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  1. The following quotation is commonly attributed to Albert Einstein: "Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe."
    3 points
  2. Beware, there are two kinds of Messianics. One group of Messianics believes in the Gospel iof Grace and that the Lord Jesus is God, is the only way to heaven, and in Him is eternal life. The Pseudo-Messianics on the other hand want you to go back to the Law: “For if you are trying to make yourselves right with God by keeping the law, you have been cut off from Christ! You have fallen away from God's grace” (Galatians 5:4), “Let God’s curse fall on anyone, including us or even an angel from heaven, who preaches a different kind of Good News than the one we preached to you. 9 I say again what we have said before: If anyone preaches any other Good News than the one you welcomed, let that person be cursed,”(Galatians 1:8-9), “By speaking of a new covenant, He has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and aging will soon disappear,” (Hebrews 8:13), “Now, however, Jesus has received a much more excellent ministry, just as the covenant He mediates is better and is founded on better promises,” (Hebrews 8:6), “ I hope you will put up with a little more of my foolishness. Please bear with me.2 For I am jealous for you with the jealousy of God himself. I promised you as a pure bride[a] to one husband—Christ. 3 But I fear that somehow your pure and undivided devotion to Christ will be corrupted, just as Eve was deceived by the cunning ways of the serpent. 4 You happily put up with whatever anyone tells you, even if they preach a different Jesus than the one we preach, or a different kind of Spirit than the one you received, or a different kind of gospel than the one you believed. 13 These people are false apostles. They are deceitful workers who disguise themselves as apostles of Christ. 14 But I am not surprised! Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15 So it is no wonder that his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. In the end they will get the punishment their wicked deeds deserve.” (1 Corinthians 11:1-4, 14-15) and are like the dissenters at the Council of Jerusalem, “While Paul and Barnabas were at Antioch of Syria, some men from Judea arrived and began to teach the believers[a]: “Unless you are circumcised as required by the law of Moses, you cannot be saved.”2 Paul and Barnabas disagreed with them, arguing vehemently. Finally, the church decided to send Paul and Barnabas to Jerusalem, accompanied by some local believers, to talk to the apostles and elders about this question. 3 The church sent the delegates to Jerusalem, and they stopped along the way in Phoenicia and Samaria to visit the believers. They told them—much to everyone’s joy—that the Gentiles, too, were being converted.4 When they arrived in Jerusalem, Barnabas and Paul were welcomed by the whole church, including the apostles and elders. They reported everything God had done through them. 5 But then some of the believers who belonged to the sect of the Pharisees stood up and insisted, “The Gentile converts must be circumcised and required to follow the law of Moses.”6 So the apostles and elders met together to resolve this issue. 7 At the meeting, after a long discussion, Peter stood and addressed them as follows: “Brothers, you all know that God chose me from among you some time ago to preach to the Gentiles so that they could hear the Good News and believe. 8 God knows people’s hearts, and he confirmed that he accepts Gentiles by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as he did to us. 9 He made no distinction between us and them, for he cleansed their hearts through faith. 10 So why are you now challenging God by burdening the Gentile believers[b] with a yoke that neither we nor our ancestors were able to bear? 11 We believe that we are all saved the same way, by the undeserved grace of the Lord Jesus.” (Acts 5:1-11). There are pseudo-Messianics who like those who attacked the Apostle Paul, want to rob people of eternal life through Jesus Christ and make them slaves to the Law again.
    3 points
  3. Greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I'm sorry Iamlamad, but I have to laugh at your attempts to take two rather self-explanatory statements of Paul and wrest them to teach something altogether different. It is just this type of foolishness that has led to so many sects, teaching all kinds of strange doctrines, among those who call themselves Christians. The doctrine of the "partial rest". Really? Or, the doctrine of "the apostasia means the rapture". You got to be kidding! There isn't a single example in all of Koine Greek literature where apostasia is used meaning a physical departure. In every known use of the word in the 6 centuries of Koine Greek, it always referred to a religious departure (falling away) or a political departure. There is no evidence that it was ever even once used to indicate a physical departure. However, you and many other pretribulationists are so desperate to find a pre-trib rapture in the Scriptures that you will seemingly stoop to any level to convince others that you are correct. May the Lord have mercy and open the eyes of His people to recognize wresting of the Scriptures like this. All praise, honour, and glory be unto the Lord Jesus Christ
    3 points
  4. My wife and I LOVE "porch sitting". The way you described that sounds awesome!
    2 points
  5. Hi AC, You're a very unique young man. I was also like you when I was young and I've wrestled with this question my whole life. If you manage to get married and have kids be sure you teach your children that morals are cool. Everything you said is true. Other than teaching your children morality all I figured I could do is to live a moral life and occasionally I get to someone well enough to tell them. Unfortunately this doesn't make me popular but I see that the immoral people aren't happy neither. As you get older you have to stay brave enough to let younger people know you believe morality is the answer to society's problems. Too many people have become callous to this and that includes believers. We need more people like you.
    2 points
  6. Hi iamlamad, Look at all the bible translations that you quoted. These and many others, agree, that the rebellion, turning from God, falling from the faith....etc....must occur first. Yet you use these versions to point out something else that fits your agenda. I must say that it is rather comical.
