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I feel that this is more important than ever in our world today. Question: "What is biblical separation?" Answer: Biblical separation is the recognition that God has called believers out of the world and into a personal and corporate purity in the midst of sinful cultures. Biblical separation is usually considered in two areas: personal and ecclesiastical. Personal separation involves an individual’s commitment to a godly standard of behavior. Daniel practiced personal separatism when he “resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine” (Daniel 1:8). His was a biblical separatism because his standard was based on God’s revelation in the Mosaic law. A modern example of personal separation could be the decision to decline invitations to parties where alcohol is served. Such a decision might be made in order to circumvent temptation (Romans 13:14), to avoid “every kind of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:22), or simply to be consistent with a personal conviction (Romans 14:5). The Bible clearly teaches that the child of God is to be separate from the world. “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: ‘I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.’ Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord” (2 Corinthians 6:14-17; see also 1 Peter 1:14-16). Ecclesiastical separation involves the decisions of a church concerning its ties to other organizations, based on their theology or practices. Separatism is implied in the very word “church,” which comes from the Greek word ekklesia meaning “a called-out assembly.” In Jesus’ letter to the church of Pergamum, He warned against tolerating those who taught false doctrine (Revelation 2:14-15). The church was to be separate, breaking ties with heresy. A modern example of ecclesiastical separation could be a denomination’s stance against ecumenical alliances which would unite the church with apostates. Biblical separation does not require Christians to have no contact with unbelievers. Like Jesus, we should befriend the sinner without partaking of the sin (Luke 7:34). Paul expresses a balanced view of separatism: “I have written you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people—not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world” (1 Corinthians 5:9-10). In other words, we are in the world, but not of it. We are to be light to the world without allowing the world to diminish our light. “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16). www.gotquestions.org/Biblical-separation.html

And to come to the place where God and God alone is all we long for...We are His...not ours. [We are not our own]. Amen?

There is a deep and restful truth you are putting forth. To learn as Paul said; “we despaired even of life, that our hope might be in God alone”. To come to the place where God and God alone is our hope. Such a blessed day. Blessings, Much love in Christ, Not me

I read today that the progressives are blaming the earthquakes on global warming...… but it's more likely our founding fathers rolling around in their graves...

God reveals the truth to those who seek the truth and who keep seeking the truth (don't seek today and stop tomorrow). The 'knowledge' of religious teachers is most often used to deceive multitudes, from what the Word of God says . The salvation and faith of those who trust and rely on the Father, is a daily , continual experience, not a one time does it fact, as shown all through Scripture, TORAH, PROPHETS, PSALMS and NEW TESTAMENT even just in poor ol' "English" language. Follow Jesus. Follow the Shepherd. What happens if someone stops following Jesus ? Repent. What happens if a sheep stops following the Shepherd ? Hope it doesn't end in destruction, eaten by the wolves or worse. A lost sheep? Jesus goes after. He is a good Shepherd, perfect in fact.

My my, aren't we being nasty today. Apparently you never got the message of the Book of Hebrews, where Paul shows the prophetic significance of many of these same "shadows." 1 Corinthians 10:11 Now all these things [events of the Torah] happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.

Christian conduct is important Matthew 5:16. The world can see God through us. We should not allow the world to see us as hypocrites.

This is exactly what I was thinking, too. People are in our lives on purpose, not coincidental, and, if she is asking questions, perhaps the Holy Spirit is a work.

It is important that she read the entire Bible.... not just what someone says about it... If you are really drawn to her maybe the Lord is setting things up for her salvation... we have to always keep that in mind.... but you are correct in not tying yourself to her. And remember it is the Holy Spirit that will convince her that Jesus is real and who we say he is. Personally I would recommend an ESV version to give her.... if she takes to reading it there is hope. Just my 2 cents worth. Start with the book of John, then Acts then the new testament...…. if you want to spend some time together get an mp3 download of the bible and listen to it together... As I remember the new testament takes about 20 hours or so to get through.... but it is important that she accepts the Bible as basically true.

