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  1. John 15:5 5I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. John 15:1-27 .
    3 points
  2. Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. – Acts 17:11 In modern evangelical circles the Bereans are esteemed as model believers that all should follow, and yes there are great attributes to them but also there are implications taken from them that are untrue. Firstly they were jews, meaning they were religious jews but not believing Christians. Yet Paul the Apostle states they had “noble character” meaning they had a sense of them that they were deep thinkers before coming to quick conclusions on a matter. They were willing to give others the benefit of the doubt. Secondly, we see that they gladly received the message, meaning they were teachable, willing to learn and adjust their own beliefs. They were not so dogmatic to think that they were perfect or not needing correction or perfecting of their thinking of the Scriptures. When they heard reasonable words shared from the truth of Scriptures they eagerly sought these out to see if they really were Scriptural and true. They were not defensive but rather looking to learn and grow in their relationship and walk with God. They were also diligent in that every day they looked to see if the things Paul was sharing was true. They did not just give up or judge Paul but were willing to listen to the other side of the story and not come to quick conclusions. What a wonderful picture of a people who in the end mostly “embraced” the gospel message, they certainly were “noble” and the Lord honoured that. The Bereans did not spend hours looking for gaps and mistakes in Paul’s and Silas’s teachings but looked to see what was true of what they were saying. Modern believers who esteem Bereans think of these things in a different way. They look to diligently check things with the Bible so they can accuse and criticize another person or ministry. Most people are usually have their mind made up someone is wrong and therefore go ahead and simply look for ways to attack another’s character, calling and ministry. Such ministries are known as discernment ministries or even heresy hunters. Most of those who follow the ways of these “type” of Bereans are joyless, critical in spirit, bitter or even angry. Many believe they can take down the ministry they are accusing and feel they are doing God’s work just like the early Bereans. If you desire to have life and peace, stay with the Word of God and stay away from those who make it their life’s work to criticize and accuse others. Follow the example of the true Bereans who were happy and joyfully to rejoice in truth when it was shared and be willing to grow in our understanding of the Lord.
    3 points
  3. I recognize this ... but if your goal is to recover someone out of error. Let the Spirit of God do so. Listen the VERY FIRST RULE in any discussion is NEVER EVER use a personal attack. Why? BECAUSE personal attacks results in a lost argument! You cannot win ANY discussion once you use a personal attack. Do a google search -- How to LOSE a DEBATE. The VERY FIRST thing you'll probably find -- is using a personal attack or a Ad Hominem argument which is attacking the person or their character rather than discussing the topic at hand! Quite frankly as soon as ANYONE using a personal attack whether it's TRUE OR FALSE -- it creates a connection to an emotion! So the talking points are NO LONGER the subject -- but the ATTACK! And then EVERY SINGLE TIME the person sees that NAME -- the EMOTION is brought up -- and the debate is over before a point is read! It's a biblical understanding of what Proverbs lays out. Proverbs 18:19 A brother offended is like a strong city; and their disagreements are like the bars of a fortress. If your goal is to recover someone out of error -- look at how Paul gives advice to Timothy, 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. And you find that they recover themselves out of the snare of the enemy -- as the Spirit reveals truth to them! God bless, George
    2 points
  4. I realize you're new so I'll let this slide once. But this would be considered an ad-hominen attack and if someone was caught in this error -- they wouldn't be recovered as soon as you said -- You're a heretic! However the Scriptures are clear -- Eph 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, Eph 2:9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. Eph 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Our goals are to grow deeper "together" in the Lord! Iron sharpens iron ... We do it in love -- not name calling!
