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Please do not blame Jesus Christ for the sexual abuse that a "so-called Christian priest" did to you when you were 4 years old. Why ? Simply put, this "priest" does not represent true Christianity. In fact, there are some 41,000 different denominations and sects that comprise Christendom that are called "weeds" by Jesus in an illustration he gave at Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 At Matthew 7, Jesus said: "Be on watch for the false prophets who come to you in sheep's covering, but inside are ravenous wolves".(Matt 7:15) How then would a person be able to distinguish those who are genuine Christians from those who are just pretenders ("ravenous wolves in sheep's covering", saying they are Christian but not the genuine deal)? Jesus said that "by their fruits (or conduct) you will recognize them. Never do people gather grapes from thorns or figs from thistles, do they ? Likewise, every good tree (genuine Christianity) produces fine fruit (fine conduct), but every rotten tree (religious organizations that only pretends to be Christian) produces worthless fruit (conduct that is rotten)".(Matt 7:16, 17) At Matthew 13, Jesus outlines that true Christianity ("wheat") that he planted would be oversown with "weeds", counterfeit Christians, saying: "The Kingdom of the heavens may be likened to a man who sowed fine seed (true Christianity) in his field (or "the world" of mankind, verse 38). While men were sleeping (or after the death of the apostles who were the ones who restrained the coming of "weeds" that resulted in apostasy or a falling away from Bible truth, 2 Thess 2:3, 6, 7), his enemy (Satan the Devil, verse 39) came and oversowed weeds (imitation Christians) in among the wheat (genuine Christians) and left".(Matt 13:24, 25) Thus, following the death of the last apostle, John, in about 100 C.E., "weeds" or imitation Christians began to proliferate to the point that genuine Christians or "wheat" was as good as swallowed up. In our time frame, "weeds" are abounding to the tune of almost 2 billion people that comprises Christendom. Genuine Christianity stands by the high moral principles that our Maker, Jehovah God, has established for his people. At Titus 2, the apostle Paul wrote that "Jesus Christ (as God's Son), who gave himself for us to set us free from every sort of lawlessness and to cleanse for himself a people who are his own special possession, zealous for fine works".(Titus 2:13, 14) Your abuser is not of Jesus "special possession, zealous for fine works", but rather was a "wolf in sheep's covering". Jesus said: "I am giving you a new commandment, that you love one another......By this all will know that you are my disciples - if you have love among yourselves".(John 13:34, 35) Jesus stressed that agape love (not erotic or sexual love) or self sacrificing love, love that seeks others advantages over their own, would be an identifying mark of true Christianity.(see 1 Cor 10:24 that says: "Let each one keep seeking, not his own advantage, but that of the other person")

Yes, I can not pray to ask a particular candidate to win the election. I pray for God's Will to be done for His Glory. I do not trust Trump but God knows that.

I used to sit in a field as a child and wonder what it would be like to be in Heaven. I imagined beautiful flower filled fields with great forests all around, teamed with wildlife living fearlessly, friends to all creation. Then, as I grew, my thoughts entered the rest of His creation, the stars. I used to lay back on summer evenings staring at the stars wondering how truly beautiful they must be, and all this is in Heaven. I would merge the life I imagined as a child to the beauty I imagined in the stars and came up with something I could only relate to my existing life. Now, I realize that in all honesty, my imagination degrades what really is and though I still love to consider the true beauty of what could be and what may already exist, I no longer limit my thoughts to what my simple mind can imagine. I accept the fact that no matter what I can come up with, my thoughts are no more then what my mind can conceive. His glory will overshadow my imagination to a point that my imagination is not even noticed any longer.

