So awesome to see the church both utilize and vitalize the downtown area. Fresh Life has had such a positive impact throughout the valley since it’s very beginning. Can’t wait to see what the next phase will bring - I hear there are still some empy theatres out there to be filled!

Oh goody.  More viable business property being taken off of the tax rolls.  Tax the churches!  They meddle in government so much, it’s time for them to start paying their fair share.

Hey Montana Native, you forget, most of the congregants already pay our too high property taxes, either for their businesses or homes!

Awww, what’s the matter KN, another tax exempt organization taking more of your scratch away?

This business should pay it’s fair share as well.  jayzus approved of paying taxes.

Actually, you’re right, KN - and so should every nongovernmental entity with tax exempt status.  In fact, the IRS should just do away with 501 (c) (3). - just repeal that sucker and make everybody pay.

“Render unto Caesar that which is Caesar’s”, indeed…

There’s lots of things in the tax code to be changed or deleted.  When Warren Buffett’s secretary pays more in federal taxes than he does, there are obviously some problems.

Fresh Life is a cult.  Soon there’ll be a humongous speakerphone mounted to the top of the Strand theater and we’ll all get to hear the sermons on Sunday from afar.  How exciting.  Religion is the biggest killer our world has to fear today.

Religion is the biggest killer?  Hmm . . . I think you mean greed, selfishnes, lust, etc.

Sometimes these masquerade around as religion, but you’d have to agree that this is generally what “religion” is out to get rid of.  How successful religions are is up for debate, but feel free to join one and see how well you can do bringing your share of peace to the world.

Not sure where you’re going with that, Dave.  The 3 you listed are sub-topics under the real problem-power, control, domination, whatever word you prefer.  Take a hard look at what The Crusades were about.

The way current purveyors of religion prostitute and ########## religion for their own personal gain is beyond disgusting and as unenlightened as the war-mongering practioners of centuries ago.

But bringing peace to the world? I vote aye.

Good grief.  The unintended consequences of auto-filters.

http://education.yahoo.com/reference/dictionary/entry/##########

Def. one.

Just what the valley needs, more churches… It would be really nice if you all could stop indoctrinating your children into believing in your old outdated belief system. It’s clearly doing more harm than good. I wonder if you will all think the same way when fresh life church owns every business on main street. It feels like they are pumping out some children of the corn type people. Very creepy.

Fresh Life Church is the best thing to happen to this valley in the time I’ve lived here. And before you criticize me, I don’t attend there. Nothing against the place, I just have another local church family I’m a part of. If I’m part of another church, why would I say that about Fresh Life being the best thing to happen to this valley?

Simple - they’re reaching a totally different group of people from those my church reaches, and are another part of the larger family of believers called to reach every nation, tribe, and tongue with the Gospel. They’re reaching a different “tribe” so to speak. Levi Lusko is a phenomenal teacher with a true gift for explaining the God’s Word in a relevant, fresh, and meaningful way while not leaving anything out or changing it’s timeless meaning.

It’s also great that they’ve decided to occupy a largely abandoned part of our downtown - bringing traffic, culture, business, etc. And greater things are yet to come, greater things are still to be done in this city. To God be all glory, honor, and praise!

Mark:  He’s just another charismatic charlatan with a pulpit.

But you go ahead and keep clinging to your glorified book of fables.

Maybe if this town didn’t have so many kids with kids, the kids would have been brought up better. This guy is filling a void in a lot of kids lives, while injecting his own personal agenda in the process. That’s no good

First off I want to thank MTBROWNZ, ALICEROCKS, DAVE, MARK@COMICS EX., I don’t even know you but, thanks for your thoughts and input!! This is the first time I have ever made a statement/blogged on this site! I WILL BE BACK!!
I am saddened by the people who have such a negative attitude toward God. I know personally He is very real!  He has moved in my live, my family and many friends and acquaintances!... Truly!.... Physically and Spiritually!  From healing, to lives changed for the better!  I am not perfect, and never will be!  But, I will not be caught up by the “tangents” of this world that try, everyday to misdirect me, When I know that God is real!  And He love us.  Aside from what I know and have truly and physically seen and experienced, All you have to do is gaze into the sky and “know that what you “see” is eternity!”. There is no end!, It is unfathomable!!, Until you include your Maker. God has revealed Himself to All Men! (that’s women too!) (Romans 1).Again, I am saddened by the shallowness some people show in their lives by being caught up in the day and this world.

