Woody Posted March 18, 2011 Posted March 18, 2011 Quote: They laughed at Noah pretty much the same way I may be OLD ... But I'm not old enough to remember that one Richard. Quote May we be one so that the world may be won. Christian from the cradle to the grave I believe in Hematology.
ClubV12 Posted March 18, 2011 Posted March 18, 2011 How many innocent people died? None. No one is innocent before God, ALL have sinned. Death on this earth is not as serious as the second death, the eternal death. There is only one way off this planet and it is not dependant on your good works, being a nice person, being an innocent person, being a wonderful person. Righteousness by works? NOT! The only escape is through the blood of Christ who died that you might live again. Quote
Woody Posted March 18, 2011 Posted March 18, 2011 Quote: Please don't let your heart get hardened and immune to God's warnings and call for repentance. I don't need the warnings. They are deceptive. I ignore them on purpose because they are not enough. We need to be ready NOW ... We don't have ANY time. These disaster "warnings" just cause people to think they have 'some' time ... which they do not. Only liberals would preach such nonsense. The proper message is that you need to know God NOW. Forget the disasters and supposed 'signs'. Just be ready for Jesus NOW. And as I AM ready now ... I don't need to be concerned with 'signs'. Quote May we be one so that the world may be won. Christian from the cradle to the grave I believe in Hematology.
Moderators John317 Posted March 18, 2011 Moderators Posted March 18, 2011 Radiation doesn't cause cancer anyway; apparently God does. No, God doesn't cause the cancer, but he does allow people to get cancer. But you are misreading the posts if you think anyone here is saying God is the one who is directly causing these catastrophies. See posts #430539 and 430525. Quote John 3:16-17 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. [17] For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
Woody Posted March 18, 2011 Posted March 18, 2011 Since some are proposing that God has brought this upon the Japanese as punishment ... would it make any sense to pray for these people's well being when it was God's will supposedly for them to suffer? just askin' Quote May we be one so that the world may be won. Christian from the cradle to the grave I believe in Hematology.
Moderators John317 Posted March 18, 2011 Moderators Posted March 18, 2011 The Bible and the Spirit of prophecy both make it abundantly clear that we should keep the coming judgment of God in mind. We can be sure that Christ gave us these signs for a very important purpose. Ellen White wrote, "We must educate ourselves to be thinking and dwelling upon the great scenes of the judgment just before us and then, as we keep the scenes of the great day of God before us when everything will be revealed, it will have an effect upon our character." Ms. 10, 1886. She also wrote: "The signs of the times should be kept fresh before their minds. The prophetic visions of Daniel and John foretell a period of moral darkness and declension; but at the time of the end, the time in which we are now living, the vision was to speak and not lie. When the signs predicted begin to come to pass, the waiting, watching ones are bidden to look up and lift up their heads and rejoice because their redemption draweth nigh. {5T 9.2} When these things are dwelt upon as they should be, scoffers will be developed who walk after their own lusts, saying, 'Where is the promise of His coming?'" (5 T 9, 10) Quote John 3:16-17 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. [17] For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
Woody Posted March 18, 2011 Posted March 18, 2011 The Bible and the Spirit of prophecy both make it abundantly clear that we should keep the salvation of God in mind. And that is what I personally intend to do. Rather than focus on the signs of Jesus ... I will focus on Jesus. lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. Quote May we be one so that the world may be won. Christian from the cradle to the grave I believe in Hematology.
Moderators John317 Posted March 18, 2011 Moderators Posted March 18, 2011 No one is saying that God "killed" those poor people in Japan. What we're saying is that God uses such instruments as fire, water, and earthquake to judge sin. God is trying to wake people up in order for them to seek Him while He may be found. The time is coming when He won't be found; it will be too late. Do you believe this? Please consider what Ellen White wrote: Quote: God's love is represented in our day as being of such a character as would forbid His destroying the sinner. Men reason from their own low standard of right and justice. "Thou thoughtest that I was altogether such an one as thyself" (Psalm 50:21). They measure God by themselves. They reason as to how they would act under the circumstances and decide God would do as they imagine they would do. -208- {12MR 207.2} God's goodness and long forbearance, His patience and mercy exercised to His subjects, will not hinder Him from punishing the sinner who refused to be obedient to His requirements. It is not for a man--a criminal against God's holy law, pardoned only through the great sacrifice He made in giving His Son to die for the guilty because His law was changeless--to dictate to God. After all this effort on the part of God to preserve the sacred and exalted character of His law, if men, through the sophistry of the devil, turn the mercy and condescension of God into a curse, they must suffer the penalty. Because Christ died they consider they have liberty to transgress God's holy law that condemns the transgressor, and would complain of its strictness and its penalty as severe and unlike God. They are uttering the words Satan utters to millions, to quiet their conscience in rebellion against God. {12MR 208.1} In no kingdom or government is it left to the lawbreakers to say what punishment is to be executed against those who have broken the law. All we have, all the bounties of His grace which we possess, we owe to God. The aggravating character of sin against such a God cannot be estimated any more than the heavens can be measured with a span. God is a moral governor as well as a Father. He is the Lawgiver. He makes and executes His laws. Law that has no penalty is of no force. {12MR 208.2} The plea may be made that a loving Father would not see His children suffering the punishment of God by fire while He had the power to relieve them. But God would, for the good of His subjects and for their safety, punish the transgressor. God does not work on the plan of man. He can do infinite justice that man has no right to do before his fellow man. Noah would have displeased God to have drowned one of the scoffers and mockers -209- that harassed him, but God drowned the vast world. Lot would have had no right to inflict punishment on his sons-in-law, but God would do it in strict justice.--Ms 5, 1876, pp. 1-3. Who will say that God will not do what He says He will do? LDE 240, 1 Quote John 3:16-17 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. [17] For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
Woody Posted March 18, 2011 Posted March 18, 2011 Some are proposing that God has brought this upon the Japanese as punishment. The SOP and scriptures clearly reject this notion. I reject that concept. And I think if ANY peoples can rise above this ... it's them 'God-less' Japanese . And I wish them well. Quote May we be one so that the world may be won. Christian from the cradle to the grave I believe in Hematology.
