Fear is a lie from hell
One of the greatest weapons that the enemy uses against us is doubt. The devil himself knows the truth that believers are victors and mighty warriors in the army of God. He knows that God has a plan for us that cannot be stopped by anything or anyone. That means not by our weaknesses, not by our rebellion, not by our past and certainly not by the enemy whose power was overcome by the cross of Jesus Christ!
The strength to walk in victory comes with a realization that God’s power will always be enough. If you can understand that his plan was made long before we were created and he foreknew the struggles that we would face, then you can trust that he can rescue you whatever your situation. Our Savior knew of the plans that the enemy had to destroy us and he knew how to take us through to victory. A painful trial or circumstance in our life has no power except that which you give it. If God already had knowledge of what you would have to endure and gave his power to overcome all things, why would you ever allow your problem to make you anxious? When you give in to fear, you are giving in to the lies from a defeated enemy!
You have to know who your God is. You must seek for an understanding of his love that covers everything. There is no bondage that can stand against the cross. Jesus finished the work of salvation and he is alive and intercedes for us every day. Christ will always be sovereign over all that comes against us. Everything in all of creation must submit to him! Anything that he allows in your life is for a purpose and must conform to the plan that he has for your life. Remember that God made us into his image from the dust. He knows where you are and he knows your pain. He created the 70 million trillion stars and calls them out by name each night. There is no place you can go that can make him forget you. The hairs of your head are numbered by him and he saw the length of your days on this earth before one of them came to be. There is nothing in your life that is impossible for him.
It is not always easy to trust when you are in a battle with the spiritual forces of evil that fill this earth. The days are dismal and filled with more problems. Financial difficulties are hitting everyone. Who can think about the future when it is hard enough to get through a day? Yet that position is right where you need to be. Christ will see you through all things but he will take you through one day at a time, sometimes minute to minute. You won’t be able to see where he is taking you so you must trust him with all of your heart. Jesus did not die to lose you now! Beloved, you will never be destroyed by this lost and crumbling world for you will be taken above it by the Spirit of Christ who lives in you. You aren’t standing on the perishing earth, you are standing on the Promise which is Jesus Christ!
My friends, I want you to understand one very important truth. It does not matter where you are, what problems you have or how low you have fallen. If your hope is in the cross of Jesus, you will come through every battle as a conqueror. The victory has already been won. Never let the enemy or your painful situation convince you that God’s power is not enough. It is more than enough. The enemy of your soul knows this. You need to know it also. If you ever believe anything, believe this: JESUS WILL NEVER FAIL YOU!
Dear Lord, I know the times are hard and people are struggling with the problems that this dark world brings. I pray that you will open their eyes and affirm in their heart the truth that your power and love will take them through all things no matter how impossible it may seem. Jesus, help them to know that you are the light which has conquered the darkness. Let them know that whatever illness, bondage, marriage problem, financial issue or heartache they have, you always have a way to give them your peace. You alone paid the price for our victory. Jesus, I thank you for being all that we need. Amen
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May 4, 2009 at 8:13 pm
No Guy in the Sky
On our National Prayer Day.
Here is a video, showing you how God’s answers prayers.
Video from youtube deleted.
May 4, 2009 at 10:12 pm
Marianne Lordi
You are a sad, deceived man. I pray that God will have mercy on you. I will answer you directly to your email. I left your comment here so that others can see that we must pray for the lost.
May 5, 2009 at 6:12 am
No Guy in the Sky
Just like the Taliban restricts knowledge. You have deleted a video, that was nice, polite and passed knowledge. You and the Taliban both feel you are right. Both think you are going to heaven. Both of you restrict, reject science. Restrict truth, knowledge. Both of you are intolerant to many. You are in good company.
Every religion thinks they are the one true religion. Every. Learn the truth. Read and investigate your bible. That seems so easy, I do not understand how any one can call themselves a Christian and not have read/understood all the bible and its origins.
May 5, 2009 at 9:24 am
Marianne Lordi
I don’t understand where your derive the statement that I have not read/understood the bible and its origins? I have read and continue to read the bible as part of my daily life. I don’t understand everything( no one does) but each day, the Holy Spirit gives me greater understanding.
I also told you before, I don’t have the one true religion. I have a relationship with Jesus Christ. No where in his word does he tell us what religion to join. I go to a bible teaching church to hear the word. Not relgion.
Anyone can still go to youtube and see that video, I did not restrict it from people seeing it.(It is neither nice nor polite) It is still on youtube. But my blog is one that brings glory to God, I just didn’t want to put that blasphemy here. I am not intolerant of anyone. Because of the love of Christ that is in me, I just want to shine the light of truth. It is never my position to condemn anyone.
By the way, I don’t think I am going to heaven– I know I am through the blood of Christ!
May 5, 2009 at 6:10 pm
No Guy in the Sky
So you have made up your relationship with Jesus. You are worshiping a Burger King deity then. Are you sure your version, is the same, as the one that started it all? I doubt it. You know it is not the same then. Your version is obviously fiction. Your whole idea for Jesus came from the bible. Now you are arbitrarily cherry picking what you want to believe. That is not honest. Personal Burger King Deities number in the millions if not more. You have no chance going to heaven and not because there isn’t one. You have no chance because you made up your god. God is Jealous. Remember that….
Now you seem nice enough except for your typical bad habit of telling other they are going to burn in hell. Are you affraid to read my posts? They are short. The you can ask your bible study why Jesus wants us all to hate our fathers, and mothers in order to get to heaven. How that nice young beard man is coming back to slay the planet. Jesus believes adulterers should be killed. He thinks it better for men to mutilate them selves, by castration to get to heaven. And…avoid marriage. Really look those up, and ask why.
You never know, you might start thinking for your self. 😀
May 5, 2009 at 9:04 pm
Marianne Lordi
I do serve a jealous God. He created me for his glory and I am humbled that he chose to reveal his light to broken sinner that I am. Jesus doesn’t want us to hate our fathers and mothers. You don’t understand the context in which he is speaking. You must love him more than anyone or anything in this world. You cannot serve two masters. If I love my mother more than I do my Lord, than I have put her above God. My God is over all things in this world. Adulterers were stoned in the Old Testament because God was purifying for himself a nation of people from which he would leave the splendor of heaven to come and be born as a man. His sacrifice was necessary in order for all of us to be saved. And the castration, or putting your eye out comment is not meant to be done literally. Rather, he was saying that it was better to lose something in this world if it kept you from eternity with him in heaven. In heaven, we are all made whole in every way. So why would I let something perishable on this earth or on my own body be master of my soul. I choose to give all that I have to the One who gave me everything. The reward he has for us in heaven will far outweigh the pain I go through in this world.
Paul spoke to those who did not have a great desire to marry and said it would then be better to be single. But, if that is not your wish, than by all means marry! It was easier for Paul that he was not married to carry out the gospel of Christ to the nations. I am sure it was more difficult for Peter who had a family and wife. But never is there a charge to not marry!
You need to study the Scriptures better in the light of the times and customs for which they were written. I will be happy to answer any Scripture that you have a question on.
I can reason with you on God’s word, because I have a sound mind that can think. Your nonsensical remarks about Burger King deities shows that you do not think soundly. I personally know the true God that I serve. That is why I could never be led by deception you preach.
May 6, 2009 at 7:57 pm
Matthew
“One of the greatest weapons that the enemy uses against us is doubt”
Here’s another sad point of your religion. It preaches that those who do not believe the same ideologies as yourself are the enemy. Even to the point that you call yourself “mighty warriors in the army of god.” It’s an unpleasant fact that Christianity breeds contempt for your fellow man simply because of theological differences. While many people will disagree with you on your blog and others…none of these people would consider you an enemy. Simply someone who is blinded by her ideological passion for a bloody-thirsty god. I feel bad for you that you see the world in such a black and white manner. People can have differences of opinions and not be the enemy. But that’s how Christianity propogates itself and insulates it’s followers from examining the facts….because if you leave then all of a sudden YOU are the enemy.
May 6, 2009 at 10:11 pm
Marianne Lordi
Matthew, I don’t know what you are talking about. The enemy I was referring to is the enemy of the soul. Satan!! Just because someone disagrees with me I don’t consider them my enemy. I don’t know why you think that my passion for Jesus Christ is such a threat. My God is not a blood-thirsty god. My God loved this world that he created so much that he sent his only Son to suffer and die to pay the price for us to live with him in heaven. He did this knowing that most people would reject this gift of salvation. Who else do you know that would do that?
You can have your difference of opinion. Unfortunately, your belief will bring you nothing but seperation from God. You are not the enemy. You are only a pawn for the enemy. You just can’t see it.
