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Post by Jeffrey Olver on Oct 30, 2008 21:20:36 GMT -5
Kay,
I think either I may not have been clear enough in my comment, or you may be reading a bit too much into it...
Indeed I do weep for the lost. The fact that the unbelievers here are separated from us by miles, maybe even thousands of miles, does not change the fact that God is grieved and in turn we must be as well.
I took no part in the decision on who to ban, and I am sad that they are not here, but more sad that they could not simply abide by some general rules of conduct.
Again, it wasn't droves and droves of folks who were banned from the boards because of some tyrannical power trip, or even frustration. But for the sake of order. And it's not like there was no patience or warning. The fact remains, saved or unsaved, there are some guidelines for this forum - like many of the other plethora of boards on the internet. And if someone doesn't like them, they can feel free not to discuss.
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Post by Jeffrey Olver on Oct 30, 2008 18:56:35 GMT -5
There have been people banned from the board (saved and unsaved alike) who were not abiding by the guidelines for the forum. Useless insulting and ranting with no wish to actually discuss things or being unreasonable within a debate or discussion. It's been publicly mentioned that aANYone who wishes to take part in this forum needs to refrain from useless ranting and insulting - and those who were banned have been publicly invited back so long as they abide by those guidelines.
It's not like people have been forever banished to outer darkness without a second thought. And honestly, since then the discussions on this board on all fronts have been extremely fruitful and beneficial.
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Post by Jeffrey Olver on Oct 29, 2008 22:50:40 GMT -5
This is a poor illustration... but... the firefighters who gave their lives on 9/11, who chose to rush into a deadly situation to save people deserve all the honor they have recieved.
But a firefighter, even a hero firefighter, who is exposed starting the fires he puts out can never be trusted, nor does he ever deserve any honor.
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Post by Jeffrey Olver on Oct 29, 2008 21:44:00 GMT -5
Greetings Folks! The reason LauRen and I packed up and moved back to Texas was to be a part of a Church family the Lord called us to. It's almost been a year since we've been down here and we've experienced our fair share of ups, downs and struggles all around of continuing in the center of God's will for this family. I wanted to update you all on what's been going on with us recently: I've been preaching occasionally at TJC college and working hard for my family. LauRen has been studying and training to be a Personal Trainer and Nutritionist. At our Church, Harvest Int'l, there are alot of young families whose kids are just reading toddler age and our nursery really isn't fit to hold a group of toddlers AND newborns. So LauRen will be heading up the Toddler's ministry! She loves the planning and we're looking forward to the great relationships that will be built through helping mothers and their kids. And because of recent evangelism outreaches taking place around town there are tons of people who have made decisions to become born again. There's a great need to disciple new believers and follow up with the decisions they made. So at our Church I'll be heading up a New Believers "class." Evelyn, our daughter is doing great. She's almost 17 months now and talking up a storm. Well... that's it for my update. I'm always around... Please feel free to email or IM/PM me! If you'd like to give me a call, just PM me for my #. God bless! Jeff
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Post by Jeffrey Olver on Oct 21, 2008 22:22:43 GMT -5
Well, I DO believe that is possible to go without sinning. If you can go an hour without committing sin, I'm sure you can go longer. Is this a point to brag on? By no means!
Biblically speaking, God says that He always provides a way of escape from temptation, a way to avoid sin. It's up to us to decide if we choose that escape or not.
I understand what you're saying "Why be born again, if those who are supposed to be examples, don't agree or even get along!?!" It boils down to what IS the BIBLE actually saying?
When I was born again, I was blessed to have mentors who did not try to fill me with their own theology, but continually encouraged to study what the Bible said and form conclusions from that.
When it comes to those who disgaree... sometimes Dale, we need to be reasonable and, as they say, eat the meat and spit out the bones.
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Post by Jeffrey Olver on Oct 20, 2008 23:21:01 GMT -5
Dale,
There is a responsibility that we need to live up to as well. But the Bible also says that God is "slow to anger, rich in love and abounding in mercy." God is patient He sees far past our actions into our motives and intentions of the heart.
