View Full Version : Katrina - God's Mercy Shown
Metaldoc
09-05-2005, 08:43
New Orleans Residents: God's Mercy Evident in Katrina's Wake
By Jody Brown and Allie Martin
September 2, 2005
(AgapePress) - Two Christian leaders in New Orleans are testifying to God's mercy in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. One suggests that the death toll could have been much higher had it not been for God's mercy -- and the other that God may have used the hurricane to purge wickedness from the city.
Chuck Kelley is president of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, with facilities located near the southern banks of Lake Pontchartrain and in Chalmette, east of the city. Baptist Press reports that Kelley now finds himself homeless and with only a few personal belongings following Hurricane Katrina's devastating blow to the New Orleans area. But the seminary leader says he is able to discern God's hand in the situation.
"Imagine what would have happened if [New Orleans] had taken a direct hit," he tells BP. "The levee did not break until after the storm was clear and the winds had died down and the rescue workers were able to get out." Had the levee given way during the hurricane, he says, "untold thousands of people" would have been killed.
"It's a terrible tragedy," Kelley says of the devastation in and around New Orleans, "and we still don't know the scope of it -- but the evidences of God's mercy are there. We rejoice in the fact that He has got the whole world in His hands, including the city of New Orleans and [the seminary]."
Kelley's faith, despite his personal situation, remains steadfast. He explains to Baptist Press that he is confident of God's provision. "When we get to the end of this story," he says, "the last paragraph is going to be a testimony to the greatness and glory of our God, who is able to do all things well, and able to provide every need."
Rev. Bill Shanks, pastor of New Covenant Fellowship of New Orleans, also sees God's mercy in the aftermath of Katrina -- but in a different way. Shanks says the hurricane has wiped out much of the rampant sin common to the city.
The pastor explains that for years he has warned people that unless Christians in New Orleans took a strong stand against such things as local abortion clinics, the yearly Mardi Gras celebrations, and the annual event known as "Southern Decadence" -- an annual six-day "gay pride" event scheduled to be hosted by the city this week -- God's judgment would be felt.
“New Orleans now is abortion free. New Orleans now is Mardi Gras free. New Orleans now is free of Southern Decadence and the sodomites, the witchcraft workers, false religion -- it's free of all of those things now," Shanks says. "God simply, I believe, in His mercy purged all of that stuff out of there -- and now we're going to start over again."
The New Orleans pastor is adamant. Christians, he says, need to confront sin. "It's time for us to stand up against wickedness so that God won't have to deal with that wickedness," he says.
Believers, he says, are God's "authorized representatives on the face of the Earth" and should say they "don't want unrighteous men in office," for example. In addition, he says Christians should not hesitate to voice their opinions about such things as abortion, prayer, and homosexual marriage. "We don't want a Supreme Court that is going to say it's all right to kill little boys and girls, ... it's all right to take prayer out of schools, and it's all right to legalize sodomy, opening the door for same-sex marriage and all of that.”
Shanks heeded warnings to evacuate New Orleans, and is currently staying with friends in the Jackson, Mississippi, area.
Swordslinger
09-05-2005, 09:12
Originally posted by Metaldoc@Sep 5 2005, 02:43 PM
The pastor explains that for years he has warned people that unless Christians in New Orleans took a strong stand against such things as local abortion clinics, the yearly Mardi Gras celebrations, and the annual event known as "Southern Decadence" -- an annual six-day "gay pride" event scheduled to be hosted by the city this week -- God's judgment would be felt.
“New Orleans now is abortion free. New Orleans now is Mardi Gras free. New Orleans now is free of Southern Decadence and the sodomites, the witchcraft workers, false religion -- it's free of all of those things now," Shanks says. "God simply, I believe, in His mercy purged all of that stuff out of there -- and now we're going to start over again."
Believers, he says, are God's "authorized representatives on the face of the Earth" and should say they "don't want unrighteous men in office," for example. In addition, he says Christians should not hesitate to voice their opinions about such things as abortion, prayer, and homosexual marriage. "We don't want a Supreme Court that is going to say it's all right to kill little boys and girls, ... it's all right to take prayer out of schools, and it's all right to legalize sodomy, opening the door for same-sex marriage and all of that.”
Shanks heeded warnings to evacuate New Orleans, and is currently staying with friends in the Jackson, Mississippi, area.
AMEN!!!!! They wont be havin their "southern depravity" parade this year will they?
