Social Media
Discussions from Facebook and
Twitter
Response to comment [from Kevin Miller]:
[
from Loony Leftist Family Members (Eccl 10:2)] "Boy Oh Boy" [NY Times Maureen Dowd]
"Joe Wilson’s outburst in Congress revealed one thing: Some people just can’t
believe a black man is president and will never accept it."
I thought he was black and white--post racial.
Response to comment [from Ed Murray]: "Politics... that's all ya got?"
More?
"Maureen Dowd dresses like a hooker."
~ Mark Levine
"[N]o arguing with that firm logic.
When you attack the messenger, it is pretty clear you are not interested in
dialog."
You got it!
Call the opposition a name (e.g.racist, sexist, homophobe, xenophobe, etc.) then
you do not have to deal with the issue. Dowd called conservatives racists.
Levine called her a hooker. Ready to address the issue now w/out ad hominems?
"I think we can stop pretending America
is post racial."
Then don't be a racist. The left is obsessed with
race. We are one blood and one race (Ac 17:26).
Response to comment [from Ed Murray]:
[Listen to Van
Anne] "KM: "I am and her racist, homophobic evangelical postings
make me sad. There must be a bible quote to make me feel better though?"
Evangelicals
tell the truth from the Bible. Truth is hate to those who hate the truth.
Response to comment [from Kevin Miller]: "Poll Finds Most Doctors Support Public Option (NPR)"
God Finds the Masses are Evil (Ex 23:2) (Bible) "Do not Steal" (Ex 20:15).
This bill will pay for abortions for illegal aliens.
[America as Post-Racial, or
Post-Racist? "Author and commentator Michael Eric Dyson discusses white
Democratic racism towards Barack Obama, and contrasts the idea of a
'post-racist' society with a 'post-racial' one..."]
"It doesn't matter what I say. You will make it a
racial (9/12 Project poster)."
"Their obsession with race says more about them."
~ Laura Ingraham
Response to comment [from Kevin
Miller]: "[I]f you could point me to a credible source pointing me
to the language in the bill on this issue, I'd love to see it...I don't think we
want to live in a country where we refuse provide medical attention to anyone.
Seems like policy even Jesus could live with..."
We live in a
country where no one is denied healthcare.
The restriction
for abortions for illegal aliens would have to be written in--which Democrats
have opposed.
Response to comment [from David
Theobald]: "So the post says as Christians we should not encourage
"believers" to have married relations with "non believers?"
The Bible says:
"For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion
has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part
has a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement has the temple of God
with idols? For you are the temple of the living God (2 Co 6:14-16)."
I thought my
friend, Aimiel on this thread has some good points...
Response to comment [from David
Theobald]: "[Y]ou related to Ann Coulter?"
Ann Coulter
does not come out strong on personhood for the unborn. In my opinion she is a
political hack.
Response to comment [from Kristin Hensley]:
"Offended: I
find your updates, views, and overall opinions on religion horrifying. Nothing
that you mention carries one shred of Christianity in it so perhaps you should
ask yourself what you believe in. Do not request my friends. You are now
blocked.
Are you easily "offended"? Ro 1:16
"Lefitism--it's
feeling not thought." ~ Dennis Prager Eccl 10:2, Jn 10:10
Response to comment [from David
Theobald]: "Theology online is the most worthless site I have ever been on, I
just wasted 10 minutes of my life reading a bunch of BS."
A variety of
opinions no doubt.
Response to
comment [from Stephanie D. Berry-Gifford] "Hateful words: ...I am
very sorry you feel the way you do about Catholics. I find it very sad that your
faith would be one of intolerance. Our loving God is accepting, loving,
forgiving, and kind to all not just some."
We
are not all children of God. Jesus said: "You are of your father the
devil (Jn 8:44)." Most of his criticism was toward the religious rulers.
We are not all going to the same place (Mt 7:14).