    2 points
  5. Pascal's wager. I have mixed feelings about the subject. I am currently of the thinking that we don't have direct control over what we will believe, a view called doxastic voluntarism. This would mean that even if you offered me $1,000,000 to believe there was an elephant standing in my office, sooner or later I would demonstrate that I don't actually believe it even though I were motivated to believe that it was true. I think how we might approach the Bible's truth claims is more like how we approach historical claims. Do we think Abe Lincoln did x and said y? There are several versions of the Gettysburg Address and historians aren't certain which, if any is correct. But we don't reject that historians know the gist of what was said. Nor do we doubt the existence of Abe, or that he was POTUS. So too we can engage the facts in the Bible pertaining say the claim that Christ existed, he died on a cross, was risen, and that his followers passed on his teaching. The reliability of the gospels has been argued by scholars for over 50 years making the following points: five reasons why I think we ought to assume that the gospels are reliable until proven wrong: 1. There was insufficient time for legendary influences to expunge the historical facts. The interval of time between the events themselves and recording of them in the gospels is too short to have allowed the memory of what had or had not actually happened to be erased. 2. The gospels are not analogous to folk tales or contemporary "urban legends." Tales like those of Paul Bunyan and Pecos Bill or contemporary urban legends like the "vanishing hitchhiker" rarely concern actual historical individuals and are thus not analogous to the gospel narratives. 3. The Jewish transmission of sacred traditions was highly developed and reliable. In an oral culture like that of first century Palestine the ability to memorize and retain large tracts of oral tradition was a highly prized and highly developed skill. From the earliest age children in the home, elementary school, and the synagogue were taught to memorize faithfully sacred tradition. The disciples would have exercised similar care with the teachings of Jesus. 4. There were significant restraints on the embellishment of traditions about Jesus, such as the presence of eyewitnesses and the apostles’ supervision. Since those who had seen and heard Jesus continued to live and the tradition about Jesus remained under the supervision of the apostles, these factors would act as a natural check on tendencies to elaborate the facts in a direction contrary to that preserved by those who had known Jesus. 5. The Gospel writers have a proven track record of historical reliability. for more see:https://www.reasonablefaith.org/writings/scholarly-writings/historical-jesus/rediscovering-the-historical-jesus-the-evidence-for-jesus/ It seems that over time one can acquire a trust in the gospel accounts that is sufficient to then support a handful of facts about Jesus, his death and resurrection. Further one can intuit the veracity of Jesus' followers since most signed their testimonies in their own blood rather than admit to a hoax. Further an atheist can examine: Cosmological arguments Teleological arguments Transcendent arguments Moral arguments In favor of God's existence. Finally, all can engage in the testimonies of the changed lives of Christians. The HS is doing the drawing, convicting, and some mysterious cognitive dissonance destruction that we can't begin to analyze. But I find this to be more helpful than the Pascal's wager approach, in fact pensees is a work of apologetics with a nod to "If all else fails, there is this idea of a wager..." so even Pascal didn't suggest the method as anything other than a hail mary." Or so I have been led to believe.
    2 points
  6. We don't choose God. He chooses us. I believe there are three kinds of people: Found sheep, goats, and lost sheep. When you are sharing the gospel with lost sheep and goats, you don't know which is which. So you share and let the Holy Spirit do its work. If they are lost sheep, they will become found sheep. If they are goats, well, they are goats. For me, they are good for cheese. I love goat cheese. You don't have to beat lost sheep over the head with a big bible. And, truth be told, they may even appear like goats to you, only to become found sheep years from now. I was a lost sheep until I was 27. Before that I was an "intellectual agnostic." So don't sweat it. Most of the bible is not written regarding how to bring people to Jesus - that's easy (if they are lost sheep). Most of it is instructions to Christians about how to live their life. Life's too short to be going around trying to reason with goats. Share the message and, if they reject it, move on to the next "potential lost sheep".
    2 points
  7. 'And the thing was good in the eyes of Pharaoh, .. and in the eyes of all his servants. .... And Pharaoh said unto his servants, ...... "Can we find such a one as this is, ........ a man in whom the Spirit of God is?" And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, .. "Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, .... there is none so discreet and wise as thou art: ...... Thou shalt be over my house, ........ and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: .......... only in the throne will I be greater than thou." And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, .. "See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt." And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, .. and put it upon Joseph's hand, .... and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, ...... and put a gold chain about his neck; ........ And he made him to ride in the second chariot which he had; .......... and they cried before him, "Bow the knee": ............ and he made him ruler over all the land of Egypt. And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, .. "I am Pharaoh, and without thee .... shall no man lift up his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt.' And Pharaoh called Joseph's name Zaphnathpaaneah; .. and he gave him to wife Asenath .... the daughter of Potipherah priest of On. And Joseph went out over all the land of Egypt. .. And Joseph was thirty years old .... when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt. ...... Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh, ........ and went throughout all the land of Egypt.' (Gen 41:37-46) Praise God! 'And Jesus Himself began to be about thirty years of age,' (Luk 3:23) * Zaphnathpaaneah: Jerome says this name signified in Egyptian, Savatorem mundi, "the Saviour of the world;" The 'world' to Pharoah, being Egypt, of which Joseph could clearly have been considered it's Saviour in that day.
