pattygreen

Maybe your 'loving' personality towards others, and my 'straightforward' personality could work together for the common cause. God made us all different. Even though I am straightforward, Inside I am still loving towards others and would like that to come out more, and maybe you are very loving towards others and should be more straightforward with God's word sometimes. If all the world were a ditto copy of each other, where would the diversity be. So, why not stop putting me down, and show some more of that 'love' you say you have for others.

Beth, did you ever consider that maybe YOU are putting a "superior" tone on my words while you read them, or maybe because you have this "detestable" thing for me that you are reading my posts while putting a "high and mighty" tone on them? I do not feel that I am superior to anyone else nor do I feel that I am better than anyone else.

Beth, are you on this forum specifically to bash me in every single one of your comments or would you like to have a discussion here? You have already stated that 'I don't matter to you.", so why don't you leave me alone?

The bible reveals: God, The fall of man, The way of salvation, and Gods plan. The bible tells of 4 people: God the Father, God the Son, God the Holyspirit, and Satan. The bible tells of 3 Places: Heaven, Earth, and Hell. The bible speaks of 3 Classes of People: Jew, Gentile, and The Church of God (or the believers in Christ) The bible was written by Holy men of God as they were moved by the Holyspirit during a peiod of 1600 years (1492BC - 100AD) There are 66 Books in it, all written by 40 different authors (from Kings to Herdsmen) from MANY different places. the Old Testament and the New Testament are 2 halves of a whole. Yet, when all placed together, each book complimenting the others and making perfect sense, to form 1 great book as a gift for mankind to treasure and learn from. A book of God's words and truths to all who will desire to know him.

Dear Was, There are 3 kinds of language in the bible: Figurative, Symbolic, and Literal. There are 3 things to avoid in reading the bible: Misinterpretation, Misapplication, and Dislocation. It is this false method of interpreting scripture that has led to so many different denominations of christianity. But I do believe that most, not all, christian denominations do teach believing in Jesus as the way to eternal life. So, it's not what's written over the door, but what's written on each individuals heart that matters most. If you read the bible and made your decision to reject it, then all I can say is " I hope you will take a second look, for your eternal destiny may rest upon your choice." There is much said in scripture that can be construed as vulgar, but, there is also much more said that speaks of God's love for mankind. You need to remember that the people in the bible were humans just like you and me and the stories of their lives are no different. It truley goes to show you that sin has been around since the beginning of life. Thus, The Father shows us the severity of a need for a savior in his words to us.

Yes, I believe glottony is a sin. (one sin of which I and all of us here was committing every day, before lapband) There is a vast difference between an 'unbelievers' sins and a 'believers' sins. Not that God does not hate both alike, the difference is not in the sin, but in the way God treats it. Here is a father who sends his son and his hired servant to do a piece of work. They are lazy and inefficient, and do not do the work. He bears with them, and tries them again, but it is no use. His son and his servant are good for nothing, his son perhaps the worse of the two. Now what does he do? He discharges the servant. He puts him out of his house. He will have nothing more to do with him. But does he discharge his son? Does he send him away from the house? Does he disinherit him? Nothing of the kind. He may rebuke him, cut off his allowance, punish him worse than he punished the servant, but he will not send him away because he is his son. We see then, that 'sonship' is a real thing. Is sonship then a shield from the punishment of sin? Does my sonship make it safer for me to sin? Oh no! It simply gives me the blessed privilege of having an Advocate, (Jesus) and since it is inevitable that I will sin, it is better to sin as a Son than as an unbeliever.

It is actually a good thing for everyone that faith in Jesus alone will get us to heaven. (but I understand that you were just being nasty to me again with your comment 'good thing for you, eh?') so, I will just ignore that. I believe that I have already (stated in a recent post to you) that if I have said anything to offend you personally, I apologize. When others ask me a question on an issue, (like 'Should prostitution be legalized?' for example) I give my answer just like everybody else. If in giving the answer, I state that I believe I am correct because I base my decisions in accordance with what God has to say on the subject in the bible, then why does that make you so angry to the point where you call me judgmental and hypocritical? If you reread my quote you commented on lastly, you will see that I said that 'the person may become convicted'. I did not mean by me, but by the Holyspirit who is the only one who can bring conviction. Therefore, I am not doing the Holyspirits work, as you call it. You are right, though, when you say that pointing out the sins and mistakes of others is not the christians job. Was there a real, live prostitute on this forum that I missed? Or was it simply a question concerning them. To tell everyone here why I believe it shouldn't be legalized is not pointing out anyones sins or mistakes. It is telling my reasons for what I believe. I'm sorry if it offends you or anyone else that God (not Pattygreen)calls it a sin. I was just quoting God, not judging anyone. Lastly... you,too, state that you are a christian. So why all the anger in your posts? I have read some of your posts, and haven't come across anywhere where you are 'spreading the good word to those who do not know Christ' as you say I am not doing.

