Justin

OOC: I decided to move this to a better suited position [after[/i] your last post, Jenna. It makes more sense, and I have a few revisions to make. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Justin spent the rest of the evening flipping through the three car magazines he had bought earlier. One was a state catalog showing where cars were being sold around California; another was a [i]Super Chevy[/i] magazine; and the last a [i]Muscle Mustangs and Fast Fords[/i]. By 3:00 am, he had chosen which he would go look at first: Someone owed a black '69 Camaro SS about 30 miles from here in immaculate condition. The price tag was $17,000. The next morning Jenna awoke to find Justin walking around in his PJs with the phone stuck to the side of his head. Her hangover wasn't too bad, but she still envied the fact that she had one and he didn't. "Who's that?" She whispered; partly because she didn't want to disturb him, and partly because her head hurt. He put his fingers over the phone, "Someone with a car that I want to take a look at." He whispered back. "Sounds good. I'll be out there in a couple hours. Aight then, goodbye." He hung up the hand unit and plopped down next to Jenna. "Good mornin' sunshine!" He said with the goofiest smile ever. "Good morning." Jenna said as she winced a little at his voice. It wasn't horrble, but it wasn't the greatest thing ever to happen, either. "Sleep well?" "Yeah. I just wish I had woken up better." She said sliding off the bed. "You'll be all right. Look, after you get over your hangover I need you to run me to here." Justin handed her a paper with an address scribbled down on it. "I'm gonna get a car now, rather than waiting until we get established. I can't stand having to bum rides." "Ok...just let me get some Tylenol and a shower." She said as she made her way to the door. "Aight, then." Justin got there first, let her out, and then walked on ahead of her down to the kitchen. There, he found that Tori was cooking something(eggs, his nose discerned), and some guy was sitting half-way on the bar. "I don't guess we've met." Justin said as he approached the guy. "I'm John, and I guess we haven't." John said as he took Justin's handshake. "Justin. I don't remember seeing you last night, John, did you just arrive?" Justin said, making conversation as he waited for Tori(who he'd become aquainted with last night on the stairs as both of them were getting out of the party) to get done at the stove. "Well, no. I just arrived late last night, and then didn't come to the party-thing or whatever it was. Me and Tori hung out outside, since she's the only one I knew." John said, nodding at Tori as he said it. "Yeah, and now I'm tired." Tori said sleepily. "I stayed up a lot later than I intended to, too. But I found a car n the process. Jenna is gonna take me to look at it today." Justin said with a grin. "What kind?" Tori asked. "Sixty-nine Camaro." Justin beamed. "Wow, is it nice?" Tori asked. "There was no picture. But I talked to the fella already, and he sounds genuine enough. He doesn't seem to want to sell it, that's for sure." Justin said, resigning about the stove and grabbing a snack from the refridgerator. "I can't wait." -Justin