"The biggest division between Christians is no longer between one denomination
and another but between those who accept the Bible as the inspired word of God
and those who do not." ~ J. Sidlow Baxter
Please do not
request any of my friends or family members whom you do not know in hopes of
spreading your message of hate toward other religions. Thank you.
Response to
comment [from Terri Hensley]: Godless Schools: "...I
have only met you once or twice. I am John's aunt Terri and a public school
teacher for 36 years. I have devoted my life to enriching the lives of children.
When you say "get kids out of the godless schools," I truly take offense to
that. I work 10 hour
days, spend much of my own money, and am constantly nurturing and providing
spiritual awareness for my students. I know I have made a huge impact on
hundreds of kids....in fact they are better off by being exposed to the many
hardworking professionals who are in the trenches and experience real teaching.
Not everyone can afford private schools...in fact they are a luxury. I
just ask you to be sensitive and less critical of those who have chosen a
different path. Our "God" would agree with me.""
The public schools are officially godless. I encourage everyone I know to
get their kids out--to choose homeschooling or Christian education (a Bible
teaching and believing school). It is a great sacrifice but necessary.
The Bible makes it clear that as parents we are to give our kids a biblical
education (De 31:12,13; Pr 22:6). Parents
dishonor God--and sin--if they put their kids in the public schools. Does
that mean that all teachers are liberal and godless? (Eccl 10:2).
No. Does that mean that there are not fine people trying to make a
difference? No. It means that the system has failed.
We
do not put our kids at risk by sending them to a place where--for girls--they
will be sexualized and touched inappropriately with administrative support (this
had been documented) and where both boys and girls are taught: evolution,
moral relativism and secular humanism. It is unconscionable to send
children to such a wicked place.
Recommended reading:
Public School Fools
One-Party Classroom: How Radical Professors at America's Top Colleges
Indoctrinate Students and Undermine Our Democracy by David Horowitz
Response to comment [from Eric
Sauer]: [scriptures]
The scriptures are true (Jas 1:18) but some attempt to
pervert them for their own gain (e.g. Roman Catholics [2 Pet. 2:14, 15]).
Someone said,
if you go to a church where people don't even bother to bring their Bibles, find
another church. I agree.
Response to comment [from Eric Sauer]: "I think not. His own Treasury
Secretary admitted before World War II that the "works" programs were not
stimulating the economy with significant effect."
I hope we don't make the same mistakes.
Response to comment [from Badrang]: "[B]anned? [F]or what?
*laugh* I find that the value in theological dispute is more often in improving
yourself than the other participant : )
I often find myself changed by other's arguments but rarely the other way around
: )
An actual Christian? Very easy for you to say. . . but who would say that they
where a false Christian? So to me it says very little ; P
I think I'm listed as Theologian - the - prophet there :) - what's the symbology
behind the name?
I'm supposed to be in the sin bin and here I go talking
about theology again.
I'd need a little more information to know exactly why
I was banned. I am not known for being the sharpest knife in the drawer at
Theology Online. Was it a technical issue (posting to the same article
[though a different portion of the text and footnoted] twice)? Concern for
a legal issue (e.g. sharing policies)? Was it the young earth creation
information itself? I can't say (Ro 8:31). Satan is the greatest
tattle tale of them all (Rev. 12:10) and he has many
minions at TOL.
I think you're right--debate helps you refine your own
argument. Why don't you post there anymore? I'd recommend that you
return (if I were a member in good standing myself).
Unbelievers and make-believers accuse true, blue
Christians all of the time. Only the spirit of God can take the things of
God and make them real to a person (1Co 2:10,13).
"Theologian - the - prophet"--great! I'm going to
keep an eye out for you when I return (24 Aug). I'm studying up for the
next debate (Wooly Mammoths). What does your TOL name mean to you?
*laugh* I have
yet to hear a
theological peep
from you. . .
Quite frankly
I'm afraid. TOL
is a goal I'm
working up to.
