The fall of 2015 starting in september

[SR9]

The Fall of 2015

By Randy Nettles


The year 2015 seems to be shaping up to be quite a busy and significant year…especially in the fall or autumn months. Could it even be a year of prophetic activity?

Here’s a partial listing of certain events for September, 2015 and beyond.

1) Sunday/Monday, September 13/14, 2015 – Feast of Trumpets or Rosh Hashanah, Tishri 1, on the Jewish calendar. This is the fifth Feast of Israel, or more specifically; the Feast of the Lord. This feast hasn’t been prophetically fulfilled yet. The first four feasts of the Lord: Passover, Unleavened Bread, First fruits, and Pentecost, have been fulfilled by Jesus’ First Coming.

Many Bible scholars and students of Bible prophecy believe the Second Coming of Jesus Christ will fulfill the fifth, sixth, and seventh Feasts of the Lord: Trumpets, Day of Atonement, and Tabernacles. This will occur after the 7 year Tribulation.

Jesus will return on a future Feast of Trumpets at the battle of Armageddon, where He will deal with sin. Some even speculate the Rapture will precede His Second Coming and it will also take place on a Feast of Trumpets day. Of course nobody knows the exact day and year of the Rapture except for God.

There will be a partial solar eclipse of the sun on 9/14/2015. Also in the news, CERN has rebuilt the Large Hadron Collider to double the power of its 2009 version. It is due to come back online fully on 9/14/2015.

2) Tuesday, September 15, 2015 – The 70th U.N. Assembly begins on this date. The Palestinian state issue could be decided during this session. Also, this is the end date of the military exercise known as Jade Helm that is currently transpiring in the southern states of the U.S.

3) Wednesday, September 23, 2015 – The Day of Atonement, Tishri 10th on the Jewish calendar. This holy day will not be prophetically fulfilled until after Jesus returns to the Earth. Israel will mourn for their Messiah (whom they did not recognize on his first appearance) on this day.

September 23, 2015 is the day of the Autumnal Equinox which occurs at 3:22 AM C.D.T.

Pope Francis will have a welcome ceremony and meeting with President Obama at the White House at 9:15 AM E.D.T.

There are many implications/hints (in movies, music, etc.) that the “new world order” elites are planning something significant on this date for the year 2015.

4) Thursday, September 24, 2015 – Pope Francis will make an unprecedented address to Congress during his first visit to the USA, on Sept. 24 at 9:20 AM E.D.T.

5) Friday, September 25, 2015 - On September 25th, 2015 at 8:30 am, Pope Francis will formally address the United Nations General Assembly in New York City.

6) Sunday/Monday, September 27/28, 2015 – The Feast of Tabernacles or Sukkot, Tishri 15th on the Jewish calendar. On September 27/28, 2015, the Feast of Tabernacles will begin. It is also the last of the blood moon tetrads that have occurred in 2014 and 2015 on the Jewish feast days of Passover and Tabernacles.

The last two lunar tetrads occurring on these feast days of the Lord were in 1949/1950 and 1967/1968. These two tetrad cycles had three common denominators regarding the Jewish state: 1) War for Israel. 2) Israel acquired more land by defeating her enemies. 3) Mass immigration of Jews to the homeland.

There are two other prophetic events that we await.. They are the Rapture and the start of the Tribulation. The Rapture doesn’t have to be on a Feast day of the Lord. The Tribulation will be for seven years in duration.

Most Bible eschatologists and scholars believe the Lord Jesus will return at the battle of Armageddon on a future Feast of Trumpets day. The earliest date this could occur is Sunday, September 25, 2022; 2520 days (or 7 prophetic years of 360 calendar days) earlier is Sunday, November 1, 2015….which hypothetically, in this example, would be the start of the 7 year Tribulation. It is ironic that this is the day after Halloween...

I am not entirely convinced the Tribulation can begin in the remaining few months left in 2015; but it is possible. One thing is clear…it is getting very close. After the Rapture, world events & biblical prophecy might escalate exponentially.

After the two major life altering events of the Rapture and the Tribulation, life, as we know it on this planet, is going to change suddenly and drastically in the coming months and years. You need to be sure that you are waiting for Jesus’ return at the Rapture… otherwise, you will be waiting for the arrival of the Antichrist and hell on earth.