I know of a man that ended up in New Orleans for thier last "southern depravity" celebration on business. He saw the "depraved" working their iniquity in the streets in public, and the police standing and watching. He photographed these perverts and the police watching, and sent it to every one from the Mayor, State House, State Senate, Washington D.C., and to every one else he could think of. Well it was on the calender to happen again this year, but it aint gonna happen now is it? One could say it has been canceled. ;)
HAHAHAHA!!!! That's a good one! Yeah, a natural event is "God's" judgement. Give me a break! If it was, it would have struck Washington DC where the Roe V Wade ruling actually was MADE!
The things you're whing about are LEGAL, whether you personally (or religiously) agree with them or not. We do not live in a theocracy. If you personally want to live in one, move to Saudi Arabia. Otherwise, read your Constitution. Live your life the way you see fit. Let others live theirs as regards to religious choices and whatever they do in their bedrooms.
Some of what the "Religious Right" in this country say is as bad as the Taliban. Yeah, God caused a situation where infants died to get at a handful of people who---hello!---probably were not even there at the time!!! Do you realize saying those things this paints your God as a terrorist?
Swordslinger
09-05-2005, 12:04
Originally posted by Corvid@Sep 5 2005, 05:28 PM
Some of what the "Religious Right" in this country say is as bad as the Taliban.
:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: What do you expect to read in the religious forum? If you dont like it, get out!!! Some people dont worship the constitution!
Your own words:
"Live your life the way you see fit. Let others live theirs as regards to religious choices"
You aint seen nothin yet!!! Thats was only a small sample of what God is capable of. If you dont want to repent, dont, you will not be alone.
Mullah Omar, I presume?
"Some people don't worship the Constitution."
Or, evidently, believe in it, either.
"You ain't seen nothin yet!!!"
Yeah, that's what all religious fanatics say. Osama bin Laden said the same thing after 9/11.
"If you don't want to repent, don't, you will not be alone."
No, I expect there would be plenty of people in the concentration camps you and your ilk would set up in your theocracy. Unless, of course, you just had us all shot.
Swordslinger
09-05-2005, 13:15
No not "taliban". I'm anti-anything that is anti-Christ.
Matthew 12:30 He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.
So you could say I'm "anti-taliban". But good try though. That crap may work with some Christians, but not with this one. Sorry. :( Try again.
Matthew 6:10 Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
You're "anti-taliban" in the same way Hitler and Stalin didn't get along. Competition for power. And if people like you had your way, the end result would be the same.
Swordslinger
09-05-2005, 13:32
Originally posted by Corvid@Sep 5 2005, 07:22 PM
You're "anti-taliban" in the same way Hitler and Stalin didn't get along. Competition for power. And if people like you had your way, the end result would be the same.
Boy you are full of hate and predjudice against me. You need sensitivity re-educating. Is this racial hatred, hetrosexual hatered, or just religious oppression and hatred? Either way, I'm hurt!! I'm all busted up!!! :(
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-10/869127/c_laugh3.gif http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-10/869127/anim_rofl2.gif :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-10/869127/c_laugh3.gif
Wow, you're so full of original thought that you're copying your posts from another thread. Yawwwnnnn....boring! The "I Love Lucy" method of debate-by-rerun. I suppose it is an effective to tactic to win a debate by causing one's opponent to fall asleep out of sheer boredom.
Swordslinger
09-05-2005, 14:31
Originally posted by Corvid@Sep 5 2005, 08:14 PM
Wow, you're so full of original thought that you're copying your posts from another thread. Yawwwnnnn....boring! The "I Love Lucy" method of debate-by-rerun. I suppose it is an effective to tactic to win a debate by causing one's opponent to fall asleep out of sheer boredom.
Well then goodnight. I'm not "debating" you. You make it sound as if I give a rats behind what you think. Dont flatter yourself. You responded to a thread that opposed your lifestyle, not the other way around. If you are so busted up about having to change your plans this week, start a thread about how your mad at God for canceling your plane ticket, and throw a little hissy fit. Did I spell all that right? :lol: :lol:
No, actually, you didn't spell all that right. You used "your" in place of "you're". It speaks volumes about your intelligence.
I also find it amusing how quickly you accuse others of being homosexuals. That is usually the sign of a closet homosexual.
Be that as it may, Swordslinger, you are very entertaining. I can't recall laughing as hard as I have upon reading your posts.
Swordslinger
09-05-2005, 16:20
Originally posted by Corvid@Sep 5 2005, 08:54 PM
Be that as it may, Swordslinger, you are very entertaining. I can't recall laughing as hard as I have upon reading your posts.
