Re: God is a loving God.

On Apr 30, 1:42=A0pm, Barry OGrady  wrote:
> On Sun, 27 Apr 2008, swa...@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
 wrote:

<snip>
>
> Mark hates all of Christianity but he still likes the idea of calling
hims=
elf
> a Christian so he rages against fundamentalists.
>
Mark has collected a group of references which he likes and which he
accepts gives him the type of Christianity that he can believe in,
omitting any aspect that he cannot/ does not want  to accept of New
Testament Christianity.

> >I think =A0I have worked out a reason, from some long past postings.
> >But I would like you to tell me.
>
> One reason is that Mark's gay brother was harmed by the church.
>
There was little/nothing  said in many/all, churches prior to to
1970's
about ***uality. Many parents may have been reticent to discuss the
isues with their children. It was just accepted that celibacy before
marriage and fidelitty within it was the right way

<snip>

>  Mark seems determined to offend both Christians and atheists.
>
And you do not hesitate to offend Christians in your website.

You are of the belief that rather than God creating man,  that men
created gods. Then you will have to condemn those ancient men for how
humans are less than perfect.

The Genesis account is that  God created a man and a woman who were
perfect, but they later disobeyed a command of God, despite knowing
what the consequences would be. As a consequence of their disobedience
they died spiritually - they lost their perfection - and later they
died physically.

The Old Testament record is a covenant of law and the means to be
forgiven  through the Temple sacrifices.
The New Testament record is a covenant of grace, - unmerited favour of
God in that although we are unworthy of such favour, God gives us
forgiveness and re-instatement as His children as we accept the
sacrifice of Jesus Christ  through faith in Him Who is God's only
begotten Son.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that
whoever believes in him shall not perish but shall have everlasting
life. John 3 - 16
We are saved by grace, through faith, and that not of ourselves, it is
the gift of God.  Ephesians 2 : 8

That leads to a restoration of perfection in the Eternity that God has
prepared for us.
Humans could not make a God Almighty Who has such a wonderful future
for us as we put our trust in Him.

Gladys Swager