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  1. Hi faithful, YOU are the problem, (same for all of us) we want to DO things to show God........ You say God wanted you to do......then you say God was telling you that you didn`t have to do them....... You are NOT hearing God. You are hearing your own insecurities. I strongly suggest you don`t DO anything but concentrate on the Lord and His character from God`s word . Focus on HIM and NOT YOURSELF.
    8 points
  2. Worthy is a great place. Getting to know people from around the world. That belong to Jesus our savior. It’s not about winning arguments. It’s about showing Jesus to the members. If Jesus is not here at worthy then it means very little. He is here. Wherever three are gathered together in my name I am there. I hope I quoted it correctly. So we should fear if the lord is here to take it lightly.
    6 points
  3. I used to be an alcoholic. I was drinking very often (up to 3-5 times a week). The last time i was drunk was about 4 or 5 years ago. Jesus delivered me. I have no need for alcohol. No cravings. I only drink wine now in small amounts, when i take communion. Praise Jesus
    5 points
  4. Believers soon come to the realization that self is the biggest enemy. Hollywood and crime novels along with other media attempt to portray evil or your enemy as an Ogre without any redeeming value. Arriving at the realization that such wickedness also dwells within you to varying degrees could cause one to redefine the idea of enemy. If self is the biggest enemy, which features of your character have others viewing you as an Ogre? (Rhetorical question).
    5 points
  5. Reminders – Complete in Him None can deny the importance of the Holy Scriptures, the written Word of God. Also referred to as the oracles of God, they are the recorded utterances of the creator. Holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit and wrote those words down for men to read. 2 Peter 1:21; 2 Timothy 3:16 Yet as important as the Scriptures are, knowledge of them is incomplete without the manifestation of the Living Word of God as revealed by the Holy Spirit. Ultimately, the whole Bible that we hold in our hands is the revelation of Jesus, who is the Word of God, the fullness of the Godhead bodily. Colossians 2:9 Jesus placed extreme importance on the Word, describing it as the nourishment of life saying, “It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.” Luke 4:4 But Jesus also recognized that just having an intellectual knowledge of the Scriptures was like eating air, worthless without the Holy Spirit giving understanding of them. He often spoke in parables that even His disciples did not understand without His explanation. The Pharisees took great pride in their knowledge of the Holy Scriptures, having memorized large portions of them, and yet Jesus said this to them, “Search the scriptures; for in them you think you have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. And you will not come to me, that you might have life.” John 5:39 The Scriptures are the words of life, and those words tell us of God’s singular message, the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Jesus said no one could come to the Father except by Him. John 14:6 After His resurrection, Jesus spoke with two of His disciples on the way to Emmaus, “And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.” “And their eyes were opened, and they knew him.” Luke 24:27, 31 Final Thoughts: There are four truths we can glean from this. 1) Our knowledge of the Scriptures is not complete without the Holy Spirit teaching us what is written there, “…that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teaches, but which the Holy Spirit teaches; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.” 1 Corinthians 2:12-13 2) The Holy Spirit’s work is not complete without the revelation of Jesus Christ to us, “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come. He shall glorify me:” John 16:13-14 3) The body of Christ is not complete until those whom He calls receive Him by faith. “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” John 1:12-13 4) We are now the sons of God, the body of Christ and “We are complete in Him.” Colossians 2:10 Hallelujah! ph
    5 points
  6. Shooting from the hip here, perhaps Paul is implying a righteous judgement through the understanding from the Holy Spirit and not a condemning judgement of others - a discernment of what is reality concerning the circumstances being analyzed.
    5 points
  7. Jesus Christ and Him crucified are the deepest things of God. 1Co 1:18 For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 1Co 1:19 For it is written, "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart." 1Co 1:20 Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 1Co 1:21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. 1Co 1:22 For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, 1Co 1:23 but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, 1Co 1:24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 1Co 1:25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than me impart 1Co 2:7 But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glory. 1Co 2:10 these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. 1Co 2:12 Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. 1Co 2:13 And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual. 1Co 2:14 The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. 1Co 2:15 The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one. 1Co 2:16 "For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?" But we have the mind of Christ.
