There have been those who have asked me about my faith in my prayers and other things I have posted on this website. My prayers are based on scriptures written in the Bible. So, I would like to discuss the Bible. I'd like to know how many people believe the Bible is the word of God. How often do you read your Bible? Do you seek answers to your problems in God's word? Or depend on other people to help you solve them? Why do you think the Bible was written?

4/6/2008 1:41:50 PM by mrspiggy, Member of Delve into Jesus since 1/18/2008

I will be the first to state that I firmly believe the Bible is the word of God - and I read mine daily, sometimes several times a day. I do seek answers to my problems in God's word - but I also have lately been reading Bible/scripture-based self-help/inspirational books that force me to think and to get into the scriptures more. (Different people think in different ways and often, I tend to think along literal lines - reading different authors has blessed me by giving me insight on scriptures, lessons, etc. I haven't thought about.) I have tagged the scriptures that give me strength, command me to do things or encourage me, etc. - and I use them in my prayers each night (Luke 6:27 - 28 is a good example) - as well as in situations I am placed in (ie: our discussion on another thread regarding my fear of the dark, Isaiah 41:10). I believe that it is good to have a friend that you can be honest with - and that will be honest with you - to discuss sinful ways, struggles, etc. as well as to share where I draw my strength from (regarding scriptures/Biblical lessons) - as I gain insight, as well as encouragement, from others' thinking - and hopefully, they gain the same from me. I have one good friend that I have a pact with - she is not only one of my best friends but is also my prayer sister and very dear to my heart. Also, she forces me to be honest with myself; she can identify "problem areas" that I may be in denial about or am not able to identify on my own. It's a very humbling experience for me - one that I have found has drawn me closer to God as well as one that gives me encouragement, knowing that my struggles are not mine alone. I believe the Bible was written for many reasons - the first being to make us all aware of God and His will and purpose in our lives, as well as His love for us. I think it was also written to be used for teaching, inspiration, encouragement and praise as well as for gentle and loving admonishment as we daily walk with God and try to emulate him in our lives; it was also written to teach us about God's plan for salvation and to draw us closer to Him. I also believe the Bible is historically accurate and gives us valuable lessons about our Christian brothers and sisters that came before us. Now that I've written a chapter in a book... :P Next? :)

4/6/2008 10:40:27 PM by txhoneydarlin, Member of Delve into Jesus since 4/5/2008

I THINK THE BIBLE WAS WRITTEN SO WE ALL COULD HEAR THE TRUTH OF GOD AND HIS PLAN FROM START TO END.I READ THE BIBLE OR TRY TO READ THE BIBLE EVERYDAY ,I CAN'T SAY I ALWAYS DO THOUGHT. YES I SEEK ANSWERS TO MY PROMBLEMS OR QUESTIONS. BUT READING THE BIBLE SOMETIMES LEAVING WONDERING HOW TO UNDERSTAND WHAT I JUST READ BETTER, BUT I USUALLY WILL DO THAT WITH A PERSON THAT I'VE BEEN GOING TO CHURCH WITH SOMEONE I KNOW WELL ENOUGH TO TALK TO ABOUT IT, BUT AS FAR AS QUESTIONS LIKE I JUST ASKED DO WE GO TO HEAVEN AS SOON AS WE DIE OR DO WE SLEEP TILL JESUS COMES, I WILL ASK BUT NOT DEPEND ON THAT

4/7/2008 2:46:12 AM by LORIL, Member of Delve into Jesus since 3/24/2008

Thank you for your responses. I believe every word from IN to Amen. I also believe the Book of Acts is unfinshed. I believe we are all a part of this book. What say you?

4/14/2008 12:28:32 PM by mrspiggy, Member of Delve into Jesus since 1/18/2008

Romans 8:28 states: "And we know all things work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose." Everybody quotes this scripture. I know I have for many years. This morning, I got a new revelation on this. It started with Romans 12:1. The renewing of my mind. I meditated on renewing my mind first, then started seeing Romans 8:28 in a new light. The word"and" connects verse 28 to the previous verses concerning prayer and the Holy Spirit interceding for us when we know not what to pray for. I understand that, my focus today ws on the words, "of those who love God". What was revealed to me was that this "love" is not emotional. The Bible says, "If you love me, you will keep my commandments." This struck home for me. We all know the main two, Love God with all your heart, soul, strength and mind. And love your neighbor as yourself. But there are other commanments, like "Fear not", "Do not let the sun go down on your anger", "Have faith in God", "Forgive", "When you pray, believe you receive and you will have what you say", etc. These too are commandments. They are not suggestions. Since I want all things to work for my good, I'm asking you all to help me find other commandments that I may be overlooking.

