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  1. I have a PhD in physics and have worked as an applied scientist, engineer, and analyst professionally for decades. I've also been a Christian for over 40 years. For me, the key is that my trust and confidence in God rests in decades of having seen God's hand at work in my life and other people's lives. I don't sweat the details of how God created the universe; for me the important thing is that He did. In my mind, the biggest issue is whether we are ultimately unique beings with intrinsic value created in God's image according to a greater purpose or if we are simply random self-aware collections of atoms that simply exist. For some people, "faith" (which is often an ambiguous term different people use differently) means not having doubts about particular facts and opinions. For me, faith is a trust and confidence in God as a Person rooted in a lifetime of walking with God on a consistent basis. My observation of many people over decades is that trust and confidence (and fading doubts) are rooted in a consistent walk with God over months, years, and decades much more than being rooted in answering questions and trying to eliminate doubts. That's not to say apologetics has no purpose and that we shouldn't stop asking questions. What it is to say that being a Christian is much more being about living life as a grand adventure that God has us on than it is about having a list of beliefs to have no doubts about and a set of rules to follow. Being a Christian is about having God's Spirit come within us to live and transform us into new creations. It is about God transforming us into the individuals that He created us to be.
    4 points
  2. Hi BibleBunny, So glad you are still holding on to the Lord. He wont let you go. It seems like your trust has been betrayed. So cruel, so sad for both sides. Now since you are a caring upfront person I would say men would want to be what they think you would like them to be. And when they can`t live up to that - well they go into hiding. To not let this happen again, I suggest you see any new person in the company of others and get to know their friends etc. Are they a person you can place your trust in. We all tend to put on our `best` behaviour when going out with some one, but over time we need to get to see the real person. Areas in our lives that have been hurt, when healed by the Lord become very strong. Praying, Marilyn.
    4 points
  3. Thank you for your replies, I have given a great deal to this relationship, including the roof over my head, I would not have done anything like that had the relationship been anywhere near rocky. I do understand that he is pushing me away, I have spoken to him about it, and asked him not too. I'm a pretty straight forward person, I do my best and I don't chastise or shout about things. Love can heal these rifts, but I think a lot of pride and stubbornness is at work here. I'm dealing with someone who I no longer recognise because of the lies he's told me. I have forgiven it all, but now I think God is revealing his true nature. Despite my requests to find out what hospital he will be going to he won't tell me. It would have been nice if I could a least know where he will be if something bad happens, I am very concerned because I care. He also will not let me talk to any of his family, he had sent me an email address for his brother a while ago, in case anything ever happened to him, I emailed it, just to ask if he could let me know that my partner is ok after the operation (they are always in contact), the email address bounced back, I don't think it's real. I tried the phone number too, but I have had no answer. We're talking about someone I have a joint US account with, I'm on the rental contract for the house in America, I've not exactly been a 'sideline'. Even in the visa process you write letters with your intend to marry, and prove the relationship with pictures and many many visits. His other sister is going there to look after him, he has told me he has told her about me many a times. I asked him for her phone number so she could let me know how the operation went. He has avoided giving it to me. He does all this while telling me he loves me?! That's confusing. Sorry to vent, I just think perhaps God is showing me just how devious this man is, and it's rather scary, let alone emotionally taxing, given the illness, the messages of love, the rejection and him 'hiding' me like a dirty secret at the same time. I'm not perfect, but I don't think I could do to anyone what he's doing to me right now. This is how homeless people are made. I'm glad God is showing me the truth, it's rather brutal, and at the same time I want him to be ok. He will want me to be his best friend at the end of this, it's becoming more and more clear, that I am not respected, that his idea of love is very far from mine. I've never known someone to be so good at lying! I am giving all this to God, I need to find a good job, perhaps God wants me to finally put myself first? I honestly don't know. Please do pray for me. Thank you for listening!
    4 points
  4. You seem like a wonderful soul, BibleBunny. And rest assured that making it through this will add to your testimony in Heaven as well. You will go into eternity with a record that you stood strong in faith during a very tough time, and be remembered for it forever, just like the saints of old are remembered for the things they remained steadfast through.
