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I didn't/couldn't quit!............... I was delivered. By God, totally! May sound petty, but to an addict, it's a miracle. Thanks farouk..

Gideon's International provides Bibles for free in hundreds of languages. I just emailed them asking if they could provide Hindi Bibles to you. https://www.gideons.org

It's worth sharing how I learned to "speak in turn." How? I lost the ability to speak and had to learn how to do it all over again. That was the first step along the way to be sure. The second step ---and arguably the most important lesson that the Lord delivered to me in this regard after He taught me how to speak again --- was remaining silent while my adopted mother did her very best to drive me away. How I did I know when I should say nothing? The Spirit commanded me to say nothing. He made it all too easy to do the "right thing" at the right time, for this is precisely what He promises to do for us all. When the Lord told me that I was to honor her as if she was my mother, this included bearing whatever she threw my way in silence. Did I ever want to pack my duffel bag and take off? Yes indeed, and on more than one occasion. The Lord intervened, saying that I was going nowhere. I didn't realize that I was facing dementia until the Spirit said as much one day when I cried out to Him to reveal why saying nothing --- and ignoring her bizarre demands that I leave --- pleased Him. She was suffering from dementia and I was the one whom He chose to be a son until her time was finished. The one who waits upon the Lord speaks in turn, my friends. There are times when we say nothing at all.

Real prayer is a continuous quiet realization of God's presence in our lives. Testimony works best when it is done with patients so that the Holy Spirt is made manifest in our humble daily activities. Accusing people is being on the wrong side of the courtroom, be a defendant so that your supporting love is making a case for accepting forgiveness.

Romans 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: Paul is not wrong when he writes this. The Worthy Statement Of Faith concludes with this: We believe that the 66 books of the Canon, from Genesis to Revelation are the exhaustive, inerrant and inspired word of God. Problems arise when comparisons are made between Scriptures that do not comport to the same context, that is, they are not discussing the same subject. Rom 5:16 And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification. Paul is speaking of Adam when he refers to "one that sinned", and is not wrong to do so.

Apart from the Bible this is the best resource on prophecy I have come across . . . Prophecy in the Local Church: A Practical Handbook and Historical Overview: Amazon.co.uk: Pytches, David: 9780340595664: Books Here are some quotes from Chapter 20 "The fact that one of the spiritual gifts is for the discerning of spirits (1 Cor 12:10), and the rest of the congregation is told to weigh up the prophecies (1 Cor 14:29) is proof enough that Paul certainly did not believe that gifting in any way implied infallibility". "It is usually a mistake for prophets to be the ultimate authority in a group. A number of heterodox sects and groups have been led by "prophets" whose "inspired" statements led people astray . . . It is the place of prophets to prophesy, but it is the place of the heads of the community to judge prophecy." [Attributed to Bruce Yokum]

I had something to share God had showed me to a man in my church. It was an image with a meaning. Then later in the service we had a person there with prophetic words for my church. The exact same thing was relayed, and I mean exact. Only one other person was aware of what I had said. They turned around and looked at me in church. Only myself, the man and another friend were aware of it since I didn’t make it public. I am “small fry” at the prophetic. It does seem to be occurring.

Hmmmm. Let me try my phone.😳🙄👋

Very nice! God knew Adam would sin and He designed a plan of that would restore man back with Him in the garden. Throughout the Scriptures He has constantly reminded us of the “do’s and don’ts,” but we continue to “play in the streets,” we continue to “play with matches.” Every prophecy in the Scriptures has been fulfilled exactly as it was given… His Word is true… we are so close to the end! He has revealed all that we need to be saved. He has withheld nothing in His plan of salvation to us.

It is relevant. In the beginning, the Lord created Adam and his race to rule over this Earth. This is our domain. God expected Adam to eat of the tree of life and live forever, but instead, Satan deceived Eve to eat of the wrong tree. The underlying purpose is so that Satan and his minions can control and inherit what was supposed to be mankind's domain - but that part is another topic. And thus we are all familiar with sin, death and so forth in which the entire Bible is about bringing back that which was lost in the garden and to restore everything. So the entire Bible is the Lord, thorough a people and purpose, working to this end and in the meantime mankind gets the lesson that we cannot do it all or rule ourselves (and that's obvious as things are getting worse by the year). It all ends with the end times and a new heaven and earth, but again, God is laying the foundation over time to achieve that end.