May 7, 2009 at 3:23 pm
Matthew
” I don’t know why you think that my passion for Jesus Christ is such a threat.”
Ummm…I just spent a whole post (right above yours) describing how nonbelievers don’t see you as the enemy. Are you even reading what I am writing or are you just thinking of how to lash back?
So if I am not the enemy…perhaps you should explain what you mean by:
“You are only a pawn for the enemy.” If I am working for the enemy than obviously I am the enemy. That’s like saying that all the nazi soldiers were not the enemy, only Hitler. Rediculous reasoning.
“You just can’t see it.”
How condescending of you. You are the one who believes in imaginary creatures and have a belief system that is not based on any real evidence and you have the gall to say I’m blind? Nice….
May 7, 2009 at 3:46 pm
Marianne Lordi
Matt, I do read what you write. I am not trying to lash back, just reason with you. The bible says our fight is not against flesh and blood, but against spirits and principalities and the power of darkness. You are not the enemy, you are flesh and blood. Sadly though, you are being used by the enemy. I don’t mean to sound condescending so don’t take it as such.
You can’t compare Hitler and his soldiers to the real enemy of this earth. Hitler was flesh also. He willingly was used by the enemy in hell.
You are blind to the truth. I once was also. I will pray for you. Certainly our conversation isn’t going to do it.
May 8, 2009 at 7:20 am
Matthew
Booo…deleting my comment. I guess it’s a hard reality to know that you worship a blood thirsty god.
On a separate note. You know that I don’t believe in any gods…so why do you keep telling me that you will pray for me. It is very condescending. Does it make your prayer more effective? Why in the world would you announce it? If you want to do it…go for it, but theres no reason to tell me because I think its rediculous. To me you are only talking to yourself. Do you say it so that you look good in front of other christians? I just can’t figure this one out.
May 8, 2009 at 5:03 pm
Marianne Lordi
Matthew, I don’t care what I look like to anyone. I serve Jesus Christ alone. I am praying not only for you but for others like you who have bought into the lie of the enemy. It serves no purpose to try to reason with you. I am not going to let you blaspheme my beloved Savior on this site.
May 8, 2009 at 8:14 pm
Kate
Matthew, check this out: readthisbeforeyoudie.com
May 8, 2009 at 8:15 pm
Kate
Marianne, I will definately pray for him. It is very obvious that he is being deeply decieved by the prince of our world here on earth.
Matthew, this is for you: Matt I have read yours and my good friend Marianne’s conversation. I want you to know that I, Marianne, my family, and many others will be praying for you and others like yourself. Praying seems pointless and not valuable to you because you are being strongly decieved by satan. But us, me, Marianne, and other Christians consider praying a very important part of our relationship with God. A VERY important part. You can’t see that it’s important and that it does have a purpose because you have not excepted Jesus Christ as you Lord and Savior. Even though you have a strong obvious hatred for the ONE TRUE GOD, God loves you even then. HE will love you no matter how sinful you are and yes of course you are a sinning man because every human on this earth is, that is why Jesus died on the cross for us, so that we would be saved when we do sin.
Matthew, would you do me a favor and read the following? Please please just take like 2 or 3 minutes to read this:
Psalm 139
1: Oh LORD, YOU have searched me and YOU know me. 2: YOU know when I sit and when I rise; you percieve my thoughts from afar. 3: YOU discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. 4: Before a word is on my tongue LORD, YOU know it completely. 5: YOU hem me in-behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me. 6: Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. 7: Where can I go from your spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? 8: If I go up to the heavens, YOU are there, if I make my bed in the depths, YOU are there. 9: If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea 10 even there YOU hand will guide me….
that’s just a small part of the 2000 page love letter God wrote for YOU. and for everyone else.
What you just read, God is telling you that no matter where you are you, high up, down low, north south east and west, HE will be there. If someone is caught up in pornography, stealing, killing, even the worst, GOD IS WITH YOU and HE LOVES YOU no matter what you do. Not even complete regection and ignorance will keep him from loving you and wanting to be a part of you life. He should be the biggest part of you life. So if you dont want HIM, too bad, HE does want you, HE loves you so much that HE died for you, HE so desperately wants to be in you heart.
May 9, 2009 at 6:55 am
Matthew
Kate: That site you linked was pretty silly. Obviously I don’t believe in heaven or hell either.
“I want you to know that I, Marianne, my family, and many others will be praying for you and others like yourself.”
Great! Have a good time talking to yourselves. But my question still remains: Why do Christians announce this to atheists? It means NOTHING to us…its so silly.
“because you have not excepted Jesus Christ as you Lord and Savior”
Um…I guess you mean I havn’t ‘accepted’…
And you would be wrong. I did that when I was much younger and still a believer. So I know exactly what you are talking about. I just realized that it’s all a fairytale.
“you have a strong obvious hatred for the ONE TRUE GOD”
Please understand…I can’t hate something that doesn’t exist. That’s like saying I hate dragons or fairies or unicorns.
“read the following”
Kate I have read the bible and even had memorized entire chapters as a child…I know what it says. I just no longer believe it to be the inspired word of god. It’s meaningless as a guide to supernatural life.
Since we are quoting from Psalms…why don’t you go back only two psalms to read about what your god thinks you should do to children:
“Happy shall he be, that taketh and dasheth thy little ones against the stones.” — Psalm 137:9
May 9, 2009 at 11:14 am
Marianne Lordi
Matthew, The Psalmist is not referring to God as the one who will be happy to have children dashed against the stones. I have sent you a link on your email. You need to know the background and understand the context of what message the psalmist is making.
May 9, 2009 at 11:32 am
Kate
Here’s the answer to your question. Us Christians ‘announce’ to atheists about Christ because we know that our relationship with Christ is correct, we want you to know that you are taking a long, lonely path to hell. But, since you are too stubborn to listen to me, I fear that there’s nothing I can do to help you.
Oh, and by the way. The reason that you don’t get the scriptures correctly is that your reading what it says on the page. You have to study it, and sometimes think of deeper meanings.
I will still pray for you, but I’m done talking to you.
May 9, 2009 at 1:05 pm
Matthew
“we know that our relationship with Christ is correct”
Great! I’ve been looking for this information. How do you know? How do you know that your religion is right and all the other ones are wrong? What evidence do you have for a god?
“you are too stubborn to listen to me”
Actually, I think I am the open minded one between the two of us. I have actually examined both sides of this argument and am simply stating the reasons why I came to my conclusions. You have not done this yet…if you are interested in rational discussion, feel free to support the decision you have made. I will be happy to do the same in return.
“The reason that you don’t get the scriptures correctly is that your reading what it says on the page”
How silly of me! I took for granted that gods divine revelation would make sense when I read it. Silly me. You will have to teach me how to understand things that are different than what is written.
“I will still pray for you, but I’m done talking to you”
Classy! Full of christian bravado and intellectual dishonesty. If you really want to support your views and help nonbelievers understand where you are coming from you have to explain it…you can’t simply make declarations without evidence and then run away.
May 9, 2009 at 1:06 pm
Matthew
Thanks Marianne…I will take a look at the link.
May 9, 2009 at 5:13 pm
Kate
Okay, this is probably my last comment. The reason I have not presented evidence for my writing is that my relationship with Christ is a faith. My relationship with Christ is the only true faith. You want to know why I know that?! Because it’s a FAITH, if you look up the word faith, it means “a belief that is not based on proof”. Christians have an extremely strong faith in the Lord because of the Word, support from other Christians. If you still want proof, your not getting it.
May 9, 2009 at 5:26 pm
No Guy in the Sky
Kate -The sad thing is …you are the one who does not get, understand, comprehend anything. Faith in NOTHING = NOTHING! You believe in a made up god and have faith because millions of other ignorant fools also believe. Isn’t that just peachy.
Proof is in the pudding and the pudding says complete and total fabrication. Join the 21st Century! The truth is out there, and it does not include a magical sky daddy with omniscient powers playing sim earth with people. You have to be an idiot to think a being that powerful could possibly give a crap what you are doing. It seem seem more reasonable a being with those powers would be more interested in other beings of his species. To hook up with for some inter-galactic sex, also known as the Big Bang! 😀 Or doing something more in intelligent and commiserate with that much power.
May 9, 2009 at 7:21 pm
Matthew
“if you look up the word faith, it means “a belief that is not based on proof””
Exactly. I demand that my beliefs be based on evidence. I actually care if my beliefs are true or not. Since obviously the same is not true of mutual parties here…there is nothing else to say. Thank you for emphasizing my point for me.