    5 points
  8. Yeah that's what I miss in my life. Revival. I once went to an atheist forum with mainly angry ex christians who tried to trick you to come in with a topic 200 questions for the believer. I was really naive, had just discovered forums even existed and was like: Yay! Lets convert this bunch! That was really stupid, but I prayed for them and God gave me a dream. A lot of birds were ensnared and in a room and then the overseeer left for a moment and I quickly opened their traps and freed em. I want all these atheists saved. I want to give them proof. I pray the church stands up and shows them proof. I mean if people get raised from the dead I can't believe that they stay atheist. And one great testimony I read from a guy who was atheist and no fantastic miracles happened, but he moved to a place where a lot of christians lived and because there was such unity and love between them he became convinced that God existed. that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. John 17:21 NKJV https://bible.com/bible/114/jhn.17.21.NKJV There's a man who went to the street with a group and they got 2000 people saved in 2 years and I went to his Bible studies and God was present there so strong. He preached about the widow who had to search for empty vessels and the oil kept flowing, which was exactly what you could notice there, cause they continually looked for empty vessels on the street.
    5 points
  9. As one who mainly posts in the " nonsense " threads I have to say unless you get to know your brothers and sisters as we do in these fun threads how are you to know what is hurting them ? How are you to comfort them and help them if you only see the serious side ? In UNI if I had a problem ( and as a single mum of 4 children doing my degrees it really did happen ) it was NOT to the stern lecturers I turned to it was to the friendly understanding ones who would be more likely to offer a friendly encouragement than a stern " work harder " message Some of us that are more house bound than others may not actually see another soul for days so having someone to joke and laugh with can do far more good for the soul than an argumentative " I am right and everyone else is wrong " type that we see too often in the deeper threads ( YES I do read most of them but do not feel inclined to debate them with people who just want to be told how right they are ) There are many that I miss especially the ones with the gift of encouragement and joy in their hearts
    5 points
  10. @TrueFollowerOfChrist raises points that shouldn't be ignored nor drowned out. They're valid. I steer clear of the fleshly trap of comparing one with the other, for at no time has the Lord declared that we are superior or better than anyone else. Indeed, that trap leads so many to turn a blind eye and deaf ear toward "unbelievers," accounting them as inferior or mistaken simply because they don't sport the trappings of earthly religion. That religion is the very form of godliness that the apostle Paul warned us about. It has the outward appearance of godliness but in truth, is like a hollow bell devoid of love. That religion is worthless in the sight of God the Father. I prefer to listen to the Lord and His word regarding the way in which we shall be known to others. Love is what my Lord Jesus Christ declared that we shall be known by; our love for one another is how the world shall know that we are His disciples (John 13:35). Lists of this and that are not only meaningless but are alien to the instruction which we receive from the Lord. Where did the Lord say, You will be known by your church attendance, or, You will be known by how much you detest the lost and the dying? There are some who proclaim the name of Christ whom, by their words and deeds, prove that they are far away from Him. Love, my friends. Love is the way in which others will know that we belong to Jesus Christ.
    5 points
  11. So very true- with all this political correctness,woke nonsense and actually instilling " fear" of inconsequential gibberish it is literally creating a very thin skinned cowardice society imo ,here in the USA..... there's such a rampant spirit of pride that everyone is worried about what everyone else thinks of them and the " poor ME" mentality I hope and pray I never care about what the unbelieving world cares about and only what is pleasing and acceptable in God's Sight-no matter the reprocussions Matthew 10:28❤️
    4 points
  12. We know there are many who are silent believers because of their fear of family, neighbours or the authorities. Belevers in Islamic countries, in North Korea are two that come to mind. It is a testimony to the power of the gospel that in spite of the known reaction of others people do believe. Would were as brave and as trusting if our fa ILY was seeking to kill us?
    4 points
  13. The Topic: Every time I read through threads in the Prophecy/Eschatology forum, the members seem to express themselves with total authority, as if what they are saying is factual, rather than speculation. And yet they differ sharply point by point of view. The Claim: If you don't claim that your views are correct, are you admitting or maybe just comfortable with the possibility of being wrong?? Having been on numerous forums for over 2 decades, I thought everyone who posted were convinced that they were right. The Answer: Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit. (Proverbs 26:5) The topic and my address is not about Salvation. In my defense of the accusations, I practice hermeneutic hygiene, a.k.a. being a Berean. I present a view of what I think is Biblically correct. I highlight and take pains not to take my word for anything but study it for yourself (a Berean). A conviction is a personal belief, not necessarily the correct exegesis. Submit any of your convictions or things you are convinced of, and I will reply with two or more different views by godly men, theologians, scholars, and men with initials behind their names that disagree with you. I take it as you go from the milk of the word to the meat, you never learned anything that changed your view or conviction. I am not puffed up or arrogant enough to claim to be a know-it-all. Love, growth, learning, and change are continual processes.
