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Hello Tyler S Very good Questions.Well one thing that helped me with that was reading/listening/trying to understand the Word more.let me see if i can find a few verses.(KJV) Isa_40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Psa_27:14 Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD. Pro_1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Pro_1:33 But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil. Luk_12:7 But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows. 2Ti_1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. And Praying now

I try to get them lost, before I try to get them saved. Through the word. Create the thirst. Quenched with truth.

I dont hate them...but a good reason why so many Christians dont like them, is the pope is a wolf in sheeps clothing, the church teaches so much bad doctrine, and people cling so hard to it, and it frustrates many Christians because so many people associate the Catholic church with christianity.

Since I sarted trying to connect with Christ more, I’ve found myself caught up in incredibly weighty fear, anxiety, and overthinking. I now find myself questioning every action I take and every word I speak and no matter how hard I try I feel like everything I do is somehow sinful (big or small). Like I can’t play videogames or enjoy leisure time with friends and family anymore because I fear that it’s sinful or that I’m not supposed to. If God wants us to be able to live happily and abundantly and without anxiety...then what am I doing wrong? Is it a lack of faith? Is it double mindedness? Or is this simply how things are meant to be for a struggling believer...any help I can get here would be appreciated. I feel like I can’t figure this out alone and it’s taking a tole on my mental and emotional wellbeing.

Like the title says, I was an atheist previously. For years, in fact. I know a lot of Christians are born and raised that way, and I want to speak personally to some of the disconnect between those believers who were born and raised as such and the people they're usually the most frustrated they can't reach: atheists. I don't want this to be a super-long read. The following are a few reasons why (many) of you aren't reaching people like me--people who are open to different opinions but are largely disgusted at how their being presented. Do you catch yourself doing any of these? I ask you in that case to pause, be mindful of it, and humbly consider this list of ineffective behaviors: Stating your interpretation of the Bible as gospel truth--especially concerning grey areas. Many atheists and agnostics are far more informed about the Bible than you might expect. They will question your interpretation. Be honest about how you came to adopt the interpretations you did. Even if they disagree with you, you'll both still walk away with mutual respect, and that's super important if you ever plan to follow up with them in any capacity whatsoever. Speaking in any kind of accusatory manner. You may be right that their behavior is sinful, but what's the point in rubbing that in their face when they don't yet believe in a holy God? You've given them no reason yet to believe sin is even wrong. Speaking in any way, of any thing, that is motivated by your own self-righteousness. Be extremely honest with yourself about this. If you think you've achieved "humble", then that's probably a sign to be more humble. Failing to give people the benefit of the doubt when they ask questions or pose doubts. Give them the benefit of the doubt that they're *not* just trying to be annoying/contradict you/win an argument/attack you. If you assume everyone has bad motives, you'll start to believe this assumption even when it's not true, and furthermore, you'll lose the chance to win with kindness. Force feeding people gospel information when they've made it clear they're not interested. Talk to someone who IS interested. Jesus never forced his message on anyone and in fact issued warnings to those who would choose to follow him. Assuming your biblical interpretation is essential doctrine, or speaking to someone as if it is. Treating the desire to prove using logic as some sort of horrible heresy. There are plenty of logical arguments for God. If you don't know any, point them to Ravi Zacharias or John Lennox videos and debates on Youtube (or whomever else you find influential). The attitude that logic must be abandoned in order to follow God is not only ridiculous but incredibly off-putting to an intelligent person. Accusing them of holding a position they don't, just because they question yours. Example: "You believe in abortions? Then you must be a new age feminazi!" Losing your patience for any reason, but especially because of: the content of someone's response, someone's emotions, someone's culture, someone just not matching your expectations I hope this helps. I'd also be happy to discuss what it's like actually BEING an atheist approached by Christians, what I found annoying, and what I found respectful and effective. I'm putting this out there because it's been my observation that the way Christians usually approach atheists is horrible and not at all respectful and effective...and I'd like to help change that. That's all.