Atheists are not pharisees. They knew God existed. They were waiting for Jesus to do a miracle to attack Him. The guy with the sick son though: So Jesus came again to Cana of Galilee where He had made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman whose son was sick at Capernaum. When he heard that Jesus had come out of Judea into Galilee, he went to Him and implored Him to come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death. Then Jesus said to him, “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will by no means believe.” The nobleman said to Him, “Sir, come down before my child dies!” Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your son lives.” So the man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him, and he went his way. And as he was now going down, his servants met him and told him, saying, “Your son lives!” Then he inquired of them the hour when he got better. And they said to him, “Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.” So the father knew that it was at the same hour in which Jesus said to him, “Your son lives.” And he himself believed, and his whole household. John 4:46‭-‬53 NKJV https://bible.com/bible/114/jhn.4.46-53.NKJV John 10 If I do not do the works of My Father, do not believe Me; 38 but if I do, though you do not believe Me, believe the works, that you may know and [f]believe that the Father is in Me, and I in Him.” “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the day of judgment than for you. And you, Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, will be brought down to Hades; for if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I say to you that it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment than for you.” Matthew 11:21‭-‬24 NKJV https://bible.com/bible/114/mat.11.21-24.NKJV I got saved myself by asking God for miracles for a year, saying almost daily: If this does not happen I wont believe in God. It all happened and after a year it was too accidental. My brother saw Jesus while Zen meditating. I would mock kids in my christian school because I got taught that at home. My dad mocked God. He mocked my mom's faith. His dad was far worse. He really tried to pull people from their faith and would really mock. My dad protected us for him. We had no contact when we were young. But the whole bunch got saved, because my mother was christian and just prayed and forgave and blessed and she shared the Gospel with granddad. My dad just died. 2 years before he died he got sick. My mom said: You have to convert now and he did. When she just came back to God in the 80s God told her that he first had to believe in her before he could believe in Him.

I'd rather..... pray the same request 10,000 times to God - in brokenness and tears and earnestness..... than to be silent..... and have the devil bask in that silence.

Wonderful lists. I had never seen the complete list of numbers.

As a Vietnam conflict participant, I could write a book about my experiences and geopolitical opinions. Think about this: since WW II, with all the military conflicts we have engaged in, being the global police force, compare our expenditures and cost of lives, limbs, and American blood to what was gained. We have never won anything, and at best, an ongoing stalemate such as with N. Korea and the Persian Gulf. Americans have lost their will for anything protracted. We are no longer the United States of America and cannot be more divided. Since WW II, as a nation, our morals and values have gone down the proverbial toilet bowl, abandoning and shaking our national fist at God. We have only three legal documents: the Declaration of Independence, the US Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. All three have been and are being usurped as antiquated. The US Constitution spells out the use and authorization of military force. Congress solely has the responsibility and power to declare war; when has that happened lately? I predict America under current liberal leadership will fail and abandon Israel, just like everyone else. Perhaps when we turn tail and flee Israel, we will leave a parting gift like we did with Afganastan? And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem. (Zechariah 12:9) With the implied Israeli sanctions and a two-state solution, if God does not judge our nation sooner, we may be part of the above prophecy.

DOUBLE MINDED JOHN 12:48 he that rejecteth ME and receiveth not MY words hath one that judgeth him the word that I --have spoken-- the same shall judge him in the last day --12:49-- for I have not --spoken-- of myself but THE FATHER which sent ME HE gave ME a commandment what I should say and what I should speak --12:50-- and I know that HIS commandment is life everlasting whatsoever I speak therefore even as THE FATHER said unto ME so I speak JAMES 1:8 A DOUBLE MINDED MAN IS UNSTABLE IN ALL HIS WAYS PROVERBS 30:6 ADD THOU NOT UNTO HIS WORDS LEST HE REPROVE THEE AND THOU BE FOUND A LIAR HEBREWS 5:11 of whom we have many things to say and hard to be uttered ---seeing you are dull of hearing--- --5:12-- for when the time you ought to be teachers you have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of GOD and are become such as have need of milk and not of strong meat --5:13-- for everyone that useth milk ---is unskillful in the word of righteousness for he is a babe--- 1 TIMOTHY 3:5 for if a man know not how to rule his own house how shall he take care of the church of GOD --3:6-- not a novice lest being lifted up --with pride-- he fall into the condemnation of the devil PROVERBS 8:8 all the words of --MY MOUTH-- are in righteousness there is nothing froward or perverse in them PSALM 119:144 the righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting give me understanding and I shall live *** SCRIPTURES INTERPRET *** PROVERBS 4:19 THE WAY OF THE WICKED IS AS DARKNESS --- THEY KNOW NOT AT WHAT THEY STUMBLE --- JAMES 4:8 draw nigh unto GOD and HE will draw nigh unto you --- cleanse your hands you sinners and purify your hearts you double minded --- 1 CORINTHIANS 11:1 be you followers of me as I ALSO am of CHRIST PROVERBS 8:20 I lead in the way of righteousness in the midst of the paths of judgment ROMANS 6:16 know you not that to whom you yield yourselves servants to obey his servants you are to whom you obey whether of sin unto death --- or of obedience unto righteousness --- LOVING THE LORD JESUS CHRIST

