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Great answer Gary Lee. And great thought, we never know who is going to read what we write, even if they don't comment on it. I know I haven't read all there is to here, but have been encouraged by what you have shared here. It is great that we have a good mix of people here, those who can help us learn all the detail, and others who can help inspire us with ideas. Blessings

Closing your ears to those in need. Proverbs 21:13 Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answered. Proverbs 14:31 Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors him. Proverbs 28:27 Whoever gives to the poor will not want , but he who hides his eyes will get many a curse. Scripture tells us that Christians should consider the interest of others and help those in need. If someone asks you to pray for them, then pray. If someone begs for some water, food, or money, then give it to them. When you do these righteous things you are doing God’s will, working for God, and bringing happiness and blessings on others . Every act of kindness to others is an act of kindness to Christ. I encourage you to start today and lend a helping hand to others in need. Think about the many different ways you can help the needy today. Let’s think of different ways to bless the poor. Let’s pray that God removes any stinginess that’s lurking in our heart. Matthew 25:34-40 “Then the king will say to those on his right, ‘Come, my Father has blessed you! Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat. I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger, and you took me into your home. I needed clothes, and you gave me something to wear. I was sick, and you took care of me . I was in prison, and you visited me.’ “Then the people who have God’s approval will reply to him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you or see you thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you as a stranger and take you into our homes or see you in need of clothes and give you something to wear? When did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ “The king will answer them, ‘I can guarantee this truth: Whatever you did for one of my brothers or sisters, no matter how unimportant they seemed, you did for me.’ What does love look like? It has the hands to help others. It has the feet to hasten to the poor and needy. It has eyes to see misery and want. It has the ears to hear the sighs and sorrows of men. That is what love looks like.” Augustine God has chosen us to help one another. What does the Bible say? • Isaiah 58:10-11 Feed the hungry , and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon. The LORD will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring. •Deuteronomy 15:11 There will always be some in the land who are poor. That is why I am commanding you to share freely with the poor and with other Israelites in need. • Acts 20:35 By all these things, I have shown you that by working in this way we must help the weak, and remember the words of the Lord Jesus that he himself said, ‘ It is more blessed to give than to receive.'” • Luke 12:33-34 Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail , where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. These passages are not saying that we are saved by faith and works. It is saying that faith in Christ that doesn’t result in good deeds is false faith. True faith in Christ alone for salvation will change your life. • James 2:15-17 Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless. • Proverbs 19:17 The one who is gracious to the poor lends to the Lord, and the Lord will repay him for his good deed. • Psalm 37:25-26 I once was young and now I am old, but I have not seen a righteous person forsaken or his descendants begging for bread . Every day he is generous, lending freely, and his descendants are blessed Mark 12:31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself . There is none other commandment greater than these. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?

You aint WRONG and scrips agree with this . Even JESUS said how lusts can enter in and CHOKE the word right out of ya. why paul even said.................exhort one another daily lest ye be HARDNED through the deceiffulness of sin. IT is why if the early church saw anyone in error........they corrected so fast, my so fast and so seroius \cause james knew , if we convert that one back , we have indeed saved that SOUL from death. tis why Paul would say LET all who name the name of Christ DEPART from inquity. if you like theirs way more scrips I can bring . See how simple the scrips clear up a matter fast. so sad many preachers preach man wisdom which is confusion. I , if I were president would make it a wonderful LAW that all Christain churches must spend hours daily in the bible and learn and grow and test all spirits against it. FOR many deceivers have entered in , and deceive many they do.

It's definitely an open door to the spirit world and I wouldn't practice it.

"practical Christian living and spiritual growth". I have the same desire. Was on other Christian forums, became a little frustrated by the seemingly major discussion revolved around each word or phrase and Greek and Hebrew, of which I am unlearned. I'm simple, and need simple understanding. How others deal with certain problems and situation of every day life and how God's word applies to them. I found it here googling Christian forums, and been here since 09. Originally a lurker, saw the great attitude of most, and jumped in. Hope I will be a blessing to others, especially the lurkers watching .

While that generally is accepted, I tend to take the position that repentance is more about changing one's mind about who Messiah is. Turning from unbelief and lack of acceptance of who He is. Kind of along the line... "Messiah doesn't make bad people good. He makes dead people live". Once we change our mind and accept Messiah, then He begins a work in us to "clean us up", as it were. We start as a new babe and grow from there. At least, that is the plan. Some folks never get past the "babe" part.