I met a young lady (living in Wisconsin) who seriously thought chocolate milk came from the brown (which we call red & white) cows. I didn't have the heart to inform her that chocolate is an added ingredient coming from cocoa beans. And regarding vacations... not on our 200-cow family farm (me, my husband, & 4 daughters) . No other hired help, nor money available to pay other hired help. Expenses sky high, and income still similar to back in 1980's. Economy may be good for many, but not dairy, regardless what politicians or media says. Eventually, things will change, and we will take a long vacation. Until then, we just keep caring for God's land and animals the best we can. also, I prefer the chocolate milk, too. (sorry, off topic. Forgive me for venting)

Such wisdom, such truth, such life, there is in these words. That this reality would be enlarged in each and every one of our hearts. Blessings my fellow laborer in Christ. May, we, all that call on His name from a pure heart, grow up and into Him in all things. Much love in Christ, Not me Edit; not to mention the freedom and joy and rest and hope and security and all good things such a realization produces. So blessed are they that see.

I'm going to speak heresy here. Early in my Christian walk (first decade or so), I memorized II Thess (in an old Schofield KJV) having picked it primarily because it was relatively short. Also (in some order I've forgotten), Titus, Galatians, Ephesians, and part of Romans in ASV. I basically found that my review time to keep things fresh and perfect became unsustainable. Something I also found was that I rarely ended up quoting anything anywhere. I had this idea that having these things memorized was going to turn me into Mr. Bible answer man who could drop needed quotes in at every occasion but it never happened. What I found was that I usually ended up paraphrasing things and expressing the ideas and pointing out where a particular passage was. Over time, I found that those hours I spent memorizing were much better spent for me reading a book several times and becoming familiar with it in its entirety and then moving onto the next book. I think we each need to determine what works best for us as the person God created us to be. As I found later in life with various personality tests and trait preferences such as the Gallup StrengthsFinder, I am a high level strategic type of thinker. My brain simply processes information in patterns rather than details. It's why I am a physicist and mathematician rather than an accountant. It naturally goes to the forest rather than the trees. It's why I found having read the Bible through in several English versions and three different languages very helpful rather than confusing. It's why I cannot quote a particular verse but can trivially recall the existence of a number of passages which address a particular question. I know Christians for whom Bible memorization is fruitful practice. I've known others for whom it becomes a burden. The real goal is familiarity with scripture of which there are different methods that work better for different people.

One priority we should have is an increasing familiarity with scripture. This includes familiarity with both the breadth and depth of scripture as well as reading reference materials such as bible dictionaries, atlases, histories, and the like. We of course have to start somewhere, with something like reading the gospels being a good place. For new Christians, I think a priority are gospels and acts to become familiar with the life of Jesus and the early church. But at some point for those who've been Christians for many years, we need to have a first hand familiarity with the entirety of scripture. My opinion is that this best comes from having read the entire Bible through on a consistent basis. This does not have to be Genesis through Revelation, but should be a method that takes us past *all* parts of scripture on a regular basis (which might be annual, or every 2 years or whatever). It is familiarity with the breadth of scripture that gives us a solid, sure, and safer base for in-depth study and reading. We are not forced to make a choice between only reading the Bible through or only studying in depth. I have done both in my life and both have their strengths and weaknesses. It is not that one is better than the other. It is that each gives us something that the other cannot. We need familiarity with both the breadth and depth of scripture. Reading the entire Bible provides a necessary framework and structure within which to better conduct in-depth studies. There are two ways to miss things in the Bible. The first is to not study in depth. The second is to not study the breadth. To be blunt, many of the in-depth studies I've been part of (where one book is studied for a year or more) often become fanciful fishing expeditions at times where supposed deep truths being discovered are merely conjectures and opinions rather than solid truths based on the entire counsel of scripture. I cannot recall the number of times I've had to restore some sanity to such studies by merely pointing out the existence of some other passage in some other book that no one else in the room was aware of. This includes studies lead by pastors and teachers with formal bible school or seminary educations who should have known better. The best Bible teachers I've heard over the years are those who regularly read the entirety of scripture on a consistent basis. Their in-depth study is then rooted in the entirety of scripture and is more balanced and more true to the entire Bible.

