Do You Believe in an Eternal Hell

[officerripley]

Here it’s Mary.

Unless you're talking to extremely fundamentalist/evangelical Christians; then it always seems to be either "Jesus's mother" or "Joseph's wife" since they seem to be big on women being only put here to be "good" (i.e., obedient) wives and mothers. Oh, and daughters too.

 

[Mr. Ed]

I have changed my ways

 

[Keesha]

Unless you're talking to extremely fundamentalist/evangelical Christians; then it always seems to be either "Jesus's mother" or "Joseph's wife" since they seem to be big on women being only put here to be "good" (i.e., obedient) wives and mothers. Oh, and daughters too.

You raise a good point ; the time the Bible was written. A lot of things have changed. Most women aren’t owned any more however some still are. I’m so grateful to be living where we do. Obedient I don’t do!

 

[mrstime]

I don't believe in an after life. This is not hell either, this life is what you make of it, it is your choice to be happy or miserable! I choose to be happy!

 

[Verisure]

They did not lie about it, they really believed it was true.

Somebody lied. It wasn't a spontaneous blanket of hoax from heaven that descended upon humanity. The lie was earth-born.

 

[Verisure]

Why do Christians lie about the Virgin Mary? Catholics have lots of questions. I'm not Catholic. I don't debate with Catholics as it would be fruitless since their minds are made up. I'm a Bible-believer and will post Biblical answers to their questions for them. Here's how the Bible answers that:
Click on : https://www.gotquestions.org/virgin-Mary.html

From the link, this paraphrase:

"Mary was a virgin when she gave birth to Jesus ….. speaking of Joseph, declares, “But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave Him the name Jesus.” ….. Mary remained a virgin until the Savior’s birth, but later Joseph and Mary had several children together."

But there is no explanation as to why the lie was borne and why it was/is accepted. Questioning superstition is anti-faith. FAITH: "Strong belief in the doctrines of a religion, based on spiritual conviction rather than proof."

 

[Aneeda72]

From the link, this paraphrase:

"Mary was a virgin when she gave birth to Jesus ….. speaking of Joseph, declares, “But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave Him the name Jesus.” ….. Mary remained a virgin until the Savior’s birth, but later Joseph and Mary had several children together."

But there is no explanation as to why the lie was borne and why it was/is accepted. Questioning superstition is anti-faith. FAITH: "Strong belief in the doctrines of a religion, based on spiritual conviction rather than proof."

I disagree strongly, very strongly. God the Father gave us freedom of choice, the right TO CHOOSE what we will believe or not believe. Faith is not blind. Define no union with her. I thought we agreed the Bible is a historical document written by old men and, yet, you present your case with paraphrasing from the scriptures.

Faith is questioning, making as informed a decision as possible, and still believing, despite evidence to the contrary, in whatever you believe in. Most people can not be swayed. As @Lara said minds are made up.

In modern times many people have FAITH, BELIEF, that the virus is not dangerous, the facts about it are wrong, the scientists incorrect, and the doctors paid off. They follow their chosen leader into the valley of death and many have died. The graveyards are full of non-believers.

 

[Lara]

I have changed my ways

From the link, this paraphrase:

"Mary was a virgin when she gave birth to Jesus ….. speaking of Joseph, declares, “But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave Him the name Jesus.” ….. Mary remained a virgin until the Savior’s birth, but later Joseph and Mary had several children together."

But there is no explanation as to why the lie was borne and why it was/is accepted. Questioning superstition is anti-faith. FAITH: "Strong belief in the doctrines of a religion, based on spiritual conviction rather than proof."

Mr. Ed...do tell...what, when, why?

Verisure...paraphrasing is a red flag but I hear you saying that the Bible says Mary was a Virgin when she gave birth to Jesus, you are claiming it's a lie because you don't know why. Just because you don't know why doesn't mean it's a lie. Even though you're "Very Sure"

Here is the Bible's answer to Verisure's question "Why"

Firstly, The doctrine of the virgin birth is crucially important (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23; Luke 1:27, 34). In response to Mary’s question, “How will this be?” (Luke 1:34), Gabriel says, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you” (Luke 1:35).

