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I went ahead and split this topic out of the original topic since it was a diversion of the topic. @Robert William While Predestination is a Biblical doctrine -- so is the doctrine of Free Will. If it wasn't why would God say things such as -- Joshua 24:15 "If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." Deu 30:15 “See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil. Deu 30:16 If you obey the commandments of the LORD your God that I command you today, by loving the LORD your God, by walking in his ways, and by keeping his commandments and his statutes and his rules, then you shall live and multiply, and the LORD your God will bless you in the land that you are entering to take possession of it. Deu 30:17 But if your heart turns away, and you will not hear, but are drawn away to worship other gods and serve them, Deu 30:18 I declare to you today, that you shall surely perish. You shall not live long in the land that you are going over the Jordan to enter and possess. Deu 30:19 I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, Deu 30:20 loving the LORD your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him, for he is your life and length of days, that you may dwell in the land that the LORD swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.” @Robert William Most people on the forums are Bible-Believing believers and believe in the Statement of Faith, so there is no need to attack someone who may disagree with you on a particular doctrine. Remember what Paul said when talking to someone, 2Ti 2:24 And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, 2Ti 2:25 correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, 2Ti 2:26 and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will. As a servant of the Lord, we do well if we correct in a way that the Spirit of God has the opportunity to enlighten their spirit to the truth. However, if you speak in a means that is purposely offensive, then very often the opposite takes place. Proverbs 18:19 A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle. Remember while Jesus appeared to be harsh, it also says Joh 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. God bless, George

I do not disagree that there is some angst, and it is not one sided. I hope also, that they will learn from this dialogue with you and see if it applies to them also. They are also, guilty of getting to focused on others, NOT the topic, and it is not unnoticed. I do not want to discourage people from using the report feature, as it is a valuable tool for us mods, to be made aware of what problems are happening on the forums, hopefully we can head some of that off. I enjoy speaking with you too Robert, but not everyone has equally thick skins here, and we need to keep that in mind. I personally see debate, as a positive thing, but when egos get involved, or things start to heat up a little, people stop hearing each other, and just start reacting to each other. Then, learning stops. I learn a lot from people who disagree with me, sometimes I change my mind, sometimes I don't. Maybe on somethings, I am not ready to change, but God will convict me later. Let's all just be civil, not not get too invested in having to be right, and more invested in being kind to one another, and edifying the body of Christ for His sake.

As long as this is what your personal relationship with Christ is teaching you, I will say no more, but to encourage you to keep pressing in. Much love in Christ, Not me Your more than welcome turtletwo, glad you enjoyed it. If I can help even one person with their personal relationship with Christ I have pushed the ball a little farther down the road. Blessings to you. Much love in Christ, Not me

Personal conviction is different that celebrating evil , IF even in ignorance . Would you celebrate a gay marriage . but some folks would call me legalistic for saying Do not go to a gay marriage . Would you practice mysticsm , just because it had a christain name on it . So why on earth are we going to dress up in costumes on THAT DAY . we cant make evil good . we cant take what the heathens do and then CHRSITANZE IT . GOD NO LIKES THAT .

The book can be downloaded in pdf format, just do a google search with the title and place pdf at the end of the search sentence. Again, to reiterate, the demonic world that the enemy has employed to trap and make seem so comfortable and pleasurable is being overlooked by the ones who are to shine their lamps from the candlesticks and not use the dark cloaks that the enemy symbolizes to represent his kingdom of darkness. Because the spiritual world of evil cannot be seen with the eyes, does not mean it does not exits. I testify to you today, it is real as you touch your skin and feel the touch. I have been in enough spiritual warfare to know to flee from the things that is not pertaining or points to the purity of the gospel. Many belittle the acts that take place on that event , but we are told of witches and the likes in the bible and I guess people thinks they do not exist anymore. To each his own on his quest for laughter on this dreadful event. It does not portray anything of the gospel and therefore flee it.