Nope! What Jesus preached is the good news! [ Luke 4:18-21 ] Treat people the way you would want to be treated, for this is the law and the prophets. Matthew 7:12 ...and if there be any other command it is summed up in this statement; love your neighbor as yourself. Romans 13:9 and they were astonished at His doctrine for He taught as one with authority Matthew 7:28 If anyone disobeys the Torah (1 John 3:4) and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ, he does not have God. He that abides in the doctrine of Christ, has both the Father and the Son. 2 John 1:9-11 I am the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. Blessed are they that do His commands, that they may have right to the tree of life and may enter through the gates into the city. ... I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify these things in the churches... Revelation 22:13-16

Indeed, it will show true liberty for any citizen to protest their cause peacefully. There is the sphere in the manner which protest should be done and in accordance with the law of the land. The universities and colleges are place of learning and while students group and others have the right to protest, it should be done without interruption of the institution law and activities. I think protest of political and war events should be done on the streets and with letters to the leaders of the land. I really don't know how to phrase a reply like this to be socially correct, but I guess what I am saying , is places of learning are there just for that. If the schools and universities are found to have corruption, then it should be made public in the media and to the government officials and investigation be done. To be frank, the universities have for the most part gone woke and is part of the havoc that is being pushed to bring about the "New World Order".

The Devil knows our sinful proclivities and he exploits these weaknesses. Personally, I have never had a weakness toward substance abuse (I have never been drunk, nor have done drugs, nor tobacco, etc.) and I "don't get it" why others have these weaknesses, but that is human nature: we "don't get it," until we ourselves have the same problem. My weakness (not surprisingly): being self-righteous, something I struggle with daily.

Pick up the full armor of God, and use it in kindness is my own thought. Being a Christian warrior isn't being a person of violence.

The meaning behind baptism was certainly new, but not the act itself

@NConly What a great chapter! many a funeral of faithful saints of God has been crowned with reading from 1 Corinthians 15.

...With a progressive as V.P. What could go wrong?

And on a lighter note, this video made me laugh. Even the Muslim Sam Shamoun was talking with had to laugh at this story that Muslims are taught to believe.

It's simple, really. There are organizations that collectively call themselves "church" but are not His Body. However, members of His Body may be found in such places just as some of us were found in this world in diverse locations. Many of us never darkened the door of a church, myself included. Such is the power and purpose of the Lord. That, my friends, is conspicuously absent in those places which are devoid of His Life.

What is to be done about those whose comprehension is not right? Hold an inquisition? Stone them? I'm very wary of the "corrective directive " technique of ministry whereby an assertive person uses the power of suggestion to direct someone to believe they are failing or lacking in some respect and that the asserter's dogma is the correct one to remedy the solution. There are ways of communicating that avoid the discord this stirs up. I could keep closing threads like this started by the same author, but a new one with the same issue will pop up. Another OM wants this thread to stay open, so it is going to.

I see both! It's like a couple years ago when I was complaining to a brother about the shape of the church - so many divisions and poor things happening, a low level of Christ's life being manifested, legalism and dead letter is the order of the day, etc. He then said to me, "The church is wonderful in God's eyes! Do you think He didn't know what He was getting into when he said, 'I will build my church'?! Yes, outwardly (by sight) it's pretty much an impossible mess! Man's flesh has run rampant with much of it . . . Only two of the seven ekklesias in Revelation go without a rebuke (because He loves them and wants to promote correction). The only way to reconcile these two things is by faith - faith that He is able and He will present a glorious gathering to Himself without any of the mess we humans have created with it.