Because God has left us to account for ourselves ... I would say giving control to that outside of ourselves a foolish venue for even the s/Spirits are subject to the prophets... Luke 10:20 20 Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven. KJV 1 Cor 14:32-33 32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. 33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. KJV

You may realize that talking down to people -- is an issue of pride. Let's remember how the Lord instructs us to teach -- 2Ti 2:24 And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, 2Ti 2:25 correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, 2Ti 2:26 and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will. God bless, George

One constant pitfall we must watch for is taking credit for something that God does in or through us, or using the gifts and callings of God for self-exaltation. In that light it may be easier to handle poverty, weakness, or insignificance, than wealth, ability, power or authority, since poverty and frailty are not normally things we boast about, and they cause us to recognize our need for God. Prosperity, gifting, and anointing, on the other hand can be powerful temptations, leading to pride, covetousness, and self-sufficiency. The post Be Careful to Take Credit! appeared first on Worthy Christian Devotional - Daily Devotions. Read the entire devotional.

You can do that easily by posting what it says about Jesus. Denying Him is all it takes to show me its evil. Post what is says about Jews and Christians is all it takes to show me its hateful.

Hi all, I made a deliberate search for a larger Christian Message board, one with some control and supervision, and there was worthy Christian Forums. After being a member of another Christian Message board since 2002, I was dismayed by the loss of so many Christians on the board. It had reduced to a handfull of nonchristians that spent most of each day ranting against God. It had been a place to practice defense of the faith of Jesus, so I stayed until I was banned from mentioning the trinity. The Trinity was banned from subject matter on the basis that the Trinity agitates the non believers with mention of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. That stunned me! I knew something had gone seriously wrong with the operator of the board. It was most unfortunate in that the ministry bares the name of a servant of God that I reference often even today, a man I had met, spent some time with, had him talk at our Local body of Christ, and address our Christian school too. He was a terrific servant, now deceased, one I am still in great appreciation of for his tireless work and his magnetic cheerful personality. Why I even met my present love my bride of a year on that board! So I have very fond memory of it back in it's hayday. I peeked in recently, as my bride still visits it to chat with a couple of old friends there. All that was posted were from three people that hate Christ and Chrsitians, and two professing Christians that love to argue more than share of Jesus ( IMO). At this time I do cherish this board for it's discipline, it's refusal to tolerate constant unkind commentary, as well as for it's encouragement from the operator of the board, to the moderators, and fellow members. Praise God for the ministry that is Worthy Christian Forums! The corporate body of Christ, the local church, I attend teaches verse by verse. Here I get exposed to topical studies of interest of the moment. I enjoy that opportunity to dig into the word to seek out information on subjects of interest to others as well as myself. I do enjoy all posts regardless of the point of view expressed. It is a joy and a benefit to this saint. May God continue to bless Worthy Christian Forums with individuals from around the globe that want to share or and about our Lord and savior Jesus.