Secondly, Matthew 1:20 tells us that the angel encourages Joseph to not fear marrying Mary with these words: “What is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit”. Matthew states that the virgin “was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 1:18)

From these passages, it is certainly clear that Jesus’ birth was the result of the Holy Spirit working within Mary’s body. The immaterial (the Spirit) and the material (Mary’s womb) were both involved. Mary, of course, could not impregnate herself, and in that sense she was simply a “vessel.” Only God could perform the miracle of the Incarnation.

However, denying a physical connection between Mary and Jesus would imply that Jesus was not truly human. Scripture teaches that Jesus was fully human, with a physical body like ours. This He received from Mary. At the same time, Jesus was fully God, with an eternal, sinless nature (John 1:14; 1 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 2:14-17.)

Jesus was not born in sin; that is, He had no sin nature (Hebrews 7:26). It would seem that the sin nature is passed down from generation to generation through the father (Romans 5:12, 17, 19). The Virgin Birth circumvented the transmission of the sin nature and allowed the eternal God to become a perfect man.

 

[Mr. Ed]

I am curious, according to the bible God came upon Mary and she was with child. What form, if any, did God come upon Mary to make her with child? When did God enter into Mary and how did he do it? Was Mary pleasured by God? How did God leave and return to his former self if he had former identifying factors?

Some things are beyond our scope of understanding but we continue to question matters of the spirit even though there are no logical explanations to the questions we ask. Just because we may not know for certain does not diminish the fact of these occurrence. Whether we believe or not is our prerogative, either way be courteous and respectful to your neighbors because everybody's contribution is valued.

 

[Lara]

I take it your second paragraph was meant for Verisure suggesting that Christians lie about the Virgin Birth and not directed at me I hope.

Re: your first paragraph...God came to Mary in the form of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is not a physical being. For instance, I asked for a filling of the Holy Spirit and He has filled me inside with love for God, with joy, with a desire to learn more about Him, etc. That's why I'm so on fire and why some are probably quite annoyed thinking I'm proselytizing..but no it's that I'm filled with the Holy Spirit and thus excited to share the joy and love I feel inside.

To answer your last question: The Holy Spirit is our Helper. God did not leave and return to himself. God exists in 3 forms. God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit for the purpose of performing in different ways:
1. Jesus walked among us in physical form and so we could relate better to him and so he could suffer for our sins so we could be forgiven.
2. The Holy Spirit is our Helper
3. God the father is our Creator and will be the one to judge our spiritual life or spiritual death after our physical death

 

[Aneeda72]

I am curious, according to the bible God came upon Mary and she was with child. What form, if any, did God come upon Mary to make her with child? When did God enter into Mary and how did he do it? Was Mary pleasured by God? How did God leave and return to his former self if he had former identifying factors?

Some things are beyond our scope of understanding but we continue to question matters of the spirit even though there are no logical explanations to the questions we ask. Just because we may not know for certain does not diminish the fact of these occurrence. Whether we believe or not is our prerogative, either way be courteous and respectful to your neighbors because everybody's contribution is valued.

Exactly, @Mr. Ed @Lara “ the Holy Spirit will come upon you”, but in what form? We do not know. It’s not speculated on anywhere, but simple biological says there had to be semen.

I assume the Holy Spirit became an actual solid individual, or inhabited a man, to accomplish the deed. That fact Mary does not remember a night with a man is unimportant, understandable, and can be explained in a variety of ways.

The man provided the necessary elements for the body, the semen, the Holy Spirit provided the specific “soul” that God the Father wanted his son JC to have, Mary provided the vessel to carry the baby, and Joseph provided the means for Mary to survive life her life as a “fallen” woman.

It was masterful planning which is why, it had to be done by a God. The God we choose to believe is God the Father, the Creator, or whatever name you wish to assign to this deity. The virgin birth simply means Mary did not have penetration sex with a male which is not necessary for pregnancy as we all know now; but would not have known then.

 

[Keesha]

Just a thought here. I think it’s possible for people to strongly believe in a creator without believing every word from the Bible and without feeling shame.

 

[Lara]

Aneeda...I think maybe you missed my post 235 just before yours...maybe not The Holy spirit didn't become a man nor go into a man nor use a man. The Holy Spirit is like the wind and it was more of a miracle than an act of sex.

