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Sorry Lord ... I plead ignorance. - 6/8/2008 8:25:08 PM
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mvic
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I was watching TV the other day - one of those quiz shows where contestants win prizes for answering correctly.
Some of the questions on Religion (Christianity) were most basic - the kind of questions I knew the answers to when I was a child. Yet the contestants did not have a clue.
I felt upset that at an age of mass communications, at a time of supposedly great learning and advances in education there were still people here in the UK who had no clue as to the basics of Christianity. It was obvious that they'd never held a Bible never mind read it.
At a time when church attendances are falling and Christian learning decreasing - how valid will the excuse of ignorance be when these people get to meet their maker?
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http://www.holyvisions.co.uk
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MEI VITA INDICO CHRISTUS
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RE: Sorry Lord ... I plead ignorance. - 6/8/2008 8:56:57 PM
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SonInMe1
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Knowledge does not save you. Jesus does.
Lotsa people out there with great biblical knowledge who are not saved.
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You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.
James 4:4
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RE: Sorry Lord ... I plead ignorance. - 6/8/2008 9:00:59 PM
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Kat_D
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35 "Then they brought him to Jesus. And they threw their own clothes on the colt, and they set Jesus on him. 36 And as He went, many spread their clothes on the road. 37 Then, as He was now drawing near the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works they had seen, 38 saying: "'Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!' Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!" 39 And some of the Pharisees called to Him from the crowd, "Teacher, rebuke Your disciples." 40 But He answered and said to them, "I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out." -Luke 19
Edited to add Scripture address.
< Message edited by Kat_D -- 6/8/2008 9:17:44 PM >
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~Kat
"...And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes...no more death, sorrow, nor crying."
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RE: Sorry Lord ... I plead ignorance. - 6/8/2008 9:09:16 PM
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4IMPersuaded
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From: Florence, KY
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Um, yeah-- God does not wish that any should perish, so in some way or another, He makes Himself available to every individual. BTW... Knowlege of Bible history doesn't make one saved-- as already posted, only Jesus saves. It is heartbreaking, though that in a country founded on Christian principles so many are completely clueless as to who God really is! It blew me away to learn that other countries are actually sending us missionaries these days!
It is our job to tell the dying about the good news! Don't be shy, you could save a life simply by talking to someone about what God has done in your life.
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RE: Sorry Lord ... I plead ignorance. - 6/8/2008 9:29:56 PM
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makarizo
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Heb 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.
Rom 10:17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.
Luk 18:8 "I tell you that He will bring about justice for them quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?"
Luk 18:9 And He also told this parable to some people who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and viewed others with contempt:...........
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RE: Sorry Lord ... I plead ignorance. - 6/8/2008 9:41:44 PM
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Liveloved
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This is the passage that came to mind for me.
"But he said to him, 'If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be persuaded if someone rises from the dead' ". Luke 16:31
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RE: Sorry Lord ... I plead ignorance. - 6/8/2008 9:46:33 PM
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4IMPersuaded
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Liveloved
This is the passage that came to mind for me.
"But he said to him, 'If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be persuaded if someone rises from the dead' ". Luke 16:31
Boy, that sums up the age we live in, doesn't it? We can find an explanation for everything! That's a great verse, thanks.
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RE: Sorry Lord ... I plead ignorance. - 6/9/2008 9:31:42 AM
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rcjames
Posts: 4851
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From: Oklahoma
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quote:
ORIGINAL: mvic
I was watching TV the other day - one of those quiz shows where contestants win prizes for answering correctly.
Some of the questions on Religion (Christianity) were most basic - the kind of questions I knew the answers to when I was a child. Yet the contestants did not have a clue.
I felt upset that at an age of mass communications, at a time of supposedly great learning and advances in education there were still people here in the UK who had no clue as to the basics of Christianity. It was obvious that they'd never held a Bible never mind read it.
At a time when church attendances are falling and Christian learning decreasing - how valid will the excuse of ignorance be when these people get to meet their maker?
Pleading ignorance will not fly, Romans 1 and John 3 speak plainly to this.
The ones that really should be concerned are the Believers in the UK who are not spreading the Gospel as instructed in Mat 28 to every creature. How will they answer when standing before the Judgment seat of Christ;
(2Co 5:10) For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
and Christ asks them why they did not tell the truth of the Gospel to those who are lost and dying.
