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By Nelson Niskanen - 31 Dec 2014

In Reference to: 21 December 2014 - Second Coming Hope: the Restoration of a Peaceful Creation

Dear Frank and Mary,

Thank you for your quick response. I am glad to hear of your doctrinal beliefs. I did look around on your web site but didn't find anything that really outlined your Christian beliefs. 

As to my opinion of your essay/sermon, I found it interesting.  Without a doubt as followers of the Lord Jesus we are called to be peacemakers; peace between men and peace between man and God. The former will reasonably follow when the latter is brought about through trusting in the finished work of Christ on the cross. As Paul said in 2 Corinthians 5, we have a ministry of reconciliation between man and God. 

I agree that the clear teaching of Genesis is that men were originally vegetarians, after all there was no death in the world until after the fall. I'm still considering the rest of the scriptural exegesis you presented as a basis for the vegan lifestyle, There can be no doubt that the Lord wants us to live a loving, caring, kind lifestyle. 1 Corinthians 13 says love is kind. The bible teaches the concept of stewardship over the earth He created. The Lord wants us to care for and take care of His creation, not exploit and rape it. I must say it is admirable and noble to follow one's own personal convictions about the killing and eating of animals. Beyond that , I'm not prepared or equipped at this time to offer you a critique on the theology supporting your stand. I'll try and get back to you as I investigate. 

But here is a concern of mine. My friend I spoke of is apparently a strong believer and practicer of the vegan lifestyle. However, he has not yet come to faith in Christ for salvation. Since we have reestablished contact with each other around last April, I have at his request been sharing the bible with him. He has an interest in the bible and venerates Jesus. However, at this time he rejects the tenet of Jesus as the only begotten Son of God who came in the flesh to die for our sins so we can have new life by grace through faith in Him. He doesn't believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God.  Bot I'm believing and praying for his salvation. The scriptures teach that faith come by hearing and hearing by the wrd of God (Romans 10:17). So I'm thankful he is reading the bible. But here is my point, He holds you and your ministry in high esteem and even says he is a "follower" of yours, striving to follow your doctrine and teaching. My question is, why does he not know that you are a believer in Jesus as the Way, the Truth and the Life; no man comes to the Father except through Him (John 14:6). that we follow our personal convictions about the killing and eating of animals and adjust our life style accordingly is important. But 10,000 years from now what my friend eats or doesn't eat during his life here won't matter, only what he did with Jesus. Why don't I see this Gospel message on your literature and website? I believe the eternal status of my friend was so important, Jesus gave His life to buy his salvation.

Anyway, that's my immediate thoughts, I'll continue to consider the other aspects of your teachings/mission. I want to thank you for taking the time to read and respond to this. My friends name is Dick. Please pray for him.

In His Grace,

Nelson Niskanen

Go on to comments: By Frank and Mary Hoffman - 31 Dec 2014
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