May 12, 2009 at 4:21 pm
Marianne Lordi
Matthew, Exactly what part of your beliefs are based on absolute evidence? Evolution? Even science theorizes evolution but cannot prove it without doubt. I have read what various scientist say about evolution and really they have more than one theory on it. It has not been proven and it never will be. If you truly want the truth, be open to it. I am open to all things. Somehow the big bang theory oposes every sense of reason that I have. I had learned in science that matter can neither be created or destroyed, it can only be changed. So what “matter” that was uncreated suddenly from nothing started the bang that ended up with life, the earth and the planets? Go figure!
May 12, 2009 at 5:07 pm
No Guy in the Sky
Evolution is how we got here. The evidence is in the DNA, fossils etc. Evolution is how life works. After all you supposedly read, you would think you would understand that by now.
Your theory is the universe was made by jealous god who is worshiped by idiots that can not comprehend their own bible. Even if you do not like big bang, or string theory, or ….. that does not mean there is a god. Where is gods first cause? Really if you are going to talk out of your ass, then tell us a realistic theory. If you cant understand the universe, that does not mean there is a god. If you can not understand how your television works, dont worry god did it. Definitely not Sony did it. You can not live knowing this is all there is, so there must be a god. Ha. Get a grip. Jesus is a concept(flawed). He never was real. When you die. That is it. You will only carry on in the memories of those you know and met. Even me. Ya crazy Christian. Who does not even know her own bible.
You will like this. It is long, but riveting.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=397006836098752165&ei=eVQGSqv-J4HWrAL8v4WMBQ&q=lecture+series+bart+ehrman+
May 12, 2009 at 6:01 pm
Marianne Lordi
No Guy, you keep saying I don’t know my bible. What are you basing that on? Your same deceived thinking that says there is no God?
I was just wondering if you could lead me to the link which proves without a doubt that evoulution is true. A lot of real scientists would like to read about it also. Evolution is a theory that has not been proven. It is a theory!! SEventy million trillion stars all in position and all just happened. Surely you can’t believe that. Study up instead of trying to demean my knowledge of Scripture.
May 12, 2009 at 6:09 pm
No Guy in the Sky
http://christianpwnage101.blogspot.com/2008/10/scientific-law-vs-scientific-theory.html
May 12, 2009 at 6:26 pm
No Guy in the Sky
I just copied links, I didnt embed these. I am not sure why they showed up. You could check settings for your blog. It might be an option.
May 12, 2009 at 6:53 pm
Marianne Lordi
Your links don’t PROVE anything. They are just theories!! The link starts out with a note:
Nothing in the real world can be proved with absolute certainty
Believe what you will. You can’t see the forest for the trees!!
May 12, 2009 at 6:57 pm
No Guy in the Sky
Marianne – That is the claim. Now read the rest. Do not take the easy way out 🙂 Evolution is real.
May 12, 2009 at 6:58 pm
No Guy in the Sky
It is the argument you make. The rest shows why you are wrong. 🙂
May 12, 2009 at 7:13 pm
No Guy in the Sky
These two paragraphs are right from this link. http://www.talkorigins.org/faqs/evolution-fact.html
In the American vernacular, “theory” often means “imperfect fact”–part of a hierarchy of confidence running downhill from fact to theory to hypothesis to guess. Thus the power of the creationist argument: evolution is “only” a theory and intense debate now rages about many aspects of the theory. If evolution is worse than a fact, and scientists can’t even make up their minds about the theory, then what confidence can we have in it? Indeed, President Reagan echoed this argument before an evangelical group in Dallas when he said (in what I devoutly hope was campaign rhetoric): “Well, it is a theory. It is a scientific theory only, and it has in recent years been challenged in the world of science–that is, not believed in the scientific community to be as infallible as it once was.”
Well evolution is a theory. It is also a fact. And facts and theories are different things, not rungs in a hierarchy of increasing certainty. Facts are the world’s data. Theories are structures of ideas that explain and interpret facts. Facts don’t go away when scientists debate rival theories to explain them. Einstein’s theory of gravitation replaced Newton’s in this century, but apples didn’t suspend themselves in midair, pending the outcome. And humans evolved from ape-like ancestors whether they did so by Darwin’s proposed mechanism or by some other yet to be discovered.
It is like this. The theory of evolution, is correct. Scientists can change minor details as new things are discovered. That in no way implies it is not tested or true/factual. It is true. Their is nothing left out there that will change it so one day scientists go. Ya Marianne is right, there is a god and we do not know shit. Really read , learn then think. Spend some time asking nice questions at this site. Do not say anything about Jesus, or meet your maker crap. Just read, ask and learn. http://scienceblogs.com/pharyngula/
Your bible offers nothing, except the unhappy ending of the truth for you.
You can choose to be ignorant. That would be sad.
May 12, 2009 at 7:21 pm
No Guy in the Sky
Well I got your email. The whole no proof is stupid. You can not read. Think. Comprehend. Your are sad. I wish I could meet your maker. I would kick his ass. Really you will not invest any time in learning. That means you are not ignorant, but ……. stupid. Good luck with your whole happy ending thing. :))
You have a choice. Think or continue being stupid. As a person I hope you watch these. Even if you do not change you mind, you might learn something.
May 13, 2009 at 6:23 am
Matthew
The talkorigins.org website is a truly wonderful resource for really understanding evolution if you are interested in doing so Marianne. It baffles my mind when people claim it “to only be a theory.” It really shows their misunderstanding not only of the term, but of what science has been able to validate and justify. It’s the same as the theory of gravity…but you never question that one.
I think it just comes down to the fact that you have already made up your mind, a priori, on any subject that is related to your religion. Because of this: you only accept information that confirms your ideas and immediately dismiss any contradicting evidence. It’s such a shame because you don’t think for yourself. Hopefully at some point you will be able to crtitically examine information with an open mind and not through the blinders that you are currently using.
May 14, 2009 at 1:52 pm
seriouswhimsey
Matthew,
I am amazed – impressed – in a positive way, that you have accomplished memorizing entire chapters of the Bible. Not very many people have done this. Few even try! To have put in that much effort indicates that at one time it was important to you. I have no argument with you, whatsoever. I only want to tell you how truly sorry I am that you’ve been hurt by believing. It must have been very painful. Whatever it was, I am so sorry.
May 14, 2009 at 1:54 pm
seriouswhimsey
Marianne,
Your insightful comment on Larrywho’s blog brought me here. That was remarkable! Glad to discover your blog. Blessings.
May 14, 2009 at 2:45 pm
Marianne Lordi
Hi Grace, thank you for stopping by and for commenting. I checked out your blog and hope to be back. I love your thoughts!
May 15, 2009 at 6:14 am
Matthew
seriouswhimsely: I was never hurt by believing. I simply examined the evidence for the claims of christianity and they did not hold up. So no need to be sorry. I am a much happier person now. 🙂
May 15, 2009 at 11:46 am
Kate
…at least you think are…who knows! maybe you really are happier…when you die…then the happiness will leave you….
May 15, 2009 at 11:47 am
Kate
…if you live the way your living that is….
May 15, 2009 at 11:54 am
Kate
May I ask you a quite question Matt? Since you believe in the Big Bang theory, I’m guessing you have studied it since that is what you believe in…then can you tell me who made the molicules and atoms to actually cause the cosmic explosion. It must be something or someone, it’s not like they could just be there, so where did it come from Matt?! Now it’s time for YOU to give US some reasonable proof.
May 15, 2009 at 11:55 am
Kate
…Tell us Matthew!
May 15, 2009 at 12:37 pm
Matthew
Hey Kate…I’m more than happy to answer questions. But you realize you are not providing any evidence (no one has yet) of your god. If you are simply saying that you don’t know how it could have happened other than your specific god…that’s simply an argument from ignorance and is a logical fallacy.
In regards to the Big Bang theory…while I have read some about it, I would not say I have ‘studied’ it. But many people have dedicated their lives to researching these types of things, which you should read up on if you are really interested in learning about them.
But the issue is that you do not understand the meaning of the Big Bang theory. There is a common misconception that the Big Bang means that the universe “came from nothing.” It doesn’t. The theory speaks to the fact that prior to the beginning of the universe existing in the way we currently understand it, that there was a ‘singularity’ of space and time.
The history of the universe can be described in some detail back to the instant approximately 10^43 seconds after the big bang. What occurred in the first 10^43 seconds (the Planck epoch) is not known and difficult to theorize, due to interactions between the theories of gravitation and quantum mechanics. The answer to the question of what came before the Big Bang is simply “No one knows yet.”
But not knowing something (yet) doesn’t mean you can simply insert another mystery (like god). And even if you assert that a god had to do it…you have not furthered any evidence that it was YOUR god doing it. It could have been universe-creating-pixies, the flying spaghetti monster, or any other mythological creature you want to dream up. But if you want to seriously say that your god did it…provide some evidence. Or how do you know that it wasn’t a god who set it up and then just disappeared (deism)?