Hi Ad Hoc, God`s word tells us that the church, the Body of Christ is a `spiritual body.` `For by one Spirit we were all baptised into one body ...` (1 Cor. 12: 13) The different denominations or non-denominations are a result of man encamping around a truth that the Holy Spirit had revealed to them. God is NOT concerned about the outward scaffolding of man`s denominations but of the inward, man`s heart. And that is what is growing more like the Lord by His Holy Spirit. Not all believers will come to understand all the truths the Holy Spirit has revealed over the years. However, if they are standing for a truth of Christ, then they are part of the Body that will be caught away to glory.

Lists vary, though. There are ongoing discussions about what particular numbers mean, some far fetched and others easily found in the Bible through repeated association. The above list says 40 is trials, probation, testing, which is easily shown in the Bible, but then you might hear a message preached that 40 in the Bible signifies PREPARATION.

Maybe a reason is that man can have HOPE. Things looked pretty bleak for Adam and Eve, especially when they saw the body of Abel and knew that death was final. Things looked pretty bleak for millions of men, women and children as the heavens opened at Noah's time. Things look bleak for mankind in general and Israel in particular. Paul spends three Chapters of Romans on Israel's recovery because everybody know that they have shunned faith in Messiah and God has CONCLUDED them in unbelief. Romans 11:24 onward better be right. Abraham is faithful because in just a few sentences he learns that he will inherit Canaan for an "everlasting possession" but will die. How is that possible? Up to then there was no word of resurrection! And this brings us to the essence of prophecy - God's HONOR. He has made some astounding promises. Prophecy has been correctly, accurately and literally fulfilled up to now, so even the most fainthearted of us has got good reason to believe that sin and death will not always abide - not to forget God's just vengeance.

I agree. When one of the selected appointee for USA the supreme court could not give a definition for the word '' woman", then you know what position the USA is on the step. That was a very sad day and painful to watch and listen to.

Exactly! When God put Adam in the Garden of Fellowship ti had no walls or a fence. Adam was given the duty to make it a holy Garden where a holy God could meet with a man in His image and likeness. He was commanded to "dress and keep it". The Serpent needed to be cast out and every thing that came in needed to be tested. The Tabernacle of the Wilderness was the Tent of "Congregation" - a place that would honor God's holiness and only allow in that which was holy. New Jerusalem is the consummate Tabernacle. It has walls and gates - one to stop entry of profane things and the other to let in that which God approves.

Why is there so much about the end times throughout the bible? Because prophecy is one proof of the Eternal speaking truth! So that there would be unfulfilled prophecies throughout the church era for Christians to look back and see prophecies fulfilled and be encouraged to know other unfulfilled prophecies will come to pass. 2Pet. 1: 20-21 (ESV) knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. Edit: This one especially: Rev.19:10 Then I fell down at his feet to worship him, but he said to me, “You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God.” For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

