Jump to content

Leaderboard

Popular Content

Showing content with the highest reputation on 06/04/2025 in all areas

  1. I've become more aware that various ones would like to dismiss Paul the apostle and discredit his writings. Paul is the most prolific writer of the New Testament if number of epistles are counted (Luke actually writes more by volume via gospel of Luke and Acts). By far, Paul addresses more topics and issues than any other writer of the NT. And all those topics he covers brings him under fire, as he touches a lot of nerves, including: >Drunkenness >Homosexuality >Husband/Wife relations >Men & woman's roles >Other sexual moralities >Not stumbling others with certain practices, etc. And Paul also conveys some of the highest vision (which some also object to): >The ekklesia as the body of Christ (this is unique to Paul) >Flesh vs. spirit >Freedom in Christ vs legalism >Indwelling Christ Bottom-line to me is the Lord has used Paul's writings to speak to me for decades, therefore I have no doubt he is a legitimate apostle (plus Peter confirms in 2 Pet 3:15-16), speaking some very high vision, but also a multitude of practical things in our pursuit of Christ. Are there other reasons Paul is disparaged by some that I've not listed? What are your thought on this?
    3 points
  2. I think the notion is foolishness and that is mild. Its plain that God made sure the Church has exactly what we need in the canon.
    3 points
  3. A good example of how to tell whether something is of His Spirit...the Holy Spirit's two primary functions for us are to convict of sin and point to Christ. In any assembly Christ must be the Head, the focus and reason for gathering.
    3 points
  4. I had those thoughts myself my first time through the Bible. Was his contribution needed? Jesus said everything he needed to say. He made things very clear, then Paul was all about the church which is corrupted by man. The church that has veered away from what the Bible originally taught. What I keep going back to is I don't believe God would allow that deception in the Bible. He couldn't possibly allow people to trust in Paul if he was going against God. Then there were all of the sacrifices Paul made to spread the Gospel. Being beaten, jailed, shipwrecked. I don't doubt it anymore.
    2 points
  5. I overheard a conversation once that touched on this. What it boiled down to was that Jesus seemed to simplify things, based on things like the two great commandments, the policy of showing mercy to obtain mercy, and emphasis on our hearts being in the right place. Then when you look at Paul he delved into some more complicated concepts and some standards of behavior. I personally don't see an incompatibility. They each had their own points of emphasis. The different perspectives and approaches are going to appeal and make more sense to different people. I've gotten a lot out of his writings as well. Romans 14, the body of Christ, a few parts of Philippians, and not causing others to stumble are the ones that I find myself referencing the most when I speak to others using Paul's writings.
    2 points
  6. Without going into too much detail, Lee was a younger contemporary of Nee and could be considered a protege. Nee got jailed by the communists and Lee went to Taiwan and eventually the USA in the 60s in southern CA. Lee strongly promoted the "one church - one city" idea, meaning in the NT we see the church as simply having a label according to where the believers lived and met. Hence the city they were in, like: the Church in Ephesus; Church in Jerusalem, etc. - all believers in that city were considered one ekkelsia in that locality. Therefore those following Lee's teaching were referred to as the "local church" in that city (e.g., The Church in Anaheim). The teaching was referred to as "the ground of oneness." The teaching isn't without merit, but they really became elitist, shunning other groups of Christians who didn't drop their denominational names to come practice the "oneness" with them. Lee often disparaged Christendom (again, not without some merit*), but the group really looked down upon and separated themselves from other Christians. The characteristics of Laodicea started to become manifest and now they pretty much only read Lee's materials (with some Watchman Nee). The so-called "ground of oneness" doctrine became a focus and just another point of division in the body of Christ - anything we focus on other than Christ, no matter how good, usually just results in another division! * I say this has some merit simply because of the condition of the overall church in this age, with hundreds of divisions, of which we are all aware of its shortcomings. This degraded state is somewhat "natural" in that we all still have the flesh, which is by nature, quite divisive. Yet God sees the church as a new creation and glorious - this is a matter of standing in faith for us, in that He is able to present us to Himself glorious and "without spot, wrinkle or any such thing!"
    2 points
  7. Hey my brother praise GOD thanks for this. You know Christ said unless He goes the holy Spirit will not come "The fruit of the Spirit". We know the sweet holy Spirit is a person that does not speak of Him self but only what He hears from the Father/Christ "But when He, the Spirit of Truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth [full and complete truth]. For He will not speak on His own initiative, but He will speak whatever He hears [from the Father—the message regarding the Son], and He will disclose to you what is to come [in the future]." And in Acts "the holy spirit said" "While they were serving the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul (Paul) for the work to which I have called them.”
