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You mention Matthew 13:55-56. It seems you are claiming that these men were not his brothers by Mary, but instead were simply believers? If this is the assertion, it's easily proven incorrect using scripture only. Joh 2:12 After this He went down to Capernaum, He, His mother, His brothers, and His disciples; and they did not stay there many days. This was after immediately after the wedding at Cana, Christ's first recorded miracle in the book of John and probably the first of His ministry occurred at this wedding when He turned water into wine. There were only five disciples mentioned at this point (only four by name) and they had all been called within the previous week, Andrew, Simon Peter, and the unnamed disciple (probably John) at Bethabara after John the Baptist said "Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world" in the presence of the unnamed disciple and Andrew (both then disciples of John the Baptist), who then went and Retrieved Simon Peter. The last day in Bethabara Jesus was intent on traveling into Galilee (John 1:43). Not incidentally, Cana was in Galilee, directly west of the Sea of Galilee and about halfway between it and the Mediterranean Sea, maybe 15 to 20 miles of travel. The third day (almost certainly the third day from when Nathanael was called), there was a wedding in Cana. Mary was there and Jesus and His disciples were invited. I will post the scripture one more time for context. Joh 2:12 After this He went down to Capernaum, He, His mother, His brothers, and His disciples; and they did not stay there many days. This gives us a clear and concise delineation between Christ's disciples and Christ's brothers (who were born of Mary and Joseph). Any other theory along the lines of the one you pose above regarding "brothers in Christ" would require this sentence to actually mean "He, His mother, his disciples, his disciples, and they did not stay there (Capernaum) many days," which is, of course, absurd. This, of course, isn't the only evidence. We have yet another passage that specifically differentiates between Christ's brothers and His disciples. Joh 7:1 After these things Jesus walked in Galilee; for He did not want to walk in Judea, because the Jews sought to kill Him. Joh 7:2 Now the Jews' Feast of Tabernacles was at hand. Joh 7:3 His brothers therefore said to Him, "Depart from here and go into Judea, that Your disciples also may see the works that You are doing. Joh 7:4 For no one does anything in secret while he himself seeks to be known openly. If You do these things, show Yourself to the world." Joh 7:5 For even His brothers did not believe in Him. Joh 7:6 Then Jesus said to them, "My time has not yet come, but your time is always ready. Joh 7:7 The world cannot hate you, but it hates Me because I testify of it that its works are evil. Joh 7:8 You go up to this feast. I am not yet going up to this feast, for My time has not yet fully come." This is pretty much self explanatory. Christ's own brothers did not believe He was Messiah (not yet, anyway). They encouraged Him to leave in an almost chiding manner, basically accusing Him of hiding out in Galilee. If they were his "brothers" in a spiritual sense, there's a big problem, because they didn't believe he was the Christ! Not only that, his brothers told Him to leave so He can show His disciples the works He was doing. There is no possible way to interpret these "brothers" as being his disciples. Mary's perpetual virginity is an abject absurdity in light of Matthew 1:24-25 as well. Mat 1:24 Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, Mat 1:25 and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name JESUS. That version is the NKJV, which is what I typically use. Below are some translations that are officially sanctioned by the catholic church. 24 After Joseph woke up, he and Mary were soon married, just as the Lord’s angel had told him to do. 25 But they did not sleep together before her baby was born. Then Joseph named him Jesus. (CEV). 24 When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home. 25 He had no relations with her until she bore a son,[a] and he named him Jesus. (NABRE) 24 When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, 25 but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus. (NRSV, CE) Pretty much every bible translation I know of translates this in the same or a similar manner as above. Words have meaning, words matter, and when the words in the scripture point to an obvious event, the only reason to discount them is to prop up a doctrine that is not present in the text itself, particularly to protect a doctrine that is clearly counter-indicated by the text itself, which is precisely the situation we find ourselves in here. If we were having a pleasant conversation one morning and I said to you "I didn't leave for work until I had coffee," would you assume that I never left for work? That I simply had coffee and retired to my living room for the rest of the day? If I said to you "John didn't escort Jane to the store until after she called him to let him know she was ready," would you assume that after she called him to let him know she was ready, he just never picked her up? Of course not. It's absurd! It is also absurd to assume that the word "until" here is easily interchanged with a word or words such as "ever" or "at all." Why, if one were to start changing the meanings of words so easily, they could find themselves making the bible say anything they'd like, and who wants that? I assume no one! I could go on, but I don't think there's any point in it. As noted above, even bibles that the Catholic church officially sanction are clear in their translation of Matthew 1:24-25 and this clearly states that he (Joseph) only refrained from marital relations with Mary until she had delivered Jesus. We can debate the meaning of the word "until" I suppose, but is that really necessary? It would be a farce. I suppose I could also show examples of the underlying Greek word here - heos (transliterated) actually meaning "until" in or "till, etc., but would there be any profit in that? Probably not. Any number of catholic theologians do all sorts of scriptural gymnastics to get around what the text clearly states in multiple areas regarding Christ's brothers and especially with regard to Mary's virginity after Christ's birth, but they do not derive that doctrine itself from the scriptures, but from the sacred tradition and other sources that are not God breathed. Man's tradition is perpetually wrought with failure after failure after failure throughout history in every possible context. God's word, though, will never pass away and can always be trusted. This is not a textual debate, try as the catholic church might to make it one, but a philosophical debate on whether or not the scriptures are what really matter. Here on our forums we affirm the primacy of the scriptures over any other source or combination of sources. This is specified within our statement of faith and we do take it seriously.

