blackbird

Well I guess Creation versus the Theory of Evolution is not a periphery issue, but some people are just not open to anything. I wouldn't say it is the most important issue ever. The question of where one is heading is pretty important; heaven or hell. I'm not sure I said Satan was controlling science. He is a dominant force in the world system. I can't say he controls things like science. That doesn't sound like the correct way to look at it. He does seem to control much of the world's thinking though. But God is greater and God can convince anyone of anything if he so chooses to do so. You could download a book called "Satan" by Lewis Sperry Chafer on Amazon. The kindle version is not too expensive. That will tell you probably more than you want to know but you will learn an incredible amount if you take it in. I could tell you a little about Satan, his origin and goal. He was one of God's most beautiful angels in heaven in the distant past. There is a common belief he is an ugly being with horns or some other grotesque figure. But this is not correct. "15 Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee. 16 By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with violence, and thou hast sinned: therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God: and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire. 17 Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee. 18 Thou hast defiled thy sanctuaries by the multitude of thine iniquities, by the iniquity of thy traffick; therefore will I bring forth a fire from the midst of thee, it shall devour thee, and I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all them that behold thee. 19 All they that know thee among the people shall be astonished at thee: thou shalt be a terror, and never shalt thou be any more." Ezekiel 28:15-18 KJB There is information about him if you put "Satan origin" or similar wording in a search window. He is quite willing to do anything to achieve his goal to be like the most high, God. He has most of the world deceived into believing he doesn't even exist. That allows him to work on his agenda. I will let you dig into it. Let me know what you find out. I am not sure what you meant with the last line, "couldn't the same thing be said of people who believe the bible to be true?"

Bible believers don't have much control over what the non-believing world does and evolution is taught in the public schools systems, probably practically everywhere. It is not the job of Bible believers or churches to change the world system which is basically under the control of Satan. The main thing for Bible believers and churches is to share the gospel. I don't think a lot of energy should be wasted on trying to change the world's belief system on those periphery issues. Not likely going to convince anyone who doesn't believe the Bible. I'm not sure what you believe. Do you have any beliefs? The only thing offhand I can think of that would not conform to the Bible is the old earth theories which claim the earth is millions or hundreds of millions of years old. A well-known Bible theologian has estimated the age of the earth at around six to ten thousand years I believe, although there is no precise age given or known. The apparent old age of earth is explained by viewing it as having been created with an apparent old age at the time of creation, a supernatural event. People who do not believe in a God of the Bible who has supernatural, infinite power would likely believe whatever the world tells them.

Colossians 2:16 “Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:” King James Version (KJV) Also see: BIBLE VERSES ABOUT LAW AND GRACE (kingjamesbibleonline.org)

Good question. The answer for me is I have been blessed to have been exposed to dispensational theology beginning through a Minister at a church I attended. Then books and articles on the internet on the dispensations. This divides the Bible into different ages or dispensations. The Old Testament, which you quoted, only applies to the nation of Israel at that time or age in history. The church age began in the New Testament age or age of grace. The beginning of the Church age is described in the beginning of the book of Acts. Therefore the Church is not under the Old Testament laws and commandment given to Israel in the first five books of the Bible. Although the ten commandments for the most part are universally accepted as applicable today, perhaps because their principles are re-stated in the New Testament in some ways. In regard to the sabbath laws, that was strictly directed to the nation of Israel in Old Testament times and does not apply to the Church today. But the principle of a day of rest of one day in seven is a universal principle because God rested on the seventh day after he created everything. We recognize Sunday as the day of rest, but it is not a Biblical commandment. Perhaps one studying the Bible might realize the Church started in the New Testament era, but there are many different interpretations of the Bible. That is why there are so many different denominations, although most Protestant denominations still agree on some of the basic teachings. For more information on dispensational theology, you can Google it as well as read this article: Dispensational Theology - The Gospel Coalition

Nobody denies dinosaurs existed. So that is a phony claim. A talking serpent could well have happened. As I said these events are supernatural in nature. If you don't believe in the supernatural, there's not much anyone can say. You have a mental block.

The Bible is a book which originated from God and gives an account of many supernatural events. Some things are written in an obvious way to be metaphorical. Others things are actual accounts of supernatural events. There are many people who interpret things in the Bible that are not meant to be taken metaphorically. "I never like the question, “Do you take the Bible literally?” It comes up with some frequency, and it deserves a response. But I think it’s an ambiguous—and, therefore, confusing—question, making it awkward to answer. Clearly, even those of us with a high view of Scripture don’t take everything literally. Jesus is the “door,” but He’s not made of wood. We are the “branches,” but we’re not sprouting leaves. On the other hand, we do take seriously accounts others find fanciful and far-fetched: a man made from mud (Adam), loaves and fishes miraculously multiplied, vivified corpses rising from graves, etc. A short “yes” or “no” response to the “Do you take the Bible literally?” question, then, would not be helpful. Neither answer gives the full picture. In fact, I think it’s the wrong question since frequently something else is driving the query." Taking the Bible “Literally” | Bible.org

Yes. Genesis ch.1 describes how God created everything is six days. This is meant to be taken literally. There is nothing there to indicate otherwise. "31 And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day. " Genesis 1:31 KJV The creation event was a supernatural event. The Theory of Evolution is just that, a theory written by someone who rejected the Biblical account and came up with a theory which many have debunked and rejected as false.

