We already know that there are various versions and in various languages, for various reasons.
Hence, this thread is meant only for the christian to express his/her views.

There are several translations and versions of the bible. KJV, NKJV, Amplified, NASB, NIV, NLB. etc

Which Bible translation do you prefer to use and why?

TV01,
One would suppose that the present day church structure, which mirrors the vatican structure in some respects is born out of imitation of the example set forth by Christ himself.

-Christ is the head of the body. The 'sole authority pastor' if you may.
-He had Peter, James and John as the 'elders, pastors or deacons'
-Then He had the 12, who may be seen as ministers.
-He also had the 70 and 120, who can be seen as evangelists.
-Finally the 5000 may be seen as the congregation, who need to be fed physically and spiritually.

So without going into what Paul, Peter and James interpreted or directed a certain church, one may look unto the examples left by Christ himself.

Your serve.

I'm sorry about your situation.

However, we must realise that love is not something we acquire, it just happens. So just as your fiance couldnt help falling for a married woman, I have a feeling that you'll be back in his arms in a few weeks or months. That's love. People have definitely done worse.

So I'd say, break up for now. Then see if he has truly gotten over his 'lust'. If he has, and if you love him, then you may need to forgive.

I wonder what advice we'd be giving if the topic was, , "I'm married but in love with someone else."

babaearly:

Guys no one is winning here. Lets stop this religious debate. mary is not the mother of God but the mother of the earthly Jesus.

babaearly:

Where the pro-mother of God people now? where them dey?

This BabEarly. You said the debate should end. Then you started asking for the debate to resume.
, Which one you dey?

Macgreat:

@grouppoint, speak for yourself and for yourself alone.

@ as for all that said of men,Am that and much more

@McGreat
You have already failed to qualify. Man Eater said that the good men doesn't declare how sensitive, sweet, caring, sincere, yada yada he is (he wont have to because it shows).

But there you go claiming to be all that.

Exodus 7:1

So the LORD said to Moses: See, I have made you as God to Pharaoh, and Aaron your brother shall be your prophet.

Why did God say this to Moses?

Being a pastor does not make one a god.

However, Christ Himself reminded the scribes that scripture declared men to be gods.

If we are made in Gods image, then the image of God surely means that we are like God.

If Christ said, gretaer things will you do, did he not mean that when we begin to operate in our true roles as gods on this earth, we shall do even greater works.

Just my thoughts.

What are the main differences between the CCC and C&S?

I always thought they were all the same, probably due to the white garments.

I am really struggling to pick out the chaff from the wheat in the postings which have been made so far.

May I politely ask that if it is at all possible, could we:

Use edifying Christian language, one to another (Simply because Jesus Himself admonishes this).

The exchanges have reached such a pitch that even the unbeliever may end up asking God that he/she should not be placed amongst some of us christian bros and sisters.

Sp please Trini, Goodguy, Davidylan, Mr Pataki. You all have valid ponts, but let us not be found wanting by reason of the use of our tongues.

How many of us can claim to fit the described profile above?

And how many of us have long given in to the need to try and fit with societal values?

Vesta, you stated that you both went into a serious relationship, knowing that the girl's family would object to marriage.
Due to pregnancy it appears that everyone was now begging you to marry her.

So it seems to me that the pregnancy was a blessing in disguise. If so, why not propose to her and have a simple but dignifying ceremony to solemnise your union and make your life less complex.

babyosisi:


Vesta why is this girl good enough for you to sleep with and not good enough to marry

Because many people are good at sex, but lousy as life partners.

I would like to think that after all the expenses our parents must have incurred on our education and enlightenment, we should know by now that respect should be mutual.

So if for any reason the woman must call her husband papa John, then the man should call his wife Mama John.

Thanks for all your postings on this thread.

So what then happens to the unbeliever?
My understanding is that there are a few groups of unbelievers.
1. Those who heard the message, believed it, but the cares of the world led them astray.

2. Those who heard, but did not believe, because the message just did not sound right.(e.g. God was born of a virgin, was made man, died like a thief. etc).To many non-believers It can truly sound unbelievable.

3. Those who heard from incompetent or shady preachers. Hence Christianity was misrepresented.

4. Those who cannot read. Hence sceptical about a message from a third party.

5. Those who simply find it hard to believe that God can allow all the injustices to occur on His earth.

6. Those who feel that Religion has done more harm than good, hence have chosen to be as good as they can humanly be to their fellow man, and turn away from religious discussions of right or wrong.

But what exactly is the importance of calling Mary the 'Mother of God'?

In so doing, the catholic church would have succeeded in stating that God had a begining, and an end.

Amby,
do You understand that Mary has been declared 'Co-redemptrix' . Meaning that She co-redeemed humanity along with Christ. Do you understand the import of that Catholic doctrine?

KAG:

Can't you do both?

Usually, your family member will not be too happy that you are sharing 'their' money with some outsider.

