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I woke in the wee hours with this old hymn on my mind. On a hill far away, stood an old rugged Cross The emblem of suff'ring and shame And I love that old Cross where the dearest and best For a world of lost sinners was slain So I'll cherish the old rugged Cross Till my trophies at last I lay down I will cling to the old rugged Cross And exchange it some day for a crown Oh, that old rugged Cross so despised by the world Has a wondrous attraction for me For the dear Lamb of God, left his Glory above To bear it to dark Calvary So I'll cherish the old rugged Cross Till my trophies at last I lay down I will cling to the old rugged Cross And exchange it some day for a crown In the old rugged Cross, stain'd with blood so divine A wondrous beauty I see For the dear Lamb of God, left his Glory above To pardon and sanctify me So I'll cherish the old rugged Cross Till my trophies at last I lay down I will cling to the old rugged Cross And exchange it some day for a crown To the old rugged Cross, I will ever be true Its shame and reproach gladly bear Then He'll call me some day to my home far away Where his glory forever I'll share So I'll cherish the old rugged Cross Till my trophies at last I lay down I will cling to the old rugged Cross And exchange it some day for a crown

A brother stood up at our gathering this morning and said: "The Christian life is not hard, brothers and sisters, it is impossible!" His point was, there is only One who did it, and only One who is still able to live the Christian life. If we think it is hard, it shows we're trying to live it from the wrong source - our own self effort. Nobody, apart from Christ in us, is able to live it. Therefore, we must learn to live by a new source, our spirit, which is joined to His Spirit! (1 Cor 6:17) Three supporting verses come to mind (there are many more): "Apart from Me you can do nothing." "My yoke is easy and my burden light." "What is impossible with men is possible with God." John 15:5, Matt 11:30, Luke 8:27

I think we as humans look too much for the `feelings.` God is always there and it is for us to appreciate His faithfulness, His mercy and grace. As we regularly give Him thanks and praise then we are feeding our spirit. Appreciate the everyday blessings we have and not constantly looking to God to keep proving Himself to us. God will by His Holy Spirit often highlight a word or action that needs to be addressed. This correction is to make us more like Christ and not our selfish past.

I've become more aware that various ones would like to dismiss Paul the apostle and discredit his writings. Paul is the most prolific writer of the New Testament if number of epistles are counted (Luke actually writes more by volume via gospel of Luke and Acts). By far, Paul addresses more topics and issues than any other writer of the NT. And all those topics he covers brings him under fire, as he touches a lot of nerves, including: >Drunkenness >Homosexuality >Husband/Wife relations >Men & woman's roles >Other sexual moralities >Not stumbling others with certain practices, etc. And Paul also conveys some of the highest vision (which some also object to): >The ekklesia as the body of Christ (this is unique to Paul) >Flesh vs. spirit >Freedom in Christ vs legalism >Indwelling Christ Bottom-line to me is the Lord has used Paul's writings to speak to me for decades, therefore I have no doubt he is a legitimate apostle (plus Peter confirms in 2 Pet 3:15-16), speaking some very high vision, but also a multitude of practical things in our pursuit of Christ. Are there other reasons Paul is disparaged by some that I've not listed? What are your thought on this?

I join you in that. As for myself, the Lord is with me always so I'm never alone. It isn't a burden by any means. He has given me a memorial so that I can remember how He came to me when all hope was lost, and I wrongly believed that He despised me having been silent for so many years. I think of that day and I tremble at the memory of how close I came to the end of this flesh; not the prospect of the end of flesh and blood but rather, the end of my time on earth without the Lord. He came to me and lifted me up, healing body and mind and restoring me. What is the memorial of that day? My right hand. It was broken when I fell and so one of the knuckles on that hand is absent. This is so I can remember and say, "The Lord delivered me with a mighty hand, for my own was broken!" I could say that I lost everything except for the life in this body that is perishing, and it would be true only in this sense: I have no family (they rejected me). I have no wife and no children. I lost all of my possessions many times over, I lost whatever money I had, and I had no place to rest my head. I don't own any property... But the Lord has given me everything. He has given me Himself and the promise that when He gathers me to Himself, I will never depart. I will dwell in His presence forever. Truly, my joy knows no bounds!

Isa 32:17-18 And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever. (18) And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places; Some Christians in the Lord's body experience seasons of solitude, especially with the passing of loved ones, but for some solitude has been a life-long, unchanging paradigm for them to come to terms with, as if it is a special gift from which ministry can proceed. 1Co 12:18 But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased. Solitude is often paired with loneliness, but aloneness is also often held to be distinct from loneliness. I enjoy my own company, and manage quite well on my own for a few days when my dear wife is away, but I have to empathise with those who actually live alone, and don't embrace solitude as a gift.