"The Roman Catholic Church contends that its origin is the death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ in approximately AD 30. The Catholic Church proclaims itself to be the church that Jesus Christ died for, the church that was established and built by the apostles. Is that the true origin of the Catholic Church? On the contrary. Even a cursory reading of the New Testament will reveal that the Catholic Church does not have its origin in the teachings of Jesus or His apostles. In the New Testament, there is no mention of the papacy, worship/adoration of Mary (or the immaculate conception of Mary, the perpetual virginity of Mary, the assumption of Mary, or Mary as co-redemptrix and mediatrix), petitioning saints in heaven for their prayers, apostolic succession, the ordinances of the church functioning as sacraments, infant baptism, confession of sin to a priest, purgatory, indulgences, or the equal authority of church tradition and Scripture. So, if the origin of the Catholic Church is not in the teachings of Jesus and His apostles, as recorded in the New Testament, what is the true origin of the Catholic Church? For the first 280 years of Christian history, Christianity was banned by the Roman Empire, and Christians were terribly persecuted. This changed after the “conversion” of the Roman Emperor Constantine. Constantine provided religious toleration with the Edict of Milan in AD 313, effectively lifting the ban on Christianity. Later, in AD 325, Constantine called the Council of Nicea in an attempt to unify Christianity. Constantine envisioned Christianity as a religion that could unite the Roman Empire, which at that time was beginning to fragment and divide. While this may have seemed to be a positive development for the Christian church, the results were anything but positive. Just as Constantine refused to fully embrace the Christian faith, but continued many of his pagan beliefs and practices, so the Christian church that Constantine promoted was a mixture of true Christianity and Roman paganism. Constantine found that, with the Roman Empire being so vast, expansive, and diverse, not everyone would agree to forsake his or her religious beliefs to embrace Christianity. So, Constantine allowed, and even promoted, the “Christianization” of pagan beliefs. Completely pagan and utterly unbiblical beliefs were given new “Christian” identities. Some clear examples of this are as follows: (1) The Cult of Isis, an Egyptian mother-goddess religion, was absorbed into Christianity by replacing Isis with Mary. Many of the titles that were used for Isis, such as “Queen of Heaven,” “Mother of God,” and theotokos (“God-bearer”) were attached to Mary. Mary was given an exalted role in the Christian faith, far beyond what the Bible ascribes to her, in order to attract Isis worshippers to a faith they would not otherwise embrace. Many temples to Isis were, in fact, converted into temples dedicated to Mary. The first clear hints of Catholic Mariology occur in the writings of Origen, who lived in Alexandria, Egypt, which happened to be the focal point of Isis worship. (2) Mithraism was a religion in the Roman Empire in the 1st through 5th centuries AD. It was very popular among the Romans, especially among Roman soldiers, and was possibly the religion of several Roman emperors. While Mithraism was never given “official” status in the Roman Empire, it was the de facto official religion until Constantine and succeeding Roman emperors replaced Mithraism with Christianity. One of the key features of Mithraism was a sacrificial meal, which involved eating the flesh and drinking the blood of a bull. Mithras, the god of Mithraism, was “present” in the flesh and blood of the bull, and when consumed, granted salvation to those who partook of the sacrificial meal (this is known as theophagy, the eating of one’s god). Mithraism also had seven “sacraments,” making the similarities between Mithraism and Roman Catholicism too many to ignore. Church leaders after Constantine found an easy substitute for the sacrificial meal of Mithraism in the concept of the Lord’s Supper/Christian communion. Even before Constantine, some early Christians had begun to attach mysticism to the Lord’s Supper, rejecting the biblical concept of a simple and worshipful remembrance of Christ’s death and shed blood. The Romanization of the Lord’s Supper made the transition to a sacrificial consumption of Jesus Christ, now known as the Catholic Mass/Eucharist, complete.