    2 points
  8. Not much has changed. The eye keeps telling the hand "I have no need of you" because it doesn't yet understand that we must function in coordination to accomplish the work of God. So the debates continue with one calling the other a heretic simply because they understand truth from a different perspective. How that must grieve the Holy Spirit of God! Each part of the body has something to offer to the common good; even those in the old worn out suits or old wineskins can birth the new wine that needs to be poured in new wineskins, just as Judaic Christians gave birth to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
    2 points
  9. God wants trust.Had God created robots without the freedom to choose right from wrong, trust would have been impossible.God had to grant freedom. He valued this freedom so much that He was willing to risk sin- knowing full well that HE would have to be the one to pay the price for that sin.He did not have to.He did however. It was done to restore the broken relationship with the creation He so loved .We are to love Him because “ He loved us first”.It gives God pleasure to give US pleasure—— He does have something very big planned for us, His children.Paul saw what was awaiting us.....he did not have the words to describe it.Hope to see you there!
    2 points
  10. The Famine Begins 53When the seven years of abundance in Egypt came to an end, 54the seven years of famine began, just as Joseph had said. And although there was famine in every country, there was food throughout the land of Egypt. 55When extreme hunger came to all the land of Egypt and the people cried out to Pharaoh for food, he told all the Egyptians, “Go to Joseph and do whatever he tells you.” 56When the famine had spread over all the land, Joseph opened up all the storehouses and sold grain to the Egyptians; for the famine was severe in the land of Egypt. 57And every nation came to Joseph in Egypt to buy grain, because the famine was severe over all the earth.
    2 points
  11. The Seven Years of Plenty 46Now Joseph was thirty years old when he entered the service of Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph left Pharaoh’s presence and traveled throughout the land of Egypt. 47During the seven years of abundance, the land brought forth bountifully.48During those seven years, Joseph collected all the excess food in the land of Egypt and stored it in the cities. In every city he laid up the food from the fields around it. 49So Joseph stored up grain in such abundance, like the sand of the sea, that he stopped keeping track of it; for it was beyond measure. 50Before the years of famine arrived, two sons were born to Joseph by Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On. 51Joseph named the firstborn Manasseh,dsaying, “God has made me forget all my hardship and all my father’s household.” 52And the second son he named Ephraim,e saying, “God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction.”
    2 points
  12. Joseph Given Charge of Egypt 37This proposal pleased Pharaoh and all his officials. 38So Pharaoh asked them, “Can we find anyone like this man, in whom the Spirit of Goda abides?” 39Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one as discerning and wise as you. 40You shall be in charge of my house, and all my people are to obey your commands. Only with regard to the throne will I be greater than you.” 41Pharaoh also told Joseph, “I hereby place you over all the land of Egypt.”42Then Pharaoh removed the signet ring from his finger, put it on Joseph’s finger, clothed him in garments of fine linen, and placed a gold chain around his neck. 43He had Joseph ride in his second chariot, with men calling out before him, “Bow the knee!”b So he placed him over all the land of Egypt. 44And Pharaoh declared to Joseph, “I am Pharaoh, but without your permission, no one in all the land of Egypt shall lift his hand or foot.” 45Pharaoh gave Joseph the name Zaphenath-Paneah, and he gave him Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On,c to be his wife. And Joseph took charge over all the land of Egypt.