"Solitude, often misunderstood as simply being alone, is a state of being alone without loneliness or isolation. It's a positive and desirable experience that allows for introspection, creativity, and personal growth. Being alone is not necessarily synonymous with loneliness, which is a sense of isolation even when surrounded by others." Being an old fart, I enjoy time alone. The outside world has become too noisy for me, too crowded to feel at peace. I do enjoy our meeting together with our church body, families and old friends as we just returned home from. Every day I often end up in my shop eventually by myself. Quiet with special easy listening instrumentals playing. A favorite may come on and trigger memories. Good stuff most often. This causes a great thankfulness, gratitude and eventually giving praise to God. God is with me and ain't going to leave. I talk, he listens, and with the word hid within, me replies. I know I am blessed beyond measure and try to get that emotion understood by our 'Father.' Why does He give me so much favor, a sinner like me? God is merciful. God is good, and so be it. Thanks Michael

Birds and Animals · During one tense bullfight, matador Alvaro Munero did the unthinkable. As the crowd cheered, wanting the next dramatic move, he abruptly stepped away from the bull, walked to the edge of the arena, and sat down. The roaring crowd fell into stunned silence. In a post-interview that came from his heart, Alvaro shared this life-altering moment that led to his decision: "In one moment I forgot the existence of the horns. All I could see was his eyes, standing there, not with rage but with something much deeper-innocence. He was not attacking me; he was just looking at me, pleading wordlessly for his life. That is when it came into my mind that this isn't an animal I am fighting; this is a living thing that wanted to live as much as I did.". His eyes had that purity that only animals possess, and in them, I saw that undeniable truth. I felt an overwhelming surge of guilt; it was as if I had become the most heartless creature alive. I couldn't continue. I dropped my sword, left the arena, and made a promise to myself: I would no longer fight bulls; I would fight against a world which makes a game out of the torture of others for amusement. The story of Alvaro Munero is a rare, powerful look into the transformative force of compassion, even in the most unlikely of places. It is a reminder that one moment of connection can change a life, inspire a new purpose.__https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/te2/1/16/270d.png

Pauls letters spend a lot of time showing the early churches what they were doing wrong. Some churches, who don't listen to his teachings, are still doing it wrong and that is why I think it's important.

I agree with those who consider Paul's writings to be indispensable to Christian Life and Service.

I think the notion is foolishness and that is mild. Its plain that God made sure the Church has exactly what we need in the canon.

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” ~ John 11:25-26 Eternity Hinges on One Question, Have You Answered It? In John 11:25–26, Jesus confronts us with a question that every person must face, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” These words were spoken to Martha just before Jesus raised her brother Lazarus from the grave, but they weren’t meant only for her. This question still echoes today, direct, urgent, and eternal. Jesus didn’t say I can give resurrection or I know the way to life, He said I am the resurrection and the life. This isn’t a metaphor, it’s a claim of divine authority and power. It means that all hope of eternal life, all assurance beyond the grave, all victory over death itself rests entirely in Him. There is no other source, no alternative path. As Jesus said elsewhere, “No man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6). Martha had a general belief that the dead would rise “at the last day,” as taught in the Scriptures (John 5:28–29), but Jesus wasn’t satisfied with a vague religious idea. He brought her to a moment of personal decision, to trust in Him now. Eternal life isn’t just a future hope, it’s a present reality for those who believe. Jesus doesn’t just promise resurrection on the last day, He gives life today to the spiritually dead (Ephesians 2:1, 5). He gives peace, purpose, and the indwelling Holy Spirit to all who believe. And that’s why His question matters so much, “Do you believe this?” Not, Do you go to church? Not, Are you a good person? Not even, Do you believe in God? The issue is Jesus Himself. Do you believe that He is the resurrection and the life? Have you trusted Him alone to save you from sin and death? This isn’t a question you can afford to ignore or push off. Hebrews 9:27 says, “It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” There are no second chances after death. Either you believe in Christ now and receive eternal life, or you face eternal separation from God. As Jesus also warned, “If ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins” (John 8:24). The question is simple, and eternal. Jesus asks you today, “Do you believe this?” Your answer is not just a response to a Bible verse. It’s the dividing line between life and death, between hope and judgment, between heaven and hell. Answer it with faith in the One who conquered the grave and offers you life that never ends. If you’re unsure or just beginning to seek, don’t delay. Open the Bible, read the Gospel of John, and ask God to show you the truth. He promises, “He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life” (John 5:24). The offer stands, but time is short. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and live.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

Christianity is strong here. The churches in South Africa are very active. In my town alone, there are around 30 churches representing several denominations, including Dutch Reformed, Lutheran, etc. Not only does active evangelism happen, but I know a few churches in South Africa that actively send out mission teams to other parts of Africa and the rest of the world. One church has sent mission teams to places like China, Syria, and Pakistan.