Even so, come Lord Jesus.

Randy Nettles

 

[kelcarry]

With all due respect--he is not coming. This world would be a nice place to live if people were not on it.

 

[SR9]

Link Removed

 

[Ringo]

There are two other prophetic events that we await.. They are the Rapture and the start of the Tribulation.

I am not entirely convinced the Tribulation can begin in the remaining few months left in 2015; but it is possible. One thing is clear…it is getting very close.

Randy Nettles

Between the Rapture & the Tribulation, the Rapture is the only event that Christians await. Taking into account that the war of Psalm 83 to encompass Isaiah 17 that will lead to the war of Gog-Magog (Ezekiel 38-39), all Pre-Trib events, you can be assured that the Tribulation won't begin in the remaining few months left in 2015.

~ ISRAEL...God's Prophetic Timepiece ~​

 

[XD40scinNC]

The really disturbing aspect of this is that these people are supposed to be adults, with some level of education.... yet.....

Link Removed

 

[Ringo]

The U.S. economy is in uncharted, economic waters and the country is on the precipice of collapse. Even with the unprecedented chicanery practiced by those who are supposed to promote the general welfare of the nation, most in the know say the financial system of America--and the world, for that matter--should have long ago collapsed. While all of this hand-wringing is going on within the pantheon of high finance (privately, of course, where mainstream media is concerned) the world wags on, oblivious to impending cataclysm. The spiritual seismometers of those who believe that this generation is at the end of the Age of Grace (Church Age) sense something big is about to shake the world. Many who study Bible prophecy believe that all of the things pointing toward September as a month of prophetic destiny will coalesce to bring God's judgment on America and possibly all the world. At the same time, most within the Church (born-again members of God's eternal family) are as oblivious to anything that might be seriously wrong as are those in the general population. There's a sense of uneasiness over ongoing stock market volatility and what it all might mean to personal financial portfolios. There is growing angst because of the evil of ISIS and occasional acts of evil by other bad actors. But, overall, it's business as usual in the pulpits and pews of America's churches--including the evangelical ones.

Where once God's people, such as Jerry Falwell and the Moral Majority would have fought with all within their power against same-sex marriage and the absolute evil of things Planned Parenthood was exposed to have perpetrated against babies in the womb (and out of the womb in some cases), the preachers and their congregations are now, in fact, a silent minority. There remain courageous pastors and churches that speak out strongly against such abominable things, but, most are silent, and many have signed on to the anti-Israel movement, taking the side of those who want to divide that Jewish nation, thus to establish a Palestinian state. For these reasons, and because of the calendar of events they see as in alignment, many who view Bible prophecy believe that God's judgment is about to fall upon America. That judgment, many are convinced, will begin this month of September 2015. God's foreknowledge is perfect, thus His timing is flawless. Although pundits of every sort, those Biblically prophetic as well as secular, have framed the many strange September 2015 dates and their various, ominous possibilities into a coalition of likely probabilities, these might well not eventuate. No matter how many presumably prophetic elements seem in alignment for triggering judgment-like occurrence, it is good to pause, catch our collective breath, and consider the following. Circumstance does not control God; God controls circumstance. I believe we are witnesses to this providential control in the arena of national and global economies at this time. Well, this long-fretted over month is here, now we can finally see what it might hold. One thing sure, we have only a very few days to find out!

~ ISRAEL...God's Prophetic Timepiece ~​

 

[NotTwoShure]

Link Removed

The U.S. economy is in uncharted, economic waters and the country is on the precipice of collapse. Even with the unprecedented chicanery practiced by those who are supposed to promote the general welfare of the nation, most in the know say the financial system of America--and the world, for that matter--should have long ago collapsed. While all of this hand-wringing is going on within the pantheon of high finance (privately, of course, where mainstream media is concerned) the world wags on, oblivious to impending cataclysm. The spiritual seismometers of those who believe that this generation is at the end of the Age of Grace (Church Age) sense something big is about to shake the world. Many who study Bible prophecy believe that all of the things pointing toward September as a month of prophetic destiny will coalesce to bring God's judgment on America and possibly all the world. At the same time, most within the Church (born-again members of God's eternal family) are as oblivious to anything that might be seriously wrong as are those in the general population. There's a sense of uneasiness over ongoing stock market volatility and what it all might mean to personal financial portfolios. There is growing angst because of the evil of ISIS and occasional acts of evil by other bad actors. But, overall, it's business as usual in the pulpits and pews of America's churches--including the evangelical ones.