    2 points
  7. sounds like she is not the sort of person I would like any of my family to call a close friend as she obviously wants what she wants with no consideration to anyone else ...what happens to all her grand plans if the divorce doesn't go through ?What happened to her other husbands ? sounds as if she just likes the idea of being married or maybe she just loves wedding cake I actually feel sorry for the man as he sounds in need of help from a very predatory woman
    2 points
  8. God allowed it for getting out of debt, as in indentured servants. He did not allow stealing people and abusing them. He established stringent rules and protection for the slaves. They also sold themselves into slavery so it was a free choice. I have ancestors who were kidnapped and stolen, shipped over to Puritans in the States, and enslaved under the Old Testament laws governing the treatment of slaves. The Anglican slaves were not allowed citizenship, however. Read the book "Kidnapped" by Robert Lewis Stevenson.
    2 points
  9. I find God often speaks in the restroom, I think it’s because it’s the one time other than in our sleep that he can get our undivided attention. I am not Catholic either, I’ve been to a Catholic retreat deep in nature and it was quite lovely; because the nature was made by God The Trinity. However, I do find it a concerning that to pay and stay at a Catholic retreat you are supporting a church that doesn’t teach the true Gospel (Galatians 1:8-9, 2 Corinthians 11:2-15). So it depends if you can live with supporting the RCC, and consequently make the RCC stronger. Or if you can see it as you are simply going to enjoy the Lord’s creation.
    2 points
  10. With your penchant for warning everybody against the RCC ad nauseam, what better opportunity for you to simply go to their retreats with the true gospel, to those who would need it the most. That would definitely be very productive, friend. You may not know this friend, but it cost money to purchase land, and clear it and plant and maintain lawns and plants, to say nothing of the 'buildings' and facilities for sleeping and meals and lighting or heat and air, showers and rest rooms, hiking and camping grounds. Our church is supported by it's members, (money-time-labor) and we support the group retreat, money-time-labor). Many people go free as guests, and when our kids went on special activities, they would find sponsors to help them financially, which gave the sponsors a part of the blessing. (NOT the burden). Our youth considering the ministry, are given opportunities to bring a message (preach) to the younger youth, and gain experience. My wife and I have been to marriage retreats there with other friends, with cool guest speakers, at a real lay back atmosphere, usually outdoors. And still had much alone time, for time to listen to the Lord. I think Debp has exhausted herself trying to make you understand. I think most understand she is sharing her own thoughts about finding a place, quiet, in a nice outdoor setting with the trees and flowers, wildlife or river streams, and think/talk/listen to God. A Christian retreat. Too bad she mentioned the "Catholic" retreat. My daughter was born in a catholic hospital, but that didn't make her a catholic.
    2 points
  11. God wholeheartedly condemns the slavery of the historical United States and around the world even today. In fact, that type of slavery was punishable by death in the Old Testament. Exodus 21:16 = "And he that steals a man, and sells him, or if he be found in his hand, he shall surely be put to death." As for the New Testament - Paul includes slave traders with the worst of the worst. 1 Timothy 1:9-11 = "We realize that law is not enacted for the righteous, but for the lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinful, for the unholy and profane, for killers of father or mother, for murderers, 10for the sexually immoral, for homosexuals, for slave traders and liars and perjurers, and for anyone else who is averse to sound teaching 11that agrees with the glorious gospel of the blessed God, with which I have been entrusted..." Now, the question is obviously begged, what did slaves and servants mean in the Bible?
    2 points
  12. I find that one of the best ways to memorize Scripture is to study the context and the overall story. It’s much easier to remember the written Word of God, even if not necessarily word-for-word, when we remember the actual story behind it.
    2 points
  13. How much water, does it take, to make a cheeseburger? It takes 68 gallon of water for the bun. It takes water to grow wheat for the flour. One slice of tomato, 3 gallons. Slice of lettuce, 1.5 gallons. Slice of cheese, 56 gallons. Water to grow the feed that feeds the cow that makes the milk, that gets turned into cheese. That patty of hamburger? 616 gallons. Water grow the feed for the beef steer, as well as for the animal itself. That is 744.5 gallons of water, and that is not even counting pickles and onions, ketchup, mustard and mayonnaise! Think then about how this sort of thing, and how that relates to other food we eat. 25% of the nation's (the United States) food, comes from California. California is experiencing a drought, plus water projects are being curtailed, so there is less water available, in addition to the drought problem. Dams are being destroyed, and floodgates opened, so that reservoirs are being drained such that the water is not used for growing food, or for industry, or for drinking water, it is just allowed to drain into the ocean. All of this also, leads to unemployment. Unemployed people get federal and state assistance, so others then pay taxes to pay for the consequences of the water problems in California. Food prices rise due to shortages. Those unemployed people, can't afford to fix their cars, nor their homes, nor even to buy clothes, & they also are not paying taxes, not supporting local businesses. This leads to more unemployment, truckers lose their jobs, since there are less goods being made, sold, and transported. See how one thing leads to another and another? We are so crazy here (we meaning legislators in California pressured by environmental groups, and federal environmental laws) that we are spending 4 million dollars per fish, trying to restore a native population of salmon, that has been gone for about 100 years. I do not know, what the solution is to these problems, but the problems are far