doctrine, then yes. I believe in a physical resurrection (for everyone--though only those who are covered by the atonement get to go to heaven). I also believe in a spiritual atonement and an entrance into the Kingdom of G-d, both made possible through the work of Yeshua Messiah (Jesus Christ) on the cross. And I believe that the only reason we can approach Him to praise Him is "through grace divine," because I certainly don't deserve to be in His presence. Only the blood of an innocent Man allows me to come near Him.\n\nWhat is the reference, by the way? I tried to find the verse...not sure what translation you are using.