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There is much to be learned from the Old Testament, whether its statutes, ordinances, and decrees are still in effect, or not.

Mornin' Folks, So last night I was in chat and the topic of atheists came up. I was surprised by the number of people that stated that they "hated" them some stating they "had no souls". Atheists are folks with hardened hearts, eyes that do not see and ears that do not hear. Basically they are folks who have not been sent the Holy Spirit and and brought into the light by our Lord. We, as believers, are disciples of God and it is our mission to help bring the word to people like these. So, I say we should not turn our faces away from atheists, but stand our ground and share the Lord's word with them. Be vigilant After all we are soldiers of God! Your thoughts? JJ

I wouldn't say rules exactly, but some strong admonishments. One biggie: Stay away from the occult, and help steer as many from it as possible. God bless! Shalom, David/BeauJangles

I would say He has. I was on a self-destructive sinful and path wanted my life to end. The Lord filled me with the Holy Spirit which led me to the good book. Upon reading I became aware of God's law and how I was expected to live as a believer.

It's sort of hard to celebrate Easter any day but Sunday, if you are working Monday through Saturday, like many are required to do.

Well, here we are at the end of what appears to be a "pinned" topic of page seven. I suppose no further entries are in at this time, but just an over-view comment... Great scriptures all! Nice to scan through these, and they were a real blessing to have them shared with those who took the time to make this thread. Thanks, and God bless. Shalom, David/BeauJangles

When I found a Bible that I could actually understand, I could not put it down.So much good news to be found....So much ignorance in my church— deader than a door- nail.Nobody out there can fool me now....I know what’s in there.Do it for your own good, and make sure you ask The Holy Spirit to lead and guide you — you need His help to understand it.The Bible is a dangerous book if you don’t understand it. VERY dangerous.

This verse is not about persecution or martyrdom. It's about escaping our sinful ways. God will not allow a sin to come along and not give us a way of escape from it. For example, if a person is being tempted to look at porn, there is a way of escape. If a person is tempted to curse at someone or eat three pieces of pie or cheat on his taxes, there is a way of escape. What are those ways of escape? In my opinion and in the opinion of many others: prayer, memorized scripture, and transforming our minds. It's clear from the verse alone that it's talking about sin because it used the word "temptation". Looking at the context will make it even more clear. This is about sin, not persecution.

1 Cor 10:13 .... but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. One thing to keep in mind is that Paul isn't talking specifically of facing death here, he is talking about temptation. When looking at the original Greek roots it shows that temptation and tempt here can be translated "test", "discipline", "prove", etc... Whatever we face in this world the Lord will give us strength to face it, it will not be our strength and power but his. The scripture is one of assurance and peace. Martyrdom was faced by the Apostles and by many after them but isn't what it is necessarily talking about here. It is also interesting that after the word escape there isn't the phrase "escape so you can avoid it, or escape so you can run from it", it states, "escape that you may be able to bear it". With the Lord we can bear and face anything.

To me the word "God" is a generic replacement word as a way to address the Creator of the heavens and the earth.. the entire universe and all that it consists of. In some bibles the word "God" is sometimes substituted for the Hebrew word Y-H-V-H. Which is said to be unpronounceable. In some bibles the word LORD is used in replacement of the tetragrammaton. Research says that the Hebrew gematria of Y-H-V-H has the number value of #26.. which is also the same number value of the Hebrew word havah.. which translates to love. I do wonder if the apostle John intended to convey that when he wrote "God is love". I've researched and discovered that the word "God" has it's origins in Germany. The word "good" is by the Germans pronounced "gauht", or was it goht"..? So, if I was to say "grace" as I'd been taught, before we eat, I'd say "God is good.." But to the German I might as well be saying "gauht is goht". Anyway I'm looking for a way to address the significant God in significance. Like maybe "God- the Source of all blessings." ------- What are your thoughts?

But this is the covenant which I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD: I will put my law within them, and I will write it upon their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Jer 31:33 RSV In your walk with the Lord, has he given you any rules to follow?

God is not really concerned about what day you celebrate the resurrection. This is something that people worry about. Its the same with ....>"well, Jesus was probably born in................September.....so, why do we follow the "tradition" of celebrating Jesus's BD in Dec. ???????? And once again, God is yawning. As the reality is, what day, what month, has no bearing, has no meaning, (in Eternity) as all that matters is that Jesus was Born, Died, and Lives. So, what a good idea might be, is to have a chocolate bunny on "Easter", and share it with your kids. Bake a cake on December 25th, and sing "Happy Birthday" to Jesus as you pass out the cake.