    2 points
  8. 50 plus years ago when Christ revealed Himself to me He led me to Watchman Nee and the Lord used his writings to lay a solid foundation in me before ever joining a congregation. After some time the pastor where I found myself asked me to teach a study based on what I had consumed. I very much to this day thank the Lord for WN. Much time has passed and the core of that remains and has been strengthened...Christ is my Life. I died and yet I live. I don't think I agree with anybody in total. Witness Lee is a very, very different fella. I never read his stuff--but I recall the little I did many years ago--caused me to run. Along with the Normal Christian Life I suggest Sit, Walk and Stand and Changed into His Likeness and What Shall This Man Do. T. Austin Sparks can be very helpful as well.
    2 points
  9. This morning I enjoyed the lead verse in Daily Light: "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control" I was realizing that all these things are just Christ Himself! He exemplifies each one of these attributes, and He IS each of these! But even better is that I was realizing where scripture says Christ is - HE'S IN US! As the Spirit, Christ is joined one with us in spirit (1 Cor 6:17) and all I really need to do now is "fan into flames the gift of God which is in [me]!" (2 Tim 1:6) By stirring up the gift of God within me, which is just Christ Himself, then all of these wonderful attributes are mine to apply in my daily life . . . WOW - NOW THIS IS REALLY SOMETHING to crow about! Do I need love? Christ lives in me as awesome love! Do I need joy in my weary existence? Christ lives in me as my joy! Do I need to experience the peace of God in a world that's turned upside down and a life filled with things I could be anxious about? Yes I do need this peace . . . and guess what!? Christ is the Prince of Peace and He lives right inside of me - so very deep that His Spirit is one with my spirit!!! Brothers and sisters, this is the new covenant in which God has made Himself so available to us that He now lives right inside of us to be our all in all, and supply us (grace) for our every need! "I have been crucified with Christ and I live now no longer. Yet I do live. But not I - Christ lives in me! And the life I now live in the flesh I live in the faith of the Son of God . . ." Gal 2:20 (from the Greek)
    1 point
  10. These are strange times when some that claim to be Christians would try to pick apart the Word of God. All of the Word of God is written for our benefit.
    1 point
  11. I think it's a Cobra. He had to wear glasses to protect his eyes from the venom. He got a mouthful of venom though. @Henry_iain South Africa again. @ladypeartree
    1 point
  12. Interesting. I looked at his Facebook profile. I suspect we have some mutual contacts. Also, this is in Port Elizabeth, near a nature reserve, probably Addo National Park. The venom in the mouth is not a problem as long as he hasn't got any cuts in there. If he doesn't swallow and rinses out his mouth thoroughly he should be fine.
    1 point
  13. for sure, the Old and New Testament Scriptures are the light unto the world that show the truth for the world to see. even though mankind had very little to do with maintaining, preserving, distributing and making copies of the Scriptures for the last 2000 years but it was Gods hand that kept his word and preserved and sustained his word for availability to all the world despite the majority of mans attempts to destroy the scriptures and allow them to vanish and decay. I believe that man has accidently stumbled upon Gods word because God placed them into our path.
    1 point
  14. Makes me think of the rich young ruler that wanted to follow Jesus but wasn't keen on giving what he had away. James similarly speaks of the temporary nature of wealth. As another point of blessing Jesus concluded a parable with the thought that to whom much is given much would be required. Wealth certainly isn't the only thing God might bless us with, but it's certainly one that fits heavily into the amount and types of hardships we experience.
    1 point
  15. Jesus talked more about hell than heaven. Why? This was a story from Jesus, not just anyone. Why did Jesus pursue these kinds of discussions? I believe it’s apparent there is a lot at stake. I once believed this to be some kind of parable loaded with metaphors, but really it aligns with those biblical holding places. It has to be a very real presentation of events. Everyone will have had opportunity to either accept or reject. No stragglers. The story probably represents a cross section of people even though literal. My Bible reading this morning in Psalms discusses the very temporary nature of the wealthy. They are there one minute and after fading they are gone. The poor should be thankful for their low position. Why? If it results in seeking God it’s a blessing with eternal implications. God makes sure the poor have enough if they are His. If the rich foolishly depend on fleeting resources that can’t help them, it’s really a curse. They need to have the right perspective.