What you said about being "reborn again and again" is a common objection among many people. I don't think this is the case at all when it comes to "losing" your salvation. I don't think a Christian, if he sins, and then repents, is "born again, again" but He is repentent and recieving correction. The Bible says that God chastises (corrects) all those who are His children. It also says that "if we sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous."
If the Christian life was all about focusing on "not sinning," that would be a miserable existence. It's about loving God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength and loving your neighbor as yourself. It's about what you CAN do through Christ, and only through Christ.
I think what I said, and an examination of what the Bible says shows that one is not lost "at the drop of a hat." But upon willful rebellion which upon reproof remains unrepented of, and the heart unteachable.
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Post by Jeffrey Olver on Oct 16, 2008 21:13:13 GMT -5
Because, Dale, The Bible is our starting point. God's word is the foundation. Most of the people on this board hold to the *presupposition* "In the beginning God..."
Apart from that presuppostion, all other worldviews are, as they say, "reductio ad absurdum."
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Post by Jeffrey Olver on Oct 14, 2008 10:56:47 GMT -5
Ugh. I'm deeply saddened by the Westboro Baptist Church folks who do all those "protests."
They're the only Calvinists whose preaching is consistent with their theology to the ultimate conclusion.
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Post by Jeffrey Olver on Oct 14, 2008 10:50:11 GMT -5
I've heard his testimony many times.
Hey Jesse, I know you've written it down in an article before... but what if you did a video (or video series) where you sit down and just share your testimony? I think that would be a great tool! It would also help some to "get to know you" better.
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Post by Jeffrey Olver on Oct 13, 2008 21:26:28 GMT -5
David,
I'm no expert at debate, though I am learning.
But you should see some of Miles Lewis' videos on Google Video. On Google video you can upload videos longer than 10 minutes. There's some really great debates by Miles in the open air on college campuses. Just search "Open Air Outreach" and "Miles Lewis."
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Post by Jeffrey Olver on Oct 13, 2008 21:23:59 GMT -5
Yes, that is ME preaching, and Jesse in the background. Jesse has similar videos of this day on HIS YouTube page.
I preached for about a year and half on this campus at least once a week, often several times a week.
This guy was a hypocrite and didn't want either Jesse or myself get a word in edgewise many times in regards to the topics he brought up.
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Post by Jeffrey Olver on Oct 12, 2008 20:37:57 GMT -5
That's a good looking sign there! Hope you get lots of great use out of it!
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Post by Jeffrey Olver on Oct 11, 2008 23:44:02 GMT -5
You said that it's a natural body function that must happen.
You are half right.
MASTURBATION is not a natural body function. The result of it is. That's why the male body has something called "nocturnal emissions."
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Post by Jeffrey Olver on Oct 11, 2008 23:39:56 GMT -5
Good question, Dave.
First, as a side note I guess, I wanted to ask you to define "proven" by scientists in regards to homosexaulity and birth defects. Because scientific opinions vary greatly in that area.
Secondly, as far as the birth defect of being a hermaphrodite: it is a difficult situation, indeed. And although because of the corrupted nature of our bodies because of 1) Sin and 2) what we've done to the world and what we put in our bodies, can lead to such tragic results in a birth of a child... one thing is for certain: Their GENETICS. Is the child GENETICALLY male or female is what needs to be determined before making the decision regarding surgery and hormonal treatments, etc.
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Post by Jeffrey Olver on Oct 4, 2008 19:51:49 GMT -5
That's actually kind of humorous.
I had the idea to write an article to the Christian community (based on a book appearing in a twilight zone episode) "To Serve Man" it would be a polemic work on Christians devouring other Christians, and a serious call for Christians to be truly servant hearted toward their brothers and sisters in Christ.
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Post by Jeffrey Olver on Oct 4, 2008 14:07:44 GMT -5
This is a typical open air preaching objection made by people who know a smattering about what the Bible says.