I've seen many good ideas shared here. I think God wants us to focus many times too on certain themes that are relevant to whatever one is going through. For example if one is going through a trial where they're struggling with a certain thing, lets say someone has treated you unkind and you're tempted to go in strife God might have you focus on scriptures to strengthen you on that theme....all verses about love, forgiveness and keeping strife out. If there's a trial to make you worry well a focus on the theme of trusting God and we can mention many other themes too. Reading the whole Bible cover to cover can be good though. I think if you're going through some books like Leviticus you might find it beneficial to find out if some of your most enjoyable to read Bible teachers that you respect have commentary teachings in print or video on such books. It's just some good Bible teachers really can explain the significance of what you're reading something that you alone might not be able to do.

Just a note on comparatives. Abraham was requested of the Lord to sacrifice Isaac unto God. Abraham was willing, and the Lord was testing him for trust and obedience. Perhaps more so in obedience. Our Heavenly Father sent His Son as a sacrifice for us, and Jesus willingly gave Himself for our cause, to save our souls and give unto us eternal life.

Shalom @mlbrokish If you are going to read the Bible from cover-to-cover, I would recommend the order below, which follows a rough chronological order rather than the “book size order”, as they are presented in the Bible. A: Torah Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy B: History Joshua Judges Ruth 1 & 2 Samuel 1 & 2 Kings 1 & 2 Chronicles (read these books on your second read through instead of Kings if you wish) C: Prophets before Israel’s Exile Jonah Joel Amos Hosea Micah Isaiah D: Prophets before Judah’s Exile Nahum Zephaniah Habakkuk Jeremiah Lamentations E: Prophets during Judah’s Captivity Daniel Obadiah Ezekiel F: Prophets after Judah’s Return Ezra Nehemiah Haggai Zechariah Malachi G: Miscellaneous Writings Job Psalms Song of Songs Proverbs Ecclesiastes Esther H: Gospels Matthew Mark Luke John I: Apostles Acts James 1 & 2 Thessalonians Galatians 1 & 2 Corinthians Romans Philippians Colossians Philemon Ephesians 1 Timothy Titus 2 Timothy Hebrews 1 & 2 Peter Jude 1, 2, 3 John Revelation Skip over genealogies and detailed information about the Tabernacle/Temple construction. You will read through these parts one day and they will reveal a treasure trove of information. But, for your first readthroughs, just scan your eyes past these parts back to the main narrative. It's important you understand the history of Israel (and therefore our family) and learn who the major players are. Media I recommend: As you begin each book, it may help you the watch the quick summary videos provided for free by the Bible Project on YT. Here’s an example. If you have time to get a complete summary, there are free videos on YT by David Pawson called Unlocking the Bible. They are most helpful. Here’s an example. As you finish each book, it may help you to watch the GCBI video teachings, again free on YT. Here’s an example. Finally, if you truly wish to chew and digest each book and understand it, line-by-line, I recommend the Chuck Missler audio commentary. Super helpful! Available on Audible book by book. Example and here is the Audible link. Translations I recommend: NKJV – for accuracy. I recommend this one especially for the New Testament. Long story as to why that I can share another time. NLT – for an easy read. Whilst not highly accurate, it’s a very easy read and brings out the heart emotion in Scriptures. NIV – for between the two above. I don’t read the NIV, but I do have the audio version of it I listen to pretty much daily, recorded by David Suchet. Here’s a link. Highly recommended. If you can, buy a nice copy of the translation you choose. Not a cheap one. This is your sword, it will be by your side and in your hands a lot. So, make sure you purchase a good one. One final bit of advice, as you begin your pilgrimage through the Scriptures, maybe invest in a good notebook/diary. Before you begin each book, write down what you think about the book. As you read it, makes notes of what stands out to you and any thoughts you have. When you finish the book, write down what you know about it now. This is a great way to track your progression as your grow and to encourage you to think introspectively. Love & Shalom

The magnetic field has shifted poles multiple times in our past and hasnt really done anything to harm the earth. It does appear to be signs of it preparing to shift again. My personal theory, just my opinion, is that gamma ray burst could be a cause of the heat and fire in revelation. Scientists have hypothesized that such a burst could be a mass extinction event. But it could just as easily be nothing natural at all, but supernatural. Regardless, its all in His hands.

