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I so agree and it's heartbreaking! I see so much division, pride, ego, fighting and most of all a lack of reaching the Jewish people for the Gospel, from the Hebrew Roots folks.

Each of those landmark years are connected to unique generations as well. 120 -- Generation of Noah [Genesis 6] 100 -- Generation of Isaac [Genesis 21:5] 70 -- Generation of Jeremiah [Exile to Babylon before returning 70 years] 50 -- Jubilee Also, since April 2014 [sighting of the 1st blood moon] to Sept 2017 -- 42 Months / 3 1/2 years.

Oh, a big huge AMEN! to that, brother......"the Abrahamic covenant is the gospel".........and can only be received by faith, ie, in spirit........it transcends cultures. Now we know Yeshua/Jesus after the flesh no longer, as well......but in spirit. Abraham was looking for a city whose foundations are in God, ie, His Spirit, not in dust of the earth.........his thoughts were above, his affections were above. Law was added later because of transgressions........because they weren't entering by faith so the Lord gave them a tutor.........and yet all in His foreknowledge, and He planned accordingly, that Israel would become the ensample to the mystery of God hid from the foundation of the world, the gospel, His Body the church, foreshadowing it.......remembering that the church, the Body of Messiah, the gospel, is equally for Jews and Gentiles, for whosoever will. I have heard it said that the Gentiles hijacked the gospel from the Jews.......but that shows how the wall of enmity has been put back up, whereas in Messiah that partition is supposed to have been taken down. Dividing the land for gain......is ensample of dividing the Body of Messiah for gain......and that is what has been happening......sadly! Whereas we should know what Paul wrote in Romans....how it is the Lord who concluded them in unbelief that He might have mercy on them all........through the gospel coming to them from the Gentiles........oh the depths of the riches of the wisdom of God, for who has been His counsellors! He is the one who planned it this way. No wonder the devil wants to get rid of Paul any way he can, and I share our sister's very serious concern in the OP. I have a deep longing for Israel to know the Lord Christ, the Messiah and be saved. I don't like travelling but had to fly somewhere recently,and as we landed at the airport coming back I happened to see an Israeli airplane on the tarmack......my heart swelled with gladness and hope.......because Israel being re-established as a nation again is the first step to God fulfilling His promise to bring her into the gospel. Imagine tearing Paul out of the bible........what would happen then to those wonderful things he spoke of about Israel and the Jews? that blindness has happened to them in part only until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in....etc. God has left instruction in the Torah and prophets.....to EXPECT their messiah to be in Gentile garb, to EXPECT the gospel to come to them from the Gentiles...eg, Joseph....Ruth....Cyrus.....our wise God! Or are WE trying to be HIS counsellors and change His ways.....as if we know better than Him?

Hello kennethgeorge, Oh the pain, and oh the sorrow, like great waves have seemed to come upon you to swamp your frail boat of life. Yet as the last two posters have encouraged, underneath are the everlasting arms which can I say, hold your precious twins, waiting for the day when you are all united in Him. When you reach the bottom of your trial then there, there you will see His merciful hand showing you His greatness in mercy and loving-kindness, as the trials breaks and the sunshine of His love breaks through the gloom. praying, Marilyn.

Hey Bob. you should have them read second thessalonians. the FIRST chapter. While many have been busy twisting the heck out of the second chapter to try and fit the pre trib. THEY keep overlooking the first chapter. The Rapture IS the SECOND COMING........when we who have been persecuted are given rest and those who did the persectuting are getting the wrath. Its real simple. just keep reading the first chapter over and over again , its very specific. VERY.

I'll pass on the words I once heard from someone who went through a lot. I once had the privilege of spending some time at a retreat in a small group with an old (in his late 70s or 80s) missionary. Over his life, his work in Africa (in the 1930s and 40s) and later Europe resulted in thousands of new churches being started. As a child, he and his sibling had a single mother. She had reached the point of having no money and no means of supporting them anymore and had decided to put the kids into an orphanage. He remembers being dressed in their best clothes, the car arriving to pick them up, and his mother deciding at the last moment that somehow, no matter what it took, God would get them through it, and decided to keep the children with her. Before he and his wife left for the mission field, they lost their first child, in their arms by the side of the road where the car they were in had broken down on the way to a hospital. Reflecting back on this, he said he decided that he was not going to hell over a mystery. He said he could have blamed God and become angry, but he decided to trust that there was a bigger picture he could not see. He and his wife spent many years alone out in the bush and jungle of Africa enduring a lot of physical hardships. Years later, he became a mentor and leader to many young pastors and missionaries. When they were going through struggles, he'd encourage them with "just hang in there." One thing he said that stuck with me was this. The greater the trials and problems you are going through, it is likely the greater the things that God is preparing you to do.

