Harvey Loc: Pioneer, CA

[quote=Bangee5]Harvey, it is not because you can not believe but because you refuse to believe. You have set up so many walls in your mind that you refuse to let yourself even think of the possibility of not just what God has done but what he can do. If God wanted to create a fish big enough to swallow a man and to keep that man alive for three days then surely the God that can create the heavens and the earth can create such a fish. It is not for you to understand how but to accept the reason for why. Even Jesus spoke of Jonah.
Think of the whale that is big enough to swallow a man.

Harvey: - as I have read early version of the Bible it states :Big Fish - not whale - to imagine a whale in the Mediterranean, Caspian, Red sea or Black Sea is preposterous. - also to believe "ANYTHING" could survive in a fish's stomach is also pure ignorance of the workings of a fishes insides - I have cleaned many "Big" fish with day old bugs, fish and crayfish in them - YUCKY - very dead. Do a search of the fish of the area - it is enlightening.



In my study groups I have been taught to and do teach to use the "I or one"" message rather than the the "you" message. I have taken the liberty to edit your post to how I read it.
Like yourself - my parents did not teach or suggest the Bible to me. I started my Biblical studies on my own - I will believe and follow it's teachings as I want - not as anyone tells me I have to or else I am forever doomed to a fictitious after life.

James Shaw

Excellent Harvey. Yes, the "I" or "one" word comes across much better; it is not finger pointing.

Bangee5 Loc: Louisiana

Harvey, don't get hung up on semantics. I did not say that the fish that swallowed Jonah was a whale. I said God could create a fish big enough to swallow a man and keep him alive for three days. If God can create the heavens and the earth then surely he could create a fish to accomplish his goals. Wouldn't you agree? Don't you believe that God is capable of doing this?

After all, for a comparison of what God can create, look at the whale.

James Shaw

Bangee, then God also created this animal, too. Why did he make such a beautiful creature as this Bangee? Don't you find this guy as beautiful as God's whale?

God works in mysterious ways, his wonders to behold.

Komono Dragon

Harvey Loc: Pioneer, CA

No I don't believe that , as I know of just what goes on in any animal/mammal's insides - acids that devour flesh & bone - "NO" air pockets to breath or survive in, the Ark too is fits in this group along with the garden of Eden of the Bible ( as I do know of the "Fertile Crescent" fiction and myths are not truths and not facts for me to believe.

Penny MG Loc: Fresno, Texas

I know there are people out there that are in very remote places that are not aware of "Christianity" as we know it, thus the reason God said "go into all the world and preach the gospel". I cannot say what happens to people who have never had any exposure to Christianity. I would have to believe that God would have mercy on these people. Think of some things in a simpler way. What about good parents with bad children. They parents try to bring up the child to be a good productive citizen, but the child rebels and becomes a criminal or prostitute or drug addict, so therefore the parent kicks them out of their house. Did the parents kick the kid out because they didn't love him or her? NO, they kicked them out for not being obedient. Does that make the parent a psychopath? God only wants love and obedience.....much like a parent. Is that too much to ask?

James Shaw

So, Penny, what about bad parents with children, who turn out to be quite good? I don't think a-God had anything to do with either situation, but what do I know?

I do believe that an all caring God, should one exist, would certainly want love and obedience, but whether we are good or bad with good or bad parents, now that would occur with or without a-God's presence, as it occurred long before man ever conceived of a-God?

Harvey Loc: Pioneer, CA

This is a very good topic - in my past 24 yrs of experience with people who have been turning their lives around from the very worst of situations brought on by Chemical addiction I have seen so many from both good and bad family backgrounds - it does not matter which - they come from both- and "IF" they at some time see the fact that that lifestyle leads only to -"Jails, Institutions & Death" they may make it. This is Step #1.
Step #2 States " Came to believe a Power Greater than myself could Restore me to Sanity.
Step #3 State "Turned my will and Life over to God as I understand him.

The last portion of "How It Works" is the Heart Of The 12 step programs
(A) That we were addicted and our life has become unmanageable
(B) That probably no human power could relive us of our addictions, hurts , habits and hangups.
(C) That God could and would if He were sought.

God only helps those who do their share.