reaching. It is not just California, it is also the world. A lot of the food, and other products that used to come from California, are decreasingly being produced. This, and the unemployment, the costs of doing business in California due to water shortages and oppressive regulations (which are largely environmental in nature) but also other things, is hampering the economy of California. These things cause the government of California, and counties and cities there, to raise taxes. All of these things, force people to leave the state. They then go to other states. This migration then leads to an increase in the cost of housing for the citizens of these other states. It also, creates some food shortages for them, so food prices rise. These new people, also need employment, so that means that there is more competition for jobs in these other states, which of course increases unemployment in those states as well. It is hard for me not to consider, how all these things are inter-connected. These kinds of related factors are not just California, they go on world wide. This being the case, is it that hard to imagine that a series of unrelated events, or perhaps a few natural disasters, could ultimately tip the scales and send the world into a sense of desperation with , people wanting a solution to the mounting problems? Enter the future antichrist. Maybe this (or a scenario like this) will usher him in. Don't worry though, these things will happen, they must happen. We may desire to seek solutions to these problems, and there is nothing wrong with that. However, eventually, hard times and the antichrist are coming, all in the timing of God. If you are a Christian, try not to be too anxious, as God has everything under His control, nothing escapes His notice. He works all things together for good, to those who love Him, and are called, according to His purpose. Cheer up saints, it is going to get worse! Luke 21:28 Note: Much of the information in this post, derives from a video called Dead Harvest - Made by National Alliance for Environmental Reform, and it can be found on YouTube
    1 point
  14. A man in Germany called the police because a baby squirrel wouldn't leave him alone. It kept following him. When the police arrived, the pursuit ended as the baby squirrel laid down and fell asleep. Apparently baby squirrels that lose their mothers seek a replacement and will zero in on one person. The baby squirrel is being cared for at an animal rescue center. Wish I could post a photo...it was adorable sleeping in a blanket!
    1 point
  15. Scripture Memorization is a vital part of the Christian life. "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Psalm 119:11 I thought maybe we could share ideas of methods we use that are helpful in this... For me, my mind is not as sharp as it once was due to medical reasons. ( Yep, getting older too. ) I think scripture songs can be an effective tool. Sometimes having scriptures set to music is a good tool because the tunes are catchy and repetitive. Has anyone tried this as a way to memorize? If so, any in particular you might suggest? All other idea welcome too.
    1 point
  16. These various "concerns" are manifestations of one sin, the disobedience of God. To concentrate on one manifestation simply allows others free reign over the day. Much like David's sin of disobedience of God's instruction to him leading to his then seeing and craving the wife of another which led to killing her husband by ordering his death to occur, it is not sexual disire that is the sin, it is disobedience of God. All else is downstream of the real problem that must be tended to. Obey God, do all things to His glory, praise Him in all matters big and small, ask His council, seek His word for guidance, pray and think upon the word. Share of and teach that and all else falls away. Instill the positive and the negative has no room to flourish in one's life. Teach sharing the do's not the don'ts, for the do's give encouragement while the don'ts only entertain more fear, and brings about defeat after defeat.
    1 point
  17. I agree that they don't see any shame in their sin. But the question is, why don't they? I think that one reason they don't see any shame in their sin is because they take it as something normal and acceptable in society. Because social norms with regards to sexual morality have gotten so lax, they are no longer uncomfortable about their behaviour, and openly share it with just about anyone. I think this is precisely the diseased state of our society in the present. I should not even mention that certain business organisations - take for instance Ashley Madison, promoting and earning money based on adultery - should be outlawed. Yes, of course only God saves, but God can act through other men - let's not forget that. For example, C.S. Lewis was greatly helped in coming to the faith by reading G.K. Chesterton and being affiliated with the likes of J.R.R. Tolkien. Even in the Bible we have instances of men performing miracles through the power of the Holy Spirit. Of course all power and glory comes from our Heavenly Father, but that's not an excuse for us to sit around satisfied that we cannot save any men (or women) and thus should not even try. I agree, but this implies that they need to repent. Repentance involves understanding the gravity of the sin, and changing ones ways along with seeking forgiveness. I think that currently the consciousness of sin does not lead to salvation because it's seen as illegitimate - ie, a means of oppressing and controlling others, instead of authentic guilt. What could we do to remedy this situation?
    1 point
  18. So many wish dispensationalism is truth. But it's not. It's a need for the heart of man to segregate, God does not segregate except for those who believe and those who do not. It's not the Jews and the church, it's all one body. No man comes to the Father but by Jesus. No man. Ever. In all history. Job and Noah knew Jesus. Abraham knew Jesus. Moses. Issac. Jacob. Joseph. All of them and more. It's always been faith and salvation through Grace, from the beginning even to the end. "Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord." - Genesis 6:8 There has only ever been two groups in the eyes of the Most High God, His children and everyone else. The believer and the unbeliever. Saved and unsaved. You'll see. I hope you are not surprised when it all begins to end.