    1 point
  16. take off was postponed at 6.14 cos parents turned up with fish
    1 point
  17. 1 point
  18. SACRAMENTO, CA (Worthy Satire) – In a stunning upset, California has officially dethroned Alaska’s infamous “Bridge to Nowhere” with its own $7 billion federally funded masterpiece: the “Train to Absolutely Nowhere,” a high-speed rail project that has yet to lay a single inch of track. According to a bombshell federal report, the Golden State received nearly $7 billion in taxpayer money for what was supposed to be a sleek bullet train zipping passengers from Los Angeles to San Francisco. Instead, the only thing moving at high speed is the burn rate of taxpayer cash and consultants’ vacation schedules. “We may not have built a train,” said one California rail official, “but we’ve successfully constructed the most expensive PowerPoint presentations in U.S. history.” Critics are calling the project “America’s most scenic pile of environmental paperwork.” Meanwhile, supporters insist it’s a victory for sustainable transit — since you can’t emit carbon if there’s no train. In a desperate bid to stay competitive, Alaska has reportedly hired a new team of engineers to redesign the Bridge to Nowhere to lead directly to California’s Track to Nowhere — forming the nation’s first transcontinental loop of federally funded futility. Former President Biden applauded both projects, declaring them “shining examples of shovel-ready jobs… once we find the shovel.” Worthy Satire is meant purely for comedic purposes—after all, as Proverbs reminds us, “Laughter is good medicine.” But behind every satire is a real story, video, or event. For the unspun version of the headline, be sure to check out the original source. [ Source of the Satire (Read More…) ] View the full article
    1 point
  19. As I mentioned in the opening sentence about the Sadducees because that's the old understanding because Yeshua was talking to the Sadducees and the rich man exemplified whose lifestyle resembles the eldest Sadducees and his sons [hence the story was rich man and his brothers]. So if we take the context of the things being said, knowing that the Sadducees did not believe in being resurrected, so in their minds they were receiving the reward they deserved [being wealthy, powerful, part of the Sanhedrin in this current life]... what Yeshua said seems to perfectly match up and align towards the Sadducees He was speaking to.
    1 point
  20. I encountered Watchman Nee's books not long after I came to Christ. They had an immense impact upon me and that remains to this day. I never looked into Witness Lee, though.
    1 point
  21. The Green Letters by Miles J. Stanford also speak to these things. I have found them helpful to spur me on to "rest" in the completed works of Christ in me. I echo the importance of the truth in 2 Cor. 4:7 as @Alive mentioned.
    1 point
  22. I don't. I see the same entropy at work in many institutions. Disney is just one of myriad institutions and conventions to bite the dust of liberal humanism.
    1 point
  23. I would firstly add my voice to the chorus ruling out the Mormon fellowship. Whilst there are many disagreements within the Christian church, Mormonism disagrees with Christianity at such a fundamental level as to be considered a non-Christian cult - i.e. a belief system that sounds similar to Christianity (even using the Bible), but is, at its core, a different belief system. This is not to suggest you must abandon established relationships with Mormons (unless specifically directed by God) - but the Mormon belief cannot be placed in a position of influence over your Christian faith - as they are not Christians according to Biblical doctrine. That is, the Mormon members are probably mostly sincere, well-meaning people; however, the belief itself is a deception away from the Gospel of Christ. Pentecostalism is not a denomination, but a general descriptor of belief. Simply put, Pentecostal Christians that believe the gift of tongues is available to every Christian. Different Pentecostal churches can have as much doctrinal variation between them as any two groups of Christians - though all Pentecostals, by definition, agree on this one point. A common complaint against Pentecostals is that they can focus too heavily on spiritual experiences - and thereby neglect the importance of studying scripture. In my experience, this is sometimes true, but there are also many, very good Bible-focused Pentecostal fellowships. In your above quote you say you "just seem to feel more at-home" at one of the options. I'd consider that a good indicator of God's direction - at-least until otherwise led by His Spirit.
