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pottersclay

Guest
#21
I agree and not only focus on Jesus but the whole of scripture speaks either directly or indirectly to all matters of life. Think about it. A historian will see rich history. A Christian scientist will see elements within his field that glorify God. An architect will see design. A mathematician will see order. Basically, the Bible is so in depth it can speak within every subject of life.
You got it saint....😉😉
 

Pilgrimshope

Well-known member
Sep 2, 2020
14,670
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#22
I agree and not only focus on Jesus but the whole of scripture speaks either directly or indirectly to all matters of life. Think about it. A historian will see rich history. A Christian scientist will see elements within his field that glorify God. An architect will see design. A mathematician will see order. Basically, the Bible is so in depth it can speak within every subject of life.
it’s all a witness of Christ and his word sort of like everyone before is pointing to the messiah and his law , everyone after is witnessing that the true messiah has come and his message is for all people who will believe .


“And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.

And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

And ye are witnesses of these things.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭24:44, 46-48‬ ‭

“And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭24:14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

I agree all scripture is great but it’s all a witness for us to go to Christ and the gospel. That’s where salvation exists is why we should remain focused on him he was there in the old times also
 

Journeyman

Well-known member
Jan 10, 2019
2,107
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#23
I believe that the gospel is the place to bring us together. The subjects Jesus brings up consistently humble us , so we understand we’re not the teachers we’re meant to learn from the lord himself.

arguing is terrible for the church I’ve noticed it usually begins because we have different ideas about what single verses mean or “ how we should interpret “ each individual numbered verse instead of reading Gods word as if he meant for us to hear what it is he came to earth to teach man for salvation

“It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.

Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.”
‭‭John‬ ‭6:45-47‬ ‭KJV‬‬

The things Jesus taught and spoke about in his ministry is everything God wants
Mankind to agree with and follow after. Salvation is about who is willing to repent and believe the gospel when we agree in that place unity comes because that’s one of the things Jesus was teaching his believers that division destroys and unity is strength

even in such matters as prayer we should pray together , and really try to form bonds of love with one another when we find fellow children of God because there’s a world of darkness seeking to separate the sheep and and let the wolves in the darkness devour them

I love your subject post and the painting I like a lot also

to simplify we should focus on the things Jesus taught us were important that’s what causes the kingdom to manifest in us building faith ordained of God
You are right Pilgrimshooe. Faith in Jesus and what he taught is the answer to all of this worlds evil. The gospel should be the primary focus of every believer.
i recently listened to a Christian (?) radio program where they were working with government to stop evil in the world. They mentioned sanctions, use of military, etc, but not one word about sin, which is all of mankind's problem or the the gospel, which is the solution. Very sad.
 

Roughsoul1991

Senior Member
Sep 17, 2016
8,888
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#24
Nothing wrong with working with the government to promote Biblical wisdom into all areas of life. The body of Christ is already in most areas of the world spreading the Gospel. Really it should be both Gospel and action against evil. God didn't save the Jews in WW2 by human inaction.
 

ForestGreenCook

Well-known member
Jul 8, 2018
8,441
1,213
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#25
View attachment 221651

Question: Evil in the world has become increasingly evident. The divide between the righteous and the unrighteous has grown increasingly distant. As peacemakers are there common ground to agree on in order to build unity? Where can we meet to build a discussion? Where do we draw the lines on such topics?

Examples of topics could be:

  • Life
  • Liberty
  • Property
  • Family
  • Healthcare
  • Abortion
  • Immigration
  • Covid 19
  • National Security
  • Foreign Affairs
  • Military
  • Law and order
  • Law
  • Voting
  • LGBTQ
  • Divorce
  • News Networks
  • Entertainment
  • Music Industry
  • Pornography
  • Mental health
  • Economy
  • Global News
  • Climate change
  • Racism
  • Public Education
  • College education
  • 1st Amendment
  • 2nd Amendment
  • Women's rights
  • Legislative branch
  • Executive Branch
  • Judicial branch
  • Morality
  • Science
  • Sex trafficking

Of course, there are many more issues today we seem divided over but where if any can we find common ground, and would that common ground at least provide unity for discussion?