    4 points
  14. Thomas Brooks wrote an excellent book on satan devices titled "Precious Remedies Against Satan Devices ". written in the 1600, it can be downloaded in pdf format and others from the net. An excerpt from part of the introduction of the book below. IX. By presenting to the soul the crosses, losses, sorrows and sufferings that daily attend those who walk in the ways of holiness: For remedies, consider that 1) all afflictions suffered by Christians turn to their profit 2) all such afflictions only reach their worst, not their best, part 3) all such afflictions are short and momentary 4) all such afflictions proceed from God's dearest love 5) it is our duty and glory to measure afflictions not by the smart but by the end 6) God's design in saints' afflictions is to try, not to ruin, their souls 7) the afflictions, wrath and misery consequent upon wickedness are far worse than those linked with holiness
    4 points
  15. I thought that I would use this portion of your post as a springboard to share something relevant with regard to the fiery darts of our enemy. The circumstances of our lives, and how the Lord claimed us from this world, determines the tactics employed by the enemy. Attempts at undermining the veracity of scripture has never been of any effect where I'm concerned for the Lord called me when I was ignorant of scripture. Before I was introduced to the scriptures, I came to Jesus Christ. The first arrow, then, is worthlessness. My utter worthlessness, something which accordingly makes me useless to the Lord, bites deeply. Why? We know the answer to this one, brother: left to our own devices we are indeed worthless and useless to the Lord. The arrow of the enemy is intended to bite deeply and inflict damage. When the Lord called, I witnessed the folly of my existence and despaired. I saw how I had stumbled blindly in the darkness, but the Lord's answer to sorrow left me speechless. It pleases the Almighty to call the broken... the worthless... and the ignorant of this world to Him. This is so He might make a mockery of the strong and the wise. The arrow of the enemy is extinguished. The second arrow is pride. I was a skilled public speaker, capable of persuading others by virtue of my tongue. My poetry was posted on the walls of a church (the pastor loved it); I was a broadcasting prospect (I caught the attention of a recruiter from the CSB); I started dabbling with voice acting for radio commercials; I excelled as a soldier in the Army; and I landed a lucrative media job with no experience nor education (I'm a high school dropout). Was there anything I couldn't do? All I had to do was try! The Lord's answer to this pride was to take it all away from me. I lost the ability to speak... I struggled to maintain coherent thought... and I was homeless and destitute. That arrow of the enemy is extinguished. I have no cause to glory in anything except for our Lord Jesus Christ. The third arrow is doubt. Was that what the Lord actually declared, or is it just wishful thinking? Did you twist His words or worse, insert your own? What makes you think that the Lord would have you face an armed gang with nothing in your hands? What makes you think that the Lord loves you? The Lord's answer to doubt humbles me. Whenever doubt comes, He directs me to look upon my right hand. I remember the gift of the Lord on that day when He spared me from the grave. What did the Lord declare that I will say? I will look upon my right hand and say, "The Lord delivered me with a mighty hand, for my own was broken!" My right hand was broken that day. When it healed, the fourth knuckle was completely absent, and the shape of my hand changed as a result. It's a memorial that the Lord is faithful and true, delivering me with His own hand, and so the arrow of the enemy is extinguished. Overcoming doubt is not an isolated trial to be sure. It's by far the most effective arrow our enemy uses against me, but the Lord has made it possible for me to overcome. When these arrows of the enemy come, we rely upon the whole armor of God to overcome the powers of spiritual darkness and wickedness.