I have to say Freshlife Church and Skull Church are the “BEST” thing that ever hit this valley since I’ve lived here!
I can’t and won’t put down any Christian church that speaks the true word of God. And, I have had only one main “home church” prior to Freshlife. Levi is an awesome pastor!!! And “he” is fresh with life!! I love it!!  No Freshlife is not a cult!  Don’t even think it!!

Stella Mae:
A cult is a group that takes away from or adds to the word of God “the bible” to suit their own belief / direction. The bible says if you do so you shall be anathema / accursed. That’s pretty straight forward.

:o)

“Skull Church”. Skulls are symbolic of death, where the cross is symbolic of Christian religions. So what it this “skull church” REALLY about?

See, does that sound like a rational person? Talking about how god is very real. So if god is real then so is the devil, yet when people do bad things in the name of the devil, people just laugh at them like they are crazy. Soooo, how does that work? Just becasue you quote bible verses does not make god real. Let’s see some evidence of it.  And yes, looking at fresh life from this point of view, it is a cult. So now, not only do we have to worry about parents indoctrinating their kids with this junk, but now we have churches on every block, and the world isnt any better because of it.

I normally demand a lot of proof when coming to decisions in my life.  Belief in God is simply something I *choose* to believe.  I don’t have the ability or even the inclination to prove God’s existance…certainly logic isn’t going to get you there.

“By Faith alone…”  Yep, I agree THAT could be a clever way of avoiding the need for any ‘proof’...

....then again, Maybe not.

The skull is a symbol of death - that IS the point. Jesus died on a hill resembling a skull. The cross is also not a piece of jewelry but a rough piece of wood that people were killed on. All point to Jesus who died - for us. AND rose again.
You can accept or reject Him. That is up to you.
Even though sinful people have corrupted “religion” that does not make all churches or people who attend them wrong. God is evident and all around you. Open your eyes to creation. If a church teaches the truth about God and not just an empty religion - you can’t compare the two. I am sorry that those who are so down on “religion” also reject God. The two are not the same.
And yes, the devil or Satan does exist too, also easy to see if you look around.
A church that believes in God tries to help people who are by nature sinful, live in a world the best way that they can. They are not perfect nor do they claim to be, but why so down on those that promote among other things being kind, not murdering, loving one another and so on. Why are you so offended by the promotion of more good things? Why does that threaten you?
And if you don’t know what in the world they are teaching there how can you criticize? If you haven’t read the book or been to the movie how can you be a critic? Why spout bad things about something you have never been to? Why do you lump them up in your warped stereotypical ideals of what a “church” is.
So many churches are so different, made up of so many different people, all at different places in their lives. But there is only one God. Don’t reject Him because you have seen sinful people.
Fresh Life has been a breath of fresh air to a lost world.

I’m certaintaly not going to deny God…and I have my own spiritual beliefs. But I’m not going to associate a skull with a Christian belief. If that’s your cup of tea…that’s fine. I only wanted to know what the skull thing was really all about. Don’t presume that I don’t belive in God because I question a symbol.

OK Where do I start???

Kalispell Native; Then what do you believe in? And why is the Bible a book of glorified fables?

Jamhole; “his own personal agenda?” Hmmmm, How about trying to bring people to God with no self gain in mind at all! Thus saving people through Jesus’s shed blood on the cross and inch by inch trying to make this world a better place.

