tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20349838.post5702041234651840736..comments2022-03-11T16:21:23.983-06:00Comments on Rip-Roar Get High On Life: Intolerance on both sides…Disciple of Christ in Traininghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15706573726891366258noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20349838.post-65511981851522195362009-07-02T12:06:11.715-05:002009-07-02T12:06:11.715-05:00What an interesting encounter! I am not sure how I...What an interesting encounter! I am not sure how I would have reacted other than to state that only God is in a position to judge. While the Old Testsment shows us God's law, it is a gage to show us none of us can perfectly follow the commandments and we are all born into sin. The New Testament teaches us that God gave his only son to pay the price for our sins. Through our belief and faith in Christ our saviour, we can have eternal life. While we should repent, none of us are perfect and we will fail and fall into sin, time and time again. As sinners ourselves, who are we to condemn other sinners? Doesn't the Bible instruct us to love our neighbors as ourselves? I think rather than judging others, we should pray for them.<br /><br />Well, that is my two cents on the subject. What a strange thing to happen in Southlake Town Centre!<br /><br /><br />Maria BelfieldAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20349838.post-30270002226684747232009-07-02T11:59:09.160-05:002009-07-02T11:59:09.160-05:00Hi Leland,
Are you alright?? I haven't heard f...Hi Leland,<br />Are you alright?? I haven't heard from you in a while, I am beginning to get a bit worried. I hope that all is well in your world and that you are happy. You remain in my prayers.<br />In my state of insomnia I thought about your experience, however intense it was, your blog was very well written and you expressed your emotions and that of the crowd with great detail.<br />Here are my thoughts, questions, etc. Please contemplate this first and reply in kind. "Do you fear God?? " My husband asked me that question once and I found it quite an interesting topic. It is the basis of some religions...isn't it? Your response to this question will interest me.<br />Okay back to your night at the Cafe with Ryan. <br />First off, I don't claim to be without sin. I believe that is why God gave us Jesus. "He who is without sin cast the first stone." Neither do I claim to be the best Christian, although I try to live by the Golden Rule and I have what I believe to be an intimate relationship with God. I know that Jesus is my savior.(I could elaborate but I think you know my story.)<br />If in your situation with Trish and her gang of Christian radicals I think my response would have been to calmly state that "My God is a God of Love." If they persisted in their intolerant, judgemental messages proclaiming them to be truth. I would have had to be rude by stating that groups and people like them are the reason that I don't attend Church but chose to worship in private, also that I would keep them and their church in my prayers and wish them good day and walk away. End of story. <br />Honestly....You can't preach on a sows ear, you truly can't change people unless they want to change themselves. You said it yourself pretty much...they had their minds made up.<br />I am leery of religions or religious groups because they interpret the Bible in many different ways professing that theirs is the correct way and only theirs. I find that offensive and frightening. They pray for their religion in their church and not all people, not their enemies. they preach political affiliation, etc. Don't they even read the Bible?? <br />The Mormon's added a book.. the Jew's and the Catholics?...well...call no man Priest or Rabi..all against scripture aren't they?? Pray for your enemies? They are too busy condemning one another and professing to be the chosen ones or better than, etc. <br /> <br />I took a little break and am back with another person's perspective....<br />I just returned from a bit of time with my friend Val, another Christian. I mentioned this scenario to get her take. She mentioned that Trish's religious group could have been Mormon, Jehovah Witness, Seven Day Adventist, etc. all of which Val considers to be cult like. Also that they should not ask a questions if they did not want to hear the answers or get a response.(Something that she would have told the Church group.) Plus with regard to you and Ryan feeling like sinners when you left. My feeling was that you both were being too hard on yourselves and that you should lighten up. She agreed stating,"There is no condemnation under the Lord." <br />I just thought that such a well put story deserved comment. I hope that you are interested in two folks from Martinez's view on the subject. Thank you for sharing your stories on your blog and also for your emails when you have time. I pray that all is well with you.<br />God Bless and hugs,<br />JaneAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com