    4 points
  16. I'm glad you brought the difference between human and spiritual enemies as I was just about to say it. We can love a human enemy and hate the spiritual enemy. I don't believe the context " Love your enemies" applies to the unseen ones. The first stage in the recognition of these enemies is to recognize how they work. The next thing is to recognize the arrows which often will attack your faith. - I am close to God, why is this happening to me. Arrow> God must not care about me, how do I even know He exists? why doesn't He intervene? Shield- God has promised to help me though everything. He lives inside of me and comforts me. Draw the sword - Arrow>There are errors in the bible. How do I know any of this is true? Shield > All inconsistency is minor translation that never affected meanings. Draw the sword. - Arrow> I won't have any fun as a believer. Shield > I have had many great times, in fact more fun than when I was an unbeliever. Reality- I signed up to be on a side which means I will sometimes be in a battle. Unrealistic to think otherwise.AND YET, I can have perfect peace through all of it.Draw the sword. - Arrow> Why Do I see those who don't follow God doing well? Shield- Keep in mind this is all they will ever have. We will all answer for our actions and be held accountable. No exceptions.Draw the sword. -Arrow> Look at that person who calls themself a brother or sister. Look at what they did. If that's a Christian I want no parts of it. Shield- How do you know they are a believer? If they are a believer, I should approach them in love. If I can't do that I leave them to clear their lane and I will clear my lane. God sees all. Draw the sword. - Arrow> I am tired and don't believe I can continue in this walk. I need a break. Shield> I am the vine you are the branch, you can do nothing without Me. Abide in me. I will give you rest. Draw the sword, if only to polish it this time.
    4 points
  17. I think there are spiritual enemies and physical enemies, and I don't think we are required to love the spiritual ones. I would suggest we show them some respect for what they are capable of doing in this world until Jesus returns. But physical enemies I think would be those people who want to hurt you or bring you down in many ways. For instance, I got into studying Islam after 9/11 and with a friend got to going to Islamic websites and using translation programs, seeing the difference in what they put in English and Arabic. Really eye-opening. Being the general put your nose into everything kind of person, I did some interfacing with them and hinted at some Christian education for them. They made it clear that when they do come over here to take over, they would enjoy taking my head. I really didn't pay any mind to it until Biden opened up the borders. Those people are my enemies, but I would do most anything to see them saved, even though I still get death threat in my email. While I would defend myself and family if they do come here, I could not ask God to harm them, but to change their minds.
    4 points
  18. End times in scripture is like walking in a maze, TO ME! I defer to the best authority God as he reveals to me. Seems I remember something about getting my house in order as the day approaches. Storing up riches that perishes not. The Bema seat will reveal my/our prideful foolishness. I remember in scripture some warnings I think about wanting to know what even Jesus didn't know. I don't speculate on what is revealed about the past or future, unknown clearly. God knows, and can handle it. Today is the day of the Lord. I enter into another opportunity to serve, our savior, or world flesh devil. I really prefer to know more about walking in the spirit, abiding in Christ, dealing with spiritual warfare etc. It's a neat feeling talking to a stranger about how God has changed my life, and can change theirs. Doesn't everyone feel that? I think it is important to be a good steward of what I already know. The purpose of hearing is to direct my doing, my walk. Today. Thanks Mr. M....
    4 points
  19. I had no hidden message in what I posted, but just pointing out that even though I may never post a new thread here, you are likely to stumble on one of mine. Perhaps in a forum you rarely visit. My point is that because of the volume of content, as M37 pointed out, I will be "haunting" the forum for awhile. And when a topic does catch your eye and you review the content, I will still look forward to the responses based on "the unleavened bread (we break and share) of sincerity and truth. Clearly some do not understand the verse, and that the leaven Paul speaks, as applied to a forum, are from those who have no desire to offer edification to others, but consistently derail threads, fail to read the post entirely and respond only to the title with unusual assumptions made, or only show an intent to disparage the OP, with total disregard for the Word of God presented in the content. I am grateful for all your participation, and pray that you will accept my appreciation as sincere.
    4 points
  20. You and me both. Too much of a good thing can be a bad thing.
    4 points
  21. Um, how am I to interpret this? Are you doubting me or just stating you've never met someone that's been in a concentration camp? There are quarter of a million still alive and if you visit a Jewish community I promise you'll meet plenty. Aside from that, it is a myth that all concentration camp survivors had numbers tattooed. Different camps had different systems and most numbers came specifically from Auschwitz. You probably have met more survivors then you realize. In addition tattoos are not allowed for Jews and many had them removed. My grandfather was barely a teenager and the nazis injected him with chemicals. He has a scar on his abdomen from when they cut into him. Some of the damage is permanent and it's a miracle he's alive at all, let alone being in his 90's. Ironically, he ended up becoming a doctor and medical researcher. He is also still handsome, walks to the store every day and has a sharp mind. My grandfather once met a former German solider who was so upset and begging him to forgive him. "I was drafted, I was scared, didn't know what was going on" and so on. My grandfather told him something like "No one's keeping you out of heaven because of me. Go live your life." In other words, he's not holding a grudge. If he can let that go, I can let pretty much anything go.