Many times to goes to show just how outright (not pointing fingers at you, David), that people will LIE.
"Yes, I've read the Bible." "Yes, I've read X, Y, and Z, historical documents." "Yes, I've read Darwin and Nietchze." "Yes, I've studied the Bible in Greek and Hebrew."
I don't know why, but I'm still suprised when I run into people who actually LIE about these things. Most of the time it's people spouting off a couple of sophisticated sounding titles, phrases and philosophies they heard in passing on TV, or in a discussion.
Most people have no idea who the Gnostics were, let alone what the "gnostic gospels" are all about. Many catholics have no idea what their catechism says, they just follow the lead from some Catholic apologist.
While we are admonished by the Bible to speak with grace and patience, I see the need to call people out unabashedly and without compromise when they lie about things they say they "know."
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Post by Jeffrey Olver on Sept 28, 2008 13:11:51 GMT -5
Here's a video taken by the "Bobcat Update" at TSU in San Marcos. Through out are editing notes for the production of the video, but check it out. I thought it was pretty good. :-)
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Post by Jeffrey Olver on Sept 27, 2008 11:41:30 GMT -5
Sadly, Dale, it is true that there are many Christians who are hypocrites, just like there are many muslims who are hypocrites. And I'm not speaking about when it comes down to preaching or being bold in your faith... but in the lifestyle too. I have run into Christians who live just like their muslim counterparts - and those who do that are the best case in point for the atheist.
It's very saddening and grieves my heart.
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Post by Jeffrey Olver on Sept 26, 2008 21:26:16 GMT -5
Amen! I rejoiced reading this account! God bless you and the others!
I remember preaching at GMU with the OAO team a couple years ago, and I recall the Muslims being very intolerant, loud and hypcocritical of their own beliefs. I was actually shoved off a stoop while preaching by one.
Later in the week, Jesse and I were invited to come share in a class where they were discussing gay marriage!
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Post by Jeffrey Olver on Sept 25, 2008 13:12:39 GMT -5
It's been discussed pretty extensively on this board as well.. i forget the thread title, but I'm sure you can find it.
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LTNS
Sept 24, 2008 13:36:13 GMT -5
Post by Jeffrey Olver on Sept 24, 2008 13:36:13 GMT -5
Hi there! Good to see you around again!
We're doing well. Our daughter is 1 year old now. We're still in TX.
How have things been for you?
Jeff
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Post by Jeffrey Olver on Sept 15, 2008 22:13:48 GMT -5
I'm digging your profile pic, kureji.
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Post by Jeffrey Olver on Sept 9, 2008 21:39:35 GMT -5
Would be it reasonable to say that if we had to sin by necessity, it would be impossible for us to conceive of the idea of "sinning or not sinning?"
Kind of like C.S. Lewis' explanation that if there was no light in the universe, thusly no body had any eyes, we would have no comprehension of what "Dark" is...
Like trying to explain "wet" to a fish.
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Post by Jeffrey Olver on Sept 8, 2008 18:46:06 GMT -5
Don't know where this thought should go, so I put it here... and these arejust the musings I was thinking upon just now...
I don't understand the huge oppostion to "Open Theism."
If God is powerful enough to bring about the end that He has planned, why do men go so far as to declare heresy the idea that God does not know every future moment? Does it void God's promises? Does God lie when He says He will cause something to happen, and then does not do it, seemingly changing his mind?
If the Bible's accounts of God's grief over actions of men and/or suprise are just mere anthropormorphisms of God applied by those who were inspired to write by Him, then what kind of "person" is He? If He has no "personality," as such, why would men ascribe personality to him? Because it makes Him more relatable? But why would God decide that personality is something good for men to relate to, when He has none, yet created us in His image?
Just my rambling thoughts. Don't necessarily need an answer
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Post by Jeffrey Olver on Sept 5, 2008 13:07:20 GMT -5
Dangerous! Wow! What a compliment!