It all comes down to the point I continue to make. If you want to claim that a supernatural being did something….provide some evidence. Looking forward to it!
May 15, 2009 at 12:41 pm
Matthew
And this sentence:
“you believe in the Big Bang theory”
is not entirely accurate.
I don’t ‘believe in it’…I accept it as the prevailing cosmological theory describing the origin and evolution of our universe.
May 15, 2009 at 12:48 pm
Matthew
“when you die…then the happiness will leave you….”
Exactly…all feelings will leave me, because I will be dead. Hopefully I will make good fertilizer. There is no evidence that anything lives on after the brain ceases to funtion. That’s the end.
By the way…if you could simply make all your points at one time, I wouldn’t have to keep going back and realize that you had posted a few more words in another comment. I think I have covered them all now.
May 15, 2009 at 2:52 pm
No Guy in the Sky
Mathew – Nice Job!
Kate – Before you try and pin your hopes that your god made it all. Try proving Jesus even existed. Oh ya …intelligently. Let me give you a heads up. He is not referenced once during the time he lived. When all his supposed greatness and glory. Lets not forget the miracles. Oh ya …. and the whole 3 day nap, that gives us ham and Easter eggs. Show documentation he existed. First hand original accounts. Please.
PS – Your bible(ancient fiction)doesnt count. Those stories were fabricated after the events and still couldnt get the story straight.
May 16, 2009 at 11:09 pm
concernedx2
Marianne, my little sister in our Wonderful Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ; I am impressed with you. I knew that you are well read and possess an outstanding testimony, but I had no idea that you could stand your ground so well under such an onslought from Satan. I read every word of your post Marianne, and I agree with every word and I could see the evidence of Jesus throughout . But Marianne, you don’t have to prove anything to anyone concerning the reality of Jesus Christ. I also read every word of those comments regarding your post and I could see the evidence of Satan throughout. When Satan whines so loudly concerning the unevenness of the universal playing field, it removes all doubt “THAT GOD IS REAL, AND I CAN FEEL HIM IN MY SOUL, HALLELUJAH!!!!
Marianne, these fellows did such a great job of proving the existence of God that I don’t know if you and I are even needed anymore. However, I know my worth, I said I know my worth….and it ain’t much! As far as the reality of Heaven, if for no other reason at all, Jesus created Heaven just for me…not because of my worth, but because he loves me…imagine that! And just to put the frosting on the cake, he is going to surround me with people like Saint Peter, John, Brother Luke whom I adore, my wife, my sainted mother, oh yes, and Marianne! But then, he is going to protect me…and himself…from others who wouldn’t hear….by having a gulf fixed that they may not cross over; not because of my worth, but because he loves me, imagine that! But until then, I’ll breath his good air, I’ll feel his good rain upon my head, I’ll feel his arms about me, his Spirit within me, and I’ll know “THAT GOD IS REAL FOR I CAN FEEL HIM IN MY SOUL!!!!” HALLELUJAH!!!! WON’T IT BE WONDERFUL THERE!
May 16, 2009 at 11:18 pm
Marianne Lordi
Thank you concerned! You brightened my day because you just put it all in the proper perspective. I am saddened by those who are lost but my hope in the promises of Jesus Christ never fail me! Only those who have a relationship to our Lord will understand the truth of what you say.
May 17, 2009 at 6:55 am
Matthew
“such an onslought from Satan”
“When Satan whines so loudly concerning the unevenness of the universal playing field”
— Wait are you calling me Satan? That would be really funny. You honestly think that any motivation we have is from Satan? Such deluded thinking you guys have here. He’s an imaginary character too you know.
My favorite part of your logic is that if people make good arguments for not seeing evidence of something existing then that means it DOES exist. haha. That is the most backwards and self-justifying statement I have seen in a long time. It is for this very reason that christians cannot seem to examine their religion or ‘relationship’ because you put on your blinders and any contrary evidence you then claim strengthens your faith. So funny.
” I CAN FEEL HIM IN MY SOUL”
Really? Where is your soul? What does it feel like? Does he feel like a parasite? It must hurt because you’re yelling.
“these fellows did such a great job of proving the existence of God ”
Once again my favorite logic ever!!! If someone makes a good contrary reasoning against your case…it actually makes you believe more. That is so incredibly backwards that it makes me laugh.
May 17, 2009 at 6:59 am
Matthew
‘Only those who have a relationship to our Lord will understand the truth of what you ”
So only people who buy into all the irrationality of your religion ahead of time will believe what your religion spouts by it’s believers? Of course…but you do understand that if any of it made sense then it could actually speak to other people who don’t believe a prior.
But instead your christian friend talked about how we either are satan or are sent from satan and how she will be protected from us in heaven while we burn in hell forever. Feel the threats of eternal torture flowing! Good times!
May 17, 2009 at 7:38 am
No Guy in the Sky
Marianne – “Only those who have a relationship to our Lord will understand the truth of what you say.” With Christian translator on – “Only those with same delusion that life needs a meaning and want to live forever in clouds with a magical sugar daddy can believe this nonsense.”
concernedx2 – You should be more than 2 times concerned for your lack of thought you have put into your nothingness(faith). So you answer Marianne after my comment, and chose to just call me Satan. Instead of pin pointing any one document written by a historical figure that mentions Jesus. That was actually written while he was alive and not fabricated decades after. Oh and since these are all so significant documents, please make sure they are original. It seem you Christians like to change and rewrite things when monks/scribes copied pages by hand. The world has been waiting Capt. Concernx2 for 2 thousand years. You know why? Nope – I will tell you. Jesus was made up. He is 100% fictitious. A paraphrased, plagiarized deity. You have not had the common sense to investigate your own bible, you ignorant Satan Labeler!
May 17, 2009 at 7:43 am
concernedx2
Of course I’m calling you Satan! Do you think that I would not recognize you just because you’re using Matthew whom Jesus loves to spew your poison? But don’t you remember when Jesus turned to Peter and said to him, “GET THEE BEHIND ME SATAN; THOU ART AN OFFENCE UNTO ME?’ Jesus always recognizes you no matter who you use. I must hurry and get to church where I can lift my hands to Jesus in the congregation and lift my voice also to sing my testamony, “MY GOD IS REAL, FOR I CAN FEEL HIM IN MY SOUL!!!!! HELLELUJAH!!! Oh yes, I know you don’t feel it right now Matthew, but Jesus loves you.
May 17, 2009 at 7:52 am
No Guy in the Sky
Please by all means get to your institution of delusion. Tell them all how you convincingly won the argument by…..calling them Satan. Please ask the priest/preacher/pastor/pedophile/bishop/pope who is running the asylum if he knows of any original documentation.
Try arguing with facts …Satan Labeler!
May 17, 2009 at 8:28 am
Matthew
“Of course I’m calling you Satan! ”
Hahaha…you have made my day. That is so incredibly funny. What is life like where if someone disagree’s with you instead of having a rational and thoughtful discussion about the reasoning and evidence for your beliefs you instead call them the prince of darkness? This is the kind of irrationality that makes christians look even crazier.
May 17, 2009 at 1:37 pm
Marianne Lordi
Matthew & no guy: No one is calling you satan. Unfortunately you are too deceived to understand that. You both are pawns for satan. He is using you and concerned was talking to the demon who controls you. Oh go ahead and laugh but you are being controlled. Neither one of you gives a viable reason to prove there is no God, just that YOU can’t see him so YOU don’t believe in him. I will say it again, in the end, ONE of us will be proved right. If you are correct, I didn’t lose a thing. If I am correct, you will lose your soul to eternal death. How funny is that? Your not believing it doesn’t change a thing. You will find out too late that you will be laughing alone in torment for eternity. All for what? So that you can be big thinkers who know more than everyone else. Your discussion is neither rational nor thoughtful. You are using your time to blaspheme the God who will one day judge you. Concerned wasn’t threatening you with hell. He was warning you because despite your tirades, God loves you very much.
This discussion no longer needs to continue. No one is calling you Satan. No one is wishing hell upon you. You both will never see although Matthew, I do have some hope for you. Follow whatever theory you wish. In the END, the discussion will be over for you.
Wikipedia states that about 7.5% of people in the world are considered atheists. Guess you guys know something the rest of the world doesn’t.
May 17, 2009 at 2:00 pm
No Guy in the Sky
Marianne – You think you are the one not risking something, but the little gamble you are using is called Pascal’s wager. Did you know this? Do you know what the problem with Pascals wager is? Nope – I will tell you. Just like before, Pascal’s wager is only a wager if you pretend the deity you waste your entire life praying to….Here is the kicker. The right deity. Out of the millions of gods, produced on a yearly basis, your wager puts you in exactly the same position as me. Even if(there is not) there was a god, you would have the same chance of being right as winning the lottery. Not good odds, dear.