 

[Aneeda72]

I take it your second paragraph was meant for Verisure suggesting that Christians lie about the Virgin Birth and not directed at me I hope.

Re: your first paragraph...God came to Mary in the form of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is not a physical being. For instance, I asked for a filling of the Holy Spirit and He has filled me inside with love for God, with joy, with a desire to learn more about Him, etc. That's why I'm so on fire and why some are probably quite annoyed thinking I'm proselytizing..but no it's that I'm filled with the Holy Spirit and thus excited to share the joy and love I feel inside.

To answer your last question: The Holy Spirit is our Helper. God did not leave and return to himself. God exists in 3 forms. God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit for the purpose of performing in different ways:
1. Jesus walked among us in physical form and so we could relate better to him and so he could suffer for our sins so we could be forgiven.
2. The Holy Spirit is our Helper
3. God the father is our Creator and will be the one to judge our spiritual life or death after our physical death

In the Old Testament God the Father walked among the people of that time, if I remember correctly. HE took a physical form. He could take on many forms as there is the burning bush thing on the mountain as well.

How do you know that the Holy Spirit could not assume a physical form? If God the Father can assume a physical form, and JC has a physical form, and the Holy Spirit is part of the deity then logically it can be assumed the Holy Spirit can take a physical form.

I believe the Guardian Angels are our helpers. I believe the Holy Spirit is in charge of making sure souls get placed into bodies. Someone mention they thought people could be born “evil at birth”. I disagreed, however, I suppose if a body were born without a soul, that individual could be evil from birth, and possessed by a demon at the time of birth.

As to if you are proselytizing, no, I don’t think you are. You are not annoying, either. But, saying you will not discuss things with certain people because of their religion as their minds are decided, is annoying; but also a guarantee that YOU ARE NOT PROSELYTIZING. Otherwise, you would be talking the ears off all us Catholics .

 

[Aneeda72]

Aneeda...I think maybe you missed my post 235 just before yours...maybe not The Holy spirit didn't become a man nor go into a man nor use a man. The Holy Spirit is like the wind and it was more of a miracle than an act of sex.

Nope, I saw it. I’ve responded.

 

[Verisure]

I disagree strongly, very strongly. God the Father gave us freedom of choice, the right TO CHOOSE what we will believe or not believe. Faith is not blind. Define no union with her. I thought we agreed the Bible is a historical document written by old men and, yet, you present your case with paraphrasing from the scriptures.

Faith is questioning, making as informed a decision as possible, and still believing, despite evidence to the contrary, in whatever you believe in. Most people can not be swayed. As @Lara said minds are made up.

In modern times many people have FAITH, BELIEF, that the virus is not dangerous, the facts about it are wrong, the scientists incorrect, and the doctors paid off. They follow their chosen leader into the valley of death and many have died. The graveyards are full of non-believers.

I didn't paraphrase the scriptures. I paraphrased the link that Lara provided.

 

[Lara]

Aneeda, sorry to not respond to your post but it would turn to debate I think. I'll just stick with my post 235. My answers are in there

Verisure...Oh, don't paraphrase me either please

 

[Verisure]

Mr. Ed...do tell...what, when, why?

Verisure...paraphrasing is a red flag but I hear you saying that the Bible says Mary was a Virgin when she gave birth to Jesus, you are claiming it's a lie because you don't know why. Just because you don't know why doesn't mean it's a lie. Even though you're "Very Sure"

Here is the Bible's answer to Verisure's question "Why"

Firstly, The doctrine of the virgin birth is crucially important (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23; Luke 1:27, 34). In response to Mary’s question, “How will this be?” (Luke 1:34), Gabriel says, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you” (Luke 1:35).

Secondly, Matthew 1:20 tells us that the angel encourages Joseph to not fear marrying Mary with these words: “What is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit”. Matthew states that the virgin “was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 1:18)

From these passages, it is certainly clear that Jesus’ birth was the result of the Holy Spirit working within Mary’s body. The immaterial (the Spirit) and the material (Mary’s womb) were both involved. Mary, of course, could not impregnate herself, and in that sense she was simply a “vessel.” Only God could perform the miracle of the Incarnation.

