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Title: Three Articles that help explain Israel
Source:
WELS (Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod)
URL Source: http://www.wels.net/news-events/for ... december-2008/invisible-church
Published: Jun 24, 2012
Author: various - Noted at end of each article.
Post Date: 2012-06-24 10:03:21 by SJN
Keywords: None
Views: 260624
Comments: 482
The Invisible Church As the Bible describes the church, it becomes clear that the church is both what we see and what we cannot see. Church. The word paints a picture. You see the building in which you worship. It may be a small, white-frame building set on a hill in the quiet countryside. Or it may be a large, stone structure occupying a street corner in a busy city. It’s not unusual for us to think of a building when we think of church. Worship is an important part of our lives, and that worship takes place in a building we love, whether it is fancy or plain. But that is not the way the word church is used in the Bible. In Scripture, church most often refers to people and not to buildings. The church is invisible In the New Testament the word ecclesia is often translated as church. Ecclesia refers to a group of people who have been called together. It is an assembly. Yet even that definition does not fully explain what the church is. As the Bible describes the church, it becomes clear that the church is both what we see and what we cannot see. The church is both visible and invisible. Why would we call a church invisible? You can see a building. You can see the people who gather in that building. Yet we do speak of the church as invisible in the Apostles’ Creed when we confess “I believe in the holy Christian church, the communion of saints.” Sometimes people mistakenly use the term saint to refer to a person who does an abundance of good deeds, someone who helps others. But the Bible uses the term to describe simply a believer. We even distinguish between believers who have been called home to heaven and those who still battle in this world. We speak of saints triumphant and saints militant. The apostle Peter describes these believers as “a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God” (1 Peter 2:9). Together all believers form the holy Christian church, a “spiritual house” made up of living stones chosen by God. When the Holy Spirit works faith in our hearts, we become part of this structure. The Lord Jesus can see the faith in our hearts. We, however, can only see the fruits of faith and not the faith itself. Because we cannot see faith, the church is invisible to our eyes. The prophet Elijah did not recognize that there were still seven thousand believers in Israel (1 Kings 19:8-18). He thought that he was the only believer left. Likewise, we cannot always tell whether a person is a believer or an unbeliever. As the Bible describes the church, it becomes clear that the church is both what we see and what we cannot see. Although the church may be invisible to us, the Lord sees his church clearly. “The Lord knows those who are his” (2 Timothy 2:19). At the same time each person knows what is in his or her heart. Trusting in the promises the Lord gives us, we know that we belong to that communion of saints, the church of God. Characteristics of the invisible church This invisible gathering of all believers is not limited by geography. The apostle John reminds us that believers come from different places and “from every nation, tribe, people and language” (Revelation 7:9). In addition, the church is not limited by time. All believers who have lived, are now living, and will live until Jesus returns at the end of time—all these believers are part of this church. The church, the body of all believers, is invisible, and it is also universal. Once again we confess this fact in the Third Article of the Apostles’ Creed. “I believe in the holy Christian church.” The first people who used this confession of faith said, “I believe in the holy catholic church.” The word catholic originally had no denominational connotation. It simply meant universal. When catholic became associated with a particular organization, the word Christian was substituted to prevent confusion. In the Apostles’ Creed we confess that we believe that the Lord gathers together everyone whose faith is in Jesus Christ as the Savior. People believe in many things. We say that we believe in our team, in our country, and in people who are dear to us. Likewise, many people believe in some religious figure other than Christ. God’s invisible church gathers together only those people who confess Jesus as their Savior. We distinguish ourselves from the followers of Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, and every other religion. We confess that Jesus Christ is true man and true God. We believe that Christ is sinless and perfect and that he is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. As the Bible describes the church, it becomes clear that the church is both what we see and what we cannot see. In a world that suggests that it does not matter what you believe as long as you believe, it becomes important to remember that the invisible church gathers together all believers in