tintiger78

Peretti was my intro to Christian fiction and I have been hooked ever since. The only book I didn't enjoy was "The Visitation". Seemed to drag on in the opening and only seemed to pick up in the last 3rd. My favorite was "Monster".

I am aware that Daily Kos is a strongly liberal (with allegations of socialist) "paper". That this piece was written on their site I am certain is of no coincidence.

ChristianMaker, of the two you have narrowed your choices too, the only one I am familiar with is Global University. They are more of a Pentecostal school (I am a member of their home denomination), and if that is what you are looking for, Global is your pick. But I really can't say anything about the other choice you have. So, I fear I am a bit bias on this issue, but I hope I have given you some helpful info. In Christ, Tintiger

Thank you for the update. I have been wondering what has happened to our brother.

It saddens me greatly to think he may have gone without coming to Christ. Knowing his deeply held belief that God is not real, it seems it is most likely this was the case. Now, all doubt is erased for him and he knows the truth.

I prefer Christian Rock/Alt, Rap and other God glorifying tunes with a great bass line and rhythm. But can't take country of any kind and am very picky with southern gospel. Opera makes my ears bleed and Elvis is simply torture.

2 Tim 2:15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. When it comes to doctrinal things, I do believe being right is important. But that ONLY comes through proper study of God's word and not our personal interpration. For those places that we have no clear defination (such as the debate over the timing of the rapture), prayer and the guidiance of the Holy Spirit is needed and discussion with other believers is quite helpful. Some things just can't be left to personal opinion (such as faith in Christ being the only way to salvation). But I agree with others that if being right is the only reason for the debate then the focus is in the wrong place. Jesus never argued to prove Himself right. He spoke the truth and left the hearers to respond as they would. Love must be the motive, not ego.

Hi Newman, Here is my take. As a Pentecostal believer, I do struggle with fully understanding the positional arguments that arise from the issue of tongues. I fully believe in it, but sometimes i think we get hung up to much on how it happens, when it happens, how we know it happens....ect. 1. I believe that once a person has accepted the offer of Jesus, the Holy Spirit is then availible to them to help them in their struggles and such. This is different from the baptism of the Holy Spirit, in which the power of the Holy Spirit is released in full force. Peter and John in Acts already were numbered with the believers, but it was after the experience of the upper room that they received the power to to do the things Jesus said they would do. 2. What we in the A/G call the initial physical evidence of the baptism, that being tounges, is where some confusion lays. We see it in Act 2 and in Acts 10 when Corneilus was baptised in the Spirit. And again in Acts 19, when the Ephesisan believers receive the gift. But what of the times when the baptism is said to occur but tongues is not mentioned? We hold that a pattern of behavior has been foundationally laid and that it was the proof that the indwelling has occured. There is a bit of assumption, but something did happen and there was appearently an outward sign that convinced the apostles of it. It has taken me (who was raised in the A/G (Assemblies of God)) a long time to get to the point of accepting this. And I still have questions that arise in my mind. But I see the example left for us in the Book of Acts and now know where I stand. As far as two different tonuges, 1 Cor 13:1 is the only place I am aware of that speak of the tongue of angels. In that context, I believe that is meaning to speak in an eloquent way (that is just my understanding, it is not necessarily scriptural). What Paul is trying to convey in that verse is that he can have the best sounding speeches in the world, but if love is not present in his words they are nothing more than tincans rattling around in a drying machine. I hope this helps in some way. You fellow worker in the harvest, Tin

Shiloh, I could not agree more with your 2nd paragraph. Instead of a time of celebrate the arrival of God on earth in physical human form to accomplish the mission He set in motion, we bow to the altar of Tickle-Me-Elmo and status upgrades. We must return to the manger and understand that we are in the presence of ultimate royalty. There are families that can barely afford the Christmas dinner they put on the table. What if, as a family, we were to give the money we would use on gifts to pay to allow a less fortunate family celebrate with a dinner thye otherwise could not, or to fill the heating fuel tank for their house and keep them warm. Jesus came to sacrifce for us. I think that is what we forget most often at Christmas. Jesus did not come to "get", He came to give. As people that are to follow His example, should we not also give so as to share the relentless love of Jesus Christ? Wow, sorry for the rant. And Nebula, thank you for your post. Much of that I did not know. I always considered that the jewish festivals were fulfilled with the cross, as they pointed to some aspect of the life of Christ. Very interesting! Blessings in Christ Jesus, Tin

I truly enjoy upbeat INSTRUMENTAL jazz. I emphasis the instrumental as I feel the vocals detract from the music and typically speak of things that belong behind the private door of the marital bedroom. Just give me the music and make sure I can hear the trumpet dueling with the saxophone and trombone!