Hey. Thanks for asking me. I hope I can help. From the moment this situation started reaching the international news, I've been hesitant and have stayed away from discussing it here. I am distinctly aware that my point of view won't be popular here. So I'm only answering with my best knowledge and according to what I believe. I don't really want to talk about the political/ideological points. I'm not going to discuss the political philosophy behind this in detail. Here is what I will say: The crime situation in South Africa is deplorable. And I do admit that farmers in many areas are in danger. There have been horrific cases. They could use better security. The ANC, especially since the time Zuma came into power, has been the big problem in South Africa. They deliberately keep racial tension going because this gives them excuses for bad decisions. They are not interested in running the country properly. They have, through negligence, incompetence and corruption, destroyed everything that was working well. They are as corrupt as they come. So they need to be removed as soon as possible. I believe the tide is turning, slowly but surely. There are also lots of positive things happening in this country. One positive point is that the ANC and others like them are losing support, even among their traditional power base. They might eventually lose enough support to lose power completely. They lose power, there are opposition parties that could really make a difference. Where I live, we still feel quite safe and everything is working quite well.

Blessings to you @bdavidc Everything Jesus Said is Powerful,there is even Power in His Name - it is by that very same Power we can choose to resist Temptation and not transgress when we Choose Him as our Lord and Savior,ask Forgiveness and Be FREE indeed! I certainly understand your Message but it is an Invitation,Good News and an Encouraging Word more so than judgement or condemnation .... we must always remember in Delivering the Message to not be judgmental as your title suggests just like in Luke 18:9-14 The Word of God Reminds us of the pharisee who was " proud" he was not like the tax collector praying beside him- he thanked God for being better than him yet the tax collector humbly asked God's Mercy..... Humility is Pleasing to God,let us pray that people Humble themselves before the Foot of the Cross with a softened heart to Receive the Word of God I only hope to Encourage every single unbeliever that you don't have to wash your clothes before you go to the laundrymat.... you come just as you are,a filthy rag .... just BELIEVE .... with Christ Abiding in you you become a New Creature in Christ With love in Christ,Kwik

Col 2:13-15 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, (14) by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. (15) He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him. This is an example of metaphor in language. In Colossians 2:14, Paul uses vivid imagery to describe how Christ's sacrifice removed the legal demands that were against humanity. The phrase "nailing it to the cross" metaphorically represents the cancellation of the debt of sin and the removal of the written code that condemned people. This type of figurative language is common in biblical texts, where abstract theological concepts are conveyed through concrete imagery. The idea of a "certificate of debt" being nailed to the cross emphasizes the completeness of Christ's redemptive work, showing that the charges against believers were fully dealt with through His crucifixion.

I'm similarly fond of solitude and can quite easily spend weeks or even months without human contact. I try not to slip into that, though. I feel a similar relationship with what some would call depression. But it's often been a source for compassion and insight, and much like Paul's thorn I think it's served a purpose. I wouldn't change it.

I'm going to be blunt. Sitting on the fence is just fine with Satan: he owns the fence. You are either in Christ or you're not. Having said that, understand that if you are in Christ, the moment you were born again in Christ you were justified, you were adopted into the family of God, and you were and are being sanctified. Sanctification is another way of saying that you are set apart from the world, that God has begun a work in you, and He has promised to complete the work He began in you. Sanctification is a process, a lifelong process that begins when you first believed and were born again in Christ, and sanctification is fully realized when we are glorified with Christ. If you are in Christ, God's Sanctification of you is His plan for you; trust God's plan, because God's plan is greater than all the plans that you and all the planners in the world could ever come up with; God's plan is greater. Peace

I have known some brothers and sisters in the Lord who have lost spouses to death or divorce. Its tough for them. Regarding solitude, I think its beneficial when its time alone with God. Special times of fellowship. But If its just me . . . then I never can get away from me . . . I tell the same old stale jokes that are really not funny . . . have the same old complaints, and really don't like me to the point that I would choose myself as a friend. Just saying . . . .