However, denying a physical connection between Mary and Jesus would imply that Jesus was not truly human. Scripture teaches that Jesus was fully human, with a physical body like ours. This He received from Mary. At the same time, Jesus was fully God, with an eternal, sinless nature (John 1:14; 1 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 2:14-17.)

Jesus was not born in sin; that is, He had no sin nature (Hebrews 7:26). It would seem that the sin nature is passed down from generation to generation through the father (Romans 5:12, 17, 19). The Virgin Birth circumvented the transmission of the sin nature and allowed the eternal God to become a perfect man.

* I didn't even mention the bible. I quoted your link, not the bible.

* I am not claiming the myth about Maria's virginity is a lie "because I don't know why". I am saying it's a lie because women don't give birth without a human egg and human sperm.

* Nothing in your post says anything about "why" the lie was created.

 

[Verisure]

Mr. Ed...do tell...what, when, why?

Verisure...paraphrasing is a red flag but I hear you saying that the Bible says Mary was a Virgin when she gave birth to Jesus, you are claiming it's a lie because you don't know why. Just because you don't know why doesn't mean it's a lie. Even though you're "Very Sure"

Here is the Bible's answer to Verisure's question "Why"

Firstly, The doctrine of the virgin birth is crucially important (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23; Luke 1:27, 34). In response to Mary’s question, “How will this be?” (Luke 1:34), Gabriel says, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you” (Luke 1:35).

Secondly, Matthew 1:20 tells us that the angel encourages Joseph to not fear marrying Mary with these words: “What is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit”. Matthew states that the virgin “was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 1:18)

From these passages, it is certainly clear that Jesus’ birth was the result of the Holy Spirit working within Mary’s body. The immaterial (the Spirit) and the material (Mary’s womb) were both involved. Mary, of course, could not impregnate herself, and in that sense she was simply a “vessel.” Only God could perform the miracle of the Incarnation.

However, denying a physical connection between Mary and Jesus would imply that Jesus was not truly human. Scripture teaches that Jesus was fully human, with a physical body like ours. This He received from Mary. At the same time, Jesus was fully God, with an eternal, sinless nature (John 1:14; 1 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 2:14-17.)

Jesus was not born in sin; that is, He had no sin nature (Hebrews 7:26). It would seem that the sin nature is passed down from generation to generation through the father (Romans 5:12, 17, 19). The Virgin Birth circumvented the transmission of the sin nature and allowed the eternal God to become a perfect man.

Since you don't like that I paraphrased your link and you think paraphrasing it is "a red flag" then maybe you prefer this response instead:

"What does the Bible say about the virgin Mary?
Question: "What does the Bible say about the virgin Mary?"

Answer: Mary the mother of Jesus was described by God as “highly favored” (Luke 1:28). The phrase highly favored comes from a single Greek word, which essentially means “much grace.” Mary received God’s grace.

Grace is “unmerited favor”; that is, grace is a blessing we receive despite the fact that we do not deserve it. Mary needed grace from God and a Savior, just as the rest of us do. Mary herself understood this fact, as she declared in Luke 1:47, “My spirit rejoices in God my Savior.”

The virgin Mary, by God’s grace, recognized that she needed the Savior. The Bible never says that Mary was anyone but an ordinary human whom God chose to use in an extraordinary way. Yes, Mary was a righteous woman and favored (graced) by God (Luke 1:27–28). At the same time, Mary was a sinful human being who needed Jesus Christ as her Savior, just like everyone else (Ecclesiastes 7:20; Romans 3:23; 6:23; 1 John 1:8).

The virgin Mary did not have an “immaculate conception.” The Bible doesn’t suggest Mary’s birth was anything but a normal human birth. Mary was a virgin when she gave birth to Jesus (Luke 1:34–38), but she was not a virgin permanently. The idea of the perpetual virginity of Mary is unbiblical. Matthew 1:25, speaking of Joseph, declares, “But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave Him the name Jesus.” The word until clearly indicates that Joseph and Mary did have normal sexual relations after Jesus was born. Mary remained a virgin until the Savior’s birth, but later Joseph and Mary had several children together. Jesus had four half-brothers: James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas (Matthew 13:55). Jesus also had half-sisters, although they are not named or numbered (Matthew 13:55–56). God blessed and graced Mary by giving her several children, which in that culture was accepted as the clearest indication of God’s blessing on a woman.

