Happy
- Goose55
- Bartleby the Scrivener
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Re: Happy
I became acquainted with a lady, a Sephardic (Spanish) Jew who was Messianic. I got the impression she was not very confident about her salvation.
"At present we're on the wrong side of the door. But all the pages of the New Testament are rustling with the rumor that it will not always be so." ~ C.S. Lewis
- FredS
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Re: Happy
My prayer for Fainn is that he will be released from the feelings of guilt and uncertain salvation as he discovers new revaluation in his new church home. You're still carrying the feeling that God is punishing you for past sins. While it's certainly true that we carry the scars of our past, the punishment has been laid at the foot of the cross. It's done Fainn. Over. Paid in full. Go forward with the full knowledge that you are His child and every day is a new opportunity to be better than yesterday. You won't always be happy - the 'new' will wear off a little - but you should always have certainty that He won't abandon you.
"If we ever get to heaven boys, it aint because we aint done nothin' wrong" - Kris Kristofferson
"One of the things I love about CPS is the frank and enthusiastic dysfunction here. God help me, I do love it so." – OldWorldSwine
"I'd like to put a hook in that puppet and swing it through a bunch of salmon!" - durangopipe
"One of the things I love about CPS is the frank and enthusiastic dysfunction here. God help me, I do love it so." – OldWorldSwine
"I'd like to put a hook in that puppet and swing it through a bunch of salmon!" - durangopipe
- Thunktank
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Re: Happy
I’ve left churches a few times, I can relate.
“Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.” -Yoda
“I grew up in a church with Ned Flanders. Down to the mustache. But so did a bunch of people I assume, which makes it so fun-diddly-unny.” -tuttle
“I grew up in a church with Ned Flanders. Down to the mustache. But so did a bunch of people I assume, which makes it so fun-diddly-unny.” -tuttle
- Fainn
- Master's of fArts
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Re: Happy
Yeah, I know the honeymoon period will be over at some point.FredS wrote: ↑Wed Dec 05, 2018 10:06 amMy prayer for Fainn is that he will be released from the feelings of guilt and uncertain salvation as he discovers new revaluation in his new church home. You're still carrying the feeling that God is punishing you for past sins. While it's certainly true that we carry the scars of our past, the punishment has been laid at the foot of the cross. It's done Fainn. Over. Paid in full. Go forward with the full knowledge that you are His child and every day is a new opportunity to be better than yesterday. You won't always be happy - the 'new' will wear off a little - but you should always have certainty that He won't abandon you.
It takes a smart eye feller to say, "I feller smart".
- Goose55
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Re: Happy
No church is perfect. There are some real doctrinal issues I have with evangelical Christianity. One of them, the compulsive insistence upon seeing "hell" as literal eternal conscious torment. This is not trustworthy biblical hermeneutics, for there is much in scripture that shows the wicked will cease to exist.Fainn wrote: ↑Thu Dec 06, 2018 9:56 amYeah, I know the honeymoon period will be over at some point.FredS wrote: ↑Wed Dec 05, 2018 10:06 amMy prayer for Fainn is that he will be released from the feelings of guilt and uncertain salvation as he discovers new revaluation in his new church home. You're still carrying the feeling that God is punishing you for past sins. While it's certainly true that we carry the scars of our past, the punishment has been laid at the foot of the cross. It's done Fainn. Over. Paid in full. Go forward with the full knowledge that you are His child and every day is a new opportunity to be better than yesterday. You won't always be happy - the 'new' will wear off a little - but you should always have certainty that He won't abandon you.
"At present we're on the wrong side of the door. But all the pages of the New Testament are rustling with the rumor that it will not always be so." ~ C.S. Lewis
- Nature of a Man
- Usher
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Re: Happy
How do you define Pietism just for the record? I did a quick Google and didn't find a workable term.
I'd argue it's more nuanced than that.Goose55 wrote: ↑Thu Dec 06, 2018 7:19 pmNo church is perfect. There are some real doctrinal issues I have with evangelical Christianity. One of them, the compulsive insistence upon seeing "hell" as literal eternal conscious torment. This is not trustworthy biblical hermeneutics, for there is much in scripture that shows the wicked will cease to exist.Fainn wrote: ↑Thu Dec 06, 2018 9:56 amYeah, I know the honeymoon period will be over at some point.FredS wrote: ↑Wed Dec 05, 2018 10:06 amMy prayer for Fainn is that he will be released from the feelings of guilt and uncertain salvation as he discovers new revaluation in his new church home. You're still carrying the feeling that God is punishing you for past sins. While it's certainly true that we carry the scars of our past, the punishment has been laid at the foot of the cross. It's done Fainn. Over. Paid in full. Go forward with the full knowledge that you are His child and every day is a new opportunity to be better than yesterday. You won't always be happy - the 'new' will wear off a little - but you should always have certainty that He won't abandon you.