"Well, I've been pretty quiet up to this point, but I figure I ought to go ahead and let everyone know that I can out-cook anyone in the room. I'm killer on a George Foreman and I'm the Raja of Ramen." Just sat back and sipped on the glass of ice tea he'd made for himself. "Yeah, I doubt those will be necessary." D'Ann said. "Probably right. But hey--I tried, didn't I?" Just smiled and scratched his ruffled hair. "Heh, we'll find something for you to do, Justin." Jenna said, turning to face him. Turning back she said, "A restaurant has lots of different position that have to be covered. If you're at this age and can't fill at least one yet..well, you know." "When will we start?" Tori asked. "Well, we'll obviously have to get a place to open. I have a list of candidates in my room. After everyone has settled in, we can split up and go check them out. After that, we lease one, and go on from there." "Sounds to me like you've got this all worked out, darlin'." Justin said, thrusting his tongue out at her as he hopped over the back over the couch. "Be right back; gotta get some more tea." "Well, wait a second." Jenna said before he could leave the room. "Aight, what's up?" Justin turned around. "Being that this is our first night here together, and I am such a lovely hostess-type, I think we should have a little celebration. The drinks are in an ice chest in the bottom cabinet of the bar in the kitchen. I hid them there. You guys have fun." Jenna said with a big smile on her face. "No drinking for you?" Jenna asked Justin later on that night when she caught him in the hall headed back from their bathroom. "Nah, you know how I am. Plus, I'm an alcoholic. So, even occasional social drinking is out of the question for me, at this point." Justin said, leaning in and taking s whiff of Jenna's breath. "Woo, babydoll. You keep on and you'll have a head-ache out this world tomorrow morning." Justin paused for a second to laugh at his new roomie. "Just make sure you make it to your bed in one piece tonight. You know, I'd hate to wake up and find you on the floor in a puddle of liquor/cookies." "Are you going back into the room?" Jenna asked, slightly woozy already. "Yeah, I'm tired from the flight. Plus, I need to arrange stuff. Which, when you think about it, makes no sense. I'm gonna have it all torn apart for one reason or another before the end of the week. I guess I won't see you again until morning. Goodnight" Justin gave her a light kiss on the forehead, went back downstairs and said his goodnights to everyone else, and then went back up to their room. Jenna was using the bathroom. Justin went about pulling things out of his suitcases haphazardly--until he reached it. The box containing his small CD/DVD center. He immediately located a place to plug it in, located his CDs, and put in the first thing he came to; an old CD from a band called Finch. Singing and whisper-screaming in perfect time with the first track("New Beginnings"), Justin went about arranging his side of the room. Much work was needed, that was for sure. He didn't plan on making this a perfect copy of his former room back home, but he was going to give it the familiarity, in any case. That meant band posters and model cars. "Oh, yeeaah. This is gonna be so awesome." He thought aloud. -Justin

"Eh..." Justin looked down the hall, "I'm gonna unpack my stuff real quick. And all my mom, all that good stuff....try not to hurt each other, y'all." Justin said before disaprearing into his new room. After locating the unused of two spacious closets, Justin begain pulling his poorly folded clothes from the largest of his two suitcases, and find places to put them(mainly the floor). A thousand things were jiggling around in his head at one time. How was everyone back home, what he was he going to eat tonight, where's a place to find a car magazine, and many others. He finally realized all his clothes were out of his suitcase, and now he had to set up the rest of his room. "Great..." He looked around. There was a bed, but no mattress, a bedstand, and a lot of open space on his side. He just walked out, deciding instead to go and greet everyone. He peeked in Tori's room long enough to see that Jenna was no longer there, so he continued on thorugh the house until he found Jenna in the kitchen, getting something to snack on. "Speaking of..." Justin said loudly, purposely to spook Jenna. "I'm hungry, watcha got?" "Um, we'll we have to go grocery shopping once everyone gets here. But, uh...here, have a cookie." She handed him a chocolate chip cookie with a grin on the side. "Thanks." Justin ate it greedily, ruffed up Jenna's hair, and started for the door... The bell rang almost on que, as he step into the foyer. Someone else he'd yet to become aquainted with answered it, and yet another person he'd yet to meet stepped in. Justin turned quickly around, and headed for his room again. "I need a car." He thought to himself. California was famous(in his mind) for it's vast amounts of good cars in good condition. "Jenna, dearest, lovely friend Jenna. You're looking so very lovely today. Can I get you something? A cookie, maybe?" He said, obvious that he was sucking up. Jenna looked at him kind of funny at first, then realized what he was trying to do. "Dearest, lovely friend Justin, whatever is it that you want?" "A ride to a gas station so that I can get a car buyers catalog." Justin said bluntly. "How about I just let you drive yourself? There's one about two miles up the main road outside the neighborhood. You take a left. Think you can [i]handle[/i] the Focus?" Jenna said with a raised eyebrow. "Heh, yeah, I think I got it." "[i]Don't[/i] hurt it." Jenna said, withholding the keys. "All right, all right. She'll be fine." "She better be." Jenna handed the keys to him and he nearly bolted for the door. Once he hit the open road, he felt way better. "Living with all these people...man, this is gonna be crazy." He focus back on the road, and then he suddenly stopped. "It's been a while..." Jenna had had the automatic transmission in her Focus changed over to a 5-speed manual, and now Justin was gonna try it out. He floored it, waiting until it reached 5k RPMs before moving to second gear, then 6k before he hit third, then 6k again and hit moved to fourt, and then he finally punched into fifth after letting the car reach 6,500 RPMs. Then he saw the gas station getting very close, very fast, and hit the brakes. "Impressive." Satisfied, Justin hopped out of the car and ran into the gas station. When he walked out, he was bewildered by the price difference of the catalogs at home, and the ones here. "I hope the cars aren't that bad." Justin drove home in the same fashion he had driven before. -Justin

