Gator

Isn't it true that both communism and fascism reject free markets in exchange for an economy wholly managed and dictated to by the government? It seems to me that communism and fascism are ideological branches of the same tree. The word "fascist" has become a pejorative to smear another and is often used against pro-free market individuals. Donald Trump was arguably the biggest free market capitalist to EVER be a U.S. president and he was incorrectly smeared as a "fascist".

I am sorry to differ with you, my brother. As Paul wrote, the scriptures are sufficient for the man of God to be complete. I believe Paul's statement to be correct. Let me ask you, please. If a person believes in Jesus and obeys his commandments as spelled out in the Bible, are they saved or is there something else they must believe or do that isn't found in the original scriptures?

That's a good and fair question but I prefer to save that for another thread.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 esv 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. I believe that the original scriptures are sufficient and, as Paul wrote, "complete". Accordingly, the original scriptures are all that one needs, according to Paul. Therefore, and speaking only for myself, I am skeptical of believing doctrines that came about long after the writings of the original apostles and their disciples. Paul actually warned against this. For instance: Galatians 1:8 esv But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. Maybe Mohammad should have followed what Paul wrote about angels preaching things that were contrary to the "gospel". Surah 96: The Clot (96:1-5) This short passage consists of the very first words that were revealed to Muhammad in the cave outside of Mecca. When Muhammad was forty years old, he went to Mt. Hira, outside of Mecca, to have a spiritual retreat by himself. During the night, the Angel Gabriel appeared to him and spoke these words to him...

Here is my take on faith versus works and I will provide scripture that, I believe, supports my understanding. We don't have to volunteer at a homeless shelter to go to Heaven, aka "saved". However, if we walk down the street every day and habitually ignore the suffering of people around us as they ask us for a bite to eat or $1 to buy a soda, then we have essentially denied the faith. In Matthew 7:21-23, Jesus describes sending away believers! So, yes, there are people who have faith that Jesus exists and that he died and was resurrected but don't follow what Jesus asked them to do and so they will NOT (apparently) be going straight to Heaven. James 2:20-24 ESV Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”—and he was called a friend of God. You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.

Maybe not the "biggest" lie but...

That Jesus will (eventually) save ALL who ever lived, including Satan and demons, but I'll save the details for another day in the religion forum.

I believe that incorrect translations have led to incorrect doctrines. I do not believe that the King James Version is fully accurate.

Amen. Not all Christian traditions are from God. As you cited from the KJV... Matthew 15:3 ESV He answered them, “And why do you break the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition?

I believe the role of the devil, Satan, is to "torment" (test) us in order to help prepare and refine us to live in God's kingdom.

We can agree to disagree on that belief.

Jesus spoke of the "devil" again in Mattew 4:10. This is from the CLNT version. 10 Then Jesus is saying to him, "Go away, Satan, for it is written, The Lord your God shall you be worshiping, And to Him only shall you be offering divine service."

I didn't say that the devil is a fallen archangel. I quoted scripture wherein Jesus spoke of the devil.

"Are The Culture Wars A Spiritual Battle?" I believe that everything we think, say, and do is influenced by spiritual forces, some of which are good and some of which are evil. Let me provide some biblical support for those who believe in its authenticity. Ephesians 6:12 ESV 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places, as do I. Proverbs 16:9 ESV 9 The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. James 4:7 ESV Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 2 Corinthians 10:3 ESV For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. Psalm 91:11 ESV For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. Matthew 18:10 ESV “See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven. Hebrews 13:2 ESV Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. I'm sure that there are more, but these should suffice. By the way, one can find verses relating to all sorts of topics simply by typing a word into this Bible search engine. My pea-brain couldn't possibly remember all of those verses! https://www.openbible.info/topics/

He sure did. John 8:44 ESV 44 You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.