However, when one actually defines "torment" or "torture", the word actually relates to "tort", as in the legal sense. So it implies a loss of something one possesses.
In that sense, torture is simply the natural consequence and end of being wicked to begin with, and wishing to hold onto or "grasp" something which isn't theirs, such as in the cases of various vices such as greed and lust which lead to misery.
When something burns, its structure breaks apart, and it loses its form, or parts which it possessed - so torture by fire would really be akin to a loss on a material level - which implies to me that the pain in question even in that scenario would be the natural result of materialistic desires and vices which lead to valuing those things over God to begin with.
So ultimately, if one was tortured for eternity, I would view it as their choice in the matter, and the result of their materialism, and something which could have been avoided had one chosen differently.
- hugodrax
- A Complete Kneebiter
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Re: Happy
Thread name: Happy. Forum: testimonies.Nature of a Man wrote: ↑Tue Dec 18, 2018 6:13 amHow do you define Pietism just for the record? I did a quick Google and didn't find a workable term.
I'd argue it's more nuanced than that.Goose55 wrote: ↑Thu Dec 06, 2018 7:19 pmNo church is perfect. There are some real doctrinal issues I have with evangelical Christianity. One of them, the compulsive insistence upon seeing "hell" as literal eternal conscious torment. This is not trustworthy biblical hermeneutics, for there is much in scripture that shows the wicked will cease to exist.Fainn wrote: ↑Thu Dec 06, 2018 9:56 amYeah, I know the honeymoon period will be over at some point.FredS wrote: ↑Wed Dec 05, 2018 10:06 amMy prayer for Fainn is that he will be released from the feelings of guilt and uncertain salvation as he discovers new revaluation in his new church home. You're still carrying the feeling that God is punishing you for past sins. While it's certainly true that we carry the scars of our past, the punishment has been laid at the foot of the cross. It's done Fainn. Over. Paid in full. Go forward with the full knowledge that you are His child and every day is a new opportunity to be better than yesterday. You won't always be happy - the 'new' will wear off a little - but you should always have certainty that He won't abandon you.
However, when one actually defines "torment" or "torture", the word actually relates to "tort", as in the legal sense. So it implies a loss of something one possesses.
In that sense, torture is simply the natural consequence and end of being wicked to begin with, and wishing to hold onto or "grasp" something which isn't theirs, such as in the cases of various vices such as greed and lust which lead to misery.
When something burns, its structure breaks apart, and it loses its form, or parts which it possessed - so torture by fire would really be akin to a loss on a material level - which implies to me that the pain in question even in that scenario would be the natural result of materialistic desires and vices which lead to valuing those things over God to begin with.
So ultimately, if one was tortured for eternity, I would view it as their choice in the matter, and the result of their materialism, and something which could have been avoided had one chosen differently.
Why you poop on happy testimonies??
Anser autem inimica mea, et ego audiam silentio beatus est.
- FredS
- The Trappists say shut it, still talking
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Re: Happy
I hope you're enjoying the advent season with your new congregation Fainn. Perhaps even celebrating the season with a renewed sense of wonder as we await the coming of the Christ.
That this is your babies first Christmas also must bring a new sense of joy that you may not have felt for a while.
That this is your babies first Christmas also must bring a new sense of joy that you may not have felt for a while.
"If we ever get to heaven boys, it aint because we aint done nothin' wrong" - Kris Kristofferson
"One of the things I love about CPS is the frank and enthusiastic dysfunction here. God help me, I do love it so." – OldWorldSwine
"I'd like to put a hook in that puppet and swing it through a bunch of salmon!" - durangopipe
"One of the things I love about CPS is the frank and enthusiastic dysfunction here. God help me, I do love it so." – OldWorldSwine
"I'd like to put a hook in that puppet and swing it through a bunch of salmon!" - durangopipe
- tuttle
- Brother of the Briar
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Re: Happy
hugodrax wrote: ↑Tue Dec 18, 2018 7:43 amThread name: Happy. Forum: testimonies.Nature of a Man wrote: ↑Tue Dec 18, 2018 6:13 amHow do you define Pietism just for the record? I did a quick Google and didn't find a workable term.
I'd argue it's more nuanced than that.Goose55 wrote: ↑Thu Dec 06, 2018 7:19 pmNo church is perfect. There are some real doctrinal issues I have with evangelical Christianity. One of them, the compulsive insistence upon seeing "hell" as literal eternal conscious torment. This is not trustworthy biblical hermeneutics, for there is much in scripture that shows the wicked will cease to exist.Fainn wrote: ↑Thu Dec 06, 2018 9:56 amYeah, I know the honeymoon period will be over at some point.FredS wrote: ↑Wed Dec 05, 2018 10:06 amMy prayer for Fainn is that he will be released from the feelings of guilt and uncertain salvation as he discovers new revaluation in his new church home. You're still carrying the feeling that God is punishing you for past sins. While it's certainly true that we carry the scars of our past, the punishment has been laid at the foot of the cross. It's done Fainn. Over. Paid in full. Go forward with the full knowledge that you are His child and every day is a new opportunity to be better than yesterday. You won't always be happy - the 'new' will wear off a little - but you should always have certainty that He won't abandon you.