Brief...lol. @ladypeartree @other one @Henry_iain

We who are in Christ sojourn on this earth and are subject to many things both in the world and within our own flesh and minds. I offer two analogies that have been helpful to myself during my walk and I hope and pray may be of help to others of my family in Christ. I think in terms of two analogies, neither of which are perfect, but have been of some help to me over the years. 1. A tree 2. The land When God made us Alive 'In Christ' the source of our life changed from the earthly to the heavenly. He essentially and in a very real way severed us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into His Kingdom. We being like a tree have been uprooted and turned upside down with our roots now in the heavens where we draw all of our strength and blessings. However, the branches are still in this earthly realm and subject to much of what this realm exudes. Our branches are always catching flying things that wish to land there and affect our thinking and yank on our flesh. We have this Treasure in earthen vessels. Through His word (scriptures) rhema and our brethren, we learn to shew away those birds. God will touch something in us and we respond with a "yes Lord", thus agreeing with Him and through this ongoing process are 'changed into His likeness'. 2Corinthians 3:18 And we all, with unveiled faces, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another, just as from the Lord, who is the Spirit. This is all the Lord's doing. It is only because of 'New Life' that we are able to say 'Yes Lord'. The other is the 'Land' and I will attempt to connect this aspect of our ongoing sanctification. When the Israelites were entering the Land as the Lord had ordained and commanded the inhabitants were driven out or not, the Lord was establishing His Kingdom on earth. A place set aside for His purpose and for our learning. I see the Land as a metaphor for our ongoing sanctification. When He touches something in us that is not of Him, and we say 'yes Lord' and thus give our loyalty to Him rather than the flesh and the earth, He reigns there. His Kingdom is in a very real way established in us. Philippians 2:13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. It is needful and healthy to remember that it is all His Working in us. Jesus said, "you can do nothing without me". "No thing". Not some things, or things of a category or another! No thing. This is the sense and realization as He works in us; to know deep within our being that we need Him to walk, talk, breathe and think. Thus we grow toward that place where He is Lord. We decrease as He increases. Our roots are 'In Him'.

Here a blog post from christianpioneer.com that describes how struggles can be beneficial. Beneficial Adversity There was an image circulated via email a few days ago with four pictures. The first showed the men on Iwo Jima raising the US flag in WWII. It was titled, “Hard times make strong men”. The next image was of a man working on his car in the 1950s. It was titled, “Strong men make good times”. The third image was of people partying in the 1980s. It was titled, “Good times make weak men”. The last picture was of abandoned houses in Detroit that looked like a demilitarized zone. It was titled, “Weak men make hard times”. I once worked with a man (a non-custodial parent) who said one of the saddest things I have ever heard, he said, “The laziest person I have ever seen is my son. He never gets up from a video game except to go to the refrigerator.” It is not uncommon for the older generation to comment on the flaws they see in the younger generation. However, this does not automatically mean that these observations are invalid. By creating a social environment for our children of unending entertainment, subsidized indolence, unrestrained consumerism, offense at every slight (real or imagined), and the cultivation of a critical spirit to contend with that of a movie, restaurant or theater critic, we may have produced a generation of perpetual adolescents with weak character. This may have been done with good intentions, but the result indicates that it might be legitimately called child abuse. A generation or two ago a wayward child could have been sent to the military where exposure to an adverse environment might have helped him develop the strength of character he was missing. Unfortunately, the military environment has been modified as to not inflict such character improving difficulty. In addition, the military no longer desires to accept those in need of correction. The bible tells us that the Lord “chastens” those he loves. Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, wrestling against sin. And ye have quite forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when reproved by him; for whom the Lord loves he chastens, and scourges every son whom he receives. Hebrews 12:4-6 There is a saying that the best education in the world comes from the school of hard knocks, the problem is that the tuition is so high. For Christians, we have the option to surrender ourselves to the Lord’s leading in humility and sincerity so that we might avoid the more harsh chastening the Lord might use to get our attention such as getting laid off, finding ourselves in the midst of divorce, or struggling with addiction when we should have already been seeking his leading. Satan is almost finished using Christians to advance the plan of global collectivism he has been advancing for centuries. As a result, Christians should expect to face increasing hostility and persecution. In addition to finally getting Christians to curtail their love affair with the world, we might find that increasing hostility improves our character by seeking after and clinging to Jesus. This might result in a more clear testimony as Peter tells those about to undergo persecution; But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: 1 Peter 3:15

These are strange times when some that claim to be Christians would try to pick apart the Word of God. All of the Word of God is written for our benefit.

I had those thoughts myself my first time through the Bible. Was his contribution needed? Jesus said everything he needed to say. He made things very clear, then Paul was all about the church which is corrupted by man. The church that has veered away from what the Bible originally taught. What I keep going back to is I don't believe God would allow that deception in the Bible. He couldn't possibly allow people to trust in Paul if he was going against God. Then there were all of the sacrifices Paul made to spread the Gospel. Being beaten, jailed, shipwrecked. I don't doubt it anymore.