Posted previously "PS Celtic contemplative prayer has been going on since around 290AD, nothing to do with Eastern religions or yoga" I do personally not know anything about this, but found this below. contemplative prayer vs biblical meditation Big difference...................... Got questions says; "Question: "What is contemplative prayer?" Answer: It is important to first define “contemplative prayer.” Contemplative prayer is not just “contemplating while you pray.” The Bible instructs us to pray with our minds (1 Corinthians 14:15), so, clearly, prayer does involve contemplation. However, praying with your mind is not what “contemplative prayer” has come to mean. Contemplative prayer has slowly increased in practice and popularity along with the rise of the emerging church movement—a movement which embraces many unscriptural ideas and practices. Contemplative prayer is one such practice. Contemplative prayer begins with “centering prayer,” a meditative practice where the practitioner focuses on a word and repeats that word over and over for the duration of the exercise. The purpose is to clear one’s mind of outside concerns so that God’s voice may be more easily heard. After the centering prayer, the practitioner is to sit still, listen for direct guidance from God, and feel His presence. Although this might sound like an innocent exercise, this type of prayer has no scriptural support whatsoever. In fact, it is just the opposite of how prayer is defined in the Bible. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6). “In that day you will no longer ask me anything. I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete” (John 16:23-24). These verses and others clearly portray prayer as being comprehendible communication with God, not an esoteric, mystical meditation. Contemplative prayer, by design, focuses on having a mystical experience with God. Mysticism, however, is purely subjective, and does not rely upon truth or fact. Yet the Word of God has been given to us for the very purpose of basing our faith, and our lives, on Truth (2 Timothy 3:16-17). What we know about God is based on fact; trusting in experiential knowledge over the biblical record takes a person outside of the standard that is the Bible. Contemplative prayer is no different than the meditative exercises used in Eastern religions and New Age cults. Its most vocal supporters embrace an open spirituality among adherents from all religions, promoting the idea that salvation is gained by many paths, even though Christ Himself stated that salvation comes only through Him (John 14:6). Contemplative prayer, as practiced in the modern prayer movement, is in opposition to biblical Christianity and should definitely be avoided. The Cripplegate Is Meditation permissible for Christians? (in 500 words) Posted: 01 Oct 2018 12:01 AM PDT The practice of meditation in its many forms (transcendental, mindful, body scan, awareness, zen, etc.) has suddenly metastasized into a lucrative industry, assimilated by Western corporate conglomerates. Even the Marines are taking a stab at the practice. The frenetic noisiness of modern life has fertilized the market for a new crop of meditation apps (e.g. Headspace and Calm), productivity pundits (e.g. Leo Babauta of zenhabits(dot)net fame) and business section bestsellers aimed at secular readership (e.g. 10% Happier by Dan Harris and conclusions in Tools of Titans by Tim Ferriss). Some Christians, who are rightly wary of imbibing any gateway drug to New Age worldviews or practices, are curious about the intersection of Eastern-origin and biblical meditation. I have been asked on a few occasions, “Is it permissible for Christians to engage in meditation?” And the answer is… Let’s define our terms. Meditation is a biblical term, used 22 times in the Hebrew Old Testament. Here’s a smattering of examples: Genesis 24: 63 And Isaac went out to meditate in the field toward evening. Joshua 1: 8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. Psalm 77: 3 When I remember God, I moan; when I meditate, my spirit faints… 12 I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds. Psalm 119: 97 Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day. …99 …your testimonies are my meditation. Psalm 143: 5 I remember the days of old; I meditate on all that you have done; I ponder the work of your hands. Psalm 145: 5 On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate. Isaac’s practice (Gen 24:63) is not described, just mentioned. But whenever the practice is described, it is coupled in parallel with other verbs that convey an active practice of dwelling mentally on content derived from God’s revelation. So, meditation is far from being an unbiblical practice when it is practiced in this way: filling one’s mind with true content, such as the historical truth of God’s works, God’s character, God’s teachings, God’s will. In short, when you fill your mind with Scripture or truths derived from Scripture, meditation is a profitable practice. Whereas the biblical practice of meditation is a filling of the mind with truth to be understood, memorized, and implemented (see Phil 4:8-9), Eastern meditative practices, in contrast, emphasize the emptying of the mind. All Eastern or secular meditation practices I have encountered in my research—as taught on the internet, in popular books, guided courses, and smartphone apps—propose ways to focus on a word or a thought that is devoid of biblical content, or is a practice of mindful awareness, non-judgment, and other argot for “do anything except think about the God of the Bible and his will.” The idea is to allow thoughts to pass through consciousness without judgment, or to edge thoughts out of the mind completely. Granted, a Christian might be able to graft Scriptural truth into the practices that teach one how to focus on one word or concept or attitude or feeling, by substituting biblical content as the object of one’s focus. But I don’t believe there is any need to lean on secular, New Age, or Buddhist practices to learn about biblical meditation. We can learn meditation from the Bible. We are encouraged to fill our minds “day and night” with God’s word so that our thoughts and feelings are influenced by truth about him and his doings and his will. Hope this helps.........

This conversation seems like it has gotten a bit of track, compared with the OP, but i suppose that is harmless enough, since she only posted on that herself two posts, both on the same day - sort of a hit and run. Not sure that was at all, an honest query, or just someone distracting good people from legitimate topics. Well, she did succeed at distracting people, but, she did not succeed at diverting them from meaningful discussion anyway. Carry on I guess, but to be honest, I would not cry over seeing the topic die out, just to that OP title, gets lost and not continually bumped into prominence.

“‘Come out of her, my people,’ so that you will not share in her sins, so that you will not receive any of her plagues; for her sins are piled up to heaven, and God has remembered her crimes. Give back to her as she has given; pay her back double for what she has done. Pour her a double portion from her own cup. Give her as much torment and grief as the glory and luxury she gave herself." Rev. 18:4-7

That's not what my church is. We have Wednesday men's and women's classes, Sunday evening small groups, sunday school and several local ministries. I'm in the Praise band and also in the Jail ministry. Some are even more involved than that. And our sunday schools take separate offerings that are used to help specific needs cases that the whole class votes on. i.e. my church is an active community within the community. But it was the third church we tried out when we moved here. This one stuck.

