Coexist - Contradict

Definition: Contradict - to be inconsistent with (a proposition, theory, etc.)

We've all seen these bumper stickers:


There is nothing more contradicting to promote. Here is what the symbols stand for:

The first symbol (moon and star) is an Islam symbol. Second is a Peace symbol. Third is some sort of male/female symbol (maybe homosexuality). Fourth is a Judaism symbol. Fifth (the "i" in the word) is a Wicca/Pagan symbol. Sixth looks like Taoism. Last is Christianity.

FIRST OFF!!!
If you claim to be a Christian and have this sticker, PLEEEEEEEASE comment and express WHY?

Lets begin...

If an Atheist has this on their car, they are contradicting themselves because they aren't supposed to believe in anything. So why promote ALL religions in this statement?

If a religious person has this on their car, they are contradicting themselves because they are suppose to believe in ONE thing. By promoting other religions should be accepted, you are denying your own, falsifying it by even acknowledging other religions are legit.

You are religious or not religious. Don't know that there is an in-between place.

Believer or unbeliever, you are a contradiction to any statement you could be making by having this on your car (Read the above statements again. They are simple to understand). Take it off. Its just ridiculous. This offends Atheists and Religious figures. Its not supporting anyone. If you have this on your car... what are "you" besides out of your mind? You protest that you know nothing.

Plain and simple, who does this support? Why does the "Coexist" bumper sticker "exist"?

Comments please...

Prayer. Good or Bad?

I was reading a book today called "Crazy Love." In the first two chapters alone, it describes how insignificant we really are. Our existance alone is so quick that we are barely even a blip on the timeline. The book also goes further to tell us that we should put faith in God that He will take control over our lives and to ask Him for help if we need aid in life.

This got me thinking.

If I am so insignificant, which in reality I am, then who am I to come to God and ask for anything? Ever. So this proposed a question for me.

Am I worthy enough to ask God of anything?

We are taught to come to Him with our problems. That He will provide. In a way, I feel like coming to Him may be insulting. For example, think about Kings in past. How serious and fearful Kings used to be. If one of the servants/peasants approached the King and asked him if he would handle all their issues for him, I'm pretty sure the King would be insulted. The King would probably be like "Who do you think you are?" But he wouldn't say this in a joking matter. In fact, you can almost bet that if a servant asked a King to do "him" a favor, the King would probably put the servant in his place. The servant almost doesn't even have the right to speak.

With God, He is MUCH more important than a King of any sort. And in comparison, we are even less than a servant as we are merely a "vapor" in existance on the timeline. On the scale of God, we do not even exist. His glory is so unbelievable that we are nothing.

So I wonder (or even fear sometimes)... when I ask God to do silly things in my life; like blessing me with more money, let my team win the game... or wait... here's one.... forgive me of my sins... am I insulting him by even pretending my life and/or problems even matter in His divine plan of the Earth?

My place is at the feet of God (if I'm worthy enough). That can't be argued. That being said, do I really have the right to lift my head and ask Him to do me a quick favor? Who am I to dare ask God to serve me?

We are told its okay to pray and ask for His help, but to honor and respect Him... should we?

Thoughts?

(FYI: No, I am not going to stop praying. I believe our God is a fair God and allows us these perks in following Him, unlike earthly Kings whom are just barbarians. So, yes... keep praying in my opinion. I just posted this because I thought it would be interesting to think about).

Abortion

I've often wondered how some Christians out there think its okay to have abortions. I know there are many different perspectives to this discussion but I honestly just can't find any real evidence (Biblically) that supports abortion. Again, these blogs are based on Biblical studies.

I'll start with something simple and a very straight forward thought from the Bible.

Exodus 21:22-25 (NIV)
22 If men who are fighting hit a pregnant woman and she gives birth prematurely but there is no serious injury, the offender must be fined whatever the woman's husband demands and the court allows. 23 But if there is serious injury, you are to take life for life, 24 eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, 25 burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise.