1 John chapter 4 verse 7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. But most people in church don't love, if they drive gay people away, and everyone who lives and ever has except Christ continues to sin.

I am an ex catholic.. I renounced that religion when i read the Bible for the first time in my early 20's. I became a Bible believing Christian and am Saved.. I hate catholicism. I hate anything that leads people into deception and away from the Way of salvation that Jesus has secured for us.. This does NOT mean that i hate catholics or the pope.. I have family members who are still catholics and i do not hate them i fear for them.. One can hate islam without hating muslims One can hate atheism without hating atheists One can hate buddhism or the hinduism or any other religion that leads people away from the salvation of the LORD Jesus Christ.. Again without hating the people ensnared and deceived by those religions.. It is frustrating that many people just cannot perceive that this can be.. I have debated with catholcis and muslims and more often then not they cannot differentiated between a person objecting to their religion and a person objecting to them.. They take opposition to their religion to be a personal attack upon themselves.. The catholic religion is a works salvation religion that denies that the Atonement of the LORD Jesus Christ secures for one Eternal life with God in his perfect eternal existence.. The catholic religion teaches that taking part in religious ceremonies is essential to salvation and that after death people need to go to a place called purgatory to have their sins purged.. This is a denial of the sufficiency of the Atonement of the LORD Jesus Christ to pay for all our sins.. There are many other religious practices that are in rebellion against the Word of God.. But the main problem with the catholic religion is that it is a works salvation religion that claims to be a Jesus believing religion and thus deceives a lot of people into thinking it is Christian.. When in fact it is a denial of and is in opposition to Christianity..

Hi Last Daze, Some may teach that but God`s word does not. Salvation, sanctification, discipline of the Holy Spirit etc is all of the Lord. No one can ever claim `entitlement` to do with anything that the Lord does. We ONLY OBEY. And that means DYING TO SELF. No one escapes God`s discipline. Some people are killed because of their belief and others are ostracised by family, friends etc while others go through trials of health, family difficulties, poverty, etc etc. If we are in this world (but not of it) then as the Lord says, we will suffer......for the enemy of our souls tries us & the world hates us. So I do not know of any `free pass` in this life bro. regards, Marilyn.

According to the article i read, they are exploring options on training them how to dive as well as different styles of equipment and methods of how to get inexperienced divers out of their. They were located by Thailands version of our navy SEALs and theyre still involved, im sure they can figure something out. They definitely got plenty of expertise.

Right. I don't try to play Holy Spirit in someone else's life. That position is already filled. Its going to depend on the discussion, but the Spirit is good at opening doors. If you put the Word out there, God will see to the convicting.

There's a lot of 'it depends' in both how people approach atheists and others, how they communicate, and whether it's a real dialogue. In my case, after growing up in a church with many practices and beliefs far different from those in the bible, I didn't become an atheist. I knew there was 'a God', but I decided that whatever god that church worshiped with all the evil things they did, I didn't want anything to do with them. That drove me away from Christian churches for many years. In fact, I'd do anything I could to convince others to avoid them as well so they could avoid going through those same evil practices. My point here isn't to condemn any church, but to help people realize many 'atheists' may not be as one might assume. In fact, assuming things about atheists instead of taking a few minutes to ask questions and actually listen is frequently a problem. In the years that I was against Christianity, I personally encountered many of the things stillseeking describes. What did that do? I convinced me other Christian churches were likely just as evil as the first one, so I should stay away from them and keep trying to 'fight evil' as I had been.

It's a cult.

I dont think folks hate catholics or the pope but there are a lot of things that are bad about the catholic religion. For starters. they pray to statues. They justify it with all sorts of reasons, but it comes down to praying to statues and praying to dead people who are not God. That goes against what the bible tells us. Im about to go to a doctor appt so I cant spend more time responding now. Depending on results, I may or may not feel up to spending time later responding.

I have found that the best response to these things is quoting something I saw Ayin post some time ago..... simply post..... PFFFT.