Peter's gospel and Paul's gospel are both the gospel of Jesus Christ. Peter learned it from Jesus during his ministry and the 40 days after his resurrection. Paul learned it from Jesus on the road to Damascus and according to him, through no man, but by a revelation of Jesus Christ.

I don't think I follow you in saying Paul's gospel is any different than Peter's.

We need to pray for them. They have a horrible eternity to look forward to if they do not turn to Jesus Christ.

I don't celebrate the Easter bunny. I celebrate he resurrection of Jesus Christ. As a Christian this is a very important event for each and every Christian. We should thank God for this everyday.

Well of course one is saved by either gospel , BECAUSE PETER AND PAUL preached THE IDENTICAL SAME GOSPLE . And let us remember , HE has put NO difference between us and them . Same LORD , same gospel , always and till the end of days . And that IS the BEAUTY OF IT . James did not preach another gospel than did paul or john , or peter or any of the true ones . IT was the ONE SAME GOSPLE which and by which if a man so hears and receives HE is saved . And let all continue IN CHRIST , faithful to the last breath .

yep the commands of Jesus

Frances I agree with you on this, prayer is the only way

. Let's pray for this guy that was in chat that God will change his heart too.

It is called syncretism, where much has been blended in to make today's " mainstream Christianity", many have embraced many pagan practices feeling that as long as you add Christian labels that it is okay. I am not a proponent of this but It happens over time similar to what the military calls the "drift factor" which is a term for long range missiles which need course corrections over long distances. Did you know that at one point in American history that Christmas was banned from being observed? Of course, lawyers were banned as well (oh, how we have fallen!)

Honestly, we should be "celebrating" [living out with joy] the resurrection of Jesus Christ every single day. What day was he resurrected? I can't say with 100% certainty. I hear plausible cases for more than one day. I celebrate with other believers on Sunday. Why? That's when my church meets as a body of believers. On Sundays. You say you don't celebrate Christ's resurrection on Sunday. Does this mean you don't unite with fellow believers on that particular day? Which day do you celebrate it on? [There's no wrong answer on that, I'm just curious.] With whom do you celebrate it?

An inquisitor was an official (usually with judicial or investigative functions) in an Inquisition; an organization or program intended to eliminate heresy and other things contrary to the doctrine or teachings of the Catholic faith. Literally, an inquisitor is one who "searches out" or "inquires" (Latin inquirere < quaerere, "to seek"). I would like to share with you a brief sermon given to a small church in France from an inquisitor who left it behind to serve as a priest to a small community several centuries ago....There are many lessons within that we can also ponder and learn from. There have been many atrocities done in history in the name of religion and I know there will be more for man fails to ever learn from history but continually repeats it. People like to believe we are more "civilized" in today's world, but civilization is a thin facade easily shattered. ‘Dear friends, I stand before you this day in this small church and I feel such sadness in my heart. I also feel great love for each of you, for over the last twenty years you have become as family to me. I came to your town as a priest and you accepted me and you have been kind and you have supported me in our quiet place of the world. I am now old and I know that death shall soon come unto me. When I was young I was most zealous of the faith and I rose within the priestly order. I became an inquisitor, and though my intentions were just, I was involved in acts of cruelty and torture against brothers of the faith. In my zeal to fight heresy I became blind to compassion and mercy. I did not take human life but I am guilty of bringing persecution and suffering upon those whom I felt were heretics and against those who did not regard the sanctity of the church as I. In my youth I was foolish. In the name of Jesus there have been crusades and many have died for the furtherance of the gospel. I have come to understand that we shall convert more lost souls to the faith with acts of love and kindness than with the sword. In my travels I have seen many human cruelties and evils of the heart. I have seen good men and women beaten and tortured because they expressed their faith differently than I. I also persecuted many who serve the same God and the same Lord but they choose to worship apart from our church. Are we so certain that Jesus does not love them as well? Does he hear the prayers of all righteous men or just the prayers of those of us who follow this path? I desire to speak to you about the power of forgiveness. This shall be the last message that I give before you, and I hope my words will melt the judgmental hearts that still beat within many of you. I have seen men tortured who cried out for mercy, but not for my mercy, but for the mercy of Jesus. They prayed to the same Lord and the same God. One woman was thought to be involved in witchery and dark practices so she was imprisoned and given little food. I was there and she was beaten but she refused to admit that she was of darkness. She sang praises and prayed unto the Lord while she was beaten. The man who punished her seemed to enjoy her suffering and I was moved in my heart. I remembered how Jesus told us that there are blessings even when we give a cup of water unto one of his little ones. I stopped her beating and knelt and gave her a cup of water. She looked into my eyes and spoke words as did Jesus and the martyr Stephen. She told me that she forgave me and asked Jesus to forgive me and to not lay my sin to my charge. Would one of darkness show such love and goodness? I left my role as inquisitor and took a place in a small town and searched for answers to the questions that tormented me. Is Jesus only in one church or does he dwell within the hearts of men? I sought forgiveness for all of the acts of cruelty and I repented of my sins against those who love him. Friends you must be kind and gentle and have hearts of love. We must walk in purity and holiness. When Jesus was near death he did not ask for forgiveness of his sin. He asked his Father to forgive those who crucified him. Stephen did not speak words of repentance, he asked Jesus not to lay their sin against their charge. I have been at the bedside of many Christians when they were nigh unto death and most were seeking absolution and forgiveness in order to reach heaven. Live a life of forgiveness and walk in holiness. When you are persecuted for your faith seek forgiveness for those who persecute you, and live life so you do not fear death and doubt your heavenly reward. I thank God for that dear woman so many years ago who forgave me for my sinful action. Live a life of goodness and forgive those who trespass against you.’