    4 points
  5. Greetings, BibleBunny. My sense is that maybe the cancer thing has him so discouraged that he's afraid he would be a burden on you instead of a husband, and the rest is just a cover. I could be wrong, but that would seem to make sense of it all. But I wouldn't consider it as a "test from God." A test, most certainly, but not one your Heavenly Father wanted you to go through, just one that you may have to. He always wants to bless His children with all good things in Christ Jesus, so here is what I suggest: Every time your heart and mind thinks about anything that would bring you down, cast that care on the Lord Jesus Christ, even if it means doing it a hundred times a day for a while. Trust your fiancé to the Lord, that whatever he is doing and thinking will come under submission to God, and live by Philippians 4:8 where your own thinking is concerned. Coming from a 54-year old, 42 is still young in my opinion, LoL. Tell Him in prayer that you trust Him to provide for you, and put food on your plate, and tell Him repeatedly. This is a step of faith, but it will calm your own nerves as well as remind Him of His promises. And if you trust Him you will see Him begin moving in your life as never before. What I mean is this: View this is an opportunity, not a test. It is an opportunity to trust God in situations you've never been in before, and watch Him go to work on your behalf miraculously, which will bring joy to your heart and greatly increase your faith. But again, cast your cares upon Him; ALL of it, and trust in Him that He will take care of you; your heart, your mind, your welfare, all of it. As for the UK, I have other Christian friends in the UK, so I know how it is. The spiritual climate is a little tougher over there, and they don't take your faith very seriously. But let what God is about to do in your life become a testimony of why they should, in that He provided for you in a situation that might have been more than others could have recovered from, and you came through it stronger than ever. I know doing these things is harder than saying them, but this is what the good fight of faith is about; it will require a strong effort. But seeing the victory at the end of it all will make it all worth it. God bless you in Christ Jesus, and if today wasn't a good day then you treat yourself to something nice for your birthday tomorrow, or next week, when you're back in the mindset to celebrate the wonderful person God made you and everything you have going for you, and everything He is going to do in your life in the future.
    4 points
  6. I've never really posted anything on a forum, but I find myself very much alone and confused right now. I was saved in June 2015, never having been brought up as a Christian or even knowing many Christians through my life. I live in the UK and there is a somewhat 'stuffy' image of The Church, although perhaps that is just my thinking. Christ came to me through a dream, my heart was changed and I had been going though what felt like spiritual attacks through others and some strange experiences! Anyway (that's another story), God got me! He saved me and I am forever His! I met a man after that and he was very good to me, he too is a Christian, I honestly felt like it was God given I prayed for support the night before he contacted me, it felt like an answer to prayer. We were friends for a while, he lives in America. Through it all he seemed very genuine, he is the son of a Pastor, we prayed on the phone everyday, we became more than friends and after a few years, having met a number of times, me going there and him here, we got engaged. There were some tough times, he has misrepresented himself, we got through it, I forgave him and we moved on. Three years on, and 280 days into our visa application for me to move over to America on a fiance visa, he has a huge melt down. He tells me of all his sins, things I never thought he would be involved in (mostly of the flesh, I wont go into detail). I could and can forgive him. But now, as he has been divorced he says he will not marry me. In his repentance he feels he should not be breaking anymore commandments. He says it's against scripture, I can't argue with that, it's Gods word. But I have sold my flat. I have sent everything I own over to him, bar three suitcases and my paperwork (for the visa), I have temporary accommodation until the middle of May, we had planned all this hoping the Visa would be through by then. Of course now it wont, I am not going to be married, I will not be his wife, I will not be able to start a new in America. Which is a huge change of plan, a huge and difficult change to get my head around. I am being tested. Beyond anything I thought could happen, I had complete faith that it was Gods plan for me to be in a new country with someone who would love me. How he is even capable of dropping me like this I do not know. We never argued, we've got on well, same humour, a sharing of faith and it felt completely genuine. I am going to have to get a job in the next six weeks (money is not the best for me), I wasn't working as we were just going to get through the visa and then I could just move when we got it (stupid of me, I know). I am living out of suitcases, my heart is broken, and on top of that he has told me he has cancer, he has an operation on Tuesday to remove a stage 2 tumour, its colon cancer. He's pushed me away when I would have drawn closer. What else can I say other than that?! Without becoming too distraught and incoherent. Honestly I cannot comprehend most of this, my emotions are everywhere and I have to pull everything back together, on my own, I was going to find new friends in America, the UK has not been kind to me. This test is very tough on me, especially as a new Christian, I feel angry, upset, sad, heart broken and pure despair. I know that God is working, and perhaps I will come out the other end ok. He was my only Christian friend, would anyone have any advice? Or could someone pray for me? It's my birthday today.. I'm 42! This shouldn't happen to a 42 year old woman! I feel ridiculous as well as distraught.... and tired, very, very tired.
    3 points
  7. “ Blessed men GO THROUGH valleys of weeping”........have faith in that promise from God......He is with you
    3 points
  8. There was a time in our marriage that my husband pushed me away. He was very depressed after a very painful accident that threatened his job and left him with exposed nerves and several surgeries to correct. We were both Christian and had been married for 25 years. . Perhaps as a result of your friend's cancer he has had to have a colostomy and is embarrassed. It can threaten a man's feeling like a man. But it is wrong of him to take your money etc. and then dump you. Pray for him and forgive him. I do pray that you find a very fulfilling job that give you a good income. I also pray that you are able to move beyond this and find other genuine Christians for fellowship.
