[Pim Pendergast]

Re: New to this site

The game itself does not mention Jesus. It doesn't say anything pro-Jesus or anti-Jesus, and Scripture says nothing whatsoever about it -- so I think that this verse applies:

1 Corinthians 8:4-13
4 As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one. 5 For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,)6 But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.

7 Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled. 8 But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse. 9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak. 10 For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols; 11 And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? 12 But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ. 13 Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.

I hate it when people take this passage as a licence to do whatever they want. We don't have to follow God's law; everything's a matter of conscience. But how do you know Minecraft won't be a stumbling block to your weak brother?

A verse of Scripture should never be interpreted on its own, and a doctrine cannot be formed from just one verse. We should always interpret a verse within its larger context -- how it fits in with the surrounding verses, the chapter, the book, and the Bible as a whole.

I take it you've read the whole Bible then?

[QUOTE=BabyCottontail;1110261]I see why you draw this conclusion, but Paul and Jesus are actually talking about two different things in the two passages. Paul was speaking of those who were sincere, and actually believed with their heart and truly confessed with their mouth, as can be seen from the context. Jesus, however, was talking about those who are insincere -- those who used His name but who actually didn't believe.

And, if we are using quotes from Matthew, we should all ponder this:

Matthew 5:21-24
21 Ye have heard that it was said of them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: 22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. 23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; 24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.

So what do you have against us? If you want to be reconciled with us, first reconcile yourself with Christ.

[Elmer G. White]

Re: New to this site

?..A verse of Scripture should never be interpreted on its own, and a doctrine cannot be formed from just one verse. We should always interpret a verse within its larger context -- how it fits in with the surrounding verses, the chapter, the book, and the Bible as a whole.

What an admirable principle! Of course we agree. The Bible as a whole! Definitely.

What does this entail? It requires casting away your preconceptions that you've been indoctrinated with in you denomination. The most commonly occuring of these are unconditional love towards everybody, OT obsolete, and God as always forgiving. These are very deeply attractive claims and if years and years of active effort has been put into them, it is extremely difficult to cast them aside.

The way to cast them aside is exactly what you propose. The whole Bible. It is a book that is fearsome and magnificent and not only comforting and pleasant. God's will destroys whole nations in a seemingly wanton manner. And Jesus does not spare His enemies either.

Luke 19:27
But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me.


Yes, it is single verse. It cannot be discarded. Jesus wants to see those who do not accept Him slain before His eyes.

You are giving us passages instead of your own contemplation. Have you heard of confirmation bias. It means choosing the information you assess based on preconceptions. You choose data that fits your vision of God and Jesus. The other type of data, the parts of the Bible you feel are awkward or terrible - you dismiss them and refer to 'context'. The context is actually the Bible and God and His work in the real world. The work of God is strong and visible but not always comfortable. We can see this in the next quote as follows:

...Paul was speaking of those who were sincere, and actually believed with their heart and truly confessed with their mouth, as can be seen from the context. Jesus, however, was talking about those who are insincere -- those who used His name but who actually didn't believe...
What Paul said contains a promise for all those who believe. What Jesus said contains a warning for all those who use Jesus' name for evil, and claim that they are followers of Christ. Paul also writes about false teachers, as do other New Testament writers...

Here you oppose sincerity with insincere worship. Seems nice and plausible. However, is sincerity enough? Really? One can in a sincere manner being truly and honestly certain of one's good intentions claim that Jesus accepts gay marriage, that the world is 4 billion years old, that the world is 6000 years old, that capital punishment is a crime, that executions should be banned, that virgin birth is impossible, that Jesus was born of an actual virgin, that everyone gets into heaven including Pol Pot, that sinners go into Hell. All these claims are sincere. They are also mutually incompatible. Only some of these claims can be true. Sincerety leads us to a pandemonium of chaos. It must be supplemented with a guide book. The Bible without omissions.