I would now remind you that judging on evidence, this is not a 50/50 wager. You being right would be closer to the odds of Mathew winning the Powerball Lottery every drawing for the next 50 years. My being right is closer to the odds of that never happening. Sorry Mathew, I know you really wanted to winning the Lottery every drawing for 50 years. Maybe you could settle for just once.
May 17, 2009 at 2:04 pm
Marianne Lordi
You say your being right is CLOSER to the odds of that never happening.
Are you telling me that you are risking eternity because of odds?? You just said you aren’t certain, just that the ODDS are in your favor! No guy, you are lost! You are willing to spend eternity in hell over the odds? There is nothing more to say. You act like I don’t know the true God that I serve. I do in a very real way. He has shown himself to me. Explain it to you? Like describing the color red to a man born blind. I can’t save you. Only Christ can. The choice is yours.
May 17, 2009 at 2:15 pm
No Guy in the Sky
Marianne – While I can not say proof positive that there is no higher power. Just like you can not. And Marianne you can not. I gave you odds so close to nothing, that you can see how little I would worry. I have told you before. I absolutely do not believe there is a god of any sort. Not even the little bit of odds I did supply you with.
I also showed you, you have NO WAY of knowing you are right.
Everything you know/feel/hope/wish is all in your head and a great big delusion invented to help your mind deal with this life. If you hear voices, please get help.
I am not risking anything. 😀
May 17, 2009 at 2:38 pm
Marianne Lordi
You’re not risking anything, you are risking EVERYTHING! And not for just 100 years, for ETERNITY!. By your own words, you are just betting the odds. What if the odds don’t come out as you expect? You would not understand if I told you how by God’s power my life was changed. You are way too blinded by the enemy. If you think you’re laughing, you ought to see the demon laughing who has you deceived. What demon? you say. The one that you will be with in hell.
Don’t worry about me hearing voices, worry about your eternity. It is there that you will see just how wrong your “odds” were. By the way, since there is a small percentage of real atheists in the world, why doesn’t everyone else understand those odds?
May 17, 2009 at 2:52 pm
No Guy in the Sky
Marianne – I am worried. Please tell your doctor about those voices.
Sorry there is no demon, no devil, no hell, no heaven, no god, no jesus, no holy ghost, no purgatory, no angels, no saints and there is no proof of any of that. Your are betting on a horse not even in the race.
I am not betting. There are no odds. Zip zero naddah. I am sorry to disappoint you.
I am going to lunch. Have a great day 🙂
May 17, 2009 at 3:01 pm
Anonymous
Marianne, when I made my original comment on your post, it was to compliment you on your proper handling of the situation. I had no idea that those two would return. I would like to say this though; I made no mention at all to anyone of the more than two thousand worshipers that attended church this morning concerning this discussion. I did pray for both of them and asked God to open their eyes, Iwould like for them to feel the same hope that we have.
As for the question, “what does a soul feel like?” God breathed his own breath into a lifeless creature that had been fashioned out of the dust of the earth and man became a living soul. It is because of this soul that mankind has dominion over all the rest of Gods creation. Having a soul feels like being in control. Our soul is all that we possess that will make it into Heaven; all other parts of our being is unworthy of abiding in the presence of Jesus. Having a soul feels like having hope beyond the grave. Having a soul is liken unto preparing a chamber within an empty house as sleeping quarters for the God of the universe to abide in while on this earthly mission, it feels complete. Having a soul and caring for that soul is what makes motherhood, fatherhood, and good neighbors, it’s like an everlasting embrace or a never ending first kiss; it is God himself in a wrapper of human skin. To have an empty soul is tragic.
And now for Gods love and to question that love. I made preparations forty six years ago to meet Jesus and I’m still ready today. It isn’t out of concern for me nor even you, Marianne, that Jesus hasn’t made his return; he could have come years ago without changing the place of his church in eternity. So you see, it isn’t for the sake of the church that Jesus is Deity in waiting. It is because Jesus loves people like Matthew and that other fellow that the world is still standing, FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD.
Thank you Marianne and forgive me for imposing upon your wishes to quit this post. I thought it important to your readers.
May 17, 2009 at 3:25 pm
Marianne Lordi
Concerned: I am so grateful that you made your comments on this site. Not for these guys but for those who may be reading what they say. You and I know that God is real and that he will have a day of judgment. There will always be the lost and those who deny God but that will only bring judgment upon them. God so loved the world! Imagine that Christ came to suffer and die knowing that most would reject him! Hard to fathom the ways of God. We can’t save those blinded by a lie from the enemy, we can just pray. I appreciate any words you have to offer as I value your knowledge and wisdom. I knew that the evil one would direct these guys to write against me. I thank you for stepping forward with your testimony.
But as I said before, only those who know Christ will understand the truth of what you say. Thank you again for your encouragement.
May 17, 2009 at 4:36 pm
Matthew
“Matthew & no guy: No one is calling you satan.”
Seriously Marianne??? Let me direct you to this quote from concernedx2:
““Of course I’m calling you Satan! ””
It’s amazing that you can read and believe whatever you want despite what things people actually say. Your ability to distort the truth it truly amazing.
“pawns for satan.”
Wow…I’m being controlled by something that I don’t even believe to exist. NOW that’s powerful. Shouldn’t I hear his voice or have some way of knowing how to serve him (which I don’t serve any supernatural being) if this was true?
“If you are correct, I didn’t lose a thing. If I am correct, you will lose your soul to eternal death”
Pascal’s Wager is SUCH a weak argument that I’m not going to even write more about it. No guy did a good job on it…but you still have not furthered the evidence for YOUR god being the one to bet on. And just to be frank…if I was to believe in a god just because I was afraid of the alternative…that’s a pretty weak faith system.
“You will find out too late that you will be laughing alone in torment for eternity”
Once again…LOVE the threat of eternal torture. Really makes me want to sign up for your religion right away (/sarcasm)
“Your discussion is neither rational nor thoughtful.”
Actually it’s both. We have supported everything we have said. You on the other hand have not done this at all.
“Wikipedia states that about 7.5% of people in the world are considered atheists.”
Actually the stats I found on wikipedia are as follows: Today, about 2.3% of the world’s population describes itself as atheist, while a further 11.9% is described as nontheist. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atheist) —See how I actually cite my source…try it…it’s fun! So if 14.2% are unbelievers of any kind and the world population is about 7 billion…then there are around 994,000,000 nonbelievers (almost a billion). Were you trying to make a point that we are just a small minority? How many people are in your specific denomination of Christianity? Proabably not a billion.
“He has shown himself to me.”
Really? Care to share how? Is this verifiable and objective? If so…that could be some evidence to share.
“What demon? you say. The one that you will be with in hell.”
More threats…yawn.
“By the way, since there is a small percentage of real atheists in the world, why doesn’t everyone else understand those odds?”
Nice try…see my above comment.
“Imagine that Christ came to suffer and die knowing that most would reject him!”
So why again did your god set up a system where he had to sacrifice himself to himself in order to appease himself? He couldn’t just forgive sin in the first place? That seems awfully shortsighted.
“Having a soul feels like being in control.”
How do you know this? Where did you get this information?
“Having a soul feels like having hope beyond the grave.”
Ahhh..now your getting closer to it. Because you want to have hope that you live forever…you have given this a name. Now that makes sense. But it still doesn’t provide any evidence of said soul.
“Having a soul and caring for that soul is what makes motherhood, fatherhood, and good neighbors”
Yeah…we can do all those things without a soul.
“it’s like an everlasting embrace or a never ending first kiss”
That sounds torturous. You really think that those are things you would like to do FOREVER? So silly.
“it is God himself in a wrapper of human skin”
Thats creepy. Are you saying that everything under your skin is your soul? I’m just picturing your god wearing a bunch of skin suits now.
Through all these vague and ambiguous definitions of a soul you have not provided me with anything that I could verifiable understand. You have made alot of pretty sounding (for the most part) phrases that make you feel good, but you have not demonstrated what a soul is.
May 17, 2009 at 6:37 pm
concernedx2
Matthew, What are you doing here tormenting a God fearing woman on her own web site when there are thousands of other sites that welcome your opinion, and that is all that it is? As for my statement of having a soul feels like being in control; that is why the dog lies at my feet and not that I should lie at the dogs foot, or why a horse responds to the bit in his mouth, or a falcon returns to the masters arm. Is all this that complicated? And Matthew, I’m talking to you; you have been quoting every statement that has came forth like a wittless songbird. Quoting Holy Scripture is a habit of Satan that he has used since time began and he even tried it on Jesus.