Kal61; Yes a skull is a symbol of death. In Jerusalem there was (and still is) a hill just outside the city that resembled a human skull, the hill is called Golgotha (which means “place of the skull”)  This place was used to crucify (put to death) criminals. Crucifixion is noted as the absolute worst means of death anyone could ever go through.  Multiple thousands have been crucified on this hill. Freshlife has used the symbol of “Skullchurch” The “Skull” Simply as a way to get peoples attention. Our youth, just because of the way society is these days are somewhat attracted by the intrigue of it and want to know what it is all about! It is attended to get their attention in a world gone wrong and hopefully come to find out what it is all about. Jesus. Even though I am not a young person anymore I am attracted too! and enjoy “Skullchurch”. It’s an awesome place to be

Jamhole; Yes I am a rational person. Are you? And YES the devil is very real too!!.
So if people do bad things in the name of the devil, I would assume that they follow or support the devil.

But if people do bad things, not following the devil or God, I would have to say they are just caught up in the world or society and or maybe just don’t know any better.

Just because I quote a Bible verse or two may not make God real to you or others, but I quote them simply because “I Believe”.

Evidence?? I am living evidence. If my life, the way it was going some 30 plus years ago, I would be dead, in jail or who knows what!  I have seen and heard demons flee at the simple utterence of “Jesus” “Jesus Christ”. I have seen people physically healed, even in my own family, simply through prayer and faith that He know that we were reaching out to Him. And even if things didn’t turn out the way we had hoped and prayed for, we would find understanding as to His will in the situation. God always has a plan.

Also, would you please define what a cult is? I’d like to hear your analogy. 

Vud; Thank You

WREL: Thank You

Kalispell Native; By the way I do agree that there needs to be some changes in the tax codes. But not at the church level. They put SO MUCH back into our community, monetarily, spiritually and physically. They are here to support our community.

From my perspective, a more relevant disussion might be deal with the (potential?) loss of 1st Ave. East Cafe.

With a tip of the cap to the man, the myth, the legend, Heysoos, I want/need a low cost, good atmosphere, breakfast option downtown, more than I want/need another option for worship.

Red’s stopped their service, Sykes is a shadow of its former self, Vivian cooks with a mircrowave, Wheat Montana is just weak, Bonellis is kinda pricey, and Tacos Calientes never re-opened (even though they said they were bringing breakfast to Main St). Ceres is great, ceriously great (get it?) but homeboy has to protect his figure. Can anyone back me up on this?

So soon we’ll have an option of going to church, instead of eating, in that building. OR, we could combine the two and have breakfast surrounded by the Lord and his merchandise at Peanut Butter and Jayzus in the old Parks and Rec. building.

Is Julie’s really the best option? What happens to 1st Ave East Cafe when the church spreads its…skull, to take over another building?

Freedom of religion…whatever, I need some freedom of breakfast!

I agree about needing more places to eat breakfast CK.
But do realize that FL did not take over 1st Ave. She was leaving and selling for her own reasons regardless. She was actually happy to have a buyer.
But back to the food… restaurants are hard to run and make a profit. Maybe lower taxes??? just a thought. Then people need to frequent the restaurants frequently.

CK; Back you up!!  I will!!!  Well your right!! in a way. I do like to go out to breakfast and the closer that “good ” breakfast place is, the better!! No doubt. I don’t go out all the time, simply because of the cost, but I do go out and eat! The closest breakfast to me is about 1 1/2 miles away. So you drive, walk or take your bicycle or give a second thought, just make some breakfast at home. It’s better, healthier, cheaper and really doesn’t take long once you figure out a quick and easy process. But having a place close by is nice!

The church combining that entity is something I wouldn’t doubt, they would consider. Their goal is to save and change lives for the better, while bringing people to Christ. It just may not be able to happen at this time.

The restaurant, as was stated in the article was failing and needed to liquefy. The owner made a decision to close and sell the property. Freshlife needed more room for their ever growing ministry. It’s as simple as that, but as I said, I wouldn’t doubt they would consider that as a possibility for an extension of their ministry. I think it’s a great idea.

As far as “homeboy” protecting his figure. I think it speaks for itself. Public and or physical.

As far as restaurants go, I’m looking forward to the Montana Club opening it’s doors. We’ve been to the one in Missoula. It’s classy, great food, great service and reasonably priced. There is a casino there, but it is in a totally different part of the building. The breakfasts there are fantastic.
  First Ave East had wonderful food and service also. It’s too bad the economy had to force it to sell.