Hi @Excalibur Here on Worthy Christian Forums there is room for some degree of emotive discussion on a variety of topics, but as WilliamL has rightly pointed out, (unless quoting Scripture), it is necessary to address the validity of arguments based on their content without bias as to their exponents. There are several passages in the Bible that mention the Antichrist and indicate that the spirit of the Antichrist is already present in the world. Here are a few key verses: 1 John 2:18 – "Children, it is the last hour; and just as you have heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have appeared. This is how we know it is the last hour." 1 John 4:3 – "Every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God; this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world." 2 John 1:7 – "For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the Antichrist." These verses suggest that the Antichrist is not just a singular future figure but that there are many who embody the spirit of deception and opposition to Christ. The cumulative effect of this is depicted in Revelation 13, and foretold in 2 Thessalonians 2.

Concerning Jesus, He wasn't promoting eating unclean animals. The scribes were questioning Jesus' disciples about eating with ceremonially unwashed hands. If Jesus would have declared unclean animals were good to eat, the scribes would have had a legit complaint concerning the Law. Remember Peter's vision? Peter said he never ate anything unclean. So if the disciples were eating unclean food during the time the scribes were questioning Jesus, that would have been a lie. So Jesus didn't declare all animals were clean to eat. In the beginning, our food was the fruits and herbs of the field. Things produced out of the ground. When the perfect creation is restored, I imagine that will be our food again, to enjoy.

I would say, first of all check with Scripture. If any of the options go against God's will as revealed there, then they're off limits. It can be harder when all your choices are equally "Christian" - like where to live. Prayer is vital. Sometimes God has a clear plan for you to follow, in which case He will make to known to you. But sometimes He seems not to mind. The counsel of other Christians can be helpful - but they may have their own agenda. 7 years ago, after I retired, we decided to move from England to Wales, but had no particular place in mind. We sold our house in just 2 days, which was encouraging, but finding a house in Wales turned out to be much harder. God gave us no direction. So we just put in an offer for a house we liked, and if we didn't get it we kept on looking. On the third attempt we succeeded. So I assume that this is where God wants us to be - and certainly a lot of things have "worked out" neatly since we moved here.

Some news I've seen lately that is promising: Around 2,000 people were baptized in Jacksonville in the Atlantic Ocean the other week. There is also a 22% increase in the sale of Bibles since October of 2024. Many are younger first-time buyers. I also notice so many more famous and powerful people talking about being Christian. Even Joe Rogan has made some recent comments about Jesus. He used to be more of a higher power kind of guy. Things have changed quite a bit since January, and I think towards God. At least in the USA.

Interesting way to see things. I imagine looking at end times is a lot like looking at the weather. We watch it because we don’t know whether we need an umbrella or not. In this case, our umbrella is Jesus and a relationship with Him. If we make a projection based on what we think we know and it proves to be incorrect, it does more harm than not saying anything. Since I’m a YouTuber and frequently go there, I can tell you the place is loaded with people claiming prophetic gifts making claims or regurgitating the Bible trying to make it look like they had a revelation when it’s a thing we all can know. Prophecy for some Christians is a hobby and they enjoy trying to determine close timelines. I am of the opinion that God isn’t ready until he’s ready. We’ve been in the last days for 2000 years. I believe most will agree we are in the birth pangs but it could either be a long or a short birth. God just wants me busy doing His work.

Welcome to Worthy I'm curious and hoping I don't sound sarcastic because it is not my intention.... Do you believe you have spoken to the majority of baby Christians? Or perhaps you're just saying that in your own experience & hearing what you've heard from babes in Christ it seems to you the mostly share a commonality? I only ask because of the hundreds if not a thousand young Christians that I've heard,new to the Faith ,I have not found this to be true or a problem What I have seen is many " Babes" do not Understand how important it is to try the spirits and every " feeling" or happenstance is a Move of Holy Spirit.. So I do hear " God Said" or "God Told me" or " I had a Revelation" very often out of the mouths of babes..... What really matters to God is our heart, having a personal relationship with Him in Christ Jesus..... in relationship we receive the wisdom to walk in His Will & His Ways and lead others to the foot of the Cross,that they too can have an intimate relationship with our Heavenly Father,Son & Holy Spirit With love in Christ,Kwik

Hi @Mario Gallegos What studies have been done to substantiate this being something "the majority of baby Christians do"?. Your statement touches on an interesting theological and philosophical point—how personal revelations can evolve into structured doctrines and, eventually, organized religions. In terms of logical fallacies, the statement could be examined for generalizations. Here are a couple of possible concerns: Hasty Generalization – The phrase "the majority of baby Christians" assumes that this pattern is widespread without providing specific evidence. While it may happen, it doesn't necessarily apply to everyone. Causal Fallacy – The claim suggests a direct cause-and-effect relationship: revelation leads to doctrine, which leads to religion. While these elements can be connected, the process is often more complex, with cultural, historical, and interpretive factors influencing religious development.