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. (Colossians 3:23-24 ESV)

Hi Michael, I thought I`d go back to why His precious blood had to be shed for us. `Surely for your lifeblood I will demand a reckoning, .....from the hand of man....Whoever shed`s man`s blood, by man his blood shall be shed...` (Gen. 9: 5 & 6) Here we read that God gave Man the responsibility of government over man. And not only for shedding blood but all lesser crimes under that will require a reckoning. Then finally God will judge accordingly. But praise the Lord, Jesus came and paid the price for us as `all have sinned,` and need a Saviour, a Redeemer. The full price was paid in the precious blood of the Saviour. regards, Marilyn.

Awake, awake, Zion, clothe yourself with strength! Put on your garments of splendor, Jerusalem, the holy city. The uncircumcised and defiled will not enter you again. ~ Isaiah 52:1

Alpha women can take on tasks and manage to take mass chaos and calm down workers and get things done amicably accepting valid suggestions that make quick work. Then.....there are alpha females who run roughshod over the group and are so dominant there is no room for alternate ideas only theirs, making associating with their leadership perhaps comparable to bullying. I have worked with both in the church....

Hartono said; "God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able, how about the martyrs?" Full scripture; No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation, he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. 1 Corin 10; 13 This is about temptations, not trials of the faith. Previous verses 1Co 10:6 Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted 1Co 10:7 Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. 1Co 10:8 Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. 1Co 10:10 Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. 1Co 10:11 Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. 1Co 10:12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation, he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. 1 Corin 10; 13 The verse you quote Hartono, is referring to God's provision of escaping TEMPTATION, and a way to escape it (sin). There is no new sin under the sun, and God provides us a way of escaping them. We choose to flee (the right thing) or not (sin) It is not about persecution. For standing/dying for the faith. That is NOT what we want to flee from..........

Of course it was according to the Law, as was should be. However, there's more to it, as highlighted in red. It meant a confirmed miracle, and through the priests, the truth of what the Messiah was doing spread from there and became totally indisputable. It also caused them envy. And they became extremely incensed, and viciously angry as well. God bless. Shalom, David/BeauJangles

It is called: the fall. Creation itself has been corrupted by sin, is tired and suffers the pain of birth until Jesus returns The new Testament keeps repeating this over and over again

Hi Plavius, I once had the opportunity to accompany a missionary on her trip to a very poor country in Europe some 15 years ago. We were visiting another missionary. They realized they had to instal water pipes, because the entire region lived off wells. Once installed, very quickly the local population found that the pipes could be of great use for themselves, too. And they found no problem dismantling the new water supply. The missionary gave up. No police there, just clans and their bosses. When someone works abroad and sends money home, then the clans want to have their share, too... Companies don't invest there, cause Russia is close and thus the danger of wars... That country has a huge problem with street children, too. But the missionaries working in the field unanimously said it was really hard to find good workers. The locals very often misappropriate any money given for the sake of the chilrden, they said. Regards, Thomas

