def59

But diddn't God tell David to build him a temple?

OM You really weren't paying attention were you? All twi said is they were the only ones who stood for truth, that vpw was the only one who listened to God and that PFAL was the ONLY place to get God's truth in one condensed package.

Oeno God wants a relationship with us, one based on love and voluntary desire. We are called to worship Him, why? Because he needs his ego stroked? No! We worship him because of who he is and because he is holy. I have followed the precepts in PDL and my worship has increased immensely.

I walked away from TWI in 1989 and no one ever called me back. I have stopped people from joining. TWI was all about meeting the needs of the self and the leadership and to h*** with the others. PDL is a book that has helped many marginal Christians see that God is more than Santa Claus and that he has a purpose for all of us and watches over us. When we seize on that purpose, we can experience true freedom and reach out to others with pure intentions.

I read the book in February-March, did the 40 days in 50 days. I tried leading a men's group, but the book is not suited for a small-group study. I led my Sunday school class on the Purpose Driven Church which is what PDL is based on. That study got people think about what and to whom our church ministered best and where we could improve. It is not a perfect book and it is not altogether deep. But it is written to spiritually weak people to begin with. It's main purpose is to point us to Christ and how we fit into his plans. The focus is not about us, but others.

When you can't get basic doctrines of the church right, how can you not expect this kind of hypocrisy?

Abigail Thanks for a wonderful article. When I apply its meaning to my faith, I find myself appreciating what Jesus did for me. I am not disrepecting your faith, mine has its roots in Judaism. I am seeing how the messiah's sacrifice purifies me and gives me hope when I take my inevitable walks in the desert. Great thread and I hope your holy day is very special.

I can fathom how people can believe in the antiChrist but not Christ returning. I also can't fathom how someone can think our savior would not have standards he expects those he saves to follow?

Not all the church fathers thought this book was so keen. http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2004/006/7.26.html

Well Zeus was one of many gods, and Jehovah says He is one. Allah is the cleaned-up version of the moon god the pagan Arabs worshiped before his vision. Ever notice the Islamic flags are all crescent moons and a star. As for exclusivity, you will have to take that up with Jesus. He said he was the ONLY way to God. We are asked to forsake all others in our wedding vows, why shouldn't we do the same with our faith?

Hey George, Since your so fired up for this malnutrition cause, maybe its God who is planting the seed of action in you to take care of it. Beats bitching about the world, doesn't it?

When it comes to GSC and an ex-Wayers I see everyone as family. We all shared an experience, so how can I write anyone off. Notre Dame, the Yankees etc. well, that's a different story.

Earl Wilson was an awesome hitting pitcher. We in Michigan loved him when he played for the Tigers.

Zix Good points. That's what I am getting from these posts that guys like Oak and Geo have REJECTED Christ. Again, that's their right and decision. Christianity is an exclusive faith and God is jealous of anyone that would come and steal the faith of his children. But if the rejection is based on bad TWI experiences, I would again offer the olive branch, that most of what went on in TWI was NOT CHRISTIAN, that God is still calling and that Jesus will take you. Don't let the works of some scam artists cause you to reject the Creator and his son.

Dmiller I believe that Jesus did not step forward, having already existed in Heaven (John 17:5) he chose to limit himself to an earthly body. Being the creator of the world, he already knew what the snares were. As for replacing Lucifer, I believe since he was already on the throne, there was never a vacancy. This kind of doctrine — making Jesus and Lucifer equals — borrows heavily from the Mormons. But we know from Hebrews that Jesus is higher than any angel. So with Philippians,Colossians and Hebrewscalling Jesus creator, there has to be more to him than a man who stepped forward.

Since Jesus authored the law and was the lord of the Sabbath, I am sure his statements confounded many.

I was raised non-Trinitarian in the denomination Church of Christ, so when JCING was presented to me, I went so? That's why when I say I believe in the orthodox doctrines about Jesus' deity it was not an easy road. It took years of study and prayer and the final acceptance did not come lightly. And I know there are lots of Christian beliefs out there that are not trinitarian whether it is Arian or Gnostic or others. I still believe they are wrong and that the issue was settled by Jesus himself in the Gospels.

And unlike piffle, the 3 days and nights can be portions, not wholes.

Let us not forget the Angel of the Lord which many believe was the pre-Incarnate Christ or Yaweh Himself at times.

OM Be thankful, but let's be clear, the word was not hidden from the first century until 1942, despite vpw's claims.

OM A minor derail, but have you checked out the Brooklyn Tabernacle, I hear their choir and church are awesome.

Mike has fallen to same temptation that is common to most cults _ namely that the first century church fell into apostasy, ignored the teachings of the apostles and were overcome by pagan beliefs. To them the persecution the early believers suffered was a sign of unbelief, not a fulfillment of prophecy given by the Lord himself. The fact that we have an understanding of the scriptures and Christ after 2,000 years is a testament to the early church, monks from the Middle Ages and the early translators.

The remark was If they are so bad. IMNSHO they are not bad or evil or wrong. It's those who deny the trinity I believe who are in error. Doesn't negate their worth as people or Christians, just gives them something to grow in.

Does does that mean the province or that you'll be stuck with Prince Charles?

Oak, that is exactly what I did and that's how I have come to stand for topics vpw considered heresy. I believe because his character was so tarnished, his words are not to be trusted. The "I don't care what/if … " lines show me the speaker has no desire for truth, just an itchy ear for feel-good theology.