Probably it's
not so high and
mighty as I
assume. But the
idea of a huge
site devoted to
theology is a
little daunting.
Presumably all
Christian,
presumably all
against any tack
I'm bound to
take.
I've been in
debates and
found my skills
lacking, my
knowledge of
biblical
passages to
thump on a
regular basis is
low. My age
makes few
respect my
views. . . etc.
I need more
practice before
attempting TOL
*laugh* I
suppose the
important thing
is that YOU
believe yourself
a true
Christian. And
act as one. The
opinions of
others means
little. :)
Theologian the
Prophet, a
character I
dreamed up
(while supposed
to be working on
math homework)
He was the
founder and
public figure
that would make
my faith (I'm
the founder of a
pagan religion)
grow and
prosper. Upon
thinking about
it I realized
that only I
could be
Theologian The
Prophet. . . and
so here I am.
You never did
tell me the
symbology of
yours :)
"Theological
peep"
Hey, I like your
thread
recommendation.
It seems people
take time to
write more
thoughtfully
(including
yourself).
Good stuff.
"Quite frankly
I'm afraid. TOL
is a goal I'm
working up to."
How odd that you
say that.
I think that
members at TOL
do not always
put great
thought into
their replies as
you have.
When you
visit--jump
right in--you'll
be a great asset
to the site.
"Presumably all Christian"
Many will tell you they are Christian.
If they're Christian, I'm a sack of potatoes.
"...[M]y knowledge of biblical passages to thump on a
regular basis is low."
Study as you go like the rest of us.
"I need more practice before attempting TOL..."
No, definitely not. It's fun.
You can discuss the topic of the day that Knight posts (with friends like him
who needs enemies), deep theological issues, or irrelevant stuff. During
my hiatus, I've been reading classic books. It's funny how the TOL
personalities remind me of Jane Austin's characters in her novels. I
should tell them who is who to my mind.
"I suppose the important thing is that YOU believe
yourself a true Christian. And act as one. The opinions of others means little.
:)"
Oh sure, they'll accuse you of not being a
Christian--not because they believe it but because they'd like others to believe
it of you. That ol' chestnut.
"[S]upposed to be working on math homework"
Do that first. And when you stop by
TOL be sure to say 'hello' before I bust your chops : )
"I'm the founder of a pagan religion..."
Oy. I suppose I will be busting your
chops after all.
See:
Are many practices and traditions in Christianity actually pagan in origin? Do
the most common aspects of the modern Christian church have a solid...
Do some Christmas traditions have pagan origins? Where did all the Christmas
traditions originate?
Is Jesus a myth? Is Jesus just a copy of the pagan gods of other ancient
religions? Is Jesus the same as Horus, Mithras, and Osiris?
Cult Toasters
"Theologian The Prophet. . . and so here I am. You never
did tell me the symbology of yours :)"
My TOL name? I began debating
atheists a while back. They were so snotty I thought that attempting to
be as Mt 10:16 recommends was a good plan: “Behold, I send you out as
sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as
doves."
Well, I'll be keeping an eye out for
"Theologian The Prophet". : )
Response to comment [from a Christian]: "I see you have a Menorah too.
Why?"
The lamp stand is a picture of Jesus
(Zech. 4:2, 11).
THE GOLDEN LAMPSTAND
The
next article of furniture is the lampstand, in most translations called the
candlestick, but it was really a lampstand.
And thou shalt make a
candlestick of pure gold: of beaten work shall the candlestick be made: his
shaft, and his branches, his bowls, his knops, and his flowers, shall be of
the same.
And six branches shall come out
of the sides of it; three branches of the candlestick out of the one side,
and three branches of the candlestick out of the other side:
Three bowls made like unto
almonds, with a knop and a flower in one branch; and three bowls made like
almonds in the other branch, with a knop and a flower: so in the six
branches that come out of the candlestick [Exod. 25:31–33].