We often forget such fundamental truths in the hectic nature of day to day lives. Relative of course. But even when we are not focused on these truths each of us are sustained…we are kept safe in Christ. Even those seasons when it seems He is far away. I have been thinking a lot lately about the Reality of the Great Shepherd. Psalm 23 is an oldie but oh so relevant. Praise His Name.

(John 8:12–20) In John 8:12, Jesus made a clear and powerful statement, “I am the light of the world, he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” This wasn’t poetic language, it was a spiritual line in the sand. Jesus was speaking to people who had religious knowledge but no relationship with the truth. They were standing in darkness, and the Light of the world was right in front of them offering life, but they resisted. This passage shows how dangerous it is to be religious on the outside while still lost on the inside. These people had the Scriptures, the temple, and traditions, but they refused to follow Christ. And Jesus warned them plainly, if they did not believe in Him, they would die in their sins. That means standing before God with a lifetime of guilt still on your record, unforgiven and unwashed. It means entering eternity with no Savior and no hope. What led to that judgment? Pride. Unbelief. A stubborn love for sin and darkness. Jesus was not vague, He told them the truth over and over. Yet in John 8:19, they still asked, “Where is your Father?” They weren’t looking for truth, they were dodging it. And it happens today just like it did then. Many are content with religious talk, spiritual curiosity, or moral living, but they reject the only One who can actually forgive sin. Jesus didn’t say to admire Him, He said to follow Him. And those who follow Him will not walk in darkness. But following means believing. It means surrendering. It means admitting that you need Him because you cannot save yourself. If you don’t come to Him, you remain where you are, and if you die in that condition, you will die in your sins. That is not fear-mongering, that is the plain teaching of Jesus. The world offers endless distractions, philosophies, and arguments, but none of them can cleanse your sin. Jesus alone is the light of the world. If you truly believe He is who He claimed to be, then you will turn from sin and trust Him. And when you do, He gives you life, light, and the forgiveness your soul needs. But if you harden your heart, delay your response, or continue to trust in your own goodness, you will face judgment with full responsibility for your sin. The good news is this, you don’t have to die in your sin. You can turn to Christ right now. He is the light, and He still calls sinners out of darkness into life. Don’t be like those who stood in front of the Savior and argued. Come to Him while there is still time. The warning is clear, the gospel is true, and the door is open. Step into the light, or you will die in your sin.

Great question that gets to the heart of the matter. His 'eternal purpose' is realized . God gets a Family after his 'kind'. This is hard to fathom but true. The Law of 'kinds' is immutable. We are gifted with His Nature through Christ. "By bringing many sons to Glory". Hebrews 2:10 For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.

I know that there is a thread now with members discussing how much that they enjoy the show. And I am NOT intending in bashing the show or telling folks not to watch it. It's probably very entertaining. I just want to let you know some things that you may not be aware of. And if you do watch the show, you may feel led to pray for some things. [1] The show is, in part, funded by the Mormon church, The Latter Day Saints. At the end of the credits each episode, this acknowledgement is made. The creator of the show has stated that he sees no difference between Mormons and Christians. [2] At least one line from the character who plays Jesus is from the book of Mormon and not found in the Bible. When asked about it, the producer said, "It was a cool line." [3] It is "based" on the life of Christ, but not all the actors in the show are Christians. Represented in the show are at least one atheist, Jews, Hindi, Catholics, evangelicals, and some just "don't know". The makers of the show said they just wanted the best actors for the job. I get that. You want to make a good show. [4] They keep a Pride Flag on set. The creator defended it by saying that they are willing to work with anyone who will help make the show a great show. [5] The music? It's done by two men. One of them is Dan Haseltine of the Christian band, Jars of Clay. Very popular in the Christian music field. He believes that homosexuality is not a sin. He has publicly stated that it doesn't matter what the Bible says - all that matters is how you feel. My point is NOT to tell you not to watch. My point is just to be on guard with ANY film or tv show that professes to be teaching you about Christ. My point is that God gave us the messages and stories of Jesus in the Bible. He could have sent Jesus to Earth very early on when there were just stone carvings. He could have sent Jesus when people were using cell phones and computers. God sent Christ at a time when books were being written. THE book, the Bible, is where we should get our understanding of Jesus Christ. All I'm saying is READ THE BOOK FIRST and then you will have enough discernment to know if something is truthful or not. I used to tell my students - "Never EVER take your history, science, or Bible from a movie or TV show. Facts have been altered to entertain." Watch the show in peace, but watch it based your knowledge of what is actually in the Bible.