The gold, brass bronze, silver etc that was sourced from Egyptians was used to make the brazen altar and other Tabernacle fittings and furnishings. They dragged a lamb to the altar, cut its throat and placed the screaming quivering beast on the the fiery grill. Covered in blood with the stench of burning flesh and blood they would observe that sacrifice on a DAILY basis - twice per day. The shadow of things to come when our Lord would likewise suffer. The Israelis were aware of the bloody sacrifice and the pain and mess of it all. This was before they could enter the Tabernacle and be bathed in the Menorah's light. We have lost the gravity of it all. Nothing related to our freedom is free of blood, pain and suffering. Our freedom is not free.

Thanks for your reply, Marilyn. A very fitting reference and a point well made. It reminded me of covenants made with blood, and this weighty warning about the covenant made with Christ's blood, His precious blood which is not to be dismissed as something unholy. Heb 10:28-29 (28) Anyone who has rejected Moses' law dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. (29) Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace?

As shakespear said," a rose by any other name would still smell sweet." Do you think the Spirit living in you is confused by your not knowing how to address our Lord, Creator, Sustainer and Saviour. We are to worship God in Spirit and in Truth. That is the truth of the gospel and the truth of our dependance upon and love of and for Jesus.

They might be tempted to sin, by denying Christ. The way of escape, was to stay true, and persevere. They took the way of escape, they had a choice, and made the correct one!

Well, its what I was coming here to say , But the sower commonly known as Gary has let it be known already . SO all I can add is this , PUT THOSE HANDS UP GARY and ALL and LET all PRAISE THE LORD .

The temptations are such that are common to man.. the unsaved as well as the saved. In my mind that indicates that what Paul said is not necessarily including those who are martyred in regard to the "escape" part. That is not to say that God abandons the martyred to their fate. I believe that the words "that it will not be above what you be able to bear" is for them. And in the daily trials, the promise of escape is to all believers .. the word "escape" would to me mean "escape the snare of the devil".. but that they may be able to bear it, some bible versions use the word "endure". The idea is to endure against the trial of adversity, the accompanying verse would be "submit yourselves to God, resist the devil and he will flee from you." I think of the devil testing Jesus in the wilderness. For Jesus the way of escaping the temptations was to know and quote the scriptures. Either way, the words assure the believer that God will because of our faith in Him, provide His grace which strengthens the believer so that they won't faint or yield to the test and thereby miss the opportunity to overcome.

Hi NOONE7, Flashes like that are not from God. The enemy tries to get us worried, fearful and doubting. Rebuke it if comes again and praise God for His visions in His word of Jesus. That is the vision we set before us - Jesus, not any flashes of man. regards, Marilyn.

I can help if you'd like to send me a PM. I have counseled many young people who are conflicted about sexuality. One is in recovery and is coming to my home Monday to have dinner with me and my wife.

Sure it's a chore, at times. Be honest. So what. So is cooking a delicious meal! ................. “Everything worthwhile in life is attained through hard work.” “A little hard work, never hurt anyone.” “Hard work makes you feel good because you have accomplished something.” – "If you invest little, the reward is little" ‘Excellence is a habit.’” “No one ever drowned in sweat.” – U.S. Marine Corps.....

Thank you, but I'm no longer suicidal or struggling with that. All that is in the past. It's more that I have a happy, positive view of dying is why I want it, not that I am so miserable I want to die. But simply, people always say "who wants to die? No one!" But that isn't true when you compare this imperfect temporary life to a perfect eternal life. I ask, "who doesn't want to leave this sinful world and their flesh and be made perfect in a perfect place?" If I'm going there anyway, I'd rather go there now. Paul the Apostle agreed he wanted to leave this world as well, but at the same time, he finds a reason why he also wants to stay. I see myself carrying out a mission for the Lord's will, then when my fight is over and I have fought the good fight, then the Lord will call me home when He decides when my fight is over. But thank you for your encouragement.