As for history, Cyrus was called by name by Almighty God in Scripture, centuries before he was born. There has never been a birth more acurately foretold than the birth of Jesus Christ. Alexander the Great was prophesied in the book of Daniel long before he was born, and his type of death foretold.
And Sonny Boy, know this; Marianne and I were warned about you and this stupid conversation that you are yapping about like a senseless pup two thousand years ago. Do you want to know why we are not sucked into your erroneous tripe concerning science? Being you’re so well versed in the Bible, you already know that the Apostle Paul advised Timothy in First Timothy, chapter six, verse number twenty, “O TIMOTHY, KEEP THAT WHICH IS COMMITTED TO THY TRUST, AVOIDING PROFANE AND VAIN BABBLINGS, AND OPPOSITIONS OF SCIENCE FALSELY SO CALLED:” Now try that on, you babbler!
You want some more evidence Sonny Boy? Do you know why this lovely Christian lady suffers your insolence so quietly? Because in the Book of Second Corinthians, chapter five, verse number fourteen, she is responding to devine instruction. “FOR THE LOVE OF CHRIST CONSTRAINETH US; BECAUSE WE THUS JUDGE, THAT IF ONE DIED FOR ALL, THEN WERE ALL DEAD.” You probably alreadt know this Sonny Boy, but Paul was referring to a ship tied at harbor with those huge mooring lines attached to the dock post, keeping it from moving at all. That is why Marianne suffers you as she does!
Oh yeah, Sonny Boy, Don’t worry yourself about me telling anyone about this conversation between you and me… it’s unremarkable! Try this though; tell me one chapter in the…no, no, one verse in the Bible written by the hand of Jesus, just one, come on, Sonny Boy, name it and admit that he is indeed your creator! Can’t do, can you? Now know this; every last word in this precious book is inspired of Almighty God, however, it was written by the hand of man. But you don’t question the existence of Matthew, Mark, Luke, nor John; you attack Jesus Christ not because you doubt his existence, but because you’re scared to death of him. Oh, incidently, that fear you have of the darkness; try memorizing the location of each thing in your bedroom before turning the light out. Those things observed in the light are the only things to be found in the darkness.
I visited this site to read the posts provided by Marianne for those seeking the Lord to find you here. I’m weary of you now; I plead the inocent blood of the Lamb of God against you; I bind you in the name of Jesus and command you go!
May 17, 2009 at 7:51 pm
No Guy in the Sky
Concernx2 – Wow you are quite the little snot nosed bully, without might of words to back up what your fingers type. You come here with no knowledge, hiding like a girl behind scriptures because you like all Christians are unable to put forth adequate evidence. Just ……… faith. Simple nothing , backed by nothing faith. Science is not your thing…cool. If Jesus was this walking omniscient god, how come there absolutely NO written documents from that time to show that? None…Zip…Zero…Nad dah! So please hide some more knowing every thing in your bible is completely fabricated. Even hand selected. lol
Marianne is in no need of your hapless defense. She can talk mindless babble with the best of them. She ignores facts better than the best. She is willing not to know a damn thing to her grave. She can sweep aside legitimate questions, and come back with a “Believe what you will. You can’t see the forest for the trees!!” or “You are a sad, deceived man. I pray that God will have mercy on you.” She is a true deluded believer. Unmoved. You probably need more help than her. 🙂 lol
So you know, she was evangelizing the word of Jesus at another website. She brought us here.
Calling someone Sonny Boy is condescending. I think I would prefer jerk, ass etc. Sonny Boy might make me an angry typer. lol
May 17, 2009 at 8:59 pm
Marianne Lordi
Matthew, first of all Concerned was NOT calling you Satan. Please read his message again. He is speaking to the spirit that is controlling YOU! When you speak, you are a puppet for the demon who is using you to speak against us. It does not matter if you think it is true. You are a pawn whether you believe it or not. In fact it is better for the demon to make you work for him when you speak of not believing in him! You could not be more foolish.
As far as your statistics go on atheism, there are 2.3% that are admitted atheist. The nontheist consist of agnosticts and skeptics. They don’t consider themselves atheists and you shouldn’t either. So even 5% of not quite 7 billion people comes to 350,000,000.00 not close to a billion as you stated! So I still wonder what you guys know that most people don’t.
You said that I have not provided you with anything that you understand!
No kidding! You are blinded to the truth and to understanding. But as I told you before, in the end, one of us will be proven right. You still have not told me what you are going to do when you face the God you deny?
Saying that it is not going to happen is not an answer.
No guy: You went from telling me that the odds were low that there was a God to there are no odds at all, zip, zero, naddah!! Which answer is it? Low odds? No odds? You keep changing your story to help your claim. Sadly, the real odds are that you will be destroyed.
There is no more to discuss on this site. I understand your view quite well and I am sure that you know the way I believe. I don’t want you attack my fellow believers anymore. I have pleaded my cause, tried to reason with you( which of course you deny ) and you just attack me. This site is supposed to give glory to Christ. You have condemned yourselves with your own words. There is nothing more I can say. May Christ have mercy on you.
May 18, 2009 at 9:54 am
Matthew
Very intellectually dishonest author!!!!!! I did not attack or use harsh language…why would you censor me!
May 18, 2009 at 10:04 am
No Guy in the Sky
I saw nothing that should have caused concern concern. I am sure he can not believe facts like you. Very motherly of you to protect him from the intelligent atheists. We are so horrible, ruthless, and down right nasty! We are the oppressed ones here and in our country. Funny. We are supposed to have freedom from religion, but all we get is beat over the head with it. Religion is every where. Almost every small town has 6 churches. We can not express our views in work place with out being ostracized. God Loves and Jesus saves is every where. We have to go to court to put up anything stating the contrary. Only on the internet are we on equal ground. As soon as you seen that, you will realize your faith does not stand up at all with out protection.
Those are my thought concerning the censorship of Mathew.
May 18, 2009 at 9:21 pm
No Guy in the Sky
Kate – Get a clue. You can not pit blind faith vs knowledge and expect to win. So unless you are picking a fight. You should ssh. I will leave it at that for Marianne.
May 21, 2009 at 2:25 pm
jferreira74
Marianne, it’s been a while. I am so glad that you are standing so strong for what is true. I understand that you want to reason with people. But, there is no reasoning with someone who’s heart is hardened. Only prayer can reach them. I will pray for all the people who have commented on this post. It saddens me that things go like this. Our faith is based on love. But if we do not think the way others do, we are considered hateful. Blessings to you and love in Christ Jesus.
May 21, 2009 at 3:40 pm
Marianne Lordi
jferreira: I know that I cannot save anyone. I do try reasoning from God’s word but when you have those who say there isn’t a God, I guess there is no way to reason. There is no sense in arguing. No one wins. Jesus never argued. In the end, only God knows who will come.
Thank you for stopping by again. I appreciate your wisdom.
May 27, 2009 at 9:40 pm
Al
You commented on our blog once – “Thank You for your kind words.”
In this article – you said, “Jesus finished the work of salvation and he is alive and intercedes for us every day.”
WOW!
Recently, I happened upon this idea – before I read your blog – and although it shouldn’t have been as startling to me as it was – nevertheless – IT WAS! Once we get this central idea of relationship with Jesus – so much will line up.
… Believe that the life we live – we live because of the work of the Son of God is done. Our simple response (yea right)… trust in what Jesus has already accomplished on our behalf. I wonder… Why we think this is something we have to work up. As if our feeble effort to do anything more than what we hear God direct us to do will accomplish anything!
But by “Deciding” to believe and trust in Christ’s finished work, I’ve found it amazing how God will divinely direct things to occur on our behalf for His glory!
Blessing! Al
May 27, 2009 at 10:27 pm
Marianne Lordi
Hi Al, thanks for stopping by. I believe I commented more than once over on your site. Hope it is all going well.
I agree so much with what you said. Why do we think that we have to add something to the finished work of Christ?? It is hard at times to believe Christ is all we need especially when the storms of life hit us. But the truth is that those storms can’t do anything other that what Christ intended for them to do. He knew what we would face and he knew how to use it all for our good. No on can fathom the workings of God. We can only trust that he is all that we need and that he is bigger than anything that comes against us. Once we have that truth settled, there is nothing that God cannot do through us for his kingdom.
Bless you and the crew!
May 27, 2009 at 10:41 pm
concernedx2
Marianne, I have returned to this post, not to comment to the comment section, but to comment on the content of the post itself; I am duty bound to do so. I know what it’s like to empty oneself of all pre-existing train of thought that you might have an open channel with Gods Holy Spirit. I know what it’s like to revise a sentence or paragraph over again and again until the Spirit whispers, “now you have it right.” It is evident that you’ve spent much time with Jesus to put forth the message contained in the words of this post.
