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Christmas With No 'X'

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Christmas With No 'X'

Imagine the alaphabet with no 'X'

from JoeUser Forums
The English alphabet consist of 26 ordered letters and none without significance, both vowels and consonants, when put together with rhyme and reason they make up syllables and words that allow us on jU to banter back and forth. What I would like for you to consider is our alphabet with no ‘X’ . The 24th letter of the English alphabet, a consonant may not seem like a very important letter but a very necessary part of our communication. Consider if it were removed from our alphabet?

There would be no eXperiments. No Thomas Edison. No Bill Nye the Science Guy. What if there were no eXperimentation of thoughts or ideas, either I would think like ‘Little Whip’ or she would think like me! Worse than this we would all think like Aeryck? eek…… Imagine a world where we were forbidden to consider and eXperience new and different thoughts, or even the liberty to voice them, jU would not be what it is today?

We could never have eXtras. No eXtra ice cream (no pun intended your majesty) and pie. No eXtra pay for working over and above the expected time… no snooze buttons on the alarm clock, because there no time for eXtra sleep in the morning; not even 10 minutes? eek!

We would never be able to ‘X‘ -out anything. If something was written or said, it would be permanent. We could not go back and take it back and say I am sorry. Scary, for most all of us have said things in the past and would give anything is we could take back.
No ‘X’ marks the spot….. Life without the all important ‘X’.

For some the day could pass and we could avoid the ‘X’….. but consider how important it is for the illiterate….. it is a mark of the ‘X', made instead of a signature by a person unable to write. It becomes ones legal identity. What is the seeming symbol of uneducated shame becomes the very being of the individual on paper.

The greatest and saddest of all is there would be no Christmas… It became common place for many in society to tag on the ‘X’ to-mas. Then it became very un-cool to even mention the word Christmas so now it is only appropriate to say “Happy Holidays”. So what is the Holiday we are celebrating? The birth of Christ? But some will say, we are not celebrating the birth of Christ but Santa Claus bringing gifts to good girls and boys. I don’t believe in this Jesus. How ridiculous would it be to take your Santa Claus out of your picture? Or maybe it should be X-claus or maybe santa-X….. oh, I forgot the ’X’ has been taken out, it is no longer available. Imagine a world with no ‘X’, it never belonged in Christmas and now we can’t put it there because it has been taken out of the alphabet?

My point is this, I do not do a real good job of adhering to political correctness, as a preacher of the gospel, I believe in Jesus Christ and Christmas is a celebration of His birth…. He ‘Christ’ belongs in Christmas not the ‘X‘. I also believe the ‘X’ needs to stay right where it is at and hope no one ever takes it out of the alphabet.

Christ is the reason for the season so I would like to wish you all ’both friends and foes’ a very Merry Christmas.

God Bless
hamartano
religion
22,736 views 170 replies
Reply #51 from JoeUser Forums Top

...didn't know God was so uptight


Which uptight are you referring to...?

uptight (overachiever) as in 'tense, nervous, or uneasy'

or,

uptight (conservative) as in 'rigidly conventional'

If it is the latter which I suppose, please remember that you are talking about the one who wrote ten commandments into stone with a finger of fire.

:LOL: 



Reply #52 from JoeUser Forums Top

It is not enough to admit off-hand that God exists, and then ignore His definite claims.


Like..."What does God say about other gods?"

 ;) 

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Reply #53 from JoeUser Forums Top
uptight (conservative) as in 'rigidly conventional'

If it is the latter which I suppose, please remember that you are talking about the one who wrote ten commandments into stone with a finger of fire.
End of quote


That's the one. Also, if God has a finger of fire, is it so hot that he can't pick His nose without a finger of ice follow up?

 :LOL:
 
~Zoo
Reply #54 from JoeUser Forums Top
That's the one. Also, if God has a finger of fire, is it so hot that he can't pick His nose without a finger of ice follow up?
End of quote


:LOL:
Reply #55 from JoeUser Forums Top

That's the one.


'For our God is a consuming fire.' (Hebrews 12:29)

'For the LORD thy God is a consuming fire, even a jealous God.' (Deuteronomy 4:24)

Though Adam Clarke's Commentary seems to be a little bit extreme, it certainly makes a valid point:

'The apostle quotes Deuteronomy 4:24, and by doing so he teaches us this great truth, that sin under the Gospel is as abominable in God’s sight as it was under the law; and that the man who does not labor to serve God with the principle and in the way already prescribed, will find that fire to consume him which would otherwise have consumed his sin.'

What does this God say about other gods?

Aeryck.
Reply #56 from JoeUser Forums Top
How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge? Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you. Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof: I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh; When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you. Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me: For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD: They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof. Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices. For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them.