    1 point
  19. I personally cant use the restroom that way. It just strikes me as disrespectful of the Lord. My personal view.
    1 point
  20. I know Greg Hershberg in the Atlanta area -- I've never heard him speak but several of his congregants are Worthy Brief readers and their worship leader is coming on tour with us in Israel this August. Honestly, I'm not sure who has their messages online. You can probably grab Beth Israel in Jersey -- Jonathan Cahn and he's solid. God bless, George Go
    1 point
  21. Hahahaha! Long as it isn’t Sinistar or Deathstar. ?
    1 point
  22. That raises a very interesting part of Revelation, “Behold, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is he who stays awake and who keeps his clothes [that is, stays spiritually ready for the Lord’s return], so that he will not be naked—spiritually unprepared—and men will not see his shame.” (Revelation 16:15, AMP). Could this passage be directed to the Bride, to cloth herself for the wedding Supper? (Revelation 19:6-9) as well as a call to the Bride to pray come?, “The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let the one who hears say, "Come!" Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.” (Revelation 22:17).
    1 point
  23. Christian Imperialism has taken many forms, from Byzantium to the Papacy to Kremlin to The Puritans to The Preterists to Network Christianity. In all its forms Christian Imperialism and Stage Churches have tried to balance theology with democracy, the Kingdom of Heaven with the temporal Kingdom. How has Christian Imperialism or State churches failed and how have they succeeded? Is the State Church a pollution of Christianity or Was is a necessary means during turbulent periods of history? Make you cases, debate in spirit of love (John 13:34-35), and share your own view on this very controversial blend of Faith and Politics; Piety and Power. You may discuss Christian Colonialism as well since it is connected to state churches and is a form of Imperialism.
    1 point
  24. I'm not very learned on the subject. But I've noticed some dangers that Fidei Defensor mentioned, with some of those thinkers. Just wanted to add my concern as well. Hope you will get the best out of your research, by focusing on what Jesus talked most about, and not be mislead in pointless discussion on things Jesus didn't even mention, or even fought against. God bless you!
    1 point
  25. Our founders were aware of the dangers of the state and church marriage. It goes without saying that when Jesus does it, it will be done to perfection. Whether the protestants or the catholics held power, the results were the same; namely persecution of the nonconformists. It is ironic that the Puritans, who themselves fled before persecution, set up the same system and became persecutors. The argument in favor of establishing a state church is to prevent cults. For some reason, it never does that. Enforcing church doctrine by the sword of government leads inevitably to tyranny. When you missed church in Massachusetts during the 1600's it wasn't the minister that visited your door, it was the sheriff. To conclude that the U.S. Constitution was somehow anti religion is to ignore our own history. Ben Franklin praised Christianity as the only means to morality and encouraged it. The hue and cry of the ungodly is, "Separation of church and state". Nope. Religion was to flourish without interference from the state. Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
    1 point
  26. Sure: On the front of the 3x5 card write out in full: Est 8:9 Then were the king's scribes called at that time in the third month, that is, the month Sivan, on the three and twentieth day thereof; and it was written according to all that Mordecai commanded unto the Jews, and to the lieutenants, and the deputies and rulers of the provinces which are from India unto Ethiopia, an hundred twenty and seven provinces, unto every province according to the writing thereof, and unto every people after their language, and to the Jews according to their writing, and according to their language. On the other side of the 3x5 card write: Est 8:9 T w t k s c a t t i t t m, t i, t m S, o t t a t d t; a i w w a t a t M c u t J, a t t l, a t d a r o t p w a f I u E, a h t a s p, u e p a t t w t, a u e p a t l, a t t J a t t w, a a t t l.
    1 point
  27. The more you read, the bible verses you will remember and memorize. When I read, I'd also look up and talk to the Lord about them, or tell Him how these verses touch, affect, or impact me. I'm not a reciting machine where I can split out the relevant bible verses when being asked, but occasionally the right verses appear to me when a person is describing a situation, or when replying to certain topics in here. So, instead of simply memorizing bible verses, I'd also meditate on them and enjoy them.
    1 point
  28. Jesus told us to love even our enemies.. Therefore anyone who uses and exploits another human being to the level of making them their slave is in rebellion against The LORD Jesus Christ.. The two basic rules of Christianity is to Love God and to Love your neighbour.. Enslaving your neighbour is not an act of love..
    1 point
  29. I appreciate all the helpful, practical ideas.
    1 point
  30. Also, don't 'chew' too much scripture at one time to try and memorize. Take bite size texts to begin with, and even break up the texts themselves into smaller bits, say 3-4 words at a time. Repetition. Concentration (turn off, put away other factors, tv, radio, computer, cell phone, even music (can sometimes be distracting, unless it is a scripture song), etc.). One thing at a time. Setting aside a consistent time, say 15 minutes to 1 hour, depending, daily. Location. Set aside the scripture to be memorized with you on a 3 by 5 card, and put in pocket and pull it out throughout the day, and do not merely try to memorize it, but dwell upon what it says, thinking on how it connects with what you already know. When you have a free moment in the day, quickly pull it out and check the memory. On the other side of the card, you can write out the first letter of each word with punctuation. Write out the text on the 3 by 5 card, or paper, or several times through the day.