God’s word is fascinating, written at such a level that only the Creator of the universe could have inspired it. The Gospel is written so simply that a child can understand it. It is so deep, the deeper we dig the more there is to discover. I suspect we are only scratching the surface of what can be learned this side of being tutored by the Lord Himself. Many generally read past numbers, names, and genealogies as insignificant. I have a long list of numbers and their general association or application as you mention (posted at the end). Hebrew and Greek names are also fascinating. Often, their names give a mini thumbnail about their occupation, character, traits, where they are from, etc. I have often wondered how the parents had that future insight when they were named. Speaking of names, is it a coincidence the first ten generations are meaningful when written out in an understandable sentence? [credit: Dr. Chuck Missler] FIRST TEN GENERATIONS Adam (Man) Seth (Appointed) Enosh (Mortal) Kenan (Sorrow) Mahalalel - Mahalaleel (the blessed God) Jared (shall come down) Enoch (teaching) Methuselah (His death shall bring) Lamech (the despairing) Noah (rest or comfort) “Man (is) appointed mortal sorrow, (but) the Blessed God shall come down teaching (that) His death shall bring (the) despairing rest” Our Bible is not a science book, but all the details given long before it was understood are amazing. BIBLICAL NUMBERS ONE: Unity TWO: Union; Division; and Witnessing THREE: Resurrection; Divine Completeness; Perfection FOUR: Creation; World FIVE: Grace; God’s goodness SIX: Weakness of man; Number of Man; Evils of Satan; Manifestation of Sin SEVEN: Completeness; Spiritual; Perfection EIGHT: New birth; New Creation or new beginning NINE: Fruit of the Spirit; Divine completeness from the Lord TEN: Testimony; Law and Responsibility ELEVEN: Judgment or Disorder TWELVE: Governmental perfection THIRTEEN: Depravity and Rebellion FOURTEEN: Deliverance or Salvation FIFTEEN: Rest SIXTEEN: Love SEVENTEEN: Victory EIGHTEEN: Bondage NINETEEN: Faith TWENTY: Redemption TWENTY-ONE: Exceeding Sinfulness of Sin TWENTY-TWO: Light TWENTY-THREE: Death TWENTY-FOUR: The Priesthood TWENTY-FIVE: The forgiveness of sin TWENTY-SIX: The Gospel of Christ TWENTY-SEVEN: Preaching of the Gospel TWENTY-EIGHT: Eternal life TWENTY-NINE: Departure THIRTY: The Blood of Christ; dedications; mourning THIRTY-ONE: Offspring THIRTY-TWO: Covenant THIRTY-THREE: Promise THIRTY-FOUR: Naming of a son THIRTY-FIVE: Hope THIRTY-SIX: Enemy THIRTY-SEVEN: The Word of God THIRTY-EIGHT: Slavery THIRTY-NINE: Disease FORTY: Trials; Probation; Testing's FORTY-TWO: Israel’s oppression; Lord’s advent FORTY-FIVE: Preservation FIFTY: The Holy Spirit SIXTY: Pride SIXTY-SIX: Idol worship SEVENTY: Universality; Israel and her Restoration ONE HUNDRED: God’s election of Grace; Children of Promise ONE HUNDRED-NINETEEN: The Resurrection Day; Lord’s Day ONE HUNDRED-TWENTY: Divine period of probation ONE HUNDRED-FORTY FOUR: The Spirit guided life ONE HUNDRED-FIFTY THREE: Fruit bearing TWO HUNDRED: Insufficiency SIX HUNDRED: Warfare SIX HUNDRED-SIXTY SIX: The number of the Beast; Antichrist EIGHT HUNDRED-EIGHTY EIGHT: The first Resurrection Saints THOUSAND: Divine completeness and Glory of God

Somewhere along the way I picked up the teaching that prayer is our means of aligning with God's Will. Works for me.

I appreciate your humble attitude and your demeanor of personal growth through deep honesty with God. It is hard sometimes to have this free will of openness toward God.

Here's what I had Copiloted for you. A comparative list of the gemstones mentioned in the Book of Exodus and the Book of Revelation in the Bible, arranged in numerical order: Number Exodus Gemstones Revelation Gemstones 1 Sardius Jasper 2 Topaz Sapphire 3 Carbuncle Chalcedony 4 Emerald Emerald 5 Sapphire Sardonyx 6 Diamond Sardius 7 Ligure Chrysolite 8 Agate Beryl 9 Amethyst Topaz 10 Beryl Chrysoprasus 11 Onyx Jacinth 12 Jasper Amethyst Please note that the identification of some of these stones can vary due to differences in translation and interpretation over time1234. The gemstones listed in Exodus are part of the breastplate of judgment for the high priest, while the gemstones in Revelation are the foundation stones of the New Jerusalem. Despite the differences in context and purpose, there is a remarkable overlap in the types of gemstones mentioned, reflecting their enduring significance throughout the biblical narrative.

I believe prayer especially for those that do you harm enable you to maintain a heart of flesh and not of stone. God looks down upon our weak and mortal state and sees the effort put forth in seeking the holiness and righteousness of Jesus our Messiah and are blessed by our sincere efforts.

"Rejoice always, Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you" 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Pray without ceasing has always been easy for me to understand. Don't let up. My prayers are more like a conversation throughout the day, with the line always open. Good one and thanks, Jayne...