Where once God's people, such as Jerry Falwell and the Moral Majority would have fought with all within their power against same-sex marriage and the absolute evil of things Planned Parenthood was exposed to have perpetrated against babies in the womb (and out of the womb in some cases), the preachers and their congregations are now, in fact, a silent minority. There remain courageous pastors and churches that speak out strongly against such abominable things, but, most are silent, and many have signed on to the anti-Israel movement, taking the side of those who want to divide that Jewish nation, thus to establish a Palestinian state. For these reasons, and because of the calendar of events they see as in alignment, many who view Bible prophecy believe that God's judgment is about to fall upon America. That judgment, many are convinced, will begin this month of September 2015. God's foreknowledge is perfect, thus His timing is flawless. Although pundits of every sort, those Biblically prophetic as well as secular, have framed the many strange September 2015 dates and their various, ominous possibilities into a coalition of likely probabilities, these might well not eventuate. No matter how many presumably prophetic elements seem in alignment for triggering judgment-like occurrence, it is good to pause, catch our collective breath, and consider the following. Circumstance does not control God; God controls circumstance. I believe we are witnesses to this providential control in the arena of national and global economies at this time. Well, this long-fretted over month is here, now we can finally see what it might hold. One thing sure, we have only a very few days to find out!

~ ISRAEL...God's Prophetic Timepiece ~​

 

[Oldgrunt]

The really disturbing aspect of this is that these people are supposed to be adults, with some level of education.... yet.....

Link Removed

Why is it that "these people who are supposed to be adults, with some level of education" are incorrect in their beliefs while you are supposed to be the authority by your beliefs? Isn't that being rather hubristic and saying that yours is the only possible answer to any question or theory? Why is your belief any better than ours? Only because that is what you believe? OK, that is your belief. Now what? Are we supposed to crawl up in a corner and cast aside our God simply on your say so? I don't think so and you, with whatever education you are using as a yardstick to judge others by, is worldly judgement, not divine judgement. I would much prefer to go through this world as an illiterate, with my belief in God, than to be educated in all the arts and sciences and miss out on being with God at the end of my life. You don't believe, as others on here, but that is your problem, not ours. I only wish that, at some time in your life before it is too late, that you could have an experience to show you that God is real. It would only take one time.

 

[XD40scinNC]

Why is it that "these people who are supposed to be adults, with some level of education" are incorrect in their beliefs while you are supposed to be the authority by your beliefs? Isn't that being rather hubristic and saying that yours is the only possible answer to any question or theory? Why is your belief any better than ours? Only because that is what you believe? OK, that is your belief. Now what? Are we supposed to crawl up in a corner and cast aside our God simply on your say so? I don't think so and you, with whatever education you are using as a yardstick to judge others by, is worldly judgement, not divine judgement. I would much prefer to go through this world as an illiterate, with my belief in God, than to be educated in all the arts and sciences and miss out on being with God at the end of my life. You don't believe, as others on here, but that is your problem, not ours. I only wish that, at some time in your life before it is too late, that you could have an experience to show you that God is real. It would only take one time.

OG, it's called common sense, and the absolute vacuum of evidence of any god. Y'all got one book, lots of so called experts, all based on your one book, 100% the work of ancient men that didn't know where the sun went at night, disease a total mystery, and many things that are common knowledge today, but weren't even suspected.

Every source of knowledge has been updated and corrected over the centuries..... with one exception... your bible and other holy books from all religions... where willful ignorance is king.

To cut to the chase, I don't care what your buy bull says, as it is meaningless rambling of ancient ignorance and inexcusable today.

And let's also recall that loons like SR9 posted a wall of text from, will merely mumble something about "got the date wrong" and other excuses, come October... Doubt that, wait a month...