    2 points
  13. Joseph Interprets Pharaoh's Dreams 25Then Joseph said to Pharaoh, “The dreams of Pharaoh are one and the same. God has revealed to Pharaoh what He is about to do. 26The seven good cows are seven years, and the seven ripe heads of grain are seven years. The dreams have the same meaning. 27Moreover, the seven thin, ugly cows that came up after them are seven years, and so are the seven worthless heads of grain scorched by the east wind—they are seven years of famine. 28It is just as I said to Pharaoh: God has shown Pharaoh what He is about to do. 29Behold, seven years of great abundance are coming throughout the land of Egypt, 30but seven years of famine will follow them. Then all the abundance in the land of Egypt will be forgotten and the famine will devastate the land.31The abundance in the land will not be remembered, since the famine that follows it will be so severe. 32Moreover, on the basis of the dream being given to Pharaoh in two versions, the matter has been decreed by God, and He will carry it out shortly. 33Now therefore, Pharaoh should look for a discerning and wise man and set him over the land of Egypt. 34Let Pharaoh take action and appoint commissioners over the land to take a fifth of its harvest during the seven years of abundance. 35Under the authority of Pharaoh, let them collect all the excess food from these good years, that they may come and lay up the grain to be preserved as food in the cities. 36This food will be a reserve for the land during the seven years of famine to come upon the land of Egypt. Then the country will not perish in the famine.” (Genesis 41:25-36)
    2 points
  14. Gen. 41:14 "Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they quickly brought him out of the pit. And when he had shaved himself and changed his clothes, he came in before Pharaoh. Gen 41:15 And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I have had a dream, and there is no one who can interpret it. I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.” Gen 41:16 Joseph answered Pharaoh, “It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer.” Gen 41:17 Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Behold, in my dream I was standing on the banks of the Nile. Gen 41:18 Seven cows, plump and attractive, came up out of the Nile and fed in the reed grass. Gen 41:19 Seven other cows came up after them, poor and very ugly and thin, such as I had never seen in all the land of Egypt. Gen 41:20 And the thin, ugly cows ate up the first seven plump cows, Gen 41:21 but when they had eaten them no one would have known that they had eaten them, for they were still as ugly as at the beginning. Then I awoke. Gen 41:22 I also saw in my dream seven ears growing on one stalk, full and good. Gen 41:23 Seven ears, withered, thin, and blighted by the east wind, sprouted after them, Gen 41:24 and the thin ears swallowed up the seven good ears. And I told it to the magicians, but there was no one who could explain it to me.”
    2 points
  15. Genesis 41:9-13 "Then the chief cupbearer said to Pharaoh, “I remember my offenses today." When Pharaoh was angry with his servants and put me and the chief baker in custody in the house of the captain of the guard, we dreamed on the same night, he and I, each having a dream with its own interpretation. A young Hebrew was there with us, a servant of the captain of the guard. When we told him, he interpreted our dreams to us, giving an interpretation to each man according to his dream. And as he interpreted to us, so it came about. I was restored to my office, and the baker was hanged.”
    2 points
  16. Blessed be this truth. It has been and remains a strength to know. That it’s our job to “abide” it’s His job to bring forth the fruit. Blessings Much love in Christ, Not me
    2 points
  17. For details see: New Evidence for the Site of the Temple in Jerusalem Note: George debunked this theory. It still has some educational value if taken with a grain of salt.
    1 point
  18. Shalom everyone, Be sure to read this letter. https://pjmedia.com/faith/chinese-pastor-penned-a-powerful-declaration-of-faith-before-being-dragged-off-to-prison/ God bless, George
    1 point
  19. I apologize for offending. I have been trolled by works righteousness proponents across numerous topics this week and find my patience for a litany of gospel verses taken out of context to be zero. I will try and regain my composure and treat these comments with the respect they deserve. Further my comments were not aimed at anyone (Certainly not Walter and Deborah) since they made no such claim whatsoever. I was poisoning the well against "saved by grace, perfected by works" folks following up with the next verse: 15:6 If anyone does not remain in Me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers. Such branches are gathered up, thrown into the fire, and burned. If I offended any "saved by grace, perfected by works" folks by representing your view as heretical please forgive me.
    1 point
  20. Just a quick Google search -- to explain my previous point. http://www.reenactingtheway.com/blog/john-calvin-had-people-killed-and-bad-bible-interpretation-justified-it
    1 point
  21. Just remember some of the reformers thought it was a good thing to kill their opponents as well -- and did so! So be careful of whom you want to emulate.