When i perceive i am talking to a person who has no idea about Christian ""jargon"" i will modify my words from sin to transgression or doing something against the will of God. I know a lot of Christians who where raised as church goers who have listened to preachers and read scriptures have no idea that other people do not know what the word sin and other Bible terms mean..

These points are brilliantly stated and summarized. They're well worth keeping and reviewing frequently. Thank you.

" And unto Enoch was born Irad: and Irad begat Mehujael: and Mehujael begat Methusael: and Methusael begat Lamech." Genesis 4:18

Source: Eric Trump

I posted about this a couple of days ago in the US News section but nobody responded. Did you hear about it? The man, thank God, was apprehended after talking to an undercover agent about his plan. It was for Cleveland, Ohio. He also wanted to do terrorism in Philadelphia where he had lived, and other cities. He wanted to especially target the military and their children!! He had an American name and an Islamic name....so he was probably a convert to Islam. He was a supporter of Al Queda. I only heard about this story on the news on one day....I think they didn't want to hinder people's celebrations on the 4th. Thank God for our superb FBI, Homeland Security, etc.

"No one can come to Me, unless the Father who sent Me draw him: and I will raise him up on the last day.'' It's been my experience that until this happens there really isn't much of anything we can say to people to make them really understand...… When this happens I think the Holy Spirit gives us what we need to say to that individual person.

Based on the episodes i've seen of Twilight Zone, it makes me curious as to what you mean. Did you smash a colony of small alien people only to have a giant alien man come along and smash you? When you went on your first flight, was there something on the wing? For those who do have cable, near as I know, Syfy does play Twilight Zone every great once in a while. Not all the time; I don't know if it's certain days or not. Typically only in the wee early hours of the morning, though, so a recorder would be handy.

It took me awhile, but I realized over time that certain words that are routinely used in witnessing are rarely used in the 'language of the lost.' Sin is definitely one such word. God showed me that as soon as I say it to an unsaved person a mental block can go up. So I keep in simple now. 'Our wrongdoings' is one way I put it. Thanks for pointing this out, Adstar.

The very start of thought here starts at a incorrect place... The tribulation of God's wrath is a period like no other in Scripture: The Word says man will always have trouble in this life (Job 14:1; John 16:33). However there is a specific time of tribulation coming on this world unlike anything that has ever come before or will ever come after (Dan 12:1). The tribulation period is the final 2,520-day (seven-year) period before the second coming of Christ. God will pour out His wrath on this sinful, disobedient world. The Tribulation begins when Antichrist and Israel sign a covenant with each other (Dan 9:27) and ends at the Second Coming. The intervening "week of years" (seven years) between these two events is what the Bible calls the seventieth week of Daniel (Dan 9:25-27). Now understanding your position I place before you a question: How is this verse fulfilled by God? 1 Thess 5:9 9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, KJV

Agreed. And it shouldn't come as a surprise to us as Peter points out. Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation. 1 Peter 4:12-13 It's to be expected that in the world we will have tribulation. The time of Great Tribulation that Jesus spoke of isn't God's wrath, but rather its the time of war against the saints that has been foretold for millennia, the time of global tribulation for believers.

We don't hate Catholics or the Pope. We just don't agree with the unScriptural teachings of the Catholic church. They have many teachings which are not in the Bible. I know a few Catholics....I think some of them here in Los Angeles might not be as indoctrinated as Catholics in other parts of the USA. For instance, when I lived in the North East, I think they really went by the rituals alot. Also, back then the Catholic sermons were in Latin so nobody knew what the Bible really taught. I remember a photo my aunt sent to me from back East. She was posing in front of some stairs in an old Catholic church. The stairs had a chain blocking them from entry. There was also a sign on the chain, "Holy Stairs." The sign also said you must ascend the stairs each step on your knees!!! Also, back there, I think they thought if you were not Catholic that you were going to Hell. Here in Los Angeles, the ones I know don't think that. One time a Catholic Sister I know who runs a pro-life group asked me to pray for her (in person). Also, when I had a serious health concern, she prayed for me and I actually received a healing! So some who are truly trusting Christ as Savior are born again.... it's just their church has unScriptural teachings.