 

[XD40scinNC]

Why is it that "these people who are supposed to be adults, with some level of education" are incorrect in their beliefs while you are supposed to be the authority by your beliefs? Isn't that being rather hubristic and saying that yours is the only possible answer to any question or theory? Why is your belief any better than ours? Only because that is what you believe? OK, that is your belief. Now what? Are we supposed to crawl up in a corner and cast aside our God simply on your say so? I don't think so and you, with whatever education you are using as a yardstick to judge others by, is worldly judgement, not divine judgement. I would much prefer to go through this world as an illiterate, with my belief in God, than to be educated in all the arts and sciences and miss out on being with God at the end of my life. You don't believe, as others on here, but that is your problem, not ours. I only wish that, at some time in your life before it is too late, that you could have an experience to show you that God is real. It would only take one time.

Like the "Free Beer - tomorrow" sign.... have you not figured that one out yet?

OG, it's called common sense, and the absolute vacuum of evidence of any god. Y'all got one book, lots of so called experts, all based on your one book, 100% the work of ancient men that didn't know where the sun went at night, disease a total mystery, and many things that are common knowledge today, but weren't even suspected.

Every source of knowledge has been updated and corrected over the centuries..... with one exception... your bible and other holy books from all religions... where willful ignorance is king.

To cut to the chase, I don't care what your buy bull says, as it is meaningless rambling of ancient ignorance and inexcusable today.

 

[Oldgrunt]

Like the "Free Beer - tomorrow" sign.... have you not figured that one out yet?

OG, it's called common sense, and the absolute vacuum of evidence of any god. Y'all got one book, lots of so called experts, all based on your one book, 100% the work of ancient men that didn't know where the sun went at night, disease a total mystery, and many things that are common knowledge today, but weren't even suspected.

Every source of knowledge has been updated and corrected over the centuries..... with one exception... your bible and other holy books from all religions... where willful ignorance is king.

To cut to the chase, I don't care what your buy bull says, as it is meaningless rambling of ancient ignorance and inexcusable today.

I hesitate to call anyone ignorant because they don't believe as I do. However, I fail to understand how anyone who professes to be reasonably intelligent can not see that the Bible, regardless of it's age of writings, is absolutely as current today as our news media, has foretold what we are seeing and experiencing today, and tells us what is coming in the future. The Bible does not need updating and/or correction. All events are following exactly as written in the Bible and I fail to see how one can miss the correlation. It is as reading tomorrow's newspaper today, we have been told what is to come. I don't fault you for not believing. That is something you will, regardless of your thinking now, have to work out with our God. For your sake, and that of others, I hope His mercy will extend to you after your deaths and you will be given one last opportunity for repentance. It pains me to think of the alternative.

P.S.: Yes, I had figured out the "Free Beer" sign long ago.

 

[XD40scinNC]

For the simple reason your source of information is suspect, very suspect, and only in the minds of those desperate to validate it can such outrageous concepts be extracted along with some very impressive cherry picking.

I know there are many that waste a lifetime learning the bible, or biblical scholars, and it enables them to easily cherry pick and manipulate the message to match their per-conceived views. Then take any parts of the bible, twist the interpretation (and I dare you to argue that different sects of christianity don't find totally different meaning from same part) then cherry pick reality till a match is found, or at least a near miss.

If someone knew other works of ancient literature like the back of their hand, and if it was an industry like religion is, they too could cherry pick parts and passages and vaguely link them to current events. The more well versed you are with a tool, the greater your ability, be it the chef with their knife, the artist with their brush, the golf pro with their clubs.

You and many others hate, abhor, rant and rage against gay people, based on our bible, yet other christians say the bible tells them to embrace gay people as children of their god. Who is correct? Or maybe someone from a totally different religion is right.... all using so called "holy books" as their authority.. I'll stick with reason and common sense and "none of the above" from the fairy tale shelf.

Glad the "free beer" sign didn't go over your head, now use the rational from that lesson and apply it to the "jesus is coming -- tomorrow" sign.

But dammit, I don't have any of those Pascal's Wager cards, you guys are throwing all the time. Are you so clueless to the fact that atheists so totally dismiss the nonsense of this god filled with hate that is meaningless, be still a clear demonstration of the desperation. As meaningless as if I threatened to have leprechauns come kick you in the shin, or higher if they bring a stool. Absurd is absurd.