1 Timothy 4:1
Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

Your reading seems to have a premeditated aim and you choose the verses and interpret them to prove your aim. This is confirmation bias. In contrast, in LBC you can find the most unbiased Biblical scholars anywhere. Many of us have finally after decades of self-deceit accepted God in His all aspects. To fear, to tremble, to repent, to be baptized and finally to be loved.

Ecclesiastes 3:4
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;


Yours in Christ,

Elmer

[Mary Etheldreda]

Re: New to this site

Galatians 5:13-25

13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. 14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 15 But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.


16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. 18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

AMEN!

I walk in the Spirit!

Praise Jesus!

I walk the Walk of the Righteous!

I AM A DAUGHTER OF THE KING OF KINGS!

I AM A HOLY PRINCESS YES I AM! AND ALL THE GLORY GOES UNTO THE LORD WHO MADE ME WHO I AM TODAY!

[BabyCottontail]

Re: New to this site

Galatians 5:13-25

13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. 14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 15 But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.


16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. 18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

[BrotherLarry]

Re: New to this site

What kind of man refers to himself as a baby cottontail, anyway? I'll tell you: a man that has been so blinded by Minecraft and the devil that he has no more shame.

I knew a guy personally that spent three hours playing this game at his friend's house and on his walk home he was brutally attacked by masked men jumping out at him near Columbus Circle. The logical mind tells you that the two are related.

I heard of a woman that was trying to become pregnant and her husband was an avid player of that game. She could not become pregnant because her husband was too tired after hours of game play to provide his own wife with the necessary seed to grow their love. Coincidence? I doubt it.

And how can you dispute the widely published story about the young boy who chose to spend his allowance on this game instead of tithing to the Lord? The day after he made this choice, he got a failing grade on his history exam. God sees, and God deals out just punishments.

I pray you find the real Jesus and allow Him to clear your mind of the demonic garbage that emanates from these terrible games.

Come Lord Jesus,
BrotherLarry

[Mary Etheldreda]

Re: New to this site

All I'll say to that is this:

2 Corinthians 4:1-6
4 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; 2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. 3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. 5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. 6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

Are you trying to correct Jesus' Gospel with Paul's words? Just what kind of schizophrenic claptrap do you think the Holy Bible is?

[BabyCottontail]

Re: New to this site

You cannot see the context of the Holy Word of God because you have been blinded by the Dark Forces of this World (2 Corinthians 4:3-4). You come away with a warped idea of the Gospel, all the while acting as the willing dupe of the Adversary. You should be ashamed of yourself, coming to a church community and spreading lies about the Father.

All I'll say to that is this:

2 Corinthians 4:1-6
4 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; 2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. 3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. 5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. 6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

[Mary Etheldreda]

Re: New to this site

Jesus here is not talking about a thing. He is talking about people who stand against Him. This can be seen from the context.

You cannot see the context of the Holy Word of God because you have been blinded by the Dark Forces of this World (2 Corinthians 4:3-4). You come away with a warped idea of the Gospel, all the while acting as the willing dupe of the Adversary. You should be ashamed of yourself, coming to a church community and spreading lies about the Father.

[BabyCottontail]

Re: New to this site

Hmmm...it seems that the posts are working now without putting in any special codes for the line breaks. That is good. I'm going to try and repost this post that I made earlier, since my earlier post was difficult to read due to the formatting:

I see why you draw this conclusion, but Paul and Jesus are actually talking about two different things in the two passages. Paul was speaking of those who were sincere, and actually believed with their heart and truly confessed with their mouth, as can be seen from the context. Jesus, however, was talking about those who are insincere -- those who used His name but who actually didn't believe.

Why do I conclude this? Because Jesus was talking about false teachers in Matthew 7:21.

Matthew 7:15-23
15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. 16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

What Paul said contains a promise for all those who believe. What Jesus said contains a warning for all those who use Jesus' name for evil, and claim that they are followers of Christ. Paul also writes about false teachers, as do other New Testament writers.