The guy in the middle of this picture with the sign "Don't Judge Sin of People" needs a good slap on the head. A lot of Christians need a good wake up call on this matter and need to speak out. It's a sin to stay silent against sin and immoral issues, with dire consequences for those who stay idle not speaking out. On a different slant, one of the most often quoted scriptures is "Judge not, lest ye be judged" (Matthew 7:1 KJV). Taken out of context, the verse has been used to incorrectly justify never taking a stand on anything that would require a judgment to be made. Rather, the verse is referring to hypocritical, self-righteous, unfair kinds of judgment, especially where the confronter is guilty of the same sin as the one being confronted. https://www.gotquestions.org/Christian-correct-Christian.html One of the most misused verses in the Bible is, "Judge not, that ye be not judged" (Matt. 7: 1). Every Scripture verse should be read in its context, if we are to properly understand the true meaning. In vs. 2-5 of this same chapter it is evident that v. 1 is referring to hypocritical judgment. A brother who has a beam in his own eye should not be judging the brother who may have a mote in his eye. The lesson is plain, you cannot judge another for his sin if you are guilty of the same sin. http://www.av1611.org/crock/judbynum.html Today we address one of the most quoted and most commonly misinterpreted passages in the Bible, a verse usually cited to mean that people shouldn’t judge one another but meaning something entirely different: Matthew 7:1–2 Μὴ κρίνετε, ἵνα μὴ κριθῆτε· ἐν ᾧ γὰρ κρίματι κρίνετε κριθήσεσθε, καὶ ἐν ᾧ μέτρῳ μετρεῖτε μετρηθήσεται ὑμῖν. “Do not judge, so that you will not be judged, since you will be judged in the same judgment that you make, and you will be measured by the same standard you apply.” Read more: https://www.jasonstaples.com/bible/misinterpreted/misinterpreted-bible-passages-3-judge-not-lest-you-be-judged/ Top 5 Most Misquoted, Misused, and Misunderstood Bible Verses Yeah you guessed it. Number one on the list is Matthew 7:1. Read more: http://truthbygrace.org/top-5-most-misquoted-misused-and-misunderstood-bible-verses/ 1. Judge not, lest ye be judged. Matthew 7:1 The mother of all Biblical misrepresentations. Let us “twist not a scripture lest we be like the devil” (Paul Washer). The most frequently misused verse in the Bible is without question, Matthew 7:1. Often misstated as “Judge not.” or “Jesus said don’t judge.” The most humorous aspect of the misuse of this verse is that it invariable occurs in such a way that the person misusing the verse, in referencing it, actually declares a judgment on the person they feel is being judgmental. Hypocrisy much? Someone will say, “You’re being judgmental. Jesus said don’t judge.” And in their pronouncing a person as judgmental, they too have judged. Additionally, If you’re perceptive enough you will notice as well that Jesus Himself is passing judgment here on those who improperly judge. Clearly this interpretation of this verse doesn’t make sense. =================================================== =================================================== When Silence Is Sinful by John MacArthur Ignore it and it will go away. That seems to be the tactic the charismatic movement has adopted when it comes to false prophets, heretical theology, and phony miracles. Many charismatics simply turn a blind eye to the corruption in their midst, assuming that if it’s not happening in their church then it’s not their problem. But that’s not the biblical pattern for dealing with sin in the church. In fact, it directly contradicts the apostle Paul’s instructions for dealing with false converts and professing believers whose sin is corrupting the church. To the church at Ephesus he wrote, “Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them” (Ephesians 5:11). Our Christian responsibility goes beyond abstaining from the “deeds of darkness.” We are also called to expose them. To ignore evil is to encourage it, and to keep quiet about it is to help promote it. The verb translated as “expose” (from elegchō) can also carry the idea of reproof, correction, punishment, or discipline. We are to confront sin with intolerance. Sometimes such exposure and reproof will be direct and at other times indirect, but it should always be immediate. When we are living in obedience to God, that fact in itself will be a testimony against wrong. When those around us see us helping those in need rather than exploiting them, hear us talking with purity instead of profanity, and observe us speaking truthfully rather than deceitfully, our example will be a rebuke against selfishness, unwholesome talk, and lies. Simply refusing to participate in a dishonest business or social practice will sometimes be such a strong rebuke that it costs us our job or a friendship. Dishonesty is terribly uncomfortable in the presence of honesty, even when there is no verbal or other direct opposition. Often, of course, open rebuke is necessary. Silent testimony will only go so far. Failure to speak out against and oppose evil is a failure to obey God. Believers are to expose the works of darkness with whatever legitimate, biblical means necessary. Love that does not openly expose and oppose sin is not biblical love. Love not only “does not act unbecomingly” but it “does not rejoice in unrighteousness” wherever it might be found (1 Corinthians 13:5–6). Our Lord said, “If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private. . . . If he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you. . . . If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church” (Matthew 18:15–17). This is the responsibility of every Christian (cf. 1 Timothy 5:1, 20; 2 Timothy 4:2; Titus 1:13; 2:15). Unfortunately, many Christians are barely able to keep their own spiritual and moral houses in order that they do not have the discernment, inclination, or power to confront evil in the church or in society at large. We should be so mature in biblical truth, obedience, holiness, and love that the natural course of our life is to expose, rebuke, and offer the remedy for every kind of evil. Sadly, many Christians do not confront evil because they do not take it seriously. They laugh and joke about unadulterated wickedness—things that are immoral and ungodly in the extreme. They recognize the sinfulness of those things and would likely never participate in them; but they enjoy them vicariously. In so doing, they not only fail to be an influence against evil but are instead influenced by it—contaminated to the extent that they think and talk about it without exposing and rebuking it. Whether the sin is isolated to one small group or congregation, or it thrives on a global scale like the corruption in the charismatic movement, God’s people need to be faithful to expose and deal with it biblically. https://www.gty.org/library/blog/B140220 ============================================= ============================================= We're commanded and given all authorities to judge: to speak up against sin and rebuke sharply when needed. 2 Timothy 4:1-4 New King James Version (NKJV) 4 I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: 2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. Titus 2:15 New King James Version (NKJV) 15 Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you. Titus 1:13-14 New King James Version (NKJV) 13 This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, 14 not giving heed to Jewish fables and commandments of men who turn from the truth. 