 

[SR9]

Again, for the 5th time I call on XD40 to prove there is no such thing as God or Jesus. No copy and paste, no video, just you. I'm betting for the 5th time you will ignore my challenge. As you don't have an answer. You can't prove God and Jesus don't exist. So that would be because they do exist. The one thing you fear most in life is that they are true and you will be going to a fiery hell for eternity, where you will burn but not be consumed, and suffer the burning for eternity. So, if you want the attention you obviously desire, prove there is no such thing as God and Jesus. The World Awaits Your Proof!

 

[XD40scinNC]

Again, for the 5th time I call on XD40 to prove there is no such thing as God or Jesus. No copy and paste, no video, just you. I'm betting for the 5th time you will ignore my challenge. As you don't have an answer. You can't prove God and Jesus don't exist. So that would be because they do exist. The one thing you fear most in life is that they are true and you will be going to a fiery hell for eternity, where you will burn but not be consumed, and suffer the burning for eternity. So, if you want the attention you obviously desire, prove there is no such thing as God and Jesus. The World Awaits Your Proof!

My proof is in the fact that millions and millions of believers desperately searching for centuries have provide zero evidence of the existence of any god...

 

[SR9]

But yet again XD40 bobs and weaves and evades any proof on his own at there is no God or Jesus. I'm calling you out to put up or shut up. This is your chance for the attention seek. The chance to be the big man you so desperately need to be. Tell us what proof do you have? So far you have proven not but your ability to ridicule, copy and paste. o you even posses the ability to express in your own mind any proof of no existence of God or Jesus or not? So far you have proven you don't. Again, put up or shut up.

 

[XD40scinNC]

But yet again XD40 bobs and weaves and evades any proof on his own at there is no God or Jesus. I'm calling you out to put up or shut up. This is your chance for the attention seek. The chance to be the big man you so desperately need to be. Tell us what proof do you have? So far you have proven not but your ability to ridicule, copy and paste. o you even posses the ability to express in your own mind any proof of no existence of God or Jesus or not? So far you have proven you don't. Again, put up or shut up.

There are no gods, prove me wrong! Not with bull excrement from a collection of short fairy tales, but with real, hard, verifiable evidence.

OBTW, virtually none of the content my posts contain copy/pasted material, unlike the copy/paste'rs in your circle jerk. Ringo has been the pivot man for a long time, but others are hot on his heels for the title.

 

[jabeady]

I'm going to hate myself for getting involved with this, but here goes:

1st. It's well-known that it's AZeximpossible to prove a negative (there is no god), so demanding that someone do so is inherently a dishonest deflection of the conversation.

2nd. There is no objective evidence of the workings of a super-being in nature. All observable phenomena can be explained through natural means; where natural explanations suffice, supernatural explanations are unnecessary.

3rd. There are no known independent references to Jesus outside the Bible. Claimed corroboration such as Tacitus and Josephus were written long after the events related in the four Gospels supposedly occurred and, in fact, refer to what the early church followers believed and did rather than to Jesus himself (and evidence is strong that the relevant passages in Josephus are pious frauds, altered or added long after the original text was written). As to any Biblical references to otherwise known historical events, they are no more corroborative of biblical inerrancy than is "Ben Hur."

4th. Biblical prophecy has not been shown to be more accurate than any other kind of prophecy. It can be easily demonstrated that anyone with an agenda can bolster their position through "interpretation" of cherry - picked passages from throughout the Old and New Testaments. This is identical to the process by which various groups have repeatedly drawn from the Bible to support political and "moral" arguments. Illustrative are the pro- and anti-slavery factions preceding the American Civil War, where each sought to justify it's opinion of the "peculiar institution" through biblical interpretation.

5th. It is easily demonstrated that the Bible is abundantly internally inconsistent (conflicting accounts of Creation, the 10 Commandments, Jesus' resurrection, etc), but its believers are inconsistent, as well. They are divided into opposing factions on every conceivable aspect of Bible teaching: the Bible is to be understood as it is written, the Bible speaks metaphorically; all can be saved, some are predestined to Heaven and some to hell; there are but two sacraments, there are seven sacraments; pray to Mary, don't pray to Mary; Jesus was God *and* man, Jesus was God *in* man. And so on.