DOERS LUKE 8:21 and HE answered and said unto them MY mother and MY brethren are these ---which hear the word of god --- AND DO IT --- JAMES 1:22 but be you doers of the word ---and not hearers only --- decieving your own selves--- --1:23-- for if any be a hearer of the word and not a doer he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass --1:24-- for he beholdeth himself and goeth his way and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was 1 JOHN 3:10 in this the children of GOD are manifest and the children of the devil whosoever ---doeth not righteousness --- IS NOT OF GOD--- neither he that loveth not his brother 1 JOHN 2:9 he that saith he is in the light and hateth his brother is in darkness even until now --2:10-- HE THAT LOVETH HIS BROTHER ABIDETH IN THE LIGHT AND THERE IS ---NONE OCCASION OF STUMBLING IN HIM--- PSALM 119:130 THE ENTRANCE OF THY WORDS GIVETH LIGHT IT GIVETH UNDERSTANDING UNTO THE SIMPLE LOVING THE LORD JESUS CHRIST

I understand that the materials were already there. In Eden was Gold, Bdellium, precious stones (onyx) and the Trees headed by the Tree of Life - that is, wood. In 1st Corinthians 3 we have gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, and stubble. The Bdellium is replaced by "Silver" - the atoning work of Christ since he was sold to death for 30 pieces of silver. In New Jerusalem we gold, Pearl and precious stones. The atoning work of Christ is not forgotten but because all men are in resurrection, the silver is replaced by Pearl. Bdellium is a Pearl from a Tree. But after sin, the animal life for the shedding of blood is needed. Thus, the Pearl is from the animal life, in the sea (the nations), but which is layers of life-secretion over an injury. Wood is humanity. Our Lord was a Carpenter. His humanity is depicted by Acacia wood. Ours is hay and stubble. The precious stones depict the sanctification of a man by the Holy Spirit. A tree is felled and falls to the ground. Soon he is covered by earth. Secret waters flow over him washing out the old elements and washing new ones in. Pressure is added and after a long while, coal is produced. But coal is only good for burning. So the huge amounts of heat and pressure of a volcano are applied. The result - Precious Stones of great value. That ends as the walls of New Jerusalem - transformed Christians. This process is called PETRIFICATION from Peter. It is done in silence and secret away from the Church in your everyday life. It takes along time. Maybe, even after you are diamond, you need to be cut and chiseled for your rare beauty to emerge. Your place is in God's House, but you are also carried by the High Priest on His breast near His heart of love. Six onyx stones complete the picture. On each shoulder (indicating strength) of the High Priest - you are carried - and all this when He goes into the Holy of Holies. You are loved and born up on the shoulders of our Great High Priest. Gold is the nature of God. Your work in the church must be with Gold, silver and precious stones. They will be tested by fire. If you build with humanity, do it only with Christ's humanity. How can the "letters that killeth" replace the true materials - all embodied in Christ - as you alluded to. (Credit for illustration to Beroa Verlag, Zürich)

Yes, there are two aspects of building the church, but they are both Christ. He is the one who said, "I will build My church." But He is also head of His body - us. So now He is building His church IN and THROUGH us! But our labors can produce building materials that are worthy - gold, silver, previous stones; or unworthy - wood, hay stubble. If we are not allowing Christ to build through us, and we are building from our natural efforts and inclinations, then that work will be burned up in the judging fire of 1st Corinthians 3..

I enjoyed George Whitten's sermon from March 31 of 2024, in which he says that the focus should be on spreading the gospel versus focusing on when the End of the World will come. After all, Matthew 25:13 reminds us: "Keep on the watch, therefore, because you know neither the day nor the hour."

If someone is "offended" when you "politely decline the meal", then they are being unreasonable. There are many reasons a person may "politely decline the meal". Many people nowadays fast for non-spiritual reasons. Many are on restrictive diets. It may be because of diabetes, or lactose intolerance, or Chrones disorder etc. Some medications affect appetite. People have allergies. Maybe you are just not hungry - that is allowed. etc., etc. There are so many valid reasons to "decline the meal". It is therefore absurd for the person offering the meal to assume offense. I suppose you could say you are currently on a restrictive diet. If you feel so inclined, you could tell them your diet includes periods of fasting. They don't need to know why. I think the Matthew verse is more about having the right attitude - that your fast is between you and God (and not anyone else's business)- as opposed to a legalistic prohibition on mentioning that you are fasting. That is, don't be like the religious leaders who would use fasting to play the self-righteous martyr - to show everyone how holy and pious they were.

