vivelafrance said:

Ni Dieu Ni L'Etat...

(not JW, it's illegal in France,
regards!

paintedlady said:

First of all english is not my native language so keep that in mind when reading please


So in your previous post you made clear that you think that it does not matter how someone worships God as long as they believe that Jesus died for our sins and was raised again.
No, I did NOT say that. I said YOU ARE A CHRISTIAN when you believe the life death and resurrection of Jesus. Good works does not save you. Faith and belief in the Christ does. Get it?


In a follow up post you mention your mother, being a christian and doing dead chicken rites. I dont know the Santa stuff from my own experience cause we dont have that back here in europe. I am aware that it is practised in latin and carribean countries.

You even acknowledge that these things your mother does are not in line with the word of God , since you admit she prays to idols.


So what did you want to say? That its better to leave your mum practising her way and not telling her what God might think of it? Just in order to keep everyone happy , let them do there thing?

I told my mother about all that I have learned, but if she chooses to follow her own gods and refuses to leave that life style alone, then I did my part. I will not fight my own mother tooth and nail. She chose a different religion. That's that. All I can do is show her now in my walk as a Christian, since she doesn't want to hear me. She is my mother, I must respect her wishes. Can't force religion on anyone.

What would Jesus do you think? Should he make concessions like that and have said....

Exactly what I did, love her still, and respect her despite her wanting to worship demons. She will not enter heaven, but I can't force her.

'Ohh what the hack,.. everyone can do whatever pleases them as long as they believe in me, go along Kill chickens?'


If that is the case,.. where do we have Gods word for?

i think that when it comes to ways of worshipping we have to let God decide what is the right way. In order to do so we have his word,.. the Bible.


I think you and I both agree that bleeding sacrificed chickens is not what Jesus and God had in mind when they told us to keep the commandments and do the will of the Almighty.

Jesus told us,.. "God is a Spirit, and those worshiping him must worship with spirit and truth.” John 4:24


So what is the truth,.. well if Jesus said we had to worship God with truth,.. it meant the truth can be found somewhere, because if there was no single truth ,.. this statement of Jesus would be useless and of no value.


So where is the truth?

King David said,.. "The substance of your word is truth" Psalms 119:160
And Jesus once more repeated that by saying,.. 'Sanctify them by means of the truth; your(Gods)word is truth.'John 17:17



So should we tell others about the truth, if the bible shows something is clearly wrong when at the same time we notice a sincere will in that person to worship God? Ofcourse ,.. the bible states numerous times that in such a case you'll have to. Its a commandment to preach and teach others about God and his purpose with humanity.

So is the bible the instrument to correct views and differences in opinion?

According to Gods word it is,..

"All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight, for disciplining in righteousness, that the man of God may be fully competent, completely equipped for every good work." 2 timothy 3:16


So it has nothing to do with being judgemental,.. its simply doing Gods will by informing the people of the truth. In the end this is what most important since Jesus commanded us to worship God with 'Truth'

once Jesus said to the people of his time....

"‘This people honors me with their lips, yet their heart is far removed from me. It is in vain that they keep worshiping me, because they teach commands of men as doctrines.’” Matth 15:8-9


in this time,. nothing has changed.. we must look for Gods truth which can be found in the bible.

Like solomon said,.." Trust in Jehovah with all your heart and do not lean upon your own understanding. In all your ways take notice of him, and he himself will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6


So i wont split hairs with you but what you and I or any other person thinks of religion, faith and spirituality does not really matter, since we are not entitled to say how things must be done. Only the God that is to be worshipped can do that.

And that is exactly what God did, in his Word the bible,.. in full detail, crystal clear. It can be that it is not the most popular way of life that all of us are asked to live,.. or the easiest path,.. but you and i and everyone with a bit of bible knowledge know that Jesus warned us for that. during all times Gods friends had to withstand the rest of the world.




regards Emeth


Ps. Islam is a false religion. Not hosted by the Almighty God. (i studied islam for 15 yrs)

The nation of Israel once belonged to God,.. but they still cant get it that he rejected this nation 2000 years ago, after they had ignored him , and came up with a new covenant and a nation gathered from all nations on earth.

See, here's the thing, you walk a slippery slope. YOU can not say who and who doesn't get into heaven. Only GOD can do that.
So by your definition of "Christian" if someone is on their death bed and acknowledges Christ with a true heart, then they will not enter the kingdom of heaven since they haven't preformed good works and saved X amount of souls.

So a new believer is in a church and there is an alter call, they run up to receive salvation... what do you say to them?

"Oh wait... you gotta save a few souls first before you can go around saying you are a Christian or are going to heaven."

Of course you wouldn't say some mess like that, because that is only something someone in a cult would say.

Wouaouh! (apologize for my poor english)

you american people seem to have a real problem with religion.
You always talk about that. And the most strange for me , French girl, is when you mix it up with politics. It becomes like darkness to me, lol!