The BEST examples are in ACTS, EPHESIANS, PHILIPPIANS, and CORINTHIANS, THESSALONIANS, The Books of JOHN (1,2,3) and PETER (1,2) and REVELATION of believers - ecclesia - living as Y'SHUA (JESUS) trained HIS disciples. (HE still does today the same way). "We should obey HIM." Exactly right. Simply obey HIM. Always DO HIS WORD, Always DO what is right. Simple. (IN Scripture, and the examples there, and what Y'SHUA says HIMSELF about HEAVEN (now on earth)). Here? Where we are ? Could be a lot better, eh ? KEEP SEEKING. YHWH'S PROMISE is whoever seeks HIS KINGDOM and keeps seeking HIS KINGDOM (now on earth) WILL FIND IT. (TODAY). It is much much much different than the world sees, and only seen a few places on earth TODAY. As Y'SHUA says - few are there who find it; while many continue on the wide road that's popular. YHWH'S GIFTS, along with SALVATION and HEALING include RIGHTEOUSNESS, PEACE and JOY. (TODAY). Sheer gifts of grace in Y'SHUA, given without measure, poured out from YHWH'S THRONE of GRACE TODAY. (Every day) It is entirely possible, and has requirements that Y'SHUA told HIS disciples. (see in HIS OWN WORDS) The one often lacking requirement, perhaps the most important one for many people, is willingness. As Y'SHUA lamented over JERUSALEM: "... and ye would not." When HE said HE would have gathered them under HIS wings. Since they "would not", HE did not.

Yes, I'm saying that sin keeps us from living a "heavenly" life here. So do our corruptible bodies that we will exchange one day for incorruptible ones. So does the presence of evil and the devil. So does the fact that we are not in heaven and face to face with God. How will practicing there what we do not practice here work? Some things we do here, we will continue there .... praising, worshiping, and loving each other and God. But it will be vastly different and completely without doubt, jealousies, distractions, fears, and the stumbling blocks of a double-minded heart and and will be the most pure and awesome exalting of God and Christ than we can imagine right now. What else? I have no idea.

I actually agree that's that is what they're for...most of them don't live up to that expectation though. I don't trust ANY politician completely.

So much bitterness. Its quite sad.

I understand what you mean, Ruck. You are asking what we THINK Heaven is like. Personally, I believe it's a place absent all of the misery, problems and sinfulness we have to deal with on earth. I believe it's joy, love and harmony; a place where we will have God in our lives face to face. I don't think we can do anything while here except try to live out those things the best we can.

What does that have to do with imagining what Heaven might be like? It's just another case that I see so much here in people taking a simple question and trying to make a strong theological case for or against it. Sometimes a simple question just calls for a simple answer.

This is a better response than my own However I want to direct toward properly framed questions so we can properly answer it... what we all need to do as family here is to encourage a better hermeneutic of the writing of words... for the Word of God to be understood demands this of us Love, Steven

The question just asks what we imagine Heaven will be like. I see nothing in the Bibe against thinking about it. I'm sure we all have thought about it and imagined what Heaven will be like. The Bible does say that it will be beyond our ability to imagine the beauty. We do know that there won't be any sickness there, no tears, no pain, no suffering. That we will all live as a family with God as our father and Jesus as our brother.

Well, I must confess, when I read your OP, I took you to mean "what is heaven like". But you have now stated that is not what you are asking, so I will have to completely change my answer to fit your reiteration of your OP. We can't live out "heaven" on this earth. Our understanding of heaven is very limited. The Bible brings the topic up, but uses a lot of imagery and speaks more of God and Christ in heaven than of any specific description of what we will be doing. Besides..... There is too much sin in this world and the devil is the "prince of the air" here. He and some of his demons roam here and the devil reeks havoc here devouring whom he can. We fight too many battles here for us to "live out heaven" here. Even on our best of days - at our most spiritually joyful and peaceful and obedient days - it cannot compare to a place where there is no sin, no tears, no devil, no sorrow, no battles, no evil and God and Christ literally reign in our presence. All we can do on this earth is to live in obedience to God AS souls trapped in fleshly bodies that corrupt. God has told us how to live here. We should obey him. That's all we can do.

