Questions about Christianity

[GWH]

I guess the two main groups people usually think of are Catholic and Protestant; and yes, there are many differences between them. But there are other large groups like Evangelicals, Nondenominational, and Charismatics. And there are a lot of people who don't affiliate with any group. Christianity isn't about what group you affiliate with, but Who you affiliate with: the Lord Jesus.

Yes, Christian denominations are like various brands of gas: you put them in the tank and they all burn. :^)

More biblically: A crisis that threatened a Philippian jailer with death prompted him to ask Paul and Silas the most important question in life: “What must I do to be saved?” (ACTS 16:30) This question is most important, because—as sinful and mortal souls—we need saving from corruption, both moral and physical. We need saving from physical death if we value or enjoy life, and we need saving from immorality or evil-doing if it results in unhappy existence, especially after this lifetime.

The reply of Paul and Silas was this: “Believe in the Lord Jesus.” (ACTS 16:31) This is God's requirement for salvation (GRFS) in a nutshell. Jesus Himself expressed GRFS even more succinctly using three, four and five letter words: “Ask… seek… knock…” (MT 7:7). As Hebrews 11:6 states: “he [God] rewards those who earnestly seek him” (cf. IS 45:19).

 

[Bataal]

Sorry for every body. I have a war in my country and couldn't reply to some of comments. InshaAllah will back soon.
But now I have a quick question. The occupation of Gaza by Israel kills civilians and constitutes genocide with terrible crimes. Why is God just watching the Israeli criminals and allowing them to kill women, children, and everyone else for more than a year without taking revenge or stopping the criminals?

 

[Karlon]

Sorry for every body. I have a war in my country and couldn't reply to some of comments. InshaAllah will back soon.
But now I have a quick question. The occupation of Gaza by Israel kills civilians and constitutes genocide with terrible crimes. Why is God just watching the Israeli criminals and allowing them to kill women, children, and everyone else for more than a year without taking revenge or stopping the criminals?[/QUOTE God's Holy Spirit authored the Bible. in it, there is everything we need to know. if someone wants the answer to something & it's not in the Bible, trust it. God told us all the do's & don'ts. he also has given everyone free will & free choice & He's never going to take that away. He also has commanded us to live joyfully, responsibly & wisely. & He will not send Jesus down any sooner than He planned. everything that has ever occurred on earth since day 1 that is ungodly has nothing to do with God, it's all humans. in addition to that, "if we live by the sword, we will die by the sword". on the subject of innocent people dying it's catastrophically sad & sorrowful. absolutely terrible, about the worst we have to endure. we can always pray for the people of Israel & others & hope
for the best.

 

[Gideon300]

Sorry for every body. I have a war in my country and couldn't reply to some of comments. InshaAllah will back soon.
But now I have a quick question. The occupation of Gaza by Israel kills civilians and constitutes genocide with terrible crimes. Why is God just watching the Israeli criminals and allowing them to kill women, children, and everyone else for more than a year without taking revenge or stopping the criminals?

War has always been a terrible thing. Compared to WW2, civilians on both sides have got off lightly. My mother lived in London and endured the Blitz. A V2 rocket struck not far from where she lived. That was before she married. It is rather sobering to think how close I was to not being born.

I'm ex military, so I see things a little differently from some. Israel did not start the conflict. They've been enduring attacks by terrorists and by Arab nations since the day of independence. Gaza elected terrorists to run the enclave after Israel pulled out. People do not seem to know that Israel pulled all its settlers out of Gaza and gave Gaza to its own resident to rule. I'm sure many Israelis are questioning that decision.

Netanyahu has decided that enough is enough. I've seen some of the Hamas charter. It includes the complete destruction of Israel and the death of every Jew. And that is not only in Israel, it is around the world. Hamas is not alone in this. Iran is the head of this particular monster. Hezbollah and the Houthis along with other terror groups are a part also.

Israel has a choice to endure a death of a thousand cuts, always reacting but not being proactive. Or it could deal with those who seek its destruction. Military strategy says that the best form of defence is attack.

Did you see the massive store of munitions that Hezbollah had in store? It would have made the Hamas attack look like a picnic.

It would be wonderful if every tribe, religion, race and nation could get along. They do not. Israel has said, "Enough is enough". It's better to destroy the enemy completely than to live in constant state of fear.

