Paradise Cafe Discussions - A Place For Bible Research And Christian Encouragement

Because due to our own lack it is easier to place our faith on what is visible rather than what is invisible. Sometimes signs and miracles are given to us that we might believe, but they do not guarantee belief. Even in the past when God himself spoke from the Heaven some claimed it was simply the thunder.

Even when you experience fantastic miracles and signs in your own life, trials and unforseen occurances can and do catch you off-guard and expose your lack in the area of faith. Peter expressed great faith in Christ at times but was caught off guard later and stumbled by denying Christ. Equally he received a fantastic vision regarding the calling of non-Jews and still later broke table fellowship with them. However as much as we can rest our eyes on Jesus and continually look to him, so much the better for us. Hopefully we can stay soft enough to bounce back when we stumble.

Anyway things haven't changed. Man is still busy making golden calfs today. John's words are still very apt - "Little children guard yourselves from idols".

Good to see you, sis!!! Hope you are here for longer!! Love you HEAPS! :cheer::cheer::cheer:

AHH Dear Brother BUt the above qoute is a statement.. the way it reads to me anyway..

Not an answer.. :P

Perhaps because human nature, if it can be defined as the "ego - flesh" part of us, cannot comprehend what God does, as it seems "mysterious".

Perhaps God does this, so that we can transcend our "ego-flesh" to see what seems "mysterious".

We have to get out of our shells in order to see.....God is one funny dude! :D:D:D

Well, I've waited for someone to point out that Mary's being in company with the rest of Jesus' family in no way suggests that she was "in the middle of things", as if to say that she necessarily held to the same view as Jesus' brothers.

I find the emphasis of your (Fugie's) argument strange to say the least. Mary's traveling in the company of others would be expected in Israel. Never would a woman be traveling on her own. So why zero in on Mary at all in the absence of other scripture to support your view?

Sorry, fugie, I don't buy your thought at all.
Rez

I'm not quite sure of your point here, Resolute?

A few thought this was a good topic, and a good question for discussion. So, I'm a little surprised by your response here.

You seem to think I have ulterior motives, here. Maybe I know why. (Please see statement below.)

Anyway, I could ask, are you saying Jesus' mother never, ever doubted him?

Are you saying Jesus' mother never stood outside of the place where Jesus was teaching, and wanted him to come outside, because she thought he was losing his mind? In other words, it was ONLY Jesus' brothers who thought this, but Mary was not included in this situation? (See Mark 3:21.)

Is that what you are saying, Resolute?

I just want you to be clear on this, so I will understand what you are talking about. :confused:

Oh, by the way, Isomam, Bruised Reed, Digital Punk, and other concerned parties:

I've been away from the board for a while. During this time, I had a few opportunities to go over to the Living Waters/YORWW Cult Factory, to see exactly what the fuss was all about. Well, I found out what those people were talking about, and I can tell you in one swift-pitch, I don't believe these people.

Now, don't get me wrong, I don't necessarily hate every, single thing they believe. Over at Beliefnet, I thought they made some good points. But then again, I'm not a baptized JW or one who has done a lot bible study in my private life, even though I was brought up to be a JW. But still to me, this YORWW group is certainly, certainly not one that I would personally join. However, now finally, after much research on them, after taking out the time to learn more about what makes them "tick," I feel I can make this statement: PUBLIC NOW!

Now, what I have against them (Donald C. Burney's crew) is the fact, they have sooooooooo many rules to follow. (See a place they call the "Rules" Page, but I won't post the link because of previous advices.) Anyway, these people remind me of the WTBTS with all of their "rules." They have so many "rules," that I believe they fulfill the prophecy about too many "rules" found at Isaiah 28:13.

So, I can tell you guys right now, you never have to worry about me ever, becoming a Living Waters/YORWW member. Never!!! :readthis:

I just thought I would "clear the air," over this issue, because so many were concerned about me (especially "Bruised Reed") over this cult group. :grouphug:

Thanks again (to Isomam, Digital Punk, Bruised Reed, Resolute, Willa and all the gang here for your help and insight on the YORWW Cult People), as well as everyone else for your spiritual help and insight on this matter. :thumbsup:

May Jesus, Our Lord, be with you people,

Fugitive1/Detroit Intellect

Well, my dear Fudge, it seems as though you are doing a little mind reading concerning the scripture at Mark 3:21. Here is what it says:

"Now his mother and his brothers came, and, as they were standing on the outside, they sent in to him to call him.  As it was, a crowd was sitting around him, so they said to him: “Look! Your mother and your brothers outside are seeking you.”  But in reply he said to them: “Who are my mother and my brothers?”  And having looked about upon those sitting around him in a circle, he said: “See, my mother and my brothers!  Whoever does the will of God, this one is my brother and sister and mother.”" -- Mark 3:31-35

Where, in this account, do you find even a hint that Jesus' family were concerned about his mental health? And why pick on Mary? Were these not his family? Would it not be perfectly natural after spending a lifetime together for them to seek his company?

Jesus had started a new phase of his life, entering his ministry, and on this occasion made it clear to all that his family situation had changed. It must have been hard, especially for his mother, to have him be away from home.

I look at the title of your thread: Why Treat Jesus This Way? and I see that you almost immediately single out Mary and say she was "in the middle" of this. It makes me wonder where you are coming from. It seems like you're casting aspersions on Mary's character and faith. Were you just trying to be sensational?

What does the bible say?:read: Please show me a scripture that says this.

Just askin':huh:

Rez