Posts by rapidbear65

Gerald Roberts said:He does. Haven't you already received it?

Why did my teacher tell me I was the last one in line when God was handing out wisdom? Seriously, why? Is it just free for everyone...??

David Booth7 said:John is basically saying Yahweh is merciful, like an American version of John

Joshua, or Yehoshua—which means Yahweh is salvation, essentially Jesus

Thanks! I figured as much, but better to ask and be sure...

hiddenbear3 said:Personally, I've never been one to buy into the idea of sacrifices, because the very word "sacrifice" implies something that isn't inherently pleasant or easy...

What I find much more compelling is this concept:

I seek mercy, not sacrifices.

And honestly, that sentiment predates our modern era; someone was simply echoing an ancient truth...

Think back to when Johanan Ben Zakai spoke to Jeshua Ben Hananiah after Joshua expressed his deep sorrow over the destruction of the Temple, asking where they would ever go to offer sacrifices for the forgiveness of sins.

In response, Johanan Ben Zakai said:
I don't want sacrifices; I want mercy (as echoed in the Old Testament).

For real, "sacrifice" doesn't even sound right. Mercy, though? Definitely. As for Johanan and Joshua? I don't know much about them or the religion, but I really want to get to the heart of what they actually meant. Still, those names feel familiar... maybe I've heard them used in translations before...

hiddenbear3 said:So, if I mentioned the victim on the pillar, it stands to reason that we are talking about a global-scale input, given how that situation is described.
Following that logic, if the input was truly global in scope, one would expect a corresponding output of much larger proportions, yet that seems to be missing...

Are you perhaps suggesting that individual acts of grace simply didn't exist prior to the modern era??

We have Joseph in the Old Testament, who finds it in his heart to forgive his own brothers after they literally abandoned him to die...

Thanks! I get it now. I'm not saying grace didn't exist before, it's just that nowadays people preach grace while being totally merciless themselves...

hiddenbear3 said:Could you perhaps elaborate a bit more on that? I want to make sure I'm not just writing based on assumptions about what you mean, so I'd love to be certain regarding your specific point of view.

I mean helping someone who actually needs it—not just preaching at them, but actually being there. Just showing grace whenever I can. Like protecting some innocent soldier who's caught in the middle of all this violence and death... To me, that's how Mother Teresa lived her life...

Rachel Sanders2 said:Don't believe everything you hear—he’s very much alive and kicking!

Alive?? No way! He's gone...

hiddenbear3 said:The Law states that anyone hung on a tree is under a curse.
But if an innocent person is the one hanging there, then the Law hasn't been broken—it’s been fulfilled in a different sense.

Essentially, the old Law has been superseded by a new theology.

Moses represents the era that passed, because grace has been poured out upon humanity; salvation isn't earned through our own works, but is instead a gift, precisely because the shedding of innocent blood effectively nullified the old legalistic requirements.

My only hang-up is figuring out where all that grace has been for the last 2,000 years...
Was it just a temporary outpouring??

hm, is salvation through gracious works even a thing? Is there actually a term for that?

Thanks from my side too, I just learned something really beautiful about my faith. Like, truly beautiful... no more bloodshed.

Ethan Gonzalez2 said:I’d love to hear from my fellow Christians on this one:
If we accept the idea that Jesus had to be crucified and die on the cross because it was ultimately God's will, then why would God use His power to tear the temple veil apart as a sign of His fury following the death of His Son?
It feels like a contradiction. If Jesus was destined to be crucified—essentially stepping into the line of fire to absorb God's wrath—then the Sanhedrin wasn't really the "villain" behind his death. In that light, they were just another link in the chain of events required to fulfill the prophecy.

Man, you shouldn't have asked all Christians. I'm a believer myself, but I honestly don't have a clue about this stuff. So, my answer as a Christian basically amounts to nothing. Here's some advice though: go check out the threads on the Trinity, do some reading, and maybe you'll find what you're actually looking for. Peace!

Harold Gray97 said:Where have you been hiding, my friend? Please, do not go blaming yourself; I know you’ve just been caught up in the chaos of life. As long as you are healthy and doing well, that is all that matters to me. You are in my thoughts, though I certainly don't wish to be a distraction. We shall speak soon.
Good luck.🙂🙂

Thanks! It's seriously good to "see" you again...😂

Harold Gray97 said:How on earth am I supposed to help you?
I persistently share this link with everyone because I know it has genuinely helped people who took the time to use it, but it feels as though no one listens to me, almost as if there is a collective refusal to accept help. It makes me feel as though I am shouting into a void, and frankly, it weighs on me because I feel powerless to assist you.
I will send you the link, but I implore you to read it thoroughly and grasp the core essence of its components. Look, this resource is for your benefit, not mine. Please, do not be foolish enough to dismiss something that could actually change things for you right at the starting line.
http://www.organon2001.gr/portal/ind...226&Itemid=373
Read through this link carefully, and please, ask me anything that piques your interest. You are more than welcome to reach out via private message as well.
I am well aware that finding employment in today's economy is incredibly difficult. You aren't the only one sending out resumes into the ether only to hear nothing back. However, you must maintain your patience. Surely, better days lie ahead.
The way you withdraw from people is deeply tied to something that happened during your childhood.
There is absolutely no reason for you to run from them. You bear no guilt for what happened. Why weren't they the ones protecting and saving you? I realize my question might seem blunt, but should they be allowed to destroy you as well?
Everything I have told you is the truth. You are not at fault. You must find it within yourself to believe in your own innocence.
And please, cry whenever you feel the need. It is a necessary way to release that negative energy.
Speak your mind; say everything that weighs on your heart.
If you would like, I can give you my email address; write to me whenever you wish and about whatever is on your mind, and I promise I will respond.🙂

Hey Tea! "I'm in the wrong with you." I'll hit you up soon. It's impossible to help someone who asks for help but won't take it. Honestly, it takes a lot of work and time. Take care!