Question: Can God be an idol???

[Deng Qi Feng]

Some may worship God just for the salvation, they may obsess with the
idea to please God. They may read the Bible daily, yet fail to fully
understand its meaning. They may try to show to everyone they know
that they are a believer, but this is not a good example for them to
show. Do good deeds, pray to the father in secret, and God will reward
you. Trying to impress people with your religion on the other hand is
not desired because you are not setting a good example. Faith without
works is not good. Be a righteous person, talk about your faith when
appropriate.
God is not impressed just because you read the Bible twice daily, it is
better to have fully read and understood the Bible once, and practice
its teachings, than to repeatedly read it but not learn anything from
it.
And although its God will that will be done, I have a problem with
people praying about every little thing. Its better to pray with the
bigger picture in mind, that God's kingdom of heaven will come down to
Earth. Praying that your daughter will win the piano recital is not
the kind of prayer request that we should deeply pray for.
If you are a believer just because you want salvation and eternal life,
and you please God not because its the right thing to do out of your
own heart, but rather you force yourself to please God
relunctantly(that is your pleasing God is forced, rather than something
natural, like second nature), then God is your idol, and the Bible says
beware of idols.

[qquito]

But the Church, in order to increase its mercenary gain, is anxious to
recruit/baptize anyone who merely orally says that he/she is willing to
become a Christian. I have met many alleged Christians who have never
read the Bible, nor are plan to read it, and their knowledge of
Christianity is often far less than a non-believer who happens to be a
dabbler of religious issues.

In my opinion, anyone who wishes to become a Christian should be
required to intensively study in an august religious institution for at
least 10 years, taking at least 100 courses, and become fluent in
Hebrew, Greek, Latin, Italian, French, Arabic and Persian at least. He
should study works of all significant theologians and produce at least
five volumes of his own work.

Without such qualifications, don't even think about becoming a
Christian.

Post by Deng Qi Feng
Some may worship God just for the salvation, they may obsess with the
idea to please God. They may read the Bible daily, yet fail to fully

[Burkladies]

But the Church...> I ask which church? They sound ignorant while they try to do Christs good works, by your description.
In my opinion, anyone who wishes to become a Christian should be required to...> I think the education you speak of is standard over time. At least for some of us it is standard, although not exactly as you posted.

I think this education destines the person to find Christ no matter how
they find Christ. No matter what tradition or works they come from and
retain. My point is, Jehovah of the Jews is not required for everyone.
Christ is the All.

[Matthew Johnson]

In article <19zth.594$***@trnddc08>, qquito says...
[snip]

Post by qquito
In my opinion, anyone who wishes to become a Christian should be
required to intensively study in an august religious institution for at
least 10 years, taking at least 100 courses,

Well, that is all very cute, but now tell me: does _anyone_ really care about
your opinion? After seeing you express that ridiculous idea, I sure don't.

[snip]

[Matthew Johnson]

Post by Burkladies

But the Church...> I ask which church? They sound ignorant while they try to
do Christs good works, by your description.
In my opinion, anyone who wishes to become a Christian should be required to...>
I think the education you speak of is standard over time. At least for some of
us it is standard, although not exactly as you posted.

I think this education destines the person to find Christ no matter how
they find Christ. No matter what tradition or works they come from and
retain. My point is, Jehovah of the Jews is not required for everyone.

Not true. And His name is YHWH, not 'Jehovah'.

Post by Burkladies
Christ is the All.

Saying He "is the All", sounds pious, but really is not, when you deny that He
_is_ the same YHWH you call "of the Jews".

Remember what He Himself said:

I and the Father are ONE (Joh 10:30)