    3 points
  9. If you are going to post anything against sanctification or to discourage it then please, in the name of the Lord Jesus: “Do not reply to this post”. If you are proud about your sins and your unholy state, then please do not discourage those who do not want to be. “He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters.” - Luke 11:23 “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” - 1 Corinthians 10:31 For it is for God they desire to be holy. And is it for God you desire to be unholy?! “And if anyone hears My words and does not believe, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him - the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day.” - John 12:47-48 Pursue holiness, yes, pursue holiness. As commanded by the Lord. “Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled;” - Hebrews 12:14-15 Sanctification for the sheep. Yes, for the sheep! “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. These are the things which defile a man, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile a man.” - Matthew 15:19-20 “Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.” - Proverbs 4:23 No one can even desire sanctification if the Spirit of God is not in them. “and made no distinction between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.” - Acts 15:9 If you desire sanctification it is a good indication that the Spirit of God is dwelling in you. “But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.” - Romans 8:9 But is there a limit to sanctification for me?! No, there is no limit: “...go and sin no more.” - John 8:11 Is it the will of God that I walk holy in this world?! It is not only the will of God, but it is He Himself that puts this desire in you, through His Spirit. “for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” - Philippians 2:13 And by doing so, in truth, you are pleasing and honoring Him. “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.” - John 17:17 And forget everything you have heard from friends and family. Everything is possible with God, and He can sanctify you, in truth, completely... There is no limit to His power. “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” - Matthew 19:26 It is very common we hear from people that this or that is impossible to overcome. This is not true, as explained above. “Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.” - Mark 11:24 The limit is that your pride may hinder your sanctification, the prouder you are, the less sanctified you will be. Submission to the Lord and acknowledgment that you stand by faith in Him and not on your own strenght or ability. “Well said. Because of unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by faith. Do not be haughty, but fear.” - Romans 11:20 And you will see this as you progress, that whenever you become proud... Then, you fall. “I am the Lord, that is My name; And My glory I will not give to another, Nor My praise to carved images.” - Isaiah 42:8 As it is written, humbleness is very, very important in the sanctification process. The Lord is very, very interested in your sanctification but without submission and humility this is not going to happen. “But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.”” - James 4:6 First, get rid of all deceit and hypocrisy... You are not going to be sanctified in truth if you walk in darkness. “If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.” - 1 John 1:6 Be sincere with the Lord, you cannot hide anything from Him. If you know you are doing something that displeases Him, then, repent. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” - 1 John 1:9 The Lord understands and know of your weaknesses, but He desires that you pursue His righteousness and do not be satisfied with your current state. Whenever you fail, you are not willing to, but by your own strength you cannot improve and overcome. “For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice.” - Romans 7:19 “O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? I thank God - through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin.” - Romans 7:24-25 Whenever you fall, confess it, and seek not to next time, this is obviously if you have repented. Just seek to walk in sincerity before Him. “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.” - 1 John 1:7 Give priority to the Spirit, not the flesh. I believe that reading the Bible, especially the New Testament; at least once a day can help. You do not need to read it whole at once, a few minutes a day would be fine. But read it, and pray before you do it: Asking for wisdom, understanding, and to guide you in truth! The Word and the Spirit have to work together, just reading it is not enough, you have to believe it! If evil temptation comes, and your desire is to please God, but then Satan says that God wants you to do that, then the following Scripture comes: “Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.” - James 1:13-14 You will notice that Satan will soon stop to try this strategy on you because he was defeated by the truth. And no lies can prevail against truth. And by faith, you will stand, if He allows you to stand. Remember: Faith comes from God. A few things you can do to help your sanctification is to abstain from unnecessary and wordly things, as much as possible. Do not take the abstention of evil lightly. It is very, very important. “Abstain from every form of evil.” - 1 Thessalonians 5:22 Fighting in the spiritual realm, putting the Word into practice. As I said, the Word have to work with the Spirit. And by practicing the Word - which means to believe it - your sanctification will reach higher levels. “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” - Hebrews 11:6 At the start, you will see yourself in many fights against the flesh. But as you grow it will become easier and easier, and the fights against the flesh gets much lower. As commanded by the Lord: Watch against all evil, do not let them enter in your heart. Feelings of the flesh, like: pride, envy, outbursts of wrath, fornication, obscene thoughts, hate, bitterness, etc may come. But be prepared to resist them, the Spirit will warn and give you faith to resist them. “But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into.” - Luke 12:39 If you feel Satan is going too strong, then use your authority in the name of the Lord Jesus to fight against him. “If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.” - John 14:14 “Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” - Luke 