"All right, I'll learn. I've never been too much for seawater though." Justin said passively. "You'll come to love it before long, I promise." Jenna said with a reassuring smile. She then realized she was all over the road, "Does my driving bother you?" "Heh, hardly. My best friend back home drives just as bad. 'Fact, I say she taught me how to drive, rather than my dad. All total, I think I probably road more with her than any other one person in my life." Justin said lightly. "Jeanine, right?" "Yap. She had a Focus, too. 'Cept hers was a ZX3, I believe." Justin turned his attention to a sound outside the car, "Oh...my..." "What?" Jenna turned, half expecting to see some horrible accident. "That's a '67 GTO! I want it!" Justin said with child-like excitement. "Oh, shut up! Last time we were together you almost jumped out the car when you saw a car you liked." "I can't [i]help[/i] it..." Justin threw up a sheepish smile. "Hey, we're almost there..." -Justin

I'm also under the mature teen catagory of AOL. I expect to be until I move out, too. It's not so bad; there's not much I go to that it hinders. -Justin

[i]How[/i] the blazes could I even [i]think[/i] about missing the rebirth of this story? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Name: Justin Age: 18 Hometown: Phenix City, Alabama Any Pets?: None. Attached or Single?: As always, somewhere inbetween. ***Roommate [To be decided after all signups are final]: --- Brief Life History: I was born in Columbus, Georgia in 1987. I spent the first eighteen years of my life being reared in C-town's cross-river baby sister, Phenix City, Alabama. Both places were amazingly small and boring. By the time I was able to move out, I really wanted to move. While visiting a relative in Michigan one summer a few years back, I had met a lovely Yankee chick, named Jenna, and over the years, we'd become best e-buddies. She was two or three year my senior, but she didn't seem to mind. Anyway, she and some friends were pulling together some kind of group house/business thing, and a few phone calls, some swift packing, and a flight later and I was in on it too. Don't ask me how I went from Phenx City, Alabama to Montecito, California. I mean, really...don't ask. Because if you do, you'll get a shrug and a goofy smile, because I can't explain it, either. I just hope these guys are ready for me... Personality Traits: I'm a devout Christian. I'm a generally quiet guy, especially in a crowd. It is possible for me to perk up at times, and steal the party, but most of the time I focus my attention on one or two people at a time. I'm a huge football freak(Auburn University, w00t!!), and I'm really into cars--fast cars. I'll race, even, if properly provoked. I really hate people who think too highly of themselves, though, I'm probably a little guilty of that, myself. I hate people who put others down, and I like to be charitable. I love the outdoors, my grandpa raised me on deer hunting, and I like the beach, just not always seawater. My main thing is the mountains. Appearance: Well, you can go find my picture in the picture forum somewhere, if you've never seen it. But I have brown hair, and brown eyes. I'm approximately 6'1"(two years, I hope I don't stay this height), and I have fairly dark skin. I'm glad you decided to bring this up in a public arena. I can't wait, buddy. ;-) -Justin