Likewise!!!! Thanks, Ive been kinda needin a laugh too. Glad I could be of assistance. ;)
Dorkface
09-05-2005, 16:31
Originally posted by Corvid@Sep 5 2005, 02:54 PM
1)
No, actually, you didn't spell all that right. You used "your" in place of "you're".
2)
Yawwwnnnn....boring!
3)
It speaks volumes about your intelligence.
1)
You only put one space between the period and the first letter of the next sentance when there should be two. This is in all of your posts.
2)
That should have been Yawwwnnnn... boring!
3)
Typo's happen.
:beer:
Dorkface, check your spelling of SENTENCE. My point remains. Ignorance is self-evident. But, here's a piece I'm sure you and Swordslinger will enjoy:
Thaym thar homosekshuls are rewnin that hole kuntry! Gawd is gwan punesh us awl fer it two! Y jest look at thet TellyTubby kartoon karacter---anowther fagit! Gawd will punesh Amurica fer wachin them thar TellyTubby kweers on tv insted of Gawd-feerin tv shows lak stawk kar racin N heehaw. Gawd will be fluddin up the hole kuntry becawse Gawd is seein wat yall be watchin on tv and yall be wachin them homosekshuls on tv! Th end be neer! Repaint Amurica! Repaint!
Yes, indeed, repaint!
Dorkface
09-05-2005, 16:49
typos happen. besides its the internet not english class. just trying to show that if your only come back to a point of view is to point out gramatical errors... :beer:
Swordslinger
09-05-2005, 17:02
Originally posted by Corvid@Sep 5 2005, 10:46 PM
Thaym thar homosekshuls are rewnin that hole kuntry! Gawd is gwan punesh us awl fer it two! Y jest look at thet TellyTubby kartoon karacter---anowther fagit! Gawd will punesh Amurica fer wachin them thar TellyTubby kweers on tv insted of Gawd-feerin tv shows lak stawk kar racin N heehaw. Gawd will be fluddin up the hole kuntry becawse Gawd is seein wat yall be watchin on tv and yall be wachin them homosekshuls on tv! Th end be neer! Repaint Amurica! Repaint!
Yes, indeed, repaint!
Anibodee evre tel yoo thet yoo caint speall woorth a shet?
While I can agree that one could look at it from the perspective of a holy cleansing, I have to disagree with the words of the pastor-
If God used it to cleanse the city of abortion and depravity, why did he leave behind murderers and rapists to kill and rape children in the middle of the night? Replacing one depravity with another?
Don't get me wrong- I'm of the firm belief that everything happens for a reason because that's the way it was meant to happen whether it is good or bad, but to say this was some kind of miracle to clean the city is a bit hypocritical considering what was left behind (looting, raping, pillaging, murdering, hatred).
Swordslinger
09-05-2005, 18:14
Originally posted by IVM@Sep 6 2005, 12:05 AM
While I can agree that one could look at it from the perspective of a holy cleansing, I have to disagree with the words of the pastor-
If God used it to cleanse the city of abortion and depravity, why did he leave behind murderers and rapists to kill and rape children in the middle of the night? Replacing one depravity with another?
Don't get me wrong- I'm of the firm belief that everything happens for a reason because that's the way it was meant to happen whether it is good or bad, but to say this was some kind of miracle to clean the city is a bit hypocritical considering what was left behind (looting, raping, pillaging, murdering, hatred).
I dont agree with him 100% either. I was just havin some fun at Corvid's expense since he stuck his head out. I do believe that God uses His hand however He wishes, and that this was a "wake up call" for more than just the homosexuals (Corvid spells it "Kweers") abortionists, thier "show me your boobs for beads" policy ect.... I also believe the aftermath of Katrina was an act of God to wake up some folks. No nation can continue its pratices the we have for ever, sooner or later you hit what is known as flashpoint. Lets hope that it does wake some folks up.
And I do agree with you sir, everything happens for a reason.
We are given instances in Scripture where God's wrath was brought down on folks who tolerated imorality in their midst. Numbers chapter 25 comes to mind. We are warned that when we disobey God's Law as a nation, the nation is punished. In fact, 79% of the Bible is a National message.
Why wouldn't they believe it, IVM? Some of them believe 9/11 was "God" punishing America. Others think U.S. troops being killed in Iraq are getting what's coming to them for defending America.
Yeah, infants, old women, children, brave U.S. soldiers....all killed by God to punish America.