Christ. Without faith in Jesus we cannot be saved. Without Jesus we have no part in the communion of saints, the gathering of all believers. Jesus makes that clear when he says, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). People die. Church buildings may fall apart. Congregations may disband. But the invisible church continues. The Lord has promised that there will always be true believers who are kept faithful by the power of God. “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand” (John 10:27,28). What a comfort it is to know that the Holy Spirit, who calls us to faith, also preserves us in that faith through the gospel in Word and sacraments! It is easy to become attached to a congregation. It is in that fellowship that we listen to the good news of Jesus proclaimed. There we hear that our sins are forgiven. In our congregation we draw close to Jesus as we receive the sacrament of his body and blood. Likewise the building in which a congregation worships may be a special place. It may be the same structure in which we were baptized, confirmed, and married. It reminds us of all the blessings God has showered upon us. But we are part of something that is even more valuable, the holy Christian church. Our triune God has brought us together with people we may never see or know on this side of eternity. Through faith the Lord has made us a part of the congregation of all believers. Right now we are not able to see this church in its entirety. Yet what is invisible to our eyes now will be seen when the Lord returns in glory. What a joy it will be to see all believers from every part of the world and from all times! The day will come when we will gather together and praise the God of grace who gives us membership in his family, the invisible church. That church is not really invisible. It is only invisible to us. God sees it clearly. James Korthals, a professor at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, Mequon, Wisconsin, is a member at David’s Star, Jackson. Peter's Picture of the Church 1 Peter 2:4-10 The word "temple" in our modern society usually describes a large, beautiful building which is used for the worship of some god. The use of such temples goes back thousands of years. Peter used it to paint a beautiful word picture of Jesus and his church in 2:4-8. Made up of living stones Jesus is pictured in many ways in John's gospel. Peter adds his own picture here, when he writes, "The Lord Jesus is the living stone" (v. 4). In verse 6 he gives the original source for this statement (Isaiah 28:16), where God said, "Look! I'm laying a stone in Zion [another name for Israel], a very special cornerstone of great value, and the person who believes in him will never be disappointed." In the ancient world the cornerstone was more than a stone on which was carved the date of construction. The cornerstone determined the length, the width, and the height of the building, so that the whole building depended on that cornerstone. That is the picture Peter uses to describe the church in verse 5a, where he says, "And since you are living stones, as you come to him you are built up into a spiritual temple," of which Jesus is the cornerstone. The church is built on Jesus, and around Jesus, the cornerstone. And it is made up of people who are like Jesus--perfectly holy beings in God's sight. That is the way God sees every person who truly believes in Jesus as his or her Savior, because our God-given faith makes us new creatures who are perfectly holy in God's sight, and every such person "will never be disappointed" on Judgment Day. Then Peter explains in verse 7, "This means that he's of great value to you people who believe in him, but for those who don't believe in him, 'the stone which the builders [the Jewish nation as a whole] decided was no good, is the very one which has become the cornerstone'; and 'the stone which will make people stumble, and the rock which will make them fall.' "How clear Peter makes it that Jesus is the difference between eternal life and eternal damnation. We are now a holy group of priests Next Peter uses a new metaphor in verse 5 when he says that the believers who come to Jesus as living stones "are built up into a spiritual temple, to be a holy group of priests, who offer up spiritual sacrifices which God is happy to receive." He continues in verses 9,10, "There was a time when you were no people at all, but now you are God's people. You who never knew God's mercy have now received his mercy." Praise the Lord! Peter is reminding us that there was a time when we were all outsiders, so far as God is concerned, unbelievers who had never heard of the triune God. But now that we have heard the good news and have come to believe it, we are God's people, while the Jews, as a nation, have rejected their Messiah and are outsiders. Now you must take note of the fact that every believer is a priest whose principal occupation it is to offer spiritual sacrifices to our triune God each day of our lives. Yes, from morning to evening we offer our God our thanks and praises for the undeserved love he has shown us by sending first his Son to atone for all our sins, and then his Holy Spirit who has brought us to believe the good news that all our