Keep in mind that this war could end this minute. Iran and its proxies could lay down their arms and recognise the state of Israel.

 

[Publican]

If you don't understand the Koran yourself,You won't understand the Bible either.

Was that necessary? Seriously?
A man comes here seeking knowledge and you insult him.
No wonder christians are so disliked.

 

[Publican]

no, Christianity is not comprised of 2 groups. catholics are not christians. there's a huge difference. they go to a priest to have sins forgiven: that never succeeded, they say a hail mary prayer: that never was answered, they pray to saints & statues: that also, never works, they commit sin by way of necromancy which is contact with the dead & Jesus forbade that, they invent their own rituals: all saints day, all souls day, priests to remain celibate, salvation by works & on & on.

So no catholics in heaven huh? I try very hard not to address people in this manner, but its late and I think this will be my last post.

That was absolutely one of the most ignorant and condemning statements I've ever heard. I wish I hadn't heard it. By your standards I presume there are no Orthodox in heaven as well. Why don't we just lump everyone in there who attends an Evangelical megachurch too, or maybe the Amish. You seem to have it all figured out. Who else isn't getting in?

The Catholic Institution is evil and corrupt, I'll give you that much. But there are over a billion Catholics on this planet.

Have you lost your mind?

 

[Karlon]

So no catholics in heaven huh? I try very hard not to address people in this manner, but its late and I think this will be my last post.

That was absolutely one of the most ignorant and condemning statements I've ever heard. I wish I hadn't heard it. By your standards I presume there are no Orthodox in heaven as well. Why don't we just lump everyone in there who attends an Evangelical megachurch too, or maybe the Amish. You seem to have it all figured out. Who else isn't getting in?

The Catholic Institution is evil and corrupt, I'll give you that much. But there are over a billion Catholics on this planet.

Have you lost your mind?

learn John 9:31: "now we know that God hearth NOT sinners.....". Proverbs 30:6: "add thou NOT unto His words......". you just admitted the catholic religion is evil & corrupt! if you look up what i said catholics do you are only going to find out it's the truth. so often today, people are not listening to what's said but they listen to respond. research the catholic beliefs &you'll see it's true. people need to stop with the misuse of the words judging & condemnation where it's not properly attributable. no intention here to deride anyone or any beliefs. example: the hail mary prayer. Collosians 1;19 & 3:17, Ephesians 1:22,23, & 1st Corinthians 8:6, 10:31, Hebrews 1:1,2, 7:25, 8:10, 9:15, 12:24, John 14:6, & especially, 1st Timothy 2:5 all prove beyond a glimmer of a glance that the hail mary prayer is useless, past, present & future. i think you missed the truth here. review everything i said & you'll see it's the truth. blessings to you Publican.

 

[Jimbone]

Sorry for every body. I have a war in my country and couldn't reply to some of comments. InshaAllah will back soon.
But now I have a quick question. The occupation of Gaza by Israel kills civilians and constitutes genocide with terrible crimes. Why is God just watching the Israeli criminals and allowing them to kill women, children, and everyone else for more than a year without taking revenge or stopping the criminals?

Probably the same reason He allowed the Muslim terrorist to parachute into a music festival and try to genocide the Jews. The same reason He allows people to lie about things and be deceived. The same reason that He ever allowed evil men to take Him and kill Him unjustly so we might be saved. There's a lot about God I don't understand, but even more about false Gods I don't get. For example I think Allah is actually the Satan of the bible and one of the most wicked false Gods I could imagine. So we both have things we don't understand about God. I can't for the life of me understand why God would allow the insanely wicked ideology of Islam to claim so much of the world. But I know it will be for His glory in the end though.

 

[Bataal]

@Karlon

I'm sorry but you did not give a clear response to my question.
What do you mean send Jesus? what will happen when Jesus comes down? will he punish the criminals and take revenge on them ?

 

[Bataal]

War has always been a terrible thing. Compared to WW2, civilians on both sides have got off lightly. My mother lived in London and endured the Blitz. A V2 rocket struck not far from where she lived. That was before she married. It is rather sobering to think how close I was to not being born.