Sorry, DeathBug, I haven't been following this too closely of late. I'm also not sure what you're asking, but I'll try: Adam and Eve were the only two original humans, by my faith. Many have come to believe that God 'planted' other humans on the earth in a similar fashion to how he created Adam and Eve themselves. This is not biblical; the Bible clearly states that we're all of Adam's descent. Many people also have the impression that Adam and Eve only had two sons(some slightly more informed say three), but neither of those beliefs are biblical. After Cane and Abel, the Bible mentions a third son--Seth. And, if you're thinking how I am, they had [i]many[/i] children in their time on Earth. Of which I'm sure none of those mentioned in the Bible were the first or last---unless it says differently. You have to understand, I'm not big on creation. I say that God did it, and no matter how He did it, it was still He who did it, and I give Him the glory for it. I'll wrap up everything I've said and haven't said thus far: Evolution and the Bible, given the right theorizing CAN line up. This, however, doesn't mean that they do or don't. Petty arguements such as this should [i]always[/i] take a backseat to the Gospel in the minds of Christians. Never let yourselves, as Christians, get caught up in what is not important for the Kingdom. Logic? God is far more logical than any other god, or no god at all. Faith? The faith I have is made stronger all the time as I see that it does not go to waste. As I see the words spoken by God fulfilled. Blind faith--haha. Who needs blind faith when you can [i]SEE[/i] the evidence everyday, and at any time? Seek and you'll find, there are just lengths many are scared to go to to find truth, so they choose to live the lie. Not that that makes one any less than another; afterall, I hated Christians up until a year or so ago, so I understand everyone else completely. That's the power of the Holy Spirit in it's most beautiful state--absolute transformation. Haha. Anyway, I hope I've answered questions. That's one of my few purposes on this earth, after all. -Justin

Circuit, you're dead friggin' wrong, buddy. Jesus Himself said one sign of a Christian would be speaking in new, unknown tongues. (Mar 16:17 "And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues...") And that's not the first biblical discrepency I've seen you post here. So, in all respect, I ask you to PM me soon. As for that lady, obviously she's insane. If I were you, I'd have called a demon out of her, instead, because it certainly sounds like if there were any present, they were in her. And in order to take every word of the Bible and translate it into what you want to, you'd have to be on LSD. Most of the Bible(save prophecy) is very blatant and direct about it's purpose. The God I serve came to provide an opportunity to live eternally in perfect harmony with Him. That was Jesus's purpose--to be a final sacrifice. We wait His Kingdom, because there we won't have to deal with this world, frankly. If you don't believe that, hey, your loss. I'm still not sure what point you're arguing here. I'll try and read a little in your last couple statements, though. Let me know if I'm wrong: You say people worship Jesus as a God of death. I gather that you mean they forget that He is not dead--He is very much alive. This is true, and another major point for the morbid religious people to dribble on. That's the most I can gather from it. I'd like you to PM me, as well. Just to infrom me of your personal beliefs and such; you've caught my interest. -Justin

Hmm...I wish you'd have used paragraphs, so I could better understand your post. But I'll do what I can: Why are we waiting on Christ to return? We're ready for Heaven, lol. I'd certainly rather be there than here. And when He does return, and everything has come to it's full completion, it will be on Earth as it is in Heaven. Earth will be reinvented. We're not saved from physical, no.(though, on occasion people ae still raised from the dead, as Lazarus was) But we're saved from the eternal judgemet and death that we all deserve through acceptance of Christ. What do I mean by that? Humans are a failed product, basically. We were created to be in harmonious fellowship with the Lord, but we stole that from ourselves and from Him. God has every right to cut us all completely off from Him. Which would automatically send us to Hell--there and there alone will you be totally away from God--actually, you won't be, now that I think of it. Even those in Hell will bow down and confess that Jesus is the Lord. The distinction between the three of the Godhead is their function. God the Father is the Lord Almighty. The God of Isreal, Jehovah, Yaweh, whatever name you call Him by. Jesus is the Saviour. The One who bring humans the chance to get back to Eden.(where we HAD harmonious fellowship wth God) Jesus Himself is actually just a manifestation of God on Earth. But because He is called the Son of God and defined as our intercessor with God, He has a different function. The Spirit is God's hand. The Comforter Jesus promised. But even with all that, they are still the same, single, all powerful God. So, in a sense you're right, they are one. But their three functions are defined as three different parts. I don't undersand it, in truth; but that's because I'm human and He's God. The devil has no power at all--and it is not ours to give it back. The only thing the devil can do is tempt, not force. So when humans do wrong, they give nothing back t the devil, their sin is none of his business. Most of Christianity has deteriorated into a simple religion, I believe that is what you're saying. And I agree wholeheartedly. The state of certain portions of Christianity is almost depressing. Churches who no longer believe in the modern power of the Holy Spirit(they obviously don't read their Bible, considering God said through Joel "...my Spirit will be poured out on ALL flesh."), churches embracing the idea that Jesus is the Truth, but not the only Way(which is odd, because Jesus said "I am THE way..."), and churches beginning to say that the Bible is unreliable, because it was written by men(so they believe that God Almighty can deliver the Word, but not preserve it? Haha.) But people do exist who have that personal relationship with Christ, trust me. No person has any power, at all. The power of the Holy Spirit comes through those who use it in faith, and who submit to God in using it. If they do no do both, nothing will happen. Faith and submission, two incredible necessities that so many fail to understand. I hope I've answered some of your questions or whatever. Maybe next time you could chop up your post a little more, if you don't mind. :) -Justin