The Ministry of Jesus Christ belongs to no one other than Jesus and is only on loan from Jesus to the minister, that the message might reach those who are hurting. It is always a joy to stand shoulder to shoulder with a Soldier of the Cross; one who is willing to suffer abuse on a personal level, but will fight to the death to defend the ministry; you have done well! I hope that anyone visiting this post from this moment on will return to see and hear the message that Jesus has for them through your writings. It has been helpful to me!
Your friend and fellow laborer in Christ’s Service,
Rev. B. G. York
May 27, 2009 at 11:00 pm
Marianne Lordi
I really appreciate and I am humbled your words, Rev. York! Thank you.
You are so right when you say that we must empty ourselves of our own thoughts in order that we may allow the power of the Holy Spirit to bring forth his message. It is a joy and a blessing to do this work. I take my writing very seriously and pray that I listen carefully to what God would have me say. May I never darken God’s counsel with words without knowledge!! (Job 38:2)
The great messages you write always give me insight into the deep areas of God’s word. I pray that he continues to give you the wisdom and knowledge to continue to illuminate the truth in a way that brings it to life! You are a real blessing!
May 27, 2009 at 11:31 pm
A Very Short Work « Grace County
[…] TRUSTING GODS POWER by Marianne Lordi (This contains a very lively comment section) […]
May 28, 2009 at 11:09 am
concernedx2
Marianne, I am really enjoying a moment here at this computer that causes me to laugh out loud even though I am alone in the house. Not five minutes before I checked this site, I was reading from Job, chapter thirty eight. You have answered every question in this comment section with your quote. God was scolding Job for his behaivor and in verse number three, he says, “GIRD UP NOW THY LOINS LIKE A MAN; FOR I WILL DEMAND OF THEE, AND ANSWER THOU ME.” To paraphrase the scripture, he is telling Job to quit his crying and start acting like an adult. He goes on to tell Job, “Instead of worrying about where I was at, why don’t you try telling me where you were when all of this was happening.” Don’t you love it?
I don’t know that I have ever before been called “quite the little snot nosed bully,” but it brings laughter each time I think about it. That is the reason that I signed out as I did, please don’t think of me as arrogant. The Apostle Paul responded in like manner to an accusation in the tenth chapter of Second Corinthians, verses number eight through eleven, “FOR THOUGH I SHOULD BOAST SOMEWHAT MORE OF OUR AUTHORITY, WHICH THE LORD HATH GIVEN US FOR EDIFICATION, AND NOT FOR YOUR DESTRUCTION, I SHOULD NOT BE ASHAMED: THAT I MAY NOT SEEM AS IF I WOULD TERRIFY YOU BY LETTERS. FOR HIS LETTERS , SAY THEY, ARE WEIGHTY AND POWERFUL; BUT HIS BODILY PRESENCE IS WEAK, AND HIS SPEECH CONTEMPTIBLE. LET SUCH AN ONE THINK THIS, THAT, SUCH AS WE ARE IN WORD BY LETTERS WHEN WE ARE ABSENT, SUCH WILL WE BE ALSO IN DEED WHEN WE ARE PRESENT.”
It is true that I am twice Ordained a Bishop, once in the Church of God, and once with the Baptist…and yes, I am equally proud of both Denominations. I am disapointed that there should exist a Denominational partition in the one church that Jesus purchased with his own blood, however, it isn’t there fro me, as I think the same for you.
Respectfully,
Bill
May 28, 2009 at 12:42 pm
Rachel
Marianne,
I read through most of the conversation that took place. I commend you for being a light throughout it all. My thought is if they weren’t seeking deep down for something they wouldn’t have taken the time. Sometimes our souls know our need but your minds won’t acknowledge it. You never know what seeds were planted.
Rachel
May 28, 2009 at 1:07 pm
Marianne Lordi
I believe that your position as Bishop was from God and not man, Rev. York. While I consider you a friend, I fully acknowlege God’s calling in your life. You may not be practicing as an ordained minister at the moment but your call to teach the word is irrevocable. He is guiding you in the work that you do for him. That is why your messages always compel me to seek more of him. Bless you for that.
I give no thought to denonminations and religion. I speak Christ crucified and salvation through him alone. Just give me the Word! That is all that matters.
May 28, 2009 at 1:16 pm
Marianne Lordi
Hi Rachel!
I always value your advice. I know that the comments here went on and maybe I went a little overboard. The truth is that I do care for these guys that profess to be atheists. I know they don’t understand my reasoning and God’s own word tells us that they won’t. I still wanted to reason somewhat but they just felt that I was dodging their questions and I felt that they were doing the same. I can’t open the eyes of anyone who is lost. Only the Spirit of God can do that. I just didn’t want it to get mean spirited and maybe that is where it was heading. I took into account all that they said. They think that I made up my God because they don’t see him. How do we explain that the knowledge we have of God far surpasses that of plain sight? We can’t. Only God can change a heart.
Thanks again, Rachel, for stopping by. It is always a pleasure!
May 31, 2009 at 10:37 am
zet
Thank you for your beautiful writing. It is uplifting and brings healing. May God continue to bless you … you have reached a worried soul. God is enough and I claim for His blessings, promise and answer to my prayers.
June 1, 2009 at 5:27 pm
Marianne Lordi
Hi Zet, Thanks for stopping by and for your encouragement. I have lifted you up in prayer. There is no need to be worried when we serve a God who can and will take us through every storm. Take your strength and be in his peace. The love of Christ will never fail you. It doesn’t matter how long it seems you are waiting, he will never be late. I am so glad to that you are claiming what is rightfully yours… hope and a promise of a future with promise. Stay strong. God will always be enough!!
June 1, 2009 at 9:06 pm
zet
Yes, my storm comes threatening almost everyday – the financial burden is so huge for me that I only depends on God’s mercy and salvation. As of this writing I am pressed by the time – I wanted to comply within hours my obligation and I have only a seed of faith and a marvelous, merciful, generous, forgiving, loving the ever Almighty God. I claim now for his timely help and ease me out of my financial worry so that I can continue to serve Him. May He provide me with strength and resources so that I can serve those whom He assigned to me. I really need Our Merciful God’s compassion and I humble myself to ask for more prayers.
June 1, 2009 at 9:28 pm
Marianne Lordi
My heart is with you, Zet. I want you to know that I will commit to keep you in prayer until God breaks through with the victory. It is hard when impossible situations are staring us in the face. It is a struggle when our world is crumbling and it looks like we are going to be destroyed. I know it is difficult for you right now. But I also know that if you keep your eyes on Christ and trust him no matter how impossible your situation is, he will make a way where there is none. Remember, Peter had an impossible situation when he got out of the boat to walk on the water toward Christ. It was not the wind and the waves that made Peter start to sink. It was his fear! He took his eyes off of the Master over all and made the wind and the waves bigger than his God! Don’t ever give in to the enemy. You will not be destroyed. You will come through this trial and be made stronger for having endured it. Hold on! The timing of your victory is in his hands. When you don’t understand, just believe.
I am praying for you. You are not alone!
June 2, 2009 at 6:30 pm
brother malachi
Greetings Marianne, it seems that your post on ‘trusting God’s power’ has stirred up quite a fury on God’s Promises are Real.
This verbal opposition should not surprise us if we consider the Apostle Paul’s admonishment to the elders at the church in Ephesus (Acts 20).
“Know this that after my departure shall grievous wolves inter in not sparing the flock.”
Truth is always opposed with the voice of error. Just remember error has no power against truth so all it can do is cast seeds of doubt.
He commended them to the God and to the word of His grace which was able to build them up…. it is a firm foundation when the voice of ignorance is blowing winds of doubt.
I was studying in 2 Kings 19 where the king of Assyria had encamped against Jeruslaem. The people of God were no match for the mighty nation of Assyria. Rab-shakeh had been sent to cry against the people of God. The only thing he had was seeds of doubt.
King Hezekiah sent his spiritual counselors to the prophet of God to petition God’s intervention. God did.
I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD [is] thy keeper: the LORD [is] thy shade upon thy right hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore. Psalm 121
Oh my, how great is our God. A foundation we can trust in when there is no seeming deliverance.
Look for the blast sister.
Peace in Yeshua
brother malachi
June 2, 2009 at 10:58 pm
Marianne Lordi
Peace to you brother malachi! You have pointed out some really great scriptures that show us that Christ was aware of what we would have to endure as the days grow short. He is a foundation that we can trust and he knows how to take us through the darkness.
As the enemy uses the lost to cast seeds of doubt all around us, we have the Seed of Abraham who lives in us and is our perfect strength! We have no reason to fear because we belong to the King and Ruler of this universe. Stand firm to the end because He is coming soon!