(Worthy News) - A school district in Massachusetts will no longer allow prayer at its school-sponsored events in order to appease one of the nation's leading atheist groups. Last month, Canton Public Schools Superintendent Jennifer Fischer-Mueller informed the Wisconsin-based Freedom From Religion Foundation that "steps have been taken to ensure that there will be no prayers or religious rituals" included as part of any school ceremony or school-sponsored event, including graduation ceremonies. Fischer-Mueller's letter came after FFRF, which advocates for a strict separation of church and state and regularly pressures school districts and local government entities across the nation to drop all types of religious activities and cooperation, sent a demand letter to her in late June. [ Source: Christian Post (Read More...) ] The post Prayer Banned at Graduations, School Events After Nation's Largest Atheist Group Complains appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

Well yes, there is plenty of good news. But I think we can draw a distinction between good news and "The good news". Just as there is "The Apostle" Jesus Christ also the twelve apostles, exceptions such as Paul then also apostles such as Barnabas, John Mark, Sillas and today, all that apostles are, are church planting missionaries. They give there bodies over as per example, not an office that controls or lords over anything. We don't use the term because of the problems with language and definitions, abuses, controversy but there is a gift given to men go into areas where the gospel needs preached. Doesn't mean those carrying the gift forward are pastors continually but none the less they plant churches and raise up or train elders. By definition there are many apostles, those who are sent. Anyway there is plenty of good news/gospels but there is one "The Gospel" as there is only one "The Apostle". The way we deliver that news varies from situation to situation. As we can see in the text. Everything hinges on Jesus Christ crucified, resurrected and coming again. Paul in Acts 17:30-31 described it as judgement on a appointed day by a man whom God raised from the dead when preaching the gospel to the people in Athens. "Therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now declaring to men that all everywhere should repent, because He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He has appointed, having furnished proof to all men by raising Him from the dead."

Contemplative prayer begins with “centering prayer,” a meditative practice where the practitioner focuses on a word and repeats that word over and over for the duration of the exercise. The purpose is to clear one’s mind of outside concerns so that God’s voice may be more easily heard. After the centering prayer, the practitioner is to sit still, listen for direct guidance from God, and feel His presence. When you pray be NOT like the heathen , who pray with vain REPETITIONS , thinking they will be HEARD for their much speaking , WHO SAID THAT . JESUS DID . They think they can draw closer to GOD and await HIS voice by their much thinking of a word or a phrase . THIS IS HOW I knew this was NO GOOD gary . THIS type stuff IS identified as NOT TO DO by JESUS . And you should have heard the pope a few years back . Made a huge speech about HOW good contemplative prayer is , How he hears the still small voice of GOD during it . RATHER ODD that the man says also all religions are finding their way to GOD . That is no man of GOD . This contemplative prayer WILL open the hearts and minds to this inclusive movment . FACT .

So much for not having any backpedaling. Yesterday my feelings for this situation have withdrawn significantly. I believe the trigger was just seeing her smile one too many times. How could someone be so happy and jovial while they sit here and abandon their husband? It isn't really a feeling of anger or sadness, its more of a 'time to move on' feeling. Since then my mind has been flooded with all the terrible things she has said to me, painting a picture that she never really intended to be married to me. I love you, but I'm not in love with you. I need to get a job so I can get the *** up out of here. This marriage was a mistake. You can't give me what I need, and I won't give you what you need. You make my skin curl. I don't love you and I will never love you. I don't want to form a connection. I don't need your bible thumping ***. I don't want to hear all this Jesus stuff. I kept forgiving and looking past these things, putting hope in something that was likely never going to happen because of her free will. I'm done. Thanks all for the support. Next I'll be focusing on obtaining custody of my children so they can be raised in a proper christian home.

Hello @Robert William, I started to read your opening post, but, with respect, got no further than the first line, which said, 'Yes, predestination is biblical. Predestination is the teaching that God has, from all eternity, freely determined whatsoever shall come to pass.' * This is surely not right: for example, did God determine that the offspring of Noah would 'abide' in the valley of Shinar and build themselves a city and a tower, in order to make themselves a name, against His known will? I think not. This is just one act of disobedience which comes to mind, beside that one catastrophic act of disobedience in the garden of Eden, which brought in sin and death upon mankind. * God has foreknowledge, He knows what man will do, and therefore predestinates accordingly. * I have no time to read further at this moment, but felt it necessary to respond to that opening line. In Christ Jesus Our risen and glorified Saviour, Lord, and Head. Chris

Well at least the groups name is honest...

If, as people that lay claim to Christ, if our behavior does not fall into one of these categories, it is wickedness, evil, and sin. As believers this is simply, good and evil. There is no gray in God, all things in God fall into one of the two categories, either good which includes,love, righteousness, being a peace maker and all other good and proper things. And evil which is simply a elevation of self above that which is right. Let us, as those that wish to get our “well done thou good and faithful servant’s” strive for good and righteous behavior in all we do, say, think and imagine, so we might be counted as those that receive an abundant welcome. Much love in Christ, Not me

God wants ALL to come to repentance. 2Pe 3:9 (9) The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. Repentance is fundamental to salvation, but because all sinners are dead in their trespasses and sins and cannot repent without the goodness of God leading them to do so, the word of God must first take root and germinate in fertile places of the heart. Rom 2:4 (4) Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? Heb 5:14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. Heb 6:1-3 (1) Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, (2) Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. (3) And this will we do, if God permit.