This reaction is to be expected, honestly. I sincerely hope that girl didn't think she couldtry something like this and escape it. However, that does not make it right. If you want to talk unity, we're not going to have it by slicing people up into different catagories like this, at all. The fact is, even though it may be being set up for the study of heritage, it isn't like it will actually revolve around that. Considering many(not all, mind you) after school clubs rarely accomplish more than jut being a hang out for people to gossip and talk. In my opinion, there should be more specific, alternative history classes.(actually, I'd support more specific alternative version of all core classes) That way, people can study more or less what they want to know about. -Justin

I may not have a different religion at this point, no. But oh, so many more throughout the world convert to Christianity every day as a result of evangelism. I also never said I was any better than you, lol. I clearly said that I'm a sinner, just like anyone else and so, am no better than anyone. In fact, I count myself lower than other people because I know God, and called of God, and filled with the Spirit, but I sin still. You're no more of a bad person for not believing in God than any Christian is. We're all the same in God's eyes, He's already accepted us. We just have to accept Him. Anyway, I think I'm probably done now. I just wanted to answer some of the things you said in your last post. :) -Justin

Now, I understand your point. But i find it wrong, lol. Children probably have the best understanding of God out of all people. He simply IS. Childlike faith is powerful, much more powerful than anything I'll ever get on my own. Children are indeed raised by their families to be Christian--this is fine, in my opinion. Why? The Bible says so, basically. "Raise a child up in the way he should go, and he will not turn from it when he becomes a man." Or something close to that. The child will eventually reach a point where they can reason for themselves. When they get there, they'll have to decide for themselves what to do. They're upbringing will be their base, but believe me when I say that the things of this world can have a powerful pull on a young person. Even if they reach a point where they've chosen Christ already, as I said earlier, they'll still sin. I do so on a daily basis. Thankfully, I've been given grace, my sins have been covered by it. I'm moved to repentance because I love the Lord and know that when I sin, I've hurt Him.(From this point forward, I'll never forget what I've just said) True followance of Jesus is not a religion. It's a relationship, a personal one. One where you commune with God daily. The only reason it's to be shared with those who do not have it is so that they, too, can have that grace--Jesus wants them, so He sends His servants to go get them. It should not be forced upon anyone, because it cannot be. It's a personal choice, and only the Holy Spirit can move you towards it. -Justin

You shouldn't be baptized as an infant--bottom line. Baptism is a public announcement, of sorts. Publically saying "I've already accepted Jesus, of my own will." No one is a Christian because their parents were. As for the Church: You partially misunderstood me. I'm not saying we shouldn't gather together. It's required. "Do not forsake the gathering together of the assembly." Fellowship is a cornerstone of faith. God makes many references to this throughout the Bible, people just choose not to realize its importance. I merely meant 'church' has nothing to do with any kind of building, lol. And if the nihilists want to burn their cross, they're welcome to it, I say. The Cross itself is only a symbol, at best. Wearing one or having one in your home does not save you. Besides, the Bible says they're will be blasphemies in the world. So, no big deal to me, they're just burning perfectly good wood. -Justin