Bless you Brother Malachi. The truth you write about on your site is filled with power and I am grateful for your teachings.
June 4, 2009 at 4:27 pm
absolutegrace
I’m a late-comer to this post, but wish to thank you for sharing and ministering Love and grace to any and all who commented.
Would it be alright to quote a short bit from your post, and provide the ping/trackback to your site? Your thoughts would bring encouragement and insight to several I know going through some tough times…
Thanks and blessings, Linda
June 4, 2009 at 4:54 pm
Marianne Lordi
Hi Linda, Your writing is a blessing to me. I welcome you to share whatever articles of mine that you think would help others. I know that the inspiration in my writing is from God as I am sure is the same for you.
Thank you for your encouragement!
June 5, 2009 at 10:16 pm
mikebuckley
Well, my friend Marianne, you have proven yourself a loving warrior. Keep up the good work. You know, every day, the Holy Spirit uses these posts and comments to open the spiritual eyes of people like No Guy as only He can. Bless you sister. ~ Mike
June 5, 2009 at 10:57 pm
Marianne Lordi
Hi Mike,
Glad you stopped by. Unfortunately No Guy and Matthew didn’t think I reasoned the truth to them. I know only God can open their eyes and I still pray that he does. I always give thanks that God revealed his truth to a fool like me.
Bless you Mike.
June 8, 2009 at 6:45 pm
Kate
Hey Marianne,
I think I learned a good leason from having this conversation with No Guy and Matthew, that even though we want to turn their life around and set them straight, it’s going to pollute our Christian spirits if we argue with people like them. So even though we want to help, we have to just leave their souls in God’s hands. He will decide.
Kate
June 8, 2009 at 11:24 pm
Marianne Lordi
Hi kate, you just have to remember that only God can unveil their eyes. We can reason with them but truth must be revealed by the Holy Spirit not us. I care for those guys. It breaks my heart but I have done all that I could do. Take care.
June 10, 2009 at 9:26 pm
americanconservative01
Hi Marianne,
Thank you for your encouraging comments. I pray that God will continue to strengthen me in the spirit and that He may speak through us in our blogs.
About your post: I think that as you say, unless we rely entirely on Christ, recognizing that He is enough, we cannot overcome Satan’s weapons. A pastor called David Jeremiah’s been doing a series on Spiritual Warfare, based on Ephesians 6 (http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/Turning_Point/archives.asp?bcd=2009-6-8) and this particular episode had some really interesting things to say.
In spiritual warfare we need to understand that Satan’s ability to attack us with doubts lies in our sin. He holds the sin against us to weaken us, our testimony, and even sometimes make us doubt our salvation! A pew research poll apparently said that the most common reason why Christians don’t witness is because they feel guilty about their sin! This is why we must continually confess to Christ and continually rely on Him to make us righteous through the work of the Holy Spirit, if we are to overcome Satan’s weapons. If you have time, check out the link – David Jeremiah describes it really beautifully!
Thanks for this encouraging post on how Jesus is enough, for all of us. Please, feel free to check out my blog – I have two new posts on God’s mercy.
God bless.
June 10, 2009 at 10:13 pm
Marianne Lordi
Thanks for stopping by and for your comment. I never thought of how Satan’s ability to attack us with doubts lies in our sin but that is so true. It is hard for the enemy to weaken us with doubt when we are walking in the light. The times when we are compromising the truth make us much more vulnerable to the deceiving ways of the evil one.
I checked out your last two posts on God’s mercy and it really opened my eyes to a greater truth on his love. David Jeremiah is one of my favorite authors and I will check out his link. I will be back to visit your site.
June 11, 2009 at 7:48 am
ransom33
Dear Marianne,
I just wanted to encourage you in your witness of Christ’s love through your blog.
I see that you have not written anything since your post of May the 4th and quite frankly, I do understand that the fight you put up in the comment section is nothing short of the mightiest of spiritual battles. I have experienced something similar through my own blog and I know that when you come out of a battle like that, your self-steem can be affected as well as your confidence and the energy to continue to write, but you must know as someone else pointed out in another comment, that there are those who are stubborn, proud and others who are completely blind and cannot see anything else beyond their immediate reality. We cannot force anyone to believe what we believe. Only the power of the Holy Spirit can turn a heart of stone into a heart of flesh, so do not be disheartened by the negativity coming through some of the comments, and know this is all fantastic training for your ability to destroy principalities and powers in the spiritual realm. There is a purpose to it all.
Be blessed and I look forward to your next post.
With love,
ransom33
June 11, 2009 at 12:17 pm
Marianne Lordi
Thank you, ransom33, for your kind words and encouragment. Sometimes I do grow weary in the battle but I never forget that my God is with me. He is giving me a word right now to write. I appreciate that you care. It never fails to amaze me how God puts his people in my path when I need them.
July 15, 2013 at 12:26 pm
Ashish
I do nothing work right in my life
September 21, 2013 at 10:28 pm
clara
Let’s all trust without any doubts
October 14, 2013 at 8:53 pm
Elizabeth
please ask God to free me from financialAL debt
October 15, 2013 at 10:36 pm
Pat
Hello Marianne,what a timely repost!! We are all going through one thing or another,thank God he is taking us through.
October 15, 2013 at 10:36 pm
Pat
Reblogged this on Good Devotionals.
October 15, 2013 at 11:25 pm
Pat
Thanks Marianne I did so need this very good encouragement!
Love you 🙂
October 15, 2013 at 11:50 pm
Marianne Bernard
Hi Pat, thank you for taking the time to comment. You are someone I greatly admire and respect. You are right that we are all going through some kind of trial especially if you are a believer. The testing of our faith will prove to be worth more than gold or silver. For that reason, we keep our eyes on our sovereign God who holds all of the details of our life in his hands.
God bless you, my dear sister!
October 19, 2015 at 1:05 pm
rich
I think it’s great that you keep a blog and I want to encourage you. However, this posts is somewhat unscriptural. For me, the bible is God’s final word! Anything that comes from anywhere other than God’s word is suspect and unnecessary as all we need for salvation and life is contained within His word… right?! For example, 70 million trillion stars and calls them out by name each night… ummm I wouldn’t like to be controversial but is this true? Does God actually call out the names of all the stars every night and if so where did you discover this information? Again, I don’t want to upset you but I want to encourage you to be 100% perfectly accurate with every word you make concerning the Lord and what He has actually said via the word we have.
It’s actually impossible for God to fail anything or anyone ever… however, he does not promise a smooth ride through life. Look at what happened to Jesus’ apostles… they were stoned, beaten, beheaded, hung on crosses.
2 timothy 3:11-13.persecutions, and sufferings, such as happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium and at Lystra; what persecutions I endured, and out of them all the Lord rescued me! 12Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. 13But evil men and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived
12… ALL WHO DESIRE TO LIVE GODLY IN CHRIST JESUS WILL BE PERSECUTED!!! (not maybe, possibly or might be… WILL BE).
John 15:20
Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also.
2 Corinthians 4:9
persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.
Mathew 24:9 – Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake.
So, please dear brothers and sisters, trust in the Lord with all your heart. Don’t let the goings on of this life suggest that God is not with you at the same time we should think of God as having a sole purpose of making our lives easy, pleasant and free of hardships.
Stay strong all. The end could be within our lifetimes and we who endure will see the Lord return and we’ll go to be with Him for eternity. This is truly awesome 🙂
October 19, 2015 at 4:26 pm
Marianne Bernard
Rich, I will answer all of your questions as soon as I get some time but first let’s answer youR question about the stars and God knowing them all and calling them out by name: KJV Psalm 147:4 He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by their names. There are more stars then we could ever count but God can do ALL things. If he has all the hairs on your head numbered,as he does for everyone, that would seem to be harder than counting stars yet God KNOWS all the number of hairs on your head at any given time.
I don’t want to discourage anyone from asking me questions but I assure you that all that I say comes from God’s word! You should not be making accusations about anything being unbiblical until you FIRST checked it out which is easy to do. I will answer the rest of your questions soon.
October 19, 2015 at 5:48 pm
Marianne Bernard
And now, Rich, the second part of your comment stated that God does not promise us a smooth ride in this life. I agree. There is nothing in any of my articles on this site where I ever say that you are guaranteed an easy life as a Christian. In fact I say the opposite. We will suffer for Christ. I have no idea what you were reading in my article to make such a judgment but show me what I said that made you make that comment. You sound like a nice guy but I do think you need to go back and read the article again. All I ever state is that God is with you in every trial you face, which he is, and that he has a plan to take you through them according to his plan.Things might not work out like you want them to, but if you are in Christ, they will work out according to his plan for your good.(Romans 8″28) And remember,in all things, we are more than conquerors through Christ.