We are speaking of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior, who is written about in the Bible, God's holy Word.

That's crazy! I don't know why people don't use some common sense! If they are cheap drones - they are nearly impossible to fly without real control -- and it doesn't come with avoidance features -- those are the drones you NEED to avoid! The drone I have -- if you fly straight into a building let's say -- it'll stop a foot from the building and just hover. But since you said, Wilshire bvld ... you're in California? If so ... that explains a lot!

Just heard on the news that a man with an Islamic name was planning a terrorist attack on Cleveland on July 4th! He planned to use a vehicle filled with explosives. He especially planned to target the military and their families....giving the children remote control cars which would be filled with explosives or shrapnel! He also wanted to target other cities, especially Philadelphia where he once lived! Good work by our Homeland Security and other organizations in apprehending and arresting him!! Thanking God this was averted!!

Will pray for Jane; thanks for bringing this forward.

Good topic, stillseeking. Thanks for this thought provoking and much needed discussion! I'd like to comment on one of your excellent tips. You said, "Force feeding people gospel information when they've made it clear they're not interested. Talk to someone who IS interested. Jesus never forced his message on anyone and in fact issued warnings to those who would choose to follow him." This is so true! You'd think this would be obvious...but I guess it's like that old adage 'can't see the forest for the trees.' I've seen entire ministries that like to air their theatrical style 'on-the-street, open preaching' encounters on Youtube as though they're a GOOD thing. But these disturb me because they come off as arrogant, obnoxious and as though Christians are on-the-attack...trying to rope a prize steer! They insist on going where they are not wanted...disregarding those who clearly tell them so. It just doesn't make sense to me. How does that win an atheist over? What about what Jesus said in Matthew 10:14? "And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet." I think this is a principle we should practice rather than being overly determined and act like what has been known as 'Bible thumpers.' One on one friendships where the love of Christ is displayed within that relationship is what will win them in the end. I know someone who has an atheist friend who she has been fervently witnessing to for years. The atheist kept saying, "That's what YOU believe. But don't push it on me." She didn't heed that. Eventually,this blatant disregard for the friends feelings led to the atheist threatening to END their long time friendship. She was shocked to her senses. Finally, she backed off and chose to respect the friend and practice kindness instead. 'Loving on' her, as they say. Well- now the atheist is starting to soften. She still has a long way to go, but at least it is a beginning. Perhaps you could pray for this atheist? She is in her 80's and may not have much time left on earth. Her name is Jane. They say 'you catch more flies with honey than you do with vinegar.' or you make more friends by being nice than rude. Now that the Christian mellowed out in her behavior, the atheist Jane realizes she genuinely cares about HER, as a person rather that seeking to chalk up the success of 'making one more convert.' Makes sense to me. People have feelings, after all. Including atheists, of course. Besides, it is the HOLY SPIRIT who convicts. The word of God will not return void, as scripture says. The seeds are planted. Now it's in the Lord's Hands to draw Jane. Sorry this is so long. Hope it helps somebody.

For me, that wasn't exactly it. Once I realized who God was, I was immediately on a quest to figure out what He wanted from me. (I'm still on that quest in many ways, as I have a lot of specifics not quite nailed down.) Christians are very much in the habit of *really* wanting to point out someone's wrongdoings, but it's exactly this approach (at least as a first step) which I'm testifying doesn't work. As @Yowm said, the Holy Spirit will convict. Once you realize who God is, you *want* to please Him. That's what needs to happen first. After that, they'll probably come to you ASKING for specifics. THAT is your chance to gently deliver them.

Disagree. This was definitely NOT my personal experience, nor was it the personal experience of any other former atheist I've ever met. We don't come to God because someone accused us of being sinful enough times. We come to God because patient and respectful people cared for us enough to present evidence at the pace we were willing to hear it and at the quantity we were able to digest it. It's pretty self-evident to recognize your own sin once you recognize who God is and what His standards are. None of these above-referenced people were strangers. Among the influences which affected me are 80% my own research (from participating in theist/atheist debates) and 20% or so a close friend/family member who absolutely never force fed me gospel, walked the talk, and patiently answered the questions that I asked. I still find strangers spewing unwanted "convictions", advice, or gospel force-feeding to be extremely disrespectful. We are to treat others how we want to be treated, and I NEVER want to be treated that way. Most people don't. This is why I speak to how ineffective and hurtful such an approach is, to those who may have never experienced it from the other side.