One time when Jesus was speaking, a woman in the crowd proclaimed, “Blessed is the womb that bore You and the breasts at which You nursed” (Luke 11:27). There was never a better opportunity for Jesus to declare that Mary was indeed worthy of praise and adoration. What was Jesus’ response? “On the contrary, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it” (Luke 11:28). To Jesus, obedience to God’s Word was more important than being the woman who gave birth to the Savior.

Nowhere in Scripture does Jesus or anyone else direct any praise, glory, or adoration toward Mary. Elizabeth, Mary’s relative, praised Mary in Luke 1:42–44, but her praise is based on the blessing of giving birth to the Messiah. It was not based on any inherent glory in Mary. In fact, after this Mary spoke a song of praise to the Lord, extoling His mindfulness to those of humble state and His mercy and faithfulness (Luke 1:46–55).

Many believe that Mary was one of Luke’s sources for the writing of his Gospel (see Luke 1:1–4). Luke records the angel Gabriel visiting Mary and telling her that she would give birth to a son who would be the Savior. Mary was unsure how this could be since she was a virgin. When Gabriel told her that the child would be conceived by the Holy Spirit, Mary answered, "I am the Lord’s servant. . . . May your word to me be fulfilled. Then the angel left her" (Luke 1:38). Mary responded with belief and a willingness to submit to God’s plan. We, too, should have such faith in God and trustingly follow Him.

In describing the events of Jesus’ birth and the response of those who heard the shepherds’ message about Jesus, Luke writes, "But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart" (Luke 2:19). When Joseph and Mary presented Jesus at the temple, Simeon recognized that Jesus was the Savior and gave God praise. Joseph and Mary marveled at what Simeon had said. Simeon also told Mary, "Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed" (Luke 2:34–35).

Another time at the temple, when Jesus was twelve, Mary was upset that Jesus had remained behind when His parents had left for Nazareth. They were distressed in looking for Him. When they found Him, still in the temple, He said He must be in His Father’s house (Luke 2:49). Jesus returned to Nazareth with His earthly parents and submitted to them. We are told, again, that Mary "treasured up all these things in her heart" (Luke 2:51). Raising Jesus must have been a perplexing endeavor yet also filled with precious moments, perhaps memories that became more poignant as Mary came to more fully understand who Jesus is. We, too, can treasure in our hearts the knowledge of God and the memories of His activity in our lives.

It was Mary who requested Jesus’ intervention at the wedding of Cana, where He performed His first miracle and turned water into wine. Even though Jesus seemingly rebuffed her at first, Mary instructed the servants to do what He told them. She had faith in Him (John 2:1–11).

Later in Jesus’ public ministry, His family grew concerned. Mark 3:20–21 records, "The crowd gathered again, so that they could not even eat. And when his family heard it, they went out to seize him, for they were saying, 'He is out of his mind.'" When His family arrived, Jesus proclaimed that it is those who do the will of God who are His family. Jesus’ brothers did not believe in Him prior to the crucifixion, but at least two of them did afterward—James and Jude (Judas), the authors of the New Testament books bearing their names.

Mary did seem to believe in Jesus throughout His life. She was present at the cross when Jesus died (John 19:25), no doubt feeling the “sword” that Simeon had prophesied would pierce her soul. It was there at the cross that Jesus asked John to serve as Mary’s son, and John took Mary into his home (John 19:26–27). Mary was also with the apostles on the day of Pentecost (Acts 1:14). However, Mary is never mentioned again after Acts chapter 1.

The apostles did not give Mary a prominent role. Mary’s death is not recorded in the Bible. Nothing is said about Mary ascending to heaven or having an exalted role there. As the earthly mother of Jesus, Mary should be respected, but she is not worthy of our worship or adoration.

The Bible nowhere indicates that Mary can hear our prayers or that she can mediate for us with God. Jesus is our only advocate and mediator in heaven (1 Timothy 2:5). If offered worship, adoration, or prayers, Mary would say the same as the angels: “Worship God!” (see Revelation 19:10; 22:9.) Mary herself sets the example for us, directing her worship, adoration, and praise to God alone: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for He has been mindful of the humble state of His servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me — holy is His name” (Luke 1:46–49)."



