It is easier for some to call Christianity unintelligent, than to intelligently look at God. Christians do not check intellect at the door when making the choice to follow Him, as some would like to believe.

Hello, believer! It’s nice to see you still on the boards. I hope all is well with you.

There many things men did/do that God does not condone. He in His infinite wisdom, though, understood that it is the sin within man that caused them to do certain things. Polygamy was not condoned by God, but He knew men that lacked self-control needed to do right even in their bad decisions; ie he was now responsible to take care of all the woman he had defiled, so to speak. Slavery was never con...more

There many things men did/do that God does not condone. He in His infinite wisdom, though, understood that it is the sin within man that caused them to do certain things. Polygamy was not condoned by God, but He knew men that lacked self-control needed to do right even in their bad decisions; ie he was now responsible to take care of all the woman he had defiled, so to speak. Slavery was never condoned by God, but as with polygamy, He expected man to do right. There were those taken into slavery by the evil intentions of another’s heart and then there were those that went into slavery or otherwise known as bond-servants due to their economic woes. The point that seems to be missing is that in any and every circumstance a Christian found themselves in, they were to rely on God.

Let us not forget that Joseph was taken into slavery and because of his reliance on God, he not only proved God’s power and blessings to another people, He ultimately saved His own.

God can and will work all things for good to those that love Him.less

John, please, what is it that the passage is referring to? You want me to accept that simply because Jesus never spoke or taught about Gay marriage, it is acceptable in God’s eyes. Well, tell me if Jesus spoke only to God designing a man and a woman to become one, how am I to accept anything other.

John, I am curious what your take is on the passage though? Please.

I am curious as well. I look forward to an honest answer.

I apologize, there indeed was a temple tax that Jesus affirms should be paid. In the US, though, the tax section you have indicated is, well, a clarification as to what constitutes a charitable/non-profit organization and its responsibilities and/or limitations to be such in order to be exempt from government taxation. I do not look at this as a contradiction to Jesus affirming the temple tax be p...more

I apologize, there indeed was a temple tax that Jesus affirms should be paid. In the US, though, the tax section you have indicated is, well, a clarification as to what constitutes a charitable/non-profit organization and its responsibilities and/or limitations to be such in order to be exempt from government taxation. I do not look at this as a contradiction to Jesus affirming the temple tax be paid. The government in that day required a temple tax and Jesus simply obeyed it. In the US, however, our government recognizing the religious freedom designed into our Constitution, recognized the need to clarify the standing in which a charitable/non-profit was held. Being tax exempt is not, in my opinion, a government benefit. Churches are not receiving government monies, therefore, they are not bound by government control. (Those that do are another topic.) In the same vein though, if churches are required to pay taxes, they (a church organization) then have the logically right as all taxpayers to have a say in political matters. I believe the essence of tax exemption falls in line with your idea of separation.

Oh and PS, Your stance on marriage becoming Law of the Land and therefore will make it a criminal offense for churches that refuse to marry is exactly what has so many fighting it becoming Law of the Land.less

Pheonix, May I ask why you do not agree with the tax exempt status of churches? I am under the thought that if a church does not take from the government, then the government should not take from the church.

Jesus was talking about personal taxes which church members do pay. When in US history have churches had to pay a tax and what kind of tax was it?

Thank you phoenix, for your reply. But, I am not so sure it is a civil issue for some, on either side.

While some churches do receive gov. benefits of which I do not agree, why throw in thier tax exemption status? Chruches should pay taxes on the contributions given by its members? So if a church is not willing to pay taxes then they should be forced to marry people they would normally not?

Paiderasste is not used to describe male-male sexual contact. You are concerned with correct words and meanings, I am a little miffed. It is male child-male sexual contact, pediphilia.

I don’t know if it would violate the idea of separation, only time would tell. If marriage to include homosexuals became Law of the Land, would you fight so vehemently for the right of churches to not marry homosexuals?

Humm, I did not know that. But, I will say establishing a ministry is not necessarily the the same as owning a church, although it seems to be the case here. God has established His Church specifically and who are we to begrudge Him that. It is God who asks woman to allow the men to run His churches. And it is woman who need to respect that.

If one is a Bible scholar are they then not bound by the confines of the Bible. To go beyond the Bible is to add to it, which is not acceptable to God.

Civil Unions are offered in many States and recognized in others. Churches are forming that perform same-sex marriages according to their own doctrine. Society is whether we like it or not moving closer to homosexual acceptance. Homosexuals are not necessarily being barred from devoting themselves to each other given the many avenues either civilly or in the church of their choosing. The issue see...more

Civil Unions are offered in many States and recognized in others. Churches are forming that perform same-sex marriages according to their own doctrine. Society is whether we like it or not moving closer to homosexual acceptance. Homosexuals are not necessarily being barred from devoting themselves to each other given the many avenues either civilly or in the church of their choosing. The issue seems to be that marriage is wanted as Law of the Land to include homosexuals as dictated by the government and usurp the very freedom in which many believe this country was established on, religious. (Setting aside the moral argument at the moment.)less

Which is it, without marriage people will not settle down or serial monogamy is the norm? (This is not flippant in any way.)

I am not sure I know what you mean by going beyond the Bible. And, no, I cannot translate Greek, but I do know how to use a lexicon.

Does she? Simply by spreading the Word of God? IS a woman not bound by the same commandment? If Joyce Meyers holds a position that requires her to make church decisions that therefore requires a man to submit to her authority, that is wrong. But, simply spreading God’s Word does not necessitate authority.

Ultimately, seeking God and searching His Word is an individual responsibility. God declares that if a person, individual, is honestly seeking Him, they will find Him. I, personally, have been fortunate enough to be a part of a church that has always encouraged the individual responsibility to knowing the Scriptures, which does include understanding origins of words from Greek.