My apologies on being a bit overzelous about the Montana Club. I just re-read the article, and First Ave feels as though it would hurt thier business.
  Now,  more about the Fresh Life Church. I believe that alot of people on here don’t nessesarily have negative attitudes about God, they have negative attitudes about churches.

So in the end, it’s apparent that this thread is more about the loss of an eating establishment than all the other “religious” mudslinging? 

Jesus said, “Are you still lacking in understanding also? Do you not understand that everything that goes into the mouth passes into the stomach, and is eliminated? But the things that proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and those defile the man.” Matthew 15:16-18 (Just some food for thought)

Kal61: Thanks Kal61.
Negative toward churches…. I can totally believe that! I’ve been around enough to know what you mean. I think these attitudes are developed by lack of proper teaching (by a church), proper understanding (by a member) and improper behavior outside of a church and the list can go on. These things seem to always pose a bad attitude towards many churches. I know it’s true, because I personally have gone through these same affects as well. The thing is, a person needs to take the time to learn and understand, the Bible, the church, the people, society and the affects it has on us. Of coarse there are bumps in the road, people that don’t act right, people that go backwards, but all in all hopefully to gain two steps forward in spite of the one backwards.

God knows we are not perfect and never will be. That is why we have his Son who offers grace, mercy and forgiveness, if we are seeking Him for the first time or when we take a step backwards in life. It’s up to us to pursue and try to follow Him.  In time we will come to understand these shortcomings, His will for us and the people around us that may say nay. For most of us it doesn’t happen overnight, but if you believe there is a good and loving God despite what the world tries to deal us, then a person should pursue Him! The latter, to me, really isn’t a choice.

Freshlife Church has posed a very refreshing way to get the news across to people. Nothing has changed in the Bible and they don’t change anything either! That’s the best part! It’s just the way in which it is presented! A person can really understand what God is trying to say! And Levi makes it A LOT of fun and yet is very serious.

1500 people flocking downtown weekly.  No taxes being paid.  This is the law.  This is a non-traditional use of historical downtown business locations.  Estimated taxes paid before purchase by non-profit entity?  $15000-$25000/year?  Impact on city services/infrastructure, you betcha.

Suggestion:  Fresh Life can make voluntary contributions to the City of Kalispell which would be much appreciated by many fellow city taxpayers.

The fresh joke is just another reason they need to hurry up and complete the bypass.  Kalispell has no idea how to operate.  Churches are already out of control.  They are everywhere and now with no oversite they have infiltrated downtown business district.  Good luck with some voluntary contributions to the taxbase.  Fresh joke is in it for themselves and their new mindless sheep.  Why would you ever sit in some old drab movie theater and listen to some guy tell you about God?  Go outside and go for a walk or a climb or a bike ride and experience what God really is. God is the beauty of the outdoors and the sounds of nature.

Every church I’ve been to since moving to the Flathead 8 years ago is CREEPY except First Pres on Main St., which is just BORING. I’ve heard more people “speaking in tongues” and singing about being the “bride of jesus” than I ever thought I would-heck, once was too much. It is appalling that a small community has this many churches-that should tell you something.

Nothing will change my mind as long as churches are in frigging movie theatres, old box stores, etc with movie screens and amplifiers and everyone (including the preacher) talking about what a loser/drunk/wife beater/junkie he used to be.

In this town it seems like you are either a lowlife or a bible thumper who thinks the pro-life discussion belongs in local government. Blech.

Where are all the regular folks who treat each other well and don’t need a smarmy, creepy baptism every other day? I can’t even go to dinner at an acquiantance’s without him getting drunk and laying hands on me (no, not that way..) and asking me to take jesus into my heart even tho I have told him
a thousand times I am happy with my spiritual life and don’t need a conversion. I am so OVER these people trying to convert everyone they know! Can I go out for a flippin’ taco without someone trying to save me? ARGH!!!!!!!!!!

Westside2; I assume you are just guessing on what the potential property taxes would be and I’m not totally sure if they are excluded from having to pay “property” taxes.