Without the power of Christ living through us (Holy Spirit) it really is impossible to live a Christian Life.

All quiet down my street. Really beautiful and peaceful at times. Sun shining, cats being curious or just lazing. Lawns and gardens looking nice. . . and no-one has taken the mark of the beast. I'm giving it a while longer until the apocalypse comes to its climax

The whole Bible points to sin and the need for reconciliation. The central message of the Bible in both the NT and OT points to God, through His Son Jesus Christ, and the need for a kinsman redeemer. The Law and the sacrificial system could save no one. 1 John 4:10 (KJV) Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. If my memory serves, God is named in every book of the Bible, except Esther. Esther in type points to the Kinsmen Redeemer, the central message.

Yes. This is a very encouraging thing. It's as if everything will turn back to the way it was before sin. And I'd be happy that God is merciful to me and I see this new earth, we will all come to the knowledge of the truth, so there will be no doctrinal division amongst brethren. What will we do at that point? ( A hearty LOL).

This is an interesting question that I never noticed before. I have always assumed Job was a very early book by an unknown author. Based on God's questions to Job, I surmise that enormous dinosaurs and ice-age glaciers still lingered around, and Job witnessed them. It seems God asks Job what he sees, not what was. You are correct, the Greeks named the Pleiades and Orion after their myths, which poses an interesting dilemma. According to sources I checked, it is estimated that the Greek empire came into existence somewhere around 800 B.C.E.. The time of Job's life and the composition of the Book of Job may shed some light on the question as mentioned below: The exact date of the Book of Job's composition remains uncertain, with scholars proposing various timeframes. While some suggest it could have been written as early as the time of Moses or by Job himself, there is no solid evidence for these claims[1]. Conservative scholars often place its writing around 950 BC, during King Solomon's reign, which was considered the golden age of biblical Wisdom Literature[1]. However, linguistic evidence points to a later date, possibly in the 6th century BC or after[2]. The book's events are believed to have occurred much earlier, possibly around 2000 BC during Abraham's time[1][3]. The earliest known mention of Job in ancient literature appears in the book of Ezekiel, written in the early 6th century BC, indicating that the story was known by then, at least in oral form[3]. Some scholars argue for a post-exilic date (after 538 BC) based on linguistic features and theological concepts[2][3][4]. Despite the range of proposed dates, the book's author remains unknown[1][3]. [1] Ronald F. Youngblood, F. F. Bruce, and R. K. Harrison, Thomas Nelson Publishers, eds., Nelson's New Illustrated Bible Dictionary (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, Inc., 1995). [2] James L. Crenshaw, "Job, Book of," in The Anchor Yale Bible Dictionary, ed. David Noel Freedman (New York: Doubleday, 1992), 863. [3] John D. Barry et al., Faithlife Study Bible (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012, 2016). [4] Elmer B. Smick, "Job," in The Expositor's Bible Commentary: 1 & 2 Kings, 1 & 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Job, ed. Frank E. Gaebelein, vol. 4 (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1988), 851.

Absolutely correct - we don't need to go to any place or a building to be accepted by God. The new covenant is about the spiritual - Christ in us - rather than going to a particular physical place. However, as our sister states below, we actually are the church (ekklesia or called-out gathering). We are not "lone rangers" and God didn't design this for us to do on our own. The exhortation in the New Testament is clear: "Do not forsake the assembling of yourselves together, as is the habit of some . . ." (Heb 10:25) God's purpose is with the body of Christ (and again, not some structure made with human hands). So we need both - the vertical relationship with God, and the horizontal relationship with others who share His life.

To me, this is the simplest answer along with various functions in the body and those things are not static. The Head of the Church will use members as needs arise…in a healthy assembly. Maturity is almost but not always of importance. “But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” (Hebrews 5:14 NKJV) This verse is speaking of an important principle.

Yes, sound the alarm, but the Bible provides numerous scriptures that highlight Christ’s role concerning nations, including Israel and beyond. Here are some key passages: Matthew 28:19 – "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." This verse emphasizes Christ’s command to spread His message to all nations, not just Israel. Isaiah 49:6 – "I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth." This prophecy foretells Christ’s role in bringing salvation beyond Israel. Acts 17:26 – "And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place." This verse highlights God’s sovereignty over nations and His plan for humanity. Revelation 7:9 – "After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people, and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb." This passage illustrates Christ’s universal reign and the inclusion of all nations in His kingdom. Psalm 22:28 – "For kingship belongs to the Lord, and he rules over the nations." This verse affirms Christ’s authority over all nations.