10:19 Remember, the Spirit of the risen Lord dwells in you. The Spirit must reign, not sin (flesh, evil desires, etc). “For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.” - Galatians 5:17 “Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts.” - Romans 6:12 Addiction to sinful behavior and bad habits may seem very hard to get rid of, but it is possible through faith in the power of God. It is those bad habits that goes through years and years, you know it is not cool or something to be comfortable with. But you always fall from time to time, some every week, others every few days, and this keeps repeating. For you to become free of such bad habit you have to pray that this desire goes away. And only God can do this. Pray that this desire goes away, that you do not want to see pleasure in these evil things anymore, and that you want to have pleasure in the things of God, you want to love Him! And keep praying daily, until you feel you have received it. You may feel a progress each day. “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” - 1 Thessalonians 5:23 And keep praying, whenever you feel to, in faith... God will help you during your day, at work, or anywhere you go. “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing” - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17 And He is willing to see your progress, then whenever you feel to ask, then ask Him. “Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” - Romans 8:26 If you have fallen, rest assured God is there willing to forgive you and make you stand again. He loves you! “Who are you to judge another's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand.” - Romans 14:4 And it is by His grace, His power, His Spirit in us that makes us feel so comfortable and in peace. “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.” - Romans 8:2 And all the things we used to practice when we were lost, all the works of the flesh, all the envy, hate, bitterness, lewdness, deceit, and much more. “What fruit did you have then in the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death.” - Romans 6:21 But now in Christ Jesus we are finally free, free to do and love all that is good and pleasant in the sight of God; and with sincerity. “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” - Galatians 6:9 “For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men” - 1 Peter 2:15 It is time to welcome, receive, and embrace the Holy Spirit. “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” - Luke 11:13 “I indeed baptized you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” - Mark 1:8 And to focus on the complete renewal of our mind. Stay more and more focused on the things above, the things of the Spirit. “For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” - Romans 8:6 “Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.” - Ephesians 6:24 God bless you in Jesus' name!
    2 points
  10. Praise the LORD brother , I might have already known this, but what wonderful exhortations to just hear it again. You bet satan can take scrips out of text to try and make people FEEL saved while they walk n darkness. OH but brother , he lies and is the Father OF lies . OH thank you again for reminding me though. Truth is just so sweet and I never tire of hearing it over and over again .
    2 points
  11. @frienduff thaylorde @angels4u @Yowm When Satan says: You can feel free to sin, it is by grace; you will be forgiven because it is written: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." - 1 John 1:9 Then the Spirit reminds us of: "Jesus said to him, “It is written again, ‘You shall not tempt the Lord your God.’”" - Matthew 4:7 "nor let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed by serpents;" - 1 Corinthians 10:9 "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life." - Galatians 6:7-8 That is why I tell you, it is the Word and the Spirit, if you have the Word and deny the Spirit you will be led to anything, but the truth. Just as many scribes and pharisees of the past also did, by interpreting Scriptures according to the flesh. "Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”" - John 14:6
    2 points
  12. Comments like this make the solid points you make on the forum difficult to receive. It really hurts your witness. I wish you could see that.
    2 points
  13. It is always encouraging to read how people, even those well educated, come to a point, where one has to accept that God is. Thank you so much for sharing this with us.
    2 points
  14. Yes, it is by grace. "Even so then, at this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace. And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work." - Romans 11:5-6 And who, who could worship God in spirit and truth before grace!? I just want to know if there was any. "There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God." - Romans 3:11 Then it definitely is by grace, God called and chose us by grace alone, through faith alone. "But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him." - John 4:23 Glory to God! Amen.
    2 points
  15. YES IT TRULY IS ONLY BY GRACE we EVEN DESIRE HIS SANCTIFICATION in our lives . Feasting of HIS SPIRIT and on His holy words in the bible. Feast peoples , feast . Praise be to GOD , To GOD be all glory . Onward in the LORD peoples . be encouraged by good wholesome exhortations. Let all who love the Lord praise the Lord. And all who love him know He loved us first and by grace alone has shed HIS LOVE on our hearts. HIS love rejoices in truth , NOT inquity, His love LOVES HIS WORD . HE is our guide and he operates through his own. Each has a gift of GOD that is meant to share with the others . So let us not see exhortations as condemnation , but rather as godly edifying by HIS SPIRIT . LEAP up peoples , leap up and REJOICE . IT IS HE who has saved us and not we ourselves. NOW , let us OBEY the one who saved us , BY HIS UNCTIONS and He gives us the ability to do so. ALL credit is to HIM. As even our friend of many letters and others have long been saying. But mark pauls words . WE are all servants to whom we obey , whether of sin unto death or of OBEDIANCE unto righteousness. He who sows to the flesh will reap corruption , but he who sows to the spirit , shall of the spirit reap life everlasting . OBEY the ONE WHO SAVED US. And his grace teaches us to deny ungodliness and wordly lusts and to be living righteously soberly and godly in this world. Onward in the Lord .