Thank you angels4u, much appreciated. Good teaching, clear and very practical. Marilyn.

Hi iamlamad.... When scripture says that no one was 'found'.....I don't think it means that a search was underway, like someone was lost. It means that no-one was ....declared, confirmed, validated, deemed. But I think you already know that. Even if a search was underway, why wasn't Jesus found? If He was on the earth, He should have been easily located. And what about the length of time it would take to search heaven and earth and under the earth (graves)? No, I just don't buy this argument. He's there in Rev 4:8.... " Holy Holy Holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come" (It's Jesus who's coming...Rev 22:20) He's there in Rev 4:11...."for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created" (John 1:3) Rev 4:11.

Hi iamlamad, 1. In Rev. 4 we see the throne/authority of the glorified Lord Jesus given by the Father. When Jesus ascended to the right hand of the Father `far above all` we know He was given all authority and power.....However the Father said for Him to sit at His right hand TILL His enemies are brought under His footstool. (Ps. 110: 1) This has yet to take place. From that place the Lord is interceding and building up His Body. He is operating in His High Priestly office. Now we know that He also is a King, however it is not until His enemies are brought to His footstool, and the Father says, "Rule in the midst of your enemies!" that the Lord will then operate in His office as King. Thus in Rev. 4 we see these two offices of the Lord, King (throne) and Priest, (gems stones of High Priest). We also see that it is the Father who undergirds this throne/authority. (Symbolic hand reaching out, as God is a Spirit). 2. Interesting observation. Jesus we see is not in heaven or on the earth or under the earth BUT is in the midst of the Godhead, as He is deity and that is beyond the created order. 3. The Holy Spirit is omnipresent so is everywhere. Marilyn.

Seriously Robert, while I do not hold the views about free will that many do, I would never refer to comments about peripheral theology as Satanic. That is way over the top! Think that in your mind if that it your conviction, but please refrain from telling brothers and sisters in Christ, that they have adopted doctrines of demons on topics that do not establish nor prevent one from having a relationship with their Lord and Savior. If you believe that a notion is unscriptural, fine, say so and produce your evidence for others to evaluate and to pray over, and hear and pray over what they say as well. Don't automatically assume, that you have some special insight or access to the Holy Spirit, not enjoyed by others as well. Without differences of opinion in the body of Christ, it is possible that the truth will not be presented, and therefore, debate and differences, are an insurance policy, that the truth will get an airing!

Yes it was . I want us to all ponder something . are we supposed to take an evil day and turn around and christanize it . NO way . Its bad enough when the world does it , but when we are now born again we should be learning to discern between what is good and what is evil . And i know most very young christains may not see the danger in it . But i can assure us we should exhort them and pull them out . Another thing . Be always ready to hear the SPIRIT . FOR even as a two week old babe in Christ , when Halloween was brought up , the thing is , IT NOW FELT ALL WRONG for us to have anything to do with it . SO THE SPIRIT would unction us . BUT if we don't heed that unction and start going to pastors , we can be deceived by those who do these things . Never shut out the SPIRIT .

YOU LOVED DEAR SISTER . And as i have said before so say i now again . I Flat out don't care what the rick warren camps , and emergent and or the pope would say about ya . I LOVES YA . i am sure the pope would smile real big and the churches who dress up and say WHO IS HE TO JUDGE , just as he and many do today . BUT WE KNOW , We don't take from the evil and try and christanize it . THAT is far worse for us to do , than for the world to do . CAUSE WE SUPPOSED TO KNOW BETTER .

“That Christ might be written in our hearts that He might be read by all man.” That we might come to know Him in all reality and all truth that we might walk before Him in righteousness (newness of life) Thanks Debp for trying to be a peacemaker. May God richly bless you for the effort. Much love in Christ, Not me

Please don't let what that man said to you trouble you any longer. He should have just been happy you got baptized! The Lord doesn't want you to feel guilty by continually remembering that man's comments. May you remember the joy of your baptism instead!

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith. Meekness, temperance; against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another. Galatians 5:22-26 Although we are sinners saved by grace, and in need of repentance when we might sin....we should, as born again believers, seek to walk in newness of life, to walk in the Spirit. Christ has redeemed us and made us new creations. I think this is what Not me has been saying.

So ,the bible clearly says that "we do not war against flesh and blood, but the spiritual host of wickedness in high places". Don't know how many believers have been through spiritual warfare, but I guarantee those who have would have absolutely nothing to do with that event----- period.

Naomi,that's how I see Halloween ,it's not innocent as many people think but only God can convict people's hearts,we all have to listen to the voice of God and test it by the Bible, where in the Bible did God ever tell us to join a satanic holiday for ones a year?