By locating this area may be in our discussions with those who believe differently we can find mutual interests.
There is no common ground between the natural man, who is not spiritual, and who has not been regenerated, and the regenerated spiritual man, except the new spiritual birth, which is brought about by God's sovereign grace, without the help of man.

Now, if you are talking about a common ground between the different interpretations of the scriptures of regenerated christians, then I would suggest an attitude of non-confrontational, and calm discussion on trying to harmonizing the scriptures, including all of the scriptures contained in the inspired word of God.
 

Roughsoul1991

Senior Member
Sep 17, 2016
8,888
4,540
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#26
There is no common ground between the natural man, who is not spiritual, and who has not been regenerated, and the regenerated spiritual man, except the new spiritual birth, which is brought about by God's sovereign grace, without the help of man.

Now, if you are talking about a common ground between the different interpretations of the scriptures of regenerated christians, then I would suggest an attitude of non-confrontational, and calm discussion on trying to harmonizing the scriptures, including all of the scriptures contained in the inspired word of God.
I can see I may not have explained in enough detail.

What I was asking was related to the many political topics we face. Are we at the point where as a national unity cannot be found or grasped. For example, let's say health care. What common ground can we find with opposing parties? I would say all believe healthcare is important but we disagree on the means to provide it. If both agree it is important then that helps with finding common ground.

I agree with the concept that nothing spiritual can be sacrificed to please the natural man.

As peacemakers and citizens if all methods for peace have been exhausted then you are only asking for violence to come.
 

Journeyman

Well-known member
Jan 10, 2019
2,107
763
113
#27
Nothing wrong with working with the government to promote Biblical wisdom into all areas of life. The body of Christ is already in most areas of the world spreading the Gospel. Really it should be both Gospel and action against evil. God didn't save the Jews in WW2 by human inaction.
The Jews and the rest of mankind can only be saved by faith in Jesus, who taught us to love our enemies, not starve or kill them. The program i lisrened to on the radio didn't proclain the gospel. Their solution to ending evil was to link themselves to antichrist.
 

Roughsoul1991

Senior Member
Sep 17, 2016
8,888
4,540
113
#28
The Jews and the rest of mankind can only be saved by faith in Jesus, who taught us to love our enemies, not starve or kill them. The program i lisrened to on the radio didn't proclain the gospel. Their solution to ending evil was to link themselves to antichrist.
I cannot speak on such group or their motive but Romans 13 is ordained by God on how good government should work. All throughout scripture you see the men and women of God work in government to bring about good.

Joseph found favor with Pharaoh and worked closely with him until death to do good for the known world.

In Kings and Chronicles you see prophets who would give wise council to kings or nations. Including warfare.

Nehemiah was close to the king and won over his trust to go and rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.

Esther through the King brought safety to her people. The book of Esther is the only book not mention God. But yet you can see her actions were God inspired.

Daniel worked closely with the Kings of his day in which greatly influenced the kings actions.

Soul salvation only comes from faith in Christ Jesus but we are talking about everything else the great book of the Bible has to offer. A literal blueprint on life. No matter your job of place in life, it can help you succeed in it.
 

Journeyman

Well-known member
Jan 10, 2019
2,107
763
113
#29
I cannot speak on such group or their motive but Romans 13 is ordained by God on how good government should work. All throughout scripture you see the men and women of God work in government to bring about good.

Joseph found favor with Pharaoh and worked closely with him until death to do good for the known world.

In Kings and Chronicles you see prophets who would give wise council to kings or nations. Including warfare.

Nehemiah was close to the king and won over his trust to go and rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.

Esther through the King brought safety to her people. The book of Esther is the only book not mention God. But yet you can see her actions were God inspired.