    2 points
  16. I don't say KJV is the only good Bible but I DO prefer it over every other Bible. I certainly haven't read from every possible Bible but from all that I have read from KJV is by far the best, IMO.
    2 points
  17. I've never seen that sort of thing before. Trying to get used to the site's quirks. Thanks. The first post I made on the site was a question, so I put it in the question section, only to learn that I was not allowed to post to those who responded. When in Rome...
    2 points
  18. @wingnut-, @Yowm, @frienduffthaylorde, @Wayne222, @angels4u, @4LdKHVCzRDj2, @Dennis1209 Thank you for all your input, it surprises me how quickly a thread can move on. I can't contribute myself at the moment, but hope to do so later. Within the love of Christ our Saviour, Lord and Head. Chris
    2 points
  19. Marilyn, very wise words! Gosh, how I wish people would just be themselves! But you are right, and thank you so much for your advice. I've been vulnerable not just as a new Christian, but because of my own lack of fellowship, this is something I will be working on in the future. Thank you so much, God bless
    2 points
  20. I believe that once we trust and believe that Jesus Christ died for our sins, was buried and rose the third day according to OT scripture, we are saved and sealed with that holy spirit of promise. To me, sealed means OSAS, eternal security in Christ, by His faith and sacrifice. This is what the Bible tells us. The gospel of salvation is 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 KJV - Also in my signature - And of course we must have obedience of faith, good fruit and dare I say "works" will be a result of being in Christ and Christ in us. We must also follow the two great commandments and we try not to break the the ten commandments, But we are no longer under the law and all have sinned. Now about being saved and sealed and the promises of God. 2 Peter 3:9 KJV - The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. Ephesians 1:1-14 KJV - Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus: 2 Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: 4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: 5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, 6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. 7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; 8 Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; 9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: 10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: 11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: 12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. 13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, 14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. Galatians Chapter 3 - KJV - O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? 2 This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? 3 Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? 4 Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain. 5 He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? 6 Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. 7 Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. 8 And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. 9 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham. 10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. 11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. 12 And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them. 13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: 14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. 15 Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man's covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto. 16 Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ. 17 And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect. 18 For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise. 19 Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator. 20 Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one. 21 Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law. 22 But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. 23 But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. 24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. 26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
    2 points
  21. Praying for you sister. I too think it was the cancer that made him think things over. I think it stress him like cancer would. Its a aweful thing you are going through. But God knew this was going to be. He still has you in has hand. He still had plans for you that ate really good.
    2 points
  22. We will try to answer questions as best we can. But I agree with Yowm that right now it is most important to read the New Testament to get to know Jesus better and Father God as He is revealed through Jesus. Also, pray in the Name of Jesus Christ and just tell God what is on your heart. He is your best friend Who will never leave you or forsake you. He gives us strength. I pray that God give you wisdom and keep you safe. Baptism is not necessary but is a huge blessing as we obey God. Willa
    2 points
  23. I started with a NIV study Bible and after a few years, I tried the King James. I found the KJV came alive for me and God was speaking to me personally. I began to read in the spirit and pray for understanding and wisdom, and God provided. Recently I found out about the thousand or so word changes in the NIV, like the word "cornerstone" to "capstone". I rarely use the NIV anymore. King James is actually easier to understand and comprehend once you have a foundation of Bible study, IMO.
    2 points
  24. Bless you, sister! So sad to hear about such a terrible turn taken in your life! If you are indeed going to be staying in the UK, it's critical that you find a good body of believers to connect to, who teach and practice a true Christian faith. God did not intend for us to go it alone in our walk with Him! Of course, this forum is a good start to that, too. Feel free to post in other sections, ask for advise, ask for explanations on any scripture you may not understand, and just connect and make friends!
    2 points
  25. Hidden in Him, Thank you so much for your reply, your advice is very much heeded. Very well thought out, so I appreciate the effort! I will view this all as an opportunity, and spend much time in prayer and in The Word. I do trust in the LORD, he is GOOD! God Bless.