What are the causes and solutions for a hardened heart?" Answer: To better understand the causes and solutions for a hardened heart, it’s important to understand the broad biblical meaning of the word “heart.” The Bible considers the heart to be the hub of human personality, producing the things we would ordinarily ascribe to the “mind.” For example, Scripture informs us that grief (John 14:1); desires (Matthew 5:28); joy (Ephesians 5:19); understanding (Isaiah 6:10; Matthew 13:15); thoughts and reasoning (Genesis 6:5; Hebrews 4:12; Mark 2:8); and, most importantly, faith and belief (Hebrews 3:12; Romans 10:10; Mark 11:23) are all products of the heart. Also, Jesus tells us that the heart is a repository for good and evil and that what comes out of our mouth – good or bad – begins in the heart (Luke 6:43–45). Considering this, it’s easy to see how a hardened heart can dull a person’s ability to perceive and understand. Anyone’s heart can harden, even faithful Christians’. In fact, in Mark 8:17–19 we see Jesus’ own disciples suffering from this malady. The disciples were concerned with their meager bread supply, and it was clear that each of them had forgotten how Jesus had just fed thousands with only a few loaves. Questioning them as to the hardness of their hearts, Christ spells out for us the characteristics of this spiritual heart condition as an inability to see, understand, hear, and remember. Regarding this last criterion, too often we forget how God has blessed us and what He has done for us. Similar to the disciples in this instance or the Israelites wandering in the wilderness, when a new calamity arises in our lives, our hearts often fill with fear and concern. Sadly, this simply reveals to God the little faith we have in His promise to take care of us (Matthew 6:32–33; Philippians 4:19). We need to remember not only the many times God has graciously provided for us in our time of need, but also what He has told us: “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6; Hebrews 13:5). Sin causes hearts to grow hard, especially continual and unrepentant sin. Now we know that “if we confess our sins, [Jesus] is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins” (1 John 1:9). However, if we don’t confess our sins, they have a cumulative and desensitizing effect on the conscience, making it difficult to even distinguish right from wrong. And this sinful and hardened heart is tantamount to the “seared conscience” Paul speaks of in 1Timothy 4:1–2. Scripture makes it clear that if we relentlessly continue to engage in sin, there will come a time when God will give us over to our “debased mind” and let us have it our way. The apostle Paul writes about God’s wrath of abandonment in his letter to the Romans where we see that godless and wicked “men who suppress the truth” are eventually given over to the sinful desires of their hardened hearts (Romans 1:18–24). Pride will also cause our hearts to harden. The “pride of your heart has deceived you . . . you who say to yourself, ‘who can bring me down to the ground’ . . . I will bring you down declares the LORD” (Obadiah 3). Also, the root of Pharaoh’s hard-heartedness was his pride and arrogance. Even in the face of tremendous proofs and witnessing God’s powerful hand at work, Pharaoh’s hardened heart caused him to deny the sovereignty of the one, true God. And when King Nebuchadnezzar’s “heart became arrogant and hardened with pride, he was deposed from his royal throne and stripped of his glory . . . until he acknowledged that the Most High God is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and sets over them anyone He wishes” (Daniel 5:20–21). Accordingly, when we’re inclined to do it our way, thinking we can “go it on our own,” it would be wise to recall what King Solomon taught us in Proverbs 14:12 and 16:25: “There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.” So, what then is the antidote for a heart condition such as this? First and foremost, we have to recognize the effect that this spiritual disease has on us. And God will help us to see our heart’s condition when we ask Him: “Search me O God, and know my heart…see if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23–24). God can heal any heart once we recognize our disobedience and repent of our sins. But true repentance is more than simply a resolute feeling of steadfast determination. Repentance manifests itself in a changed life. After repenting of our sins, hard hearts begin to be cured when we study God’s Word. “How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart. . . . I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:9–11). The Bible is our manual for living as it is “God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). If we are to live life to the fullest as God intended, we need to study and obey God’s written Word, which not only keeps a heart soft and pure but allows us to be “blessed” in whatever we do (Joshua 1:8; James 1:25). Hearts can also become hardened when we suffer setbacks and disappointments in life. No one is immune to trials here on earth. Yet, just as steel is forged by a blacksmith’s hammer, so, too, can our faith be strengthened by the trials we encounter in the valleys of life. As Paul encouraged the Romans: “But we also rejoice in our sufferings because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us” (Romans 5:3–5).( igotquestions

Ask any catholic of the dangers of bowing to images , or praying to saints or mary and they will tell you its not worship or error. So simple , even a child can understand it . YET they dead wrong . And so is honoring a pagan festival, EVEN if its done in ignorance . The conscious of a child , IS NOT always RIGHT . Just as we were once in darkeness doing as the world . Just because one thinks something is not evil , and make claim oh I am not celebrating it does not mean they are no honoring it . The catholics do this line with prayer to saints or mary or bowing before idols . Yet WE KNOW that is wrong . So too is any participation ON HALLOWEEN . If we want to witness on that night , THEN DO it in plain clothes .