5/21/2008 9:50:06 AM by mrspiggy, Member of Delve into Jesus since 1/18/2008

Thanks very much for that, Mrs. Piggy. I read the Bible, but I don't take enough time to mediate and reflect on it as I should. When we do, there are many riches to be found.

5/22/2008 8:25:06 AM by arsindelve, Executive Director, Delve Christian Ministries

MrsPiggy, I love this one! "For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. (Matthew 6:14-15) (When I actually obeyed and forgave the people in my past who had hurt me, I was delivered from Severe Depression!) It really got me thinking, how for many years of my life I had recited the Our Father, and not actually did what it said! How true the Scriptures are! ("But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking." Matthew 6:7) The heartchange and lifechange comes in the "doing!" "But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves." James 1:22

5/23/2008 1:17:19 PM by Ignited~Faith, Member of Delve into Jesus since 2/20/2008

Arsindelve, Take the time. It is well worth it. Joshua 1: 8 "Study this Book of the Law continually. Meditate on it day and night so that you may be sure to obey all that is written in it." IgnitedFaith, You are so special. You continue to bless me everytime you post. I think forgiving others is one of the hardest commandments. That's why Jesus said we wouldn't receive it unless we gave it first. I think it would be easier if I had the capacity to really forget it after forgiving. But, whatever's done still runs through my mind even years later. I know I've truly forgiven the person because the emotions are gone. No pain or anger. Thank you woman of God.

5/24/2008 9:13:29 PM by mrspiggy, Member of Delve into Jesus since 1/18/2008

what about in the OT Bible when God demands entire cities to be destroyed for sins that occur rampantly in the past and present.. God often calls for all the men to be destroyed (in some cases to spare only the virgin women), to kill the innocent babies and even the livestock.. ??

6/4/2008 12:26:10 AM by tombombadil4200, Member of Delve into Jesus since 6/4/2008

Tombombadil4200, What about it? Did God not create the world? Was this not a shadow of His ability to destroy sin in our lives today?

6/4/2008 8:36:52 AM by mrspiggy, Member of Delve into Jesus since 1/18/2008

What if we look at the men as these sins, (murder and rape). Then the babies as hate and lust, which can grow up to be murder and rape. Picture the livestock as sickness and disease. The virgins represent purity of heart. Given this scenerio, what would you do?

6/4/2008 9:01:12 AM by mrspiggy, Member of Delve into Jesus since 1/18/2008

Tom, I've written an article about it here you might find helpful.

6/4/2008 9:01:28 AM by arsindelve, Executive Director, Delve Christian Ministries

Hi Tom, I'm not really sure what you're asking or from what perspective you are asking - sorry about that. However, your question does seem similar to questions I've had in the past - these types of questions can be stumbling blocks to faith for some of us. I suppose we are not questioning God's sovereignty here; we just want to understand God. I think this is possible if we approach God with an honest desire to know Him. After praying for faith and understanding, I do now trust that God is love and mercy and has these types of situations well in hand. I believe that God wanted to make a strong point to His people regarding how much He hates sin, how we are to live separate from sin, and to demonstrate sin's appropriate penalty. I also believe that just as God gave those OT unfortunates life, He has the ability to offer the very same people salvation. I see the plight of these people kind of like a metaphor for my own life. Of course I have not been butchered by a marauding army - but perhaps something like that. My sins destroyed my life. However, God has mercifully redeemed my life. We can have this hope for all people. I'm sure the more we seek to know God, the more He will provide faith and understanding, and the more we will grow in appreciation of His love and mercy. Thanks for considering my thoughts.

