janean said:
"And by the way, there's truth in every religion. Christians believe that there's truth in every religion. But we just believe that there's one savior. We believe we can learn truth -- I've learned a lot of truth from different religions. Because they all have a portion of the truth. I just believe there is one savior, Jesus Christ."
To everyone: I must ask if any of you spend anything close to the amount of time that Rick does in Evangelism!
to Janean: Did you mistakenly think that the book was an "invitation" (By the way, I can't imagine a much better book to introduce the Gosple and "Invite" anyone to search out the Scriptures for themselves! Oh--I hope you weren't expecting him to tell people what to believe and jam legalism down their throats! I think he believes in free will and the power of the Holy Spirit to do His job. I don't think Rick gets confused like that and try to do God's job!
Now for the quote- It was obvious to me , that Rick was saying, yes, there are truths in other religions (it would be ignorant would deny that) For anyone to put words in his mouth to say that he accepts those religions categorically, or that means that ALL is truth would be very foolish. (To say something contains truth does NOT mean that it IS truth, as a whole) Think of if someone who says the Bible contains the word of God--would we not say It is the Word of God!?! Obvious difference. (thus his "portion" emphasis) And as he pointed out the problem lies in what they omit or are lacking-- The Savior!
If you truly search for the truth, you will realize that there is no "universalist" teachings here. If you are not just looking for an argument or for someone to belittle, you will know that this is just plain silly.
God and His Message is much bigger than any of our hare-brained ideas of how things should be!
To whom it may concern: Speaking of "the Message", a self proclaimed paraphrase/study Bible, anyone would be hard-pressed to genuinely fault it. It has "leviathan" and "behemoth" translated correct, a simple litmus test that the CEV, NLT, Amplified and others fail miserably. (You'd have to throw out ALL commentary Bibles then, no matter what translation! And all verisions like NASB, NIV would be kaput because of the errant footnotes) But fortunately, God is much bigger than the box we try to put Him in! And His Word will NEVER return void. He is much more omnipotent than anyone who would try to change the Message. That's why the JW's and Morons have failed so miserably. (When any major difference, like "the word was A god" comes along it is obvious and easily spotted, like a counterfeit bill) God's Word will remain forever. The very fact that He told the disciples to quit badmouthing the ones who were doing work in His name should be enough to silence us. We are the true villains if we continue to persecute our fellow Brothers in Christ. And yes the work of God evident in His people is OBVIOUSLY talking about those who are Christians. Sheesh! Does it have to be in paint by number and small words for you to get it? I'm appalled at the remarks on here and I hope that you too will be convicted when you finally comprehend why so many don't want to be associated w/ the name "christian" when they hear this kind of nonsense going on--of attacking each other, etc. Let's show some LOVE, exhortaion and Admonition. Build one another up! Instead of tearing down! Build the Kingdom!
Am I missing someting here? Are there not much more important things we could be doing to glorify God and worship him with our lives (like Rick does) instead of nitpicking and playing semantics games?! Will we not be held accoutable by our Lord for attacking the work of His faithful? A kingdom divided against itself will fall.
Let's ALL be obedient and help advance His Kingdom!!!
(WORST case scenario-- Rick is like one of these guys)
Mark 9:38-40 (King James Version)
King James Version (KJV)
38And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us.
39But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me.
40For he that is not against us is on our part.
Which would shut up even the toughest critic.
But Rick's really much more like Paul, Peter and Moses, etc. He also reminds me of GW (George Bush II) a little in that he isn't always the most eloquent. He is not comfortable at public speaking nor a natural pro at it. In fact he prefers not to. But he has been obedient to God. He does have a few slips of the tongue, etc. You need to be at least as Gracious as God, and forgive his few minor errors. And look at the Big Picture. Let's not get sidetracked. Or cause anyone to stumble. Or give any reason to say "I don't want to be one of those!" Enough Said.
-Jonathan Ditmer
42And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea.
