Signs Of Much Greater Importance

[goodlife]

When Jesus Christ was on earth, he gave his listeners a lesson in observing signs and acting accordingly. He was talking about something of far-reaching importance. The Bible reports: “The Pharisees and Sadducees approached him and, to tempt him, they asked him to display to them a sign from heaven. In reply he said to them: ‘When evening falls you are accustomed to say, “It will be fair weather, for the sky is fire-red”; and at morning, “It will be wintry, rainy weather today, for the sky is fire-red, but gloomy-looking.” You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but the signs of the times you cannot interpret.’”—Matthew 16:1-3
.Rve 1:1
Rev 6:1-9

[pixie374]

Why is that, though, theland? Surely, you believe something or you don't... why would you want to convince yourself? If you are unsure... then that is the same as most of us.

[Theland]

Not at all.
Doubts creep in.
Suffering, pain, and yet waiting on Gld is a test of faith.
A Christian lives with testing.
Jesus said, pick up your cross ..........
He never said it would be a laugh a minute.

[pixie374]

Fair enough x it just seems to cause you more angst and confusion than comfort. I'm not convinced it is helping you at all.

[Theland]

Pixie - In all honesty, and with as much passion as I can muster, accepting Christ into my life is the very best thing I have ever done.
I don't mind talking about it, but am wary that I am sometimes accused of stuffing my beliefs down people's throats.
I don't have to.
Once people have heard about Jesus Christ, it is there decision prompted by the Holy Spirit.
I will join in the conversation, and am interested in how atheists answer the big questions.
Hopefully all done in a friendly way.

[naomi24]

Theland, you’re not joining in conversation with me. You’re ignoring my question again.

[pixie374]

Of course. I wouldn't say though that atheists claim to answer the "big questions". The difference is only, that I'm prepared to say that I honestly don't know. I can't just believe any unlikely theory, just to have an answer. I would rather wait until we actually know.
I can rule out things which seem exceptionally unlikely, even without having an answer.

[Theland]

Naomi - apologies.
The test for a prophet was, if it comes to pass, they are accepted. If not they were killed.

JW's use their own edited version of the bible, and supplement it with the writings of Russel. A cult.

[pixie374]

Cult meaning-
noun
1.
a system of religious veneration and devotion directed towards a particular figure or object.
"the cult of St Olaf"
2.
a person or thing that is popular or fashionable among a particular group or section of society.
"the series has become a bit of a cult in the UK"
synonyms: craze, fashion, fad, vogue; informalthing
"the series has become a bit of a cult in the UK"

All religions are cults.

[Theland]

Pixie - thank you for the elucidation.
I'll work on it.

My point is we have the bible, tha authority.
To supplement it with something else is, "something else."

I'll leave this open for now. Will come back to it when time permits. Answering others also.

[pixie374]

Why is the bible "an authority" but other people's views and stories, aren't?

[Theland]

The bible, from Genesis to Revelation, is Gods message to mankind, and His plan for us, and how He wins us to Himself, at great cost, His Son Jesus Christ.

[pixie374]

But what makes you think it is an "authority" on the subject, rather than anything or anyone else?

[pixie374]

Nobody believes every book they read. There must be some reason you choose to take this one as... "gospel".

[Theland]

Many reasons.
Although I have been mocked for believing bible prophecy, it is in fact true.
By saying that I will probably be challenged yet again.
The bible describes how God demanded loyalty from His,people, but they turned away,mover and over.
God warned them of the consequences.
All of the punishments came true.
Also the restoration came true as late as,1948.
And so it goes on.
I can't post it all, but you can check timeout yourself.
So much to gain, so much to lose.

[pixie374]

I am not mocking you, theland. I am just asking... as far as I can see, you are using the bible to prove itself. Which obviously doesn't make sense.
Why do you choose to believe it? Isn't it better for people to take responsibility for themselves and think for themselves, than to "follow"... anything at all?

[Theland]

http://www.letusreason.org/JW59.htm

Some information on JW.
Quite shocking.

[Theland]

Pixie - Think carefully.
If the Creator has revealed Himself through the person of Jesus, and I know that death is only the beginning, why would I not follow?

[pixie374]

I have only scanned through that, Theland. But it is no more or less believable or shocking than the bible is. Did you have a particular point?

[pixie374]

But he hasn't. So, why would you? What are you scared of?

[Theland]

He hasn't?
I'm sorry Pixie.
You are equipped it seems with only soundbites of the bible, and show little,understanding of it.
If you study it and then discuss what you disagree with and why, then I can help.
I say all of this with the deepest,of respect.