1 Timothy 5:20-21 Easy-to-Read Version (ERV) 20 Tell those who sin that they are wrong. Do this in front of the whole church so that the others will have a warning. 21 Before God and Jesus Christ and the chosen angels, I tell you to make these judgments without any prejudice. Treat every person the same. 1 Corinthians 2:15 New King James Version (NKJV) 15 But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one. 1 Corinthians 5:1-5 Easy-to-Read Version (ERV) 5 I don’t want to believe what I am hearing—that there is sexual sin among you. And it is such a bad kind of sexual sin that even those who have never known God don’t allow it. People say that a man there has his father’s wife. 2 And still you are proud of yourselves! You should have been filled with sadness. And the man who committed that sin should be put out of your group. 3 I cannot be there with you in person, but I am with you in spirit. And I have already judged the man who did this. I judged him the same as I would if I were really there. 4 Come together in the name of our Lord Jesus. I will be with you in spirit, and you will have the power of our Lord Jesus with you. 5 Then turn this man over to Satan. His sinful self has to be destroyed so that his spirit will be saved on the day when the Lord comes again. Matthew 18:15-17 New King James Version (NKJV) 15 “Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’17 And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector. ================================================ ================================================ Instructions on judging righteously and dealing with liars, aka false teachers, false prophets and other forms of lies. Titus 1:11 New Living Translation (NLT) 11 They must be silenced, because they are turning whole families away from the truth by their false teaching. And they do it only for money. 2 John 9-11 Easy-to-Read Version (ERV) 9 Everyone must continue to follow only the teaching about Christ. Whoever changes that teaching does not have God. But whoever continues to follow the teaching about Christ has both the Father and his Son.10 Don’t accept those who come to you but do not bring this teaching. Don’t invite them into your house. Don’t welcome them in any way. 11 If you do, you are helping them with their evil work. Leviticus 19:15-18 Easy-to-Read Version (ERV) 15 “You must be fair in judgment. You must not show special favor to the poor. And you must not show special favor to important people. You must be fair when you judge your neighbor. 16 You must not go around spreading false stories against other people. Don’t do anything that would put your neighbor’s life in danger. I am the Lord. 17 “Don’t secretly hate any of your neighbors. But tell them openly what they have done wrong so that you will not be just as guilty of sin as they are. 18 Forget about the wrong things people do to you. Don’t try to get even. Love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord. Ephesians 5:6-11 New King James Version (NKJV) 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 be partakers with them. 8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), 10 finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. 11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. 2 Thessalonians 3:13-15 New King James Version (NKJV) 13 But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good. 14 And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed. 15 Yet do not count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. Romans 16:17-18 New King James Version (NKJV) 17 Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. 18 For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple. 1 Corinthians 5:11-13 Easy-to-Read Version (ERV) 11 I meant you must not associate with people who claim to be believers but continue to live in sin. Don’t even eat with a brother or sister who sins sexually, is greedy, worships idols, abuses others with insults, gets drunk, or cheats people. 12-13 It is not my business to judge those who are not part of the group of believers. God will judge them, but you must judge those who are part of your group. The Scriptures say, “Make the evil person leave your group.” Titus 3:9-11 Easy-to-Read Version (ERV) 9 Stay away from those who have foolish arguments, who talk about useless family histories, or who make trouble and fight about what the Law of Moses teaches. These things are useless and will not help anyone. 10 Give a warning to all those who cause arguments. If they continue to cause trouble after a second warning, then don’t associate with them. 11 You know that people like that are evil and sinful. Their sins prove they are wrong. ============================================ ============================================ There are dire consequences of not speaking out against sin. You need to speak out, it's not an option. Ezekiel 3:17-21 New King James Version (NKJV) 17 “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore hear a word from My mouth, and give them warning from Me: 18 When I say to the wicked, ‘You shall surely die,’ and you give him no warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life, that same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at your hand. 19 Yet, if you warn the wicked, and he does not turn from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but you have delivered your soul. 20 “Again, when a righteous man turns from his righteousness and commits iniquity, and I lay a stumbling block before him, he shall die; because you did not give him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he has done shall not be remembered; but his blood I will require at your hand. 21 Nevertheless if you warn the righteous man that the righteous should not sin, and he does not sin, he shall surely live because he took warning; also you will have delivered your soul.” Revelation 21:7-8 New King James Version (NKJV) 7 He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. 8 But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” God Hates Cowards: Revelation 21:8. Watch the video Like many other Christian forums, this forum has a lot people who claims to be Christians but are practicing false teachings contrary to the bible. Jesus and the apostles risk their lives and died standing up for the truth, speaking out against sins of all kinds, especially false teachings. Yet here we are hiding safely behind our computers and the worst that can happen to us is get banned from this website. So we continue to say nothing but make friends pleasing those who are perverting others with teachings contrary to the bible. Maybe not everyone on Worthy but I do see many keeping quiet. We're not called to be idle, instead we're told to shepherd His flock till He returns. To speak up and promote the truth. Speak out against deceivers, not letting any of His sheep get lead astray. Acts 20:28-30 New King James Version (NKJV) 28 Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. 29 For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. 1 Peter 5:1-4 New King James Version (NKJV) 5 The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: 2 Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly,not for dishonest gain but eagerly; 3 nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; 4 and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away. Matthew 18:12-14 New King James Version (NKJV) 12 “What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying? 13 And if he should find it, assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray. 14 Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.