*Here is the key thing for people to consider if they are upset:

* They are non-profit That means whatever money they take in goes right back into the community in one from or another.

*1500 people flocking downtown on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday and some odd days. That brings a lot of people with money to spend in that particular area of town each week. I’m sure there is a good percent of those people that do end up spending some cash in that area that wouldn’t have if the church were not there.

*Some of the money promotes kids summer camps
*Kids ministry
*Student ministry (middle school)
*College ministry
*Kids toy drive
*Mens and womens ministry
*Nursing home ministry
*What now classes
These are only a few of the things that Freshlife offers to support our community. A person would do well to see everything as there is always something changing or being added. Regardless they provide a lot of services throughout our valley and bring potential revenue to the downtown area, aside from reaching out to people and bringing hope to people that would otherwise be lost.

Mddub….most of those ministries look like they benefit the members of the church. Does F.L. promote feeding the homeless, helping needy families, helping the elderly with chores they are unable to do themselves, etc? F.L. just bought a restaurant. What a great opportunity that would be to feed the homeless! I hear that the Community Kitchen is so busy they can hardly keep up.

mongo; Excuse me!!  I’m sorry but you just put a huge tag on Levi that is not true!
Yes he may have had some issues (haven’t we all!!) as a YOUTH prior to getting saved, but wife beater and junkie is not one of them. He has come a very long way since his youth and is a changed man thanks to Jesus Christ. He has been educated at the Billy Graham School of Evangelism, brought up / educated under the care of People Like Greg Laurie, has been involved in many ministries throughout the U.S. This man’s life is focused and on the straight and narrow.  And people within the congregation admitting they have had issues in their lives who are now walking with Christ “IS” what it’s all about. I find nothing “Creepy” about Freshlife. In fact the whole operation intrigues me. It’s new, it’s fresh and true to the Word of God. I think if you would spend a little time there with an open heart, you would find that it is an awesome place to be. 

Sorry your acquaintance has some issues, hopefully in time that may change.

Going to church is not for entertainment (although Freshlife make it fun!). It is for taking time to worship God and learn His word and have Fellowship. I’m sorry if your other church is boring to you.

Understanding the “Bride of Christ” as well as many other things in the Bible takes time, a good teacher, an open heart and a desire for positive change in ones life. Freshlife supplies that! You have to bring the open heart and desire.

Hey RealDeal and Kal61, Thanks for your input / feedback.

Kal61: Yes they do ! and as I have said before, I wouldn’t doubt that they would consider doing something like a “soup Kitchen / Restaurant” in the future, because that is the Heart of this church! The owner of the restaurant had already sold the equipment and Freshlife has another need to be filled at this point.

RealDeal; Well maybe coming out of an old movie theater (Which mind you, is economical for them / which means more money back into ministries!) will make a person more aware of the beauty of nature and all that God has provided for us to enjoy. Also while enjoying the beauty that God has provided, we should thank Him / worship him for it. It wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for Him.

@mddub12 Notice everything you listed has the word “ministry” in it. Basically they do all these things to reinforce the fable that god exists. They especially don’t want the kids reading books on their own that might make them question their faith. Question faith, it’s a must. You also say he was taught at the Billy Graham School of Evangelism… That isn’t something to be proud of. Basically they teach you how to make money on making people believe that if they don’t believe in god, they will suffer eternally, which is complete nonsense created to get people to blindly follow their words. Does anyone else find it weird that something completely tragic has to happen in order for people to “find” god? It’s like they cant take responsibility for their own problems, so they say it must be god’s will, which is a complete cop out. I’ve been to fresh life a couple times, and it is VERY creepy. They are doing nothing less than brainwashing your children. That is sad. Everything you say is “god’s doing” can be easily explained by science now. We are in a modern age, we don’t need to invoke a god anymore. It’s called evolution. We’ve evolved… well some of us have at least.

Mddub12, yes, that’s an estimate based upon the known taxes on a business of similar size and located on the same block as the cafe, which run $4600 per year.  So, given that the Liberty and Strand are much larger than that, my estimate should be a conservative one.

