A living hope not man made.

@plantermoo said
Doesn’t mean your viewpoint is correct; just means you don’t understand or know what a relationship with Jesus Christ is all about.

I am fully aware of what Christians mean when they talk about their faith and belief regarding their "relationship with Jesus Christ". I understand it very well.

@plantermoo said
No Christian “recites” beliefs.

How do you know this?

@divegeester said
How do you know this?

Because the Biblical definition of a Christian as found in John 3:16, Romans 10:9, John 6:40, John 11:25 and Acts 16:30-31 talks about belief not recitation.

The word “recites” implies insincerity. At least that’s the way I took it (and the way I think it was intended.)

@plantermoo said
The word “recites” implies insincerity. At least that’s the way I took it (and the way I think it was intended.)

How about 'regurgitates'? Is there less insincerity in regurgitates?

@ghost-of-a-duke said
How about 'regurgitates'? Is there less insincerity in regurgitates?

I’d say there’s more insincerity in regurgitates.

But it’s kind of pointless to discuss with atheists.

“But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”

(1 Corinthians 2:14)

@plantermoo said
I’d say there’s more insincerity in regurgitates.

But it’s kind of pointless to discuss with atheists.

“But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”

(1 Corinthians 2:14)

Thanks for the regurgitation.

@ghost-of-a-duke said
Thanks for the regurgitation.

It would serve you well to contemplate on that verse.

@plantermoo said
It would serve you well to contemplate on that verse.

And you this:

Psalm 75:5

Do not lift up your horn on high,
Do not speak with insolent pride.’”

@plantermoo said
Because the Biblical definition of a Christian as found in John 3:16, Romans 10:9, John 6:40, John 11:25 and Acts 16:30-31 talks about belief not recitation.

the Biblical definition of a Christian ... talks about belief not recitation.

"Belief" and "recitation" are not in any sense mutally exclusive.

@plantermoo said
Because the Biblical definition of a Christian as found in John 3:16, Romans 10:9, John 6:40, John 11:25 and Acts 16:30-31 talks about belief not recitation.

Why wouldn’t one of these “Christians” be in a position to “recite” those beliefs?

@plantermoo said
The word “recites” implies insincerity. At least that’s the way I took it (and the way I think it was intended.)

Of course it doesn’t.

The Torah was “recited” every day in the synagogues of Jesus’ time.

@fmf said
I am fully aware of what Christians mean when they talk about their faith and belief regarding their "relationship with Jesus Christ". I understand it very well.

Christians are full of boastful talk about their profession of faith, as demonstrated in this thread. Ask them about the lifestyle that Paul and the Apostles lived, and if their church follows that as well. Here is one example:

And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. (Acts 2:42-47 KJV)

Jesus said :
He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. (John 14:21 KJV)

Those who keep the commandments are the ones that love Jesus Christ.
These are the ones who will enter the Kingdom of God.

@fmf said
the Biblical definition of a Christian ... talks about belief not recitation.

"Belief" and "recitation" are not in any sense mutally exclusive.

Recitation, in my mind, implies insincerity. In that way, it’s incompatible with saving belief.

@divegeester said
Why wouldn’t one of these “Christians” be in a position to “recite” those beliefs?

Recitation, in my mind, implies insincerity. In that way, it’s incompatible with saving belief.