6th. Even if an individual finds it necessary to believe in "god," he is therefore faced with the perplexing necessity of choosing which faction to join or, indeed, whether to form his own. It should be noted here that this discussion is limited to mainstream Christian beliefs and does not consider Mormons, gnostic, or the more esoteric Christian sects. And then there are all of the non-Christian beliefs in the world today (Islam is the world's largest religion but it is almost as factional as is Christianity). In fact, there is no way to tell how many thousands or millions or hundreds of millions of gods humanity has believed in, and more are being born every day. The United States alone has given rise to at least three major sects in the last two centuries (LDS, Seventh Day Adventists, Scientology). Nor are the old gods necessarily giving way; Zoroastrianism, the religion of the first Mesopotamian civilizations, still exists.

7th. Most Christians and other believers will tell you that you must believe as they do in order to receive the benefits of a belief in "God." A few will allow that it is (barely/theoretically) possible to believe otherwise and still receive at least some benefit, but usually only if a stern set of (their) rules is strictly adhered to.

What, then, to believe? And why? Whether to believe at all, oddly enough, is easier to answer. Belief in a deity can help make sense of a world or universe that might otherwise be inexplicable. Belief in a compassionate god can give succor in time of trouble. Belief can foster a sense of community. In short, believing feels good. But this still begs the question, why should I believe as you do? Will it make me feel better than believing the way someone else does? How and why will it do that?

Personally I envy believers. Having once been of their number I have personal knowledge of how comforting and comfortable it can be. Having an Our Father Who Art in Heaven, in whose lap you can safely sit until life's demons leave you in peace, is marvelous. Some of us, however, have chosen to leave the nest and strike out on our own. We are experiencing the world outside the warm comfort in which the rest have chosen to remain. Yes, it's cold, wet and dangerous out here, but it's the way things really are, and through practice we are better able to handle ourselves in the wider universe than are those who remain behind in their cocoons.

What comes after this? I dunno. As with the question of god, I don't see any reason to think or believe anything comes after. I could be wrong. If I am, would a god who, as I am told, created me and gave me my reason and intellect and who, I am also told, is infinitely compassionate, really abandon me to an eternity of suffering simply because I misunderstood?

And so it is that I in my little boat bob up and down on the wide ocean. I have accepted the inevitability that I will eventually founder, but I have also determined that in the meantime my voyage will be smoother if I occupy my hands with rowing than with praying.

Oh crap!

 

[SR9]

There are no gods, prove me wrong! Not with bull excrement from a collection of short fairy tales, but with real, hard, verifiable evidence.

Nice try at another dodge. But the burden of proof is on you and I you can't prove your point as you were challenged , then just admit that the only bull excrement here is XD40. Again put up or shut up bull ****.

 

[Oldgrunt]

I'm going to hate myself for getting involved with this, but here goes:

1st. It's well-known that it's AZeximpossible to prove a negative (there is no god), so demanding that someone do so is inherently a dishonest deflection of the conversation.

2nd. There is no objective evidence of the workings of a super-being in nature. All observable phenomena can be explained through natural means; where natural explanations suffice, supernatural explanations are unnecessary.

3rd. There are no known independent references to Jesus outside the Bible. Claimed corroboration such as Tacitus and Josephus were written long after the events related in the four Gospels supposedly occurred and, in fact, refer to what the early church followers believed and did rather than to Jesus himself (and evidence is strong that the relevant passages in Josephus are pious frauds, altered or added long after the original text was written). As to any Biblical references to otherwise known historical events, they are no more corroborative of biblical inerrancy than is "Ben Hur."

4th. Biblical prophecy has not been shown to be more accurate than any other kind of prophecy. It can be easily demonstrated that anyone with an agenda can bolster their position through "interpretation" of cherry - picked passages from throughout the Old and New Testaments. This is identical to the process by which various groups have repeatedly drawn from the Bible to support political and "moral" arguments. Illustrative are the pro- and anti-slavery factions preceding the American Civil War, where each sought to justify it's opinion of the "peculiar institution" through biblical interpretation.

5th. It is easily demonstrated that the Bible is abundantly internally inconsistent (conflicting accounts of Creation, the 10 Commandments, Jesus' resurrection, etc), but its believers are inconsistent, as well. They are divided into opposing factions on every conceivable aspect of Bible teaching: the Bible is to be understood as it is written, the Bible speaks metaphorically; all can be saved, some are predestined to Heaven and some to hell; there are but two sacraments, there are seven sacraments; pray to Mary, don't pray to Mary; Jesus was God *and* man, Jesus was God *in* man. And so on.

