Been Away. Back Now.

[Theland]

Been away. Back now. Fully expecting comments to deflate me but that's OK.
Been studying lots of stuff and my beliefs are stronger than ever.
Anyway! I notice it is quiet around here.
I will engage with anybody but not be subjected to the third degree.
I am comfortable in my faith. It rests there.
Love to you all. X

[tonyav]

Hiya Theland, good to see you back after your sabbatical.

[vetuste_ennemi]

Fatted calf being prepared as you speak, Theland.

(Question to myself: have I got the message of the parable the right way round?)

[Mamyalynne]

Nice to see you and glad you are comfortable, that means a huge amount.x

[Theland]

Well thank you. I always try to explain my faith without coming across as shouting and proseletyzing and if I do I am sorry.
Bu I cannot betray my Lord Jesus Christ and only speak in the light of my experience of Him.
Sorry if ever I offend.

[Jackdaw33]

That was a short break!

[Theland]

Jack. I get the tone. Not unexpected.

[vetuste_ennemi]

//Sorry if ever I offend//

Stop apologising, Theland: those of us with reasonably thick skins respect honestly expressed opinions more than we do evasive and coded ones

"To thine own self be true."

I think that's a quote from Proverbs..

[-SharonA-]

Welcome back theland. Can I just ask, are you a Jehovah's witness??

[Theland]

Definitely not a J.W.
I am a Bible believing Christian.
Nothing added or taken away.
No bells and smells, whistles and statues, candles and confessions, priests or purgatory.
Just the simple Bible.
All we need.

[Jackdaw33]

Talking of JWs, haven't seen Goodlife around for ages.

[-SharonA-]

Do you think the 'second coming' will happen?

[Theland]

The second coming?
Most definitely.
About a third of the Bible is prophecy, and most of it relates to our times, since the formation of the state of Israel in 1948.
Looking at world events is like looking at pieces of the jig saw coming together, and not far from each other to form the whole picture.
I have often been depicted as a lunatic for believing these things, but all is required is an open mind and a willingness to look at bible prophecy and relate it to world events.
That's all. Nothing mysterious about it.
The problem is that so many people appear to be hard wired to reject it.
Strangely, so many people are willing to give credence to astrology, psychics, tarot and Angel cards and othe such dangerous nonsense.
When the truth comes along, it is Invariably attacked.

[vetuste_ennemi]

Even Christianity in its Protestant form (back to the Bible - no Papism - no need for intermediaries between man and God) has produced three thousand(?) - or is it thirty thousand - variants, Theland.

So the no bells and whistles Christianity you espouse seems not as clear and unambiguous as one might hope.

Do you think your God could have made a little more effort to avoid confusion?

A simple test for you (who's rather coy about declaring his own brand):

Do you believe in the Trinity?
Do you believe in hell fire as a punishment for sinners?
Do you think Christians under the influence of the Holy Spirit can speak in tongues, or handle poisonous snakes without being bitten?
What did St Paul mean when he spoke in Corinthians about the practice of baptism for the dead?
What is meant in Revelation by "a new heaven and a new earth"?

[Theland]

Good questions Vetuste.
It is up to you to prayerfully read your Bible and under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, you will reach a level of understanding according to His will.

[Theland]

Yes I do believe in the Holy Trinity, but as far as the rest of your questions, been here before.
Do your own research, and fathom out your own salvation.
If you don't believe, your choice, but not my responsibility.

[vetuste_ennemi]

You're missing my point, Theland. Different people have read their bible "prayerfully" and come to many different interpretations.

Is this because non-Theland branded Christians (of whom there are quite a lot) are all morally flawed (like not being humble and "prayerful" enough), or is it because God's Word is sometimes ambiguous?

[vetuste_ennemi]

I'll have a stab at the brand. Closed Brethren? Am I warm, or a mile off?

[Theland]

I don't see your point Vetuste.
Are you just curious, or searching for God?
You are obviously quite clever, but just using your intellect to amuse yourself and nit pick my beliefs.
I do not give a fig what you think I believe and why, I am comfortable, the question is, "Are you?"

[vetuste_ennemi]

I'm sorry you think I was trying to belittle you, Theland. My questions are honest questions which any sceptic might pose.

You are making judgments about my motives, aren't you?

[waterboatman]

Morning theland. Welcome back. :o}