When I first met my parents, this was the only place they would allow me to chat. Now it's the only place I want to.

Hi Annette I been on other message boards. I used to go on Walter Martin board. I am finding most die out .Even if they still are running most are very old posts. At Walter Martin's it's like that. I found worthy is very alive. And I was looking for a board that had posts for people who needed prayer. I wanted to pray for others. And worthy pop up. Also you can be more open on a forum then in church. People tend to put on a face in church. I was open to a Christian friend and told him of my prayer needs and he told others not for prayer but kind of like to just talk. So in church you cannot trust others. Here it's possible. Because you can tell by the posts what's in there hearts over time. I like worthy for the most part. If I am alone I can find out who needs prayer.

So true Warrior12, I am glad to have met people here who are willing to share their knowledge with others. In High School, I had a Math teacher who was extremely clever. Unfortunately, he did not know how to explain math to someone who did not grasp a concept, as the problem was so straightforward to him, that he could not think of any other way to explain or teach it. It has been great to have people here, who know the Word and who are willing to break it down and share it with us, in ways that we can understand, remember and apply. I agree, I am grateful that there is a place like this and thank George for following the dream that he had, as well as so many who come in here and share with others. Blessings

Most of us are familiar with History of Protestantism beginning in 1517, October 31st with Martin Luther or Roman Catholic History beginning from 7th century to present. But Eastern Orthodoxy is the mysterious or mystique church around the block. When you say I met with an Orthodox priest, the tendency is to think of Orthodox Jew. The Orthodox Church has been around since Constantine the Great in 333 A.D. to present, its chief branches are The Salvonic Orthodox Churches (including Russian Orthodoxy) and the Greek Orthodox Church.

Just wondering if any of you have some Muslim neighbors? In my neighborhood/area of Los Angeles, we mainly have Muslims from Bangladesh. I rarely see Middle Eastern Muslims...when I do, they usually are covered up, sometimes totally. But the Bangladeshi Muslims usually do not cover up, not even their hair in most cases. They are a friendly people. I have some good friends from Bangladesh. Anyhow, if you do have some Muslim neighbors, are you able to befriend them or at least reach out in Christian love? I remember a Bangladeshi young lady I met at a forum...she was disappointed that the Christians didn't come Christmas caroling at her house...so there are many ways of reaching out.

I find the topic of the Tree of Life very interesting. In my understanding where the Tree of Life is mentioned in scripture, it can be difficult to determine if it is literal or symbolic. For instance: Adam was created an eternal being until he ate from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. (By the way, it wasn't an apple for many reasons. Doing some study I suggest the fruit could have been the pomegranate.) It appears from scripture that Adam never ate from the Tree of Life. I believe both trees were and are literal fruit trees, but may be used symbolically in some places. (1) If Adam was created an eternal being, what is a literal Tree of Life doing in the Garden of Eden? During the rapture / resurrection, we are going to be transformed and raised incorruptible and eternal beings, forever to be with the Lord. In Revelation during the millennium, the Tree of Life is there for us to freely partake of. (2) Is partaking of the Tree of Life during the millennium necessary for eternal life of those resurrected? My current thoughts of the Tree of Life in the millennium might be for those who survive the tribulation and are saved and enter the millennium as humans? Could this be the reason most of humankind will live to be almost a thousand years old, since 100 year old's will still be babes? What's your Biblical thoughts?

Perhaps. Feeling need for adventure too. This idea of retirement, it is not so good for the body, nor soul, I think. I am looking forward to hitting the road, after having been pent up at California on family business stuff. Having visions of "from sea to shining sea" for sure. Maybe I'll find a post retirement career out there somewhere. OP; Worst sin For me, I think the sin God hates the most, is the one presently I commit. He has showed, inspired, indwelt me for a better aim at His targets. Like a father watching his son in competition (with the enemy, world, flesh, devil) and sees me miss. He loves me so much (as Abba), he hates to see me miss His mark. "To whom much is given, much is required". I agree with you Neighbor, retirement from income work should not cause retirement from work. Work is a blessing, from God. As for the what and where: Joshua 1,9 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Work is the best narcotic. “Work is the grand cure for all the maladies and miseries that ever beset mankind – honest work, which you intend getting done.” “Laziness may appear attractive, but work gives satisfaction.” “When men are employed, they are best contented; for on the days they worked, they were good-natured and cheerful, and with the consciousness of having done a good day’s work, they spent the evening jollily; but on our idle days they were mutinous and quarrelsome.”-- Benjamin Franklin “Sometimes the greatest thing to come out of all your hard work isn't what you GET for it, but what you BECOME for it. " God does not deduct from a man's allotted life span, the hours spent fishing".........favorite When a man retires, his wife gets twice the husband but only half the income........Chi Chi Rodriguez Sooner or later I’m going to die, but I’m not going to retire.......Margaret Mead Before you speak, listen. Before you write, think. Before you spend, earn. Before you invest, investigate. Before you criticize, wait. Before you pray, forgive. Before you quit, try. Before you retire, save. Before you die, give.William A. Ward 8. Isaiah 46:4-5 Even until your old age, I am the one, and I’ll carry you even until your gray hairs come. God’s retirement plan is out of this world.