Excellent illustration. We often like to think that what has happened in history would never be repeated, that we would act differently than people in times past. We should not be so naive.

Years ago a teaching that Jesus didn't really die was being given some prominence, but at the time I wasn't having any of it and I'm still not having any of it. The Scriptures are profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction and instruction in righteousness, that the person of God may be thoroughly furnished unto all good works. (2 Timothy 3:16-17, ) so here are a few headings and reference verses that help us proclaim the death of Christ in the celebration of the Lord's Supper, or Communion as it is known. 1 Corinthians 11:26 For as often as you eat this bread, and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death till he come. 1. The Death of Christ is Real: as planned by God (1 Peter 1:18-21, Revelation 13:8, ), as pictured and prophesied (Isaiah 53:8-9,), as our passover (1 Corinthians 5:7, ), as payment by God at His own expense, forgiving the debt ( Matthew 20:28, Acts 20:28, 1 Corinthians 6:20,) 2. The Death of Christ is Voluntary: as submitted to by Him (John 10:17-18, Luke 22:42, Philippians 2:6-8, ) 3. The Death of Christ is Sufficient: to deliver, reconcile, cleanse, and fill sinners with hope (John 19:30, Colossians 2:8-10, ) 4. The Death of Christ is Dynamic: because it leads to the death of death's curse, power, and dominion (Isaiah 25:8, Acts 2:22-24, 1 Corinthians 15: 54-57, Colossians 2:11-15, Hebrews 2:14-15, Revelation 1:17-18, 20:14, 21:14, ) If the death of Christ is not a real death then no real payment for sin has been made, and the types and shadows of Old Testament sacrifices have not been fulfilled. If the death of Christ is not voluntary then it is not an obedient act of love. If the death of Christ is not sufficient then there is more work to be done. If the death of Christ is not dynamic then him who has the power of death is not destroyed, that is - the devil, and death is not swallowed up in victory. Better to proclaim all these aspects of Christ's death than deny them... I hope some find this material helpful.

Thank you for sharing the story in your OP, @other one * It brings to my mind the record of John 9.

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.

Another good illustration. My favorite tree on my parents’ property is just such a tree. It is a beautiful Jackpine that has grown by itself near the top of one of their fields. It’s likely between 60 and 80 years old.

Peter did not execute this couple.. The Holy Spirit ended their lives.. The situation was that people where selling their properties and giving all their money to the Christian community to help support it.. The couple in question sold all their belongings as the rest but they held back part of their money.. Now the lie to the Holy Spirit was that they had claimed they where doing as the others where doing,, Selling everything and giving all their money over to the community.. But they where lying.. They wanted to have the appreciation and credibility for giving all they had to the community.. And at the same time keep some money for themselves.. The Holy Spirit caused Peter to know the truth and Peter confronted them with the truth.. I am not even sure that Peter even knew that the couple would die until it happened before his eyes..

Good illustration by the teacher. I hope she told Steve that she was going to use him in her illustration! It also showed how a mean dominating person can sometimes put others under their thumbs, to carry out even an evil agenda...as evidenced by what Anne Frank and her family, and so many others suffered.

No you won't. Your faith is tediously held by a group of men walking around in robes, allowing you to kiss their ring, as you kneel before them, and the wooden and stone idols. As had I, before a seed was planted. (In good soil) Matt 13,23 But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. Matt 13,16 But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. 17 For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it. 2Co 4:3-4 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

`The bottom line is what things were inspired and led by God's love; what things were not I but Christ working through us; what thing are worthy of our casting our crowns at the feet of the Lamb. What things were done out of duty; what things were done for selfish reasons; what things were done were in fact self effort and a work of the flesh creating self righteousness.

