Ron Cusano

BJean, You are certainly entitled to your opinion, and yet, like some others here, seem to have a need to attack me personally, rather than considering weather the issues being discuss are worthy of merit or not. You think me condesending because I addressed someone as "Darling" yet you don't mention others calling me "Putz? amoung other things. Hve you considered how that person addressed me?? Does not seem like an even playing field here. I make no apoligies for defending and /or sharing my faith, perhaps in a spirited way. I have presented theological evidence for many of the things that I wrote about, asked for evidence for positions expressed by others, and when none could be offered, have been attacked primarily by a multitude of folks who proudly proclaim to be athiests. That is their right, but allow me the same right to proclaim what I believe, and if attacked, to respond in an aggressive manner. I may have indicated that some of the arguments or lack of arguments that were directed at me were stupid or lacking of merit, but I have not knowingly directed my remarks toward anyone character. The same can not be said of many others here.

So you explain away Josephus' account of Jesus with COULD HAVE, SOME THINK, etc. Is that the best you can do?? You consider that an intelligent argument?? Supposition is all you can offer when you have not evidience to support an outragious statement. And you discount all the other legimate historians because the lived after Jesus died, and were not first hand witnesses?? Well Matthew, Mark, Luke, John and others WERE FIRST HAND WITNESSES but you also discount them because their first hand accounts of the life and deeds of Jesus became canon in the New Testament. Another intelligent argument!! Historians tell us of countless people and events that took place thousands of years ago based upon recorded evidence, tradations, archaeology and other sources, so by your misguided reasoning, we should disregard all of their works because they were not contempory with the historical events and persons they report on. Hey, why don't we burn all our history books! All they contain is fairy tails. Do you realize how stupid this argument is?? Except for a few fringe nut jobs and wacko's, no one challenges that Jesus existed. His existance is accepted by all mainstream historians, but you know better. Have you joined the Flat Earth Society yet??

There will always be some left-wing kooks who make these types of claims about Jesus and many other aspects of history. You can liken them to the nut jobs who, and there are still a few around, claim that the world is flat or that we never actually landed on the moon, it was a big hoax. If the argument that Jesus never existed is the foundation of ones objection to Him, it has absolutely no merit. If the Bible was the only record of evidence that jesus existed and did things that He did, it would be something to ponder. However, there are many other non-religious accounts of this man like, such as that of the 1st century historian Josephus! That argument has no validity.

Let me just sat this! If you were to carefully and hionestly examine just one biblical topic - messianic prophecy - you might feel very differently. Since I don't have the time tonight to expound on that, let just add that the mathamatical odds of a single man at a given point in history fulfilling just a handfully of the scripitual messianiac requirements, and far, far beyond the possibility of chance. Yet, Jesus not only fulfilled a handful, he fulfilled all of the hundreds of such prophecys. The other religious books that you mentioned cannot claim and do not display devine origin, and were authore b y a single man. The Bible, however, was written by about 40 authors over aprox. 6000 years, with each writting or book neatly fitting together to form a single spiritual tapestry. The difference between the Bible and the other books is devine inspiration. Even the fact that these works have been preserved for many hundreds of years is further indication of divine intervention. As I am sure that you know, the Dead Sea Scroll showed that many of the Old Testaments Books that are part of Bible canon today, are identical to those used pre first century. The evidence of devine inspirition of the scriptures is without question upon close honest scrutiny.

First, I do not think you "ignorant or unschooled", nor would I presume that of anyone here. That's a fair question and I will try to give you an answer based on common sense, rather that theology! IF there is a God, and IF that God has interacted with us, His creation, and IF there is an afterlife, and IF what we believe here determines where we spend that afterlife, and IF there was exhaustive evidence to support these claims, then isn't it incumbent upon us to investigate these things and find out. Weather the Bible is true or just a bunch of fairy tails, wouldn't it be the most intelligent thing in the world to determine which? If the claims of scripture are indeed true, that not only would it have a profound impact of your life here in this world, but it would determine your fate for what takes place when your leave this world . . . eternity! And you, like me and everyone else, will die and leave this world. If death is just the end of existance, or IF death is the doorway to an eternal life, and If there is a heaven and a hell, then knowing either way would be the most important thing you may ever learn. Until we investigate all the IF's, and there are a lot of IF's, how can we make an intelligent decision that could determine our eternal destinity! I guess the reason I am so passionate about this subject is because so many base this most important decision of feelings, misunderstanding, and without considering all of the evidence. Isn't that like being on a jury, looking at a person, and coming to a conclusion on his guilt or innocence without hearing all the evidence. Should we make this mistake about something so important and so final? Does this make any sense to you?

You couldn't be more wrong! God affirmed that the birthright was through Issac and then Jacob. You don't know your scriptures my friend!