I think people of God should discern what God puts before them when seeking wisdom from the father.There are literally thousands of manuscripts and fragments that have been discovered after what was used to compile the canon . And the canon was arrived at by the judgements of men , in political offices of authority over other men. And those men asked all men for all time to believe them when they said, they as the authors of those manuscripts reviewed and judged worthy of the canon, to believe first that those autograph authors did not write what was there. But instead God told them to write what was there. We've held faith from the first word ever inked on any papyrus, scroll, skin. And to this day we hold first to faith that what tells us God is, the Bible, is not of man. Thousands of manuscripts, fragments, etc.... Think about that. I have met Christians that do not believe anything not in the Bible is to be believed to be of God. They don't trust that God speaks to his people today in prayer, or in life. They worship instead the Bible itself and from there derive their faith in God. Going no further to enrich their walk. In your beginning God gave you a brain.

This cannot be done correctly, as to ability, for God says 1 Corinthians 2:9 (NKJV) [9] But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” As truth 'IS' so God says as 'IS' Love, Steven

First of all I don't disagree with most of what you say, it's just that justification by faith is a core doctrine for me. It extends throughout the Scriptures and Jesus saying you must be born again is true of everyone from Adam to the last sinner to repent during redemptive history. There was no plan B, that is how the righteousness of God is communicated to us. Jesus telling Nicodemus you must be born again is universal in it's scope, sometimes we forget that Jesus taught us things no one else ever could and certainly never did. Salvation always required justification and sanctification. I hope you understand I have studied this a lot so I tend to dump a truck in these discussions. I'm not trying to confuse you or overwhelm you, I'm just trying to point out the Scriptures are pretty clear on this as a point of doctrine. Be patient with yourself, a lot of scholars have struggled with this as well. My New Testament professor was involved in studying Romans again when he was teaching us about the New Testament. You never seem to get to the bottom of it no matter how simple it is in principle. Grace and peace, Mark

I do not cry for Hillary either. I pray that God's Will be done for His Glory. There are going to be people who are disappointed but life is full of disappointment. Things do not always go as we would like it to. But that does not mean that I will trust Trump.

Blessings shel Wow ,that photo is really beautiful,did you take it? Well done! Hey Willa, It is truly wonderful what they are doing,I can just imagine all the goats on the vehicle,I'm sure they will be very welcomed.....it is a Blessing for sure! Not all the Utility companies do that,depending where you live but LiHeap(low income heat,electric & propane) is the program the federally funded program that is available in all 50 states,they also have programs through the utility companies that assist in weather proofing homes to make them energy efficient for home owners with low income or an a fixed income....there is usually a waiting list but it is well worth the wait Here in South Florida the electric bill is very high year round,so there is a price for all this Sunshine but in June ,July & August it can be outrageous(double or more) so I have the "budget plan"......by estimating the average of the yearly cost they divide it by 12,so my bill is the same each month(they do estimate a little over)....the last month of the year(this month) I get credit & so the bill is peanut-Praise Jesus! It just makes it easier to have a set amount each month rather getting the intitial SHOCK of the June bill-lol With love-in Christ,Kwik

Simple Jeff, to affirm something means to "assert or maintain as true." In other words, every time Jesus or the disciples preached the gospel they affirmed the truth of Scripture. And here's some specific references that teach us to reason with others about Christian faith. 1 Peter 3:15 but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; 2 Corinthians 10:5 We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, Colossians 4:5-6 Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person. Acts 6:8-10 And Stephen, full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people. But some men from what was called the Synagogue of the Freedmen, including both Cyrenians and Alexandrians, and some from Cilicia and Asia, rose up and argued with Stephen. But they were unable to cope with the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking. Acts 18:4 And he was reasoning in the synagogue every Sabbath and trying to persuade Jews and Greeks. Titus 1:9 holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict. Acts 18:28 for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, demonstrating by the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ. Acts 17:22-31 So Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, "Men of Athens, I observe that you are very religious in all respects. "For while I was passing through and examining the objects of your worship, I also found an altar with this inscription, 'TO AN UNKNOWN GOD ' Therefore what you worship in ignorance, this I proclaim to you. "The God who made the world and all things in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands; read more. Acts 19:8-10 And he entered the synagogue and continued speaking out boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading them about the kingdom of God. But when some were becoming hardened and disobedient, speaking evil of the Way before the people, he withdrew from them and took away the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus. This took place for two years, so that all who lived in Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks. Acts 28:17-31 After three days Paul called together those who were the leading men of the Jews, and when they came together, he began saying to them, "Brethren, though I had done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. "And when they had examined me, they were willing to release me because there was no ground for putting me to death. "But when the Jews objected, I was forced to appeal to Caesar, not that I had any accusation against my nation. read more.