Daniel worked closely with the Kings of his day in which greatly influenced the kings actions.

Soul salvation only comes from faith in Christ Jesus but we are talking about everything else the great book of the Bible has to offer. A literal blueprint on life. No matter your job of place in life, it can help you succeed in it.
We should interpret the OT by the NT, not the other way around and you're leaving out
 

Journeyman

Well-known member
Jan 10, 2019
2,107
763
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#30
You're leaving out how God revealed himself to certain OT pagan kings after those kings took God's people captive, among other things. If Christians want to help in areas you mentioned in the op, they should go to an organization that is Christ centered, not to any system that doesn't recognize Jesus above all others Mt.5:16.
 

Roughsoul1991

Senior Member
Sep 17, 2016
8,888
4,540
113
#31
We should interpret the OT by the NT, not the other way around and you're leaving out
The OT doesn't change the NT or vice versa. They are connected and still profitable for a modern reader.

2 Timothy 3:16
16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

You claim I left out the NT but 2 Timothy is part of the NT. All scripture is God-breathed and profitable. For example, we may not be held accountable to the Mosaic ceremonial or civil laws but they are still considered Holy.

Romans 3:19
19 Now we know that whatever the law says, it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced, and the whole world may be held accountable to God.

Even the parts of the OT that are no longer necessary for us Gentiles in the Church age are still profitable to show God's mindset on Holiness and provide detail on God's clarification of sin.

We use both the OT and the NT to teach and influence the people around us. A book of wisdom should never be restrained.
 

Journeyman

Well-known member
Jan 10, 2019
2,107
763
113
#32
The OT doesn't change the NT or vice versa. They are connected and still profitable for a modern reader.

2 Timothy 3:16
16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

You claim I left out the NT but 2 Timothy is part of the NT. All scripture is God-breathed and profitable. For example, we may not be held accountable to the Mosaic ceremonial or civil laws but they are still considered Holy.

Romans 3:19
19 Now we know that whatever the law says, it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced, and the whole world may be held accountable to God.

Even the parts of the OT that are no longer necessary for us Gentiles in the Church age are still profitable to show God's mindset on Holiness and provide detail on God's clarification of sin.

We use both the OT and the NT to teach and influence the people around us. A book of wisdom should never be restrained.
Dear believer,
I understand the OT is profitable to us, but you're misinterpreting the OT in relation to Christ.

Daniel, Joseph, etc, never joined themselves with pagan kings who tried to enslave them. What they did do was remain faithful to God in a world enslaved by sin.

This worlds focus is only on temporary relief. Our focus must be centered on Jesus and this world's need of him, because if someone remains lost, it's not going matter how comfortable you made them in this world.

Our dialogue is all about what God has done for us. I'm not opposed to speaking with or helping lost people, but becoming involved in any merger with a group of people who don't know the Lord is going to lead to the Christian being told to shut up about Jesus.
 

Roughsoul1991

Senior Member
Sep 17, 2016
8,888
4,540
113
#33
Dear believer,
I understand the OT is profitable to us, but you're misinterpreting the OT in relation to Christ.

Daniel, Joseph, etc, never joined themselves with pagan kings who tried to enslave them. What they did do was remain faithful to God in a world enslaved by sin.

This worlds focus is only on temporary relief. Our focus must be centered on Jesus and this world's need of him, because if someone remains lost, it's not going matter how comfortable you made them in this world.

Our dialogue is all about what God has done for us. I'm not opposed to speaking with or helping lost people, but becoming involved in any merger with a group of people who don't know the Lord is going to lead to the Christian being told to shut up about Jesus.
Daniel, Joseph, etc, never joined themselves with pagan kings who tried to enslave them. What they did do was remain faithful to God in a world enslaved by sin.
Joined themselves? If you mean spiritually then yes I agree but if you mean not in politics, public decrees, or decisions then no. That is literally what saved Joseph and Esther's people.