Amen, the sooner we forgive the sooner we are free of sin. It is a hard one to forgive but what is impossible to us is possible with God.

Paul said concern about Sabbaths were for “ weak Believers”. Mature Believers know that in this Age of Grace,Every day is the Sabbath, a day of rest . We rest in the finished work of the Cross, knowing that is where ALL of our sins are.I highly recommend this test , especially since God says you are disobedient and in a state of unbelief if you are not living it.No rest— no joy.You ever get scared, especially at night, wondering where you are going to go if you die? Have I done enough ?Am I Worthy to make it?Will Jesus tell me to “ depart from me, I never knew you? God has a built -in punishment for those who doubt the Worth Of His Son’s Blood That purchased this incredible Grace and rest.Some are living it every day.If you are doubting your Salvation, It could be a wise thing to do.JESUS PLUS NOTHING for Salvation.REST in that Truth or pay the price.On Earth for sure.....let’s hope it is not an Eternal issue.

it isn't that uncommon for Alaska temperatures to be as hot as or hotter than Oklahoma..... This is not due to global warming, it's just normal cycles.

That must have been one igloo melting kind of day, I'd be willing to wager.

Colossians 3:2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.

I agree we see the world very differently than the unbelievers. We also need to conduct ourselves very differently than the unbelievers.

Finding out that an unsaved loved one cried out to Jesus , "Lord be merciful to me a sinner" and He made them a new creation in Him.

Also the born again Christian should make wise media choices. Television and movies has slowly desensitized the Christian to sex and violence. That is the way Satan works.

The Bible claims it was a global flood in this wording in Genesis chapters 6-9: I am going to bring floodwaters on the earth to destroy all life under the heavens, every creature that has the breath of life in it. The waters:" rose greatly on the earth, and all the high mountains under the entire heavens were covered. " Everything on dry land that had the breath of life in its nostrils died .And never again will I destroy all living creatures, as I have done. Never again will all life be destroyed by the waters of a flood Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life. Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant It was a universal flood, not a local flood.

Today Would Be Perfect If....

Something I need to seriously remember right now. Hope it encourages others too.

John 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. 1:15 John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me. 1:16 And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. 1:17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. Jesus is God in the flesh. Jesus is all grace and truth; it resides in him and is bestowed upon undeserving mankind. By grace Jesus shed his blood for the new testament to save Israel for the Davidic kingdom (Jeremiah 31:33 Mark 14:24). Although Jesus was sent only to the house of Israel (Matthew 15:24), God by grace made provision to save the Gentiles also. Peter speaks of the grace that saved them as well as the Gentiles, to all who believed the word preahed unto them (Acts 15:11). There is a future grace in which Israel will be a blessing to the Gentile nations in the Davidic kingdom (Isaiah 60:3). We have received the grace of God in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 4:7 Romans 5:2) in our dispensation. The grace of Christ Jesus has made us accepted in God (Ephesians 1:6). We have redemption and the forgiveness of sins through his blood according to the riches of his grace (Ephesians 1:7). We have been saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8).

Amen.. We are to be led by the Holy Spirit and if The Lord gives you the grace to forgive and heart felt desire to restore then by all means his grace is suffecient. But, if the Lord is showing you a bad situation you blindly bound yourself in with good intentions . Don't be afraid or let anyone make you feel guilty to the point you sacrafice your heart and mind, your children for an evil person that can make you bitter and even drive you to become adultrous yourself or a drunkard or a person that has to pop pills just to deal with life on life's terms. Because God didn't give you the desire to stay and the grace. Some doctrine bound you by guilt. His grace will also be with you to divorce an adulter. That cheating spouce that had no loyalty or faithfulness can be saved by Christ because you divorced them and though Christ is in us, we are not The Lord who saves. So always let the Lord lead you not peoples doctrin. Jesus knows what needs to be done in every ones heart and life.