I'm fairly certain my dad's response would have been along the lines of...well I bet you won't stick your finger in his mouth again, will you?

Your questions sound simple, but they are not as simple as you make them sound. Sorry, but I am going to need to be a bit long winded to even touch on a decent answer. On the passage concerning punishing future generations, here is the problem. One translation says one thing, another says another. It is not Christians assuming something other than the text says, it has to do with difficulties of translating a language, that was active different thousands of years ago, to modern English. Just as in English, words in Hebrew can have more that one meaning. It is the task of the translator, to bring out the original meaning, to the best of his or her ability, and at times, there are limitations or uncertainties. In the case of this verse, the basic Hebrew word is "paqad". I am not a Hebrew scholar, and I doubt that anyone here on worthy is, though some may read a bit of Hebrew. Reading is one thing, but being a scholar with a thorough knowledge of an ancient language, and all of the nucances, exegetical ability etc, is more than just reading. That word is used, for example, in Exo 4:31, Ruth 1:6, 1 Sam 2:21, 1 Chr 21:6, 2 Chr 36:23, Ezr 1:2, Job 34:13, Job 36:23, and Zec 10:3. If you look those verses up, you will see it used in different ways. If you check in different versions, you will find different translators, also render it differently. Keep in mind, that when there are several meanings of a word in a language, that there are also different words in the language that one translates to. For Example, suppose a word in an original language, is translated into the English word "run". The English reader, now has the task of wondering: "Which of the 25 or more meanings of the English word "run" is appropriate?"' So, it is not always as simple as it seems, and it is not a matter of there being only one way of understanding something. It is not like math, where 25 means 25, not 24 and not 26, and not negative 25, or 25.1! So, what are we to do? What we do not do, is assume that something is a contradiction, just because we fail to understand it. We give an author the benefit of a doubt, and assume he knows what he means, even when we do not or are not certain. Therefore, if one way of understanding a sentence is more agreeable with something else said, and a second way is, go with the understanding that is most compatable, in the contexts of the meanings of the sentences in question. I should also point out, that the verse you spoke of, if I remember correctly, doesn't only say the 3rd and 4th generations, is has another qualifier. Forgive me if I am mistaken in this, but I am thinking that it said "of those who hate God" or words to that general effect. As to the one in the book of Revelation, about not adding . . . it speaks to adding to the prophecy of this book. That warning is pretty specific. It regards the prophecy, not necessarily the whole book. More than that, the word book here (biblion in the Greek) is not a book like you and I think of it. The word can mean just a simple page, like "let him give here a certificate of divorce". More to the point though, a book in those days, generally means a scroll, or a collection of scrolls that amount to one writing. In this sense, this larger sense, this would likely apply the the book of Revelation, not the entire Bible. The Bible is not one book. The Bible as we know it, is a collection of 66 books, gathered together into one binding, but that was not the case, when the book of Revelation was written. Again, we take the context, and we do not want to read into a passage, what was never intended, nor do we want to miss, what was intended. The Bible can be read and understood, by ordinary people, but those not yet accustomed to it, are wise to seek help, from those who are. I have been reading it seriously, for almost 40 years, and I am still in the state of discovery about it. It is not intended to be read like a novel, it is intened to be read as what it is, the most important writing in the history of the world, with serious consequences for failing to take it seriously, and great rewards, for those who do take it seriously, and embrace it's teachings.

I've heard some Jewish circles putting out this idea of the new Jerusalem hovering in space above the earth like a space station. I don't know where they're getting that from, because it's not written in God's Word. What is written is that the new Jerusalem will be situated on earth where today's Jerusalem is, and will extend upwards 'from' the earth as per Rev.21:16.