Prayed for you in His Will be done in you .... Love, Steven

I don't want to turn this thread around, but what exactly is the sin of blasphemy of the Holy Spirit? Blasphemy is not the same as taking the Lord's name in vain (Gen 20: 7). I would think the sin God hates most is mentioned first in Genesis 20: 3. Anytime the Lord says something is an "abomination" to Him, I can't think of a stronger word used in the Bible to describe something so offensive and despicable to the Lord?

I do understand the structural habit of working for a living... however we must balance the overall pervasiveness of system error that lies within that! You are given a very unique time whereby you may dedicate what remains of your life to The Wind John 3:8 8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. KJV It is a journey of expectation unexpected To be able to sit down with the expectation of God of who, where, what, why and when abandoning all self interest...

Do you work, do you support others, pay bills and the rest........

you are right i am sorry thank you for your warning

yes, that would be a safe assertion. I think guns should be made easier to get, not harder.

Some people feel disrespected, some people don't. This is ultimately a free-market situation. Being as how this is a business that provides a service (entertainment in the form of football) to the public, they have to decide whether or not it is detrimental to allow it to continue. It being public matters because they are trying to convince people to give them money through both advertising revenue and merchandising. The advertising revenue doesn't matter at this very moment, but those contracts will eventually come due. They certainly wouldn't want a snowball situation that devalues their brand overall when it is negotiation time a few years down the road because the NFL is dependent on tv contracts above any other single thing. You are correct that they and their employers have to hash it out, but the fact that their actions may be costing their employers money is going to have pretty much everything to do with that decision for the most part.

Our job is not to deceive, it is the opposite; to reveal the truth! What happens later if your deception is found out; don't you think the people will go "ah, see, this "Christian" is just a liar like anyone else." Your deception has damaged you testimony and has cast a bad light on the gospel at that point.

deceit [noun] the action or practice of deceiving someone by concealing or misrepresenting the truth. It definitely is not necessary. That would make you a false prophet.

First, Hi! Great to see your name attached to a thread. As to the subject, if I am to connect the two thoughts, I have to then conclude that the easily offended have little love within them. But is that so much the case? Or is it that they are so often beaten down that they become ever unsure of themselves and defensive? Perhaps much work is at hand for the saint that knows such a person in order to help them gain the confidence to not concern themselves so much about what people say or do, and to not think any of it to be personally directed at them, especially when it is not.

If God only let people into heaven who deserved to go there - then heaven would be empty! We all have sinned, and even one sin - just one - would be enough to keep you out of heaven. In other words, someone who has followed Christ all their life doesn't deserve to go to heaven any more than this man who had been a Christian only a week. No one "deserves" heaven because we are all sinners. As the Bible says, "There is no one righteous, not even one ... for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:10, 23). This is hard for us to accept, because down inside we all think God ought to reward us and allow us into heaven if we're good enough. But it isn't true, because God's standard is nothing less than perfection. This is why we need Christ, for only He can save us. He was without sin - but on the cross, all our sins were placed on Him, and He died in our place. Now God in His grace offers us salvation - not as a reward, but as a free gift. The Bible says, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23). Don't let another day go by without Christ. No matter what you have done or how others may look at you, God loves you and wants to forgive and save you. And He will, if you ask Him to come into your life. Open your heart to Christ today.

We all began at this point but if indeed ye are reborn you will hunger for His Word and will study it as the import it is

Hi Annette i am sure that one line was inspiring. It fills us with God's spirit.