Jesus Himself was a martyr of a sort. He knew what was going to happen yet proclaimed the truth regardless. John 15 has Jesus saying that the world will hate Christians because it hated Christ first. The Bible never promised us that things would be easy. In fact, we're supposed to count our hardships as joy because it tests and improves our faith (James 1:2 and the following verses). John 15:13 tells us that laying down one's life for others is the greatest example of love, and taking great personal risk for the sake of the faith is indeed an act of love. I firmly believe that God does give grace and comfort in those final moments. When you think about it being martyred really is a high statement of faith. It says "I believe there is a God who loved us all so much that He sent His Son to bear my sins and that we'll be in Heaven together soon.". It's not that I think anyone should rush out to die, but it is important to look at and consider things like that. People do still face persecution and even death for the faith these days, a recent example being John Allen Chau.

Look at stephen as he was killed. He saw our Lord. It doesnt mean we wont suffer. Only that He will see us through it as He did the others in the bible. The way to escape is to keep our eyes on Him

No not really. It rains on the just and the unjust alike. This must also include any lightening that may occur with a storm as well. God bless. Shalom, David/BeauJangles

First of all, what you are describing is normal. You are not a deviant. Well, here's the problems with fantasy. I'm assuming at this point you are fantasizing about a hypothetical man - a man you have not met, but are dreaming of him as a future husband. Fantasy never stays in the hypothetical place. Soon - it may be men you see on TV, movies, or in real life that you substitute for this hypothetical man. Fantasy never stays in context of purity. It just doesn't. One day, the simple fantasy isn't enough -so the artificial scenarios become bolder and bolder. Soon, the simple isn't so simple anymore and fantasizing about a hypothetical future husband turns into something that affects you spiritually - in a bad way. You say you fantasize about a broad shoulder and muscular chest. I'm sure you also have hair color and height and other factors in those moments. What is your future husband looks NOTHING like that? Will you have ruined the reality that could be so very special by creating a perfect man that doesn't exist? Fantasy is a part of everyone's life. Sexual, power-taking, revenge, exaltation of self, and all sorts of things. So much of our fantasy is all the mental "do-overs" we play back in our heads. Our minds should be disciplined and focused on the things that God wishes for us to be focused on. Married people fantasizing about each other is perfectly sound and alright. Married AND single people fantasizing about someone that they are not currently married to is a road to unhappiness. Is what you are doing a sin? I can't say for certain. What I am certain about is that it is the initial stepping stones to the broad path and ugly path of engaging in an improper mindset. Philippians 4 says to think on things that are true. The hypothetical and future image of a man is not truthful. Ask God to lead your mind into places where they should be.

I see the Scriptures as the primary source of truth; and those things said by the Holy Spirit apart from the Scriptures will never contradict the Scriptures, our primary authority. The Spirit leads un into all truth in Scripture, and He helps us to interpret scripture by other scripture. He enlightens us as Phillip did with the Eunich, and as Christ did on the road to Emmaus. The Spirit helps us to righty interpret the Word. We base doctrine on Scripture alone, not on Scripture plus other sources. However, Scripture that is not enlightened and is written as doctrine can wander far from the truth and be interpreted to the destruction of many. People sometimes search the scriptures for something that supports their doctrine when in truth it must be twisted to be understood that way.

Actually, the understanding of faith is as easy to understand that a child can grasp it. Simple version, God created you and loves you. The issue of sin separates us from God -- thus God sent His only Begotten Son to be the lamb of God for the world -- to take on the sins of the world. When you believe in Jesus ... and turn to God in repentance ... your sins are now covered by the blood of the lamb and now you can be in right relationship with God! It's nothing that we truly did ... but rather what God already did for us! The blood was thoroughly shown throughout the Scriptures ... and there is life in the blood. Even Satanists realize there is power in blood as they continue to do blood ritual sacrifices for power. There is something more than just blood ... and God used the blood to cover the sins of the world!

On a more serious note. You may find help by reading through the forums here. Reading what others have posted about prayer and the things they have gone through. Sometimes God says "no" to our prayers. I don't know why. All I know is I need to trust that God has a plan for me. Even though at times none of the things going on around me make any sense. I am sorry I can not be of more help at this time. I am sure others on here will be able to answer your questions much better then me. If at all possible it may help you to find a good pastor that you can sit down and have a talk with. By a good pastor I mean one where you can question everything without fear of their judgment. If you have more questions feel free to ask. I know people here will do their best to answer them.

It helps me. How come I never get in on these "studies"?

OH thankfully for this what the post is about . I was worried someone was brining to memory and old Johnny Cash song . WRONG ring of fire folks . Now , back on topic. JESUS DID say earthquakes etc would increase . THEY WILL . Watch this ring and watch world wide .