Can an openly unrepentent gay person serve God? Strange fire.

I agree.......people sometimes need to be “ jolted” from complacancy,ignorance, pride etc.Jesus was an expert at it......just ask the Pharisees who were told they were “ whited sepelchures” and “ blind guides”. Sometimes the truth hurts.A little fear can go a long way.It should not be to the point of needlessly driving people away, but as a former atheist, waking up to my lost condition and seeing that God could get along just fine without me were the motivators to everything that followed.A little “ good cop” and a little “ bad cop” is quite effective I think——- I know it worked in my case.

Greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, The mystery that Paul revealed was "that it will not be necessary for one to die to receive the benefit of the resurrection", to be changed, to receive an immortal body. Also, nothing is said about being caught up (raptured) in this chapter. Chapter 15 is all about the resurrection, not the catching up. Jesus taught the catching up, as recorded in John 14:3 and Matt 24:31. Your preconceptions are showing here. 1Co 15:51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 1Co 15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. Concerning your mention of 1Thes 5, please notice that two different groups are mentioned. Those who know Christ are in green. There is no peace and safety for those who know Christ during the time prior to the catching up. There is unprecedented persecution, even starvation, exposure to the elements, imprisonment, torture, betrayal, beheadings, etc. But those who worship the Beast will have a period of perceived peace, prosperity, and safety. 1Th 5:1 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. 1Th 5:2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. 1Th 5:3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. 1Th 5:4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. 1Th 5:5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. 1Th 5:6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. 1Th 5:7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. 1Th 5:8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. 1Th 5:9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, 1Th 5:10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. In 1 Thes 5 you fail to recognize that the "they", "them", "of the night", "of darkness", and "others" all refer to the unbelieving Beast worshippers who are persecuting the church. The beast and his followers, having nearly eliminated believers from the face of the earth, will say "peace and safety". The severity of the unprecedented persecution, that Jesus called great tribulation, shall threaten to leave the earth without faith, that is without believers or the elect. Jesus said the unprecedented persecution will be cut short to keep this from happening. "For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened." (Mat 24:21-22) Along the same lines, Luke records Him saying: "And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?" (Luk 18:7-8) Notice the connection of Christ's words to the cry of the souls under the alter that John sees at the opening of the fifth seal. During the unprecedented persecution, the world is going about its business as usual. Jesus tells us this when He says that the day of our rescue will be the day that His wrath falls upon our persecutors. Luk 17:26 And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. Luk 17:27 They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all. Luk 17:28 Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; Luk 17:29 But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. Luk 17:30 Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed. Paul reiterates the truth that the day we rest from persecution is the day God begins to tribulate our persecutors. 2Th 1:6 Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; 2Th 1:7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, 2Th 1:8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: 2Th 1:9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; 2Th 1:10 When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day. Iamlamad, you are right that what John sees at the opening of the sixth seal is the cosmic sign that portends (announces the impending arrival) of Christ's revelation which will initiate the day of the Lord. However, His wrath doesn't fall until the first trumpet is blown later the same day. The word sudden is translated from the same Greek word translated "unawares". It means unexpected. Luk 21:34 And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. They are caught like a thief catches a householder unawares by Christ's coming (parousia). However, we are not caught unawares (suddenly), we know what to look for, so, the season will be known to us. When we witness the cosmic sign we will know to be watching the skies, because His appearing and our redemption will be nigh. Luk 21:28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. The destruction that comes upon them unawares takes place over much time, at least many months, but not more than a little less than 3.5 years. One of your major problems, Iamlamad, is that you fail see that it is the day of the Lord that we are not appointed unto (1 Thes 5:2-3, 9). If you understood that you would see how ridiculous this statement is: God's wrath upon them that know Him not and upon them that persecuted His elect falls at the beginning of the day of the Lord after the resurrection and catching up. Jesus taught this and Paul taught this. To think that they thought they were in the day of the Lord would mean that they expected God's wrath to fall upon them. Which no believer would do. However, knowing that severe persecutions precede the day of the Lord, which is begun by Christ's revelation and our gathering to Him, they because of the persecution they faced, may have thought that the day was near in time. However, Paul reminds them of the apostasia (departure from the faith) Jesus told of those who gladly receive the word but who when persecution comes are offended (Matt 13). In this time of persecution, Jesus says many will be offended. Mat 24:9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. Mat 24:10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. Notice Joe, that this is the first mention of the unprecedented persecution. We know this because of the "therefore" in verse 15. Verses 9-29 all are in the context of great tribulation (the unprecedented persecution) that begins in the middle of the week. Not only does Jesus say that many will be offended (and fall away) because of the persecution, he also says that the deception will be so great that if it were possible even the truly elect would be deceived. This is the second aspect of the falling away. Paul tells the Thessalonians that the apostasia has to happen first and it hasn't happened yet, so the Thessalonians could know that the day of the Lord is not at hand (near in time). Paul, also mentions another event that must take place before the day of the Lord or day of Christ can be said to be near in time. That is the revelation of the Beast (man of sin) in the Temple. Which revelation initiates the great tribulation. Hallelujah