As someone who knows many young adults who are seemingly going the way of the world, I wanted to look into the topic of "the mind". I confess that this study was originally done because I have an older son who is totally focused on the things of the world at this time and I did this study with him in mind. I welcome your input and studies with regard to the Word on this matter...as I think it is a very important topic for those of us who wish we had something on hand to help us witness and testify to how important it is to examine what we are "thinking about". It is also a reminder for us as Christians to be "mindful" of these things as well. What Is On Your Mind? Romans 8:5-7 5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. Ephesians 2:3, 4:17 3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. 4:17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, Philippians 3:19 19 Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things. Titus 1:15 15 Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled. BE RECONCILED AND RENEWED IN MIND Colossians 1:21 21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled 2:18 Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, Hebrews 10:16 16 This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; Ephesians 4:22-24 22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Philippians 2:5 5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 1 Cor. 2:16 16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? but we have the mind of Christ. Col. 3:2 (NKJV) 2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. Isaiah 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. In His Love, Suzanne

Part of the reason some believe Paul changed what Jesus taught is the perception that Paul’s teaching on grace means that obeying God’s law is no longer required. Before addressing this commonly held teaching, let’s consider what Jesus Christ taught on these important subjects. Jesus’ teaching about law and grace One of the sections of Scripture that clearly reveals Jesus’ teaching on law and grace is the one in which an adulteress was dragged before Him to see if He would pronounce the penalty upon her demanded by the law—death by stoning (John 8:1-11). Silent at first, He only wrote something in the dust with His finger. Pressed by the accusers to make a judgment, He told them, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first” (verse 7). No one stepped forward. Instead, they slowly dissolved into the crowd within the temple. When all the accusers had left without condemning the woman, Jesus, the only One who truly was sinless, did not condemn her either. “Go and sin no more,” He told her (John 8:11). Because of grace, God’s benevolent kindness, Jesus pardoned the woman from death for something of which she was certainly guilty. Expressed in today’s language, God’s grace was His not giving the woman what she deserved for the way she had behaved. What did Jesus teach about law? This, too, is revealed in the above account. He did not say to the woman that she was free to carry on as before, as if she hadn’t been pardoned. He wanted her to change her way of living—to repent. Essentially, He said, “Now, go behave yourself.”

Actually, you have to understand the word Atonement -- Kippur -- Yom Kippur literally means Day of Coverings! For example, when the Flood takes place -- we see that it says -- make room in the ark, and cover it inside and outside -- COVER is the Hebrew word -- כפר -- from the word Kaphar -- or transliterated Kippur! We know how the Lord gave us a connection between Noah and the last days. So while it's known as the Day of Atonement -- it actually has another aspect -- the Day of Judgment. For during the "days of awe" between Yom Turah and Yom Kippur is the final days so to speak that repentance can be made to enter into the "next year" according to the Jewish tradition. So we who are COVERED by the blood of the lamb -- enter into the Kingdom. However, the nations who reject the Lord notice they beg for a COVERING! Rev 6:15 Then the kings of the earth and the great ones and the generals and the rich and the powerful, and everyone, slave and free, hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains, Rev 6:16 calling to the mountains and rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who is seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb, Rev 6:17 for the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?" God bless, George

Watch my message -- It's not the end of the world ... it's the beginning of the Kingdom. I mention most of this in that message.

Might have missed it about the U.S. solar eclipse in another post, but I found it eye opening that it happened just before Elul 1 on the Hebrew calendar, which is the start of the season of Teshuvah, or repentance. 40 days prior to Yom Kippur. Some of the folks that are using Stellarium and other astronomical programs have found that the time that Jonah warned the people Ninevah to repent or destruction would come upon them, a full solar eclipse occurred in Ninevah on the same Jewish calendar date as the U.S. one, with Jonah delivering the message to Ninevah on Elul 1, the start of season of repentance. 2017 is indeed an interesting year. 120 years ago, 1897, the first Zionist congress to work on establishing a homeland for the Jews was convened. 1917, 100 years ago, the Balfour declaration issued by Britain allowing Jews to return to the land. 1947, 70 years ago, UN 181 partitioning off the Jewish homeland of Israel, officially declared a nation the following year. 1967, 50 years ago, Israel reclaims all of Jerusalem in the 6 day war. Scripturally, that would make 2017 a Juiblee year. There were 4 blood moons (total lunar eclipse) in 2014-15. One each on Passover and Feast of Tabernacles over Israel for 2 consecutive years. A stellar convergence is set to occur at the end of Rosh Hashanah this year, Sept 23rd, that has striking similarity to the great sign of Revelation 12. Those that have worked out how this all transpires, say that it is a stellar occurrence that hasn't happened since, maybe, 3915 BC, which would make the last one roughly the time of Adam and Eve era. Others have calculated and determined that this 2017 convergence hasn't happened in over 6000 years. And a lot of other interesting match ups that make 2017 definitely a eye opening year. Add in Hurricane Harvey and Irma which is building up in the Atlantic now. Sure seems something is on the horizon that may be pretty significant. Maybe more than just Hurricanes and regional peace agreements.