There is no explanation in your link as to why the lie was borne and why it was/is accepted. Questioning superstition is anti-faith. FAITH: "Strong belief in the doctrines of a religion, based on spiritual conviction rather than proof."

 

[Lara]

God doesn't need a human egg and sperm to create life. Example: Adam

So He used the Holy Spirit and a miracle.

Nothing in my post said anything about why a lie was created because a lie wasn't created.

 

[Lara]

"I have to go shopping now"
at the 2:00 minute mark

 

[Aneeda72]

* I didn't even mention the bible. I quoted your link, not the bible.

* I am not claiming the myth about Maria's virginity is a lie "because I don't know why". I am saying it's a lie because women don't give birth without a human egg and human sperm.

* Nothing in your post says anything about "why" the lie was created.

Well, she, Mary, supplied the egg and someone else supplied the sperm, unless, hmm, nope not going down that road, to myself.

 

[Aneeda72]

God doesn't need a human egg and sperm to create life. Example: Adam

So He used the Holy Spirit and a miracle.

Nothing in my post said anything about why a lie was created because a lie wasn't created.

And a rib for EVE, past the BBQ please

 

[Aneeda72]

Since you don't like that I paraphrased your link and you think paraphrasing it is "a red flag" then maybe you prefer this response instead:

"What does the Bible say about the virgin Mary?
Question: "What does the Bible say about the virgin Mary?"

Answer: Mary the mother of Jesus was described by God as “highly favored” (Luke 1:28). The phrase highly favored comes from a single Greek word, which essentially means “much grace.” Mary received God’s grace.

Grace is “unmerited favor”; that is, grace is a blessing we receive despite the fact that we do not deserve it. Mary needed grace from God and a Savior, just as the rest of us do. Mary herself understood this fact, as she declared in Luke 1:47, “My spirit rejoices in God my Savior.”

The virgin Mary, by God’s grace, recognized that she needed the Savior. The Bible never says that Mary was anyone but an ordinary human whom God chose to use in an extraordinary way. Yes, Mary was a righteous woman and favored (graced) by God (Luke 1:27–28). At the same time, Mary was a sinful human being who needed Jesus Christ as her Savior, just like everyone else (Ecclesiastes 7:20; Romans 3:23; 6:23; 1 John 1:8).

The virgin Mary did not have an “immaculate conception.” The Bible doesn’t suggest Mary’s birth was anything but a normal human birth. Mary was a virgin when she gave birth to Jesus (Luke 1:34–38), but she was not a virgin permanently. The idea of the perpetual virginity of Mary is unbiblical. Matthew 1:25, speaking of Joseph, declares, “But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave Him the name Jesus.” The word until clearly indicates that Joseph and Mary did have normal sexual relations after Jesus was born. Mary remained a virgin until the Savior’s birth, but later Joseph and Mary had several children together. Jesus had four half-brothers: James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas (Matthew 13:55). Jesus also had half-sisters, although they are not named or numbered (Matthew 13:55–56). God blessed and graced Mary by giving her several children, which in that culture was accepted as the clearest indication of God’s blessing on a woman.

One time when Jesus was speaking, a woman in the crowd proclaimed, “Blessed is the womb that bore You and the breasts at which You nursed” (Luke 11:27). There was never a better opportunity for Jesus to declare that Mary was indeed worthy of praise and adoration. What was Jesus’ response? “On the contrary, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it” (Luke 11:28). To Jesus, obedience to God’s Word was more important than being the woman who gave birth to the Savior.

Nowhere in Scripture does Jesus or anyone else direct any praise, glory, or adoration toward Mary. Elizabeth, Mary’s relative, praised Mary in Luke 1:42–44, but her praise is based on the blessing of giving birth to the Messiah. It was not based on any inherent glory in Mary. In fact, after this Mary spoke a song of praise to the Lord, extoling His mindfulness to those of humble state and His mercy and faithfulness (Luke 1:46–55).