    1 point
  22. How much dissatisfaction and disappointment do we allow when there is seemingly at times a lack of spirituality, which is common to all believers? This is merely one manifestation of the ongoing presence and effects of the old man. Just as one cannot “take fire in his bosom and his clothes not be burned” (Prv 6:27), one cannot have the old man and not be effected! I’ve thought some why God allows our original nature to remain when imparting the new at rebirth, and it’s my understanding that it at least continues to exercise our faith, esp. in knowing the truth that “all things work together for good to them that love God.” For believers this means, regardless of what we encounter, all has been taken into account and has been orchestrated to benefit us—and this is always interference-proof. A mark of maturity is confidently “Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you” (uninterruptedly - 1Pet 5:7), and our “confidence” accurately evaluates our maturity. Our understanding concerning the efficacy of Christ’s expiation is commensurate with how fully we realize its completeness (yet delivers fully). Legalism limits this to various degrees via distractions of minding self-sufficiency, which not only evinces an incomplete comprehension of His expiation (yet truly believing in Him), but results in a walk of repetitious disappointment in endless self-expectations! We can take all adversities as if from Himself via His foreknowing, allowing and directing them. Thus we learn to “rejoice in the Lord” by “Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Eph 5:20). Sometimes we forget to let our sufficiency simply be the fact of our union and fellowship with God, interacting and working with the Father in the child-ship of the Lord Jesus. NC Overseas! Some of the most dissatisfied people on earth, perhaps, are Christians who have given themselves up to self-occupation, and the more so because they are God-fearing and conscientious (caring more makes it mean more—NC); for, having learned the folly of the world’s resources, they have nothing to lift them outside the old man, or to keep them from being occupied therewith. And surely the happiest people on the earth are those believers who “rejoice in Christ Jesus, worship God in the Spirit, and have no confidence in the flesh” (Phl 3:3). Blessed are those, who, knowing they have risen life in Him, do reckon themselves to have died indeed unto sin, and are alive unto God in our Lord Jesus Christ. Think of how happy Israel was, upon arriving at the other side of the Red Sea. They were joyous because they were entirely occupied with God, and what He had done on their behalf. They were not occupied with themselves, nor with circumstances, but with Him. “Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the Lord, and spoke saying, I will sing unto the Lord, for He hath triumphed gloriously.” The Lord of triumph this is!” And what a change from the sore distress they were in such a short time before! But now they have seen God’s salvation, and His great deliverance from the formidable host of the Egyptians, which threatened to swallow them up in their wrath. They were thus in liberty and on new ground. God had delivered them, He had given them victory; and now they were taken up with Him, praising Him, and giving all the glory due His name, ascribing all the power and glory of their deliverance to Him. How simple, and yet how blessed this is! What secrets are unfolded, what resources are opened up to us, in the contemplation of a crucified and risen Savior! Where, Christian friend, do we take our place before our Father? Is it on the Egypt side of the Red Sea, or the other? You cannot be happy in the former position. There was no singing in Egypt, though perfect safety; for they were sheltered by the blood of the lamb. But after that, when they arrived in Pihahiroth, perhaps they never had such fear and distress of soul. And yet, if you had asked them, “Have you not been under the shelter of the blood? Have you not been brought out of Egypt by the direct power of God? Is not the token of His care and presence in the cloudy and fiery pillar? Yes, is their answer to each query. Then why this deep, this bitter distress? Immediately they point to the pursuing Pharaoh and his mighty host, forcing them to the very edge of the Red Sea. Trapped! Deliverance, they would say, we want; and nothing but a mightier power than any they had ever known could effect it. Oh the misery, the self-occupation, the lack of joy and gladness of those who take their place, though doubtless secure, on Egypt’s side of the Red Sea! And oh, how rich the blessing, when assured by the Word of God, and we see our judicial deliverance from the “old man,” the world, the law and Satan! We rejoice in the ascended Lord Jesus Christ, our Christian life (Col 3:4)! We look down upon the Egyptian world as a long way off, and as knowing the waters of death and judgement, via the Cross, have swallowed up all that was against us. Thus we have peace with God; we are objects of His divine