6th. Even if an individual finds it necessary to believe in "god," he is therefore faced with the perplexing necessity of choosing which faction to join or, indeed, whether to form his own. It should be noted here that this discussion is limited to mainstream Christian beliefs and does not consider Mormons, gnostic, or the more esoteric Christian sects. And then there are all of the non-Christian beliefs in the world today (Islam is the world's largest religion but it is almost as factional as is Christianity). In fact, there is no way to tell how many thousands or millions or hundreds of millions of gods humanity has believed in, and more are being born every day. The United States alone has given rise to at least three major sects in the last two centuries (LDS, Seventh Day Adventists, Scientology). Nor are the old gods necessarily giving way; Zoroastrianism, the religion of the first Mesopotamian civilizations, still exists.

7th. Most Christians and other believers will tell you that you must believe as they do in order to receive the benefits of a belief in "God." A few will allow that it is (barely/theoretically) possible to believe otherwise and still receive at least some benefit, but usually only if a stern set of (their) rules is strictly adhered to.

What, then, to believe? And why? Whether to believe at all, oddly enough, is easier to answer. Belief in a deity can help make sense of a world or universe that might otherwise be inexplicable. Belief in a compassionate god can give succor in time of trouble. Belief can foster a sense of community. In short, believing feels good. But this still begs the question, why should I believe as you do? Will it make me feel better than believing the way someone else does? How and why will it do that?

Personally I envy believers. Having once been of their number I have personal knowledge of how comforting and comfortable it can be. Having an Our Father Who Art in Heaven, in whose lap you can safely sit until life's demons leave you in peace, is marvelous. Some of us, however, have chosen to leave the nest and strike out on our own. We are experiencing the world outside the warm comfort in which the rest have chosen to remain. Yes, it's cold, wet and dangerous out here, but it's the way things really are, and through practice we are better able to handle ourselves in the wider universe than are those who remain behind in their cocoons.

What comes after this? I dunno. As with the question of god, I don't see any reason to think or believe anything comes after. I could be wrong. If I am, would a god who, as I am told, created me and gave me my reason and intellect and who, I am also told, is infinitely compassionate, really abandon me to an eternity of suffering simply because I misunderstood?

And so it is that I in my little boat bob up and down on the wide ocean. I have accepted the inevitability that I will eventually founder, but I have also determined that in the meantime my voyage will be smoother if I occupy my hands with rowing than with praying.

Oh crap!

While you are bobbing on the ocean, consider this reference: www.johnthebaptist.us/.../tr21_pilate_letter_on_christ.pdf. Seems to be evidence of the existence of Jesus to me. Don't regret getting involved here, all the back and forth is interesting to me and others. You say that you chose to go out on your own and are experiencing the world outside the warm comfort of being a contented believer. There are many experiences one can have away from following the Lord but I haven't found the necessity to delve into something unknown and possibly against the wishes of the Lord. Even with infinite compassion for our poor wretched souls, God has given us simple guidelines to follow, primarily the acceptance of Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. If we refuse to accept Him, we would be voluntarily choosing separation from God and the eternal punishment of not being in His presence. Some are using their "intellect" to deny God. Their intellect is nothing compared to that of God and I don't think He is swayed by their "wisdom." I can't tell you or anyone else that they will be going to hell or some other fearful place. That judgement will be made by Jesus, Himself and, as He says, "...My judgement is true." Good enough for me.

If you haven't noticed, however, there will be no end to the differences of opinions and beliefs concerning religion. I can only hope that God will be compassionate on us all when the time comes and, in the meantime, I am hedging my bets by following Him as faithfully as I can.

 

[XD40scinNC]

There are no gods, prove me wrong! Not with bull excrement from a collection of short fairy tales, but with real, hard, verifiable evidence.

Nice try at another dodge. But the burden of proof is on you and I you can't prove your point as you were challenged , then just admit that the only bull excrement here is XD40. Again put up or shut up bull ****.

Prove me wrong Mr. roll of Charmin. Prove me wrong....

And please learn how to select only portions of quoted text.....

NO ******* GOD, PROVE ME WRONG ASS WIPE.