Reminders - Numbers: 1 The number 1 means singular, unified, first in preeminence, or unique. Both the Old and New Testaments are emphatic about there being only one supreme God, and both Judaism and Christianity embrace that truth which is called ‘Monotheism.’ The first of the 10 commandments says, “I am the LORD thy God…Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” Exodus 20:2-3 And Isaiah 45:21-22 confirms, “there is no God beside me; a just God and a Savior; there is none beside me. Look unto me, and be saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.” But just as there is but one God, there is also but one man, Adam, who brought condemnation to all mankind. And likewise, there is but one man, Jesus, by whom salvation and righteousness is offered to all. I call Romans chapter five the ‘one man’ chapter. It teaches us that mankind’s condemnation comes because of one man’s sin, not by our personal sins. :12 “as by one man, [Adam] sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so, death passed upon all men, for all have sinned.” :15 “through the offence of one, [Adam] many be dead.” :16 “for the judgement was by one [Adam] to condemnation.” :17 “by one man's offence, death reigned by one [Adam.]” :18 “by the offence of one, [Adam] judgement came upon all men to condemnation.” :19 “by one man's disobedience [Adam’s] many were made sinners.” On the other hand, Romans 5 also teaches that righteousness and eternal life only come by one man’s obedience, [Jesus’] not our own good works. :15 “the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.” :17 “they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.” :18 “so by the righteousness of one, [Jesus] the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.” :19 “by the obedience of one, [Jesus] shall many be made righteous.” Romans 5 finishes this way, :21 “That as sin hath reigned unto death, [by Adam] even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.” Final Thoughts: 1 Timothy 2:5-6 says, “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.” The one and only man that God accepts as a ransom payment for the sin and sins of the world is Jesus. His one sacrifice satisfied God’s righteous judgement of all mankind, and all who believe it and put their trust in the risen Lord Jesus are declared righteous. “But this man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God. For by one offering He hath perfected forever them that are sanctified.” Hebrews 10:12,14 Have faith in the risen, one true God, Jesus. ph

And the struggles like the chick struggling to get out of the egg, is very necessary for it (if we respond) brings us closer to rely on the Lord. In the struggle we get stronger in our trust in the Lord.

There are places on earth filled with death, misery, and suffering beyond the notice of many. Northeast of this city lies a placid suburbia-ville. Everything is peaceful there, and the police are swift to respond to calls. That's where most churches are located. The heart of this city is called the warzone. There are murders, kidnapping, assaults, drug overdose deaths, and people who dig through dumpsters for something to eat here. The police never respond to calls unless said call involves a dead body. A few churches are found here. They walk the streets and give aid to the needy. This is where the Lord sent me. Where does evil abound? In both areas.

The wonder of Scripture is that you can start reading and with diligence a whole world of interconnected themes can open up; all ultimately centered in the Person and Work of Christ.

The main and most important message is His eternal purpose when He said... "Let us make man in our image"... Gen 1:26 2Co 3:17 Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 2Co 3:18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

These two sentences are pretty much my thoughts exactly. From my teenage years into my late 30s or early 40s I suffered heavily from intrusive thoughts that were typically of an aggression toward God/blasphemy against the Holy Spirit sort. Whenever a fit of it came I felt distant or entirely removed from God, panicked, cried, prayed, and would argue with those thoughts for stretches of time, sometimes even out loud. This happened on and off throughout all those years, but despite them I would still end up in situations where God intervened on my behalf and would eventually reach a point where I no longer felt I had offended God or was beyond redemption. There was really no basis for the thoughts to be appearing at all as I didn't have any occasion to feel anger or aggression toward God. The last time I had a major episode of it I actually ended up stepping up in my Christian walk as a result of it. It doesn't happen near as often and when it does the severity is far less intense. What I feel I learned from that was that when we feel distant from God it's quite often our emotions factoring in, and that in my own case those intrusive thoughts were something He allowed me to suffer from to bring me closer to Him. With the purpose achieved the thorn has largely been removed. For anyone else suffering from bouts of feeling distant from God I'd suggest some self examination. It may well be emotional, and if it is and it's a consistent problem consider countering it with something similarly rooted in emotion. In my own case reaching out to help other believers more often did the job. I know salvation isn't works based, but it certainly makes me feel better about my relationship with God on an emotional level. That really helps in dealing with insecurities and other emotion based nuisances that pop up from time to time.