Matthew 13:44 "The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. This is a very interesting passage because it shows a sort of mystery of a mystery. For example, the man is said to hide the treasure in a field that is not his own. So honestly, the man should have told the owner of the immense treasure in his field -- however, he hids the treasure, and doesn't tell the owner, but instead sells all that he has to buy the field -- which stores this incredible treasure! Very interesting when you think about it! So he sells all that he has ... to buy this field. This immense treasure ... he kept hidden, until he had the opportunity to really seize the treasure, when he purchased the field. So Yeshua tells of the message of the Kingdom, and salvation provided through Himself, is like a treasure of a wealth that is priceless. The gospel within the Scriptures, need to be diligently gone over, searched, thoroughly investigated, until the person is fully convinced of the saving power of the gospel. The gospel is kept secret to himself, ponders it deeply and considers the cost of following the gospel -- what it truly entails. The person considers what it truly means to live a lifestyle of repentance -- then grasping hold of its value -- What does it profit a man if he gains the entire world and lose his own soul? He then sells all that he has -- literally its as if he's "losing his life for His sake" finds true joy and happiness and buys gold tried in the fire. He has truly grasped the VALUE of the TREASURE!

Hi all, Don't ya wonder ( I do), how hard was the slap of a dismissed woman on one's face? Why would a man let the woman take his sandal in the first place? Was it just a ceremonial slap? Was the relinguishing of a slipper just a formality? Or, might it have been part of a knock down drag out fight between a male and his rejected sister in law?

Amen! and Amen!

So many do not see that. JESUS did not ever say do your regular work on Sabbath. But our works to DO on Sabbath should be done every day as well. Heal the sick, preach the gospel, feed the poor, the jews who knew not torah which if they had they would have known Christ , for torah POINTS RIGHT TO HIM, but they actually did what they were supposed to do on one area...........they had to keep circumsion due to the law and if the eight day fell on sabbath they were to circumsize a male child.......but here is what they missed. IF they could do that.............THEN Why can they not do GOOD unto a man on that day. HEAL one, etc.

He fought so hard to try and get some jews who had come to Christ , but were then going back under the law , to return back to JESUS only saves. the law cannot earn us salvation, in fact by it we are found sinners only. BUT IN CHRIST the law IS PUT ON OUR HEARTS to LIVE IT out by grace alone. SING IT PEOPLES < SING IT>

And the real kicker is, they see the Abrahamic convenant erroneous. FOR in THY SEED shall all nations be blessed. Paul does such a wonderful job of explaining it. Thy seed as in one not many...........thy seed as in CHRIST. the abrhamic convent IS the gospel. and so many miss that. IT is the promised given unto the Fathers...........it always pointed to faith and faith in Christ . Abraham saw HIS day on the mount HE saw it and he rejoiced. A RAM GOD WOULD PROVIDE . Abraham SAW JESUS DAY and the name of the mount says it all..........Jehovah jireh IN the MOUNT of the LORD it shall be SEEN, PROVIDED. Their never was a different plan for jews and or gentiles.......it always was, is and shall be the one true gospel of Christ that is the ONLY answer and ONLY salvation a man of any tribe , nation , language can have . Paul fought so hard

No I do not believe in universalism because that is not what the Bible teaches. No, not all those who call themselves a Christian will be saved.

I don't because think of this. If people can will be saved without Jesus. Then why did Jesus have to go to the cross. No if you don't have Jesus you don have life.

DIG IN PEOPLES and GIVE THE LORD A MIGHTY SHOUT OF PRAISE.