Personally, I see the lack of taxes paid by religious institutions to be in conflict with the separation of church and state.  As the state does not require payment of taxes, they are de facto supporting religion. 

Also, of the list you provided, how many of those things are provided unconditionally?

Westside, Great comment! I appreciate it. And yes the De Facto supporting religion holds true, your right in that sense!  But what if the church and state were joined together? Then we wouldn’t have freedom of religion. It would be controlled. That’s not right either.

As I had stated before, what I believe ( I haven’t actually posted it, just hoping people can read between the lines)  they give back to the community, contributes, meets or even exceeds what you feel the city may be losing in taxes.

Provided Unconditionally? I would have to say anything and everything they can do within their budget!
I even voted “for” your comment! Thanks for the input.

OK Jamhole, Thank You for your input.

Questions; Do you celebrate Christmas, Easter or any other religious holiday? And if you celebrate anything, regardless if it had to do with religion, what would it be? Then I will approach your last comment.

Mddub12, Ummm, I think we have a different understanding of the word “unconditionally”.  I have some Christian friends whom most don’t know are Christians.  They do good works and never mention Christ other than through their own acts.  I have other friends whom provide “ministry” wherein they do good works, but also have a need to proselytize those they assist.  The first type of giving is unconditional.  The second is conditional. 

It appears that most of what you listed as contributions to “the community” are conditional acts, ie. the giving has the ulterior motive of either conversion to your way of thinking, or the giving/support is based upon an acceptance of your way of thinking.  Or, am I misunderstanding what you mean by ministry?

So for those of you who are so against the “churches and religion” the most obvious question is have you studied the bible?And I don’t mean just read it I mean study it,its history,how the old testament points to the new testament even though they were written many years apart.I challenge you to truly study it for 3 months,and if you are rational thinking person you WILL come to the conclusion that every word in this book is true,period.

Next obvious question is, have you been to Fresh Life or have you just decided that because it is a church and is succssesful,and doing things differently (skull church)that it is bad?And the church gets accused of being narrow minded!
This is a good thing that is happening people.Just because you disagree with it does not mean it is a bad thing.The truth is still the truth,whether you choose to beleive it or not.

There are some cool ministries happening in Kalispell, Fresh Life definatly is one of them.Pastor Levi is not going to tell you how you have to live your life or turn you into a zombie,he will present you with the biblical truth and then you can make a decision,his heart is to share the word of God and see those who choose to beleive move forward into a much better way of life.
Also check out Sykes market on sunday mornings there is a really fun ministry that is also growing,come as you are,and enjoy a great free meal afterwards also.

So according to the bible, the planet is only what, around 5,000 years old give or take. I’d say anything supposedly written by god itself would be a little closer to the mark. And yes, I was one of those unfortunate children who’s parents indoctrinated them into faith. From the time I was in preschool until 8th grade that BS was forced down my throat. The bible is filled with contradictions. The bible says a lot of ridiculous things that we no longer adhere to. So please, don’t hold onto that frail argument, it’s worthless. The bible was written by man, and poorly at that.

And to answer your question, I celebrate birthdays, and that’s about it. The christian religions have basically ripped off holidays and festivals from other ancient religions. Nothing is original anymore.

And what would those supposed contradictions be?

google it, there’s tons. The body of evidence isn’t on me to disprove, it’s on you to prove. Better get to work.

Tell me what you see as a contradiction and I will straighten it out for you.

So according to your last statement it seems you are relying on Google for your facts and not researching it for yourself

Hey Jamhole,don’t get the idea that I am trying to be a know it all or anything I used to question these things also,till I started to study the bible myself,research it and use other books to back it up,it is called the “living word"for a reason if you choose to look at it with an open mind it will change your life.Don’t take my word for it study it YOURSELF,without having it “crammed” down your throat,that is exactly why Fresh Life and Harvest Fellowship at Sykes market are growing because they don’t shove it down your throat,they present it to you and it(holy spirit) will do the rest.