sins are forgiven by Jesus' death on the cross, so that we are now God's children who are perfectly holy in God's sight. Our task as priests is to also bring him our other sacrifices. First there are our time and our talents which we spend carrying out the different tasks we can do as members of our congregations. In some cases we may give our Lord all of our time and talents to serve as pastors, teachers, missionaries, or church office workers. All of us, whether we are active workers or not, can offer the Lord a portion of our financial resources, which represent the value of our time spent in some gainful occupation. And of course the temple in which we serve is known to us as the church, the whole body of believers. The picture of the church that Peter gives us here is perhaps the most complete picture to be found anywhere in the Bible. Julian Anderson is a retired pastor and seminary professor living in Naples, Florida. Samuel: A Judge in Israel Concentrating on the Lord is daunting when dangers clamor for attention. Think back 300 years before Samuel. Following the death of those who carved a Jewish homeland out of Canaan, “another generation grew up, who knew neither the Lord nor what he had done for Israel” (Judges 2:10). To awaken his spiritually-anesthetized people, God enlisted neighboring nations to harass, enslave, and terrorize Israel. Slapped to consciousness, God’s people recognized their sin, pleaded for forgiveness, and prayed for relief. God then raised up leaders—judges—who with the Lord’s power pushed back the oppressors. Moral and spiritual health flourished. But “when the judge died, the people returned to ways even more corrupt than those of their fathers . . .” (Judges 2:19). Repenting to God This cycle of godlessness, oppression, repentance, freedom, upright living, and a return to godlessness repeated itself until Samuel. Remember Eli and his sons? 1 Samuel 7 brings us to a repentance and freedom section of that cycle and to Samuel as Israel’s final judge. The Ark of the Covenant remained in the border town of Kiriath-Jearim for 20 years after the Philistines captured it and then returned it to stem a Lord-induced plague. During those two decades “all the people of Israel mourned and sought after the Lord” (7:2). To confirm that renaissance of faith, Samuel summoned his countrymen to a spiritually essential, but politically provocative, act—national purification and rededication. Israel was not a free country. Philistine overlords kept close watch. When their surveillance noticed huge numbers of Israelites staging at Mizpah (literally, “look out point”), their early-warning alarms wailed. Mizpah was a military gem mounted in hills about eight miles north of Jerusalem. Soon the sound of Philistine marching boots, the clank of armor, and the bellow of war trumpets echoed off Mizpah. “When the Israelites heard of it, they were afraid . . .” (7:7). No doubt. Concentrating on the Lord is daunting when dangers (dare we add personal problems or financial difficulties) clamor for attention. Victory through God Samuel, however, urged Israel to fasten on God. “Do not stop crying out to the Lord our God for us, that he may rescue us” (7:8). Strength was not in their military might, but in the Lord’s omnipotence. God confirmed that. With Israeli knees bent in prayer and without an Israeli sword unsheathed, God’s deafening thunder routed the Philistine army. Panicked, the troops stumbled south toward safety. Their backs made easy targets. The Philistine losses that day did not completely free Israel. We await Saul and David to accomplish that. Israel, however, did enjoy a season of peace with Philistia and, as a fringe benefit, with the Amorites. Concentrating on the Lord is daunting when dangers clamor for attention. To mark the victory, Samuel set up a monument called Ebenezer (“stone of help”). Ebenezer stones (church cornerstones, wedding anniversaries, birthdays) remind us, “Thus far has the Lord helped us.” But our most conclusive proof that there’s always an upside in our downside world is Jesus, “the stone the builders rejected [that] has become the capstone” (1 Peter 2:7). James A. Aderman is pastor at Fairview, Milwaukee.
(The Following article should help to illuminate why the Nation of Israel and it's people have seen thousands of years of turmoil).
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#124. To: meguro (#120)
It was so big a secret that it even came as a shock to me.
"It is impossible to talk reason with those who can only parrot Party Slogans." sneakypete Sept 2011 Stay Hungry...Stay Foolish --Steve Jobs Steve Jobs,life-long Dim,and major Barry Soetoro supporter.
You have this totally backwards. At first the "gay" movement was one of being able to tell the public that they enjoy sex with the same gender, then it was about being able to receive the same benefits from and employer. (Insurance,etc. as IF they were married). Now it's about churches and religious organizations being forced to marry them in their church's! Wake the frick up. This is not about their freedom to screw the same sex and receive married type benefits. It is about inserting their demands on the religious organizations of America by way of Government decree.