Save for the cause of Fornication . That's right ayin . this is the ONLY means by which a divorce can be done , the spouse put away . ANd it not be adultery IF they remarry . OH , well that and if the other spouse dies .

This is true... And preferably better to do so before having done that.

One cause of denominations might be when the leadership of a church becomes corrupt, causing some members of that church to feel they need to start their own church.

What helps is a trip to Wendy's for a junior hamburger with ketchup only, large fries, and a glass of water.

God has a plan for this earth. His will be done. I did not say it never happens in Alaska I said it is rare.

praying to God & reading my Bible & listening to Christian music, playing my martial arts video game & spending time with family that makes my day special

The provisions from God are perfect for each day. Doesn't matter if I see it or not. So I guess that makes for a perfect day, everyday.

Wonderful topic, this is somethin' we often forget to be vigilant about. Bein' surround'd by a sinful society, we should be always watchin' ourselves and others! Just my two bits, JJ

Amen. Avoiding every kind of evil is rare today. Purity of speech also - avoiding crude jesting, and speech about things done in darkness that ought not even be discussed among believers because it is not becoming(not right) as disclosed in the New Testament Instructions to believers. "Study Bible Imitators of God …2and walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant sacrificial offering to God. 3But among you, as is proper among the saints, there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed. 4Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or crude joking, which are out of character, but rather thanksgiving.… Berean Study Bible · Download" "Not any kind of impurity, or of greed. Nor .... obscenity ..... but rather thanksgiving ...." ---------------- Ephesians 5:5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. ------------------ i.e. Instructions to separation, including having no "unclean speech" ..... improper for believers in Jesus ..... (even to quote from someone else that which is defiling, unclean, and an abomination to the Lord) ----------- Ephesians 5:12 For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. Exodus 23:13 And in all things that I have said unto you be circumspect: and make no mention of the name of other gods, neither let it be heard out of thy mouth. 1 Corinthians 5:1 It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife. Sexual sins have become commonplace in society - perhaps they always were.... certainly Yahuweh(God) speaks of them in the Old Testament and in the New Testament times .... Murder also , beyond description worldwide, and gruesome details that ought never be a common topic of discussion among believers (neither in person nor on forums anonymously grieving the spirit). Greed and oppression are the ways of the world apart from Christ. Be separate , Be holy, Be righteous by faith in Jesus Christ as written in the Bible. Be pure in words, not defiling others in the assembly with disgusting filthy talk, rather season all speech with the pure gentle wisdom from above.

The Lord in it:)

Someone recently mentioned that so often the hard times are there to mold us. I guess this goes for the good times too. What you share made me think of this and learning to appreciate each day.

Hi Lee, Jesus has many titles and His Lordship means that He is the supreme administrator over all, - Lord of lords. So not only is Jesus the sovereign ruler, (King) over all, He is the supreme administrator. Often these offices are by separate people, but Jesus is King of kings, and Lord of lords. Marilyn.

In a general sense a person who has authority, control, or power over others; a master, chief, or ruler. In confessing Jesus as Lord one is agreeing to do everything Jesus tells us to do...

81 degrees ,slightly overcast,smooth road , little traffic to speak of, and my Harley.....

Lord is someone with authority, control and power over others. It means that Jesus is God. Jesus has all authority in heaven and on earth.

It means that He is in charge, the ruler of all. He is the final authority and there is none higher than Him. When we take Him as our personal Lord and Savior, it means that we submit to His authority over us want to be His bond slave and serve Him.

Hey Annette, I've never heard of the Continuous Story, ...but one of the things that makes my day perfect is: In my prayers every morning I ask the Holy Spirit to anoint me like He did Bezaleel, so when working in my cabinet shop and a problem arises the Holy Spirit reveals to me how to overcome it. Lord bless

my wife didn't have M. S.

This is your own interpretation. Nothing the Bible endorses. I do not support it.

Good observation. I wonder if western corporations haven't influenced the sort of hierarchical structure we see in a lot of churches. My understanding of the term "Nicolaitans" is that it refers to those who exercise victory over the lay people. But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. It is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:25-28