Posted by blue on July 14, 1998 at 21:17:13:
In Reply to: very offensive... posted by David Stephens on July 14, 1998 at 12:04:23:
: Well, this is one of the most offensive things I've read from you so far.
Yes, the Gospel is offensive to those who don't believe it. Read Acts chapter 7 for a quick example.
You're just so special Blue, so very chosen and golden--your god fits you perfectly. You'd have made a great Mormon. I hope you pray to your god every day and thank him for making you born where you were and into the situation you were born into.
I do that. I am also thankful not to have been born in, say, Nero's Rome, or in some places in, say, Asia today. God has been merciful in keeping me from such a test of my faith. But God has been even more merciful in saving me when I obviously (as you seem to sense) have done absolutely nothing to deserve it. I should be dead in hell right now. But God has been merciful to me for no apparent reason. He just may do the same for you.
: It's too bad you never traveled to Asia while in your youth (and with your mind still open) and lived for a few years with a family that understands humility.
I have never known destitution. As the son of poor immigrants, I was the poorest student in my class in grade school, but I never felt any want. God has, indeed, been merciful.
But my condition of being saved gives me no grounds to boast about anything. It doesn't make me smarter, wealthier, more attractive. It just makes me the recipient of a gift I don't deserve. God has, indeed, been merciful. May He show the same grace to you.