Then these Christians wonder why athiesm is on the rise.
Yeah, Swordslinger, better sock those queers away in concentration camps before God REALLY punishes us all! Oh, wait, the Nazis already tried that. And they LOST the war! To the decadent USA and athiest Soviet communists! Your theory is as full of holes as, well, you get the picture.
Just as a little warning Corvid- if you are going to debate religion with these good folks, be prepared, have multiple sources, attack the arguments and not the people or the spelling mistakes.
Why?
They're quite rabid in their beliefs (I do not attempt to say this is a bad thing ;)) and attacking the people rather than the arguments will lead you to look foolish.
http://www.csun.edu/~dgw61315/fallacies.html
http://ontology.buffalo.edu/smith//courses...DEBATERULES.htm (http://ontology.buffalo.edu/smith//courses98/DEBATERULES.htm)
I'm sure you can find more. ;)
Swordslinger
09-05-2005, 18:41
Originally posted by IVM@Sep 6 2005, 12:32 AM
They're quite rabid in their beliefs (I do not attempt to say this is a bad thing ;)) and attacking the people rather than the arguments will lead you to look foolish.
[
Thankyee!!! :)
Hey, just because my beliefs don't mesh 100% with those of many people here doesn't mean I can't ask others trying to debate you guys not to be civil.
I mean, come on now, it's called respect. It's one thing to take a very occasional potshot at each other in a moment of heated argument, but it's starting to get a bit out of hand. ;)
Swordslinger
09-05-2005, 19:50
Originally posted by IVM@Sep 6 2005, 01:31 AM
Hey, just because my beliefs don't mesh 100% with those of many people here doesn't mean I can't ask others trying to debate you guys not to be civil.
I mean, come on now, it's called respect. It's one thing to take a very occasional potshot at each other in a moment of heated argument, but it's starting to get a bit out of hand. ;)
Aaaahh shucks, we were just foolin around. :lol: :lol: :lol: Corvid and I are going out later to try on some lingerie. He has been wanting me to try on some black and red laci bras. Then we are going to kick back and enjoy some brews at the local bathhouse, isnt that right Corvid? :wub:
Metaldoc
09-05-2005, 19:58
Once again, I posted something to share with my Christian brethern, in the place designated for us to do so, and it set someone off. It was not aimed at you and it was not posted to **** you off.
It seems that when Christians post something concerning their beliefs, it just makes non-christians go ballistic. Maybe, just maybe, they're afraid they're wrong and are worried about the consequences.
Another thing hard to understand.......if this corner of PU is so offensive to you, why do you frequent it ? Keep away and keep your blood pressure down all at the same time.
Swordslinger
09-05-2005, 19:59
Originally posted by Metaldoc@Sep 6 2005, 01:58 AM
Once again, I posted something to share with my Christian brethern, in the place designated for us to do so, and it set someone off. It was not aimed at you and it was not posted to **** you off.
It seems that when Christians post something concerning their beliefs, it just makes non-christians go ballistic. Maybe, just maybe, they're afraid they're wrong and are worried about the consequences.
Another thing hard to understand.......if this corner of PU is so offensive to you, why do you frequent it ? Keep away and keep your blood pressure down all at the same time.
Amen!!!
Why? Because it's entertaining!
Swordslinger
09-05-2005, 22:07
Ok, I promise to stop feeding the trolls.http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-10/869127/smiley_troll.gifI'm sorry, I can not help myself sometimes. I should have ignored him to begin with. Please accept my appologies Doc, and the rest of you. Your right IVM, it was getting out of hand. Here is an ignore button that I will try to use in the future, and you all feel free to use it if you want.
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-10/869127/icon_ignore.gif
Originally posted by IVM@Sep 5 2005, 07:32 PM
Just as a little warning Corvid- if you are going to debate religion with these good folks, be prepared, have multiple sources, attack the arguments and not the people or the spelling mistakes.
Why?
They're quite rabid in their beliefs (I do not attempt to say this is a bad thing ;)) and attacking the people rather than the arguments will lead you to look foolish....
Amen, IVM!
Corvid.... you said, HAHAHAHA!!!! That's a good one! Yeah, a natural event is "God's" judgement. Give me a break! If it was, it would have struck Washington DC where the Roe V Wade ruling actually was MADE!
How can you know the mind of God to proclaim what He would do according to your own fouled logic? How do you know that Washington DC will not get theirs also? What makes you think that God's justice will be a one time event and not a progression of events over time? What makes you think God is finished his judgements and doesn't have a judgement in store for YOU as well?