    1 point
  24. Typical kids ... so brave about running away from home till the thunder starts
    1 point
  25. 1 Thessalonians 3:1-5 Therefore, when we could no longer endure it, we thought it good to be left in Athens alone, and sent Timothy, our brother and minister of God, and our fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you and encourage you concerning your faith, that no one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed to this. For, in fact, we told you before when we were with you that we would suffer tribulation, just as it happened, and you know. For this reason, when I could no longer endure it, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter had tempted you, and our labor might be in vain. In spite of his own difficulties, Paul is more concerned with how his persecutions are affecting the faith of the saints! Being totally selfless he sends Timothy, who he could have kept nearby to minister to his needs, to go in person to check on the church at Thessalonica. Having refreshed their faith, Timothy returns to bring a good report, and refresh Paul! 1 Thessalonians 3:6-10 But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and brought us good news of your faith and love, and that you always have good remembrance of us, greatly desiring to see us, as we also to see you—therefore, brethren, in all our affliction and distress we were comforted concerning you by your faith. For now we live, if you stand fast in the Lord. For what thanks can we render to God for you, for all the joy with which we rejoice for your sake before our God, night and day praying exceedingly that we may see your face and perfect what is lacking in your faith? The Saints are perfected in the sharing of mutual faith. We abound in this refreshing and enriching through prayer. 11-13 Now may our God and Father Himself, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way to you. And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all, just as we do to you, so that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints. Amen.
    1 point
  26. Second Corinthians Seven: 13 Therefore we have been comforted in your comfort. And we rejoiced exceedingly more for the joy of Titus, because his spirit has been refreshed by you all. 14 For if in anything I have boasted to him about you, I am not ashamed. But as we spoke all things to you in truth, even so our boasting to Titus was found true. 15 And his affections are greater for you as he remembers the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling you received him. 16 Therefore I rejoice that I have confidence in you in everything. Romans Fifteen: 30 Now I beg you, brethren, through the Lord Jesus Christ, and through the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in prayers to God for me, 31 that I may be delivered from those in Judea who do not believe, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, 32 that I may come to you with joy by the will of God, and may be refreshed together with you. 33 Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.
    1 point
  27. Both Sunny and Gizmo on the nest for quite a while. Start at about 12:06pm. We had actual rain this afternoon... surprising for June. Maybe Sunny wasn't so sure about the rain and thunder.
    1 point
  28. Hi @Excalibur Here on Worthy Christian Forums there is room for some degree of emotive discussion on a variety of topics, but as WilliamL has rightly pointed out, (unless quoting Scripture), it is necessary to address the validity of arguments based on their content without bias as to their exponents. There are several passages in the Bible that mention the Antichrist and indicate that the spirit of the Antichrist is already present in the world. Here are a few key verses: 1 John 2:18 – "Children, it is the last hour; and just as you have heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have appeared. This is how we know it is the last hour." 1 John 4:3 – "Every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God; this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world." 2 John 1:7 – "For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the Antichrist." These verses suggest that the Antichrist is not just a singular future figure but that there are many who embody the spirit of deception and opposition to Christ. The cumulative effect of this is depicted in Revelation 13, and foretold in 2 Thessalonians 2.
    1 point
  29. PARASHA: “B’Midbar” (in the wilderness) NUMBERS 1:1-4:20 We start the Book of “Numbers” in English because it talks about “numbering” the tribes of Israel. In Hebrew, the name is "B'Midbar (In The desert). This is the book that tells about the journeys of Israel in the desert. Traveling under the watchful eye of Adonai, being led always by his "Shekinah" presence. Now, We wonder why the reason for “numbering the people?” for this reason, we need to go back to the beginning to see. In Egypt, Israel was a hodge-podge of undisciplined slaves working for Pharaoh, In Adonai’s timing, He sent Moshe, a “Messiah Type” to lead the people out of slavery to freedom. Once out of Egypt, came the task of taking Egypt out of the Israelites. They came to Mt. Sinai, ready to become a nation united under YHVH. The Ten Commandments served as the document in stone, a “Ketubah” to solidify the covenant. Now, the United Tribes of Israel under YHVH is established. But this is only the first part. Each Shavuot, (Pentecost) we remember the giving of the “Torah in Stone” amid thunder and fire. Now that the nation is established, YHVH takes a count, why the count? As a nation, as every nation in the world has, the Nation of Israel needs an army! So, the count is taken to form the very first IDF (Israel Defense Force). I am sure that many of you who are reading this have served in one of the branches of the Armed Forces of the USA, or other countries. I served in the US Army from 1972-1984. I met many people and learned many things. It was a great experience and a special time in my life. Quite a few of my family members also served in the Armed Forces, the first being an ancestor of mine, Richard Ellis, who served in the Massachusetts