I'm ex military, so I see things a little differently from some. Israel did not start the conflict. They've been enduring attacks by terrorists and by Arab nations since the day of independence. Gaza elected terrorists to run the enclave after Israel pulled out. People do not seem to know that Israel pulled all its settlers out of Gaza and gave Gaza to its own resident to rule. I'm sure many Israelis are questioning that decision.

Netanyahu has decided that enough is enough. I've seen some of the Hamas charter. It includes the complete destruction of Israel and the death of every Jew. And that is not only in Israel, it is around the world. Hamas is not alone in this. Iran is the head of this particular monster. Hezbollah and the Houthis along with other terror groups are a part also.

Israel has a choice to endure a death of a thousand cuts, always reacting but not being proactive. Or it could deal with those who seek its destruction. Military strategy says that the best form of defence is attack.

Did you see the massive store of munitions that Hezbollah had in store? It would have made the Hamas attack look like a picnic.

It would be wonderful if every tribe, religion, race and nation could get along. They do not. Israel has said, "Enough is enough". It's better to destroy the enemy completely than to live in constant state of fear.

Keep in mind that this war could end this minute. Iran and its proxies could lay down their arms and recognise the state of Israel.

It is truly a pity that you defend the criminals and give them the right to commit genocide. My question is why does God just watch as these criminals carry out terrible acts and not intervene to stop them? I want to understand.

 

[Karlon]

@Karlon

I'm sorry but you did not give a clear response to my question.
What do you mean send Jesus? what will happen when Jesus comes down? will he punish the criminals and take revenge on them ?

when God tells Jesus to come & rescue His believers at the rapture.

 

[Bataal]

Probably the same reason He allowed the Muslim terrorist to parachute into a music festival and try to genocide the Jews. The same reason He allows people to lie about things and be deceived. The same reason that He ever allowed evil men to take Him and kill Him unjustly so we might be saved. There's a lot about God I don't understand, but even more about false Gods I don't get. For example I think Allah is actually the Satan of the bible and one of the most wicked false Gods I could imagine. So we both have things we don't understand about God. I can't for the life of me understand why God would allow the insanely wicked ideology of Islam to claim so much of the world. But I know it will be for His glory in the end though.

You also defend criminals!!!! It's quite ironic to defend them, but I think it might be due to your sensitivity toward Islam and Muslims. You shifted away from my question, so let me rephrase it: You mentioned Muslim terrorists. Why does God allow Muslim terrorists to commit genocide against Jews? Why does He just watch?

By the way, 'Allah' means 'God'; they have the same meaning. When I say 'God' I mean 'Allah' as well. Please don't let your hate feelings towards Muslims and Islam prevent you from understanding my question or lead you to dismiss and attack anyone who simply asks for clarification.

 

[Bataal]

when God tells Jesus to come & rescue His believers at the rapture.

Thank you for your reply
If you have an idea about what will Jesus do with the criminals? Will he fight them? After all, the criminals of course won't allow him to do anything when he returns.

 

[Karlon]

Thank you for your reply
If you have an idea about what will Jesus do with the criminals? Will he fight them? After all, the criminals of course won't allow him to do anything when he returns.

criminals and anyone who does not repent, does not ask for forgiveness and doesn't declare Jesus Christ as personal savior, will live in hell forever.

 

[Bataal]

criminals and anyone who does not repent, does not ask for forgiveness and doesn't declare Jesus Christ as personal savior, will live in hell forever.

Thank you my dear for clarification
What about the criminals who died before Jesus comes? Will they have the same opportunity to repent and declare their faith? or will they go to Hell forever?

 

[Karlon]

Thank you my dear for clarification
What about the criminals who died before Jesus comes? Will they have the same opportunity to repent and declare their faith? or will they go to Hell forever?

dead people don't have an opportunity to repent & declare faith. they had that when alive. once in hell, it's forever.

 

[Bataal]

dead people don't have an opportunity to repent & declare faith. they had that when alive. once in hell, it's forever.

I see a similarity in Islam, where it is believed that when the sun rises from the west instead of the east, there will be no opportunity to repent.
Really thank you dear Karlon

 

[Gideon300]

It is truly a pity that you defend the criminals and give them the right to commit genocide. My question is why does God just watch as these criminals carry out terrible acts and not intervene to stop them? I want to understand.

What is criminal against a nation defending itself? Israel has been at war since independence. Sometimes the shooting stops, that's all.