Hi, I was banded on 9/9/08. I've lost 40 lbs. so far. I lost the first 25 in the first 6 weeks. The first week after surgery, I, too, had no appetite, but I drank none the less because we need to. Then I had pureed foods for a few weeks and then mushy foods for a few weeks. (at first, just 1 tbsp. at a time, then it increased to 1/2 cup. then to 1 cup) Your appetite will come back as you begin eating again. Then you'll wish it didn't. Thus, why we need fills. When you do begin eating, my advice to you would be to never stuff yourself. Eat only until you are content or have satisfied the hunger pain. (and do it s.l.o.w.l.y.) I can't stress that enough. When I eat too fast, it feels like you have your food stuck in your throat at the chest area, and it takes a while for it to go down, or you might throw it up. It takes me a half hour to finish 1 sandwich. I can eat anything I want now. even the things they tell you you'll never be able to eat again like brocolli, or popcorn. (just not as much)I can't have much bread or rice or pasta or potatoes, for these items give me that stuck in the throat feeling after just 2 or 3 bites. The lap band experience for me and most others is a trial and error experience. We learn what we can and can't do as we go along. I believe it is an experience that is different for each person in some ways and alike for everyone in other ways. Nice to meet you all, and God bless. Patty

Oh my! That had me laughing!

Kat, your story about your 5 year old was soooo cute. It reminded me of when I first became a christian. I was sitting alone in my room and thinking that there had to be more to life than this. (for I was saddened at my life's situations at that time) I looked across the room and saw an old family bible I receieved as a wedding gift and picked it up thinking maybe there is something in there that can give me the answers I need about life. I opened the book for the first time ever to John chapter 3 and read a story about a man named Nicodemus. Jesus was answering his question about what he must do to have eternal life. He said, "You must be born again." Nicodemus answered," how can a man be born twice?" Reading this, I, too, felt like Nicodemus (and your 5 year old). I closed the book and thought "Hogwash." The next day, I was tempted to read more and did. I became very interested in what the bible had to say. I soon understood that Jesus meant we neeeded to be born once of the flesh (the birth at infancy) and then, again spiritually. Thus why we are called born againers. ( I also find it quite amazing that the first time I ever opened the bible for answers that God led me to that specific chapter, because that is also the chapter with the famous John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believes on Him shall have everlasting life.") I had never heard that before.

living with a glad heart and letting the afterlife take care of itself would be a great motto if it were not for the fact that all souls are eternal and we only have this one life time in order to make our decision as to where we want to live it. We don't usually think twice about taking out life insurance to prepare and help others after we're gone, but preparing for our own afterlife is usually put on the back burner. We all should consider our eternal destination during our one and only lifetime, for who knows what tomorrow may bring. I'll bet those 155 people on that jet that landed in the Hudson the other day are thanking God for another opportunity at life. I sure am. Wasn't that amazing?! Not one perished. I was emotional watching it on the news today.

soon, I know you were joking about wanting BAC's to be illegal. With that said, I have to say that I disagree with what you had to say, except for the part where 'if people could agree on what God says we wouldn't have the wars we have.' I would like to change that slightly and say ' If people could agree on WHO God is we wouldn't have the wars we have.' The biggest difference of all the religions in the world and Christianity is this: Religion is Man reaching up to find a way to get to God ( good deeds and righteous living, etc.) and Christianity is God reaching down to save man. (there is nothing for man to do (good deeds, righteous living, etc.)in order to get to heaven except put their faith in Jesus to get you there.All religions in the world today except christianity rely on man's good deeds for entry into eternal life. (how futile, since we know that NO man can be good.) Hence, why God provided a savior. God Bless you. Patty

Hello soon to be thin. I read your post and I'm sorry you were told that you were going to hell. Just recently I was compared to the christian crusaders who once slewed unbelievers. This was pretty insensitive also, so I know how you must have felt. It is true that Jesus hung with lepers, prostitutes and tax collectors as you say, but only the prostitues were considered sinners. Lepers were to be kept away from because of their infectious disease, and tax collectors were just unliked because they took your money. Yet they weren't considered sinners by God. (in a sense that what they were doing was wrong, for we are all sinners) Also, from reading the bible, I have learned that holy men inspired by God wrote the scriptures as He led them. You are correct when you say that only God can determine what is a sin. He has spoken of many kinds of sins in the bible. He tells us what is acceptable and what is not. That is why I can be so confident in my stand on why prostitution should not be legalized. I believe you are also right when you say only God can judge you for those sins. As far as being judged most by people who claim to be christians, let me just say this.... Some times christians, (myself included) being so certain of God's will concerning a situation or subject (because they have read his word, they know his stand on most issues) might try to show you where you may be in ere on that subject. This may seem as if they are judging you. Judgement is casting a sentence on someone for their wrong doing. ( Like when people told you you were going to Hell.)Some times though, if christians tell others what God has to say on an issue, they get angry or upset because once they know what God has to say about it they may become convicted themselves so they turn it around and say "that christian is judgmental." It may not be their intent at all. so, please go easy on us christians, we truely do love people and I feel that making being a born again christian against the law would not solve anything. (for who would you rant and rave with?)lol Patty

As far as the mansion thing goes, I hope she does get a bigger mansion than me. I will be content to just be there.