    1 point
  31. Totally agree. Memorizing Scriptures is one of the best activities we can do as Christians. "But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop." My first suggestion is starting through memorizing what is the center of our salvation, what all the prophets were looking for: the Gospel, the direct Words of Jesus Himself. I've noticing that memorizing Matthew is pretty easy. The language and the structure is very logical. A good tip is to "imagine" the scenes that the Gospel describe. By imagining what's happening, it's easier for our brain and heart to retain. Another suggestion is to start from the most meaningful parts. So for instance, the "genealogy of Jesus" or some very descriptive part can come later, while the verses in which Jesus speak should come first. Another tip is asking yourself questions about the teachings, even have the courage to leave the questions open when you can't answer right away. That way you make room in your heart to learn more. Last but not least, pray the Spirit to help you. "But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you."
    1 point
  32. Slavery is not good, being in debt is not good .. If you work for someone you are their slave so to speak .. My grandmother told me before labor laws in the early 1900s late 1800s of some of her uncles/friends worked as children in the cotton mills and got whipped when they ''cut up'' by the bosses . The mill had a village houses owned by the mill, a company store , and gentlemens agreements not to hire good help to other mills .. Some sailers signed on crews understanding that if they didn't obey commands or do their jobs they would be whipped and/or thrown in the brig .. Long ago you defeated enemies and either killed them all or took slaves ''they were the law''.. Their was no great cash flows and your pay was provision for service . Israel served Egypt as slave for quite a while , when they were delivered from the Egyptians they had developed a slave mentality , When the Amalekites attacked them in the desert , God not only protected his people then but preserved the Amalekites for later .. God wanted Israel to take care of business .. He waited until Israel became self reliant, tuff and strong then sicked them on the Amalekites to kill everything men, women, children even all the animals .. Payback .. It's sad about the African slavery but remember the first president was Jon Hanson a Moor and black, many other notable Americans were black but history books lie about it .. .. The American slaves were captured, shipped and served as slaves but they come to know the Christian religion and Jesus, the civil war payed back our nation with great loss of life while black Americans suffered they/most grew strong in faith .. One of the worst slave owners in SC was William Ellison jr who was black, owned plenty of slaves, and could be pretty ruthless .. Uncle Tom ''Josiah Henson'' was actually a great, one of the greatest Christians ever in America imo and his full story needs to be told .. The only way it can be justified is God meant it for their good and salvation like Joseph . The good news will be at the judgment seat of Jesus
    1 point
  33. I also like understanding the simple cadences (3's, 4's, 7's), and simple single syllable language, for instance: Again: Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. In the be-gin-ning God cre-at-ed the heav-en and the earth. Sets of 3's in single syllables: [1] [2] [3] In the be gin ning God cre at ed the heav en and the earth.
    1 point
  34. Good topic.. --- Concept of "state church" started in 380 AD. - (Correct me if I am wrong.) Emperor Theodosius I made Christianity the empire's sole authorized religion. - Constantine should get recognition. He did contribute in some way ..early on. --- It seems that important issue concerning state church is "attraction to political power." After Christianity get hold of political power, it loses simple devotion / commitment to Christ. Spiritual dimension is not on priority. - Christian history shows that . - It becomes part of political power system. History of Catholicism is classic example. - Often accused of Christian imperialism. Protestantism did some of that, too.
    1 point
  35. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. what is a man profited if he shall gain the whole world and lose his on soul, or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul Matt 16:25-26 The poem was a great message
    1 point
  36. are you sure only the man has mental illness? sorry. that is my very blunt way of putting into a short and concise answer my impression after reading this thread ?
    1 point
  37. Well said. No one knows your inner thoughts, motives, and reasons except the Lord Trinity. I agree right theology and doxology (doctrine) is more important than a church that serves widows, orphans, and helps people but denies The fundamentals that Jesus is God and Man (John 1:1-17, Colossians 2:9, 1 Peter 1:1, Titus 2:13, 1 John 4:1-3, 2 John 1:7) and salavation is by grace of Jesus and faith in Jesus alone (John 3:16, John 6:40, Acts 4:10-12, Acts 15:7-11, Romans 10:9-10, Ephesians 2:8-9) . There are plenty of churches that ‘do good’ but they don’t know God. For Jesus said, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ 23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.” (Matthew 7:21-23) and the will of the Father is this, “For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.” (John 6:40). Works based churches have people neglect John 6:40 and embrace Matthew 7:21-23. ??
    1 point
  38. Could you introduce me to your friend? Bad joke aside, this is unfortunately a rather common occurence. People get so swept up into any and all initial magic that they just go for it on an impulse. Anyone should wait for that ititial magic to pass to actually see if there's anything salvagable, because the vast majority of the time, there isn't. Acting on impulse rarely, if ever, ends well. To me, it sounds like they're the sort who takes marriage lightly, merely as "something people do". You could maybe try convincing your friend to have both more restraint and more consideration, but if i'm right, i'd doubt they would lend an ear. In that kind of situation, the foolish will be foolish.
    1 point
  39. Brother, I think you are misunderstanding me big-time. When I talk about beautiful places, I am meaning God's Creation....nature!! I am not talking of man's buildings.