Is one that calls themselves a Christian really a Christian if they do not spread the Gospel as instructed to do by Christ? As Jesus himself said;
(Luk 6:46) And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?
Thanks
RC
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Just a country Preacher's humble opinion
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RE: Sorry Lord ... I plead ignorance. - 6/9/2008 10:28:59 AM
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mvic
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Thanx for your responses so far.
SoninMe1 and 4IMPersuaded: you are right - Jesus saves not knowledge. The sad thing is that in a so called "Christian country" (the UK) there are plenty who don't have even the basic of knowledge.
Christianity is not taught at school (except in Christian schools of course); it is not taught at home if parents are un-believers. Or, like so many people they only attend church three times in their life:
Baptisms: to get the baby done - traditional you know.
Weddings: so that the photos look good.
Funerals: for a good send off.
Don't laugh - there are plenty here who treat church (Christianity) as a convenience just like you would buy something from a supermarket. They even choose the church to be married in depending on how beautiful the building is, ancient in beautiful countryside setting etc... etc ...
Religion (Christianity) has nothing to do with it. It's something you buy when you need it. Of course the vicars/ministers etc... are to blame for accepting these cheque book Christians; but it happens.
So in a background where Christianity is almost non-existant what chance has a child who has been brought up not taught about Christianity got when he turns to adulthood. The chances are he'll follow his parents' example and not believe too - unless he is met by a "road to Damascus" experience.
RCJames frightens me when he says Believers are the ones to be concerned. He is right of course. And we've debated the method of witnessing in another thread (Too much Religion addles the brain).
Is he suggesting that I have to turn preacher and spread the word everywhere? I'm not as good at it as him.
Or has Liveloved got it right: If they don't listen to Moses (and the many preachers/ministers who are a million times better than me); then what chance have I got to convince them?
I feel Christianity is loosing ground here in the UK: through ignorance, apathy and affluence.
_____________________________
http://www.holyvisions.co.uk
Welcome to my Blog
MEI VITA INDICO CHRISTUS
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RE: Sorry Lord ... I plead ignorance. - 6/9/2008 10:41:33 AM
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earthless
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Funny.. I never think of the UK as a "Christian Nation"....
More liberal and or Muslim influenced if anything...
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Probing Today's Religious Movements | Promoting Doctrinal Discernment & Critical Thinking | Providing Reasons for Christian Faith & Ethics
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RE: Sorry Lord ... I plead ignorance. - 6/9/2008 10:59:07 AM
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rcjames
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quote:
ORIGINAL: mvic
I feel Christianity is loosing ground here in the UK: through ignorance, apathy and affluence.
mvic,
I am not so sure that Christianity is not loosing ground here in the States, and "Easy Believerism" is taking over; and I do not consider the later to be Christianity.
All one can do as a minister is to live a Sanctified life, preach and teach at every opportunity, and let the Holy Spirit do His Job.
Thanks
RC
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Just a country Preacher's humble opinion
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RE: Sorry Lord ... I plead ignorance. - 6/9/2008 11:38:33 AM
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ObviousLee
Posts: 260
Joined: 6/15/2006
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quote:
ORIGINAL: mvic
I was watching TV the other day - one of those quiz shows where contestants win prizes for answering correctly.
Some of the questions on Religion (Christianity) were most basic - the kind of questions I knew the answers to when I was a child. Yet the contestants did not have a clue.
I felt upset that at an age of mass communications, at a time of supposedly great learning and advances in education there were still people here in the UK who had no clue as to the basics of Christianity. It was obvious that they'd never held a Bible never mind read it.
At a time when church attendances are falling and Christian learning decreasing - how valid will the excuse of ignorance be when these people get to meet their maker?
One of the problems that I think exists is that there are many Bible scholars/preachers, and fewer sheep who study scripture. Many tend to rely on their chosen teachers without extensive personal study. This creates a problem because should the teacher be in error, the follower may not perceive this.
I imagine that in Britain, people rely on their vicar to be the scriptural experts. Kind of like leaving the plumbing to the professional plumber. The Bible is clear that each believer should do their own study as well as listening to teachers.
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RE: Sorry Lord ... I plead ignorance. - 6/10/2008 7:37:14 AM
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SonInMe1
Posts: 3615
Joined: 4/16/2005
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In a more secular society, christians should stand out.