6/4/2008 9:24:33 AM by Ryan, Member of Delve into Jesus since 12/30/2007

Hi, thanks for all the responses.. and I understand most of all your points but I still don't understand why our own Creator would need to commit genocides against people who are committing simple sins that occur rampantly in the past and present and yet does nothing to stop them (i.e. Nazi Germany, genocides in Darfur, African slavery, etc. etc.) .. I just grew up being taught God is all loving and forgiving, but many parts in the OT sound so cruel and corrupt: - Now kill all the boys innocent kids. And kill every woman who has slept with a man, but save for yourselves every girl who has never slept with a man. Numbers 31:17-18 - Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass. Samuel 15:3 - 10 When you march up to attack a city, make its people an offer of peace. 11 If they accept and open their gates, all the people in it shall be subject to forced labor and shall work for you. 12 If they refuse to make peace and they engage you in battle, lay siege to that city. 13 When the LORD your God delivers it into your hand, put to the sword all the men in it. 14 As for the women, the children, the livestock and everything else in the city, you may take these as plunder for yourselves. And you may use the plunder the LORD your God gives you from your enemies. 15 This is how you are to treat all the cities that are at a distance from you and do not belong to the nations nearby. However, in the cities of the nations the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance, do not leave alive anything that breathes. Deuteronomy 20:16 I understand they were committing sins, but I don't think our own God who would send Jesus who was Christ to suffer for our sins would be so cruel and intolerant of people, especially the innocent children and animals who would have no knowledge of such blasphemy.. and then in Deuteronomy 20:14 allowing the winners of the wars to take the women and children as their own for plunder (it is almost clearly condoning rape)... like why couldn't our all powerful God simply send them a prophet to guide them to better their ways, or why not simply remove the leaders who inspired the sins rather than punishing everyone?

6/4/2008 10:42:33 AM by tombombadil4200, Member of Delve into Jesus since 6/4/2008

Tom, Have you read the article? I really feel that it addresses your concerns, and if not, I'd like to know where you found it lacking it so I can correct it, since it was written precisely for people with the concerns that you're expressing.

6/4/2008 7:14:39 PM by arsindelve, Executive Director, Delve Christian Ministries

Arsindelve.. I have read the article, but I do find it lacking it many points. I do not wish to abandon the OT, but simply reflect on certain portions that greatly contradict what we all think of when we hear Christianity. Although I agree it isn't fair to compare it to the NT, I do however think it is a weak excuse to say it was a brutal time period because that allows for any war or even hostile action to be justified (past and present) simply by saying they were 'brutal times'.. and the points of the NT not being all love & mercy simply point out the arguments that make me feel the most uncomfortable for following this faith when it is supposed to be about redeeming one's self for the sake of Jesus and our own Creator's divine love for all of us, not simply threatening us with 'unquenchable fires' or 'eternal suffering' for not understanding what gifts God is offering us... and I just find the excuse of 'kill or be killed' quite trivial as imagining our own God having to stoop down to such drastic and violent means to simply allow his own people to better prosper and vanquish their enemies.. and even if God simply HAD to utterly destroy the Amalekites (although why not stop the Hitler, Stalin or other countless dictators that were allowed to ruthlessly destory millions of lives?) I still don't believe the entire population should be destroyed simply for having terrible leaders.. I simply cannot accept any excuse for murder especially when God demands children (age of accountability?) and even the helpless animals to suffer and die for others sins.

6/4/2008 9:34:19 PM by tombombadil4200, Member of Delve into Jesus since 6/4/2008

How can one reply to someone whose sense of right and wrong is so great that he can stand in judgment of God?

6/4/2008 9:42:06 PM by addison-x, Member of Delve into Jesus since 4/29/2007

Tombombadil, You said, (Quote: "I simply cannot accept any excuse for murder especially when God demands children (age of accountability?) and even the helpless animals to suffer and die for others sins.") ---------------------------------- God is God. He is all knowing, all Wise, and He is Perfect. (Etc.) Whatever God does is Just and Right. His ways are higher than ours. Because of sin, God flooded the whole earth. (Almost destroying all human & animal life! (Except for a few!) And only God would send His only begotten Son, to suffer and die on the Cross, for your sins and mine, and those of the whole world. (And remember, Jesus is God in the flesh...)