Moderators John317 Posted March 18, 2011 Moderators Posted March 18, 2011 "It is the glory of God to be merciful, full of forbearance, kingdness, goodness and truth. But justice shown in punishing the sinner is as verily the glory of the Lord as is the manifestation of His mercy." RH March 10, 1904. "Lord God of Israel is to execute judgment upon the gods of this world, as upon the gods of Egypt. With fire and flood, plagues and earthquakes, He will spoil the whole land. Then His redeemed people will exalt His name and make it glorious in the earth. Shall not those who are living in the last remnant of this earth's history become intelligent in regard to God's lessons?" {10MR 240.241} "In all the Bible, God is presented not only as a Being of mercy and benevolence, but as a God of strict and impartial justice." ST March 24, 1881 (LDE 240) Quote John 3:16-17 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. [17] For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
Woody Posted March 18, 2011 Posted March 18, 2011 God is not punishing the Japanese. We go though this after each and every 'act of God'. There is no purpose other than fear. And ... "Obedience from fear springs the heart of a rebel." Graham Maxwell So ... no. This is not judgment on the Japanese. Quote May we be one so that the world may be won. Christian from the cradle to the grave I believe in Hematology.
LifeHiscost Posted March 18, 2011 Posted March 18, 2011 The only escape is through the blood of Christ who died that you might live again. "Then I heard further [ perceiving the distinct words of] a voice from heaven, saying, Write this: Blessed (happy, to be envied) are the dead from now on who die in the Lord! Yes, blessed (happy, to be envied indeed), says the Spirit, [in] that they may rest from their labors, for their works (deeds) do follow (attend, accompany) them!" Revelation 14:13 AMP God blesses! Quote Lift Jesus up!!
LifeHiscost Posted March 18, 2011 Posted March 18, 2011 In historical terms it's clear that the number of earthquakes is constant or decreasing, not increasing. I would guess we can surely rest easy, according to that input. " And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately. Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world. But all this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come." Matthew 24:6-8 NLT "....knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.” For this they willfully forget: that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of water and in the water, by which the world that then existed perished, being flooded with water. But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men."2 Peter 3:3-7 NKJV God blesses! Quote Lift Jesus up!!
ClubV12 Posted March 18, 2011 Posted March 18, 2011 While doubt reigns supreme in most of the world as to whether or not God had a hand in Japan, I'm sure of this. Those currently suffering, who have lost everything including the lives of loved ones will be reaching out to something beyond this world. They say there are no atheists in fox holes during war, well at least very few I'm thinking. You can bet there are very few Japanese right now that are denying the hand of God played a roll in this EPIC event. May God especially bless ALL the christian workers there right now, that they might be able to bring comfort AND a knowledge of Jesus to survivors. Quote
LifeHiscost Posted March 18, 2011 Posted March 18, 2011 The disasters will fall on both the just and the unjust. Keeping the Sabbath will not help you on iota. You will be killed just the same. Dead is dead. I guess we can drop this one as well. "For no man ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and carefully protects and cherishes it, as Christ does the church"Ephesians 5:29 AMP God blesses! Quote Lift Jesus up!!
LifeHiscost Posted March 19, 2011 Posted March 19, 2011 Never let it be said you didn't try, ClubV12 God blesses! Quote Lift Jesus up!!