Look at the prophecies in the bible... look at the progression of events over the last few hundred years... look at what is possible for the future of mankind... and you will notice that we are in an age where we are witnessing the judgement of God and that things can and probably will get much worse.
Don't waste your time correcting peoples spelling and dancing around the topics at hand in favor of slight of hand tricks to distract us to your failed logic arguments which attack other issues in an attempt to discredit by association. Like IVM said, it does make you look foolish... but it also makes you look vindictive -- as if the arguments themselves are not important enough to attract you to argue them, but that discrediting the Christian section and all the people who defend it is your main objective. This has become very apparent in light of your recent tactics.
We have lots more respect for antagonists such as IVM because he sticks to the issues and relies on research and logic to reason.
A hurricane wipes out New Orleans... is this the justice of God, or is this chance?
Ok.... who believes in chance? who believes in the all pervasive being of God?
(this, btw, seems to be the ultimate question that answers any difference man has with one another... ie. Is there a God?)
Here is what I think. If God is the creator of all and for-ordains all then this is His justice. How? The bible says that in the end times we will have strange weather -- floods, famine, and earthquakes in diverse places. The wages of sin is death. The world (universe) as we know it breaks down over time (death or entropy). God said that when we live forever without sin, everything will be perfect. The difference between this world and the next is that "bad" things are going to happen to everybody, and that soon this whole world of sin will be destroyed completely. Since God is the only one with the power to grant everlasting life, He is the only one justified in killing anyone, good or bad -- they can be resurrected if it is God's will!!
So, in light of all of that, when an "act of God" destroys a city of "good" people and "bad" people... it is not our place to decide what is justice, but to just know that it surely is not chance! (yes.... it is ALL justice!)
A storm is a trial in life, we all will weather them in different ways both the good and the bad. Are you ready for what God will bring?? I have been in tornado like weather working my firework stands, I have 2 and 1 went down completely with my sister and nephew inside. Luckily no one was hurt and I still had one stand left to sell from and make a little money. The one stand I had fallen half way down with my wife inside. My little boy was taken by my sister to my parents house a few minutes before the tent fell. The chair he was sitting in was knocked down by a table that was hit by the fallen tent. I stood outside in pouring rain and wind gusting 60 mph, praying the Psalm 91 and resetting the ropes. I thanked God for sparing injury to me and my family. It was one of the worst storms that the July 4th had seen and fireworks stands in the 3 state area had fallen and blown away. God wants to what you are made of, trial by fire or storms. Will you be ready and greatful for His grace he stead on thee??
I did not feel like God was purging because He knows who is ready and who is not, who will fall and who will be left standing.
-tri :usa:
Swordslinger
09-06-2005, 21:28
Originally posted by tri70@Sep 7 2005, 02:07 AM
A storm is a trial in life, we all will weather them in different ways both the good and the bad. Are you ready for what God will bring?? I have been in tornado like weather working my firework stands, I have 2 and 1 went down completely with my sister and nephew inside. Luckily no one was hurt and I still had one stand left to sell from and make a little money. The one stand I had fallen half way down with my wife inside. My little boy was taken by my sister to my parents house a few minutes before the tent fell. The chair he was sitting in was knocked down by a table that was hit by the fallen tent. I stood outside in pouring rain and wind gusting 60 mph, praying the Psalm 91 and resetting the ropes. I thanked God for sparing injury to me and my family. It was one of the worst storms that the July 4th had seen and fireworks stands in the 3 state area had fallen and blown away. God wants to what you are made of, trial by fire or storms. Will you be ready and greatful for His grace he stead on thee??
I did not feel like God was purging because He knows who is ready and who is not, who will fall and who will be left standing.
-tri :usa:
Great post Tri!!
Nahum 1:3 The LORD is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked: the LORD hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet.
From Strong's Hebrew Dictionary:
5492 "cuwphah soo-faw' from 5486; a hurricane.. storm, tempest, whirlwind,.."
Nothing is simple "chance" in life, it's all a complex equation, and we're variables that are just being solved. We can't begin to understand the entire equation as it exists because the number of variables is too complex to understand but nothing is left to chance.
The will of God is the will of God- God doesn't follow the bounds of time like we do and thus it is already known what will happen. If it is known what will happen then it was pre-planned. Every bad choice you make, every good choice, all you can do is understand why.
Katrina was just another cog in the grand wheel.
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