Hi Not me. Of course God is a respecter of persons: Genesis 4:4-5 (KJV) 4 And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel (the person) and to his offering: 5 But unto Cain (the person) and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. For over 4000 years God had respect to the Covenant people from Adam to Abel to Moses to Abraham - and his descendants. Then, God was to bring Gentiles in 'en masse' which is the context of Peter's statement, otherwise, God has had His favorites.

Nope not one The only way one gets to Heaven is at death.Those who have died come back with Christ from Heaven ,those alive at that time will be changed to like those coming from Heaven. ALL are changed,not just those in Christ,the difference is in the state of your soul,ie,mortal or immortal,contrary to what most think,the soul is not automatically immortal.

How about this for a Universal Title.....”This thread will morph into the standard OSAS vs NOSAS given enough time.....” lol.....

You are right in the fact that I said "Thats' all I think about it anyway". In context though, it was a direct reply to Ladykay as to her fears of being attacked for her statement. I am still free to post what I think generally about the topic and will do so, even if you think that it may be on the legalistic side. Nevertheless, I don't see this as even a holiday as such, but a deceptive plan of the unseen foe of man to deceive and overwhelm them with clever schemes of so called fun and fantasy. It is becoming as big a celebration as Christmas and even believers are falling for the false illusion that is being presented. Again it's everyone prerogative to do as they please, its' a fact I note. Nothing wrong with admonition and to heed scripture about the unfruitful works of darkness, which that event it centered on.

"As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him. Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand. One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord. The one who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God, while the one who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God. For none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself. For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's. For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living. Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God; for it is written, “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.” So then each of us will give an account of himself to God. Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean. For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died. So do not let what you regard as good be spoken of as evil. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding. Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God. Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong for anyone to make another stumble by what he eats. It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble. The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who has no reason to pass judgment on himself for what he approves. But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin."

Your more than welcome Debp. As my mother in the faith use to tell me “God can not bless a lie” and we all want the blessings of God on our life’s. Much love in Christ, Not me

Thanks for the good reminder for all of us, Not me.

A lot depends on where you live. Many years ago, an American Christian family came to live in the UK and joined our church. They were used to celebrating Halloween and were horrified to discover that it's a very different kind of festival in the UK. For one thing, in most areas it's relatively new (it didn't exist when I was a child, and I didn't come across it until the 1980s). The elderly don't like it because they are expected to open their doors to gangs of teenagers who can be quite menacing. Everything on sale in the shops is a celebration of witchcraft and other occult-related things. Most UK churches run "anti-Halloween" events for the children (such as "light parties"). Most Christians don't celebrate Halloween and try not to get involved (but some do see it as an opportunity to witness). I put a notice up in our window saying "Halloween-free zone, please don't trick-or -treat". But this is in the UK. I'm not telling Americans what to do.

Totally understand, JT. Just trying to warn about my personal experiences with "stuff" that I unknowingly got involved in. The secular is extremely proficient in language/media word warping, to suit their agenda. Thanks for yours and maryjanes heads up. Stay vigilant. In Christ!

So. Is this what you want to talk about? "Whatever" I don't want to derail your topic............... Whatever ; a slang term meaning "whatever you say" , "I don't care what you say" or "what will be will be". The term is used either to dismiss a previous statement and express indifference or in affirmation of a previous statement as "whatever will be will be".[1] An interjection of "whatever" can be considered offensive and impolite or it can be considered affirming. In the late 20th century and early 21st century, the word became a sentence in its own right; in effect an interjection, often but not always, used as a passive-aggressive conversational blocking tool, leaving the responder without a convincing retort.[2]

@Heybro I agree with you, I've given it to God and I will let her work through this how she wants. I stopped trying so hard, but I'm still kind and supporting. Regarding the kids picking up on it, yes this is an issue, but the alternative of divorce will be much worse for them. I think it is worth waiting a little while longer. @Chrisy Good suggestions, I have gone through these over the past 4 months in my walk with Christ, as I have transformed from my old ways. Does she see Christ in me? Absolutely she recognizes it. @Archangel Thyos I think your question is do I think God is trying to lead me away from her. I do think it is possible for God to say 'no' to something that would exalt Him, because there is an alternative plan that will exalt Him even greater. However, I do not believe God would lead me towards sin, and God hates divorce. The net of all this is that I believe the plan is to stay the course until Christmas. That would put us at 7 months. Many schools of thought in psychology recommend this type of process takes a minimum of 6 months. The average separation is 7-10 months. Hopefully the magic of the holidays and the family events will change her heart. Come 2019, if things are the way they are right now, then I will put an end to it. Things can always change, but as for right now I believe this is the plan God has laid out for me.