Thanks! Thats just what I needed to understand it

Wow! Thank you all so much for the kind and informative words! I may not have all the answers right now but I’ve learned to accept that that’s ok and that GOD does and is doing his best to work my life for the better! I think this is all stemming from a lack of trust and I’m happy to say that, slowly but surely, that’s beginning to mend. I’ve made a list of my favorite or noteworthy verses as I read more of the Bible and that helps a lot. This is a great community! I wish you all the best!

Isaiah 58 gives us the reasons why we should fast.

As has already been mentioned, fasting is not a requirement or expectation on anyone's part. Scripture does not demand it of us. Rather it is a voluntary response of the heart and attitude towards God. If there is a serious need in our hearts or lives, a fast serves to show us the reality of our own insufficiency in ourselves and redirect the focus onto God and our reliance on him. Away from other things and the hubbub of our daily routines and activities in our lives. There are individuals that due to health reason's should not do a food fast. We can demonstrate privately to God in other ways the humility and humbleness in our hearts. Prayer is a greater need than fasting, and is far more important than fasting. Fasting then, becomes legalistic and shows self righteousness when we as individuals require and/ or demand others emulate. Nor should we view it as some sort of special feat or demonstration of our ability to forego food. It should be a private activity between a person and God. Without a real serious need or spiritual purpose, it becomes nothing more than a ritual that one practices to make themselves feel good.

Excellent point. I think that the fact that this verse being written in Revelation 16 is another good argument against the pretribulation rapture theory. I used this verse in an other topic and it was explained away as only a pre-tribber can.

So all that was overkill I guess. And here I thought I had killed the big one for you. ? Determining the markers is a tough but critical topic. When it comes to precise timings in Revelation it gets real foggy to me.

There are LOTS of ways to seek him. Y'know, sometimes I feel like I could say the sky is blue and I'd end up with an argument regarding what shade of blue. BTW, we don't choose him. He chooses us.

Many of the great Christians throughout church history fasted and witnessed to its value; among them were Martin Luther, John Calvin, John Knox, John Wesley, Jonathan Edwards, David Brainerd, Charles Finney, and Pastor Hsi of China. Fasting, of course, is not an exclusively Christian Discipline; all the major religions of the world recognize its merit. Zoroaster practiced fasting as did Confucius and the Yogis of India. Plato, Socrates, and Aristotle all fasted. Even Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, believed in fasting. Now the fact that all these persons, in and out of Scripture, held fasting in high regard does not make it right or even desirable, but it should make us pause long enough to be willing to reevaluate the popular assumptions of our day concerning the Discipline of fasting.

Yeah. My point is pretty much in line with what you are saying. Fasting seemed to be a cultural thing, similarly to what it said about a married couple abstaining from sex for a time. And yeah, I see giving and tithing as two completely different things. And I like my Saturdays and/or Sundays off.

Hi Tyler! Glad you are feeling better! God loves you no matter what! None of us can be perfect or else Christ wouldn't have had to die for us! Praying for you! Try not to be so hard on yourself and others! We are saved by GRACE! And we never, ever stop needing it!

Good morning @GandalfTheWise Sorry it has taken me so long to respond! I've been off the grid in Glacier Park for about a week. There is SO much wisdom in all you say. I really don't know all of God's plan in this mess I've been in. Just trying to walk by faith and wait for him. I suspect that in many ways I am still trying to fix the insomnia unconsciously and God is waiting for me to truly let go... As for the church situation, I am just going day to day walking by faith. It just seems to me that God is telling me no as far as going to another church. I really do believe it would be easier to change if it were His plan for me. My husband doesn't want to change which is another big roadblock. He is pretty insistent that he isn't leaving, and sitting with him in church is just such a special time for me. God will give me what I need. The Lord is my shepherd. Blessings, Gandalf and anyone else following this thread!

What one sees with their own eyes is NOT always trustworthy as all signs and wonders are not of God. Stand firm not in what one sees as much as what one learns guided by the Holy Spirit of God's word the Bible, making application sure in prayer and by thinking.: "then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will kill with the breath of his mouth and bring to nothing by the appearance of his coming. The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness. Stand Firm But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth. To this he called you through our gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter."

And yet, I walk by faith and not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7, Romans 8:24, Hebrews 11:1 and 13 Without the insight of the Holy Spirit indwelling me and revealing God's word and wisdom for me, acting upon what I see, by itself, will not profit me. God may have me hold my ground by remaining silent in submission to His will, His perfect goal or He may have me move in another manner. I doubt God will have me rise up against authority even terribly bad authority in a manner not first directed by Him. God is sovereign in all matters.