favor, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Blessed as it is to know the shelter of the Blood, it is more blessed to know that we have resurrection life—a life that lives on the other side of death and condemnation—a life that instinctively springs upward and onward; a life that has tastes, feelings and joys suited to the Father and the Son, and cannot rest the sole of its foot in the region of sin, Satan, the world and the law. - H H Snell Excerpt from MJS devotional for December 12: “There is an entirely baseless sentiment abroad which assumes that every teaching of the Lord Jesus must be binding upon the believer during this age simply because He said it. The fact is forgotten that He, while living under, keeping, and applying the Law of Moses, also taught the principles of His future earthly kingdom, and, at the end of His ministry and in relation to His Cross, He also anticipated the teachings of grace. If this threefold division of His teachings is not recognized and maintained, there can be nothing but confusion of mind and consequent contradiction of truth.” -L.S.C. http://www.abideabove.com/hungry-heart/
    1 point
  23. Yes, Christians are saved solely by faith in Jesus Christ and not by the good works of the Law, ....... but once saved, please notice the “ yes.....but” The eternal refrain of the Legalists/ Judaizer......there are a few variations, but it’s basically “Why Yes! Of course Jesus saves! B U T........( insert your pet work here) It’s like Dr.Phil says, you make a statement and then add “ but” to say what you REALLY mean.Here is what I truly mean—— ONCE SAVED ALWAYS SAVED.......no “ buts” attached.
    1 point
  24. Any proof on your judgmental statements of them being "joyless, critical in spirit, bitter or angry?" Here is but one of many statements made by those in such godly ministries, goes totally against the grain of what your presenting: “Is Lighthouse Trails Haters?” By Ray Yungen Recently, at a large Christian youth event, Lighthouse Trails was indirectly referred to as “haters” because of our articles and books exposing the emerging church movement. We realize that many people think ministries like Lighthouse Trails are mean-spirited, hateful, and derive pleasure from causing trouble for others. On the contrary, what motivates and drives Lighthouse Trails is a sense of duty to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We see that being the issue at stake. Right now, there is a struggle going on for what the church of the future will look like. Karl Rahner once said the Christian of the future will be a mystic or he or she will not exist at all. The question must be asked (and answered): Is this really a good thing? Will mysticism lead to a Christianity that is more vibrant and in harmony with the will of God? When one looks at the writings of those such as Henri Nouwen, Thomas Merton, Thomas Keating, etc., one finds that this mysticism is rooted firmly in a spiritual understanding more in-tune with Buddhism and Hinduism that with the writings of the apostles in the Bible. Thomas Merton said: It is a glorious destiny to be a member of the human race, … now I realize what we all are…. If only they [people] could all see themselves as they really are … I suppose the big problem would be that we would fall down and worship each other…. At the center of our being is a point of nothingness which is untouched by sin and by illusions, a point of pure truth…. This little point … is the pure glory of God in us. It is in everybody. (A Time of Departing, p. 59) This is identical to what is called in New Age spirituality, the higher self. Over the last few decades there has been an ever-increasing number of individuals in Christianity that draw on and promote persons such as Thomas Merton and Henri Nouwen. The mission at Lighthouse Trails is to point out that if the church goes in the same mystical direction as these individuals, it will ultimately embrace the spiritual perceptions such as the one just stated. If that sounds implausible, take a look at the spiritual life of Sue Monk Kidd (author of The Secret Life of Bees). Monk Kidd was at one time a conservative Southern Baptist Sunday school teacher. But after she was introduced to the writings of Thomas Merton, she branched out and began embracing contemplative practices and her spirituality dramatically changed. Eventually, it led her to say that God dwells in everything, even excrement and graffiti. At Lighthouse Trails, we are not motivated by hate for people but rather by love and concern. We believe, with everything in us, that man’s only hope lies in Jesus Christ and the free gift of salvation offered to those who believe and accept it. And we also believe that contemplative/emerging spirituality leads man away from that Gospel not toward it. This is why we do what we do. Ray Yungen Lighthouse Trails author"
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  25. Looks like you already know the answer to your question. Don't forget, charlatans (false teachers) will always mix in 10% truth with the other 90% of their lies.