Personally, I am not well versed in this belief, but a Wiki search turned up these names: Richard Gaffin John F. MacArthur Daniel B. Wallace B.B Warfield J. Gresham Machen F.N Lee I hope this helps!

If it works like I hear they HOPE it will work, the system is to trigger at the same exact moment all cross the nation.

Just giving my US friends a heads up. Personaly, I just found out today. http://news.yahoo.com/emergency-alert-system-gets-first-national-test-wednesday-153008739.html

As an active Cain supporter, I may be a bit to bias here, but I truely think this is a smear campaign. I understand the point of the settlement gag restiction, but with that in effect, how did this get out in the first place? I personally believe that if something has happened, it is not what we are being lead to believe.

I, like glennagail, also deal with ADHD with underlaying depression. And my wife deals with her own mental health issues. It is easy to judge a person with a mental illness by what you see only on the surface. But the things that are going on under the surface often tell a very different story. For example, an ADHD person may seem like that are disinterested/bored/distracted, but in reality (though, not all cases submit to this) they just lack enough stimulus to keep them fully engaged in their tasks. For me, I do not currently have the means to medically treat my ADHD, so I must deal with it as best I can. I can describe my thoughts as a room full of radios. Each one is playing a different station, and I am interested in all of what is being played, but I can only concentrate on one at a time. Trying to choose which one is most important is a challenge at times and I can become frustrated trying to figure it out for myself. If I thought my wife would be ok with me posting her struggles (which at this time I do not have that liberty) you would see a person that hurts deeply inside. Outside, she is able to hide it from most people. But inside she is torn up. I guess what I am saying here it that if you know someone with a mental illness, please do not write them off as unreachable. They will likely take more time to respond and it will take a great deal of patience on your part. Just as each disorder is different, so are the people they affect. The love, time, patience, friendship and understanding you show them could just be the very key to unlocking the door of their lonliness and help them take their first steps toward the Savior. Your Brother in the Relentless love of Jesus Christ, Tin

Here are my 2 cents. Peace can seem elusive to us because we often do not recognize it when it comes. In our human minds, we envision someone walking through a field of flowers with the sun on their face and the wind gently blowing their hair as they smile contently. I do not believe necessarily that was what Jesus passed on to His disciples. Rather I beleive it was the rock solid confidence that though they were still in a world that was hostile to Christ's messege (that now was the responsiblity of the Apostles to share) they were cared for, protected and knew that when their end finally came, they could go through it knowing Christ was waiting just on the other side to receive them. In our world today, peace is a major topic. The world is in upheaval with riots, financial unrest, political corruption and some nations threatening to trigger a massive war to wipe out Israel. Everyone wants peace, but do not realize that kind of peace will not last. True peace only come from Jesus Christ. These days will get darker and things will get scarier. But we have this hope, from the same chapter as the orignal post: John 14:1-3 > “Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.” As to your question, I think Chesteron and Candice have both offered prehaps the best advice I could give. Know that life will toss curveballs at you and human wisdom will fail you. But choose to trust in He who is faithful. The more you trust, the more peace you will find as you see God respond. And know what the Bible says about it. Read it over and over. Practice Psalms 119:11> I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Then speak it to your self. Hear yourself say it. And keep speaking it. Over and over. Slowly you will find your response to your situation will change. Notice your response will change, not necessarily your situation. But you will see God moving and you will know true peace. In the name of the Prince of Peace, Tintiger

While I find this an interesting topic, the Constitutional Republic we have in the States is truely a work of genius and IMO, an act of provision by God. Where else do the citizens have some much control and input in the political discussion. Many of the problems you stated in this post have come about because the people have gotten lazy in their duties and voted in many people that said one thing that sounded good but they could never deliver. Whether the people were lulled into passiveness, became disinterested in the process or bought the lie that they their voice did not matter, it is up to the people to take back this nation from the corrupt groups that desire our power. Many groups have tried kicking out the supports of our government out from under it in favor of another form, but the people are who stop it. Either through active engagement or disinterested laziness, we will have the government we want. Remember the words of Ben Franklin when asked of the people what form of government the founders layed out, "A republic, IF you can keep it!"

Oh, my, Izzy! That is one of my favorite worship/reflection songs. It does perfectly describe the wonder of nature and properly attribute it to the majesty of God. At times I cry just listening to it and thinking of all the wonders He formed and could brag on, I am the one He is has choosen to take pleasure in. Humbling, for sure.