Gary (not to derail the thread) but I believe Paul was giving an example in Rom 7 of the person who tried to do right and/or avoid doing evil IN HIS OWN STRENGTH, whether he was a Christian or not...stressing the need of His Spirit, His strength and close fellowship. Well Yowm, you got me digging scripture before my first cup. Prodigy said love is not just doing what is right. The word says; Joh_14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments. Is there more, yes, but obedience is the key, the bedrock. The qualifier. The OP was do I love God. And Prodigy's struggle to love Him as he believes he is supposed to. I remembered Paul's struggle also, or at least my perceived understanding of his struggle. Rom 7:1 Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth? But, Rom 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Rom 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. I, still a student of scripture, assumed, though Paul was instructing others, he would classify himself in the same category, though the most on fire for Christ teacher, still struggling with sin. He was a believer, so the spirit was in him, just like us, just as we struggle. Again, assuming his dependence upon the strength/leading of the Spirit. In my growing/learning years, I dealt mostly with sins seen by others, trying to clean up my outward appearance. Thought I was getting better, No more fights and cussing, bad jokes, hanging with losers, etc, going to church/bible study, work day etc. Ck me out everybody. Then God graduated me up to the second grade. He showed me I had a serious problem with what was going on in my thought life, the control panel. Though I thought I had "arrived" as a young up and coming Christian, I realized the immensity of what was in store. I can no longer even think those things I gave up for appearance sake. I saw my mind wandering too much. I put my morbid introspection in overdrive.I just couldn't do it. That's when God showed me I had just made my first baby step spiritually. I live, yet not I, but Christ liveth in me. In Christ I can do all things. Principalities and powers. The battle for the mind. Yes, I cannot do right in my own strength, but I have Jesus, my rock, my fortress, my strength.......

Abby replied with insight and wisdom. I do not have much of either, but I do have experiences that may help. When you ask about 'sever mental disorder' are you meaning a medically diagnosed issue? Or a social sciences defined issue? Or something that is observable and aberrant like self mutilation that might be a combination of issues? It has been a catch-all for some of the social services to even call one a sociopath if they have three of the seven traits listed in their books. It is not understood that psychiatry is NOT an exact science, like say a Neuro-Surgeon or OB-GYN doctor. The jury is still out on many of the 'mental' disorders and the science of the mind undergoes changes quite frequently. Our western society is still a very nuts-and-bolts physical type of society. Other places in the world are either in denial of psyche issues entirely or are very 'spiritual' and are far more likely to ascribe spiritual issues to mental health problems. Because there is rarely a 'spiritual side' to most western text books written about the human psyche, there is also little to link the two together in the real world of medicine. The fact that there is a difference of opinion about a mental diagnosis, probably reveals that the science of the psyche is not definitive, and not provable by the normally established scientific method. The doctors are ill equipped for this and will prescribe medications that may help. It is a bit of a shotgun approach, and works for some people. But for a really complete diagnosis, controlled studies are required PLUS a very good look at the possible spiritual components. There are many demons behind our ills as a society. And even if you can isolate and get rid of them, there are thousands of people that suffer from the results of those demons way into their future. If satanic forces caused certain events in your life, you may be rid of those forces, but not of their effects for years to come. You may not ever be free of the horrible memories of what happened. Take the old adage that hurt people hurt people and you will get the picture. It is a perpetual sadness. Remember what Yeshua said: take care that the now cleaned house is not revisited by that original demon who will bring seven more worse demons with him if he is allowed to return to an empty place. It is sad to say that the churches I am familiar with are afraid to confront the demons in their midst. This tends to make them powerless in most of the spiritual areas of their congregations' lives.

You are an educated person, and you made some good points. Food for thought. Does it realy matter if some knows that he is saved or not? The answer is both yes and not. Even to the Savior is important. Jesus knows when someone is Saved from Hell, or from some other earthly situation, or individual sin or defect of caracter. Whether the person knows it or not and sits on judgement on his own matters, or other individuals sit on the judgement sit judging him, it matter and does not. It is not that Jesus knows and his judgement is the supreme one and final. We must also learn how to judge correctly, because we want to advocate for the Heavenly truth and be peace makers and not to afflict those that belong to Jesus and put them on a wok to work and labour for something they already have, with the philosophy in mind that "the end justifies the means". This is a two way path that blesses and courses. This is a man's path who is wise in his own eyes, and not the Heavenly path who says a man must decide on his own repentance and the degree and specific repentance as it is required from him by the Holy Spirit, who is the Law for each one of us within our hearts. And this is not the repentance unto faith, because we speak to those who believe. And also it must be the persons dicitions how much he is going to devote to Jesus and there is the right season for that and it is not the same for everyone .

Hi GandalfTheWise, It is great that you knew people who mentioned this to you and you followed up on the conversation. It kind of reminds me of our role in sharing our love for the Lord with others. We never know when it will lead to someone searching and finding out more for themselves. I hadn't thought about it before, but do agree, that here we do get to learn from others here. It is a real encouragement. I am glad that you have decided to contribute too, as we have much to learn from one another. Blessings

Prodigy ;"Love is not just doing what is right". (But it is the evidence!) Hi Prodigy. This question has been put to me from various sources, and in bible studies. And my answer is; My Savior tells me that if I love Him, keep His commandments. I don't know if I qualify. Like Paul, the things I would, I don't. And the things I don't want to, that I do. Some day, though.

God hates sin because it separates us from Him. Sin blinds us from the truth. No sin is greater than the other although the unforgivable sin is blasphemy of the Holy Spirit.

