To: Sam Ferguson who wrote (20916 ) 9/28/1998 8:28:00 PM From: Jamey Read Replies (2) | Respond to of 39621
Religion is satans close ally. Man's attempts to understand the spiritual world has always been his greatest downfall. Look at the ugliness of a few small things rather than beholding the beauty of the whole. Although, like satan, you make a convincing arguement, you deny what we all hold to be most dear in Christ. His love for humanity. He didn't screw it up my friend, you did. And I did. And all of our confused brothers and sisters that went before did. "The excellent way had in view in the close of the former chapter, is not what is meant by charity in our common use of the word, almsgiving, but love in its fullest meaning; true love to God and man. Without this, the most glorious gifts are of no account to us, of no esteem in the sight of God. A clear head and a deep understanding, are of no value without a benevolent and charitable heart. There may be an open and lavish hand, where there is not a liberal and charitable heart. Doing good to others will do none to us, if it be not done from love to God, and good-will to men. If we give away all we have, while we withhold the heart from God, it will not profit. Nor even the most painful sufferings. How are those deluded who look for acceptance and reward for their good works, which are as scanty and defective as they are corrupt and selfish! " Henry 1 Corinthians 13 "13:1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing." The New Testament of our Lord. Give it up, Sam. We all know what has been done in the name of religion. Our hope and salvation is not man made, Sam. But,"3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;" 2 Corinthians 10 God bless you Sam. Santiago