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posted by: newbie (reply)
post date: 12.17.05 (4:49 pm)

I believe that the only way to God is thru Jesus and this preacher Smith seems to think that there are many other ways to God and not confined to Christ. Its sad when a minister can say what is so totally opposite of what is clearly stated in the Bible. You know, that is what is wrong with mankind. When they don't like something in the Bible, they make up their own definition.

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posted by: 14u2nv2 (reply)
post date: 12.17.05 (9:10 pm)

In one word..the trinity..one in the same..therefore there is no "one w/out the other."..

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posted by: PastorDave (reply)
post date: 12.18.05 (1:18 am)

Reply to: 14u2nv2
Interesting way to look at it.

Mr. Smith is saying, I believe, that we do find God in Jesus Christ. He is an expression of God. But we can also discover God in other ways and in other persons. Therefore, Jesus is not God's greatest expression of Himself.

However, the New Testament makes a different claim, that Jesus is God's clearest and most exact statement. In Jesus we see God. I believe the New Testament.

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posted by: PastorDave (reply)
post date: 12.18.05 (1:20 am)

Reply to: newbie
Mr. Smith claims to be a Christian minister, but does not claim Jesus to be the exclusive way to God. I think he would consider another religion, or even no religion, to be a valid way to know God and be prepared for what is beyond this life. I think he is wrong.

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posted by: userfriendly (reply)
post date: 12.18.05 (9:03 pm)

I too have been considering a post about the accuracy of December 25th. I read a book a while back in which the author's own opinions were shared .. and I tend to believe what they said to be accurate.. I did some research earlier today and found probably a good 10+ theories..

Anyway .. it appears you have a good few reads lined up. Can't wait.

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posted by: PastorDave (reply)
post date: 12.19.05 (7:36 am)

Reply to: userfriendly
Please go ahead with the Dec. 25 post. I would read it with great interest. And, looks like I have little time before Christmas to properly address the subject.

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posted by: sweetsue (reply)
post date: 12.19.05 (6:41 pm)

Reply to: userfriendly
I would like to read that post nate,as there is no accuracy as to when Jesus was born..but believed in the fall months.

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posted by: surrogate (reply)
post date: 12.20.05 (1:00 pm)

The only reason we'd have to find conflicts in the two statements is if we take them both literally... Jesus spoke in parables and metaphors... it's always funny to me that some people seem to think they know know exactly when he was speaking metaphorically and when he was speaking exactly literally. To me? There's no conflict.

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posted by: PastorDave (reply)
post date: 12.20.05 (3:35 pm)

Reply to: surrogate
But when Jesus makes this statement, it is in the middle of a discourse. No parable. If Jesus actually made this statement, then it is a very narrow proclamation. He is the only way! For the other statement to be true, this one must be discounted. Don't you think?

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posted by: surrogate (reply)
post date: 12.20.05 (4:27 pm)

Reply to: PastorDave
No... I don't... plus, it's pretty apparent he meant "mine" is the way... not "me." Go back to older translations where they didn't seem to have such a "point of view" to promote... If I remember correctly, and I'm pretty sure I do, in the original text, (Matthew was in Hebrew right?) "I am way" (mine) is written the same as "I am way" (I)... let me know if I'm wrong... I sure could be, though I seem to remember researching this many years ago. And even if it's wrong... I have faith in God and know in my heart he'd never be so petty. That sort of parsing only happens when some men need to feel superior to others.... it allows them to obfuscate the real message. After all, what did Jesus mean when he said we must be born again? Did he mean we must put on a show? No. He meant we must become as children in faith... and the faith he spoke of meant trusting in his rules for LIVING... not dying... the everlasting life thing is misinterpreted too, as is the Kingdom of Heaven... just my opinion, I know... and it's sure hard to scare people into line with my line of thinking... depends on them using the reason God gave them as opposed to the fear we instill. One of these days, I'll gently twist you arm into realizing that letting go of the scare tactics isn't the horrid thing you've been trained to think it is... God's bigger than that! I promise! (Here endeth the tirade...) Merry Christmas Dave!

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posted by: PastorDave (reply)
post date: 12.21.05 (7:42 am)

Reply to: surrogate
It's Greek, koine Greek, said to be the most expressive language of mankind. "I am", ego eime, is a clear allusion to God's chosen name when encountering Moses with the burning bush. Jesus is claiming, for Himself, a name reserved for God.

"hodos" - the way, as in street/avenue, understanding it is the one and only way.

I could go on, boring you with my studies and understanding of the original language. The message is clear. That's why the book of John is so much under attack by those who disagree with the exclusivist message of the gospel.

Thanks, and have a great Christmas yourself. By the way, why has your name disappeared from "Hot Blogs"?

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posted by: surrogate (reply)
post date: 12.21.05 (1:16 pm)

Reply to: PastorDave

I have no idea why I disappear from hot blogs... I'll climb up into the top ten or so and then I disappear overnight for two or three weeks... this is the third time it's happened in four months... who knows. (Not only is it annoying but it's also crushing to my fragile ego!)

By the way... your correction reminded me. Isn't there a debate over whether Matthew was originally written in Greek or Hebrew? (Hebrew dialect of Aramaic? (sp?))

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