James 4:5 - "Surely, you don't think scripture is wrong when it says: the Spirit which He sent to live in us wants us for Himself alone?" Observation: The Holy Spirit within me conflicts with fleshly desire, urging me into service for Him. It still requires my submission and my action. Being led the the Holy Spirit is an ongoing God encounter. A religious spirit is a demonic presence that works to get us to substitute being led by our intellect instead of the Spirit of God. Ephesians 2:10 - "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God has before ordained that we should walk in them." Possessing what belongs to us requires change. Unless we choose to progressively walk beyond our own mindsets, we remain where we're at presently in life. Regardless of our position in society, mindsets are often the greatest key to breakthroughs. If we're not moving forward, it's likely that we need to do a little homework. "For as he thinks in his heart, so is he." - Proverbs 23:7 We may discover how we've been thinking has been hindering our own progress. We must be progressive in our understanding. We attract what we think. We must focus from God's perspective. We create the environment as co-creators with God. We take His promise and begin to make it the standard. We breathe it into our understanding and surroundings. Mindsets and focus are two things God wants to change for you. Don't focus on what you don't have or what you cannot do. Start co-creating with your Creator. He is raising up a passionate people who are focused on living according to the Kingdom of God. Those who will press into Holy Spirit for the miraculous and favor to accomplish His objective. God is sending you. Answer His sending. Pursue the things God has been speaking to you. It's no longer time to ponder. It's now time to possess. Your provision is in following throughin your next course of action. Genesis 1:2 - "And the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters." THE HOLY SPIRIT IS EVER MOVING, WORKING, AND BRINGING FORTH THE PURPOSES OF GOD. THE NATURE OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE IS TO BE MOVING AND GOING SOMEWHERE. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY

Found it by googling Christian forums. Thankful I did. Lots of great folks here and when I log in it feels a little like "home" now.

Yeh. You know what. Some questions you cannot ask at your church as it is either shunned or not entertained. Here, you get it all and from people who pour their hearts our searching for answers or for confirmations of events in their lives. There is also good teachers here too who knows the word, spend time in deep learning that we all benefit from, and we can get response and feedback as we pursue our questions . There is also topics to read through from the past that can keep you on your toes for a long time. Great stuff, great site. Thanks to George and his staff for the hard work and for all the participants that make it happen and most of all thank God for his blessings and goodness and patience with us.

Its interesting but ... The anti flu vaccine crowd will likely still reject it. It will likely be expensive and not covered by most insurance plans. 100 test subjects is far too small a population to adequately test this. A typical good study would involve a much higher number. Personally I would likely continue to take the traditional injection.

Ha ha

Thank you kindly. It seems many want to understand how G-d works in their lives on their own terms, and not on His. When they do that , they are not believing in Him so much as they are believing in themselves. John 16-13 , Jesus tells how when the Holy Spirit comes He will speak, guide and show us G-d's ways, only one is a voice. We must learn to be aware and follow all of His ways of leading us. blessings

There have been many times that I have had to remind myself that God is with me in the situation, and where my grace has run out, His is sufficient. Thank you for sharing this Town. Blessings

yep!. the prayer language is the evidence that G-d may move in the public, worshipful way as well, ymmv

No it doesn't change the equipment used, but at the same point the equipment didn't change anything. Had bump stocks been illegal he would have still done it. There are several other ways to achieve that rate of fire, from simply practicing pulling the trigger fast (it is possible to obtain that rate of fire without any modifications) to modifying the weapon to making your own bump stock in your garage or buying one illegally. The bump stock is not the problem. The heart of man is the problem, this is nothing more then another attorney on our second amendment rights under the disguise of "safety".

Many scholars believed Paul's Thorn in Flesh was the Mediterranean Eye Disease he received when He saw Jesus (Acts 9). However, Paul says, "or because of these surpassingly great revelations. Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me." (2 Corinthians 12:7), and ESV lends more light on why, "So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited." Concieted is proud, and it is written, "But He gives greater grace. Therefore He says: God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble," (James 4:6), "In the same way, you who are younger must accept the authority of the elders. And all of you, dress yourselves in humility as you relate to one another, for God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble. So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor," (1 Peter 5:5-6), and "The LORD detests (considers an abomination) all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished." (Proverbs 16:5). I thus conclude that Christ allowed a messenger of Satan to torment Paul so that he didn't become proud, because becoming proud is far worse than a thorn in flesh.

While I believe all the gifts are still in operation, it is churches like the modern pentecostal/charismatic movement that prompted Paul to write 1 Cor 14. Paul believed that time and place are very important considerations, and that while he wished we all would speak in tongues, he'd rather we not do it than do it wrong.

I do not support your view.