Amen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2007-11-07 06:41:01
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answer #1
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answered by Anonymous
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ON the outside chance you would like an answer. Here goes.
We go to churches because we want to fellowship with other believers and work together as the body of Christ. The kingdom of GOD is about all life. Not a fearfully insulated self centerdness.
There is no need to "pay a tithe". If anyone demands giving you are not in a Christ centered environment. My advise is to run away fast! We give to support something we are.
The body of Christ is made up of believers. Christ is the head. We would like for other people to join us if they want to. There is no need to beat a dead horse. If you reject Christ then that's your rite. If you devote your time to attacking us then that is also your rite. It is my rite to respond.
The down syndrome person may not be aware of the law. Ignorance is an excuse when you are appealing to a righteous judge.
We go through all the trouble because that is what life is designed for. If you could step out past your own nose for a second you might find it quite enjoyable instead of troubling.
I am not sure what you mean by "cornered in a can" unless you mean we fit into your own little made up reality that you create and call yourself GOD of. We sir are an eternity away from your world.
Cool Question. Please post more.
2007-11-07 12:40:01
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answer #2
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answered by Bye Bye 6
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Funny you sound so sure in your question
But i don't see how that could corner any Christian in a corn-can lol!
Churches are a community of Christians, Christians need to know other Christians, it's helpful. Paying tithes is helping the churches, therefore helping Christianity and God, they need to get money from somewhere.
Because the Bible says to evangelise, spreading the news, if noone did that then not everybody woyld hear about God, and people really really need to.
Everyone's placed on Earth for a reason, so a down-syndromed person can be just as good a Christian without going to church, but if you're able you should go to church.
"all the trouble"? It's hardly any trouble being a Christian, believe me, it makes life a heck of a lot easier! and better.
Because the Bible is a guide to life, it's there for people to read and it helps them connect to God, it's there for loads of reasons. It outlines the whole principle of the religion.
That's quite a lot of writing, and I don't have time to read through it so hope it makes sense.
:-)
2007-11-06 13:57:39
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answer #3
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answered by . 3
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What you described is NOT Christianity... it's religion. It is entirely possible to have a wonderful relationship with God and never go to church.
The church, however, is for fellowship. Being a Christian in today's society definitely takes a toll on a person... you often feel singled out and looked down on by everyone around you. Christian fellowship keeps you strong and positive.
Unfortunately, there are churches (some I've been to and walked out of) that talk only about tithing and "financial" blessings... they have TV shows and everything else you can think of... pastor drives a $500,000 car... things like that make me sick. They're also the reason why a lot of people think the church is "shady."
I can tell, though, that you don't really want an answer... just people to agree with what you're saying... I figured I'd give my answer anyway. Just remember that all Christians aren't "religious"
2007-11-06 13:53:24
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answer #4
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answered by Anonymous
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first no I do not feel corny. I will address your questions one at a time. We need to do more than accept Him. you must pick up your cross daily and FOLLOW Him. to the best of your ability do think and act the way Christ would.
He gives people a chance to know him through His followers ( this is why it is important to act as Christ if you claim to follow him, non-believers will accredit your acts to Christ) and through the bible. The down syndrome person could still hear the bible, the preaching, and could still follow Christ. Some denominations believe that if you do not have the compasity to understand or if you were never exposed to the word then upon judgment day are given the choice to follow/believe or not. The purpose of a church is a little miss construed. Christ had church all the time. It is not a building, it is a place to congregate with other believers to: learn more about God and his doing from people with more experience then yourself, teach/share your understanding and experiences and knowledge, be uplifted and uplift others when the world beats you down/ tells you your wrong/ harms you physically, mentally, or/and spiritually. there are more things but you get the idea i think. TITHE ah yes this is a call by God to give your first ten percent a tenth/tithe to HIM. often miss understood as give me money. the "church has turned this into give me money. God says give your first tenth ,money is included and is the substitute for the animals Jews sacrificed to God in the old testament, however money is not the only thing involved. Time is the most note worthy, a tenth of your time 2.4 hours every day. almost two and a halve hours. this is the one that is seldom brought up because it is harder to do then give money in todays world time is more valuable/precious than money. FINALLY on TITHES do not have to go to the church they go to God for most people that defaults to the church, however God can direct you on other places to send the money. ( story: I knew a minister who would save up he tithes in a special account at the bank and would wait and pray saving her Money tithe until God told her were to send how much.) The next part I don't know how to answer Christ said that the synagogues/churches in his time were plagued with liars, thieves, hypocrites and that was the pharisees and rabbis Christ preach both in and out of them he preach constantly but not always with words( i.e. actions ). The corruptness of the church certainly was not going to get better after they killed Him. That is why each person needs a personal relationship with Christ and God. Trouble it is not it is some minor sacrifice (no matter what you do in life there is sacrifice) But mostly it is joy and fun laughing. His presence is also amazing. He also speaks through the bible. to further understand, witness of past deeds, it is enjoyable if you WANT to read it, remembrance, study, to help others understand Him better
You see these things as requirements because of your position have you been forced to do these things by a church?
I willingly do the things that I do from my perspective and position because I BELIEVE Christ is the son of God and He is who I want to be most like.