They shall most assuredly call one day.... He shall laugh! Sad, so sad.

hamartano
Reply #57 from JoeUser Forums Top
It is not enough to admit off-hand that God exists, and then ignore His definite claims.
End of quote


What does God say about other gods?"
End of quote


God tells us not to have 'strange' gods before Him.
That would be by making dress, money, honor, society, power, or pleasure our god and sinning for their sake, thus making them god.

How do we adore God?


What are God's definite claims?

God has told mankind very clearly why He created man, what is the destiny of man, and what man must do in order to attain that destiny. He sent the Prophets to teach His will, after that He sent His own Divine Son, Jesus Christ, and Christ sent the Catholic Chruch a Church still teaching with the infallible authority of God in our very midst.

God has revealed very definite prescriptions and moral obligations. If is for us to accept them if we are to have any idea of pleasing GOd.
Reply #58 from JoeUser Forums Top
I heard a preacher say one time that it is wrong to put up a Christmas Tree. He based his doctrine on the text found in Jeremiah 10-

"Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them. For the customs of the people [are] vain: for [one] cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe. They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not."

I am of the opinion that the text in Jeremiah is not referring to the Christmas tree, although it could be something of equal spiritual import. The trees that were mentioned in Jeremiah were idols of worship (pagan if you please). The Christmas tree can be of the same sort, but not of necessity, for Jeremiah went on to say "Forasmuch as [there is] none like unto thee, O LORD; thou [art] great, and thy name [is] great in might."
End of quote


Wow, see this is the problem I have with Christianity and, particularly, the subjective interpretations of the bible. The above tract sure sounds like it is talking about a Christmas trees, i.e. 'deck it with silver and with gold', yet you are 'of the opinion' he is not talking about Christmas trees. Hmmm, very subjective indeed...
Reply #59 from JoeUser Forums Top
Christ sent the Catholic Chruch


Jesus does not need a Chruch(crutch)  :LOL: 

Reply #60 from JoeUser Forums Top

Wow, see this is the problem I have with Christianity and, particularly, the subjective interpretations of the bible.


Yeah, the Bible is like a spirit level used in building. The problem is that some folks are so crooked that eventually they start trying to alter the spirit level and mainly cause the Scripture is able to pierce our thoughts and motives, so unless we receieve it like a child, we do end up pushing it away, like a baby pushes away the food that will sustain it. It is a hard pathway and not many stay the distance, for certain things they just will not accept because of the crookedness of the heart, and the unwillingness to be changed by the Spirit of God who inspired the Word of God.

Aeryck.

Reply #61 from JoeUser Forums Top

God tells us not to have 'strange' gods before Him.


Are there actually other gods ? not the man made variety....now according to the Bible, God is one...(then one reads the first commandment). Can we earthlings keep it ? No. Do some try ? Yes. Do they keep it perfectly ? No. Then comes Jesus and says, a new commandment, by which all men shall know we are his disciples...love one another as I (THE SON OF GOD) have loved you. Man, this is EVEN HARDER. Can we do it? No! What is God trying to do to us ? Send us all to hell in a hand-basket ? God is not really under any obligation to save anyone, for we are all law breakers. Why does He choose some and not others ? I think Romans 9, explains that, not that it is something one understand but rather accepts. God is the Potter and is able to make decisions about us that are completely just, simply because that is what God does.

Aeryck.

Reply #62 from JoeUser Forums Top

Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.


Yes, there does seem to be this matter that some will not come unto Him that they might have life (Zoe = Christ's life in them = eternal life - 1 John, not John 1). Yet some do come to the Saviour, those whom the Father draws to Him and none shall pluck them out of His hand, and the Son's hand. Pretty safe. How does one know that one is safe in the hands of God? For He has given us of His Spirit. How do you know you have His Spirit ? How can you not know ? A pregnant woman knows that she has another life inside her, a person who has GOD ALMIGHTY living in them by His Spirit is certainly going to know this, if not it is pretty certain they do not have the Spirit of Christ.

Aeryck.
Reply #63 from JoeUser Forums Top
Hath a nation changed their gods, which are yet no gods? but my people have changed their glory for that which doth not profit. (Jeremiah 2:11)

Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods. (Galatians 4:8)
Reply #64 from JoeUser Forums Top
Yeah, the Bible is like a spirit level used in building. The problem is that some folks are so crooked that eventually they start trying to alter the spirit level and mainly cause the Scripture is able to pierce our thoughts and motives, so unless we receieve it like a child, we do end up pushing it away, like a baby pushes away the food that will sustain it. It is a hard pathway and not many stay the distance, for certain things they just will not accept because of the crookedness of the heart, and the unwillingness to be changed by the Spirit of God who inspired the Word of God.
End of quote


so are you of the opinion this isn't the case?
Reply #65 from JoeUser Forums Top
so are you of the opinion this isn't the case?