There are lies,and there are damn lies. What I quoted above falls into the "damn lie" category,and I have no doubt you heard this at church. The plain FACT of the matter is NOBODY has the authority in this country to tell a church who they have to allow to attend their services,or to whom they MUST provide services. Freedom of Religion is a double-edged sword. It cuts both ways. It is as un-Constitutional for the government to tell a religious institution that the MUST provide wedding oaths and ceremonies to homosexuals as it is for the government to tell homosexuals that they don't have the same right as other citizens to marry the adult of their choice, Now,no agent of the GOVERNMENT can refuse to marry homosexuals,and that is also the way it's supposed to be.
"It is impossible to talk reason with those who can only parrot Party Slogans." sneakypete Sept 2011 Stay Hungry...Stay Foolish --Steve Jobs Steve Jobs,life-long Dim,and major Barry Soetoro supporter.
I actually have no problem with a civil marriage between same sex people at city hall. But you are sadly mistaken if you think that is where it ends.
So,now you are bitching about what they WANT,regardless of the fact they have zero chance of obtaining some of it? What is more dangerous to the Republic than homosexual marriage is fundie Christians trying to replace the Constitution with their religious superstitions.
"It is impossible to talk reason with those who can only parrot Party Slogans." sneakypete Sept 2011 Stay Hungry...Stay Foolish --Steve Jobs Steve Jobs,life-long Dim,and major Barry Soetoro supporter.
Have you not read all about how it's now supposed to be HATE mongering by religious people, organizations who refuse to meet the demands of the minority of homosexuals? See Canada to gain a clue.
Me,either. Not that it would matter if I did. Rights are rights,and not subject to popular approval. But you are sadly mistaken if you think that is where it ends. That HAS to be where it ends. The Constitution says so.
"It is impossible to talk reason with those who can only parrot Party Slogans." sneakypete Sept 2011 Stay Hungry...Stay Foolish --Steve Jobs Steve Jobs,life-long Dim,and major Barry Soetoro supporter.
No,but I don't get your church newsletter,either. See Canada to gain a clue. Since when has the US Constitution been the law of the land in Canada?
"It is impossible to talk reason with those who can only parrot Party Slogans." sneakypete Sept 2011 Stay Hungry...Stay Foolish --Steve Jobs Steve Jobs,life-long Dim,and major Barry Soetoro supporter.
You are very ignorant apparently of how we arrived at our Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. I suggest you do a thorough review of the Federalist papers and the earlier history which also was used to write such marvelous documents. You seem to ignore that this nation was founded by people who were seeking religious freedom.
That is a well known fact. What's your point?
he Hutchinson City Council voted 3-2 to add sexual orientation to the city's anti-discrimination ordinance, which covers churches, as well as employers, restaurants and other local businesses. Read more: www.foxnews.com/politics/...-ordinance/#ixzz1z3CQwBPt once you destroy the freedom of religion you destroy the very liberty you claim to promote.
And one other thing. Government did not 'create' marriage. God did. Government sanctioned it through State laws. And I misspoke when I said I don't care if Homosexuals get married. I do. They should be allowed CIVIL legal bonds. But NOT marriage. Marriage is a religious institution created by that "spirit in the sky" that you so despise and was created for one man and one woman to enter in to and bring forth children to form a family unit.
I am confident the issues concerning homosexuality and marriages is a political ruse or stratagem. It has nothing to do with individual liberties, freedoms and liberties.
I like how Chick waits till the end to show the head revolutionary is wearing a Roman collar.
A sure sign you're going straight to hell. You see, these Chick tracts are a lot like a canary in a mine...
Pete, you are so patently full of sh*t that the stench could wipe out an army of Zombies. NO "fundie" is (LMAO) trying to (*snicker*) "replace the Constitution with their religious superstitions." You're not only a damned liar but frickin' insane.
With my head held high...indeed.
Never swear "allegiance" to anything other than the 'right to change your mind'!