The KJV version states the same thing (for those of you whom prefer to hear other versions).

This clearly states that if a man kill a baby, he is to be killed. The ol' "eye for an eye" lesson. We're talking here about a man that is angry at a woman and hits her... "accidentally" killing the baby. Even he, according to verse, deserves to die.

Now if even this guy, according to the Bible, deserves to die for this accident, what about doctors and women whom purposely kill children. Have we forgotten about the ol' commandment: Thou shalt not kill?

How is this not murder?

Its simply a woman hiring a man to kill her son. Almost like a hit. Except in this sense, a baby is helpless with no defense. It really doesn't get much sadder than that. People say that the baby hasn't been born yet so it doesn't count. That baby is alive. How does it not count? If it doesn't count because the baby is in a sleep state... then thats agreeing that every person out there in a coma or out cold in a hospital bed should be put to death without exception. Would that be murder?

A baby is actually more "awake" than a person in a coma. They open their eyes and look around (and actually try to swim away from flash lights shining through the belly). They hear with their ears and respond by kicking. They feel because as any doctor can tell you, the baby grasps its umbilical cord with its hand proving that the palm feels it, thus triggering the hand to grasp it.

I could go on and on about this but this about Biblical references.

I honestly think that with the simple verse above with the additional thought of "thou shalt not kill" should be evidence alone to stand against it.

Conclusion?

Abortion is wrong (Biblically). If you absolutely do not want to have a child (in the event of rape or some other misfortune... give it up for adoption. There are plenty of parents out there that are unable to have children that would love to give your child a home. Most are willing to even pay for all of your medical accomidations (appointments, hospital bills, etc...). Some even allow you to still see the child through the years if you wanted to.

Think Biblically. Do the right thing! Save a life instead of taking one (most importantly... not just any life, but your own child's).

What's My Last Name?

So the other day I'm trying to figure out what Mary's (Jesus' mother) last name was. In my research I came to find out that in those days, many people did not have last names. In fact, "most" didn't.

Think about it, many names in the Bible (go through the books of the Bible like Mathew, Mark, Luke and John) do not have last names. I know... you're thinking Simon Paul or Mary Magdaline (if that's spelled right) but maybe those were just considered one whole name... like Mia-Grace or Billy-Joe.

Back to my point. Back in those days, people used references to their city name, their job profession or from whom they decended. For example (these names are fictional for sample purpose):

Mark of Winterville

Timothy the Potter

John, Son of Zebedee

So, with that said... maybe thats how we got some of those last names we have today. Last names like:

Potter

Tailor

Cooke

Smith

Miller

Fisher

Goldman

Booker

Baker, etc.... (tons more)

You get my point. Don't know any of this for a fact. Just something to think about. The more over populated the towns/world became, the use of "last names" became a must.

Thoughts?

Be Thankful!

Many people out there (including many Christians) are not as thankful for the life they have as they should be. Someone may have a job only making minimum wage. They pray every day for a better (higher paying) job but still have yet to get it. They mope around all depressed about they're job that they are unsatisfied with when they should be thankful that they even have a job (especially in today's economy).

I want to express a little scenario to help you understand what I mean.

You come to me and bring a bag of McDonalds food (trying to be nice). I give you a disgusted look and fling the food to the ground saying "I'm not going to eat that! Are you kidding me?" Of course you're shocked and ill at this point that I just disrespectfully trashed the food you presented to me and insulted you.

Now, are you now ready to go out and buy me a steak dinner? I seriously doubt. I think I'd be extremely lucky if you'd ever buy me any food again (even McDonalds).

Heres my point. God may bless you with something small to see how appreciative you are. If you aren't thankful for it and complain... do you really think thats going to make him want to give you a bigger blessing? Based on the scenario above, you most likely wouldn't if you were in His shoes.

Overall point?

