: don't you hear a subliminal message there, saying that some things might be more important than attending church on sunday? i personally think that the preacher should have stopped to help the guy, and if you beg to differ, i think you're missing the point of the story. it's all in how you interpret it though. there could possibly be as many interpretations of this story as there are people who've heard it. You are right, I don't disagree.
: you have to be careful with putting importance on the bible and church as the strong points in your faith. they can just become walls that you hide behind. there's nothing wrong with going to church, you just have to give some flexibility. everyone has a different story,or excuse if you will, for missing church on sunday. many of us have busy lives. not all of us hit the bars saturday night.
I know, there are good excuses for missing church. I occasionaly miss it. However, missing church because you have a hangover from partying all night, or if you just dont feel like going, so you stay home is not acceptable. But that is really no-one elses business, that is between you and God.
: you have to admit, just because someone goes to church doesn't mean they're saved, so that can't be the deciding factor on who gets a ticket to heaven. what about people who go to church for show, or out of habit, or as a social scene?
Again, I agree with you, and I'm sorry if you took me the wrong way the first time. Church will not get you to heaven, only Jesus will. I went to church for two years before I was saved. We are saved by grace and not by works.
: i've been told quite a few times that just because someone is a "good person", that's not good enough. but i disagree. what if someone is a genuinly good person,who makes others smile,treats others well, and asks nothing in return. are you saying this isn't what God is looking for? i believe the person who lives his life this way can be closer to God without even knowing it , than the person who lives, sings, and breaths "CHURCH" to everyone.
Just because someone is a "good person" does not mean they are going to heaven. No one is good enough for heaven. As the Bible says "All have sinned and come short of the glory of God" It is only through faith in Jesus that you can live in heaven. No one can earn heaven, and no one is good enough for it. The only way you are getting to heaven is through Jesus, it doesn't matter how "good" you are. After all, even Satan worshippers can be nice, kind and decent people, but that doesn't mean they are going to heaven does it?
: i'm not trying to put you down, i just want you to think and respond.
: please try to be open to my thoughts, and i will try to be open to yours. by the way, you're not boring me at all.
I do agree with most of the stuff said, and again I'm sorry if I didn't make myself too clear in my first post. Talk to you again, I'll look forward to any replys.
God bless, Shaun
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McSpotlight: Guys, while we don't want to stifle debate, this thread, as stated elsewhere, is threatening to engulf this room. Perhaps you could take it email?
None.