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  26. Doing simple exercises is one thing, the Bible says let go of your anxieties. But what they are meditating on is the Void and calling "her" the one who gives birth to the gods. This is the worship of death itself make no mistake about it. Their words sound innocent but if you dive into what is preached it is identical to joining an esoteric cult. Eventually, at more advanced levels you will be introduced to a spirit guide and climb the "ladder to heaven" and trivialize the Blood of Jesus Christ and the gift of His Holy Spirit.
    1 point
  27. You are loved dear sister . Thanks for the reminders .
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  28. Their thieves, many Christian charity's are the same, I give directly to people in need, if your going to give to a charity I'd do non Christian, you can check it out on give.org, theirs no way of checking on Christian charity's or pastors. But it's your money.
    1 point
  29. I was crying about FB, then last night I had a 2 hour conversation with an old friend!
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  30. When you decide something the bible has to be taken as a whole, not what Matthew is trying to say, but what God is saying. It doesn't matter how many pastors you listen to, the more you study the bible and apply it to yourself, and not someone else the more your going to learn. Micah chapter 6 verse 8 He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
    1 point
  31. i had two sunday school teachers who i think lookng back are molesters. i probably shouldnt post details openly though..... it is everywhere.
    1 point
  32. Pharaoh’s Dreams 41 Then it came to pass, at the end of two full years, that Pharaoh had a dream; and behold, he stood by the river. 2 Suddenly there came up out of the river seven cows, fine looking and fat; and they fed in the meadow. 3 Then behold, seven other cows came up after them out of the river, ugly and gaunt, and stood by the other cows on the bank of the river. 4 And the ugly and gaunt cows ate up the seven fine looking and fat cows. So Pharaoh awoke. 5 He slept and dreamed a second time; and suddenly seven heads of grain came up on one stalk, plump and good. 6 Then behold, seven thin heads, blighted by the east wind, sprang up after them. 7 And the seven thin heads devoured the seven plump and full heads. So Pharaoh awoke, and indeed, it was a dream. 8 Now it came to pass in the morning that his spirit was troubled, and he sent and called for all the magicians of Egypt and all its wise men. And Pharaoh told them his dreams, but there was no one who could interpret them for Pharaoh.
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  33. I've noticed a common human trait (and yes, I see it in myself) of noticing and complaining about the sins of others while ignoring our own, at least publicly. I see the whole catholic priest / young boy thing as a risk revealed when you seek leaders willing to abide by the rules they have for those leaders. It's why I don't condemn homosexuals any more than heterosexuals that are sleeping around. My main beef with homosexuals from a cultural perspective is that they have pride in their sins. You don't see a "fornicator's Pride" parade or a "wife beater's pride" parade. As far as salvation is concerned, sin is sin. However, all sin affects you one way or another and you may pay the price. Cheating on your spouse is bad and will have consequences. Robbing a bank is bad and will have different consequences. And then there is rape, incest, alcoholism, gossip, gluttony, you name it. And yes, I do find it comical to see a hugely fat man, from the pulpit, condemn men that have an occasional beer. But I just see that guy as an overt example of what we all do if we are not careful. And remember, God made us this way. Telling Adam to not eat of the fruit of the tree was like putting a Lion in the garden, tying a lamb to the tree and then telling the lion he could eat whatever he wanted, but don't touch the lamb. Lion's gonna do what lion's do. Same thing with man. So, in the words of Paul, "O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 25 I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin." I don't know WHY God created us this way, but he did. So we struggle, every day - not for salvation, which we have through the blood of Christ - but to work diligently to please our father, knowing that he understands our struggle and is overflowing with mercy and compassion. I get the feeling he has something very big planned for us after we leave this earthly "tent". Otherwise, what's the point?
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  34. If the earth was flat, cats would have knocked everything off of it by now. ?
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  35. God had drawn me to donate to a church that reached out to kids on drugs. I had never given to any church or group. The real mystery is that the church had no idea of their urgent need. I searched for them and found them, and gave them the money. Afterwards I sat for a bit pondering the problem. Someone came to the wife of the pastor with a notice that they were overdrawn at the bank. On the way home I was in awe that God would use me to help provide for them when they didn't even know the extent of their need. I surrendered to Him right there on the highway, giving Him all my doubts and arguments and all of me. I could do nothing but make a mess of my life in my own strength. It was much better to make Him Lord and Master to straighten out the mess and use His word to keep me out of trouble. Overwhelming joy suddenly flooded over me till I wept. Waking up early each morning flooded with joy I would take the Bible outside and read it searching for something that would express what I was feeling. This went on for days.