In France we never talk about religion, and there is no mixity between government and faith. And it's perfect like this.
And we don't mind whether you're catholic, islamique, or boudhiste.
(not JW, it's illegal in France, as well as scientologs, or other sects like that)

regards!

paintedlady said:

Like i said if you want to continue talking about a subject like this you must use the source with authority , the bible. everyone is entitled on his or her opinion but when it comes to worshipping God , only God is entitled to set the rules.

you wont hear me about who is going to heaven or not since i believe we'll stay on earth.

Furthermore i notice a lack of knowledge on your side if it comes to the bible and Jehovah's Witnesses in particular.

So if you want to show me that i am wrong.. use the bible as source and make sure that you dont shop for a few verses without noticing others. God gave us the complete package... its not a pick and choose what you like game.

I don't need to play by YOUR rules, it is simple and common sense.
It is a fundamental teaching that people who believe in Jesus are Christians.
If you need scripture for that then you are in trouble.

paintedlady said:

not my rules Gods rules.


i can easily provide you with such a verse but like i said the bible is a complete package you cant pick and choose one piece of scripture that suits you and ignore other commandments or verses

I work from memory and what was taught to me. You rely on ONE interpretation of a bible. You are the one picking and choosing who is saved or not. Not me.
[Edited 8/2/09 10:11am]

paintedlady said:

who are you fooling... you dont hear me talking.. i let the scripture ,.. God do the talking,..

also all verses that i showed u share the same interpretation in all denominations of the christian faith

they are just about truth, true faith, and gods word the bible..

EmethEverywhere said:

You are a JW, and the doctrine you were taught denies the true deity of Jesus the Christ. I know enough about the doctrines you were taught. TY.
I leave you with this.... Jesus IS the redeemer. By no other.... IF you call yourself a CHRISTIAN.

BTW... YOU are not God so you can't presume to do anything FOR Him including speak for him.
[Edited 8/2/09 10:21am]

paintedlady said:

as long as i quote from his personal toolbox i sure can

EmethEverywhere said:

Satan does that too.

paintedlady said:

interesting,.. what was your last conversation with him about?

EmethEverywhere said:

Never had a conversation with him.... but you need to slow down and stop trying to tell people who is a Christian or not.

And yes JW are considerated as a sect by french law, as well as scientologists.
!

perhaps am I typically french....but not a WASP!

I just don't understand why U speak about religion here.
And why you all refer to God and the Holly Bible
I don't mind whether Prince is JW or anything else. He's been my favorite musician for 25 years, and that's what is important to me!

And yes JW are considerated as a sect by french law, as well as scientologists.
But I don't mind. It's none of my business.
And yes, public school forbid any religious sign, and that's fair.
About french president, I don't agree with him. The street is and must stay a land of freedom in France.

And finally my freedom is : not to believe in God! My mind and soul are free!

vivelafrance said:

I also forget to add that the Frecnsh hate criticism and can get very over-excited about things!!!

paintedlady said:

first,.. whatever your religion is,.. you think its the truth otherwise you would not follow that religion.

i never said something about who is christian or not.in this whole thread.

You did not hear me condemn any denominations did you? In fact what i said in this thread was that people should not judge others. I did not accuse any kind of religion here.

if people here offer their opinion and call something a sect or weird or arrogant i am entitled to give an answer

so ,..I Just defended biblical teachings, in case you did not notice,.. this thread is not started by a Jehovah's Witness.

That said leaves one point standing.... there can be only one truth. Who or which religion posesses that truth can be discussed. But the authoritive source must be the bible in such a discussion since that is what all christians accept as the word of God and so it is the only source with authority.

We people can think out new theories but too bad for us biblewriting ended 1900 years ago. So we have to deal with what is on the table.

But like you said earlier , we leave it here. regards have a nice day.
[Edited 8/2/09 10:41am]

Do you think Prince is not accountable to his brothers and sisters in his church? Should people not make Prince accountable when Prince uses his music to minister to others?

[color=indigo]I'm Sikh ("seeker of truth" literal translation). I've been taught/learnt that good works IS part of MY journey to god/salvation. I don't believe in Christ, but I belive that I am following a true way to god.

eireboy34 said:

you seem to know many french people, don't you?

The title of this thread is "Why is Prince still a Jehova's Witness".
The answer is that it's his personal choice. Period. 6 pages of people arguing whos religion is right and whos wrong is exactly why religion is a personal choice and should be kept that way. All other discussions or personal views on religion should be moved to the Politics and Religion forum.
Peace.

paintedlady said:

who are you fooling... you dont hear me talking.. i let the scripture ,.. God do the talking,..

also all verses that i showed u share the same interpretation in all denominations of the christian faith

they are just about truth, true faith, and gods word the bible..