Ok, I realize the topic title may cause a lot of alarm, but it is not meant to. Trust me, I am not having a crisis of faith. This is an opinion question, not a "Where does God get the right to do such-and -such!". Let me explain a bit where this question comes from. I am a guy that lives in the intellectual side of my head. For me, feelings are nice, but answers are better. But I also understand that answers are not always understood until God's plan is fully played out. One of the questions I ask myself often is what makes God majestic. For me, it come down to 2 things: creation and His intense patience. In regards to creation, I see the things that came from the Creator's mind and I am amazed, from a star so big it can support well over 73 million (If I am remembering correctly) earth sized balls on it's surface to a flea barely the size of a pencil lead. If that does not invoke a sense of awe, I don't know what it will take to shake you. As for His patience, any and all of us can attest to this, I am sure. I mess up almost everyday in some way and to me they are huge, and still everyday my Bible still reads that He loves me and is absolutely crazy about me. No matter how bad I mess up or how certain I am that God can't love me anymore, He gentlely reminds me of the changeless truth. I am His and I am relentlessly loved (I am tearing up as I write this! That typically does not happen) . So here is where you come in. What has God done in YOUR life that reminds you that He is worthy of praise? What do you think about that causes you to burst forth in song or crumple in a solid soaking of tears? God IS without a doubt worthy of praise. If you share Scripture, please explain what it means to you personally. I look forward to reading the answers and rejoicing with you.

I will preface this post by stating that by no means am I an eschatological scholar and many things confuse me about prophecy. With that said, here is my belief. Matt 24 and Mark 13 both speak of the rapture being something that is sudden and without warning. Matt 24:42-44: “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him. Mark 13:33-37: Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. It’s like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with his assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch. “Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’” Do these by any means finalize the debate that it will be a Pre-Trib event? Not by a long shot. But it is compeling enough for me to hold to me view of pre-trib. Though, i must say it should not be an issue that divides the church. It does not matter when Jesus comes, it only matter that HE IS COMING! Seeking to understand that I may obey, Tintiger

I thnk Other_One nailed it with the Romans quote. Verse 9 of chapter 10 states "WILL be saved". It is not a maybe or perhaps later kind of statement, but a definate with a power packed period at the end. If I were to paraphrase this verse, it would as such "If you will proclaim loudly with confidence that Jesus Christ is Lord and fully believe in your heart without doubt that God really did rasie Him from death, you will without a shadow of doubt be saved". Verse 11 makes it even more soild: As the Scripture says,"Anyone who trusts in Him will never be put to shame." If we can not trust God to keep His word on this, how can we trust Him in anything else? Salvation come ONLY from faith in Jesus Christ to do what He says He will. His death opened the Door to the Father. All we have to do is step inside. Praying that your faith may be enriched, Tintiger

Ok, here is my take. Paul tells the church at Ephesus (Eph 5: 22-33) that the husband must love his wife as Christ loves the church and that the wife is to submit to the authority of the man in the home. I understand this to mean they are to lead the home as a an in-sync unit, both on the same page as decisions go whether it is buying a house or disiplining a child. If it comes to a disagreement on how to deal with the situation, it is up to the man to make a final stand. But when he does that, he owns the responsiblity of that decision and the impact of it on his family. IMO, that is why so many things are going wrong in our culture. The man in many homes has abdicated his role. As far as leadership in the church, I am hesitent to speak . I see nothing wrong with women leading a congregation, but there is a passage in 1 Cor 14 about women not speaking during the service. My personal understanding of this is that Paul was speaking of disruptive outburst by women that sought further explaination from their husband who were seated seprately from the women, though I do not have futher Scriptural evidence to support that. I see the verse just previous to the passage in Ephesians that I referenced earlier as an opening for ladies to fill the pulpit. Eph 5:21- Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. I see this as excluding no one as leadership, or Paul would have been more specific. I know this may not seem very well thought out and i am sure there are things i have overlooked, but in a nutshell, this is my understanding of the issue. Blessing to all Drawing water from the Well of Life, which is Jesus Christ, Tintiger

It was presented very well. Even an ADHD fella like me can follow it well. Great job!

I think it is kinda like the FB like button. If you post something another person reads and agrees with or just enjoyed reading, they can click the little "+" on the bottom right of your post. The more +'s you get, the greater your rep is on Worthy. Mod's, am I incorrect in this?