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  36. Hi Goergie I would like to share with you 4 titles to - you tube- videos you can find on you tube that explain in depth what yoga is and how and why it is not compatible with Christianity. Here are the 4 video tittles you can look up and view from you tube: Caryl Matrisciana interview - yoga, maditation and The Bible Can Yoga ever be Christian? Gods of the New Age Caryl Matrisciana - Gods of the New Age and The Bible 2
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  37. Let me tell you a story. I was saved as a child - age 9 - 1970. I was one of those who went to church all the time. My parents were heavily involved in our church at the time: Bible studies, singing in the choir, reaching the lost in the community, putting resources into aiding those in the community who needed help, teaching classes to both young people and adults. Church and the purpose of the church was huge in my family in those days. Ergo, I was at church or helping out with helping out those in need all of the time. My dad had to prepare the Lord's Supper? I was there with him, pouring grape juice into all the little cups as he broke up the crackers. My mom and some ladies in her Sunday School class were sorting out food for the needy to take to them? I was there, too, making sure each box got a can of corn. But I never considered myself as part of the fellowship of those believers. Why? I knew that I was just a kid and that all of these activities both inside the church structure and beyond into the community were "adult" things. I was just a tag-a-long because there was no babysitter. That's what was in my mind. This was my parents' gig - I thought. I believed there was a God - wholeheartedly. I knew stories about Jesus, how he died to save us from our sins, and the Holy Spirit. I thought, "When I'm an adult....when I'm grown, I'll be a part of all this for my own self." I was absolutely clueless. I thought church was like a club you joined when you turned 18. Then one day, a hot August Sunday in 1970, we had a revival - a youth led revival. One of the older teens, a boy of 16 who had felt the call to preach, was invited to preach. Another, led the congregation in singing. Young ones took up the offering. Etc. I remember sitting next to my mother and watching that young man preach. He must not have had a suit of his own because the one he wore was way too big for him. "Maybe it was his dad's," I thought. I also thought, "He can't preach - he's too young. He's not an adult. Why is he up there?" That's when God spoke to me - not audibly, but nonetheless crystal clearly. He said to me, "No, that's not right. I can call whoever I want to and today I am calling you." As I sat there, as understanding began to flood over me, and I pondered that. Then, I felt another distinct voice - again, not audibly. It was the Holy Spirit saying, "Now that you know this, what are you going to do?" During the invitation call, I tugged on my mother's neon green polyester dress [It was 1970, folks]. She bent over and I whispered in her ear, "Mama, I think Jesus wants me to be a Christian.". She just said, "Well, go tell the preacher that." [Our regular pastor was standing in front as everyone sang a hymn.] So I walked the aisle [that didn't save me] and shook his hand while he said with a very broad smile, "Well, Kim!" [That didn't save me either] We talked and prayed. [Nope, that didn't save me] And I was baptized later. [You guessed it, getting dunked didn't save me]. Well, when was I saved? I was saved the moment that I believed what I was told by God and the Holy Spirit and understood that Jesus died for MY sins. Me! I believed he was asking ME to follow him. I believed in and on him, now. Trusting him. All of that happened before I tugged on my mother's dress. The rest was just traditions of men with one command of God [baptism]. I'm 57 now. That seems like a long time ago and like yesterday. I've had to learn a lot. Like learning about sanctification, daily walking with Christ, growing in the Lord, and more. I'm still learning. I hope I always will. Oh, and that 16-year-old youth preacher? He's had a decade's long experience as a great man of God, preaching as God calls him to.
    1 point
  38. interesting. a lot of you view facebook the same. they probably also spy on messenger conversations. they aren't private. they advertised a movie to me that i told a few friends i hated. but i didnt tell them very recently, but still.
    1 point
  39. James chapter 2 verse 18 But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. Love and mercy take care of everything. Obadiah chapter 1 verse 15 "The day of the LORD is near for all nations. As you have done, it will be done to you; your deeds will return upon your own head.
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