Militia in 1640. YHVH takes up the count and “enlists” every man who is 20 years old and older. They will serve in the armies of Israel. All those who are …”20 years old and upward who can go to war.” After the numbering, part of daily life would have been practicing and learning how to use different combat weapons, back then would have been swords, spears, bows and arrows, and slingshots. Every soldier has a job to do. Today we call these jobs MOS, (Military Occupation Specialties) One of mine was that of chaplain assistant. I was to assist a catholic chaplain who everyone called; “Father McCarthy” who had a bulldog named “Gus” who also went to chapel with him. 11 of the 12 tribes were called to be fighting men yet the tribe of Levi, was called to be the “chaplain tribe” They were exempt from combat duty, they would attend the Tabernacle and services. There were the kohanim (the priests) who would be the “chaplains” and the “Levites” who would serve as the “chaplain assistants” So, you are thinking, what does this numbering have to do with us as born-again believers in Messiah Yeshua? We are all soldiers in God’s army of believers. He’s got us all numbered. Yes, he has your number! We need to again, go back and look at our lives before and after Messiah Yeshua. Before, we were just a bunch of “hodge-podge lost sinners in the camp of HaSatan, until Yeshua took us out of that camp by shedding his blood on the cross of Calvary, when we accepted his sacrifice, we were officially “out” of the camp. Yet, there would still be a lot of “HaSatan and worldly influence” still in us, so, like the Israelites, “Egypt” was still in us. When we accepted Messiah Yeshua as our Mashiach and Goel (Redeemer) we were added to the Commonwealth of Israel, now part of the Community, the “Adat” which began at Sinai 3500 years ago. We are the “olive branches” that have been “grafted into” the Olive Tree. Now that we are members and citizens of “HIS People” we also are considered “soldiers” in the LORD’s Army. However, we fight a different type of war. In this world, armies fight with RPGs, M-16s, Kalashnikovs, Berettas, M-60s, etc. We fight against, “spirits and principalities of darkness” it is a spiritual war against HaSatan and his demons. Only through the Ruach HaKodesh (The Holy Spirit) and the power of His WORD can we overcome the onslaughts of the enemy. He realizes he has lost the war, yet still continues to fight a losing battle, which was won at the cross 2000 years ago. As the Kohenim (the priesthood) ministered and had jobs to do, and also the soldiers had their jobs to do, we believers also have jobs within our “Kehilot” and “Adat” (congregations). That is why the Holy Spirit has given gifts of the Spirit so that we might all serve in different capacities in the body of Messiah. In this way, the body grows and prospers. Some of us are rabbis, pastors, who also serve as teachers, also we have ministers in music and praise, finances, maintenance, prayer intercessors, counselors, and the list can go on. The twelve tribes of Israel encircled the Tabernacle, with the tribe of Levi next to it. The “Mishkan” was at the center of the People. So also, YHVH should be the “Center” of our life. The whole purpose of our life is to serve our God and Creator, while loving and supporting our brothers and sisters in the faith, reaching out to others who are lost, and teaching Torah to those who have ears to hear and learn. We are “numbered” in the eyes of Elohim, HE knows who we are, He has numbered the hairs on our head, and there is no such thing as “retirement” in the work of YHVH, well, there is…. It is called d-e-a-t-h. Another detail which I would like to add to this midrash. When Adonai numbered the people, he chose leaders out of each tribe. In all groups of “chosen” there are “leaders”. They can be pastors, rabbis, Sunday school teachers, Torah teachers, counselors, etc. But every group needs a leader or leaders. If not, we have a lot of sheep running around without shepherds. We see the names of the leaders. Many ask about the meanings of the names. Well, here they are as follows. Starting with chapter 1, verse 5; “Elizur’ = My God is the rock;” Shelumiel” = At peace with God. (I know, it sounds like “Schlemiel” but it isn’t. “Zurishaddai” = My Rock is Shaddai; “Nahshon” = Serpent, “Amminadab” = The (Divine) kinsman is generous ; “Nethaniel” = God hath given; “Eliab” = God is Father; “Elishama” = God hath heard, or God hears; “Ammihud” = The (Divine) kinsman is glorious; “Gammaliel” = God is my reward. In later times, it was the name of many famous rabbis, like the rabbi of Apostle Paul; “Pedahzur” = The Rock hath redeemed; “Abidan” = The Father hath judged; “Ahiezer” = The (divine) Brother is a help; “Ammishaddai” = The People of Shaddai; “Pagiel” = The lot (or fate) is given by God; “Eliasaph” = God has added; “Deuel” or “Reuel” = God is a friend; “Ahira” the (divine) brother is a friend. One other interesting aspect of the word "B'Midbar" (in the desert) that I would like to mention, is that within that, there is another word "D'bar" (Word) So, we can conclude that during the wanderings of the Children of Israel in the vast desert, they were not alone, they had the "WORD" God's promise that they would inherit the land of Canaan and that they are a "special and chosen people. All believers are part of that chosen people. We have been grafted into that covenant, the covenant renewed in the person of Messiah Yeshua (Jesus our Messiah). So, as we walk our journeys in life, (which are many) examples: childhood, teen years, adulthood, marriage, job and career, social life, etc. we need to remember that we need to keep the WORD in our journeys, the "Living WORD" (Yeshua) needs to be part of every aspect of our life's journeys. After our journeys are over, we will face a journey that will never end. Where will you spend that journey? Each journey we walk will take us to a different destination
    1 point
  30. This coming Sunday (June 8, 2025) is Pentecost Sunday, a celebration of the coming of the Holy Spirit on the Church. This is a video I made based on the 2nd chapter of Acts (verses 1-21). I pray it blesses you!