Sorry to hear about your loss. I've been through (keyword "THROUGH") my fair share as anyone--believer and non-believer alike. I think as Christians, because we are under the New Covenant, we tend to think that God should just automatically protect us from every one of life's injustices. I used to think that way, but it is wrong thinking and will lead you down a path that can turn you against God. Jesus suffered the most unjust trials of anyone, yet it was all for God's greater purpose and glory. Here's a good article on why we have trials in case you are interested: https://khouse.org/articles/2006/626 Trials test our faith, and we must remember that until our Kinsman Redeemer breaks the 7th Seal, Satan still has ownership rights of this earth. So press in my brother, and seek help from your church body and family. I don't say this lightly because I know what suffering is (I'm currently in one that's been ongoing for several years now, since 2012 as a matter of fact!) and my heart breaks for your situation and the grief you've had to bear. But God is still good, He's good to you, and He is worthy of all praise. So even if you can just praise Him for salvation and relationship right now, He will honor that. If you know in your heart that He said, "my son, wait upon the Lord, proclaim it 3 times I will wait upon the Lord" in 2012 (seems like a long time and it is!) then you hang onto that no matter what! Wait upon the Lord and not on circumstances. He measure growth, not time. Pour your heart out to Him and search yourself to see what He's wanting to purge from you in order to see His reflection of Himself in YOU! As silver refined. I too received a word from Him in 2013, and I've wrestled with if it was even from Him (which I do know it was), and am still awaiting the promise. He is faithful to His word and will get us to the "other side." Use this as an opportunity to deepen your intimacy with Him by continuing seeking Him even when it's dark and He is silent because he says that He will give you hidden treasures in darkness Isaiah 45:3 “I will give you the treasures of darkness And hidden wealth of secret places, So that you may know that it is I, The Lord, the God of Israel, who calls you by your name. This is a test for those with pure hearts whom He is refining and who He is training to use. Rejoice in this! I know it's hard, but instead of asking "Why" simply remember "Who". Trials show us who we are, and test us to see if we will practice what we preach. So in what I've learned, it's more about your mindset and steadfastedness than in the circumstances. Again, not minimizing your suffering, but just sharing some wisdom. I also think about Joseph sitting a prison for two years--what must have went through his head during that time, yet he did not lose faith. Or David when he was holed up in a cave (without a sofa or a tv) left to commisurate and supplicate to God, with Saul combing through every nook and cranny trying to kill him. Or Moses, on the backside of the desert (not the front side mind you!) following a turnaround from ruling in Egypt to tending sheep. Talk about suckiness! I just say this to you because though it hurts, you are in good company. You have a Lion as your best friend and your covenant with Him makes Him responsible for your life. So trust Him. Cry to Him when you have to, and seek out those in your chuch family for comfort and help. You will get through this. Just know that you are loved and one day, all of this crud we go through here will determine our rewards and our rulership in the next Kingdom! One thing I find comfort in is Matthew 6: 25 “For this reason I say to you, [n]do not be worried about your [o]life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the [p]air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? 27 And who of you by being worried can add a single [q]hour to his [r]life? 28 And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, 29 yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. 30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith! 31 Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ 32 For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But [s]seek first [t]His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be [u]added to you.34 “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will [v]care for itself. [w]Each day has enough trouble of its own. And also meditate on Philippians chapter 4 where Paul encourages those believers to rejoice and make their supplications to God (don't stop praising God for who He is and your salvation, and pour your heart out to Him because He loves you and wants to hear from you). Further in Philippians 4 talks about LEARNING contentment in all things. Life if going to happen, but we have the Holy Spirit INSIDE of us--so rely on Him as your strength. Lastly, Psalm 77 has helped me put things in proper perspective. And then Psalm 13, Psalm 116, Isaiah 50:10 and Isaiah 43. So be strong and courageous, and I will pray! Boy, did a I just diatribe or what!?

Yowm. you know better than that. You KNOW you are right . THIS IS TRUE. a true christain does not follow because of miracles.

I believe if you check John 14, you will find His promise to remain with us FOREVER is made to those who obey His commandments. People find all kinds of different fault with the verses I have listed in the OP ... for all kinds of different reasons! But, I really do insist on people answering line 1 ... Please tell me why NT passages such as these do NOT apply to you?

Before I forget, I want to add why it's so important to understand the KINGDOM message! You see, if you just come to faith, some saved "by the skin of their teeth" ... 1 Cor 3:15 If anyone's work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire. and you come to the place, oh I'm saved and Jesus is coming ... and miss the message of the Kingdom ... then you really haven't understood the entire message of the "gospel of the Kingdom!" You see while there's good news that our sin debt has been paid ... if you don't understand that the Kingdom coming is meant for us as well then you may think ... oh I'm just gonna drift off into heaven and not really understand what's coming! However, if you truly grasp the concept of the Kingdom ... and about being a true overcomer .... then you'll NEVER settle into mediocrity and you'll strive toward the high calling we have! When you truly understand the message of the Kingdom, then you'll live a life of obedience, faith and power! How does a King act? Does a King cower in fear? Or does he walk with some chutzpah in his step! He knows who he is! He knows his authority and power -- and in this light, he's able to walk without fear or inhibition about the challenges that he faces. How does a Priest act? A priest is to act holy, righteous, meek, and pure! So understanding the true Kingdom message ... will propel you into STRIVING for the KINGDOM of God -- first in your hearts ... and the reality of the Kingdom of God coming! Let's us press into our High calling as Kings and Priests of the Most High!