1 John chapter 2 verse 2 He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. I think the church of today has some people who please God, but how do you see it if I go to a church the preaches against gay people and don't help them wont people who see me come out of that church think I'm a hypocrite like that. Luke chapter 12 verse 1 Meanwhile, when a crowd of many thousands had gathered, so that they were trampling on one another, Jesus began to speak first to his disciples, saying: “Be[a] on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. I've seen gay people who serve God better than some church people. Malachi chapter 3 verse 18 So you will again distinguish between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not." Matthew chapter 21 32 For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him. Luke chapter 3 7 John said to the crowds coming out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 8 Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. 9 The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” 10 “What should we do then?” the crowd asked. 11 John answered, “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.” 12 Even tax collectors came to be baptized. “Teacher,” they asked, “what should we do?” 13 “Don’t collect any more than you are required to,” he told them. 14 Then some soldiers asked him, “And what should we do?” He replied, “Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely—be content with your pay.”

And the Holy Spirit convicts the hearer when the hearer reads or hears the Word of God... So when a person hears ""thou shalt not steal"" the Holy Spirit will convict them by bringing them to remember the incidences they stole something off someone else and they will feel the guilt for their transgression..

What if it is essential doctrine? Do you want people to speak to a lost person with an air of uncertainty? Or with an air of confidence and conviction? If i was seeking God i would want to hear from a person who clearly really believes in their beliefs and is confident about stating their beliefs.. That way i would know i was not hearing from a wishy washy flip flopping Lukewarm person who has no real faith in what they are talking about..

This one is a strange one.. If someone came up to me and told me in an accusatory manner that i had sinned against santa clause because i failed to leave milk and cookies out on the kitchen table for santa to have when he visited on Christmas eve i would not be getting the guilty feeling or feeling bad.. I would probably do well to hide my mirth and stop myself from giggling Why because i truly do not believe in santa... If a Hindu came up to me waving his finger at me telling me i had committed an abomination by eating beef i would not laugh but at the same time i would not feel even the slightest guilt for being a beef eater.. Now why don't atheists react in the same way to Christians who point out the standards of God to reveal to the atheist that they are a sinner needing the forgiveness of God through the LORD Jesus Christ? See to me the very fact that they feel condemned and are fighting the feelings of guilt testify to the power of the Holy Spirit that is convicting them as they are hearing the standards of God.. The fact that they are having an emotional response either guilt or hate or what ever to the conviction being given runs contrary to their stated stance of not believing that God exists.. If they did not believe in God why should they care at all about another person revealing the supposed standards of a God that does not exist.. Just as i would not be bothered at all if a person started to try and make me feel guilty for failing to leave milk and cookies for santa... Conviction of ones sins is a necessary part of the process of becoming aware of the need for forgiveness and the Redemption of the LORD Jesus Christ.. If a person is going to become a Christian they will need to be convicted before they see the need for a Redeemer.. So telling Christians to avoid convicting atheists is basically taking away one of the main needed processes of leading a person to Christ..