What has he done to you, Art?
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Post by Jeffrey Olver on Sept 5, 2008 10:27:51 GMT -5
They really can't be trusted because their morality comes from no universal standard. What's stopping them from changing their mind at any point?
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Post by Jeffrey Olver on Sept 2, 2008 18:29:52 GMT -5
We define failure and success in very different ways, Art.
Success is not as shallow as getting crowds of people to repeat some prayer.
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Post by Jeffrey Olver on Sept 1, 2008 20:07:29 GMT -5
I wasn't expecting it to be quite as immediate, but I wasn't too suprised.
It was a shocking experience nonetheless, and thankfully we're all fine.
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Post by Jeffrey Olver on Aug 31, 2008 21:29:37 GMT -5
Saturday, August 30, 2008 Deep Ellum - Dallas, Texas
Caleb and myself met up in Deep Ellum around 7pm. We grabbed a quick bite to eat before entering into a time of prayer.
During our prayer I felt that a certain scripture would be important to keep in mind for the night:
Acts 4:24-31 And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, "Lord, Thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is: Who by the mouth of Thy servant David hast said, "Why did the heaten rage, and the people imagine vain things? The kinds of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord and against His Chrtist. For a truth aginast Thy Holy Child Jesus, whom Thou hast anointed, both Herod and Pointius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, For to do whatsoever They hand and Thy counsel determined before to be done. And now Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto Thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak they word."
We closed and met up with Joel and Jesse as they arrived.
Arming ourselves with our Bible, Gospel tracts and two sandwhich board signs we marched over to a club we had seen with a line outside - a club ironically named "The Prophet."
We met with crowds of men and women who were into the whole "punk" scene. The moment Jesse began preaching the crowd errupted in violent language - spewing hatred, blasphemy, profanity and obscenity. It turned very quickly into violence - a young guy shoving Jesse, then another guy ripping the buttons off of the straps on the sandhwich board, then ripping the board itself off and casting it into the street.
But we persevered and many small groups discussions were had that got into deep and serious subjects.
Joel and I left to scope out other spots to divide our efforts. We ran into a confusing group of african american men, dressed in long clothes, preaching from the Bible, condeming sin in America. But they held to doctrines that were very difficult to ascertain. They were unwilling to talk unless we spoke using scripture. Very unreasonable. So we continued on our way and preached for a short time in front of the Deep Ellum bar.
We met two groups of Christians and were able to encourage each other and give them tracts to hand out.
After attempting to see if there were any other good preaching spots, at midnight we headed back to The Prophet to preach again.
This time I began to preach. The reaction was worse. I got shoved a couple times. People began throwing trash, beercans, stacks of newspapers, cups, bottles, cigarettes and screaming in my face. Someone came up and dumped almost a gallon of ice water on my head. I couldn't see, so I took my glasses off. Then people began to spit in my face and eyes, someone spit beer in my face. A young lady was hit in the head with a beer can, and I actually caught a juice bottle before it hit me in the face.
Joel's brand new sandwhich board was ripped off of him by the same guy who trashed Jesse's sign. This time they tried to light it on fire, but were unsuccessful, bless God!
The signs were retrieved by some silent observers who saw the whole thing. By the time most of the crowd dispersed, there was very fruitful conversations that I'm sure the other gentlemen will post about later on the boards.
It just goes to show that when you put violence into your head and heart, it comes out of your mouth and your actions.
The Lord definitely granted us boldness not to shy away in the face of threatenings and violence. Many people heard the word of the Lord and were caused to think about the condition of their souls.
Pix to be posted soon.
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Post by Jeffrey Olver on Aug 29, 2008 13:57:46 GMT -5
So true!
I recently found out about a guy who was a person that was very looked up to in his sphere of influence. A godly man, and an example of manhood.
Well, because of his "studying" of universalism and writings on how there is no Hell, or God won't send people to hell, he is now an atheist.
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