Be thankful for EVERYTHING EVERY DAY! No matter what is going on, be thankful. Thank God for the gas in your car. When you drink your bottle of water, give a cheers to heaven and say "Thank you Lord for this delicious water." Have a thankful heart (and be sincere) and you will be amazed at how the blessings will flow and how you'll begin to see life in a beautiful way. You'll truly find happiness in your day.

Have you ever said "Thank You" sincerely with a angry look? How about a sad expression? I sure hope you havn't. Most likely you find yourself feeling really good about yourself and letting out a slight (sometimes big) smile everytime you say "Thank You" to someone.

Say it all day to the Lord. You'll be smiling all day!!!

Jesus: Lord or Stranger?

Here's a little something I've always told people about how they should look at their relationship with Jesus.

Lets look at a sample scenario.

Theres a guy named John that works at a computer office 8 hours a day, every single day of the year. He shares a room with a guy named Larry. John and Larry are the only two in this room, all day, every day. For the 10 years that John has worked there, he very rarely speaks to Larry. Every now and then if John has a question about his work, he'll turn around and ask Larry for help, but other than those occasionaly moments, they never speak.

John goes out every weekend and holiday and never invites Larry to come along. John has his own friends and his own social life that does not ever include Larry.

Would you say John and Larry are close? Although they know each other, would you really even say they were friends?

Well instead of "John," put your name there. Instead of "Larry," put Jesus there. As far as the scenario goes, fill in your lifestyle. Do you ever include Jesus in your life. Do you ever even talk to Him? Many Christians claim to be faithful but yet they do not ever even talk with Jesus unless they occasionally need something from Him. So, for someone that you rarely ever talk to or introduce to your friends or bring with you when you go places... would you consider yourself to be close with Jesus? Think about it!

I find the best place to have a conversation with Jesus is in my car. No one around. Just me and an empty passenger seat. I pretend He is sitting right there and I talk. Not just about "needs" but about things I'm thankful for or just to simply talk about my day. If you are a Christian, you should believe that Jesus is with you at all times. With that in mind, act like He is there. Treat Him like a friend (at least). Talk to Him.

Reincarnation

I know this topic is not biblically related, but it is religion based and this situation came up recently for me to want to express my thoughts. Another reason why you should just believe in Christianity.

First off, so I don't put off the wrong idea, I'm blogging on this because I want to pose my questions/comments out there to how reincarnation makes no sense. But lets start off explaining what it is.

This is a religious-belief believed by many cultures, such as Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism. The term "reincarnation" literally means "to be made flesh again." According to doctrine or metaphysical beliefs, it means that some essential part of a living being survives death to be reborn in a new body. This part being the "spirit" or "soul." They call this the "higher" or "true" self, the "divine spark." They believe that a new personality is developed during each life in the physical world, but some part of the self remains constnt throughout the successive lives. This religion believes in "Karma" which is an action, doing or even a thought that you have. Supposedly if you have negative Karma, you will have negative feedback from life and vice versa. But back to reincarnation. Reincarnation in a gerneral sense means that when you die, depending on how good your life was, you come back as another human (if you lived a good life), an ant (obviously lived a bad life) or anything in between based on your Karma.

Here's where I have a problem with reincarnation. First of all, as an insect (an ant or spider)... how would you live a "good life" to work your way up the chain of command? What's considered a good ant? What can you eat? If you eat anything besides a vegetarian diet... wouldn't you be eating past relatives? I can see it now... eating a chicken leg while having the thought in the back of your mind that its your grandmother.

If you kill and eat an animal, would you be downgraded in death for the murder of a life? Is it alright for an animal to kill and eat a human? How about the fact that there are way more animals/insects/humans dying than human babies being born.

And finally, if you really believed in reincarnation, wouldn't you be sad. Being a human is actually a sad life. There's pain physically, pain emotionally, heartbreak, poverty, perversion, addictions... all the sinful ways of a human being... wouldn't it be sad to look at this life as your "heaven?" Some people are so depressed in this life that they purposely take their own... but at the same time its supposed to be our heaven... as good as it gets. So, if someone believed in reincarnation, you would think they would be sad all the time (which in Karma might downgrade them to a lower being for living a sad life).

