I occasionally drive by a church which has this sign, True Jesus Church, and have to wonder about the implication made by the sign.
If you discern the meaning of this sign the way I do, the name implies that all other churches are false. I believe the pastor who named this church really believes his church is what the sign says.
The sign also reminds me of the quandary expressed by another man, Red Jacket, from American history who tried to understand Christian beliefs in Jesus.
Red Jacket posed this question to Christians that attempted to press their faith on him and his tribe.
“You say there is but one way to worship and serve the Great Spirit. If there is but one religion, why do you white people differ so much about it? Why not all agreed, as you can all read the book?”
Are all other churches false? Why are there so many Churches, Synagogues, Mosques, Temples, etc., and various sects of each belief, some still fighting and killing each other today, same as in the past history, because of various religious beliefs or Gods?
Most religious beliefs are the result of what nation or culture a person is born. Until God reveals why He allowed for so many religious beliefs to exist, perhaps we should consider this question. Which church righteous beliefs exalts their nation the greatest, based on treatment of all their subjects as evidenced by righteous deeds, actions, and justice, both past and present?
Or, perhaps by the sins of the nation?
In two novel excerpts, I surmised what King Solomon may have explained, based on his proverbs, to the Queen of Sheba when she asked these same questions. The novel is a contemporary application of a story form to promote understanding of proverbs and ancient wise sayings in relation to our modern times.
Excerpts
“Bilqis, the subject of religious matters is volcanic. If a ruler provokes their subjects about this topic they turn sourer than milk curds, and he will have erupted within them to spill out hot anger beyond their limits same as hot lava flows from a volcano.”
“In other words, when you press milk through a cloth, you will produce sour curds. When you press men to anger, you will produce blooded noses and strife. What you press to produce, you must then contend with your makings.” For the making of milk produces curds, and the pressing of the nose produces blood, and the pressing of anger produces strife. (Proverb 30:33)
“Solomon, which of our Gods is more powerful? If we compare our two nations, it would appear that my God has bestowed the blessing of more wealth upon my people, therefore my God must be more powerful than your God.”
“Bilqis, I cannot answer your question of comparison of our Gods. I can neither anticipate the powers of my God, nor the powers of your God.” I replied diplomatically.
“Solomon, just tell me frankly your honest opinion, do not be diplomatic. How can a person choose between all the gods to determine their personal faith in a god that is more powerful than other gods?”
“Bilqis, I believe that there is one god that reigns above all. We Israelites believe we have made a covenant with our God who freed us from bondage in Egypt. The covenant is Yahweh will provide for our needs and posterity if we follow his commandments. My personal faith is that Yahweh is my supreme God.”
“However, faith is a personal matter, and wealth is a fleeting circumstance for comparison. Righteousness would be a better comparison to measure the power of their gods. It is the righteousness of a nation that exalts that nation rather than its wealth.” Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to a people. (Proverb 14:34)
Source:
As A Lily Among Thorns – A Story of King Solomon, the Queen of Sheba, and the Goddess of Wisdom by Rudy U Martinka.
Available as an eBook at most sellers. Read an excerpt by clicking below.
http://amazon.com/gp/search?field-author=rudy+martinka&index=books
Related Source
Religion in the USA HERE
What Christianity teaches is that faith is a personal choice. We spread the Gospel and we baptize only those who say they believe Jesus is the Son of God, and He has redeemed us of our sins.
Is their a True Jesus Church? I think the fact we have divided into sects indicates two things. Of course, it indicates that some of us try harder to stick to God’s word and others give into the temptations of this world. However, we should not judge too hastily. Many of our divisions have to do with honest differences in interpretation. Some these differences are not especially significant, and some are worthy of separation. Yet even so when the time comes Jesus judges, not us.
So long as people run churches, there will be none that are perfect.
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“So long as people run churches, there will be none that are perfect.”
Very profound statement you have just made to remind us we are all mere mortals with human failings and vanities. We all read and choose to interpret different meanings of the same words written in the Bible at different times in our lives.
I wonder though, which religion and nation our maker will judge to be the most righteous. I find it hard to comprehend how any religion or nation that preaches it is righteous to kill should be exalted by Him or anyone. However, I am a mere mortal, and also choose to believe as you stated, our maker will judge.
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——-occasionally drive by a church which has this sign, True Jesus Church, and have to wonder about the implication made by the sign.—–
Perhaps the best suggestion would be to stop and ask as to the meaning of the sign.
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You have a good point as well as every religion has hopefully a good purpose. However, being 74 years old, I have made my choice and do not want to waste the pastors time debating which religion is the truest. Just wondered why any religion should state they are true and imply that other beliefs may not be true whether or not they meant to imply that meaning.
Regards and good will blogging.
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Perhaps your assumption that it would be waste of ‘his’ time is a tad weak?
Just maybe the point is that the truth is in a person, NOT the church??
I do not share your opinion that the ‘marquee sign’ is a threat to any other belief…………unless one is not confident in his belief.
If something is true, it can withstand the fiercest of scrutiny.
Good will to you as well.
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I admire your statement of faith. Keep in mind though, that beauty is in the eyes of the beholder and if the sign made an average person like me wonder about the implication made, there are others that may have interpreted the same meaning.
Regards and good will blogging.
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Enjoyed the little debate.
The Bible distinguishes between killing and murder. The more correct translation of the commandment that prohibits killing is: “Thou shalt not murder.”
I am a former military officer. Because of that, I have had good reason to give that question some thought. Fortunately for I never served in combat. I have never had to kill anyone. However, I supported (and still support as a contractor) systems that are used to plan and execute military operations. So in my own small way, I have had a part in pulling the trigger, firing a missile, and dropping a bomb.
When we put dishonest people in charge of our government, I squirm. I wonder when they will do something or start to do something I cannot support, when what they want to do is murder instead of defending our nation. Then I will have to quit and say why.
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I agree. However, I believe we also have to add foolish leaders to your statement. You do not have to be dishonest to be a fool. We need both wise and honest leadership to lead us out of the mess the USA is in now, in my opinion. I wish more church leaders would state this clarification when they ask us to pray for our leaders.
As for killing or murder, the words may differ, but the results are the same. As you said, God will be the final judge.
Regards and good will blogging
,
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Reblogged this on Rare Films & TV Classics on DVD.
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I enjoyed the reasoning however we know that Solomon was not the greatest example of faith because he worshipped other Gods in the final years of his life. We also note that under his rulership the people prospered until he stepped away from Yahweh.
When he prayed at the inauguration of the temple he made it clear who the True god is. The Israelites could not compromise.
Jesus own words are the only benchmark of true Christians – “by their fruits you will know them” “they will have love among themselves” “they are no part of the world” so the evidence is:
Faith in Action
Fruits of those actions
Love for God, Christ and their fellow
It is a good starting point.
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I agree. I focus on the wisdom he was blessed with one thousand years before Jesus which is still relevant today. Solomon was wise enough to recognize his mortal failings when he wrote Ecclesiastes.
Regards and good will blogging
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True Jesus Church is the only way to salvation, none outside this church are saved unless u receive its baptism. For more info on the truth go to: http://www.truejesuschurch.sg
or email me at scb@tjc.org
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Thank you for your comment and offer. i admire your faith and beliefs. However, I have a similar faith and belief which I too believe. if you want to help me, just say a prayer for me and I will do likewise for you.
Regards and good will blogging
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Very good.A new blog post is waiting for you Does God Exists or Not.I hope you will look over my blog too.
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