However, when one actually defines "torment" or "torture", the word actually relates to "tort", as in the legal sense. So it implies a loss of something one possesses.
In that sense, torture is simply the natural consequence and end of being wicked to begin with, and wishing to hold onto or "grasp" something which isn't theirs, such as in the cases of various vices such as greed and lust which lead to misery.
When something burns, its structure breaks apart, and it loses its form, or parts which it possessed - so torture by fire would really be akin to a loss on a material level - which implies to me that the pain in question even in that scenario would be the natural result of materialistic desires and vices which lead to valuing those things over God to begin with.
So ultimately, if one was tortured for eternity, I would view it as their choice in the matter, and the result of their materialism, and something which could have been avoided had one chosen differently.
Why you poop on happy testimonies??

"The Evangelium has not abrogated legends; it has hallowed them" -JRR Tolkien
"Better to die cheerfully with the aid of a little tobacco, than to live disagreeably and remorseful without." -CS Lewis
"Better to die cheerfully with the aid of a little tobacco, than to live disagreeably and remorseful without." -CS Lewis
- Cleon
- The Mad Hatter
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Re: Happy
How about a compromise? Happy poop!tuttle wrote: ↑Tue Dec 18, 2018 9:25 amhugodrax wrote: ↑Tue Dec 18, 2018 7:43 amThread name: Happy. Forum: testimonies.Nature of a Man wrote: ↑Tue Dec 18, 2018 6:13 amHow do you define Pietism just for the record? I did a quick Google and didn't find a workable term.
I'd argue it's more nuanced than that.Goose55 wrote: ↑Thu Dec 06, 2018 7:19 pmNo church is perfect. There are some real doctrinal issues I have with evangelical Christianity. One of them, the compulsive insistence upon seeing "hell" as literal eternal conscious torment. This is not trustworthy biblical hermeneutics, for there is much in scripture that shows the wicked will cease to exist.Fainn wrote: ↑Thu Dec 06, 2018 9:56 amYeah, I know the honeymoon period will be over at some point.FredS wrote: ↑Wed Dec 05, 2018 10:06 amMy prayer for Fainn is that he will be released from the feelings of guilt and uncertain salvation as he discovers new revaluation in his new church home. You're still carrying the feeling that God is punishing you for past sins. While it's certainly true that we carry the scars of our past, the punishment has been laid at the foot of the cross. It's done Fainn. Over. Paid in full. Go forward with the full knowledge that you are His child and every day is a new opportunity to be better than yesterday. You won't always be happy - the 'new' will wear off a little - but you should always have certainty that He won't abandon you.
However, when one actually defines "torment" or "torture", the word actually relates to "tort", as in the legal sense. So it implies a loss of something one possesses.
In that sense, torture is simply the natural consequence and end of being wicked to begin with, and wishing to hold onto or "grasp" something which isn't theirs, such as in the cases of various vices such as greed and lust which lead to misery.
When something burns, its structure breaks apart, and it loses its form, or parts which it possessed - so torture by fire would really be akin to a loss on a material level - which implies to me that the pain in question even in that scenario would be the natural result of materialistic desires and vices which lead to valuing those things over God to begin with.
So ultimately, if one was tortured for eternity, I would view it as their choice in the matter, and the result of their materialism, and something which could have been avoided had one chosen differently.
Why you poop on happy testimonies??![]()

"Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven" - Jesus
"More people need to put their big boy britches on." - JMG
"Dang, a pipe slap." - JimVH
"More people need to put their big boy britches on." - JMG
"Dang, a pipe slap." - JimVH
- Adam Z
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Re: Happy
Pietism is an ideology that is preoccupied with piety. It is that approach to Christianity that is preoccupied with the interior of the Christian life. Should is pietism's main focus. It is about what we should be doing, and how we should go about doing it and where we should be as compared to where we are. Pietism specializes in pointing out the exact distance between should and am. The issue with pietism is not only what it emphasizes, but also what it minimizes. The concern is that Christ's work stands more in the background than in the foreground (Colossians 2:20-23). Most information and instruction within pietism is aimed at how to live. Duty overshadows identity. Pietism begins with the question "What must I do?" Thus, obligation precedes assurance, and this order of priorities leads to a confusion of theological categories and despair in the life of the believer.Nature of a Man wrote: ↑Tue Dec 18, 2018 6:13 amHow do you define Pietism just for the record? I did a quick Google and didn't find a workable term.