Dr. Shane Posted March 19, 2011 Posted March 19, 2011 God is not punishing the Japanese. We go though this after each and every 'act of God'. I think we should remember that this subject was not brought up here by people saying God was punishing the Japanese. The person that brought it up was saying God wasn't punishing the Japanese. I think only a very small minority of Adventists would see this as God punishing anyone. However a large majority would see this as a sign of the end times. Two different issues there. Quote Pastoral Family Counselor... Find me at www.PostumCafe.com Author of Peculiar Christianity
Igakusei Posted March 19, 2011 Posted March 19, 2011 While doubt reigns supreme in most of the world as to whether or not God had a hand in Japan, I'm sure of this. Those currently suffering, who have lost everything including the lives of loved ones will be reaching out to something beyond this world. They say there are no atheists in fox holes during war, well at least very few I'm thinking. You can bet there are very few Japanese right now that are denying the hand of God played a roll in this EPIC event. May God especially bless ALL the christian workers there right now, that they might be able to bring comfort AND a knowledge of Jesus to survivors. I don't think you're very familiar with Japanese culture. IMO you shouldn't project your own tendencies onto others. Quote I believe in life before death
LifeHiscost Posted March 19, 2011 Posted March 19, 2011 We need to be ready NOW ... We don't have ANY time. These disaster "warnings" just cause people to think they have 'some' time ... which they do not. Only liberals would preach such nonsense. The proper message is that you need to know God NOW. Agreed, Woody, now is the accepted time. Now is the day of salvation. And if I were the only one Jesus wishes to take to heaven, that would be the only message with which He probably would want me to be aware. However there are still multitudes He is trying to reach before it is too late, who have not yet learned that our Father, though still omnipotent, is unwilling to leave until there is absolutely no more hope of someone yielding to His warnings. While fear is not His first choice to save the lost, He will use any avenue to get people to take the first step toward Him. Once on the "Way", He will not disappoint them. "And by the same word, the present heavens and earth have been stored up for fire. They are being kept for the day of judgment, when ungodly people will be destroyed. But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day. The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. But the day of the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief. Then the heavens will pass away with a terrible noise, and the very elements themselves will disappear in fire, and the earth and everything on it will be found to deserve judgment." 2 Peter 3:7-10 NLT God blesses! Quote Lift Jesus up!!
ClubV12 Posted March 19, 2011 Posted March 19, 2011 The Japanese Government, has asked the people to PRAY. The leader of the group within the nuclear plants battling to keep it from breaching, has asked the people to PRAY. I know not to WHOM this request for prayer is supposed to go to. Could you enlighten us as to WHO or WHAT god or object or diety the Japanese should be directing these prayers too? Their "religion" is quite diverse and a mixture of this and that, heavy on formality, tradition and symbolism. Far removed from any likeness of christianity. Having lived in Hawaii for 20+ years, having many close Japanese friends, having lived in Gaum for a time (like Hawaii, Gaum is heavily influenced by the Japanese culture), having visited Japan personally, I do indeed have a clue about the culture. But I admit, this request to the Japanese to "pray" leaves me a bit baffled and was unexpected by myself. Quote
Sonny Posted March 19, 2011 Posted March 19, 2011 God is not punishing the Japanese. We go though this after each and every 'act of God'. I remember being at work when a tornado came through our area. A Baptist friend of mine said it was sent by God as punishment for sin. Of course I disagreed. The next day, after reading about the tornado in the news, I asked my Baptist friend if he was sure God did it? He said yes...of course. I said, that's funny, that tornado destroyed a Christian book store. Suddenly he was confused....Go figure! Quote
Sonny Posted March 19, 2011 Posted March 19, 2011 "For no man ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and carefully protects and cherishes it, as Christ does the church" Ephesians 5:29 AMP Matt 24:5 For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Christ, ' and will deceive many. 6 You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 7 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of birth pains. 9 "Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. 10 At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, 11 and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. 12 Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, 13 but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. John 15:18 "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. 19 If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. 20 Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. Quote
ClubV12 Posted March 19, 2011 Posted March 19, 2011 I had to chuckle at that Sonny. It reminded me of Acts 10 (I think it is) that says "God is no respecter of persons". The context, of course, is that all are offered salvation, regardless of their place in society, high or low, christian book store or liquor store, same same. :) Quote
Sonny Posted March 19, 2011 Posted March 19, 2011 I had to chuckle at that Sonny. It reminded me of Acts 10 (I think it is) that says "God is no respecter of persons". The context, of course, is that all are offered salvation, regardless of their place in society, high or low, christian book store or liquor store, same same. God didn't do it....That's my point. Quote
hch Posted March 19, 2011 Posted March 19, 2011 "If Heaven's Warnings Go Unheeded.--I am bidden to declare the message that cities full of transgression, and sinful in the extreme, will be destroyed by earthquakes, by fire, by flood." Ellen White Japan: Earth quake? Check Fire? Check Flood? Check Japan represents all THREE of the methods declared by God's mouth piece unto our day and age. Coincidence? I think not. Quote His child Henry Bible student/Author https://www.loudcry101.com
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