DEUTERONOMY 33: 1-34:11…….ZECHARIAH 14:16-19 We are at the end of the five books of the Torah, yet as we all know, the whole Torah is ALL the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, yet this was the beginning of Adonai’s speaking his words to be written down by his chosen Prophets, in this case, Moshe. In Chapter 33, Moshe blesses all the 12 tribes of Israel. Very interesting are the words in verse 7: “And this of Y’hudah, and he said, “Hear YHVH, the voice of Y’hudah and bring him to his people, His hands shall fight for him, and you be a help against his enemies.” The sacred name of Adonai is used here, as in all places where the name LORD is used, yet it is also in the name “Y’hudah”. Y + H + V (u) d + H. Here the letter “u” is also the “Vav”. So we see God’s name in the largest tribe. As promised, Adonai will put his name in his people. Let’s go to the derashic level. Does this point to something? We can take this to the “Sukkot” level. “Shema YHVH, ha Kol YHVH!” God listens to God! YHVH came to earth in flesh and blood as YESHUA during this time of Sukkot. The Father brought the SON to HIS people. The hands of Yeshua fought for Israel and for ALL of mankind. He was a help against ALL enemies. Yet the fight was on the spiritual level, against HaSatan and against the curse of sin. Adonai lifted up and spread out his hands on Calvary’s cross to receive the nails, (symbolized by the letter “vav”) The very name YHVH symbolizes in the ancient Hebrew; “behold or revealed the hand, behold or revealed the nail” His very name points to Yeshua. His death paid the price of sin for ALL of mankind, but to make it effective, one must trust in Yeshua’s sacrifice on the personal level, to receive HIM as LORD and Savior. (33:11) O YHVH, bless his strength and the work of his hands, strike through the loins of those who rise against him, and of those who hate him, that they rise no more” We can look at this in two ways. Adonai has indeed blessed Israel, even though it is a small country, about the size of El Salvador, (El Salvador was one of the first countries to accept and support Israel as a nation), a country that has a powerful army, the IDF and Air Force, and was able to defend herself through God’s power, against many Arab nations who wanted to see the destruction of the Jewish state. “accept the work of his hands” Yeshua, who is our “Cohen Gadol” our High Priest, put out his hands to receive the nails, and thus was his work, his offering, his sacrifice for us all, “accepted” by the Father. Since sin entered the world by a man, (Adam) so a second man had to pay the price of sin that entered the world by the first Adam. It couldn’t be any ordinary man, it had to be “God and Man” both, that is why Yeshua is called the “Second Adam” Chap 34: We see that Moshe is ready to die and be buried by YHVH himself, yet he allows him to see the land which Israel will inherit. It is amazing that Moshe saw ALL the land as far as the Mediterranean Sea. Perhaps Adonai gave Moshe a “Close-up look” a miracle that happened only that time, to see so far away. Is it possible that Adonai gave Moshe a glimpse into the future, so as to see Israel in the future as well? The book closes with Yehoshua Ben Nun taking the lead, being filled with the wisdom of Adonai. He will lead the people into the promised land. Yehoshua is symbolic of “Yeshua” who is the “Life” which is what the letter “nun” symbolizes. Within the letters of the name “Yehoshua” is the name “Yeshua”, which when written in Paleo Hebrew, we can see the name “Yeshua” with the letter “hey” (h) in the name, meaning “Yeshua is revealed” and “Salvation is of YAH” It is Yeshua who leads us into the promised land, which is the New Jerusalem. He came in person during this time of Sukkot, which is all about “God coming to tabernacle among men” He came the first time as fire on top of Mt. Sinai, then came to dwell among the Israelites in the Mishkan, as fire and smoke, then he came in flesh and blood as Yeshua, then he returned in the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) on Shavuot (Pentecost), and He is still here among us all. He will return in the future to set up his millennial kingdom. Yeshua is as close as prayer is. He paved the way for us all, and the way was through the Cross of Calvary for all who believe. ZECHARIAH 14:16-19 Zekaryah Ha Navi (Zechariah the Prophet) is seeing into the future, during the millennial reign of Yeshua HaMelech (Yeshua the King) who is now on earth and reigns over all nations. A reign of peace has now begun and all will rejoice in this period of “shalom”. All the nations of the earth will go up to Yerushalayim to worship King Yeshua and to celebrate the Festival of Sukkot. It says that if “anyone of the clans (or families) of the earth does not come up to Yerushalayim to bow down and worship the King, then on them there will be no rain” But what exactly does this mean, we might ask? Does this mean that every person in every nation of the world will have to leave home and go up to Yerushalayim to celebrate Sukkot and worship Yeshua? If this were the case, how would so many people fit inside Yerushalayim? You can only get so many people inside a city. What would be the population of the world after the tribulation, perhaps with half of the world’s population dead through the plagues and wrath of Adonai, there would probably still be perhaps quite a few billion inhabitants of the earth, so, how would they all fit? Now, this is just my idea, my idea only. Perhaps, just perhaps the families of the nations’ leaders would be required to go up to celebrate Sukkot and worship Yeshua. These families would represent all the families of said nations, and any nation that does not send representatives, well, that nation would not receive rain in due season. This would make more sense than every family on earth going up to Jerusalem. The other thought would be that Jerusalem would be a lot larger than it is now, being a renewed earth during the millennial reign of Yeshua, but still, fitting in ALL of earth's families would still be far-fetched. One can only suppose what will happen. Well, my thoughts only. Shabbat Shalom……..Rabbi Ben Avraham

Praise The Lord, be blessed!

Beautifully put, turtletwo!

I'm glad someone else knew them. Those scripture choruses were simple... but simply wonderful.