Amen ... as we see He's coming with a rod of iron ... Rev 19:15 From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. Rev 19:16 On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords. Psa 2:7 I will tell of the decree: The LORD said to me, "You are my Son; today I have begotten you. Psa 2:8 Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession. Psa 2:9 You shall break them with a rod of iron and dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel." Psa 2:10 Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth. Psa 2:11 Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Psa 2:12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him. But notice this as well ... who else rules with a Rod of Iron ... Rev 2:26 The one who conquers and who keeps my works until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations, Rev 2:27 and he will rule them with a rod of iron, as when earthen pots are broken in pieces, even as I myself have received authority from my Father. The SAINTS do as well ... Daniel 7:22 until the Ancient of Days came, and judgment was given for the saints of the Most High, and the time came when the saints possessed the kingdom. Who judges ... 1 Corinthians 6:2 Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is to be judged by you, are you incompetent to try trivial cases? Rev 20:4 Then I saw thrones, and seated on them were those to whom the authority to judge was committed. Also I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. ... the saints do as well! ...continuing with the mystery of the timing ... of the 1000 year reign at another time!

A backyard in Houston

Audio books is my solution. When I am not in a reading mood I let someone read to me!

I also pray, and then I claim God's promises and dwell on what is good and honorable, just, pure and of good report according with Philippians 5. Don't worry much anymore, but I pray continually. Psalms 37 and 34 are helpful as well. Worrying about our children is something else. We bring the up in the way they should go. But we have to start letting go and committing them to God. It is not always easy.

Different strokes for different folks eh? I'm not opposed to an online relationship but i'm also not seeking it. I personally think they are very difficult and if both parties aren't on the same page it will end badly. Best wishes to the original poster though, if its the Lord's will it will work out.

I think it can be just as real as any other relationship, however, you need to spend time together in person before any actual commitment is made. Always use caution. You never know if the other party is being honest with you when they're on the other side of the screen. Scripture says to "guard your heart" and I feel like that is wise advice for any relationship, especially online relationships. Be Blessed.

Actually I know couple of people that met online and are happily married so I guess it's possible. for young people online dating is like talking on the phone something they do all the time and they're comfortable with. they're very sharp too they seem to figure out phonies immediately.

Being in love with someone on the other side of a computer? All you know about them is what they type.

I think it's important to be with the other one on a date. And see if you relate in person.

Online love can be real and offline love can be unreal!

I asked God about someone else who wondered why they couldn't believe. Finally God gave me a verse from the Bible, that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. The person as well as my dad had worked their way through higher educations during the depression era and were very proud of their education. They chose to resist the truth found in the Bible in favor of the world's knowledge. Not everything according to man's logic is wrong. But it isn't good to assume that the Bible doesn't apply to us, or that it is outdated, or that it has been superseded by man's knowledge. I don't know if any of this might apply to your case. But we must humble ourselves to receive any gift, let alone the free gift of salvation. It involves turning from the ugliness we find in ourselves and asking God, if there is a God, to forgive us. He forgives because God demonstrated His love for us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us. He didn't wait for us to be good enough. Only Jesus was good enough to go to heaven. Only God is good. So realizing how unworthy we are, receiving Christ as the expression of God's love for us, and then accepting the historical fact that Jesus Christ arose from the dead, is the path to belief. I had been an agnostic when God revealed Himself to me in nature.

I am trying very hard to repent of everything and walk the narrow road but there is this spiritual connection with my father that I just can't break. You see, my father was very abusive to my family and he is ice-cold emotionally. He has never had any friends, he has a major personality disorder... my mother is a very loving mother but my father is the complete opposite. I am trying to be my own person in Christ and walk with God but I just can't get past wounds from him in my childhood, and how much he instilled fear into me... I was terrified of my father as a kid. I am not making this thread to put down my dad, I am making this thread to try and heal because my father is a sick, tormented man and I just can't seem to break any emotional ''ties'' I have with him... I was messed up as a teenager and early 20s and now in my late 20s im trying to finally break ''free'' from any negative ties I have with him but they are rooted so, so deeply... I hated my father for a long time for what he did to me as a kid but I have come to forgive him and even love him, but I just cant go near him because I will open up doors to depression and fear if I do. I inherited some traits naturally from my father like poor social skills, ignoring/disrespecting people, they are generational curses and I KNOW they are wrong and I am trying soooo hard to change and NOT be like my dad but it is rooted in so deep... I never ''grew up'' and became my own person What do you guys suggest/ How can I get my life on with God and cut all negative ties with my family/