6/4/2008 10:31:16 PM by Ignited~Faith, Member of Delve into Jesus since 2/20/2008

Tom, Perhaps it will help to step back and gain some perspective, so I can understand where you're coming from. Can I ask if you a Christian? If not, are you desiring to follow Christ, but this is one of the issues that is standing in your way? You seem very angry about it -- not just troubled, but rather personally offended. Do you know why that is? (I'm not trying to be rhetorical or consescending, and I don't suggest I know the answer, but I'm just curious if you've given some thought to why this issue is so significant for you)

6/4/2008 10:46:28 PM by arsindelve, Executive Director, Delve Christian Ministries

well i could say i am christian, but that can mean very little and quite a variety of things.. and of course i am offended, shouldn't anyone be when murder is trying to be justified? why not approve of all capital punishment simply because it is better for society? why not allow abortion for all women simply because it is better for their life and their families? any person truly one with their faith should be able to understand every aspect of it and frankly i still have not heard any reasonable explanations besides God is perfect and thus should be allowed to promote his 'chosen people' to slaughther people and children simply because He gave them the green light to do so.

6/5/2008 4:41:12 AM by tombombadil4200, Member of Delve into Jesus since 6/4/2008

Good Morning Tom, Many people share the concerns you've expressed. I could not satisfy my questioning directly, but I think I found some peace on the issue. At one point, after feeling terribly distant from God, I had to ask myself if I am willing to give my whole heart to God, no matter who/what God is, or just because He is God. I had to consider if I could surrender the anger I was harboring, the disillusionment in which I was wallowing and the disbelief and confusion which was clouding my perspective. On both a human level and spiritual plane most will agree that these emotions are counterproductive. So, my answer was yes, God is God, so I am willing to surrender all of my hang-ups to His sovereignty. Even though I came to that conclusion, I feel as though the concerns you've expressed may still be somewhat of a mystery to me but, in time, no longer a stumbling block. To me, it appears you have accepted God as your God and you desire to make sense out of past and present brutality because you want to more fully understand God. Please forgive me if I'm suggesting something that youve already dealt with but, I am wondering if you have surrendered these questions you have to God? I'm confident that when we submit our issues to God and labor to serve Him, in the manner He commands, we will receive both understanding and peace. I think these concerns over the fate of OT people and present sufferings are all a heart matter. God was testing the status of His people's hearts in OT days and wants to know (or wants us to be sure) where your heart and my heart stands today. If we give our all to Him, we will grow in understanding and peace.

6/5/2008 9:03:57 AM by Ryan, Member of Delve into Jesus since 12/30/2007

"well i could say i am christian, but that can mean very little and quite a variety of things." No, Tom, it means one thing only - that you have given your life to Jesus and trusted Him in all things. I'm not sure why you're avoiding the question, but I guess it's a sensitive issue for you and I'll drop it. frankly i still have not heard any reasonable explanations besides God is perfect Tom, that is the answer, plain and simple. When people are being honest with you, you will never get a different one and you will never get a better one. What you might get, if you keep asking the question, are different variations on the same theme, and you might find someone a little more well-spoken and eloquent who can give you that answer in a way you find more palatable, but that is the correct answer, and it is the only answer. You don't like the answer, I get that, but you're coming at it from the wrong angle. When you trust God with everything, knowing that He is perfectly good and all powerful, then you can say to him, "I don't understand this, and it seems like you are not being fair, but I trust you with this because I know you are good." When you trust God, you don't need explanations anymore when a few things don't make sense. But how can you get to the point where you have this trust? Because so much does make sense, and you don't throw out the baby with the bath water. God has proven Himself to you and to everyone! He has done so much to demonstrate His love, power and goodness that he demands and deserves complete trust and surrender. This is what my professor used to call the "soft" answer to your question. If you don't find any comfort in it, I can give you the "hard" answer, and it may rock your world a little bit, but perhaps it will be what you need to hear.

6/5/2008 9:22:34 AM by arsindelve, Executive Director, Delve Christian Ministries

Hi Ryan, yes I understand what you are saying, it's just that much of the material I presented is exactly what anyone who is against or not for Christianity would bring up when making such an argument.. frankly I was just looking to see if anyone had some solid and valid arguments that would help defeat such claims of a violent and intolerant God that many 'Christians' are simply not aware of even if they do go to Church every week or don't think twice when they say yes to this religion.