P.S. you should never allow yourself to be forced to do something you do not want to do, you should find out why something is being requested and have a full understanding before you make your move/decision
2007-11-06 14:50:26
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answer #5
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answered by Kevin 2
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No, I don't feel 'corny', whatever that means. I do sense, however, that you don't have much of a grasp of what Christianity is all about. Which answers one of your questions: that's why we need to preach and conduct missions. Being a Christian involves a lot more than responding to an altar call.
Your question is analogous to asking why, having been born, a baby needs the care of parents for the next 18 or so years; why he/she needs to go to school. Accepting Christ IS all we need for salvation, but it's just the beginning of a different life.
In neither the Old or New Testament was God solely concerned with establishing relationship with the individual, as foundational as that is. He is also concerned with integrating that individual into a nurturing community which provides a context for both spiritual growth and contribution. The Downs syndrome person of your example fits into this community, has more APPARENT need for this community than the healthy and affluent person and contributes by his/her very presence (We have several in our congregation and, if nothing else, remind us to be consciously compassionate.)
As to tithing, it is a requirement of Judaism but not, generally, of Christianity. The principle, however, remains the same. It is a measurement of my trust in God. It is worship, in that it requires an acknowledgement that my money and my capacity to earn it comes from God. It is also a way for me to participate in ministry beyond what I do personally. It gives me a sense of 'ownership', if you will.
Yes, the history of the church has been marred by greed. But have you looked at the finances of the Red Cross lately? Individuals do some selfish things, but that doesn't negate the value of the institution.
You might as well ask why we pay taxes to the state and the IRS. Tithing and giving offerings is, at least, voluntary in most churches.
Why read the Bible? Well, first off, prayer is me speaking to God, not necessarily Him speaking to me. My praying is informed by what God has already said. My praying, with the help of the Holy Spirit, helps me to process what I have read. God has never 'spoken' to me in prayer, but, as I integrate my prayers with His Word, there are epiphanies (for lack of a better word). Without the Bible, how could I have any assurance that I wasn't just telling myself what I want to hear? (Proverbs 16:25 -- "There is a way that SEEMS right to a man, but in the end it leads to death."
As to skepticism (note the 'k'; I wish people would learn to spell, or at least use the spell check in this forum), I am highly skeptical of many things. Not the least is my own capacity to comprehend all the ways of a Being who transcends all that we know of reality... but these things seem pretty elementary to me. The principles have worked admirably for Jews and Christians for well over 4,000 years and have been copied by numerous other organizations, institutions and governments.
2007-11-06 14:40:34
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answer #6
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answered by r_moulton76 4
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Jesus said that whenever two or more of you gather in my name, I will be among you. We read the Bible because that is how God speaks to us, not just through our prayers. We tithe and gather together because that is how people organize to extend help and goodwill to the people in need. We evangelize so that everyone can hear and receive their chance to accept Jesus. The gospel literally means "good news." If you had the cure for cancer, wouldn't you be spreading the news of it? Churches are places for healing and spiritual growth, for the fellowship of the believers, and for trying to make the world a better place.
2007-11-06 13:55:10
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answer #7
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answered by Sharon M 6
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I happen to agree, but let me play devil's advocate.
They do all these things because it is -not- enough to merely accept Jesus, you must also continue his work. This includes charity, both in person and thru the church in the form of tithing and other donations, and preaching the word of Jesus to any and all. There are numerous bible passages to support this opinion, none of which I can recall chapter and vers on at the moment. Which goes to show why you should study the Bible.
2007-11-06 13:50:31
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answer #8
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answered by juicy_wishun 6
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Church is merely a meeting place for worship. We are told to tithe in the bible 10% of our income. We do it out of obedience to God. God won't throw me into hell because I don't go to church (actually, I haven't been in 1 month) or by not tithing, however, I will have some explaining to do when I meet him as to why I didn't.
2007-11-06 13:53:47
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answer #9
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answered by Kaliko 6
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What happens when you fall in love with a person? You want to get to know all about that person, what makes them tick, what they like, what they don't like.
The same is true about Jesus, when you find him and come into a personal relationship with him you want to get to know him more. And the bible is the inspired word of God where His character is revealed.
And through the bible He gives us promises and also commands.
Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you declears the Lord. Plans to prosper you not harm you to give you a hope and a future."
Matthew 28: 16-20: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
Everything in the bible will point you in a direction God has made specificly for you.
If your not intune with His word, you will began to ask questions like the ones above.
There are thousands of people with thousands of ministries which helps people from all different walks of life.
The Lord wants us to be faithful in our givings to these ministries to help them grow and be fruitful so through these people God's love will be perpetrated.
Pray and seek the Lord's guidance he will place a burden on your heart where you money should go to.
Peace and God bless.
2007-11-06 13:58:18
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answer #10
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answered by ? 2
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We are held accountable to the knowledge given us. Each may have a different amount of knowledge, and thus held accountable differently.
The church is needed to instruct. The instructors need an income (a portion of the whole tithe, the rest goes into the building, materials, and helping the needy and afflicted).
2007-11-06 13:56:40
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answer #11
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answered by joe 2
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