Live your walk. People will see the difference. When they do, they will ask questions and through prayer and study, you will have to prepare yourself to have the answers.
Sometimes, you will be led by the spirit to do the street preacher thing...more in your face stuff but I think that does not happen that often.
If you put Jesus first in all you do, people will recognise it.
Another aspect of this is...how many times have you prayed for God to send people in your path to witness to? This is also very powerful and one of those prayers, I think, God honors a lot, if not everytime.
_____________________________
You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.
James 4:4
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RE: Sorry Lord ... I plead ignorance. - 6/10/2008 9:27:11 AM
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URForgiven
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1 Thessalonians 4:11,12 Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.
1 Peter 3:15 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect..
Peace
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"Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit,
are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort?" Galatians 3:3
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RE: Sorry Lord ... I plead ignorance. - 6/10/2008 9:29:20 AM
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deliveredarling
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Act 17:30 "Therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now declaring to men that all {people} everywhere should repent,
Act 17:31 because He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He has appointed, having furnished proof to all men by raising Him from the dead."
Ignorance will not be an acceptable excuse. His creation (the earth) does not offer one the option of denial, IMHO.
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"Now no one after lighting a lamp covers it over with a container, or puts it under a bed: but he puts it on a lampstand, in order that those who come in may see the light."
Luke 8:16
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RE: Sorry Lord ... I plead ignorance. - 6/10/2008 10:52:33 AM
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BibleL7
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One need not be a good speaker or well educated to simply tell a friend or acquaintance that Jesus died for their sins and rose again and will return. Or Jesus is the Way the Truth and the Life. One need not be a preacher or teacher to tell someone about Jesus. Also the job of a pastor or teacher or minister is to equip the saints for the work of the ministry. It is the saints who are to spread the word, not just preachers. And many preachers are not good speakers, not eloquent, not well educated, some even stutter. So the saints will have to answer for not speaking and the ministers will answer for not properly equipping the saints.
As for once Christian nations seems many thought that they should send missionaries to lost in other countries yet neglected the homeland. Believers became liberal and would not want to do anything not politically correct. Too many taught that belief is a personal matter and we should not say anything against other peoples beliefs. Now days those who do speak up are marked as trouble makers. So they don't speak up for their beliefs. The say that telling someone they are a sinner and need to repent is just not loving. I mean hey even the infallible pope apologized for speaking truth.
This is the time of the church of the Laodiceans. And if you believe that the letters represent 7 periods of church history you cannot deny that the current church fits the letter and we are indeed in the very last times.
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RE: Sorry Lord ... I plead ignorance. - 6/11/2008 11:02:27 AM
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4IMPersuaded
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From: Florence, KY
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quote:
1 Peter 3:15 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect..
mvic-- your concerns are precisely why it is important to take the above verse to heart and live it out daily. The unbelieving seekers that I know are not going to church to find out the answers to their questions. They are looking around at their friends and family to see who seems to have that "something" that they feel is missing. I am the one in their circle who has something different. They have seen me encounter various trials in my life and they see that I handle it differently. I don't go to the therapist and get on medication when they see other do so (I'm not against antidepressants, but they are not the answer for everything!). I tell them about how God is working in my life and how I pray and turn things over to Him. I try to be as authentic and transparent as I can so that they can see that a life with Jesus is not the easy way, but it affords me a peace and security that their other friends do not have.
I have actually been criticized because they say that I like everybody. My response to that is actually, "No, I don't, but the Holy Spirit allows me to see the lovable in almost everyone I meet." It is difficult to dislike someone that you know is loved by God. When you look at people as individuals that Jesus died for specifically, it is difficult to not see them as Jesus sees them. That is a big part of my "God-story." It makes me stand out to those whom the Holy Spirit is calling and it is my responsibility to don my role as part of the Holy Priesthood and point them to the One who saved me. It is then that they can go to church and be ministered to by the community with whom I worship.
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RE: Sorry Lord ... I plead ignorance. - 6/11/2008 12:56:02 PM
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mvic
Posts: 897
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4IMPersuaded,
That's a novel approach: "It is difficult to dislike someone that you know is loved by God".
How can He possibly love some of the horrible creatures I know?
But then ... that's what makes Him God.
_____________________________
http://www.holyvisions.co.uk
Welcome to my Blog
MEI VITA INDICO CHRISTUS
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