You have this totally backwards. At first the "gay" movement was one of being able to tell the public that they enjoy sex with the same gender, then it was about being able to receive the same benefits from and employer. (Insurance,etc. as IF they were married). Now it's about churches and religious organizations being forced to marry them in their church's! Yup. TOTALLY azz-backwards. SJN, you have NAILED the MO of the fascist gay moment (which Petey supports 110%), as he and THEY try and reverse the truth of the matter. First it's "Fundies" preventing them from porking each other up the wazoo, THEN we're stopping them from porking IN their actual bedroom, THEN we're guilty of stopping them from porking and marching in the streets, receiving "partnership" bennies (that straights CAN'T), and demanding respect and recognition of and for "gay marriage"...but lastly, DEMANDING to be married in Churches. And now you have Pete lying and accusing "fundies" of (HIS WORDS) "telling others they are to be required by law and the force of government to live according to YOUR [Christian] beliefs." BULL-SH*T, Pete. The "fascist" is YOU and your queer army.
Lol, yeah...How about that? He knows the Vatican is Satan's HQ Central
That, OR... ...garlic....a crucifix...the sunlight to a vampire.
According to Brian S, they just bought the Crystal Cathedral.
See Canada to gain a clue. No, he can't see that Canada's template for persecution of Christians dovetail with "Hate Crimes" and the declaration of the Bible as a "book of hate" ...is America's future. None are so blind who refuse to see.
And why not? The Vatican is LOADED. The Vatican real estate holdings, art, stocks and assets dwarf most first world countries. They OWN their own bank; OWN politicians. They are the original MOB. They create revolutions. They influenced and sponsored the Illegal Invasion of America, The Vatican and Catholic Church sale of "Salvation" for 1500 years was THE biggest scam. EVER. There was good reason the Founders didn't want the Vatican's influence in America from the beginning. THEY also colluded with the Banksters.
Bullsh*t. Cite your source IF you can. Go ahead. And you have every right to those opinions. For YOU. Mighty WHITE of you. Thanks. You do NOT have the right to demand others live according to your opinions. I do so? Where have I stated such a lie, OR where have "fundies" cited such demands?? Again: CITATION, PLEASE. Now they are MY queers and I want to let them into MY bedroom? You're the one lying and dying on that hill, not me. And you STILL wonder why people think you are hysterical when it comes to this? The "hysteria" is as follows: "What is more dangerous to the Republic than homosexual marriage is sneakypete posted on 2012-06-27 21:56:20 ET Nice try, LIAR.
Sneaky is on the left on a whole host of issues.
Why do people substitute the word hysterical for the phrase "damn tired of"???? I think you would be amazed at the amount of people in this country who are "damn tired of" the gays and their lunacy!!!!
Political Bumper Stickers: The fastest way in the world to let people know you are a total dumbass.... Total number of Obama 2012 bumper stickers I've seen so far......5.. Total number of Romney 2012 bumper stickers I've seen so far...0.. Total number of Obama vs GW Bush 2012 bumper stickers....2!!
Faggots should raise your grand kids. Don't complain about it lefty.
Sneaky you are stupid. Men should be allowed in the womens restrom right. Are you one of the freaks that boys should be allowed in the girl scouts. What happened to you when you were young. Did your brain get run over by a train or are you just a closet dick sucker?
I do. And anyone attempting to implement such policy should be destroyed.
And where will it all end??? It won't end as long as people keep acquiesing to their demands....
Political Bumper Stickers: The fastest way in the world to let people know you are a total dumbass.... Total number of Obama 2012 bumper stickers I've seen so far......5.. Total number of Romney 2012 bumper stickers I've seen so far...0.. Total number of Obama vs GW Bush 2012 bumper stickers....2!!
Lib and Stonie live for decisiveness, intolerance and the scapegoating of others to sell the bill of goods their hatred and intolerance of others is. Nobody should be discriminated against on the basis of sexual orientation, and people like them should be more worried about the fact there is a historic low in the percentage of men and women who are in heterosexual marriages and work for the betterment of the institution at large then be worried about how they can deny the right for others top enter into this contract. Homosexual people are quite normal and have always been and will be around. They pose no threat at all to heterosexual relationships or the culture of thos country at large despite what haters and baiters creating wedge issues say about it.