    1 point
  40. Also there is the fact that governments are sanctioning the perverted things and passing laws to enforce those who does not want to be participants. Yes, the Leader of the free world who are supposed to set world standards have abandoned the biblical standards that they had enshrined for years to the pagan ways. These things are prophesied as in Romans 1. It is actually both. Pleasure and pride are attributed to this gift that God has given for procreation and within the marriage bed. There is a bigger picture that is invisible to the eye and it is spiritual in nature. Satan would tempt, seduce and hatch many plans to entice the believer to leave the straight and narrow pathway and to follow the way of the world. I don't know of others, but spiritual warfare is part of my walk in maintaining the pathway of the traps set by the enemy. Believers MUST put on the full armor of God and be aware at all times or this world would swallow him with all the allurements before his eyes. That said, your topic is most warranted and needs to be addressed at large, as even whole denominations are changing the way they see and accept what the bible clearly condemns. There should be many more replies here to give pointers and some ways that especially the young growing up in a digital world with all the toys being introduced everyday. In essence, we have become spoiled by the easy lifestyle and mechanization which has brought plenty of time on our hands. The transistor and the quartz has revolutionized our world from an analog to digital in just about three decades. Is there any going back, no. The biblical standards has to be lived in the strictest manner and that means the fear of God had to be always in our hearts, not as a slave master, but as our law giver and creator who has given them to keep us on the right pathways. Very good topic and relevant for today.
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  41. Well, I just think the society got brainwashed starting in the late 1960s when the Free Sex movement began. Before that time, there was real shame about sex outside of marriage and you hardly ever heard of a divorce. Yes, I agree that the change started to happen in the 1960s, starting with the USA and then spreading into other parts of the world, including Europe. So it seems that the Enemy has turned the weapon of peer pressure to his advantage as I have said in the OP. Instead of feeling shame at engaging in sexually immoral activities, society attempts to make one feel shame for NOT engaging in them today. So I think it's quite clear that a long-term goal for us Christians should be to change this once again. Peer pressure is a social barrier, a barrier which can allow freedom to actually be maximised. Consider the perfect playground. The perfect playground is so designed such that whatever the child does, he or she cannot get harmed. The boundaries that are incorporated in the creation of the playground actually ensure that the child's freedom to play, even without supervision, is maximum. So if society has been brainwashed, then I think that we ought to do something to attempt to revert this effect - it is part of our duty to help our fellow men and women.
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  42. It does sound very odd for two Christians to be dating while one of them is still married! If they were just friends and spending a little time together as friends while he is separated, I could understand that. It seems your friend tends to make bad choices about marriage if she already has been married twice....and at 17 to a 50 year old man! They should at least be waiting until his divorce is final before dating, let alone setting such a close wedding date!
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  43. Peter said, as recorded in the book of Acts: Acts 1:16 Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus. Acts 1:17 For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry. Acts 1:18 Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out. Acts 1:19 And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood. Acts 1:20 For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take. Acts 1:25 That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place. He was citing the OT book the Psalms 69 and 109 (some of which were written by King David (Psalms 69:1, 109:1)): Psalms 69:25 Let their habitation be desolate; and let none dwell in their tents. Psalms 109:6 Set thou a wicked man over him: and let Satan stand at his right hand. Psalms 109:7 When he shall be judged, let him be condemned: and let his prayer become sin. Psalms 109:8 Let his days be few; and let another take his office. Psalms 109:9 Let his children be fatherless, and his wife a widow. Psalms 109:10 Let his children be continually vagabonds, and beg: let them seek their bread also out of their desolate places. Psalms 109:11 Let the extortioner catch all that he hath; and let the strangers spoil his labour. Psalms 109:12 Let there be none to extend mercy unto him: neither let there be any to favour his fatherless children. Psalms 109:13 Let his posterity be cut off; and in the generation following let their name be blotted out. Psalms 109:14 Let the iniquity of his fathers be remembered with the LORD; and let not the sin of his mother be blotted out. Psalms 109:15 Let them be before the LORD continually, that he may cut off the memory of them from the earth.
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  44. Hi Christine, Along the lines of your comment, as yet I don't know of any Scripture that supports an alternative meaning, namely that the witnesses are able to observe our lives as some suppose. People do like to think their loved ones are looking down on them and are somehow contributing to their happiness, but I am of the opinion this is not a concept being advanced in Hebrews 12:1. Rather there is a continuation of the thought in Hebrews 11:39-40 (39) And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: (40) God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect. that God has provided a better thing for us than the OT promise of Christ, namely the NT completed work of Christ. As well as this "better thing" we have the aforementioned OT saints as examples to keep in mind. The fact that in Greek arenas there was a gallery called "the cloud" from where spectators could watch atheletes compete is no reason to suppose the OT saints are so positioned other than in a metaphorical sense in our thoughts with which we may be encouraged. The theme of "better things" runs right through Hebrews and here in these verses we have it again, this time the spirits of just men have been made perfect with the sprinkling of the blood of Christ being better than that of Abel. Heb 12:22-24 (22) But you are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, (23) To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, (24) And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaks better things than that of Abel.