Many believe that Mary was one of Luke’s sources for the writing of his Gospel (see Luke 1:1–4). Luke records the angel Gabriel visiting Mary and telling her that she would give birth to a son who would be the Savior. Mary was unsure how this could be since she was a virgin. When Gabriel told her that the child would be conceived by the Holy Spirit, Mary answered, "I am the Lord’s servant. . . . May your word to me be fulfilled. Then the angel left her" (Luke 1:38). Mary responded with belief and a willingness to submit to God’s plan. We, too, should have such faith in God and trustingly follow Him.

In describing the events of Jesus’ birth and the response of those who heard the shepherds’ message about Jesus, Luke writes, "But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart" (Luke 2:19). When Joseph and Mary presented Jesus at the temple, Simeon recognized that Jesus was the Savior and gave God praise. Joseph and Mary marveled at what Simeon had said. Simeon also told Mary, "Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed" (Luke 2:34–35).

Another time at the temple, when Jesus was twelve, Mary was upset that Jesus had remained behind when His parents had left for Nazareth. They were distressed in looking for Him. When they found Him, still in the temple, He said He must be in His Father’s house (Luke 2:49). Jesus returned to Nazareth with His earthly parents and submitted to them. We are told, again, that Mary "treasured up all these things in her heart" (Luke 2:51). Raising Jesus must have been a perplexing endeavor yet also filled with precious moments, perhaps memories that became more poignant as Mary came to more fully understand who Jesus is. We, too, can treasure in our hearts the knowledge of God and the memories of His activity in our lives.

It was Mary who requested Jesus’ intervention at the wedding of Cana, where He performed His first miracle and turned water into wine. Even though Jesus seemingly rebuffed her at first, Mary instructed the servants to do what He told them. She had faith in Him (John 2:1–11).

Later in Jesus’ public ministry, His family grew concerned. Mark 3:20–21 records, "The crowd gathered again, so that they could not even eat. And when his family heard it, they went out to seize him, for they were saying, 'He is out of his mind.'" When His family arrived, Jesus proclaimed that it is those who do the will of God who are His family. Jesus’ brothers did not believe in Him prior to the crucifixion, but at least two of them did afterward—James and Jude (Judas), the authors of the New Testament books bearing their names.

Mary did seem to believe in Jesus throughout His life. She was present at the cross when Jesus died (John 19:25), no doubt feeling the “sword” that Simeon had prophesied would pierce her soul. It was there at the cross that Jesus asked John to serve as Mary’s son, and John took Mary into his home (John 19:26–27). Mary was also with the apostles on the day of Pentecost (Acts 1:14). However, Mary is never mentioned again after Acts chapter 1.

The apostles did not give Mary a prominent role. Mary’s death is not recorded in the Bible. Nothing is said about Mary ascending to heaven or having an exalted role there. As the earthly mother of Jesus, Mary should be respected, but she is not worthy of our worship or adoration.

The Bible nowhere indicates that Mary can hear our prayers or that she can mediate for us with God. Jesus is our only advocate and mediator in heaven (1 Timothy 2:5). If offered worship, adoration, or prayers, Mary would say the same as the angels: “Worship God!” (see Revelation 19:10; 22:9.) Mary herself sets the example for us, directing her worship, adoration, and praise to God alone: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for He has been mindful of the humble state of His servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me — holy is His name” (Luke 1:46–49)."



There is no explanation in your link as to why the lie was borne and why it was/is accepted. Questioning superstition is anti-faith. FAITH: "Strong belief in the doctrines of a religion, based on spiritual conviction rather than proof."

I enjoyed reading this thanks. But I am a “Mary” person. I believe she has appeared to the faithful. I believe she hold a prominent place in heaven.

 

[digifoss]

My daughters husband‘s ex wife made their life a living hell. The police were out to their house, because of the ex wife, more than when he had been married to her. Apparently she could not understand he was remarried. When the ex wife finally remarried, things got a little calmer, but not much. Once the ex wife and her new husband moved out of state, my daughter could at least hang up the phone on her.

Sounds just like my son's ex-wife. She is an animal. My son got sole custody of their two young sons in their divorce. She had supervised visitation for a short while and lost that. Unfit to raise a pet let alone two kids