    4 points
  22. The same source that came up with "hot water heater," more than likely.
    4 points
  23. Alien abductions are only a myth!
    4 points
  24. 4 points
  25. People have strong convictions about what they believe and they think they are in the place to rightfully pass judgment as to who is a "wolf" or a "wolf in sheep's clothing". Paul was seen by the Circumcision as a wolf in sheep's clothing and the same goes for the Sabath keepers.
    4 points
  26. You know we have a TOS and those looking will deal with offenders. If we can't be teased, I think we have a long way to go personally. You still are not getting my point. Most theologians are all about the cold hard theology. This is why we have unsaved theologians. Jesus condemned those who knew the law but never displayed any genuine love of the Lord because they were devoid of it.
    4 points
  27. The fact that there are members of Worthy who appear to prefer silly light-heartedness to the usual fare elsewhere in the forum says something, yes? It does. I understand why.
    4 points
  28. Sounds like they need either more or better moderators. Christian and hate should not ever be in the same sentence...wait.
    4 points
  29. Might I suggest listening to the Bible while you do your busy work. I used to drive a lot and found it convenient to listen while driving. You can get the Bible on CD's or there are apps for your phone that will read to you. Bible Gateway is what I use on my android phone.
    4 points
  30. Sore winner, What's that? It is a characteristic some continue to vent with an angry tone instead of rejoicing in a victory upon being turned about by the Holy Spirit. I am even at this late date of my lifetime always stunned at the veracity of anger projected by more than a few Christians. Seems to me it should be hard to work up a good anger, and even hold onto a hate, once the Holy Spirit has taken any of us aside and turned us about to seeing that Jesus is our lord God and savior. Should we not be almost giddy with an excited joy, and not hollering from any platform, except to praise God along with our fellow saints in Christ Jesus when gathered in corporate worship? I think (As I) have learned from others -Don't let anyone steal your joy; and rejoice in the joy found by others too! Each is a work in progress led by the Holy Spirit of God. How awesome that God should care so much. Singing Joy joy joy deep in my heart deep in my heart, and "mean"-ing it should be the only "mean"-ness in any of us.
    4 points
  31. Let's ponder for a moment about this offer: The Devil offered Jesus Christ “all the kingdoms of the world.” Did all these worldly governments really belong to the Devil? Yes, for how else could he have offered them to Jesus? Jesus did not deny that they were Satan’s, which he would have done if Satan did not own them. Satan is really the unseen ruler of all the nations of the world! The Bible plainly says: “The whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one.” (1 John 5:19) God’s Word, in fact, calls Satan “the god of this system of things.”—2 Corinthians 4:4. We thus have to carefully examine the support we give to governments and governmental agencies as they may very well be agents of the wicked one.
    4 points
  32. Psalm 61 2 from the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I, 3 for you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy. 4 Let me dwell in your tent forever! Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings!
    4 points
  33. being attracted to someone is not a sin acting on that attraction may well become a sin ,,, Stay away from temptation even the temptation for the opposite sex can be a sin if acted upon.