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  45. Parashah: “Re’eh” (see) DEUT: 11:26-16:17………………ISAIAH 54:11-55:5………………. JOHN 9:1-10:42 See” (Re’eh) this day I set before you a blessing and a curse” we wonder why YHVH did not say in plural, “blessings and curses?” one could say perhaps “blessing” goes with “obedience” and “curse” with “disobedience” both words are also singular. One could also say that “all blessings” fall under “ONE BLESSING” (B’rakhah echad) and all curses fall under ONE CURSE, “K’lalah Echad” the word “echad” is ONE in UNITY, Elohim (who is unity) blesses all humanity (also echad) that is in obedience to the WORD, and to the LIVING WORD. and also, the curse is also upon “All humanity” that does not obey and that walks in rebellion against Adonai. Well, that’s one way to look at it. This is a repetition of last week’s parashah, Moshe mentions these many times, and cannot stress it enough for his people. Even the pronoun “I” in “I set before you. is stressed in Hebrew “Anochi!” meaning “I MYSELF!!!!” (People, I am really serious) 12:2 “you must destroy all the sites….” The pagan nations gathered together at different places to erect false gods and worship them, these must be destroyed! Today, we must walk away from false gods, put them behind us, even, destroy them if necessary. If a TV has become a god to you, and you find yourself addicted to it, sell it, give it away, or destroy it. If money has become a “god” to you, give some of it away to the poor and needy. Anything that comes before your love and worship of Adonai is considered a “false god” get rid of it! 12:13 speaks of burnt offerings, it is good to dedicate our meals to Adonai, we are blessed to be able to go to a store and buy chicken and beef already prepared. We must remember to thank YHVH for this food, ALL FOOD which means ALL that is mentioned in Leviticus 11, is for us to enjoy, now, verse 15 says, “The unclean and the clean alike may partake of it, as of the gazelle and the deer…” this is NOT talking about unclean and clean FOODS, it is talking about PEOPLE who are clean and unclean. Anyway, gazelles and deer are both clean animals, but I have never seen gazelle steaks in the supermarket, maybe in Africa they have them. It is saying that people who have diseases that render them “unclean” like lepers, may partake of this food, just like people who are disease free may, verse 22 mentions this again, “the unclean may it to together with the clean” (people) Chap 13 deals with false prophets. These deceivers were NOT TOLERATED back then! Turning people away from true worship of Adonai warranted a death sentence. Back then, God was dead serious about true worship and teaching the truth, and…HE STILL IS! We must all worship him in SPIRIT and in TRUTH, when studying the scriptures (Truth) we must do so in the ‘spirit” of joy and ask for wisdom. Chap 14 deals with the chosen kosher foods which YHVH has selected for all humanity, it is a repetition of Leviticus 11. However, man thinks he is smarter than God and has added stuff to His perfect menu, and the result is obesity, high blood pressure, and heart disease. We all know what foods have been added to the menu, I won’t go over them as that will produce a bunch of negative comments from readers. When people’s “food comfort zone” is threatened, it is very uncomfortable to “give up” those unclean meats, no matter how tasty they may be. Well, we all can either obey or disobey, the choice is ours. ” You shall not boil a kid in its mother’s milk” This verse has caused questions, and traditions, even unto separating meat and milk items, getting separate refrigerators, etc. All it is saying is this; (literally) if you have a female goat, and the mother goat is raising its kid, do not kill the kid, then milk the mother goat, and boil the kid in its mother’s milk. I mean, who would go out of the way to do that anyway? However, this might also have a deeper spiritual meaning. So, there is more than meets the eye and the basic understanding, if we take this derashically, we can look at it this way; ” meat” can symbolize the “flesh” and “milk” symbolize “life” it is the mother’s milk which maintains life to her young, yet “meat” once off the bone is dead! dead flesh! So, the connection is “our carnal flesh is sinful” yet the “milk of the WORD” (as said by Rav Shaul/Paul the Apostle) is what gives us LIFE. The Hebrew word for meat is “Basar” yet milk, in Hebrew is “Chalav”. written with the same Hebrew letters, but with different vowels is “Chelev” which means “pleasure” the three Hebrew letters “Chet, Lamed, and Beit, (CH L V) “LeiV” is also the word for “heart” so “milk” can be connected to “pleasure for the heart” and indeed, the sincere “MILK of the WORD of God is indeed, pleasure for the heart, while the things of the “flesh” (meat) are of the world. So, there is a separation of “meat and milk” symbolizing “things that give life, from things that produce death” This, of course, is not a literal separation, but spiritual and moral. (if literal, we shouldn’t eat Lasagna! Or cheeseburgers) Chapter 16 deals with “Yamim Kadoshim” the HOLY DAYS, the days that YHVH has separated for our observance and worship; PASSOVER, we remember the “Passover Lamb” who was Yeshua HaMashiach who gave his life for us all. The week of UNLEAVENED BREAD, when we put the leavened bread away since leaven reminds us of SIN in our lives. SHAVUOT (Pentecost) when the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) came to earth to stay, and when the Torah was given to Israel on Har Sinai. SUKKOT the feast of booths, which is a time of Thanksgiving, similar to the Thanksgiving of the pilgrims of Plymouth. When we thank God for an abundant harvest, and for the coming of God to earth (as Yeshua) to walk among humankind, to teach Torah, heal, raise the dead, and die for our sins. Have you accepted HIM as your LORD and Savior? ISAIAH 54:11-55:5 “Navi Yeshayahu” (Prophet Isaiah) speaks as directed by the Holy Spirit, as a father who comforts his children, promising them blessings, but begins with “Unhappy, storm-tossed one”, meaning that Israel has been through a lot, deportation to Babylon, destruction of the temple, scattered throughout the nations of the world…YET…blessings, protection, etc. will follow for THE SERVANTS OF THE LORD. Yes, for THOSE who SERVE the LORD. Yes, we have to be on HIS side, part of HIS FAMILY, and walk in OBEDIENCE. ” Come, all who are thirsty, come for water….” (Chap 55) Yeshua