[b]All[/b] Christians are hypocritcal. Why? We're all still sinners, frankly. What's the difference between us and those who ar not Christians? We have accepted the blood of Christ, and are given God's grace. [i]By God's grace[/i] we are saved--not by our perfection. People aren't Christians because they pursue purity. People pursue purity [i]because[/i] they're Christians. Being orthodox has nothing to do with it. Anyone saved by the grace of God will know what they're supposed to do--"Let he that hath an ear..." All that is necessary is listening. Being a Christian is so simple. Oh, so incredibly simple. You don't have to get baptized to accept Jesus--you get baptized because you've already accepted Him. A church building has nothing to do with Christianity--it's just a stinkin' building! The Church exists within the hearts of the believers, the building is only where they go to gather for fellowship and worship. Ayiah yiah yiah yiah... -Justin

I think Alabama should have a stinkin' state-funded scholarship. That's what I think... As for the SAT, we don't even take it after 8th grade over here. At most, I'll be taking the PSAT and the ACT. -Justin

You'd think that, Baron. But I know a lot of people who acknowledge God, and think they're Christians because they simply acknowledge Him. So, to them, casual prayer is kind of foreign. And Mitch, I can see where you're coming from. Total seperation of religion and state would kind of negate this whole moment of silence thing--which is obviously geared towards prayer. However, a general moment of silence is good enough that it really shouldn't offend anyone, but it at least curbs the tide of people pushing to have religion replaced in school. Now, on religion in school: Legally, it's wrong to biasedly teach one religious position. I do, however, think they should teach, at least, the major religions of the world. Morally, this nation seems to have been in a lot better shape when religion [i]was[/i] in school. However, that wouldn't be very fair, in a legal sense of the word. -Justin

It was a good thread title. Especially considering I love the movie [i]Gone in 60 Seconds[/i]. I keep hoping one day someone will ask me why I pray during the moment of reflection.(which is what it's called here) But I doubt anyone will. Most of the people in my first block class already know my convictions. Ah well...life goes on.. -Justin

Haha, I knew you'd go that way...:) You're mistaken about the amount of Americans who have heard the Gospel, bud. Yes, every one and his brother have heard the words [i]God, Jesus, church, Christian, Bible[/i], but no where [i]near[/i] your estimate have actually heard the Gospel itself. They say that 79% of Americans are Christians-I say, that's false. 79% of America may [i]claim[/i] Christianity, it's many's initial reaction when questioned about their religion. That, however, does not make them a follow of Christ. To acknowledge and to believe are two different things. I can think of [i]many[/i] people(no exaggeration, I'm being quite serius this tme), who've never heard the Gospel, and/or have a distorted perception of God/Jesus/Christianity. Nothing in the manner of what people should do as Christians has changed in the last 2,000 years at all. Now, I can understand whee you're coming from--it's precisely what I thought(and what, I imagine, you'll continue to think until you open your heart to what God thinks) until I was shown how many people in this country DO NOT understand Christianity. America itself is one of the largest mission fields in the world, but no one realizes it. The Gospel is not dead, no more than Jesus Himself is. The commandments He set down for us do not change with the times. I have another example: Jeremiah the Old Testament prophet. [i]Everyone[/i] in Isreal knew about the Lord their God. Everyone knew the law and the covenant. But Isreal had so deteriorated that it became what it was in Jeremiah and Lamentations. Yet God sent Jeremiah forth anyway, telling him as a child that he would preach to his backward nations. Telling him that he would preach, he would weep, and the people would not hear him. [b]But God sent him forth anyway.[/b] Even though, all the people knew about Him already, God sent Jeremiah on a futile quest to remind them. Why? I don't know. Most likely because God never sends judgement without a warning. Either way, it was God's purpose, and He is bigger than me. As I said, if you think the Gospel doesn't need to be taught today in America, you don't know America as well a you think. If you think I'm trying to change your opinion--you'd be right. But if you think I'm trying to force you into changing, go to North Korea, where they'll kill you for spreading the Gospel. -Justin