    2 points
  26. So sorry to hear about what you are going through, such an awful situation. Of course you have my prayers, and know that through your family in Christ you have many more friends than you think. I hope you find wonderful fellowship here, and consider that maybe God has other plans for you. Maybe this man was just a means to an end, and something much better awaits you on the other side of your journey. Happy birthday as well! God bless
    2 points
  27. - The Teen Study Bible gives a standard dictionary definition of "sex", but the "alternative definition" is disgusting. Remember this is aimed directly at impressionable Christian teenagers. The "alternate definition" (1993 edition) for "sex" is "—another fun thing mean adults tell teenagers to keep away from." The 1998 edition of Zondervan’s Teen Study Bible changed the "alternative definition" for "sex". It took five years – but hallelujah, somebody at Zondervan finally woke up (or maybe somebody actually read a King James Bible. . . it COULD happen. . .) Of course, the "alternative definition" in the 1998 lacks much to be desired when compared to God’s serious warning of fornication. The 1998 "alternative definition" for sex reads "a three-letter word with some really l-o-n-g consequences". ) - Another troubling "alternative definition" is given for "prayer". The great preacher John Wesley said, "God does nothing but in answer to prayer". The Teen Study Bible’s "alternative definition" for prayer? "prayer —talking to the ceiling and wondering if anybody’s listening.". - The Teen Study Bible "alternative definition" for "church" is "what you have to get dressed up for so you can be bored for an hour at a morning service". Now, that is really helpful to get teenagers interested in church? The 1998 edition of the Teen Study Bible changed the "alternative definition" for witnessing to "telling your friends about God and sometimes having them laugh at you."
    1 point
  28. Greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Joulre2abba, I wrote what I did because you and so many others, like I once did, have turned assumptions and guesses into foundational doctrines. Doctrines held right along side of the deity of Christ and justification by faith. The "pre-trib rapture" and the "any moment return of Christ" are false teachings that will leave the church unprepared for the great persecution that lies ahead. Paul says that the parousia and our gathering unto Christ, which he calls the day of Christ, cannot happen until there is a notable falling away (departure from the faith) and the man of sin be revealed in the Temple shewing himself to be God. The revelation of the man of sin and his defiling of the temple is what begins the great tribulation (Matt 24:15, 21). 2Th 2:1 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, 2Th 2:2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. 2Th 2:3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Indeed there will be a rapture of the church (Matt 24:31; 1Thes 4:15-17) and we will not experience God's wrath, but the rapture doesn't take place until the time of intense persecution that Jesus called great tribulation is cut short (Matt 24:22). The great tribulation will be the wrath of Satan (Rev 12:12) focused upon the church (Matt 24:9, 22, 24; 2Thes 1:6-10; Rev 12:17) and Israel (Rev 12). Take some advise from a former pre-trib teacher, set aside all your eschatological beliefs and start fresh with just the explicit statements of the Holy Scriptures. When you do that, you will arrive at the historic position of the church that has been recently called the pre-wrath rapture model. The historic church expected to see the antichrist and suffer great tribulation before being raptured. They also expected to escape the wrath of God which follows the great tribulation. Rev 12:11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. Hallelujah
    1 point
  29. Much of the USA, especially areas outside large cities, has only one internet provider who is free to charge high prices for bad service. 5G could make cell providers a serious competitor and provide faster internet options to area with cell service. At a minimum, it will help. SpaceX and others are looking at serious satellite internet sources as well, so that's two fronts working to break up the current monopolies. AI is an area where we're already seeing breakthroughs that could benefit society in general. There have been many advances in medical fields alone. It reminds me of then the best source of information was your local library. If you had a question about something, you started there and if they weren't large enough you were pretty much out of luck. The internet put knowledge at the fingertips of about anyone. AI appears to be taking the next step where it takes hard research, inspection, and correlation tasks and performs them for humans. Once we have fully autonomous and AI based cars, think how much time everyone will have saved by not needed to worry about driving. Drunk driving and collisions due to texting or other causes will all but go away. There are so many things can can happen to improve society and people's lives in general.
    1 point
  30. 1 point
  31. The 10 commandments say to honor our parents. I agree that this can be very hard. Perhaps sending her a card or a small gift for holidays, or a photo of your son would be ways to honor her without exposing either of you to further abuse. Tell her that Jesus loves her. We are told to love our enemies and pray for those who spitefully use us. We have to remember that it was while we were yet sinners that Jesus died for us. We don't deserve God's grace either. But I don't believe that means we have to be doormats and to be abused. We are told to avoid people who call themselves Christians but continue in sin, and not even to eat with them in regard to church discipline. This is one time that it is probably advisable to do so. Paul warned Christians about Alexander the Coppersmith who had done him much harm. We have to forgive for our own well being. That doesn't mean we need to place ourselves in harm's way or condone their sin. We need to have pity on them as God has also had pity on us. Pray for her deliverance.
