OT Excuse us Raymond _Gouda debate - Page 2

Wow Raymond. I guess I'm not as good of a Christian as you are. I was raised completely un-churched, found Jesus on my own awhile back. I can't quote much from the bible, and probably don't "get" half of it, think? I probably don't even pray right according to some people.  I'll just keep trying, slugging away. Maybe if I am a good girl I'll find my way to heaven someday. I sure hope there isn't a test on Bible study at the gate.  I'm literally betting my soul Jesus is more concerned about what's in it than anything else.
SS

There is a whole lot of confusion going on here, it is quite unbelievable. So many judges, not judging but pre-judged and re-judged. Oops, I think I fudged. Have a nice weekend everybody, and love one another, amen.

Raymond,
If you were telling me all this rubbish in front of me i would ask you to stop, if you did not i would be kind and ask you a second time, if you still persisted then i would not tell you a third time, and i guess then it would be the hand of god which made me shut  you up
As it is you are not in front of me spouting out the Gospel or whatever it is, so i will have to make do by not replying to you anymore, When i leave this earth for me they can put me in a sack and bury me in the Garden as far as i am concerned then i am no more, or do what they will with my remains
Steve

gouda -- It is Ugly Dog who posts the anti-Semitic material -- not Raymond

My computer is acting up only half my message was posted.

  gouda.

Raymond if I have you mixed up  with uggly dog .I am truly sorry.
Please forgive me.

gouda

I wonder how many more people would be Christians if the ones that are would play nicer together? I know that put me off for most of my life, along with waiting on tables for Easter Sunday brunch. Nothing nastier than a table full of Christians at 1pm on Easter Sunday, all dressed up. I always wondered if any of them actually heard the sermon! Couldn't prove it by me. Nobody else wanted to work that day because they always got stiffed on the tips no matter how good the food and the service. Friday and Saturday WAY better.

Actually I studied Judaism for about two years at B'Nai Israel in Sacramento. I spent many, MANY an hour at temple, social events, in class, in the fantastic library, (before some idiot burned it to the ground) and with some really wonderful Jews, before I came to be a Christian. I will always have a special place in my heart for that faith. I like to think my decision to be baptized a few years back was a somewhat educated decision, but it probably was just made by my heart.

The Jew have a lot of things spot on that I think most Christians could do well to embrace. It is, necessarily, a very PRACTICAL religion, from the most liberal sects to the Hassisic. It had to be to survive this long, yes? For instance- It is considered a mitzvah, a good deed, to argue about the meaning of the Torah... (the first testament of the bible, more or less, regardless of the translation) All in good humor, of course... no biting, kicking, hair-pulling, intelligent discussion strongly recommended) The reasoning (in short) is that if you are arguing about it, you are THINKING about it. Makes sense to me. Nobody ever wins the arguments. There is no one, correct translation. Never has been, never will be, yet it lives on, alive in the minds of the people who argue about it. That's the "winning" part. Everybody wins. Rabbis are not considered a conduit with a direct line to God. They are teachers. No more, no less. Siritual Humility is big in Judaism when its done right. Remember? Jesus the Jew? Ring any bells?

The vast majority of the Christians I know think their particluar beliefs, their church's translation of scripture, is the ONLY correct one, the only way to righteousness, heaven, God through Jesus. "Sorry, your way is wrong. You don't even pray right. You're going to hell because you don't believe the same way I do."

Wow. I hope not! Doesn't make a very good case for most of us raised unchurched to become Christians. Pretty poor proselytizing if you ask me. (I know, nobody did) I'm betting Jesus knows what is in our hearts and souls, grassroots level. If He doesn't who does? I'm told ministry comes in many varieties, something to fit just about anybody. That leaves room in heaven for those of us who are NOT called to preach, sinners slugging along trying to be better, no delusions about ever being perfect, as I like to think of myself. Nice to know I don't ever have to be Jesus. He's got that spot all taken care of. God doesn't expect us to be perfect, ever. That forgiven thing is important. Why is it so hard for some people to remember? Its one of the best parts! That's why its all over the bible. Hebrew, English, Russian, Farsi, King James, doesn't matter what translation you like. Its still in there.

If I have offended anyone, please accept my blanket apology. I just think on a grass-roots level when it comes to spirituality. Right vs wrong. Pretty simple a lot of the time. Sometimes not, but worth thinking and praying over for the rest of my life on this earth. I know He hears me. I KNOW he loves me ...and He knows me better than anybody on earth. No hiding from Him.
I'm betting my soul on it.
My first and maybe last public sermon is now officially over.
SS

What you said has alot of merit.  Hope it's not your last.. 


Jesus takes us from where we are at, and we grow from there.  It is very important though to make sure you read the
Bible yourself and not just take someones word for it unless you have complete trust they are preaching the truth.  Still a good idea to double check yourself!  Ultimately we and only we are responsible for our own salvation.


I've read your posts from when I first joined, and never did I see a mean spirited post come from you. You are gracious, funny and kind, and very helpful to those wanting to learn. You have alot to share and are a blessing to many, I know you are to me. 

You too YR.