According to the Bible, we are all fallen sinners and need to be born again. This is not "religion"; it is just Biblical truth. Religion will not save you. Only Jesus saves because he paid the price for our sins on the cross when he shed his blood for an atonement. We are saved only if we accept that atonement as our own, i.e. accept Jesus as our personal Savior. Until then one is separated from God for eternity because of his fallen corrupt nature. Nobody can earn heaven or salvation. It is a gift from God.

I have news for you. The verses I gave you show you cannot love, respect, have compassion, or become a good citizen as far as God's standards are concerned. You are born with a fallen corrupt nature and have basically a corrupt heart. Nothing you do will meet God's approval or standards unless you are born again and translated into the kingdom of his dear Son. This is a spiritual birth and is accomplished by God the Holy Spirit. That is the naked truth my friend. Only Jesus Christ can save you. You cannot save yourself no matter how hard you try. I pointed the verses out that show that but so far you refuse to listen. I would humbly suggest you read the gospel of John carefully and take heed while you still have time. Also the epistles especially the Epistle to the Romans. "salvation cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God". What the Bible says about Corruption of the Human Heart (bibletools.org) "6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. 7 And there is none that calleth upon thy name, that stirreth up himself to take hold of thee: for thou hast hid thy face from us, and hast consumed us, because of our iniquities. " Isaiah 64:6, 7 KJB

"5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; " Titus 3:5 KJV You are clearly claiming one can work his way to heaven. This is completely contrary to this verse here I just quoted and the other verses I quoted a few hours ago. This verse in Titus is talking about the new birth and states clearly it is "not by works of righteousness". You either accept God's ordained way of salvation or your own false way of trying to work your way to heaven, which God clearly rejects. May the peace of God be with you in your decision.

So how do you reconcile these verses with the verses and comments I gave you 2 hours ago about salvation by faith and not by works. You claimed the verses you quoted in Matthew prove your claim that they are mandatory to obey to be a sheep and not a goat. I showed you how that could not be the correct interpretation because of what it says in the gospel of John and the Epistles of Ephesians and Romans that salvation is entirely by faith in Christ. So you have a sharp contradiction. Either salvation (eternal life) is by following the chapters in Matthew we talked about or salvation is by faith in Christ as stated in the Scriptures I gave you. How do you explain it? It is incumbent upon you to answer the discrepancy in your interpretation. I explained this in depth 2 hours ago.

"31 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: 32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: 33 And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. 34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: 36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me." Matthew 25:31-46 KJV So according to your interpretation, one must be judged as a sheep and not a goat. And to achieve that, he must have done everything stated in verses 35, 36 as stated in the verses above. This you must admit makes salvation dependent on your having followed these verses, or in other words, your good works. How do you reconcile that interpretation with what Jesus said in the gospel of John? "16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16 KJV or " 36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. " John 3:36 KJV " 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast." Ephesians ch2:8,9 KJV Clearly, Jesus said salvation is by faith, not by works. Paul's epistle to the Romans makes this crystal clear. "16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. 17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith." Romans 1:16, 17 KJV "22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: 23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; " Romans 3:22, 23 KJV Again the Apostle Paul says clearly salvation is by faith. He also points out we have all sinned and come short of the glory of God. Therefore how do you reconcile your claims about Matthew ch25 that one must keep those commands to be a sheep and not a goat? If Paul says in Romans we have all sinned and even as sinners, we are saved by faith, that kind of contradicts your interpretation of Matthew ch5, 6, and 7 and ch.25 where you claim one must keep those commands in order to be saved. Both interpretations can't be correct. You are either saved by works according to your interpretation or by faith as Jesus said in the gospel of John and Paul said in Ephesians and the epistle to the Romans. Nobody can get into heaven by their own efforts or works. Paul makes this clear when he says we are all sinners. That is why Christ died and shed his blood. He shed his blood as an atonement for lost sinners. That is the only basis of receiving forgiveness from God and we receive salvation when we believe he died for us personally. One cannot work his way to heaven. "1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:" Romans 5:1 KJV