    1 point
  31. John 15 "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me" "I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing"
    1 point
  32. Amen! "We have this treasure in an earthen vessel". This is a remarkable thing to study on.
    1 point
  33. @Alive @Ray12614 @PATrobas This morning I read this in the Supplied Life devotional, which spoke to this same topic. Our job is to just let this wonderful life and Person in us operate! The new covenant operating "Who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life." 2 Corinthians 3:6 The new covenant is based on the divine operation of the Lord's life in us related to everything in our living. We are enjoying Him--His very life and nature, His soul-life with His thoughts. As we merge with Him, we find that our spontaneous reactions become just Himself. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, and long-suffering. This is not something you are trying to be. It is something that has grown and manifested itself because you are dealing with the Spirit. Christ is operating and becoming the very content of the church in every member by our participation in His life--by eating His flesh, drinking His blood, staying before the tree of life. As we participate in Him, He operates. Apparently we are just common, ordinary people. Yet hidden within us is the divine life operating and the church becoming the expression of Christ Himself. This all happens by our participating in this Person.
    1 point
  34. Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. The Greek word translated "rule" (Gk. 'brabyu'o') means to act as a guide/umpire/arbiter. That is, "Let the peace of God guide your heart". Therefore, when making decisions, we should seek the answer that comes with God's "peace". As much as is within my power, I will not make a decision that feels pressured or confused (unsure). I usually find there is an option that just feels "right" (peaceful) - even if that peaceful option does not make complete sense to me at the time. I'd also run the options by trusted Christians (ideally a Christian spouse if you are so fortunate) - Not-so-much for their intellectual arguments (though these should also be considered), but rather for comments indicating a lack of "peace". For example, listen out for comments like "I'm not sure why but I don't feel comfortable about that option" or "something doesn't feel quite right" etc.
    1 point
  35. Hi @streeter Seek first God's Kingdom and His Righteousness, and the answers you need will come in accordance with His Will, Plan , and Purpose for your life. Don't focus on your needs above and beyond the serious study of God's Word, but make it your priority to appreciate all the blessing God gives us, even when we are still in sin and darkness. Mormonism is a tragic cult so please seek to be free of any ties to it.
    1 point
  36. Where would you have such reprobates? After the Final Judgment hades/hell itself is cast into the Lake of Fire, but until then, that's where the unsaved wait for the Day of Reckoning. It's much like guilty prisoners on remand, who wait to be sentenced
    1 point
  37. When I get stressed, fatigued, brain fuzz and just plain tired, I don't need a gadget to let me know. My God created body lets me know. Nap time. Now, what about that frog. (Dead)frogs should be roasted or BBQ'ed. Never boiled. What does the devil have to do with frogs. The frog will jump out of the water pot as it becomes hot, by the way. I know, he puts a lid on it... Thanks Orion...
    1 point
  38. And that is my understanding as well. It's a curiosity that the afterlife isn't addressed much in the OT, at least not to my reading and commentators I'm familiar with. It does speak of sheol numerous times (66), but that just seems to refer mostly to physical death and the grave.
    1 point
  39. This is more or less normal in Germany and other countries where WWII was fought - especially in areas that were heavily bombed back then. When I was stationed in (then West) Germany they found 4 old 500 lb bombs on base while regrading the school soccer field. It commonly happens during excavations in construction or road work. The authorities have detailed procedures for this stuff now because they have lots of practice at it.
    0 points
×
×
  • Create New...