tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13852970.post143582882104767823..comments2008-08-08T14:05:22.339-04:00Mark Hunsakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15502643479955287021noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13852970.post-64439725985147115492008-08-08T14:05:00.000-04:002008-08-08T14:05:00.000-04:00Mechphisto,<BR/><BR/>I just wanted you to know I'm always thinking about you, and I mean that sincerely. I pray this message finds you well.<BR/><BR/>You pose a great question:<BR/><BR/>"Are you saying because some people who believed the same (general) beliefs you believe die, that gives what they believed in extra credence?"<BR/><BR/>Answer: NO.<BR/><BR/>My thinking here was this: I don't need to throw out the long ending in Mark for <I>any</I> doctrinal reason.<BR/><BR/>I mentioned the Christian martyrs not because they were unique among religious martyrs (in the sense that they died for their faith) but rather that I recognize their special sacrifice and appreciate it.<BR/><BR/>I've been involved in an in-depth study of Church History this summer and what they have done is on my mind a lot lately, and I suppose I subconsciously was looking for a reason to mention them.<BR/><BR/>Grace and Peace,<BR/>MarkMark Hunsakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15502643479955287021noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13852970.post-25690418044069883942008-08-08T12:04:00.000-04:002008-08-08T12:04:00.000-04:00"Sorry Mech...er...Charlie. ;-)"<BR/>...I heard my name nearly invoked....<BR/><BR/>Since I've been summoned, I'll offer one comment:<BR/><BR/>"Some will throw out Mark 16:16 because it is part of the “long ending” of Mark that does not appear in our most reliable manuscripts. I hesitate to do that because even though it is not necessarily reliable text, it is there and was probably accepted by the many of the saints who shed their blood so that I could sit here comfortably and ponder such controversy."<BR/><BR/>Are you saying because some people who believed the same (general) beliefs you believe die, that gives what they believed in extra credence?<BR/><BR/>You know, millions have shed their blood in absolute devotion to Allah and Mohamed, but I don't see you giving the Koran any special reverence. <BR/>Millions have fought and died to spread their belief in Communism, but you reject that ideology.<BR/><BR/>I'm just sayin'....Mechphistohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02132057358855155420noreply@blogger.com