Would you change your name to the faggot crusader?
What makes you think that you acting like a child with petty baiting bothers me? That is you constantly, and is no surprise to anyone that this is all you are about. Your rantings promoting bigotry and hate don't reach any audience of lurkers trying to decide on the merits of issues like these, as the language you cultivate drives most away but people already in your lynch mob. Your ineffective and badly run forum does not bother me. And it has zero impact on anything.
And I misspoke when I said I don't care if Homosexuals get married. I do. They should be allowed CIVIL legal bonds. But NOT marriage. Marriage is a religious institution created by that "spirit in the sky" that you so despise and was created for one man and one woman to enter in to and bring forth children to form a family unit. lol, you are trying to use the force of government to impose your beliefs.
. Congrats! Your post was the inspiration for a new ping list,and in honor of your post,here is the very first ping to the new ping list.
"It is impossible to talk reason with those who can only parrot Party Slogans." sneakypete Sept 2011 Stay Hungry...Stay Foolish --Steve Jobs Steve Jobs,life-long Dim,and major Barry Soetoro supporter.
See ya later, perhaps. For the record, I am honored.
As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend. -Proverbs 27:17 (NKJV)
You see, these Chick tracts are a lot like a canary in a mine... That puts me up to three Bozos here on LP. Must be making an impression:)
As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend. -Proverbs 27:17 (NKJV)
Sneakypete: "What is fascist is telling others they are to be required by law and the force of government to live according to YOUR beliefs." You have this totally backwards. At first the "gay" movement was one of being able to tell the public that they enjoy sex with the same gender, then it was about being able to receive the same benefits from and employer. (Insurance,etc. as IF they were married). Now it's about churches and religious organizations being forced to marry them in their church's! Yup. TOTALLY azz-backwards. SJN, you have NAILED the MO of the fascist gay moment (which Petey supports 110%), as he and THEY try and reverse the truth of the matter. First it's "Fundies" preventing them from porking each other up the wazoo, THEN we're stopping them from porking IN their actual bedroom, THEN we're guilty of stopping them from porking and marching in the streets, receiving "partnership" bennies (that straights CAN'T), and demanding respect and recognition of and for "gay marriage"...but lastly, DEMANDING to be married in Churches. And now you have Pete lying and accusing "fundies" of (HIS WORDS) "telling others they are to be required by law and the force of government to live according to YOUR [Christian] beliefs." BULL-SH*T, Pete. I am reminded of the old Soldier getting ready to retire: "When I first came in the Army being gay was illegal Then it was tolerated Then it was celebrated and approved I am getting out before it becomes mandatory!!!" LOL I love that one
As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend. -Proverbs 27:17 (NKJV)
When at the Jesuit university many moons ago, I had to fill an elective when the class I was scheduled for was dropped due to a prof's illness. So all that was left that sounded interesting was a course named "Jesus in politics." Said, ok sounds good. Well it turned out to be a leftist liberation theology course. The Jesuit priest teaching the course wore street clothes and proudly proclaimed he was a "chaplain" for the Sandanistas in the early days when they were "struggling" for freedom. Long story short, at the end of the course after many heated debates in class I received my only "C".
As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend. -Proverbs 27:17 (NKJV)
You know the saying...If you lay down with dogs, you will get fleas.
As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend. -Proverbs 27:17 (NKJV)
Comments (164 - 482) not displayed.
Top • Page Up • Full Thread • Page Down • Bottom/LatestYou, a leftist? Who knew?
#125. To: sneakypete (#123)
What is fascist is telling others they are to be required by law and the force of government to live according to YOUR beliefs.
#126. To: SJN (#122)
What you ignore is that the homosexual minority, are demanding that the Government mandate that the homosexual be not only allowed to marry, but to be married in any Christian church.
#127. To: sneakypete (#126)
#128. To: SJN (#125)
At first the "gay" movement was one of being able to tell the public that they enjoy sex with the same gender, then it was about being able to receive the same benefits from and employer. (Insurance,etc. as IF they were married). Now it's about churches and religious organizations being forced to marry them in their church's!