If what is being “presented” was written by men a long time ago as a means of controlling a population, then of course people are going to be “moved” by it. It was created to do one thing. Control. It has nothing to do with saving souls or anything like that. I’ll make you a deal, I’ll study the bible, if you read either The God Delusion by Richard Dawkins or Letter to a Christian Nation by Sam harris, or even God is NOT great by christopher hitchens, You pick.

mddub: I was not referring to “Levi” in fact I just had to reread your posts to know who Levi is….........................this is sort of a universal theme for preachers around here, you know!

Since we’re way off topic now…

If Jesus, Buddha, and Mohammad met in heaven what would they think of each others’ message and the ever fragmenting religions formed after their life on earth?

Can Truth be organized, or Is Truth a pathless land? 

http://www.tphta.ws/TPH_TIPL.HTM

Thank You “awmontana” for your input! Some backup and support is wonderful ! I have a million things to do, just like most of us, But I felt this blog (God) should be a number “ONE” priority. Be prepared to give every man an answer for the hope/faith that is within you.

Westside: good question!
I think it already is organized.
Sorry, but it’s in the Bible.
Romans 1
God has revealed Himself to all men.
This encompasses the Old and New Testament.

Westside Sorry, That was meant to answer both of your questions

Mongo: On Levi, No I don’t know! ( to pick on “You Know”) It’s not universal to me. I have a more positive attitude/outlook and feel those people will bury themselves.

Jamhole; It wasn’t written to control population. You need to study it. And yes I will take on one of your books! I wouldn’t stand on what I believe had I not tested it with my own life.

Jamhole; Sorry… “to “Pick Up” on “You Know”.  Not “Pick On”

Faith comes through the “Word of God”
The “Word of God” is “The Bread of Life”
If you want to be nourished, healthy and whole, then you have to eat.

Jamhole: The Christian religions have not ripped off the holidays! As a matter of fact, Christians are trying to KEEP Christ in Christmas!
It’s the greed of the world and corporations and people that just don’t understand that have taken away the true meaning of the holidays.

Wow, you people really have no idea what you’re saying… I’m amazed you’ve managed to survive this long.

mddub12, do you have any thoughts on my comment just before awmontana joined the discussion?

Also, you didn’t actually answer the Jesus, Buddha, Mohammad question.  I also doubt you read the link I provided. 

Here is my favorite part(individual experiences may vary:-)

Truth, being limitless, unconditioned, unapproachable by any path whatsoever, cannot be organized; nor should any organization be formed to lead or to coerce people along any particular path. If you first understand that, then you will see how impossible it is to organize a belief. A belief is purely an individual matter, and you cannot and must not organize it. If you do, it becomes dead, crystallized; it becomes a creed, a sect, a religion, to be imposed on others. This is what everyone throughout the world is attempting to do. Truth is narrowed down and made a plaything for those who are weak, for those who are only momentarily discontented. Truth cannot be brought down, rather the individual must make the effort to ascend to it. You cannot bring the mountain-top to the valley. If you would attain to the mountain-top you must pass through the valley, climb the steeps, unafraid of the dangerous precipices.

I think approaching God from the perspective of the holy spirit is safer myself.  It’s alive.

Westside; Unconditional? I understand where you are coming from!!
Well, some common sense is in order here.
If you don’t have the gas to get there, I guess you can’t go.
If you have a flat tire, you have to fix it before you can go.
If your family needs you, you better take care of your family. .
If you have to work and can’t afford to take the time off, you better work.
If you can’t pay your internet (IPS) , you can’t blog.
If you can’t pay your electric bill…....Get It???

Yes! Unconditional is the word, but everybody has to work within their means, including You!

Freshlife does as much as they can do! and their limits are just like yours and mine! They can’t take on the world at this time, but they have some back up!  ?????? :o)

Westside!! Good to hear from you! I was just about ready to sign off. I’m pooped! I’m going to check your link right now! and yes I believe I did answer your questions. You may have to scroll back a bit. back in a few minutes!

Westside; Your email!! Approaching God from the perspective of the Holy Spirit is awesome! Because the Holy spirit is alive! and the words you used in your email leads me to believe that you have read the book (Hinds Feet in High Places)?? Is this true?