    4 points
  34. I wouldn't say that sin is pleasurable, at least from my perspective. I base that judgment primarily on life as it was before the Lord called me from this world. I haven't forgotten where I came from. I'll offer a different perspective in this post. Matters of sin aren't always simple: ignorance can be involved, and the effect that one's upbringing had upon a living soul also plays a part. It's important to point out that the Lord is neither harsh nor lacking compassion. He looked upon me in my estate and was moved with compassion, delivering me from bondage not for the purpose of setting matters straight but rather, to release me from agony and suffering that I didn't understand. Like Nineveh, I didn't know my right from the left. The knowledge of what the Lord has done wasn't imparted to me until just a few years ago. I asked the Lord why He had chosen me, and He was pleased to reveal the reason why. It took the better part of two years, and this revelation involved a dear brother in the Lord whom I'm close to. I believed that I was a terrible man, given to evil deeds and immorality, but what the Lord revealed was a propensity for evil and immorality on my part instead. I was blind and ignorant, stumbling around in the darkness of this world, and I was enslaved to a legacy of abuse, neglect, and horror. I became acquainted with death at the age of five. I witnessed horrendous things being done to others, having endured the same being done to me. Nothing good or worthwhile was to be found upon this earth so that, on the cusp of adolescence (age 11), I attempted to end my life in despair. That alone testifies of the truth --- that the Lord was moved to deliver me from evil and terror --- placing me in His hand so that I might witness the impossible on this earth. I understood nothing in the beginning, but the Lord did not hold my ignorance against me. His work proceeds one step at a time, from season to season, all in His time. I never grasped the link between multiple relationships with women and my upbringing; the Lord declared this to me, explaining the wisdom of remaining single and unattached in Him. I found this difficult to believe, and so my dear friend came to me and faithfully repeated the counsel of the Lord, speaking about how my upbringing engineered the immorality of my young adulthood (multiple relationships). We cannot say that one sin is a pittance, that one sin is not equal to many sins, for the apostle James explains that one sin is equal to many (James 2:10). I went from one woman to the next, seeking that which I could not have in this world, and this only amplified the misery and suffering that bound me in chains. Attempts at suicide continued until that day when the Lord claimed me as His own. This is not to say that I was blameless at any time, for I certainly wasn't! No... I was blind, ignorant, and powerless to serve sin. This is what moves our Father in heaven for our sake, knowing the depth and width of our estate. Knowledge comes with the arrival of His Spirit; He explains what we are incapable of perceiving due to our estate on this earth. When the Lord came and called to me, His coming was the promise of deliverance from bondage and my place in His house. This is why I wept when the Lord said, Come to Me, for I could see the end of agony and misery in Him! Christ would fashion me into the man He intended for me to be, and I would find both rest and healing in His hand. This is why it's good that I don't have a wife, my friends. This is the kindness and mercy of the Lord toward me, that He delivered me from continuing to make the same terrible errors over and again. It's one thing to meditate upon the hidden things of God, and another for the Lord to reveal such things to man as it pleases Him. He chose me because He loves me, and He was moved for my sake. Ah, but that's why God so loves the world! Christ loves us and is moved for our sake.
    4 points
  35. Hello Neighbor, I have found for myself that practicing Christianity and leaving the doctrinal stuff to others provides me with the most peace. Context is nearly everything though, as to not get drawn into obscure and wrongheaded thinking.
    4 points
  36. Psalm 51 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. 11 Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.
    4 points
  37. Before I tell you the story, let me share the teaching from the book of Romans. Chapter 7. Verses 4-6. The whole chapter is about, as a Christian, being released from the Law. Here are verses 4-6: "Likewise, my brothers, you also have died to the law through the body of Christ, so that you may belong to another, to him who has been raised from the dead, in order that we may bear fruit for God. 5 For while we were living in the flesh, our sinful passions, aroused by the law, were at work in our members to bear fruit for death. 