I feel like PETA had a purpose at some point in the past, but now it's just posing naked in public like a Thanksgiving turkey, or this, comparing people to animals and going on and on about veganism. We aren't supposed to eat our livestock? The livestock is what produces methane gas, though. If we aren't eating them, then they're just going to keep on farting and making the temperature all the more humid. There is nothing natural about this flatulence; we should force the cows to take alka-seltzer.

Good point. Even to this day, talking to non-Christians, I also do catch myself more commonly using terms like "wrongdoings" or "evil".

Well, my "Sky Viper Nano Drone m220" hardly applies, but yes I do! It's camera-less, about the size of a 50 cent piece. And I'd likely shave off ones eyebrows if they were in the same room with me as I attempt to control the thing!

The verse is explained by the verses around it.. If we pray to God secretly then God will reward us openly.. We should not make prayer a public show of our religiosity.. Some people make a big show of their prayers to try and make others look upon them as being better or super Christians.. I can only imagine how this would provoke Gods wrath upon the person doing so..

I feel a shame how do you ask Jesus into your heart and how do you live for christ (June 17th 2018) I when to church god put my heart in conviction I repented my sins.. update

Emil, I see you come from a former Communist Block country. That's good to explain why you are asking questions. The difference with our faith in Christ (Christianity) is this: with other religions a person tries to be good enough so they can earn their way to Heaven. But the problem is no one can be good enough to be in the presence of the absolutely holy God. We are sinners....this is why we all need the Savior Jesus Christ. Jesus paid the price for our sins on the cross so we can be reconciled with God. Jesus rose from the dead. He defeated sin, death and the devil. When we realize our sins and our need for the Savior Jesus Christ, and we confess our sins to God and ask for forgiveness.....then a miracle happens in our hearts/lives. Jesus called it being born again in the Gospel of John, chapter 3. God, the Holy Spirit, comes to dwell in our hearts....so we now also have a spiritual nature. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:23 For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God, not of works, lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9 In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace; Ephesians 1:7

It's always best to read the verses preceding the verse you are asking about. You will see from the verses 1 through 5 that Jesus is talking about don't be like people who just give alms or pray in order to be seen by others. If we give alms or pray to be seen by others, this is having pride about our good works. So going into your closet to pray, just means to be private in your devotions between you and God. Of course, it's alright to join with others in prayer at church or other places if it's for the right reasons....not for making a show or having pride that we are praying. But to sincerely join with others in prayer for the needs of others or yourself.

An acrostic poem, where the first letters spell out a praise. The Lord God is Almighty. He reigns over His people. Even though we falter before Him. Love Everlasting is He. Open your mouths in praise. Rejoice in your salvation. Do not look away from the Lord. Indeed keep your eyes on what is true. Sing a song of praise from your heart. Holy holy holy are You Lord. Over all of creation You reign. Love without end. Yours Lord. I am all Yours.

Congrats! 35 years -- you still have 15 years before she can kill ya. Men have to pay special attention to Jubilee years when all is forgiven ... those are the years that men need to sleep with one eye open! LOL!

I think it is a great kindness to be there with someone in a coma, or someone who is dying, and to talk to them, and to hold their hand. I do think they know. When my mother in law was dying from cancer (literally just a couple of hours from it), we were all there with her. My husband and I had to leave so he could get back home to get to work. I leaned down to kiss her cheek and she moved her head just ever so slightly as I did it. Talk to your mom about whatever you wish. Hold her hand. Stroke her hand with your thumb. I think she will know you are there. She will know she isnt alone.