I don't know where you get all this rubbish from but it is very amusing. You have your theology all distorted and is far from that of Conservative Christians. Your Bible history if full of "probally's" and "could have's" and is based upon your own fantacy. And, just for the record, the reasons real Christians are pro Israel is because - 1: The title deed to the land was given to the Jews by God through Abram, and is forever. 2: The Jews are God's Chosen people and Gentile Believers have an obligation to evangelize and support them. You apparently have decided that the Book of the Revelation does not belong in the Bible, making millions of Bible scolars for almost 2000 years to be fools. You are just so smart! Your take on the 144,000 Jews and how it fits into the end of the age seneiro is so far from the truth that it makes you look like a fool.

Anti-Semitism is on the increase all over the world, with France being a hot spot. If you go to your web browser, go to Google, and type in anti-semitism in France, you can pick and choose from many articles on the subject. Gentiles as well as Jews need to make the world aware of what is going on before we see another holocaust. It is my understanding from the Tenach, that God loves his people Israel. They are the apple of His eye; His Chosen People. What God love, Satan hates. The messianic bloodline flows through His Chosen People, and when messiah came and became our final atonement for sin, Satans fate was sealed. The New Testament tells us that when Messiah returns at the end of the age, all Israel left alive with see Him, acknowledge Him and be saved. Because of this, Satan perscutes Israel. I view anti-semitism as being satanic in nature. Not only do I spend much time with Jews, I believe everything the Jewish scriptures say. I also believe that they provide us with messianic credentials so thet we could recognize who the Messiah is. They tell us where he was tbe born, his bloodline, how He will die, why he will die, the miracles He would perform, places he would go, the method of His death, centuries before it was even heard of . . . everything about Him! Yeshua (Jesus) fulfilled all the messianiac requirements. If you want an eye opener on the Messiah becoming a final atonement for Israel, read the Hebrew prophet Isaiah, Chapter 53

What an intelligent, adult response . . . calling me a putz! Is that what you do when you have nothing of value to say? Fustrated are you? I tried to engage in the original topic, however, no one seemed very interested in it once they found out they had a Christian here to tear apart. And as far as I know, this is a public forum, and I don't need something to "allow me entrance" as you say. I believe it is open to all bandsters, is it not. I won't call you a name, even though many come to mind. I won't bring myself down to that level.

You are entitled to your opinion and you don't have to believe my understanding of theology. You say you belong to a church, so I will assume you consider yourself to be a Christian. If you feel I am wrong on anything I have said, from a theological standpoint, why don't you go to your Bible and show me where I am wrong. If you are secure in your convictions, you must know what they are, so this should be no problem for you them!! I welcome hearing your viewpoints! Just for the record! I do not have, as you put it, and "all knowing understanding" of Jesus. We can't live long enough in this worlf to know all aboy=ut the Lord. Again, you are twisting things here my friend.

Please don't twist my words around and take them out of context. In a reply to another Christian I refered to the reaction I witnessed by some who claim to be athiests as being likened to what Lot experienced in Sodom. That certainly did not encompass all board members nor was it intended to. Regarding your little story about your minister addressing another church, I can believe it because everyone has an opinion, none of which matters. What I think and what you think and what anyone else thinks is of no consequence. All that matters is what the Word of God says! Anything that I have shared on this thread I have provided evidence of it's validity in scripture. All that I have heard in return has been accusations, retoric statement that remain unsubstanciated. Let me ask an honest question! What is it that bugs you! Is it me personally because I am so sure of my convictions or the theological arguments that I have raised?? If the theology bothers you, I am more that happy to discuss it. If I bother you because I am so sure what I believe, perhaps you need to become more secure in your own convictions.

The site is not an interactive site, it is informational, but you are certainly welcome there. I have abused no one here! This whole this started when I asked the moderator about her seld-proclaimed tital of "token athiest" and why she came to believe there was no God. In no time at all, many other athiets came crawling out of the woodwork and I found myself having to defend my beliefs and the tenents of Christianity. And yet, I never cried that I was abused. It's interesting that you feel that way. Kind of like the pot calling the kettle black, so to speak!

Leatha, Thank-you for that moving post. Every word that you said is true and reflects my heart as well. Although I am in messianiac ministry, surprisingly, I am not a Jew. I am a Gentile. I was born and raised as a Roman Catholic, non-practicing, and as a yourng adult was an agnostic. I was led to the Lord by Jewish Believers, missionaries to their own people, who took the time and had the love to share the truth with this openly angry Gentile. They are close and dear friends to this day. Over the years I have had the blessing to study under a number of wonderful, learned Jewish Believers, and now teach, share and write a column on messianiac Christianity myself. What we have witnessed here is surely a sign of the times, and can be likened to what Lot experienced in Sodom. It was never my intention to anger or cause arguments, but the truth of the Word of God has a way of provoking that. My job as a Believer is to take an unwavering stand for the Word of God and accept no compromise. Many here view that as being egotistic and aggressive. Two thousand years ago, that was also thought of Jesus by most, although I don't dare to compare myself with the Lord. I thank-you for your support and encourage your prayers. If you wish to find out more about muy ministry, please visit my website at http://www.shiloh-ministries.org Blessings, Ron

Yes, God accepts thieves, liars, murders and yes, even bigots, if they accept Jesus and repent of sin. That even includes you! Just for the record, I am anything but a bigot. I love all people. It's their lack of faith and acceptance of the Lord that I have a problem with.