I don't think they will find a lot of American Citizens crossing the border illegally.

No it's not a problem, I never meant it that its a problem. And I never meant it to speak on behave of the management as I am not part of the management. God bless, and wellcome to Worthy with agape love. It was something to be open for discussion as you brought this matter up for discussion , if I am correct. I never meant to Judge, but it can not be help to be seen in this way. Only Jesus who is all truth can be the Judge. No one is perfect in everything. And that includes everyone in my humble understanding. Only Jesus is correct all the time, we need to search for his will in matters of this kind.

Ephesians 2:8-9 states that Salvation is completely the work of God. But if you read on to the very next verse it says,"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." So even though we can't EARN Salvation, once we become saved the good works are to follow. Read together (see the 3 verses below), it becomes clearer how His free gift is what ends up leading to the works which are God's will (as set forth in the scriptures.) Ephesians 2:8-10 "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." Hope this helps some. Welcome to Worthy.

I have not ever received bad Biblical advice. Never ever. I have received excellent counseling on subjects of interest and need from very wise elders. Praise God for them. I think I will much rather be thankful for how God blesses me, than try to think of some bad advice, Biblical or otherwise. God the Holy Spirit has led me to churches that go through the Bible verse by verse rather than topically and contemporarily, churches with well educated elders and fine deacons and pretty wonderful brothers and sisters too. Just haven't run into anything even close to what is presented as example of bad advice. Maybe I have heard bad advice and just have been too busy with great advisers to pay it any heed, nor even remember it. Can't imagine why I would want to clutter my limited brain's file cabinet space with memories of bad advice. Anyway guess I have been blessed with just super local bodies of Christ and with fine congregation attendees and members, each encouraging the others. Thanks for helping me realize how God has blessed!

only those with the Holy Spirit inside them will hear it..... so it's going to be a secret then its the Jews that MUST REPENT before the 70th Week prophecy can come to pass...... please provide scriptural proof The Trumpet in Matthew 24 is Jesus telling an Angel to CALL US IN HEAVEN........Notice, we are gathered from the FOUR CORNERS OF HEAVEN, we are in Heaven Marrying the Lamb, so f course the ELECT are Gathered from Heaven. ..........you're putting in words here. They are gathered together from the four winds, EARTH.......I don't believe HEAVEN has four winds Rev. 4:1 After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.............. It was John who was called up....."I will shew THEE"....singular, "you" The TRUMPET is Jesus CALLING us to the Marriage in Heaven...........COME UP HERE !! His voice REVERBERATES like an Earthquake !!.........First Thessalonians 4:16 – “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God.”........ So lets finish 1Thes 4:16......AND THE DEAD IN CHRIST SHALL RISE FIRST. THEN WE WHICH ARE ALIVE AND REMAIN SHALL BE CAUGHT UP TOGETHER WITH THEM IN THE CLOUDS TO MEET THE LORD IN THE AIR........SO HOW DO YOU EXPLAIN THESE TWO VERSES. ONE IS JESUS CALLING US UP TO HEAVEN AND THE OTHER IS JESUS COMING FOR US...AND WE MEET HIM IN THE AIR the Trump via the Angel is calling us to go back to Earth to battle the Beast. The LAST TRUMP is the Trump that ends he Harvest or Church Age on Earth. Its a SPECIFIC CALL unto the Church to leave the Earth.......DOESN'T MAKE SENSE " And many false prophets shall arise and shall deceive many".....Math 24:11.........verse 11 is about the 2000 year Church Age, not the Tribulation period................AH YES, Lets pick and choose what doesn't fit. That is why the FIRST DAY in Genesis is a PERIOD OF TIME that lasts 9.2 Billion years. Not ONE 24 Hour Day.........ARE YOU EVEN SERIOUS????? This is the most ridiculous thing I've heard......You are obviously NOT a creationist. As I have proven, this BEFORE here in Hebrew means IN HE PRESENCE (in the face of) of the Day of he Lord, so DURING the DOTL the Sun and Moon will be darkened etc. etc. Not BEFORE the DOTL comes........Well well, The Holy Spirit says BEFORE...you says its not before.....Hmmmm, who shall I believe The Day of the Lord is a 3.5 Year Period of Gods Wrath. It starts with the FIRST SEAL and ends with the 7th Vial......Scripture has 3 witnesses to the Day of the Lord being a year long.........but you say "Firstly, quoting a scripture means nothing as pertaining to who is right or wrong.......Well, I guess that's it in a nutshell about your belief in scriptures

What is the point?