I've read some of the Apocrypha. It's available online also. The Book of Enoch and the other texts here: The Apocrypha Index

All this bashing over nothing. One of the articles showed Obama prefers to get his briefings on a digital tablet. Trump only said he didn't want to waste time hearing the same briefing repeated daily, he instructed Pence and his cabinet to keep him updated with any important changes, makes perfect sense to me, all while he has no power to do anything about any intel gained, the whole world could change before he takes office, maybe Trump is smart enough to know he better have his staff set up and running and all his ducks in a row before he takes office, so he can efficiently deal with the huge spectrum the office of Potus entails. Trump has a lifetime of experience to know it takes a lot of groundwork before the business opens its doors. But thats ok, the Trump basing will continue, without any merit whatsoever. Are christians to be any beacon of hope at all, or are we to speak as the world does, tearing everyone else down? We are well past merely expressing concerns,

I had a better idea for Christmas carolling this time. Some people wanted to have santa as an "attraction" for unbelievers. I proposed to have someone dress up as Santa and share the true gospel. And tell how Christmas is all about Jesus and not Santa. The whole idea of Santa quickly dropped away While what he said might be truth, it cannot be pushy.

My own makin? Not so MO. JEREMIAH 3 [11] And the LORD said unto me, THE BACKSLIDING ISRAEL hath justified herself more than treacherous Judah.[12] Go and proclaim these words toward the north, and say, Return, thou backsliding Israel, saith the LORD; and I will not cause mine anger to fall upon you: for I am merciful, saith the LORD, and I will not keep anger for ever.[13] Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the LORD thy God, and hast scattered thy ways to the strangers under every green tree, and ye have not obeyed my voice, saith the LORD.[14] TURN, O BACKSLIDING CHILDREN, SAITH THE LORD; FOR I AM MARRIED UNTO YOU: AND I WILL TAKE YOU ONE OF A CITY, AND TWO OF A FAMILY, AND I WILL BRING YOU TO ZION: I am married to you {the bride of Christ}. Goin to Jerusalem, Zion, His Holy Mountain {in the twinkling of an eye}. Please dont try and tell me theres 2 brides

In the present tense? no! Absolutely not if he did then he would not be throwing the majority in the lake of fire. He Loved us past tense. We all know John 3:16 but what about John 3:36. He who not believeth not on the son of God hath not seen life but the WRATH of God abideth on him!

English form of Ιησους (Iesous), which was the Greek form of the Aramaic name יֵשׁוּעַ (Yeshu'a). Yeshu'a is itself a contracted form of Yehoshu'a (see JOSHUA). Yeshua ben Yoseph, better known as Jesus Christ, was the central figure of the New Testament and the source of the Christian religion. The four gospels state that he was the son of God and the Virgin Mary who fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies of the Messiah. He preached for three years before being crucified in Jerusalem. http://www.behindthename.com/name/jesus

People use self-control. People are expected (by God) not to engage in behaviors forbidden by Him. It is not just matters between genders, but gluttony, theivery, lying, etc. If God does not have the right to expect people to behave in spite of their urges, then there are hundreds of other behaviors, not just sexual sin, for people to repent of. Is it difficult? Sure, it can be, impossible, not at all. Can a single person resist temptation for one day? If so, they can do so everyday. It is not complicated, it just requires obedience, and loving God more than we love our idolotries. There is no temptation that is not common, that God will not give a believer a way to resist. 1 Cor 10:13

Hi DARRELX... ? lol, Which one? perhaps undecided? If I may ask............ With love-in Christ,Kwik

We are not talking about anything "natural",,,,,,,in the natural,physical & temporal world we know,our finite minds,we understand that fire consumes,,,,,,,,we know that the supernatural fire of God is very different,why was the bush not burned up in front of Moses?It was not destroyed