I know this was off topic today and I appologize but this is why a Christian should feel blessed. We have a God (the one and only God) that gives us a real heaven and something to look forward to in death. Even for those who are debating on religion, why not a religion that at least makes you feel happy in life. A religion that teaches you morals and promises a perfect life in death.

Why not choose... Christianity?

Profanity

There are many Christians out there that still go around cussing and using profanity in anger and some even in typical conversation. There are many arguments over this topic such as, what's considered profanity?

Lets start with the basics.

All Christians either "do" or "should" know not to use the Lord's name in vain. Even some non-Christians know and believe this. What do I mean? I'll initialize.. (G.D.). That's as far as I'm willing to go there. Here's scripture.

Exodus 20:7 7 "You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.

The following verse, to me, means that a Christian should not use any type of profanity whatsoever.

Isaiah 32:6 6 For the fool speaks folly, his mind is busy with evil: He practices ungodliness and spreads error concerning the LORD; the hungry he leaves empty and from the thirsty he withholds water.

Okay. So what about words that are in the Bible? For example; Hell, damn, ass, fool, etc...

Hell is obviously a place (a terrible place at that). In the sense of speaking of a place, I think its fine to use. But one should never condemn someone verbally to this place. As Christians, we should not feel hate in hearts. However, even if you did, you could not hate anything/anyone strong enough to cast it into Hell. Therefore, we should never ever use this word in this manner.

Damn means: Sentence or condemnation to everlasting punishment in the future state; or the state of eternal torments. As I've stated earlier, one should never feel this way about anything/anyone, therefore never have a reason to even use this word period.

Ass is a word used to describe a donkey. If you're not seriously talking about a donkey, this word is inappropriate. Stick to proper words and for this word's sake... just say "donkey" so others won't get the wrong image of you.

Just remember Isaiah 32:6 from above.

Just a little extra something to think about below.

We are also instructed not to swear (I believe promises are different than swearing). Does this mean in court, we should not "swear?" Here's the verse:

James 5:12 12 Above all, my brothers, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. Let your "Yes" be yes, and your "No," no, or you will be condemned.

Women Preach?

There is an ongoing debate about whether or not a woman should be allowed to preach to congregation. Most Christians that feel this way (usually baptists) believe this because of what it says in 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 :

34 women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the Law says. 35 If they want to enquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church.

Based on this scripture, it says that a woman should not speak period. So if you believed this at all, you should believe it fully. If you do not believe it fully, then you should not believe it at all. From my understanding, this scripture was written because women back in that time would disturb the message by arguing and debating over topics and embarrass the husband. Instead of all the women speaking at once and causing distraction, the rule was laid down that if a woman had a conflict or debate to discuss, she was supposed to discuss this with her husband and have him speak on their behalf, if he agreed with the debate. I dont think this literally meant that a woman is not supposed to speak in church or even preach... here's why:

In most verses where it speaks of man being a bishop or pastor, I believe this is referring to "anyone" or "mankind." For example, in 1 Timothy 2:3-4

3 This is good, and pleases God our Saviour, 4 who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth."

This verse says that our "God and Savior, who wants all men to be saved..." Notice he didn't say women? Does this mean he does not want women to be saved? NO! Of course not. This is one of the situations where He uses "men" or "man" as "mankind." This kind of thing is said throughout the entire Bible.

I do not believe that God is ruling out women and being sexist here. God made men and women different physically but not spiritually. God spiritually looks at us all as equal. Lets look at scripture:

Joel 2:28 28 And afterwards, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.

Notice it says "and daughters." "Prophesy" according to the KJV dictionary means "In Scripture, to preach; to instruct in religious doctrines; to interpret or explain Scripture or religious subjects."

Acts 2:17 17'In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.

Again... "and daughters." Do you not believe these are the last days? How can you deny scripture?