#129. To: sneakypete (#126)
#130. To: SJN (#127)
I actually have no problem with a civil marriage between same sex people at city hall.
#131. To: SJN (#129)
Have you not read all about how it's now supposed to be HATE mongering by religious people, organizations who refuse to meet the demands of the minority of homosexuals?
#132. To: sneakypete (#128)
Christians trying to replace the Constitution with their religious superstitions.
#133. To: SJN (#132)
You seem to ignore that this nation was founded by people who were seeking religious freedom.
#134. To: sneakypete (#131)
#135. To: sneakypete (#131)
#136. To: SJN (#135)
#137. To: redleghunter (#115)
#138. To: Brian S (#119)
I'm sorry but your constant posting of these thread scrambling graphics prompts me to place you as my soul guess in the bozo room.
#139. To: sneakypete, SJN (#128)
What is more dangerous to the Republic than homosexual marriage is fundie Christians trying to replace the Constitution with their religious superstitions.
#140. To: TooConservative (#138)
A sure sign you're going straight to hell.
#141. To: SJN, sneakypete (#125)
(Edited)
Sneakypete: "What is fascist is telling others they are to be required by law and the force of government to live according to YOUR beliefs."
#142. To: TooConservative, redleghunter (#137)
I like how Chick waits till the end to show the head revolutionary is wearing a Roman collar.
#143. To: TooConservative, Redleghunter (#138)
You see, these Chick tracts are a lot like a canary in a mine...
#144. To: Liberator, Brian S (#142)
the Vatican is Satan's HQ Central
#145. To: SJN, sneakypete (#129)
Have you not read all about how it's now supposed to be HATE mongering by religious people, organizations who refuse to meet the demands of the minority of homosexuals?
#146. To: buckeroo (#144)
(Edited)
According to Brian S, they just bought the Crystal Cathedral.
#147. To: sneakypete (#123)
(Edited)
What is fascist is telling others they are to be required by law and the force of government to live according to YOUR beliefs.
#148. To: Liberator (#147)
#149. To: sneakypete (#123)
And you STILL wonder why people think you are hysterical when it comes to this?
#150. To: sneakypete (#123)
And you have every right to those opinions. For YOU. You do NOT have the right to demand others live according to your opinions.
#151. To: sneakypete (#130)
Me,either. Not that it would matter if I did. Rights are rights,and not subject to popular approval.
#152. To: SJN (#127)
I actually have no problem with a civil marriage between same sex people at city hall.
#153. To: SJN, sneakypete (#125)
You have this totally backwards. At first the "gay" movement was one of being able to tell the public that they enjoy sex with the same gender, then it was about being able to receive the same benefits from and employer. (Insurance,etc. as IF they were married). Now it's about churches and religious organizations being forced to marry them in their church's!
#154. To: sneakypete (#123)
(Edited)
"And you STILL wonder why people think you are hysterical when it comes to this?"
#155. To: Ferret Mike (#154)
#156. To: A K A Stone (#155)
#157. To: SJN (#135)
And one other thing. Government did not 'create' marriage. God did. Government sanctioned it through State laws.
Say hello to your grandma for me.
#158. To: SJN, *Irony*, *Irony* (#132)
You seem to ignore that this nation was founded by people who were seeking religious freedom.
#159. To: Brian S, Liberator (#119)
I'm sorry but your constant posting of these thread scrambling graphics prompts me to place you as my soul guess in the bozo room.
#160. To: TooConservative (#138)
I'm sorry but your constant posting of these thread scrambling graphics prompts me to place you as my soul guess in the bozo room. A sure sign you're going straight to hell.
#161. To: Liberator (#141)
To: SJN, sneakypete
#162. To: Liberator, TooConservative (#142)
I like how Chick waits till the end to show the head revolutionary is wearing a Roman collar. Lol, yeah...How about that?
#163. To: A K A Stone, Liberator (#148)
Sneaky is on the left on a whole host of issues.
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