Many Sunday School teachers make a fine job and interpreting Scripture but without the Spirit of truth, they soon distort the truth and even suppress it. You see unless there is a change inside the person, it matters not how good a scholar you are. Yes, the interpretation was subjective, but good grammar and comprehension though useful are not enough to keep one in the truth.

Aeryck.
Reply #66 from JoeUser Forums Top
The point though is that those who have not the Spirit of truth
End of quote


and do you have this 'Spirit of truth?'
Reply #67 from JoeUser Forums Top
and do you have this 'Spirit of truth?'


Many Sunday School teachers make a fine job and interpreting Scripture but without the Spirit of truth, they soon distort the truth and even suppress it. You see unless there is a change inside the person, it matters not how good a scholar you are. Yes, the interpretation was subjective, but good grammar and comprehension though useful are not enough to keep one in the truth.

I believe Romans 8:9.

Aeryck.
Reply #68 from JoeUser Forums Top
Christ sent the Catholic Chruch
End of quote


Jesus does not need a Chruch(crutch)
End of quote


Aeryck,
I didn't say Christ needed a Church, I said He sent a Church. There is Scripture galore which bears this out.

Once one finds that God has revealed a particular form of religion and the Church that Christ sent, then one must accept it. I serve God who in His Infinite wisdom declares that His religion is necessary.

My consideration was that everyone is capable of making subjective interpretations of the Scriptures. The point though is that those who have not the Spirit of truth are more inclined to eventually run up hard against the truth and even suppress certain truths of the Scripture even inspite of attempting to make an objective interpretation. There is more to it than grammar and comprehension, the human heart in rebellion will find itself rejecting even that which it might accurately interpret. etc. etc.
End of quote


You make an interesting point.

There is only one Holy Spirit and only one Truth and that's why there is no possible way that every individual's private interpretation of Sacred Scripture can be incorrect. Scripture itself states that it is insufficient of itself as a teacher, but rather needs an interpreter. The Holy Bible calls the Church and not itself, the "pillar and ground of the Truth.
Reply #69 from JoeUser Forums Top
There is only one Holy Spirit and only one Truth and that's why there is no possible way that every individual's private interpretation of Sacred Scripture can be incorrect.
End of quote


Sorry. This should read, There is only one HS and only one Truth, and that's why there is no possible way that every individual's private interpretation of SS can be CORRECT.
Reply #70 from JoeUser Forums Top
The point though is that those who have not the Spirit of truth


and do you have this 'Spirit of truth?'
End of quote


Of course he does.

And you and I don't, you bastard. ;)
Reply #71 from JoeUser Forums Top
Many Sunday School teachers make a fine job and interpreting Scripture but without the Spirit of truth, they soon distort the truth and even suppress it. You see unless there is a change inside the person, it matters not how good a scholar you are. Yes, the interpretation was subjective, but good grammar and comprehension though useful are not enough to keep one in the truth.
End of quote


But the spirit of truth can't answer? Why?
Reply #72 from JoeUser Forums Top
And you and I don't, you bastard.
End of quote


stupid milk man.
Reply #73 from JoeUser Forums Top
a Church


You said, 'sent the Catholic Church'

The Holy Bible calls the Church and not itself, the "pillar and ground of the Truth


Oh, you are so close. Your Church indoctrination will not let you see that there is a difference between the body of Christ and church and that unless you are born of the Spirit and guided by the Spirit you will not be taught of God. In time Lula, in time, you will understand.

Aeryck.
Reply #75 from JoeUser Forums Top
a Church
End of quote


You said, 'sent the Catholic Church'
End of quote


Yes, I most certainly did. I cite Scripture as a most reliabe source of info regarding this for Scripture tells us that Christ established His Church upon Simon Peter and promised He would be with His Chruch which He sent to teach all nations until the consummation of the world.

Your duty is to inquire and find the Church Christ actually established. The CC alone can lawfully make this claim. The truth of the CC can be proved historically. Also, it can be proved historically that Christ lived, that He was/is God, and that He founded an imperishable Chruch which was to be one, holy, catholic and apostolic. Find that Chruch and you will have the true religion of Christ. A good place to start is by the writings of Church Fathers.

God gives the seeker sufficient intelligence to be able to believe and reason tells that Christianity teaches mysterious things (the Blessed Trinity, God Incarnate, or the Virgin Birth for example). Almighty God has revealed certain extraordinary doctrines and Christ gave His Chruch His own authority to teach those in His name. The Chruch is therefore guaranteed by God as a safe and authentic teacher in religious matters (faith and morals). All this can be reasonably verified.

It remains that Christ justified His claims to be the Divinely sent Teacher and that He sent His Apostles and their legitimate successors to teach all nations and that He laid upon all nations to the obligation of being taught; and that once His teaching has been sufficiently been put before them, men are guilty if they presume to reject it.