This worlds focus is only on temporary relief. Our focus must be centered on Jesus and this world's need of him, because if someone remains lost, it's not going matter how comfortable you made them in this world.
Our focus is on both. Why do you think both the NT and OT says to take care of the needy, sick, homeless, to be peacemakers, seek justice, and defend the innocent?

but becoming involved in any merger with a group of people who don't know the Lord is going to lead to the Christian being told to shut up about Jesus.
Is this a historical absolute claim? Does this always happen? Being involved within the Roman culture is exactly what led to Christianity being adopted as the Empires main religion. Of course, it did take lots of sacrifice but the fruit continued to grow like wildfire. Just like no other country can match what America does in missionaries, humanitarian aid, or security. I could only imagine the number of people who have found Christ through the American church efforts. All because we gained the liberty and freedom to live out the great commission with no restraints of beheadings, imprisonment or beatings by our own government.
 

Journeyman

Well-known member
Jan 10, 2019
2,107
763
113
#34
Joined themselves? If you mean spiritually then yes I agree but if you mean not in politics, public decrees, or decisions then no. That is literally what saved Joseph and Esther's people.
God saved them, not the decisions of kings or politicians.

for the LORD had.....turned the heart of the king of Assyria unto them Ezr.6:22

That was King Darius, but it was no differe with Pharaoh, Artaxerxes, etc.

Our focus is on both. Why do you think both the NT and OT says to take care of the needy, sick, homeless, to be peacemakers, seek justice, and defend the innocent?
I told you why. Here it is again,

that they may see your good works, and glorifyyour Father which is in heaven. Mt.5:16

So people would come to know the Lord.

Is this a historical absolute claim? Does this always happen?
It does in a culture which separates church and state.

Being involved within the Roman culture is exactly what led to Christianity being adopted as the Empires main religion. Of course, it did take lots of sacrifice but the fruit continued to grow like wildfire. Just like no other country can match what America does in missionaries, humanitarian aid, or security. I could only imagine the number of people who have found Christ through the American church efforts. All because we gained the liberty and freedom to live out the great commission with no restraints of beheadings, imprisonment or beatings by our own government.
Again, I'm not talking about what church people do in the name if the our Lord, but God's church exists not because of Constantine or some other political entity, but because of the will of our King (Mt.16:18).

Although I will tell you, I've never heard the real truth from any pastor in church about why our dear Lord suffered.
 

Roughsoul1991

Senior Member
Sep 17, 2016
8,888
4,540
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#35
God saved them, not the decisions of kings or politicians.

for the LORD had.....turned the heart of the king of Assyria unto them Ezr.6:22

That was King Darius, but it was no differe with Pharaoh, Artaxerxes, etc.

I told you why. Here it is again,

that they may see your good works, and glorifyyour Father which is in heaven. Mt.5:16

So people would come to know the Lord.

It does in a culture which separates church and state.

Again, I'm not talking about what church people do in the name if the our Lord, but God's church exists not because of Constantine or some other political entity, but because of the will of our King (Mt.16:18).

Although I will tell you, I've never heard the real truth from any pastor in church about why our dear Lord suffered.
God saved them, not the decisions of kings or politicians.
God can work through kings or politicians

God governs in the affairs of man. Man acts but God has already seen the outcome and worked all things to be goal directed.

Proverbs 16:33 (ESV)
33 The lot is cast into the lap,
but its every decision is from the Lord.

God rewards obedience and punishes disobedience.

Nehemiah 1:8-9
New International Version

8 “Remember the instruction you gave your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations, 9 but if you return to me and obey my commands, then even if your exiled people are at the farthest horizon, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for my Name.’

This is the exact event that took place as Ezra and Nehemiah began to rebuild.

I told you why. Here it is again,
Not really. In post 32 it sounded like you were trying to separate our earthly matters from spiritual matters. As in spiritual was the only importance.