Hi all, "The Defense of Calvinism" a sermon by Charles Spurgeon contains this excerpt (It is my story too- for I actively rejected the call of the Holy Spirit well into mature adulthood: ..." I remember the manner in which I learned the doctrines of grace in a single instant. Born, as all of us are by nature, an Arminian, I still believed the old things I had heard continually from the pulpit, and did not see the grace of God. When I was coming to Christ, I thought I was doing it all myself, and though I sought the Lord earnestly, I had no idea the Lord was seeking me. I do not think the young convert is at first aware of this. I can recall the very day and hour when first I received those truths in my own soul—when they were, as John Bunyan says, burnt into my heart as with a hot iron, and I can recollect how I felt that I had grown on a sudden from a babe into a man—that I had made progress in Scriptural knowledge, through having found, once for all, the clue to the truth of God. One week-night, when I was sitting in the house of God, I was not thinking much about the preacher's sermon, for I did not believe it. The thought struck me, How did you come to be a Christian? I sought the Lord. But how did you come to seek the Lord? The truth flashed across my mind in a moment—I should not have sought Him unless there had been some previous influence in my mind to make me seek Him. I prayed, thought I, but then I asked myself, How came I to pray? I was induced to pray by reading the Scriptures. How came I to read the Scriptures? I did read them, but what led me to do so? Then, in a moment, I saw that God was at the bottom of it all, and that He was the Author of my faith, and so the whole doctrine of grace opened up to me, and from that doctrine I have not departed to this day, and I desire to make this my constant confession, "I ascribe my change wholly to God." When I ( Neighbor) was turned about it was in a personally dramatic fashion, one that made me very aware of what I was up against. My freewill was exercised while I was under the demand that I choose now, no more lifelong debate. Now or done. Given that I did say aloud, "If that is true I want it!" to no one present, for I was alone except for the presence of God the Holy Spirit. Being in the presence of God (The Holy Spirit is God) makes one particularly humble and submissive, and if one is sane I suspect they no longer deny God. To exercise my freewill to deny the call of the Holy Spirit would have required that I be insane. Perhaps I had the freewill to do so, but really.... how could I? I instantly was born again. Didn't know doctrine one. Didn't know Calvin, from any other cat. I knew an instant change within me, and received a personal reminder gift. I had been a very heavy smoker, some five and a half packs a day. And yet I was no longer a smoker, I couldn't even be around tobacco. I had no cough, no withdrawals, nothing. It was personal, has nothing to do with whether one is Christian or not, but it is the daily reminder to me, and has been for some 37 years now. Over the years I have found myself living the very facets of faith of Jesus that Jacob Arminius objected to in his revolt of 1560 against the church expressed at the Synod of Dort, and have moved ever more closely to what Calvin embraced and later Charles Spurgeon preached with mighty power. Knowing nothing of any controversy- I was fully saved, even while not even knowing the deep meaning of the term itself. Certainly before having a clue about what brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus debate ad nauseum, I was saved by God's specific call to me personally to repent, to turn about abruptly, to embrace the gift of eternal life the redemption paid by Jesus- all the things I did not even know at the time. Yes I am a Calvinist I suppose, but what I really am is a soldier of my Lord Jesus, serving at the post where I have been placed. I do my duty as a bond-servant. I really have no other sane choice. And I love that my God first called me, even when I had no perceived need, no appreciation of him, no want of Him whatsoever, and while I had thought I had insulated myself from any appeal from any witness giving testimony of Him. At this point in my journey as a bond-servant I find that God is sovereign, sovereign over all nations, all kings, all persons, all things. He has told the saints in Christ Jesus to go into all the world to share of Jesus' gospel so that many may be presented mature in the faith of Jesus. It is in Him alone via His grace and mercy alone that the elect are saved, and He does not lose a one that His Father has granted Him. And not by the works of any man are any saved. All that said I embrace my brothers and sisters in Christ, no matter their understanding, or their support of any doctrines, of any group, denomination, or persuasion, or academia presentation, as long as they love our Lord Jesus and proclaim Him as Lord God and savior. For then we have solid common ground under us. Praise Jesus

blessings asecretchord, i would suggest that you really look into what kind of "messianic judaism" congregation believes. this term has become such a "generic term" it really does not accurately describe what you need to know to make sure the teaching you are receiving is Biblically accurate. their are many messianic Jews who do not believe that Jesus is the Messiah. some even believe another man was the Messiah. some are still waiting for the Messiah. in addition to that are many "gentile lead congregations" that want to adopt judiasim rituals without really understanding scripture some even have two house theories which are really way off. not sure why you are looking to this particular "type" of congregation but if it is to understand the scriptures better i would suggest that you go to a synagog near you and use their libraries there. love your sister in Christ, Rebekah David *edited to add make sure you are very grounded in the New Testament scripture first.

There are Messianic Jews here, I believe. None better to answer this question. I have a wonderful friend who is a Messianic Jewish lady and she tells me that she has come 'full circle' and believes that Jesus is the Son of God. She goes to a synagogue with like believers and celebrates many Jewish holidays. She's one of the most beautiful Christians I've ever known and I'm proud to have her as my friend.