The fundamental problem you have is in thinking chapters 5, 6, and 7 refer to Christians or the Church. If you examine those chapters you will see Jesus is referring to the future Kingdom of Heaven. The Kingdom of Heaven has not arrived yet. It is a future kingdom which Christ will establish on earth. Therefore what Jesus is describing is the way people will act in the Kingdom of Heaven. But they obviously could not do it on human power because according to the Bible everyone has a fallen, evil heart. It would take a supernatural power from God to achieve. If you read those chapters carefully you will have to admit nobody keeps those commands. So there has to be a better explanation for what those chapters mean. Those are the way it will be in the future Kingdom of Heaven. If you say those requirements apply to everyone today, you will find that nobody can achieve those standards. They will fail. So again, how will you get into heaven if you set those requirements as the determining factor as to to who is the wheat and who is the tares today? Read those chapters and tell me. Chapter 5 vs 3 says: "3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." KJV Very clearly it says the kingdom of heaven. So where is this kingdom of heaven being referred to in numerous verses? Do you know what the Kingdom of Heaven is? So if a person keeps one of those commands such as has compassion for some others at certain times, but fails at other times, what happens to him? Where does he go? According to the way you have put it, a person must have been compassionate at all times and never failed to do this. Same with other commands in these chapters. What happens if someone has not kept all these commands 100% of the time?

Since you claim the Sermon on the Mount is a rule of life for the church (foundational is the way you put it), do you actually believe you or anyone is able to successfully keep the commands in the Sermon on the mount (Matthew 5, 6, and 7)? And if not, how can you or anyone else be saved?

So tell me if social media forums are private space that nobody has any rights except the owner to control, how does government (Trudeau) have the right to censor what goes on it? Does government have more rights to determine what one says than private citizens? In other words, do you somehow believe government has the right to censor private citizens comments?

As I said, the terms of use often are just general statements, but are being abused by CBC and MSN News when they ban comments right and left that have nothing really to do with the terms of use.

The CBC and MSN have guidelines but constantly delete or ban comments that have nothing to do with their guidelines. They just ban comments if they don't like the view point. This is a violation of the Charter of Rights. If it clearly said in the Guidelines you can't say such and such, ok then they could delete it because that was part of the agreement. But since the guidelines are usually very general and clearly do not specify what you can or cannot say, they are often over bearing in deleting or blocking comments. Now if you are a liberal or lefty, you will probably agree with them banning comments you disagree with. That is how the lefty mind works. Such forums are a waste of time.

I agree with you about going into a church or private group settings or private associations. I disagree when it is a public forum open to anyone to join and where political debate is ostensibly welcomed. Then the Charter of Rights applies.

There is a big difference. The difference is we have no choice with people who are born here and government does have a choice about who they allow to immigrate. We are a country with a border and an immigration system. We are not a country with no borders and open to the world to walk in. Not sure where you got that idea, but it is incorrect.

You have no idea who the people who are fleeing. They could be terrorists or criminals. Some of the people who were let into Canada proved to be criminals and terrorists, which proves you are incorrect.

I am not sure what you are saying there. I said private platforms which are open to the public such as these forums must respect the Charter of Rights. If you want to start your own forum and you open it to the public to participate on, you still have to follow the Charter of Rights. Basically that is all I'm saying. But if you have a private organization such as a religious group and you restrict it to people who agree to a certain statement of beliefs, then you could control what is said in your group. But that is different than a forum that is open to the public and invites political debate and discussion from anyone who joins. MSN News and CBC continually violate the Charter of Rights in my opinion.

The point is if there was no such thing as freedom of speech on privately owned forums, then the Charter would not say we have freedom of speech. Or the Charter would have an exception to say privately owned forums do not have freedom of speech. But the Charter is a broad statement that gives everyone freedom of speech within certain prescribed limits. It is the law of the land.

I never said in a business or in your home, etc. You are projecting again. We are talking about public forums where opinions are welcomed and expressed. There are restrictions against such things as advocating violence or illegality. There is no freedom of speech for such things.

You have the right according to the Charter of Rights to say whatever you want with certain rare exceptions. The following is from the government website which describes the Charter of Rights. "Fundamental freedoms Everyone in Canada is free to practise any religion or no religion at all. We are also free to express religious beliefs through prayer or by wearing religious clothing for example. However, the Charter also ensures that others also have the right to express their religious beliefs in public. We’re free to think our own thoughts, speak our minds, listen to views of others and express our opinions in creative ways. We’re also free to meet with anyone we wish and participate in peaceful demonstrations. This includes the right to protest against a government action or institution. However, these freedoms are not unlimited. There may be limits on how you express your religious beliefs if your way of doing so would infringe on the rights of others or undermine complex public programs and policies. For example, you may have religious reasons to object having your photo taken for your driver’s license, but this requirement may be linked to a need to stop others from unlawfully using your identity. In addition, the Charter does not protect expression such as hate speech that involves threats of violence or that takes the form of violence." The rights and freedoms the Charter protects (justice.gc.ca) The one caution is that this quote is an interpretation or opinion of the Charter and therefore subject to final interpretation by the courts. The courts have the final say. As for example I noticed this opinion says we have the right to wear religious clothing; however, this is not an absolute right as demonstrated in bill 21 in Quebec. Their law deprives people from wearing religious symbols when in certain public sector jobs.

No. Freedom of speech is not just something between government and private citizens. Freedom of speech should exist in society between people on forums or in media. If it doesn't, then you don't really have freedom of speech.