Cheng, I'm sorry to hear that you are hurting. (((Hugs))) As the others said prayer and reading the Holy Bible is important to combating loneliness. When we focus on Christ and trust His sacrificial love for us, it helps heal some of the hurt. I believe when we feel desperate it's because God is drawing us to Himself so that He can give us the love, healing (emotional pain), and protection that we crave. What I've been doing lately is keeping a list of my favorite Scriptures by topic. When I, or someone I know requests prayer/is hurting, I share my favorite Scriptures on the subject to encourage them and give them hope. The following is just a start/idea of some Scriptures you could turn to when you are feeling lonely: *Psalm 25:16 Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. *Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. *1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. *Proverbs 18:24 One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend (Jesus) who sticks closer than a brother. *Psalm 147:3 He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. *Psalm 94:17-19 Unless the Lord had given me help, I would soon have dwelt in the silence of death. When I said, "My foot is slipping," your unfailing love, Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy. *Isaiah 43:1-5 "Do not be afraid. I will save you. I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through deep waters, I will be with you; your troubles will not overwhelm you. When you pass through fire, you will not be burned; the hard trials that come will not hurt you. For I am the Lord, your God....because you are precious to me and because I love you and give you honor, do not be afraid, I am with you." Hopefully, some of these speak to your heart and encourage you! Blessings, Gem

I would recommend you read the book of Psalms. Psalms are actually songs, in church we put many of them to music. As you read the scripture and meditate upon the word aim your thoughts towards what the Bible is telling you, and away from those things that make you feel sad. The Bible actually tells us in Philippians 4:8 that we should think on good things. It's hard to be depressed when you're thinking about joyful things and all the wonderful promises the word of God has for us.

Early September, 2007, was the last time I've seen one of my friends in person. My poor health and people drifting apart due to life circumstances has isolated me. Trust me, I know what you're saying. We may not be able to do much more than listen, talk, and advise, but we can do that much, and we're willing. Say or ask anything you'd like! God bless!

I know the feeling. I have a lonely life and I see myself fighting against depressive thoughts more often than I would like. What is helping me is praying, reading the Bible, and focusing on things above. Jesus is helping me a lot. Depression is losing the battle, thanks to Him.

for the most part loving self come naturally-- The Lord doesnt say love your neighbor MORE than your self- but as your self~~~~~ meaning treat the neighbor like you want to be treated-- I know there are all kinds of " self loathing" issues etc, but if you know how you want to be treated- thats how you should treat others--- do not use " I dont love myself" as an excuse to not treat others well or go out of your way to help them-- treat em like you want to be treated~~

Bonky, You're making a common mistake, by not distinguishing between absolute morals and objective morals. Absolute morals would describe a moral claim that true independent of circumstance or context, such that the claim "X is wrong" is true no matter what the place, time or circumstance. Some have offered, "It is wrong to torture babies for fun" as an absolute moral claim. Objectively morals on the other hand describe obligations or values that are true mind independently, but not necessarily circumstance independent. Thus, offering up examples of where cutting someone is morally justified does nothing to disprove moral objectivity.

Bonky, You're confusing objective morals with objective declarations about morals. They're not the same.

it's not out intellectual arguments that change the heart- its the word of God that changes hearts

forget CS LEWIS-- a biblical response would be- Mankind has always know-- even though many outwardly deny it- that man is created in Gods image-- hence it is hardwired into our souls to watch out for each other--- unfortunately- we succumb to sin and favor ourselves first-- inside we know "love thy neighbor as thyself"- but we deny that to serve our sinful self

I never got to read all the post on here only cause it's to long. Let me just say I don't agree with once saved always saved. What if I got saved, and I decided to be gay and marry the same sex. I'm still saved right. I mean once saved always saved means I can still sin and still be saved right. See what I mean.