Blessings CAB...... You will never get pity from me,most times I find it very difficult to understand self -pity or "woe is me":,,,,,you said you want help,so buckle up my Brother,,,,,,,I'll tell you like it is if you are prepared to hear it...... You are feeling sorry for yourself,notice anything that stands out about that statement? Well" your"SELF",,,,,"I" am broken,"I" can't do it any more,"I"am losing more,all I am hearing is all about you,,,,,,you say you want to Praise God BUT,I want JOy BUT,I start toi read His Word BUT,,,,,,MY Friend,the devil comes to steal,kill & destroy,the insidious spirit of pride has made it's way into your mind,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Okay,so now what,right? Simple",RESIST THE DEVIL & HE WILL FLEE" CAB,you have to renew your mind,if you truly want to be transformed into a New Creature in Christ Jesus to the fullest capacity you have to forsake 'self",submit to Him.......your asking what do "I" have to do,,,,,nothing,let go & God Will.......and it begins with renewing your mind,fill it right to the brim with Gods Word,Praise,Prayer,Worship,Heavenly thoughts,Jesus,things Above,,,,,etc,,,etc,,,etc,,,,, When you feel low,think high,,,,,,speak with your mouth & your Authority in Christ"devil,you are a liar,,,,,Gods Truth is that I have the Joy of the Lord because this is the day HE made ,I will Rejoice & be glad in it!!!! You're under attack,what Christian isn't ? If you are not bumping heads with the enemy then you are walking on the same side of the street as him,in the direction he is walking!!!! You have given me a perfect picture of the cycle,the enemy knows exactly how to press your buttons,,,,,,he will start praising & I tell him he is miserable,he will start giving thanksgiving & I'll tell him,what is to thank,look how bad off he is,,,,,& so on & so on,,,,beat him at his own game,,,,,they are feeble attempts to kill ,steal & destroy Shout about what you do NOT have,instead of feeling depressed with a NEW perspective I do NOt have a seeing eye dog,I do NOT have prosthetic limbs,I do NOT have an oxygen tank,I do NOT have a 24hr nurse,I do NOT have a cardboard box to live in Renew your mind & again,keep your eyes on Jesus,Peter started to sink when he realized the wind,the waves,the depths,the storm,,,,,He took his eyes of Jesus for one moment With love-in Christ<Kwik

Blessings Hawkeye.... I agree 100% with Shiloh & Ezra,,,,,,,,,,,,hell is eternal,the torment never ends for those in hell and it was never intended for man but for those rebellious angels The importance of understanding that a person does eternally exist spiritually is,again ,what makes preaching the Gospel an urgent matter....no one is guaranteed tomorrow but everyone is guaranteed forever.....it is bad enough that atheists believe they will simply cease to exist but when Christians fall into that deception it is just terrible Most the time when I am faced with a very "hard to love" unbeliever,all I have to do is think of what lies ahead of them,,,,,,keeps LOVE in my heart,compassion,mercy,patience & sympathy We must not believe any of the enemy's bald face lies,why would Jesus have to take our place if there were little or no consequence to our actions......ceasing to exist would be the same as going to bed for the night,who remembers anything? With love-in Christ,kwik

Sorry Zach.... Popularity is not what drives me & it is of no consequence either way,it is the Heart & Mind of Jesus that keeps me pressing forward,in LOVE.......I don't care what the majority opinion is,I only care about where they are going to spend Eternity & if a life more abundant is what they desire,it is for the taking of every Spirit Filled Born Again Believer,,,,,,with it comes much accountability Obedience is a factor,no matter what is popular,,,,,,with growth & maturity comes Wisdom & Understanding,yes,by the Power of His Holy Spirit.......those babes are not quite as accountable for what they have not learned......I speak from experience,one too many times I've heard"Well,they were never Saved in the first place" As a Saved child of God I once rejected Him,thought I was reprobate,an apostate......I had not yet Received the Knowledge I now have but I was certainly Saved men seem to think they are above failure,above temptation,above the fiery darts of the enemy.....it can be a slippery slope for the lazy ,complacent Christian who thinks"I'm Saved,I'm going to Heaven no matter what"..............free will,choices,,,,,,,Jesus told us which were the most important commandments,in them,always,we will certainly overcome anything this world throws at us,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Praise Jesus! With love-in Christ,Kwik