Why give some of your money to outsiders, when your relatives can do better with all that you are able to give them?

@nferyn,
If you agree with me that religion is a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number of persons.
Also that it is a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs.

Then you should agree that before these moral codes were agreed upon, people would have carried on without an agreed set of laws. Hence Exu could not be better than Religion because Exu would have been roaming around aimlessly. All he has done now is borrow what he considers good from religious ethics, and condemn the rest.

By the way, what is your country? Most of the mordern world constitutions were founded upon the 10 commandments.

To preven going back and forth, I suppose we ought be in agreement as to the definitiion of religion.

What's your definition of religion?

There are many christians who would give to church, Some will give to strangers, whilst their siblings and relatives are lacking.

Is this right, or scriptural?

Should you give to the poor, if there are still some members of your family in need?

What is the essence of "Charity begins at home"?

I'm sorry to say this my sister, but I have a feeling that the problem lies with you.

You stated earlier that you are the kind of person who will suffer just to see another person smile. The guy is taking advantage of that.

Pls tell me, besides your fiance, do other people generally take advantage of you?If you exhibit that trait excessively, then chances are that other men will still take advantage of you.

So my advice to you is to change your attitude. Be a little tougher, so that people wont roll over you.

He is an only child, so someone needs to teach him a little lesson about life. Perhaps you should move on, since you've missed the opportunity to be his teacher.

bari_kade:


Even so, our actions in the natural plane could influence the spiritual realms to effect blessings for our good. That's why we pray and worship.

I agree that the natural realm is governed by the spiritual. However I also believe that the spiritual is also affected by the natural. Your statement above seems to concur with me.

Nferyn misses the point here.
The definition of right or wrong in modern soceity, anywhere in the world has its roots from a religion. Your country's constitution probably has its basis from the 10 commandments.
Hence embracing the ideal portions of the laws, and criticising the less than palatable ones does not make Exu or even nferyn morally above religion.
I daresay that without religion, man would still be running around the place, raping, killing, stealing as it was in the cave era.

@Reverend.
I thought you were the kinky rev who talked about Jesus and mary magdalene or something.

Now it appears that you dont believe in God.

What next?

Exu does not realise that the laws which govern society, in terms of what is wrong or right, are actually instituted by religion. Therefore Exu has no legs to stand upon, when he goes against religion.

God cares. It’s mankind that doesn’t care.

The picture Seun posted is further proof that mankind is wicked. God has nothing to do with the suffering in Dafur, Somalia and even Nigeria.

However, mankind is quick to blame God for every terrible thing committed by man treatment of his fellow man and his environment.
Also man also praises God for all the good things. Even though God has said that He has given man everything that pertains to life (living a full life) and godliness (being as good and as powerful as He is).

The power is now in our hands. How do we intend to use it?

Genial,
Good write up.

Pls tell me; If as you say, the spiritual is not governed by natural laws, then why does mankind suffer a spiritual consequence as a result of his natural actions or decision e.g. hellfire.

Why does the physical act of sowing a seed bring about spiritual multiplication of harvest?

I was wondering what your thoughts are on this. I feel that the spiritual state of mankind is also governed by his physical actions.

@Sexyuhlala,
I have just read through your postings and it seems everyone is asking the you to dump the guy.

I went back to read it over again, and honestly I cannot see why you would need to do that. I cannot see any major problems here.

This chap has led a sheltered life (as the only child).
He has even threatened to leave his mother and run away with you. So what he is doing to you, he is also doing to his mum. (Emotional blackmail).

I would say that all the dude needs is alittle growing up and you all will be fine.
Hence, I would suggest that you should be firmer with him and see if he would adjust. Perhaps there is something you can do to make him think twice before he ever says anything like "break up".

You havent described other issues e.g. is he violent, abusive, cheating, dishonest etc or is he caring, emotional, possessive, sensitive etc

I believe that people take advantage of any situation they find themselves. He is playing on your softness for hima nd as well as his mum's weakness.

I noticed that most of those that have contributed are based overseas.

Is it possible that the Nigeria-based women feel that their men would not even entertain the suggestion?

Pls Naija based men, would you accept to take on the role of House-husband if your wife is a higher income earner?

But if it makes sense for the wife's to be the breadwinner, perhaps due to her career choice,  wouldnt it be right for the man to find a way to nurture the kids at home, while the wife brings home the bacon?

Or is it too shameful for a man's dignity to cook dinner and have it on the table before the wife gets back from a hard days work at the office?

ThiefOfHearts:

If he wants to

what is with "should" in all these thread titles? People don't follow ONE line of reasoning you know.

If he feels like being there more for the kids while the wife take on the work aspect, why not?

should, wetin be should

If you are Nigerian, or African then you would know that culturally, the man is the bread winner. If you are a Christian, Muslim or Jew, the you would accept that the man is supposed to be the head of the home. It is not just a symbolic title.

Hence when one makes that decision, more than a few eyes questions arise, hence the term 'should'.