6/5/2008 10:09:40 AM by tombombadil4200, Member of Delve into Jesus since 6/4/2008

Arsindelve, I simply do not wish to label myself with such a vague term of a 'Christian' when they are numerous denominations under the Church that vary in degrees of essential sacraments/beliefs that are necessary when following Jesus who was Christ (Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Protestant, Lutheran, Baptist, Methodist, etc. etc.).. Not to mention the fact I hear countless people say they are a Christian and yet do not demonstrate properly what is required or even much understand what their faith is based on (weren't the Church leaders who led the Crusades throughout the centuries 'Christians'? isn't George W. Bush a proud 'Christian'?). And by all means trust in God and keep faith during the trials of life, but when you don't bother trying to reflect and consider parts of the faith many simple swallow without a second thought it simply becomes blind faith and I believe God wouldn't want it that way either. I am not calling for everyone to abandon this organized religion, I am simply asking why certain portions of the Bible that so many praise and worship so dearly promotes such backwards things that many people would protest against were it any other religion or scheme of beliefs. and by all means try to 'rock my world' .. :)

6/5/2008 10:19:22 AM by tombombadil4200, Member of Delve into Jesus since 6/4/2008

Sorry, I must interject here that a Christian is a person who follows the teachings of Christ. Not a religion. A relationship with Jesus, Himself. Do not concern yourself with how others behave. God cannot be mocked. You reap what you sow. Jesus said, "You follow me." If He has called you into relationship, accept Him. If you turn your back on His invitation, it will be sad for you. Yes, there are many who set a bad example in their walk with God. We must pray that they step out of rebellion/darkness, repent and walk in the marvelous light of Truth. The choice is yours my friend. You can choose life in Jesus or walk away. It's all up to you. You can't come anyway unless you're called by God. Debate in your mind all you want, you still have to decide for yourself. Whether you get the answers you seek or not. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. God is Good. Yes, a lot of people were killed n the OT, but God is Good. No, I don't fully understand it, but God is Good. I can't convince you of it, but God is Good. The great thing about Truth is that it does not change whether you believe it or not. The Truth is God is good. And that's all I have to say on this subject.

6/5/2008 10:39:23 AM by mrspiggy, Member of Delve into Jesus since 1/18/2008

That's probably why God sent Jesus to die for us. "For the wages of sin is death" Romans 3:23... God was probably sick and tired of killing so many that were born into sin that instead He sent His son to die for them, to take thier punishment, so that He didn't have to suffer the heartache of having to kill his children. Think about it... what would you have done were you in his situation... Your children, the millions you adopted at least, are rebelling against you, the only suitable punishment is death, would you send your only true son to save all your adopted sons from having to die? He is the King of Kings, all who commit treason deserve to die... but praise God the price has been paid and we don't have to suffer! We can simply tell God we screwed up, say we're sorry, ask him to forgive us, and then never want to do it again, and in the end we hope God says "Well done, thou good and faithful servant."

6/5/2008 10:42:56 AM by Spex70, Member of Delve into Jesus since 5/27/2008

We can look in the OT and see what God has done, good or bad, but always necessarey... Or we can see what He will do in the future... And what we need to do ourselves...(And how we should live, and why People need Jesus, and why we need to spread the Gospel!!!) (Yes, once the earth and many people were destroyed by a massive Flood, the future it will be destroyed by massive Fire! 2 Peter 3:7-18 7But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. 8But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 10But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. 11Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 12Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? 13Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 14Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. 15And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; 16As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. 17Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. 18But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

6/5/2008 10:57:01 AM by Ignited~Faith, Member of Delve into Jesus since 2/20/2008

mrs. piggy --- I understand that a Christian means one who follows in the footsteps of Jesus.. I was simply making the point that clearly numerous Churches exist that are seperated by their beliefs & that countless people simply claim to follow this faith with little insight towards its true meanings.. Spex --- but wasn't Jesus created from the beginning (and as such his mission of suffering for sins be inevitable?) and as some said the reason God destroyed so many people was to preserve the blood line that Jesus would enter into? and if I am not mistaken Jesus never specifically claimed to be the begotten son of God, lol but i know that is an entirely different argument altogether..