There are more verses that say the same thing... more in Revelations. Some people tend to ignore the scripture stating that women can preach but then only half-way follow or believe in the whole "women should keep silent" scripture.

So, should women stay silent (the verse didn't clarify so this means... completely silent in the church) or should they be allowed to speak?

There are many women out there with GREAT knowledge of the Bible. What good is this knowledge if they cannot teach? What harm could come of preaching? Should they let people stray because they are supposed to keep silent? If no, then why are they allowed to preach to an unbeliever but not to a believer?

Leave me feedback!

Speaking In Tongues (Part 2)

Okay, I know I've already hit this topic. But I've recently come across more scripture to lead unbelievers of this type of thing to hear what scripture has to say. I'm not here to convince anyone one way or the other, but I only ask that you read scripture and base your theories from the Word itself.

The following verses definitely prove that there is, in fact, the ability to speak in tongues. However it does give rules and guidelines to doing so. There are times to speak it, and times to not speak it. Read further.

Lets start off with that fact that the Bible clearly tells us that there will be "gifts" given to certain people on the Earth. I'm not neccessarily talking about the "gift" to draw a pretty picture. I mean deeper "gifts."

1 Cor 12:4-11

When the scripture mentions "divers tongues" the word "divers" according to the KJV Dictionary means "different" or "various."

Now, digging deeper into the guidelines of speaking in tongues.

1 Cor 14:1-5

This verse tells us that speaking in tongues can be a wonderful thing as long as there is an interpreter that can interpret what is being said in order to "edify" the church. Edify (according to the KJV dictionary) means to "construct, build up or establish." If the tongues spoken is not interpreted then it was nothing but jibberish to others.

I think by reading this and comparing it to today... there are many people that may have the "gift" of speaking in tongues, but people are too prideful and embarrassed to try and interpret. The Bible clearly states that some people have the "gift" to interpret and that a powerful message can be delivered but in todays time, people are being held back from their "gifts" because others aren't following what they are supposed to do (like interpreting).

Moving on...

1 Cor 14:6-19

These verses state that it is pointless to speak in tongues if no one is there to interpret. My question is, how do you know if someone is there to interpret? Should someone who speaks in tongues bite their tongue because they are afraid no one there has the gift to interpret? Would the Holy Spirit even come into a place and cause tongues to be spoken if there wasn't someone there to interpret?

Moving on...

1 Cor 14:20-25

These verses state the scenario of an unbeliever that comes into the church and hears someone speaking in tongues. It states that if someone speaks in tongues and there is no interpreter, the unbeliever will think you're crazy people and leave. If it is interpreted, you can instantly make that person a believer on the spot and he'll spread the news. So, speaking in tongues is chancy from what it sounds like. This is why we must all do what we're lead to do. Because so many people through time have avoided their gifts... a gift such as speaking in tongues is dissolving as people bite their tongues because they are afraid someone like an interpreter will not follow through with their gift.

Moving on...

1 Cor 14:26-33

This states the rules. There can be 2 to 3 people speaking in tongues at once. No more should jump in. There is only supposed to be 1 interpreter allowed to speak at a time. If there are more than one interpreter present, then the first interpreter should finish before the next begins to speak. If someone is speaking in tongues and realizes there is no interpreter, they are supposed to stop and remain silent.

Finally...

1 Cor 14:34-40

Do not forbid speaking in tongues. Just speak it in a decent and orderly way.

Other Bible references for speaking in tongues (if you're interested):

1 Cor 12:8-11

1 Cor 12:28-30

Acts 2:3

Mark 16:17

Acts 2:4

Dig deeper. Answers are out there. Here's my final take on everything. I believe in speaking in tongues (as long as followed by the guidelines). What good is music if we cover our ears? What good is art if we close our eyes? In relation to today's topic... what good is speaking in tongues if there is no interpreter? Music can move and change us. Art in this sense, can move and change us. Speaking in tongues can move and change us. But all of these things are no good without its working counterpart.

Thoughts?