Flsnookman By what I read and please correct me if I am mistaken, It looks like you are questioning my faith? To me faith is related also to the faithfulness to what I say I have faith in. If I say I love God and hate my brother, do I practice His faith or my will? If I say I do all kind of good things and live righteously before the Lord but have no love, mercy or grace for my fellowman, do I truly have the faith that God intends us to have as children of God? For sure we can stumble in these, but it is important to bring it to the cross the moment we realize that we are in the wrong. I hope you are writing in Gods love,grace and mercy as I was just responding to this topic as to how I have experienced things and what I understand so far about living in Christ Jesus. My walk with the Lord began in my childhood and has continued all through my life,with ups and downs, with periods of doubt, rebellion, searching until Christ Jesus the GOOD shepherd , clearly called me back to Him in the fall of 2002. At that the time the call was made quite clear to me form HIM, and I knew that I had to truly now give up certain things if i was really serious in wanting to follow Him. Which I did. and these things I used to have a strong hold over, when I look at them today can see how lost I was, how much these strongholds kept me blinded and away from advancing. Having been given the Grace and Mercy to finally SEE this, I am so grateful to have received and today have no desire to turn back to them, they now seem quite foreign to me because now I can quite clearly SEE the deception from them. God did take these strongholds away from me. Praise God If you are trying to say that I am not a christian for writing what I wrote, please elaborate why you think this? I do realize there are many ministries out there and some are on one side of the fence that say: yes you can loose your salvation if you keep on sinning, while others on the other side of the fence say no you can't loose your salvation even if you keep on sinning. From my own life experience and in my walk with Christ Jesus so far this is what I have come to understand: "we cannot fool ourselves either , sin is sin and sin destroys. If and when we are truly saved, we should want to get closer and closer to God, be willing to follow Christ Jesus and be willing to be transformed by His Holy Spirit now working in us, and build a close relationship with Him on a daily basis, and most definitely we will want God to remove ALL of our shortcomings, so to become more and more the child of God He always wanted for us to be. It may not always happen instantly that all our bad habits are gone at once, ( but it can happen) but the Holy Spirit of God is a very gentle Spirit, and when He shows us that we are in the wrong, He gently nudges us step by step and allows us to SEE we are in the wrong, and IS there to help us and guide us on the right path. His path to LIFE, life more abundantly, his path to wholesome righteousness. I think then here is the blaspheme against the Holy Spirit, when we become so hard of heart to the point where we completely reject Him and His warning to us. Because then we are no longer caring and fully believing in the consequences of sins or the Power of HIS might and we stop recognizing Him as out TRUE shepherd. I know that I still make mistakes. I still can get duped, I still can fall, but when I fall, I believe that if I recognize it and quickly try to correct myself from that particular sin mistake by coming to the cross and asking Christ Jesus to forgive me, heal me and take away my shortcomings and cover me and wash me through and through with His divine Blood, than I am truly covered and acceptable, one of His sheep, to one day reunite with God in eternity. But everyday is a new test of faith. And yes, today I do have now a bigger fear of the Lord as I know more how sin can destroy and keep us away from God Of course everyday we are faced with new test of faith. Virtue that is not tested is not true virtue. how we conduct ourselves in these daily test of faith, are indicators to how we truly are living in faith with God or not. But if I willfully continue in sin, knowing that I am willfully disobeying the Holy Spirit of God, and do absolutely nothing about it, not coming to the cross of Christ Jesus with it, then my heart can become more and more hardened to the point of it becoming seared, and when that happens, than I am not longer walking in Faith but rather am mocking Him, blaspheming against Him. and that is when it becomes unforgivable." for sure until we die, we have the chance of repentance and forgiveness from Christ Jesus, but lets not be deceived, sin can lure us away to the point were we no longer even seek repentance and forgiveness in Christ Jesus. and being aware of this is of crucial importance. I think if one keeps on sinning without any remorse of guilt from it, one needs to look more closely at oneself and ones relationship with God. Today, I know quite clearly that when I fall into sin, that I am sinning and need to bring it directly to the cross, ask for forgiveness and the capacity to overcome and learn not to repeat in this sin. sometimes this can take many failures until the lesson is finally learned. But as long as I am striving, I trust that my Father God will help me, to become more and more refined in Him For sure all my life, I have always prayed to God even when I was falling, but for me, God did point out that I needed to let go of certain things, if I was serious in following Him. I did ask Him how and also to remove these hindrances. And I am still continuing to pray to God to help- refine me more and more in HIM. And yes He did and does help me to become able to loose the strongholds in my life. I sometimes wonder if I would be with God had I died in some of my strayed conditions of the past. ***Believe me it certainly would soothe me to know that yes I would be still with the Lord had I died willfully in my sins even though I claimed to be a christian while sinning and not doing much about changing my sin habits, but as its stands, I am not quite fully convinced that I would*** I definitely know there is a hell, God did point this out to me quite clearly in 1997. But it took until 2002 for me to get it more clearly sunk-in that consequences of sin, lead us away and not closer to God. and with all of this said, i made a bad turn in 2010 that I let go of in 2011 that has taken me almost up until not to regain my right footing once again with the Lord. Yes in 2011 the Holy spirit of the Lord did warn me on several occasion of something that I was contemplating, but yet, I thought I could handle it, and had to have a big fall to discover, that had I yielded to the Holy Spirit warning me, I would not have had all the misery that befell me from choosing the wrong way. So I today I know a little better than yesterday, (but I am still learning) and I am more aware that it is so vitally important to stay daily close in living with the Lord and being accountable to Him on a daily basis for my actions. There is a ministry called the "earnest Angley ministry, that I discovered in 2004 that IS a christian ministry and this ministry DOES preach that if you keep on willfully sinning you will loose your salvation. This Earnest Angley ministry has a healing ministry and I did in 2006 receive a healing through this ministry when I contacted that ministry for prayer and healing. I don't adhere to any particular ministry and am very careful that what I hear preached is aligned with the word of God. But I can see how it is of most importance for a christian to say that sin is wrong and we need to cleanse ourselves from sin and pray to have strongholds of sin removed from our lives through Gods only begotten Son Christ Jesus and the Holy Spirit of God working in our hearts. You know there exists such a thing as to grieve the Holy Spirit with our sins and the Holy spirit of God can keep a distance from us when we are willfully living in sins? I just found this, (1 Thessalonians 5:19) or “grieve the Holy Spirit of God . but there is somewhere else also that I read, if we willfully sin, the holy Spirit of God departs from us, and I can understand this when God is Light and no darkness can unite with Gods light. = 1John chp.1.) About grieving the Holy spirit of God Ephesian 4 New Life in Christ …29Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen. 30And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, in whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice.… Ephesians ch 5 Walk in Love 5 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. 3 But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. 4 Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. 5 For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. ***6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.*** 7 Therefore do not become partners with them; 8 for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), 10 and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. ***11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.*** 12 For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. 13 But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, 14 for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” ***15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise,*** 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. ***17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.*** ***18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, 19 addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, 20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives and Husbands 22 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. 24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. 25 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, 26 that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27 so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.[a] 28 In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, 30 because we are members of his body. 31 “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” 32 This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. 33 However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.***