Westside; I’ll read on that link tomorrow. I checked it out! Too much to comprehend in a fair manner tonight. Just too much for tonight.

And your last blog, I have some comments and believe I understand where you are coming from!

There are things that have happened in this world that has caused something like that to be written and with good cause.

In short, I think because the truth has been twisted.

Be back tomorrow!

i wish i could be there when you take your last breath, just to see the look on your face when you have that sudden realization that there is no god.  In all the back and forth everyone is having here, I still have not seen one shred of evidence supporting the existence of a god…

The easiest way for you to obtain that evidence is to research the old testament prophecies particularly in Isaiah,there are 10 in chapter 53 alone that all come true in the new testament.Many many years apart.
Let me throw this out before I head out to work,if the apostles made up all these things about Jesus,particularly after his death and resurection,and these were all lies do you really think that they would have all died the horrible deaths,that the did to protect a lie?Beheadings,upside down crucifixions,stoned to death,boiled in oil,do you really beleive that NONE of them would have confessed that all was a lie?

Hey westside,simple answer to your question about the 3 meeting in heaven,they won’t ever meet there,only one of them will be there.

awmontana -

Oops…You may have exceeded the limits of your authority there

Westside; I just read your article and understand. I to believe that truth is unapproachable, because truth is truth.

Jesus said “I am the way, the truth and the light”

In Him, I think we find that very truth within ourselves.

awmontana,  Ahh, if only it were so simple as you think.  You can’t prove that your approach to heaven is any more valid than mine.  But, the question wasn’t meant to be interpreted literally.  It’s kind of like interpreting religious texts literally, it leads to division amongst folks who might otherwise get along just fine.  Trouble begins when one gets too caught up in his version of what he calls truth, and it is his truth, that’s no lie.  But, one man’s truth is not everyman’s truth, and one man’s truth does not mean that another man’s truth is less valid.  The symbol is not the thing it represents, nor are words capable of capturing what some call God.  That’s why my truth is that approaching God from the perspective of the Holy Spirit is the wiser thing to do.  It helps me keep the mystery alive. 

FYI, in my truth, Jesus, Buddha, and Mohammad are buddies.  They often discuss how their essential messages were the same, and how sad it is that so much division is propagated in their names.  Your results may vary.  Depends on who you listen to, or if you listen to anyone at all.  Personally, I think a second hand truth is no truth at all, but again, your experience may vary.

“Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children”

Right, all the god’s are hanging out having fun, except for the christian god, who’s too jealous to have any fun. I can see it now. You should all watch a web tv series called Mr. Deity. I think you would enjoy it.

Westside were you born in the 60’s by any chance?

No

Ya Know I’m voting yes to anyone who asked a responsible / legitimate question or has a responsible / legitimate answer.

For us that do believe!!! All we do is get attacked by the opposition !! Ya know what,  that’s cool !! because we will persevere !! 

I know these are harsh words, to a degree, and we (all) have other things to do with our time, but YOUR salvation comes first!  So let the argument continue…. through eternity!
At least I know that I have and will continue to try and help you understand where we / I are coming from ! 

Westside; I think your on to something!

Janhole…..........

Good, play the role of the victim. You do realize that in this valley, the non believers get picked on and looked down upon almost as much as the pot heads do. Just because now all you older folk are on the internet, you are slowly realizing that maybe more people have figured out your faith is complete nonsense. I’m probably done with this topic, it’s been beaten more than christ in the passion.

Jamhole;  Wow!  You watched the passion!! :o)

What an excellent movie to really focus on what happened just before ““TIME” itself was changed!” B.C. to A.D.

And “NO”!!!  BIG TIME NO!!!    I don’t care whether you smoke dope or are a NON Believer!!! or Whatever!!!  I’m just here for you! Man!!  ( if you keep writing!!  I’m gonna write back!!!)  Believe or not! I am your friend!!!
Skip the “Older Stuff”” O.K.?  I don’t need it!!  I’m a lot younger that you think!