Go to Bumpy Road of an Unconventional Christian
- Add a comment
- Go to Born in the U.S.A.
I agree with aardvark.
posted by
smichellec82
on October 18, 2004 at 5:33 PM
| link to this | reply
Maker2short,
I have been meditating on "atonement". at-onen, to make one, reconcile, make amends, the fundamental belief that Christ redeemed, as in ransomed through himself, those who believe his is the son of God and that only through this belief is salvation. I hear it, I understand it, rationally, but I am searching for a deeper understanding of the meaning of his sacrifice.
What is my question, really? Can you point me to Old Testament references to the Messiah, I want to understand the real meaning of the Messiah, as the Jews and gentiles of the Mediterranean that Jesus and Paul preached to, understood him. Why did the Samaritan woman at the well recognize Jesus as the Messiah? she obviously knew what that meant. What had she been taught scripturally, what was common knowledge of the time? What have we forgotten that they were prepared to accept?
posted by
Blanche.
on October 15, 2004 at 7:00 PM
| link to this | reply
Faces the enemy?
who's that? Why would God give us enemies?
posted by
jollyjeff
on October 15, 2004 at 12:40 PM
| link to this | reply
I happen to enjoy "relying on my own efforts." I'm glad I live where I have opportunities to pursue what interests me. Don't take me back to the Dark Ages.
posted by
aardvark
on October 15, 2004 at 8:27 AM
| link to this | reply
Welll stated ...
I would only add that it is not the sufferings of the persecuted that make them "blessed" (As it something they have earned via their suffering, and their blessedness is their wage) but it is rather the fact that Christ has overcome death that makes them blessed ...He has done for them what they could never do for themselves and they are in joyfull graditude regardless of any suffering they may be experiencing, especially if it is in His name, as He promises to confort us now and forever and not just beginning at some later time.
All Christians suffer by and with the suffering of another and because sin offends God so much. This is true for all of the body of Christ, even if we are not suffering by worldly standards. It is our joy to suffer for Him, as we know nothing pleases Him more than our willingness to have His will be done, His Kingdom come. Your thoughts? 
posted by
neamer
on October 15, 2004 at 2:33 AM
| link to this | reply