Nadab and Abihu, the priests and holy men of God were cut off because of sin (Lev. 10:1-20; Num. 3:4). The past favour or Grace of God did not save them in the day of their sin. God soon proved to them that once in grace always in grace was not true when sin is committed. Korah, Da6ham, Abiram, priests and holy men of God as well as 250 princes and many common people in the redeemed nation of Israel were in God's favour or grace, but were cut off in the day of rebellion (Num. 16). Balaam, a true prophet of the Lord until he sinned and rebelled against the Lord, falling from His grace and favour. He schemed to get his reward and was killed by the sword of Israel (Num.22:22-35; 23:4-5, 12, 16; 24:4, 16; 31:16; 2 Pet. 2:15; Jud 11; Rev. 2:14). Achan, a man in the days of Joshua, whose sin was so great that God refused to bless the nation of Israel further runtil the sin was judged. If he had been a sinner before this God would have punished him before this; therefore we know that he was in God's favour and grace until he broke the law, and was executed (Josh.7:1, 11-15, 22-26). +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Acts 1. 1 Christ, preparing his apostles to the beholding of his ascension, . 4 gathers them together unto the Mount of Olives, 6 commands them to expect in Jerusalem the sending down of the Holy Spirit, 9 and ascends into heaven in their sight 10 After his ascension they are warned by two angels to depart, and to set their minds upon his second coming. 12 They accordingly return, and, giving themselves to prayer, 23 choose Matthias apostle in the place of Judas. Acts 1: 20, For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let HIS habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and HIS bishoprick let another take. Let who's habitation be taken ? Judas lost his position among the apostles and his place as a king over one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Act 1:26, And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles. It was not until the end of Christs ministry that Judas began to pilfer and to grow cold in his love of Christ. It was not until the last supper that the devil entered into him; that he became united with him in the same crime. It was two days before the Passover that he put into the heart of Judas to go to the enemies of Jesus to betray Him into their hands (Matt. 26:1-5, 14-16; John 13:2). It was at this time that he openly broke with Christ and sought opportunity to betray Him. Judas was sorry afterwards for his betrayal (Matt. 27:3-5). He could have bee forgiven as much as any of the others who cursed, denied Christ, and fled like cowards in the test. But being of the disposition to do so, he brooded over his fall and yielded to temptation to commit suicide. Judas was once saved and in God's grace, but who lost this favour and went to Hell because of sin (Matt. 25:24; Acts 1:16-25). The Holy Spirit through Luke records that Judas "by transgression fell" (Acts 1:15-25). The Holy Spirit never recorded that Judas was already a fallen man before he transgressed? Jesus Himself, acknowledged to the Father that of those whom the Father had given Him Judas was the only one whom He had lost had lost (John 17:12). Jesus Christ could not have lost Judas if He never had him to lose. Jesus further testified that to every one that the Father had given Him, (and that would have included Judas) Jesus had given eternal life (John 17:2). Judas had this eternal life as much as the other eleven apostles but he became "lost" later and "by transgression fell" (Acts 1:25). Lucifer was also the most beautiful arc angel until he "by transgression fell." Same deal only one was an arc angel, Judas was a man. Both were in grace and in favour with God and both turned to sin and fell.