Green, When it come to the Word of God, there is no give and take. Everyone is entitled to form their own opinion and beliefs, and as I understand it, that also applies to me. I am perfectly willing to hear the opinions of other and discuss or debate them. That does not mean I have to agree or accept with them. I find it interesting that you choose to attack me personally instead of the issues being discussed. When you run out of intelligent arguments, change the subject and attack the person saying things you don't want to hear. That is what children do, and your rant sounds like a kids! I have the utmost respect for everyone on this board, which is more that can be said for some here, such as your self. I respect the people, but I do not accept arguments that can't be substanciated or are at odds with the Word of God. That is the final and only authority! To answer the only question you asked during your entire rant, the answer is a big NO!! God does not "accept Mankind in its infinite variety"! He expects holiness and acceptance of His principals and His Messiah. He accepts nothing less! Man is stained with sin and can have no fellowship with a holy God except through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus the Messiah who paid the price for sin for all who accept Him. These requirements are not mine, they are God's! You have a problem with that, take it up with HIM!! You may not believe or accept that, however, that does not make it any less true. I won't and can't compromise my beliefs because you or anyone else doesn't like them, nor will I or can I not defend what I understand to be spiritual truth. Just for the record, you referred to me several times as a male and also as a female. Last time I checked, I was still a male!

Hey thanks Cindy! What a blessing to hear a friendly voice (post)! I feel like I am in Sodom sometimes! :-) Blessings!

Exactly! There is no question about it! Allah is not the God of the Bible!!

That is the difference between Allah and the God of the Bible. You have to "hope" that you have the opportunity to take it up with God. The Bible teaches that we can KNOW that we have eternal life and are the children of God . . . 1John 5:13 - These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life . . .

I accept people for who they are and respect their sincere beliefs, even if I think they are sincerely wrong. If people are offended by hearing the truth, thay can take that up with God!

Except Allah, as described in the Qu'ran does not possess the godly attributes that the Old Testament teaches concerning the God of Israel, i.e. his triune nature, that He is pure and holy, that He has a Son who He will send to die as an attonement to justify His creation to Himself. You can call a pig a horse, but that does not make him a horse. He is still a pig. Your Allah is not the God of the Bible!

Again . . . what is your point?

I won't name any specific group here as a cult, but any that stray from the basic tenents of Christianity while still claiming to be Christian could fall into that catagory. I don't knbow who Rick Warren is, but anyone who advocates vidio games depicting killing non-Christians and Muslims if not acting from a Christian perspective. Constantine did not , as you say, put together the Bible! He declared Christianity to be the official state religion, which many historians and Bible scolars consider to be more of a political move that a spiritual one. Let me add one thing further. There has been a tremendous amount of killing, warfare, death and hatred throughout history, in the name of Christianity but people who were either severly misguided or not Christians. Christians do not hate Muslims, non-Believers or anyone else. We just hate sin.

Agreed, but in the common usage of the term, it generally refers to Jews. God bless!!

These are not contridictions! They are verses taken completely out of context and view without benefit of seeing the who view of scripture. This is typical of those with limit knowledge of the Bible trying to discredit it. I could argue each of these and present a true understanding, but we would be here for days. Just for the sake of demonstrating what I mean, let's take a basic objection that you bring up . . . Christ is equal to God. John 10:30/Phil 2:5 Christ is not equal. John 14:28/matt 24:36 What appears to you to be a contridiction is nothing of the kind. When Christ took on the form of human flesh and came into the world as a man, to be like His creation, He divested himself of his godly perogative so he would experience everything that humans do. Nevertheless, He was still every bit God and every bit a man at the same time. That being understood, In John 14:28, Jesus is drawing a comparison between himself in the flesh, and the Father who is spirit. While still being God, in His human form the father that He is talking about returning to, is greater in position. For some reason, you quote Matt. 24:36 which has nothing to do with the subject. Let's do one more just to point out that your argument does not hold water. God is satisfied with his works; Gen 1:31 Oh no, He's not! Gen 6:6 In Gen. 1:31, God looks at what we created and indeed was satisfied with His handiwork. The timeline for Gen 6:6 takes place after the creation of man, the fall of man through sin, and the spread of evil through out His creation. At this point, needless to say, it greived God that evil had come into the world. There is no contridiction here. Just someone with no spiritual discernment and a very limited knowledge of scripture attenpting to discredit the Bible using the usual old tactic of taking verses out of scripture in a transparent attempt to prove a point that does not exist. The same holds true for all of your other so-called inconsistancies! Nice try - No cigar friend!