- durangopipe
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Re: Happy
Your shared expression of joy bears repeating, Fainn.
It was a gift to all of us.
A truly heartfelt, thank you.
The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
Rejoice in it!
Wallow in it!
As for the matters of doctrine that are difficult, sometimes I have to remind myself: although there is a great deal I do not know, by far the most important things I do know. God loves me. My debt is paid.
I don’t need to understand the finer points of doctrine, root words in Greek or Hebrew, the techniques of translation or exegesis or hermeneutics ... to know this. I live in gratitude for that which I know, not in despair over what I do not (which is a LOT).
God loves me.
My debt is paid.
It’s fun to think about and discuss theology. But whenever it becomes a distraction, I go there.
. . . be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32 (NKJV)
The most improper job of any man, even saints, is bossing other men. Not one in a million is fit for it, and least of all those who seek the opportunity.. J.R.R. Tolkien
2017 Morley - Outstanding BRATASS of the Year
The most improper job of any man, even saints, is bossing other men. Not one in a million is fit for it, and least of all those who seek the opportunity.. J.R.R. Tolkien
2017 Morley - Outstanding BRATASS of the Year
- Nature of a Man
- Usher
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Re: Happy
Ah, so something similar to a "salvation through works" worldview?Adam Z wrote: ↑Tue Dec 18, 2018 4:53 pmPietism is an ideology that is preoccupied with piety. It is that approach to Christianity that is preoccupied with the interior of the Christian life. Should is pietism's main focus. It is about what we should be doing, and how we should go about doing it and where we should be as compared to where we are. Pietism specializes in pointing out the exact distance between should and am. The issue with pietism is not only what it emphasizes, but also what it minimizes. The concern is that Christ's work stands more in the background than in the foreground (Colossians 2:20-23). Most information and instruction within pietism is aimed at how to live. Duty overshadows identity. Pietism begins with the question "What must I do?" Thus, obligation precedes assurance, and this order of priorities leads to a confusion of theological categories and despair in the life of the believer.Nature of a Man wrote: ↑Tue Dec 18, 2018 6:13 amHow do you define Pietism just for the record? I did a quick Google and didn't find a workable term.
- Nature of a Man
- Usher
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Re: Happy
I believe that "eternal torment" is a legitimate concept, but that it's the result of the way one chooses to live - so that's the happy part, people have the ability to choose to "succeed or fail" by virtue of their actions.hugodrax wrote: ↑Tue Dec 18, 2018 7:43 amThread name: Happy. Forum: testimonies.Nature of a Man wrote: ↑Tue Dec 18, 2018 6:13 amHow do you define Pietism just for the record? I did a quick Google and didn't find a workable term.
I'd argue it's more nuanced than that.Goose55 wrote: ↑Thu Dec 06, 2018 7:19 pmNo church is perfect. There are some real doctrinal issues I have with evangelical Christianity. One of them, the compulsive insistence upon seeing "hell" as literal eternal conscious torment. This is not trustworthy biblical hermeneutics, for there is much in scripture that shows the wicked will cease to exist.Fainn wrote: ↑Thu Dec 06, 2018 9:56 amYeah, I know the honeymoon period will be over at some point.FredS wrote: ↑Wed Dec 05, 2018 10:06 amMy prayer for Fainn is that he will be released from the feelings of guilt and uncertain salvation as he discovers new revaluation in his new church home. You're still carrying the feeling that God is punishing you for past sins. While it's certainly true that we carry the scars of our past, the punishment has been laid at the foot of the cross. It's done Fainn. Over. Paid in full. Go forward with the full knowledge that you are His child and every day is a new opportunity to be better than yesterday. You won't always be happy - the 'new' will wear off a little - but you should always have certainty that He won't abandon you.
However, when one actually defines "torment" or "torture", the word actually relates to "tort", as in the legal sense. So it implies a loss of something one possesses.
In that sense, torture is simply the natural consequence and end of being wicked to begin with, and wishing to hold onto or "grasp" something which isn't theirs, such as in the cases of various vices such as greed and lust which lead to misery.
When something burns, its structure breaks apart, and it loses its form, or parts which it possessed - so torture by fire would really be akin to a loss on a material level - which implies to me that the pain in question even in that scenario would be the natural result of materialistic desires and vices which lead to valuing those things over God to begin with.
So ultimately, if one was tortured for eternity, I would view it as their choice in the matter, and the result of their materialism, and something which could have been avoided had one chosen differently.
Why you poop on happy testimonies??
- Nature of a Man
- Usher
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Re: Happy
I think I will take his advice and return to the happy note, instead of discuss this tangent deeper here.