Hi Pure Waters, Here are a couple of instances. Genesis 38:10 And the thing which he did displeased the LORD: wherefore he slew him also. Leviticus 10:2 And there went out fire from the LORD, and devoured them, and they died before the LORD. 2 Samuel 6:7 And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah; and God smote him there for hiserror; and there he died by the ark of God.

Hi Pure Waters, Here are my study notes on this subject. This is not the only forum I have posted them on. I hope they will increase your understanding: THE MERCY OF GOD: The Holy Spirit motivated many of the early Christians to charity. Acts 4:34-37 (34) Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, (35) And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need. (36) And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus, (37) Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet. THE MEANNESS OF SATAN: A contrasting, counterfeit motivation is revealed to the apostle Peter. Act 5:1-2 (1) But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, (2) And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet. Acts 5:3 (3) But Peter said, Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? Three things in collusion qualify the actions of Ananias and Saphira to be declared satanically motivated: ~ THEIR UNWILLINGNESS TO GIVE ALL ~ THEIR UNWILLINGNESS TO TELL ALL ~ THEIR AGREEMENT TO DECEIVE ALL Acts 5:4 (4) While it remained, was it not your own? and after it was sold, was it not in your own power? why have you conceived this thing in your heart? you have not lied unto men, but unto God. THE MOTIVES OF TRANSGRESSORS: Three reasons they are caused to move contrary to the will of God. - Rivalry. So there are people being charitable...we can compete with them...no problem. - Ambition. So there are people being appreciated and commended...we will gain favour and advancement, eminence and applause, yes...and power! - Covetousness. So people shouldn't have to give things they want for themselves...there's no harm in accumulating and retaining wealth whenever, however, and from whomever you can. THE JUDGMENT OF GOD: Instantly, with no recourse to repentance and restoration. Acts 5:5-11 (5) And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things. (6) And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him. (7) And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in. (8) And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether you sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much. (9) Then Peter said unto her, How is it that you have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out. (10) Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband. (11) And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things. Why has Satan filled your heart? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? How is it that you have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? No chance is given Ananias and Saphira to answer these questions but God knows all things, and His swift response is a warning to all who imagine they can behave falsely. Satan can fill anyone's heart if they allow him into it. Not a good idea! Eph 4:27 applies.

I believe you are quite right. When Jesus ministered on the earth, much of His time and effort was to the offscouring of the world. This irritated the outwardly righteous looking Pharisees to no end. But what Jesus told them confirms what you have just said. The prostitures, the drunkards, the tax collectors not only listened but hung on every word. Why? Because they knew they had need of a doctor, and they realized He was the great physician. But the Pharisees, they assumed that they were actually quite pleasing to God and did not need a physician at all. Andrew Murray once wrote that of all the sins, religious pride was the hardest to be freed from, because it was that pride that prevented one from seeing their great need. Is it hopeless for those who think they have need of nothing when they assume all is great between them and the Lord, even as willful sin still lives in their lives? Not at all! In these last days, we will all be awakened to our true state. The sheep, no matter how they have previously lived, will admit their great need and cry out for deliverance from their contentment without godliness. Others, the tares, will understand that to truly walk with the Lord, hating their own life, and declaring their own righteousness as of no value, will be a mountain they simply cannot or will not want to scale. Some will walk away altogether, others will simply cling to their religious life, full of head knowledge but devoid of the fruits of God. this is the valley of decision, when each one of us will finally understand what the cost of our salvation really is. The sheep will count the cost.... and gladly pay it. The goats will insist there is no cost, when in truth they are simply trying to avoid paying it. And what is that cost? Us.... our carnal self, our old nature Blessings, Gids

Thank you all again for such kind and supportive (and informative) words! This is a great community! I am happy to say that, while not having all my answers as of right now, I am feeling a lot better and I’ve gotten better as I’ve learned to understand that it’s OK to not immediately have all the answers and to trust that GOD does. Thank you all again!

"Don't ever let anyone tell you that what you see with your own eyes isn't happening." Good point in the OP.

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Tyler, you are doing just fine. Learning to live in Christ (in the Spirit) takes time, so first crawl, then walk, then run. You may want to focus on this as I'm sure you are ready for it. https://www.crossway.org/articles/7-steps-to-walking-the-spiritual-walk/ Cheers Tyler S!