What makes you think that I feel superior to them? or that loving people makes me feel better about myself? I have a love for people because we were all created in God's image. Even though we never met, I have a love for you because I know that every soul is precious to my Father. (I don't always love what people say or do(like prostitution), but I love them).....( I can't figure out how to use quotes in my posts, but I put the answer to your comments directly under them above)

And if she is a believer in Christ NOW, then when she gets to heaven she won't be a prostitute and her sin of that offense will be remembered no more. Hence why I won't be standing next to a prostitute in heaven.

How do I know? Because there wont be any sin in heaven. Once we get there our slates are wiped clean. Woot! Woot!

Hold on. Yes, let's get something very straight. I do not think (or would ever even desire) I can condemn someone to hell. I, too, KNOW that I will be standing next to every sinner possible (myself included) in Heaven. For we both know there is not one who hasn't sinned. I wrote that to beth, (who claims to know the scriptures well, so she knows of what I speak) who made a nasty remark to me in her last post and told me that I should go and stand next to the prostitute. I cast judgement on noone. Did I say "that prostitute is going to hell?" No. I only stated that she is doing wrong in God's eyes therefore her job should not be legalized. So stop calling me judgemental. Only God can judge the sinner, and he says we will know them by their fruits and he is not shy on allowing us to know what is and is not sinful. I'm not afraid to call sin what it is. Many people don't like to hear the word sin. It may bring conviction to them and it's uncomfortable. Now, as far as being called to love people by God, You are very right. I genuinely love all people. I have a heart for all souls. But we are not just called to love them. we are also called to preach the good news, to help others, to give of our time, money and talents, etc. (and even to point out God's stand on issues.) I have a desire for all people to see and understand that these debates concerning right and wrong actions in life can be solved with God's word. He has the answers in there. He wrote them for all mankind to read and to grow in knowledge. You of all people should know this. (being a minister and all)

Beth, I only need to stand next to the prostitute in this life. As you know, because I am a sinner and have trusted Jesus' work on the cross, I will stand next to Him in eternity.

green, I believe people indulge in gluttony for the same reason people indulge in any sinful act. They desire to. Plain and simple. Sin is any desire humans have to do the things they choose to do outside of the will of God. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. Me, and me alone brings that fork up to my mouth. Any time our own children do something outside of our will, such as stay out past their curfew, or lie to us, we discipline them. Doesn't mean we don't love them, we just want them to learn from their wrongs. Just like the prostitute suffers with the consequences of an abusive john or a venerial disease, gluttons suffer with the consequences of health problems, lack of self esteem, and the list goes on. ( like I said in the past , and got jumped all over about) You reap what you sow. (When you put more food in your body than it needs, you get fat) If the consequence of johns not being abusive towards their prostitutes was not there, they would continue to live in their sin. Just as a parent allows consequences for their children, God allows them for prostitutes. Doesn't mean he doesn't love them, only that he is just. The law of reaping and sowing also goes in the other direction. If you sow good seed, you reap a bountiful blessing.

if you would like to hear my opinions on gluttony, they are the same as God's opinion on the subject. It is a sin and It is wrong to eat more than your body needs. Oh my! I hope noone feels I was bashing the bible into their face or casting judgement on them!!

that last post was for green

i reread that post I wrote which you refer to. WHO did I judge there? For to judge someone is to predict or determine the outcome of their fate for their actions. I do not see any judgement of mine in that post. point it out to me.

Donna, I am not trying to get you to believe what I believe. You may believe in a fairy for all I care. I was simply telling my reasons for why I believe prostitution should not be legalized. If you feel it is ok to sell your body for money and make a living doing it, if you feel that taking a chance at getting a serious venerial disease is a risk you're willing to take, if you feel that your john or pimp abusing you is worth keeping the job, if you think it's ok to practice these acts in neighborhoods that may not want it around them, if you feel that sex outside of marriage is good, even if if you simply feel it's a fun thing to do. Then do it. Or make it legal for others to do it. But in my opinion, I believe the way Jesus believes. In the bible (which are his words) he says NO. It is wrong. It is a sin. Now tell me, How is that condeming, judgemental and smashing the bible in your face???!!!

green, you say that I have a judgemental style. Show me a quote where I judged someone. Show me a quote where I smacked you with my bible. When did I say no mercy should be shown to those who sin. I said no law should be made to legalize any sin. (prostitution in this case)