And, if we are using quotes from Matthew, we should all ponder this:
Matthew 5:21-24
21 Ye have heard that it was said of them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: 22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. 23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; 24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.

[BabyCottontail]

Re: New to this site

So, just as I quoted Jesus just now, He says it's against Him because it's not pro-Jesus.

Matthew 12:30 He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.

There are so many things in this world that are neutral. Just because something isn't explicitly written about in Scripture, or isn't specifically Christian, does not mean that it is against Jesus.

A verse of Scripture should never be interpreted on its own, and a doctrine cannot be formed from just one verse. We should always interpret a verse within its larger context -- how it fits in with the surrounding verses, the chapter, the book, and the Bible as a whole.

In this case, let's look at Matthew 12:22-37
22 Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw. 23 And all the people were amazed, and said, Is not this the son of David? 24 But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils.


25 And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand: 26 And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand? 27 And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast them out? therefore they shall be your judges. 28 But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you. 29 Or else how can one enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house.


30 He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.


31 Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. 32 And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.


33 Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit. 34 O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. 35 A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. 36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. 37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.


Jesus here is not talking about a thing. He is talking about people who stand against Him. This can be seen from the context.

[Alphonse Alban]

Re: New to this site

It doesn't say anything pro-Jesus

So, just as I quoted Jesus just now, He says it's against Him because it's not pro-Jesus.

Matthew 12:30 He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.

[BabyCottontail]

Re: New to this site

All Christians think it's evil game, as this game is not with Jesus. As He says, all that are not with Him, are against Him. Thus, this is an anti-Christian game.

Matthew 12:30 He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.

The first time I had ever heard of a Christian thinking that minecraft was evil was what an online friend of mine said. Therefore, it cannot be assumed that all Christians think that minecraft is evil. Only some do.

The game itself does not mention Jesus. It doesn't say anything pro-Jesus or anti-Jesus, and Scripture says nothing whatsoever about it -- so I think that this verse applies:

1 Corinthians 8:4-13
4 As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one. 5 For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,)6 But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.


7 Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled. 8 But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse. 9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak. 10 For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols; 11 And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? 12 But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ. 13 Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.


I do not believe that the game is sinful itself, so I think that Christians have the freedom to play it. However, if they are in the presence of other Christians who believe it is sin, then those Christians should not play it around the people bothered by it.

[Alphonse Alban]

Re: New to this site

I was trying to find out why some Christians seem to think it is an evil game.

All Christians think it's evil game, as this game is not with Jesus. As He says, all that are not with Him, are against Him. Thus, this is an anti-Christian game.

Matthew 12:30 He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.

[BabyCottontail]

Re: New to this site

That's so weird, because Jesus said the EXACT OPPOSITE.

(Matthew 7:21) "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven."

You need to use the WHOLE Bible, not just the bits here and there that support your failed claims.

Yours in Christ,

Z. Smyth

I see why you draw this conclusion, but Paul and Jesus are actually talking about two different things in the two passages. Paul was speaking of those who were sincere, and actually believed with their heart and truly confessed with their mouth, as can be seen from the context. Jesus, however, was talking about those who are insincere -- those who used His name but who actually didn't believe. Why do I conclude this? Because Jesus was talking about false teachers in Matthew 7:21. 15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. 16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. 21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. What Paul said contains a promise for all those who believe. What Jesus said contains a warning for all those who use Jesus' name for evil, and claim that they are followers of Christ. Paul also writes about false teachers, as do other New Testament writers. And, if we are using quotes from Matthew, we should all ponder this: Matthew 5:21-24 21 Ye have heard that it was said of them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: 22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. 23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; 24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.

[Zechariah Smyth]

Re: New to this site

blah blah blah It says ALL who call on the name of the Lord will be saved.

That's so weird, because Jesus said the EXACT OPPOSITE.

(Matthew 7:21) "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven."

You need to use the WHOLE Bible, not just the bits here and there that support your failed claims.

Yours in Christ,

Z. Smyth