mentions LIVING WATER (himself) on Hoshanah Raba (the eighth day of Sukkot) and also, to the woman of Samaria, this water is available to US ALL, if we just choose to drink of his WORD. JOHN 9:1-10:42 This is the story of the healing of the blind man. Yeshua spat in the dust and make him “new eyes!” What a miracle, and why not? Are we not made from the dust of the earth (Adamah)? So Yeshua takes of the same dust, adds his own spittle (a form of water) and now, the blind man washes in the “Pool of Siloach” (which means “sent”) So, we see this; a man who has a defect (blindness) meets Yeshua (The Living God) who made man from the dust of the earth, puts dust on the blind man’s eyes, add a bit of water, then “sends” the man to wash in the pool that means “Sent” and then, he sees! There are many who are blind spiritually, they cannot or don’t want, or will not “see” the truth. They see it, yet they don’t. The Bible is TRUTH yet many just see a book with stories in it, yet when the Holy Spirit opens the eyes of the spiritually blind, then, they can now SEE! The difference between the “clean” and the “unclean” the “worldly” and “Holy”, “obedience” and “disobedience” before they were blind and now they can see. We were all blind, yet now, we can see! Baruch HaShem! Shabbat Shalom…. Rabbi Ben Avraham
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  46. Greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, OC, there are at least three good reasons to conclude that what John sees when Christ opens the first six seals are not the wrath of God. 1) No wrath executed yet at the opening of the fifth seal The seals are in sequential order, 1-7. That would mean that seals 1, 2, 3, and 4, come before, that is prior to (I must say this because some pre-tribbers are challenged when it comes to understanding the meaning of the word "before"), seal #5. What John sees at the opening of the 5th seal is quite a bit different than that which he describes seeing at the opening of seals 1-4 and 6. He sees martyred saints in heaven under the altar. They are crying out to God for their violent deaths, for His name's sake, to be avenged. They died as martyrs and they expect God to deal justice unto their persecutors. Jesus spoke of such a scenario associated with His coming. Luk 18:7 And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? Luk 18:8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth? The answer the martyrs receive is that they will have to wait a little season for their murders to be avenged. The theme of vengeance is closely associated with the day of the Lord. Paul tells us that the day vengeance finally comes is the day of Christ's revelation when the church rests from being persecuted (thlipsis, trouble, tribulation). 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. At the opening of the fifth seal, Christ's vengeance has not yet fallen upon our persecutors. In fact, it is said that vengeance will not come until a little season involving more martyrdom. Rev 6:9 And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: Rev 6:10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? Rev 6:11 And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled. If vengeance upon the earth dwellers who persecute the saints unto death hasn't fallen at the opening of the fifth seal we most certainly know that God's wrath didn't begin at the first seal. 2) The cosmic sign which portends the arrival of the day of the Lord is seen by John at the opening of the sixth seal John sees the cosmic sign that Joel said would come prior to the day of the Lord when the sixth seal is opened. Rev 6:12 And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood; Rev 6:13 And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind. Rev 6:14 And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places. Rev 6:15 And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; Rev 6:16 And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: Rev 6:17 For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand? The day of the Lord, that is God's wrath executed in that day, cannot come until the cosmic sign takes place. Joe 2:31 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the LORD come. 3) There is no mention of God's wrath in the book of Revelation until the earth dwellers seeing Jesus revealed with the holy angels begin to hide from the wrath that will fall later the same day upon them Rev 6:16 And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: Rev 6:17 For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand? Twelve times the word wrath appears in the book of Revelation, referring to God's wrath. The first mention isn't at the opening of the first seal, it is at the opening of the sixth seal when the unbelieving, Beast worshipers, who will have been persecuting the saints to the death, realize the party is over because the day of the Lord has arrived. They had scoffed and mocked that there would ever be such a day of reckoning. However, after seeing in the clouds the arrival of the Christ in all His glory with the mighty angels they are hiding. The word wrath isn't mentioned until after the sixth seal is opened in which it is said that the day of His wrath is come. Knowing that the redeemed are not appointed unto God's wrath on the day of the Lord, the saints will be removed from the earth in the rapture before wrath begins to fall upon the earth dwellers later that day in the form of the first trumpet judgement. Revelation 7:9-17 records the results of the resurrection and rapture. There John sees us before the throne of God in Heaven. I pray that you recognise these simple truths. All praise, honour, and glory be unto Jesus Christ our Lord
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  47. Even with me trying, no words of mine can really come close in explaining or describing GOD. The perfect, the Holy ONE, the greatest person, none like Him and yet He became a man. Praise GOD! Worthy is the Lamb!
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  48. I think of His great power and strength, which is so gentle with me. Even when He corrects me He is so gentle.
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  49. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. ESV Before anything else existed, there was Christ, with God. He has always been alive and is himself God. He created everything there is—nothing exists that he didn’t make. LBT
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