6 But now we are released from the law, having died to that which held us captive, so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit and not in the old way of the written code." OK, I'm getting to the story - one more thing. Some Christians think that the devil makes us sin - but he can't. He CAN plant the idea in the heart and mind and tell you if you don't DO or HAVE that thing that you will just die!! That's a lie from hell. You have the free will and strength in Christ to resist such things. The Bible says in the book of James [the half-brother of Jesus] that sin comes from our own evil desires that are already there. Paul says, in Romans here, that the LAW or any rule of conduct "arouses our evil desires". What? So are laws and rules a bad thing? No way. OK, the story.... I was once teaching 6th grade a LOOONG time ago. Before school computers. Before Google. It was the end of the year and we were preparing to take a few classes to the park for a field day. There was, next to the park, a Coca-Cola museum, a Bible museum, and a famous home with all sorts of interesting things and artifacts. EXPENSIVE THINGS. They all belonged to the same family. One artifact was a Ming vase - at LEAST from the 14th or 15th century! The class perked up for a few minutes at my telling that. But one young 6th grade boy was spellbound by that. As I said, it was before school computers and before Google. He checked out every "M" encyclopedia from the library and read all he could about Ming vases and the Ming dynasty. He asked me a whole HOST of questions in the days before us going. He was fascinated by the whole thing. While he was fascinated, I was getting an uneasy feeling about the whole thing, because I could tell that he was going to want to put HIS HANDS on the vase!! Nothing there was covered or far from touching ability, but everyone KNEW NOT to touch anything in the house. They explained it there and I discussed it in the classroom a week before going. I made a hard and fast rule. TOUCH NOTHING. The school nor I could afford to replace anything there. Whew! All my rule did was to "arouse his passions" for that vase!! Just like Paul said. Well, I made sure that I went with his group. We walked from the park across the street to see house and museum and Coca-Cola memorabilia. When we were in the room with the Ming vase, I made sure that I spotted it right off the bat. He spotted it too. Sharp kid. The tour guide gave a good speech in the room and then led us out to the next room. She asked the class to make a line and they did and followed her. My young man whom I worried about made sure - very sneakily and casually that he was the LAST in line! So I made sure that I was right behind him. I'm not sure how stealthily I did so. I didn't know what he might do. Pick it up? Toss it around? Shake it? There was just a soft velvet rope in front of the shelf that it was on. NOW WHAT GOOD DID THAT DO?!?! I didn't know what I was going to do. Scream at him? Tackle him? Distract him? Well the line was slow and just when the guide turned the corner out of that room and into the next - she couldn't be seen by us in the back of the line. And he took his chance. He didn't grab it. He didn't place his hands on it. He simply and softly reached out his left index finger and ever so gently touched the vase. You see, my rule, - which was a GOOD rule - just aroused his rebellious passions that were already there in his flesh. Just like Paul explains. Now I'm not going to tell you that I chastised him because I didn't. That's not the point of the story. And....I'm not going to tell you that I, MYSELF, didn't touch it either. Because I did. That's not the point of the story, either. My point? Our sin belongs to us and us alone. Not the devil. Not anyone else. Let us repent and come back to God.
    4 points
  38. Luke 23:43 (NKJV) And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”
    4 points
  39. If some say I should happen to be killed by a Mountain Lion, you can rest assured that my last words were, "Here kitty kitty."
    4 points
  40. For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12
    4 points
  41. No, you're not gay, you were just tempted and controlled yourself by turning away from what was tempting you. As did Jesus when tempted by Satan in the desert.
    4 points
  42. No it's just an attack from satan and you made the thought captive.
    4 points
  43. Excellent question - for you and for the rest of us, too. Here's something that is not original with me. I've copied it, tweaked it, and reduced it to a small post. 1. Your relationship cannot go higher or deeper than your obedience to the Holy Spirit. The Bible says in Ephesians 4:30 that we are not to "grieve the Holy Spirit of God as he is our seal for the day of redemption". That command comes smack in the middle of several commands from Paul as to how to live - "don't have unwholesome talk come out of your mouth, only what is helpful so it may benefit others. Get rid of rage, bitterness, anger, brawling, slander, and malice. Be kind, compassionate, and forgive each other as Christ forgave us." Since we are to have a "relationship" with the Holy Spirit, it may be that you [AND WE] have to: [1] repent of sin [2] apologize to the Holy Spirit for the grief we cause him. [3] start living for others [4] run to him when you have made a mistake [5] being obedience to what he says in scripture This does not mean though we have to listen to everything that comes to our head! The Holy Spirit uses our spirit to communicate to us, but His voice will never contradict His word - the Bible. The world says to follow your gut; the Bible says to follow your God.
    4 points
  44. If living within your means is fault, then I guess I'm guilty. I never buy anything on credit. I have to have the money, to spend the money, with enough left over, to leave the day to day stuff unaltered. This is true even for big stuff like cars and houses. Almost nobody buys a house without a mortgage. But once you build some equity, it is possible. This approach has helped to make me patient. I wait for good deals. I am the polar opposite of an impulse buyer.
    4 points
  45. To me the leaders of the world are just playing `musical chairs.` They are all of the world system and will all be judged.
    4 points
  46. So "Prayer – Means praying" Prayer means talking to God. Prayer is conversation, communication. Don't over-spiritualize it. Be honest with God and you'll do just fine.
    4 points
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