Dear, dear craig...then why did Jesus say in Matthew 28:19 & 20 "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the ending of the world." ? If you think there's no need to preach the Gospel, you're ignorant. If you think Jesus only tried to teach those who would listen, you're more ignorant. Jesus was killed because he preached to everyone, not just those who sought Him out. Did the people Peter preached to on the Day of Pentecost in Acts 2 want to hear his message? Absolutely not! They thought he and the rest of the apostles were drunk--indeed, they were...drunk on the Holy Spirit. And what happened? Three thousand, I think, were added to their number that day. If we're only supposed to preach to those who want to hear, then why did Paul go into places where no one had ever heard of Jesus, proclaiming His name to the Gentiles without fear? Please, tell me now why it is we shouldn't preach the Gospel. Educate, oh, great prophet, on why you're more right that God. You have caught an abnormal amount of my interest now, my friend. Please, educate me. -Justin

No, Tori, actually teachers have right to pray, as well. The way I see, so long as it's private, there's no visable issue. -Justin

No if presented properly. See, you're putting words into my statement, instead of reading my statement. What I said was: It's our job to present the Gospel to the nations." Gospel means 'Good News.' The Good News is that God gave His only Son up to the fires of this world so that whoever comes to believe in Him, and [i]truly[/i] believe(not simply acknowledge), may have eternal life. When He died on the cross, Jesus went to the underworld and preached to all those who had died before His coming, that they might be saved. And then, He took the keys of death and Hell from Satan, stripping the Devil of what little power he had. Then, He rose from the dead as the King of kings and Lord of lords. He sits now at the right hand of the Father(who He is also one with), pleading the case of the saints--interceding on our behalf. He died that we may be fearless, happy, righteous and good. Anyone who has an ear should listen to what the Spirit of the Lord is saying, and act on it. Now, if I degraded any other religion with the above statement, then I have to apologize, I don't see how. But that's the Gospel. Congratulations, you've just heard the Good News. If you're being oppressed by a Christian because you're of another faith, rest assured that the Lord will deal justly with that Christian in His time. But if you are a Christian, if you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Saviour, and you've established a personal relationship with Jesus, now if the time to stop playing around. A revival is coming to the church; a monsoon of a revival, at that. So, now is the time to rise, and make yourself prepared for the Lord's anointing--the same anointing that gave Peter the power to say "Silver and old have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk." Praise the Lord who is the truth. Amen. -Justin

Unfortunately for the rest of you, Christians are commanded to present the Gospel to the nations. That, of course, does not include attempting to force others to believe it. As yet, I haven't read where any Christian in this topic has done anything more than they are supposed to do. -Justin

Too bad it's not y'all's decision. You see, forum additions(especially with animes and games) are made by popular demand. And frankly, this is the first real demand I've seen recently for any of those changes. However, I cannot speak for v7. Having recently left the staff, I'm no longer in a position to know these things. But James has given you all his position--having said he won't be making changes of that kind at this time. You should accept that, and wait patiently to get a chance for what you want. -Justin

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Cacophony [/i] [B]So what you're saying is that you're against people having freedom? The Bible said God gave people free will to do as they please are you against that too? What about freedom of speach? Should the world just have one dictator to tell us what to do think and feel? [/B][/QUOTE] Classic case of someone who [i]thinks[/i] they know what they're talking about... Yes, God gives men free will. Free will to choose Him, or to choose sin. However, aside from that, God is a God of order--as said in one of Paul's epistles. Submission to authority--divine and delegated--is a absolute KEY point in the Bible that oh-so many miss. [b]Unless an authority asks you to defy the Word of God, you are to obey it.[/b] Why? Because God says so, and He's bigger than you, lol. God is not a God of anarchy; though, it can be used to His ends--as are all things. God is a God who delegates authority, and there is no authority either on the earth, in Heaven, or in Hell that does not derive its power from Him. -Justin

I agree with your perception of honor, Dagger. And I, to some degree, agree with your assesment of America today. Honor, to me, is being dedicated to what you believe--which first recquires a belief, being kind, seeking wisdom, being quick to help, and being slow to anger. -Justin