The criminals are those who steal money intended for Gazans to build tunnels and procure weapons. The criminals are those who hijack aid convoys to feed terrorists while Gazans go without. The criminals are those who use hospitals as military bases and private homes as entry points the tunnel complex. The criminals are those who take concrete supplied for rebuilding to reinforce terrorist tunnels. The criminals are those UN funded teachers who brainwash children into hatred for Israel.

There is no logical or rational reason to hate Israel. There never were any Palestinians. There were Arabs and Jews living in an Ottoman province. That province was given to Britain to administer after WW1. It was not an independent state.

The Arabs were not forced out of Israel. 20% of the population of Israel is Arab. Gaza could be a prosperous and peaceful place. Gazans have brought this catastrophe on themselves. Lebanon is little better because of Hezbollah. Jordan is peaceful. Why? They chose to make peace with Israel. Egypt likewise is at peace.

Have you ever wondered why no Arab nation accepts the "Palestinian" refugees? No one wants them, because they value peace also.

 

[Bataal]

What is criminal against a nation defending itself? Israel has been at war since independence. Sometimes the shooting stops, that's all.

The criminals are those who steal money intended for Gazans to build tunnels and procure weapons. The criminals are those who hijack aid convoys to feed terrorists while Gazans go without. The criminals are those who use hospitals as military bases and private homes as entry points the tunnel complex. The criminals are those who take concrete supplied for rebuilding to reinforce terrorist tunnels. The criminals are those UN funded teachers who brainwash children into hatred for Israel.

There is no logical or rational reason to hate Israel. There never were any Palestinians. There were Arabs and Jews living in an Ottoman province. That province was given to Britain to administer after WW1. It was not an independent state.

The Arabs were not forced out of Israel. 20% of the population of Israel is Arab. Gaza could be a prosperous and peaceful place. Gazans have brought this catastrophe on themselves. Lebanon is little better because of Hezbollah. Jordan is peaceful. Why? They chose to make peace with Israel. Egypt likewise is at peace.

Have you ever wondered why no Arab nation accepts the "Palestinian" refugees? No one wants them, because they value peace also.

Come on, everything you’re saying is funny. Forgive me for saying this, but the world now recognizes that there is an occupation by Israel in Palestine, and they have been deceived.
Your arguments may have worked before 7 October 2023, but now the ugly awful reality of the Israeli occupation is clear for everyone on this earth.
I’m not here to debate this please; I don’t want to waste time on such misleading discussions by you.
Please I'm here looking to understand something about Christianity and religions.
Don’t steer the discussion toward something unproductive please.
I want to understand from a Christian perspective: why does God just watch criminals commit genocide?

 

[Gideon300]

Come on, everything you’re saying is funny. Forgive me for saying this, but the world now recognizes that there is an occupation by Israel in Palestine, and they have been deceived.
Your arguments may have worked before 7 October 2023, but now the ugly awful reality of the Israeli occupation is clear for everyone on this earth.
I’m not here to debate this please; I don’t want to waste time on such misleading discussions by you.
Please I'm here looking to understand something about Christianity and religions.
Don’t steer the discussion toward something unproductive please.
I want to understand from a Christian perspective: why does God just watch criminals commit genocide?

A leading question which is deceptive. Are you Muslim? It will help me to understand your POV if I know.

God gave authority over the earth to Adam and Eve. Adam gave that authority to Satan. Satan corrupted Adam's nature to the extent that Adam was estranged from God.

God has never rescinded that authority. Instead, He sent His only Son to become the last Adam and so recover fallen mankind to Himself. However, the vast majority of people reject Christ so they stay under the control of Satan. Satan is the Destroyer, the Murderer and Deceiver. He is ultimately responsible for the evil on the earth. However, he can do nothing without the cooperation of people.

God has a plan and purpose which He is working out for the good of those who follow Him and the destruction of those who do not. People make that choice. People can either seek the broad path to destruction or the marrow path that leads to life. Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Receive Him and live. Reject Him and stay dead in trespass and sin.

It's not looking good for you. The one requirement to be saved by God is an honest heart. You reject the truth about natural issues and insult those who try to help you. Not a good start. Still, nothing is impossible for God. I do not know you and I have nothing against you personally. I hope and pray that you see the light and come to Jesus.