As the description continues from
verses 34–39, the reading becomes rather tedious. Verse 40 says:
And look that thou make them
after their pattern, which was shewed thee in the mount [Exod. 25:40].
The lampstand is probably the most
perfect picture of Christ found in the tabernacle furniture. It sets Him
forth as pure gold and speaks of His deity. It sets Him forth as He is—God.
Worship has to do with walking in the light. This is a very important fact
to see.
We have studied the table of
showbread and have seen that it spoke of the fact that when we worship God
we must feed on the Lord Jesus Christ. If you go to church and you are only
entertained, or given a book review, or listen to some social issue being
debated, or hear how you can improve your city, you are not having a worship
service. You are just having a meeting. You only worship God when you feed
upon Him who is the table of showbread.
Now in order to worship God, you
must also walk in the light. Christ is the light, as symbolized by the
lampstand in the Holy Place. If you wanted natural light, you had to go
outside the tabernacle. If you wanted to walk in the light of the lampstand,
you had to go inside the tabernacle. John 1:9 tells us that Jesus Christ is
the “…true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.” You
will find that there are people who counsel others by “words.” We are told
that through philosophy and vain deceit we can be deceived. Listen to the
words of Paul in Colossians 2:8, “Beware lest any man spoil you through
philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments
of the world, and not after Christ.” Christ is not just another philosopher
who “darkened counsel by words without knowledge.” He is the Son of God, and
in Him there is no darkness at all.
The lampstand was actually made of
one piece of gold. It was beaten work, highly ornamented. It had a central
shaft, but extending from that shaft were three branches on each side,
making a total of seven branches in all. Each branch was like the limb of an
almond tree with fruit and blossom. At the top was an open almond blossom,
and it was here that the lamps filled with oil were placed.
The almond blossoms looked like
wood but they were gold. They remind us of Aaron’s rod that budded. When
Aaron’s priestly prerogative was in question, the budding of his almond rod
established his right to the priesthood. The almond rod, a dead branch, was
made to live and bear fruit. Christ was established as the Son of God by His
resurrection from the dead. The resurrection did not make Christ the Son of
God because He was already that from the eternal counsels of God; the
resurrection only confirmed it. Aaron was the God-appointed high priest and
this position was confirmed by the resurrection of the dead almond rod. The
resurrection of Christ likewise established His priesthood. Christ is our
great High Priest. He became a man and partook of our nature, “tempted in
all points as we are, yet without sin.” But the primary basis of His
priesthood is His deity. The priest represented man before God. And Christ,
as God who became man, is now the God-man who represents man. There is
Someone in heaven who knows and understands me! He is able to help me. The
resurrection which declared Him to be the Son of God likewise declared His
right to the priesthood.
It is interesting to note that no
measurements are given for the lampstand. Why? Because you can’t put a
yardstick down on Deity, friend. You cannot measure Him as the Son of God.
You can’t understand Him. He is beyond the computation of man. Yet He also
was perfectly human. His deity and humanity are never fused. Along with the
fact that Jesus wept was the fact that He commanded Lazarus to come forth.
The lampstand gave light in the
Holy Place. It was the place of worship. Notice that the lampstand held up
the lighted lamps. In turn, the lamps revealed the beauty of the lampstand.
The oil in the lamps represents the Holy Spirit. Christ said of the Holy
Spirit in John 14:26, “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the
Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all
things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” When you and I
study the Word together, we meet around the person of Christ, and it is the
Holy Spirit who takes the things of Christ and shows them unto us—just as
those lamps reveal the beauty of the lampstand. The Holy Spirit reveals
Christ as the Son of God, the One who came to earth on our behalf and who
lives in heaven to intercede for us.
McGee, J.
Vernon: Thru the Bible Commentary. electronic ed. Nashville :
Thomas Nelson, 1997, c1981, S. 1:ix-284
Also see:
Should Christians Celebrate Hanukkah?