I'm glad you addressed this. Basically, you and @Vine Abider have addressed tw0 different appreciations of what constitutes "our efforts". Both are correct. 1. In Matthew 16 the Lord said that HE would build His Church. 2. In Matthew 7 our Lord said that EVERYONE is building - some on sand and some on rock 3. In 1st Corinthians 3 Paul was a Master BUILDER and we should follow for EVERY MAN'S WORK will be tested 4. In 1st Corinthians 12:6 in regard to the inspired, "God is all in all" 5. In Ephesians 4 it is Christ Who supplies the individual and the individual supplies the Body Corporate The discussion can be endless, but we can cut it short by pointing out that; 1. Every man will be called to reckoning how he built 2. Every man who builds illegally (without orders) will suffer loss (Matthew 7) 3. Every man who builds wit the flesh (wood hay and stubble) will suffer chastisement 4. Every man who builds without inspiration will see his building fall to the anger of God 5. Every man's efforts must be coupled with an intimate and obedient walk with the Head - Christ

Hope you are not offended in any way… and you can be sure that millions upon millions have been exactly where you are right now and CERTAINLY EVEN MUCH WORSE!!!!!!!! You are quite able to articulate your situation and express the pain, the frustration, the unknowing, the lack of support, the true lack of peace, and of course, the anger that comes along with all of this. You are also an intelligent individual who is able to reach out and receive and even accept the true and wonderful comments, suggestions, and advice from those folks within this forum that have responded to your situation. However, you are now within a situation that almost all people will / have found themselves in … whether it is a financial crisis, a medical issue, legal concerns, drugs, abuse, poverty…. or any combination of these…. There is nothing new under the sun. You have responded in very kind ways to the comments and suggestions offered here, but there is a very noticeable (my opinion) reaction from you… and please believe me, EVERYONE has had to go through this to some degree (some will never leave this stage, some will have to continue falling down into the hole, some will respond as though they have just had a large bucket of very cold water on them and realized - ENOUGH, they are right, ENOUGH WITH THIS WAY OF LIFE AND I DO NOT WANT IT ANYMORE! It is NOT your circumstances that will take you down and down and even further down, it is your continuation to look for help from anyone other than the One that can and will help you. Today’s responses by the wonderful, caring folks will / may provide you with some relief or give you a pleasant feeling knowing others are sympathetic, but this is all short term to you. An hour from now, you will have moved back to your previous position of … all those things you are used to feeling. The bottom line is that you are NOT going to find a quick fix or the right set of actions or steps to take to stop your state of mind and your continued falling down that dark hole… The ONLY solution you have to experience what you are looking for … in every way, is to ask yourself just how long and how much YOU ARE WILLING TO ACCEPT THIS STATE YOU ARE IN. It will not be resolved with a check for XXX dollars, it will not be resolved with a brand new job, it will not be resolved by ANYTHING OTHER THAN DECIDING YOU HAVE HAD ENOUGH AND LOOK UP TO YOUR GOD AND TELL HIM YOU HAVE HAD ENOUGH AND YOU PLACE EVERYTHING (EVERYTHING - NO MORE OF YOUR “buts”) IN HIS CARE. This is NOT an easy thing to do!!! In fact, for most people, it is easy to say, easy to agree with, but almost impossible for most to actually do. But once you COMPLETELY / SINCERELY/ give Him the keys to the car and turn your heart and mind over to Him, you will know it was the right and only decision you could and should have made. Don’t continue to look and search the “how’s and ‘why’s” and the “when” each of your issues or problems will be resolved… they are not there and NO ONE can give them to you! Again, I can assure you, it will be an easy thing to hear from others, it will be received by you calmly, but it will be the most difficult decision to do… to truly let go and let God. Ask yourself just how long you think you want to continue doing and living this life as you have been doing… when you have had enough, God WILL BE THERE FOR YOU… you must want to abandon this life as you know it. Don’t look for solutions, look only to Him! I hope this does not sound too harsh or without substance! You DO HAVE THE ANSWER… you just don’t believe it can be so. God bless always, Charlie

Approaching God in prayer especially about a topic I would rather brush under the rug, namely, my shortcomings and sins are subjects that I make certain I do pray about, to clear my conscience and remain an open book before Him.

1 John 5:19 We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one.

Could also be describing Antifa. Usually white, indoctrinated, come from wealth and privilege and a leftist household. (Purely my opinion).

Good post Heb 10 32 But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions; 1 Pet 5 10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. John 1 12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

Canada shares this history. The country has been acknowledging and working towards reconciliation for this as well as other matters. It will take time. Many of the indigenous population are Christian, or very open to it, still but understandably a bit skeptical of the institutional church.