It does in a culture which separates church and state.
Again the Romans were way more hostile to the Church but the Church never gave up.

Again, I'm not talking about what church people do in the name if the our Lord, but God's church exists not because of Constantine or some other political entity, but because of the will of our King (Mt.16:18).
Agree

Although I will tell you, I've never heard the real truth from any pastor in church about why our dear Lord suffered.
Uh oh here we go lol. Let me guess, you are the only one to have that truth? :)
 

Journeyman

Well-known member
Jan 10, 2019
2,107
763
113
#36
God governs in the affairs of man.
Tell that to the unbelievers you partner with in "social issues".

God rewards obedience and punishes disobedience.
Do you believe the Father punished his obedient Son in place of the disobedient?

Not really. In post 32 it sounded like you were trying to separate our earthly matters from spiritual matters. As in spiritual was the only importance.
The only separation I've made in our conversation is believers from unbelievers.

Uh oh here we go lol. Let me guess, you are the only one to have that truth? :)
No. I've spoken to people on line who believe the same as me.
 

oyster67

Senior Member
May 24, 2014
11,887
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#37
Where do we draw the lines on such topics?
We must not. We must not swat at the leaves of the Sin Tree. We must lay the axe to the root of it. When the heart change comes, the mind changes will follow.

Matthew
22:37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
22:38 This is the first and great commandment.
22:39 And the second [is] like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
22:40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

John
3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
3:19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
3:20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
3:21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

Preach Salvation, not politics.
 

Roughsoul1991

Senior Member
Sep 17, 2016
8,888
4,540
113
#38
We must not. We must not swat at the leaves of the Sin Tree. We must lay the axe to the root of it. When the heart change comes, the mind changes will follow.

Matthew
22:37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
22:38 This is the first and great commandment.
22:39 And the second [is] like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
22:40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

John
3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
3:19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
3:20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
3:21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

Preach Salvation, not politics.
What if the common ground isn't sin? Where in these topics does good meet sin. That is where we draw the line.
 

Roughsoul1991

Senior Member
Sep 17, 2016
8,888
4,540
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#39
Tell that to the unbelievers you partner with in "social issues".



Do you believe the Father punished his obedient Son in place of the disobedient?

The only separation I've made in our conversation is believers from unbelievers.

No. I've spoken to people on line who believe the same as me.
(Tell that to the unbelievers you partner with in "social issues".)

What does telling them have to do with reality? It doesn't change anything if they understood or not. God will still be God and work within the affairs of men.


(Do you believe the Father punished his obedient Son in place of the disobedient?)

I believe Jesus chose to do the will of the father that resulted in Him taking on the sin of the world.

(The only separation I've made in our conversation is believers from unbelievers.)

We are not to entangle ourselves with the unclean things of this world but this doesn't mean we are not still in this world. To separate completely we would need to be dead. God's wisdom can help any situation no matter the topic.

(No. I've spoken to people on line who believe the same as me.)

Oh okay well that's good then.
 

oyster67

Senior Member
May 24, 2014
11,887
8,705
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#40
What if the common ground isn't sin? Where in these topics does good meet sin. That is where we draw the line.
Christian Liberty... but be sensitive and loving to brothers first and foremost.

Romans
14:13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in [his] brother's way.
14:14 I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that [there is] nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him [it is] unclean.
14:15 But if thy brother be grieved with [thy] meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.
14:16 Let not then your good be evil spoken of:
14:17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
14:18 For he that in these things serveth Christ [is] acceptable to God, and approved of men.
14:19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.
14:20 For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed [are] pure; but [it is] evil for that man who eateth with offence.
14:21 [It is] good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor [any thing] whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.
14:22 Hast thou faith? have [it] to thyself before God. Happy [is] he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.

1 Corinthians
8:9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.
8:10 For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols;
8:11 And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?
8:12 But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.
8:13 Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.