    1 point
  32. Many Believers love on people by telling them how precious they are, help them out with things they need doing, and even say a prayer to bless them but never actually preach the Gospel to them. They try to explain that doing acts of love is synonymous with preaching the Gospel and that they can preach with actions rather than words. WE MUST PREACH THE GOSPEL Mark 16:15 - "And He said to them, 'Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.'" Acts of love are needed but they do not replace preaching the Gospel. Buying food for the homeless, carrying shopping bags for old ladies, showing care and love to the young and healthy and ministering to the sick and disabled are great opportunities to love -- to introduce the ones in front of us to the One who taught us how to love -- Jesus. Share about the Gospel -- Jesus' death and resurrection and how receiving Jesus as Lord and Savior by faith and repentance from sin can bring them into salvation. While it is true that we can't force people into the Kingdom but we must be confident in the Holy Spirit to believe He is already convicting the hearts of the ones we are speaking to and be BOLD to speak the Gospel message and give them the opportunity to receive the Lord. The full Gospel for which the Lord died for must be preached. The ones we regularly interact with but never actually minister the Gospel to if unsaved, when they die, will go to Hell – despite our loving on them! THE JOY OF SALVATION Many times on street outreaches, we bless people with prophetic words and even offer to pray for their sicknesses, but again this does not replace preaching the Gospel of salvation. These are amazing ways to open up peoples hearts to hear the Gospel yet, the prophetic or healing words themselves do not save anyone. They are great tools to open up hearts to the Father's love but are never meant to be used as an end in itself but rather as a means to an end. The salvation of the soul is the ultimate goal. Even if you don't have a prophetic or healing word for the one in front of you, be encouraged to be bold to preach the message of salvation in love and power to them because the Gospel has more than enough power to turn people to Jesus. Let us be restored to the joy of our salvation. Remember that wonderful moment the Lord saved you and be joyful to bring others into the experience of salvation you have. What a joy to bring multitudes into Heaven with us as we understand the urgency of the times we live in.
    1 point
  33. Hello,Welcome to Worthy...Did you ever get saved before? if not and you want too you can .Even by yourself in a Prayer if you like. Here are 2 verses that some it up... KJV Rom 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. Rom 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. If you already have been saved and you want your Faith to increase then the Word says... Rom 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. if you would like a free computer Bible to go along with this site you can get on here... http://www.e-sword.net/ free Audio Bible here... https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/audio/ If you think you have just backsliden...Then i would Go with this Verse myself ...KJV 1Jn 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. and then seek the things of God and or the Word to Build up. the evidence you speak of ...Well when i got saved(for real i faked it many times) the Holy Spirit came upon me kinda strongly...not sure how to explain it very good but its amazing...its like a comfort that i cant explain ...its like it clears your mind greatly and you understand things you didnt before.... Hope this helps.Agape
    1 point
  34. How do we know we are saved ? That is pretty easy. 1 john says no man has seen God at anytime if we love one another,God dwelleth in us,and his love is perfected in us. HEREBY KNOW WE THAT WE DWELL IN HIM,AND HE IN US. See how it says know we. We can know if we are saved and born again. In 1 john 4 verse 7 it says Beloved let us love one another ,for love is of God, and everyone that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. How clear this is. If you dont love others and dont care what happens to them. If you care only about yourself and those that belong to you. Maybe your own friends but you dont care about those other people then that is self love. Some people dispise the homeless. Others dispise other races. They love only certain kinds of people. This is not the love of God. The lord said to love the least of these. If we do this we show we dwell in God and he in us. Only born again person will love the least in trueness. Some may help a homeless person becsuse it makes them feel good. But that is selflove. If you do it because you pity the person and want them to be well then its true love. That is the true sign you are saved accorded to the Apostle John. And we can only be saved by Jesus and believing in his name. He who has the son has life. He who does not have the son abides in death.
    1 point
  35. I prefer people are worried being saved in Christ than to think they are saved out of Christ. "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit." - Romans 8:1 But people get stoned more for this position you hold because they do not want to live in the faith. And this alone is something to worry about. "Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son." - 2 John 9 God bless you!
    1 point
  36. When unity is placed higher then Biblical truth -then Sound Doctrine will be sacrificed That gets ten million stamps of approval. This has me very worried and concerned too. When UNITY for unity sake and the cost is truth. And this is happening huge in churches even now . I wont be in unity with any leaders who teach contrary to Christ . and yet many of our own church leaders are asking for unity with ONE who even leads in interfaith . We cant be unified with that . yet its that church which I wont name but am sure most know that this unity with is all about . Heck I am all about friendship, just not friendship with the world and I am all about unity , but not with those who teach dangerous error . We better all watch out and be on guard . Its ripped another site apart and I pray it does not do so with this one .