Walking in the light of life. Where man would know and experience God’s desire for mankind, which is only good. For God’s desire to be manifested in a believers life. The believer must walk in all the obedience he has grown into. It is sin in the believers life that stops a believer from growing or going on with God. For God has called us to righteousness. He can only bless righteousness in a believers life. For there is a righteous way in all things, and that way does exist. It is doing this righteousness in any and all circumstances that God smiles upon. There’s seems always to be a choice between doing what we want and doing what is right in the sight of God. It is doing what is right in His sight that receives the blessing. How many times have we chosen to do things our way, only to wish later that we had listened to that still small voice that told us there was a better way. It is learning to yield our wills up and listen to this still small voice that causes growth. The more we listen the more we grow. Opinions don’t matter, only doing righteousness in all things. For God has called us to walk in the light of life. That we as His children would not remain children but would grow up in all things. To have a increase in Christ in our innermost being. So that we might know this One who bled and died on the cross, so we might have Life abundantly and walk in the light of life. Much love in Christ, Not me

Well you dont want to do that anyway (KJV) Jas_3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. thats not always a bad thing (KJV) Lam 3:27 It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth. Lam 3:28 He sitteth alone and keepeth silence, because he hath borne it upon him. Pro 17:28 Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding. Well when you do i thought this verse is good one. (KJV) Pro 18:24 A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. Deu 31:6 Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. (KJV) Well maybe you are around some rough people thats how it was for me not long ago. not to me ,your trying to learn deeper things.i think that is very wise myself. (KJV) Pro 3:13 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. Sorry i rushed this a little,hope it helps some though.Agape

Thank you all for your kind words! I did more reading and studying and, in true “me” fashion I seem to only uproot MORE questions the more answers I get. I suppose I kinda understand that I’m not meant to be sad and anxious all the time in all that I do but it’s hard not to be! I instantly hear and pick out the sin in every conversation and every activity and every thing I do and every person I interact with. I don’t point it out or attack people because I feel as though that would be hypocritical of me and pointing out the saw dust in my brothers eye so to say. So, instead, I’ve taken to simply not speaking. Not interacting with people as much. It’s made me lonely and worrisome and this CAN NOT be right. My life is slowly becoming more and more secluded, miserable, and lonely because every time I look at another person I see the worst...and every time I look at myself I see EVEN MORE bad. I’m sorry I know I sound a bit pathetic and I don’t mean to come off that way...I have prayed about this but I still feel like I’m missing something. Any help, again, is greatly appreciated! Bless.

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

This is certainly an attack from the enemy. Jesus refuted the enemy by quoting Scripture truth correctly. This definitely helps. Often I have sung praises to God for His faithfulness and help in time of need. Worshipping makes the enemy shrink away. Greater is He that is within us than he that is in the world. God's love in me is greater than the enemy. I know these to be true. Bless His Name!

I should have added this. Hit a slick spot on the highway and your reaction isn't demonic fear. But i believe that when you are up against a trial, and you are holding to God's promises and fear becomes an overwelming thing to disuade you from holding to God's word, it is a demon.

God gave us some fear so that we would use due caution. A person without fear would walk across a busy freeway like a toddler. We must learn what things are dangerous so we will not be harmed. It is when fears overcome us that it becomes irrational. Boldness occurs when we act in spite of our fears, such as to save another person from harm. God can give us boldness to obey Him because we have faith in Him.

Romans 9:6-8 ¶ Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel: 7 Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called. 8 That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed. I have no problems discerning between Israel as a nation and the church, but what I also see is a clear division between ethnic Jews and believing Jews. (Maybe I should call them Israelites instead of Jews.) I think faith and salvation is the dividing line. Back in the days of the New England Congregationalist there was a problem between the universalists and the trinitarians. The universalists would infiltrate and then take over the local church body. A trinitarian commented, "They may have kept the furniture, but we kept the faith". In like fashion, the ethnic Israelites have kept the nation, but the Israelites who trust in Christ as the Messiah have kept the faith. I believe that the Gentiles have become fellow heirs with them. Eventually we (Believing Israelites and Gentiles) will inherit the nation and kingdom.

Hello everyone, The song that I would like to share is kinda different. I would classify it as a Gospel/folk type of music that is sung and played (on acoustic guitar) by Tim O'Brien. I perceive that this "toe-tapping," catchy song has an edifying Christian message to it. I just happen to enjoy it; see if you do too! .. I would welcome any comments... -- Lar