so it only means don't worship any other gods if you are one of His people...and so that all that tearing down other altars was unneccesary and possibly no even a command from God?
"It only means?" What "it" are you referring to?
My point was that we are to keep an eye on ourselves... not that we are to judge others for their varying beliefs or non-beliefs.
If you do not wish to be here, then you do not have to be here. If you think this place and its people are unclean, then you do not have to be here with them.
But I am permitted to be here, and I choose to be here. That this forum welcomes everyone is a good thing... no one is excluded, or shunned, or cast out because they are considered 'unclean' (which would require judgment that none of us has the right to do) This is what i was giving props to, as well as the support given to those who are exiting 'her' and searching for truth, and/or simple peace and acceptance, and rest.
It can be easy to get bogged down in the conflict and some of the intolerance shown here; but it does not hurt to be reminded of the good things about this place too... so as to focus upon those, and the people who need/want a haven and help.
Let me suggest that in accordance with scripture, God absolutely detested the presence of other gods in the midst of His people and where ever He directed them, His servants were commanded to tear down altars...and they did such a thing wholeheartedly BECAUSE they didn't just give lip service, but they worshipped Him in SPIRIT AND TRUTH. Their spirit detested the very things that God detested. john 4:24
I would suggest that God detested the evil things done in the name of (and under the guise of) other gods. He could not actually have detested other gods... because no such 'gods' existed.
Jesus said, "he who HAS My commands AND keeps them, it is he who loves ME". john 14:21
Yes, this is true.
Love God, and love our neighbor as ourselves. Show mercy. (I desire mercy, not sacrifice) The golden rule. Love one another as HE loves us. Bless and love your enemies. Turn the other cheek, and do not repay wrong with wrong. Do not judge. Serve one another, and as he served us.What is it about this thread that you think is in conflict with Christ and His teachings?
Peace,
tammy