    1 point
  37. Through all of this, thanks George, mods, watchmen, and all the others for this is the best site.
    1 point
  38. I am amaze at how you intervene and setle disputes, and I wish I had the same leadership skills. I am bless from your input, it seems you have special gifts, and thank you for your time. Much Apriciated God bless
    1 point
  39. Hmm Im going to take your suggestion to george and see what he thinks. It might take awhile as he is still in the us touring.
    1 point
  40. I'm a newer Christian, I became one about two years ago. I don't go to Church because my husband is an unbeliever. He won't let me take my children to Church but he won't look after them so I can go to Church by myself. This site is the only place that I can talk to other Christians in real life on a regular basis as I don't have anyone in real life to do this with. I used to come to this site more often but as a new Christian I found it hard as a lot of information in posts conflicted so I didn't know what to believe. I've had a lot of time away from this site, instead I read the Bible to see what it says and try my best to figure out what that is. When I come back to this site to see what's happening I see more of the same and then I go away again. I have asked questions in the past and got some good answers from some of you who have posted in this thread. I would appreciate it if you all stayed as if you leave who is going to call out the false teaching. In the past I did ask for a forum or something like that for new Christians but nothing happened. I would appreciate it if there was a section for new Christians that was heavily moderated where mature Christians with sound biblical knowledge could answer questions. I would like more moderators, Watchmen etc. and to know who they are. It would also be good to have moderators in different time zones as if I'm on here in the evening (NZ time) USA is asleep. I have seen false teaching at these times.
    1 point
  41. Actually, theres merit to what your saying and yowm. Yes, absolutly false doctrine should be addressed-but all to often, when these types get on, instead of simply refuting the trolls and moving on, we, and I include myself in this, turn it into a huge debate, where we try to shout down the trolls. all that does is feed them and make us look bad. Something to be said about simply leaving a solid, Biblical refutation, and then moving on and ignoring them from that point on. The Bible can defend itself, let the readers read through and make their judgement, arguing with a troll for 20+ pages will not change their mind.
    1 point
  42. I'm in that leaky boat too, Wayne. I know that a lot of you are solid as can be.,.I also recognize the bad influence. As for saying we just complain..,excuse me; if you tell the fas e teacher they are wrong, call out their lies, report them and still get no results I'd say a member has done all they can. Without those who run things taking control....there's nothing else to be done here.
    1 point
  43. Have you noticed who those who teach and edify are? New members and false teachers, while those who can have found their threads they hang in most of the time, tired of repeating themselves. The problem is, this site, when welcomed questions, have been overrun with questions and nobody willing to pick up the gantlet to answer them. It's easy to condemn a thread like this in the name of protecting what once was while turning a blind eye to what it has become.
    1 point
  44. I couldn't agree more, OneLight. After almost twelve years I am seeing a real decline here. As for countering the agendas...twice I have called out lies and been banned from the topics I posted in. And my posts were deleted according to a reliable source. I don't know why this site is being neglected the way it has been lately but I DO know that people have left or have one foot out the door. Myself included.
    1 point
  45. I agree with you in premise, LK, but some of our members are disabled and/or homebound. This board IS their fellowship.
    1 point
  46. Welcome to Worthy caleb2525. I only look to Jesus as He is the answer. As we look into the Bible, God shows us how to live. He shows us what it means to be our best friend. He helps us understand what to stay away from, how to get our sin and guilt dealt with and gives us hope in this life and eternal life in the life to come. Ask questions, seek His answers. He never turns anyone away. And He performed the greatest sacrifice known to man in order to give us that eternal life. There is so much more to tell you, but others can help as well!
    1 point
  47. Islam keeps you enslaved by fear. You want to get out, but you cannot. "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love." - 1 John 4:18 The Lord Jesus keeps you enslaved by love. You want to stay in. "For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love." - Galatians 5:6 "bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." - 1 Corinthians 13:7 "And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness." - Romans 6:18 Glory to God! Amen.
    1 point
  48. I'd be more focused on the name Jesus Christ, this is the One and Only name that saves. Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:6
    1 point
  49. My personal view is that we as Christians are misusing the word and tying a definition to it that untimately isn't understood by most people. When we are asked about it most try to explain the trinity and that conversation usually ends up that we as humans can't understand. From my point of view we have already done what you suggest. And it is important that both Islam and Christianity keep Allah and what we call God separate.
    1 point
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