6/5/2008 11:15:53 AM by tombombadil4200, Member of Delve into Jesus since 6/4/2008

"But what about you," Jesus said, "Who do you say that i am?" Matthew 16:15 As for me, I say he was the sacrifice that God used to remeem us all. "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:9 (previously stated by Ignited Faith) There was a specific reason God waited so long to send his son to die. Nobody truly knows why he sent him so late, or so early to some, but what matters is that God didn't want to kill us anymore. He wanted us to be able to have a relationship with him by giving us a chance instead of simply taking our lives at the first sign of unwillingness to repent. If Christ hadn't come yet (hypothetically of course) how many countries do you think would exist on this earth today?

6/5/2008 11:42:22 AM by Spex70, Member of Delve into Jesus since 5/27/2008

Thanks Tom, I do now better understand where you are coming from and I agree we should have answers prepared for those who are honestly inquiring about what they perceive as contradictions in God's nature and in Christianity. I think you are expressing an awareness that there is a rush of people who are criticizing Christianity at this time because of past and present violence - and the topic of how to respond to this tsunami of disparagement is worthy of discussion. God has given us insight into His nature and He is perfection, love and mercy. So, it may be difficult to understand when God's actions demonstrate another aspect of His nature such as punishment. However, no act of punishment diminishes his love and mercy. No wrong action of a Christian or Christian group lessens His perfection. I also agree that bind faith is pointless; probably really not faith at all. Perhaps many Christians are not questioning God on these topics because God has granted them the faith to perceive His perfection but, this appears as just blind faith to the non-believers. We can help them if we can demonstrate reason for our beliefs. Christians do not invite others to have blind faith, but do seek to help them awaken to the truth. The world is being conditioned to mock God and Christianity with statements of how could God do, or allow whatever? The goals of a Christian should include exemplifying godly character to the world, and guiding others to accept His supremacy. It is wonderful for us, whom God has granted faith and understanding, to be where we are but, I would like to be better equipped to respond to people's objections about God's nature and answer their questions in ways they find to be meaningful. However, we know some people will always remain defiant. I agree that the only answer to satisfy all questioning is - because God is God. Unfortunately, most humans fight with this truth and won't initially accept it as an answer. I think most of us come here to learn how to speak to others about the hope within us. So, I too am eager to read the discussion that will rock your world. Slightly off topic: I have hope that God's mercy extends equally to all people whoever lived and that He may offer salvation to each.

6/5/2008 11:45:56 AM by Ryan, Member of Delve into Jesus since 12/30/2007

well i assume many countries.. how many faithful countries to God? that is a different question altogether and I would assume very little, although that does not mean that religion (including christianity) has not had its share of influence in inspiring wars and 'crusades' of violence based on beliefs of following their gods. since this group seems fairly knowledgable of their own beliefs, i am curious to what people think of Islam and their strict faith towards God/Allah alone, with no worshipping towards their prophets (including Jesus or Muhammad) which is what Jesus preached during his life: worship God alone.

6/5/2008 11:53:06 AM by tombombadil4200, Member of Delve into Jesus since 6/4/2008

Of course Christianity has inspired wars. Wouldn't you fight for what you know is truth? Many soldiers gladly lay thier life on the line for this country (The United States) and won't even think twice about killing anyone who dares to threaten us. In Exodus 32:26-28, the Bible makes reference to just one of many Jihads (Holy wars) to take place throughout history, yet this one was led by a man that God himself talked with nearly face to face! "So he stood at the entrance to the camp and said, "Whoever is for the LORD, come to me." And all the Levites rallied to him. Then he said to them, "This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 'Each man strap a sword to his side. Go back and forth through the camp from one end to the other, each killing his brother and friend and neighbor.' " The Levites did as Moses commanded, and that day about three thousand of the people died." When God said "Thou shalt not kill" truly he meant that sometimes murder can be justified. For you see, if he himself violated his own laws, he would cease to be God, in destroying Sodom and Gamorah God was simply administering the proper punishment for their sins... death. Back then, there was no second chance, no opportunity to say we were sorry. That is why Jesus came.

6/5/2008 12:10:36 PM by Spex70, Member of Delve into Jesus since 5/27/2008