ANGELSSHOTGUN wrote:We have a big disagreement Badstrat.
I don't believe God is cruel and punishing.
It is cruel men that are punishing and reprehensible.
Read the Book of Revelations, Glen. And then perhaps Deu 28:13 - 28:63.
There is a real big problem with Christians. They memorize all the blessing verses on little placards but they do not memorize the curse scriptures. How many have bought little cards with the curse scriptures to memorize, including the scriptures referred to above? Evidently you have not. Yod has kept those verses in mind, as have I. The curse is every bit as important than the blessing for through knowledge of it the blessing is sustained.
Do you think that the curse is not for Gods people but only for those who do not believe in him? No. The curse and blessing were given to those he has called, not for those who do not belong to him. God does not change. If one group of Gods people are punished for their sins so it shall be for the other, for God is a just God.
A just God does not punish one group of his people and then let another get away with their rebellion. Salvation does not mean avoidance of punishment in the physical body.
1Co 11:26 The Lord meant that when you eat this bread and drink from this cup, you tell about his death until he comes. But if you eat the bread and drink the wine in a way that isn't worthy of the Lord, you sin against his body and blood. That's why you must examine the way you eat and drink. If you fail to understand that you are the body of the Lord, you will condemn yourselves by the way you eat and drink. That's why many of you are sick and weak and why a lot of others have died. If we carefully judge ourselves, we won't be punished.
God has put to death even those of his who take communion improperly. This is speaking to those called by his name, Glen. But if you can't see what is going on around you then I guess you can't see it
Perhaps you can form a prayer group and pray in the park. Or perhaps you can pray on the field before a sports event, or in a library, or in a school, or before a judge in a court room. Those freedoms have been taken from me, I am glad to know that you still have them.
The thought police have taken away even the things I have not yet spoken through intimidation and through threats of punishment. But you on the other hand are truly are blessed.
There are many " Let's Tiptoe Thorough the Tulips Christians" tripping gaily through the flower beds of life. They know not what awaits them, and neither do they wish to know these things.