AnotherSinner

I have read the OT at least 14 times through and couldn't name all the Kings of Israel without looking them up. It helped that the quiz was multiple choice. Most of the question were easy, but there were a couple I answered by process of elimination. By the way, I noticed your group is listed as seeker, and yet you did better than many of the Christians here. Are you studying theology? Only informally. Although I mulled the idea of going to Bible College once. The questions in this quiz didn't strike me as that hard. Like "Who wrote the Book of Acts? Dr. Seuss???" Who's going to pick that answer! I would not know who wrote the book of Acts off the top of my head....

There were 12 Disciples/Apostles that are made particular reference to..... Do you relate to any of them in your walk with Christ in faith? If so, which one? How? If you do not relate to one of the initial 12 that Jesus called do you perhaps relate to one of the NT writers? If so, which one? Why? Or How?

Test must be wrong.... You know the Bible 86%! Wow! You are awesome! You are a true Biblical scholar, not just a hearer but a personal reader! The books, the characters, the events, the verses - you know it all! You are fantastic! Quiz URL: http://www.gotoquiz....mate_bible_quiz Reading then...does not mean everything....do not know much at all.

"But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies..." —2nd Peter 2:1 Robert Schuller EXPOSED! *** edited link *** If you want to share the link to that site, I suggest this be done through PM. I'm not saying your right and I'm not saying your wrong, but if you are going to rely on a web site that slams Robert Schuller and Billy Graham, for your sake, you better have your ducks in order. Sorry...I am not really a follower of either person...the prayer had profound meaning to me. If any moderators are here...please delete my post here. Seems I cannot do anything right.......religion labels again..... Think we all need to check our own hearts....before judgement is cast on the hearts of others. God alone knows them. Meant no offense posting the prayer. ....Will make no further contributions to this thread.

I would like to take a moment or two to share some thoughts with everyone involved or reading this thread as to much of the reflections I have done on this topic since I started this thread. All I ask is that if argument is to be presented, that it is done with thought as well as scriptural support. Please do not demean or offer insult if something is found disagreeable. I am presently grieving and have no desire to get into any form of altercation with a brother or sister in Christ. Would rather disagree and pray on any misunderstandings or misconceptions if there is need. How much of God's word is relevant to all of us? All of it. From beginning to end, it reflects God's relationship with mankind and how it has matured as well as changed with man's slow to form understanding of who God is. It is instruction as to who God is, how He loves us, and how we are to live our lives in faith in Him. Who does the Word apply to? Everyone. Believers and non-believers alike all fall short of the glory of God. We all need Jesus and should seek to follow Him not just in words, but action. Romans 3:9-25 (NIV) 9 What shall we conclude then? Do we have any advantage? Not at all! For we have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under the power of sin. 10 As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one; 11 there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God. 12 All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.” 13 “Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit.”[c] “The poison of vipers is on their lips.”[d] 14 “Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.”[e] 15 “Their feet are swift to shed blood; 16 ruin and misery mark their ways, 17 and the way of peace they do not know.”[f] 18 “There is no fear of God before their eyes.”[g] 19 Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. 20 Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin. But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22 This righteousness is given through faith in[h] Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. 25 God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood —to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished. God loved us so much and loves us enough to give us what He cherishes most. John 3:16 (NIV) 16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. So many claim that the laws in which were made in the Old Testament do not matter. They are done away with. Please let us not forget that Jesus told us: Mark 12:29-31 (NIV) 29 “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” Matthew 5:17-20 (NIV) 17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. 19 Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven. In a nut shell: God's word is perfect and is for our reading so that we may grow in both knowledge and faith in Him. God's word is not for just one select people but for all people. The OT is no less relevant than the NT for it is all the written word of God. The two greatest commandments Jesus gave us to follow and instructed us to live by....the following of them, does it not lead or equal to the following of the rest? Sin is sin. No sin is greater than the other, save one which is mentioned as the only one in which God finds unforgivable. My apologies if anything I have shared offends anyone. That is not my intention. May God Bless You Dani

Dear Dani, Thanks so much for responding because your response keeps me from despair. I somehow want to reward you, but Christ will see to that for you have in your way grasped the essence. This is unfortunately a pusillanimous crowd (not all, I always absolve Botz, Enoob and Fresno) that wants you to think that it’s all in belief. Does anybody in their right mind expect Christ, who will have every knee bend to him ask, did you believe in Me???? As someone said, even demons believe in Christ. No read the Bible again = what kind of servants were we, what fruits did we produce? The current crowd sounds like Charlie Manson, who taught, “in love there is no wrong.” And his works he did. I feel bad about speaking about homosexuality because it is a sin that has no effect on me. But if it was sloth, I’d reason that by doing nothing you are doing no wrong and perhaps seek those that are part of this lie. The truth is Christ; Christ is the truth. Seek the truth, this is a battle. When someone loses his pulse, do we coax him / her into life? No we electro-shock or do other aggressive measures but your spiritual life is of greater value. Oh say it was all done on the cross and as a coward walk away. At least in your darken heart and without conscience, say I have to show God that I can do His will. Wow, what a concept. Oak Oak Knowing God as well as seeking God's will in His word, really reaps and is its own reward. Sin is something I struggle with on a daily basis. Especially in terms of anger. Anger has been a real pressing matter for me and something that I am and going to continue to pray about as well as seek God's will on learning patience, understanding, even compassion towards those who tend to bring it out in me. For the end result to sin is no one's fault but my own. This is likely why I relate so much to Peter of all of Jesus' apostles, he was the one though He loved Jesus and sought to follow Him....was one to let his faith waver when frightened....or quick to anger. These are both issues for me. When times I get rough enough...I panic. When someone does something I find hurtful, I am very much tempted to share a few less than kind words or take action that would not be right in God's eyes. This is why I say...believer or non-believer alike NEEDS God's word daily. The need to read, know, and live God's word does not end the moment in which we ask Jesus into our hearts. On the contrary...it just begins! May God Bless You Dani

That Mark is something I have noticed too. That is why ....that is something that our Creator alone can truly declare. For He knows our hearts. The truth is written in God's word. Jesus was the word of God. He is the only way to God the Father. Not going to worry so much about the religion a person declares, but rather the place Jesus has in another person's heart and work on sharing the truth with others in the hope that Jesus will be let in. Everyone needs to hear the words of the Gospel. Believing and non-believing alike. Believing so that way they can continue to learn and grow in faith. The Non-believing so that way they might come to know the truth of Jesus and let Him into their hearts and begin to work in their lives. May God Bless You Dani

Oak Thank you for posting this. While it can be a difficult topic to discuss and equally rough to swallow, there is truth here. Reading as well as knowing the word are very different from living the word. For one can know it from top to bottom as well as front to back and not necessarily apply it. That was much of Jesus' issues with the religious leaders of His time, no? While they knew the laws in which God had given them, they were so fixated upon their literal meaning and upholding that they forgot what it truly meant to live in accordance to God's will. This is something too, that we as believers...myself included here, at times fail to acknowledge. The path of righteousness is very straight and narrow. It is not one that is easily tread or taken. It takes time, commitment, and most importantly faith in God. Even James himself stated, Faith without works is DEAD. This is very true. How are we to live scripture? How are we to work our faith? By humbling ourselves unto God. Reading, knowing, as well as seeking to act in accordance with the teachings God gave us. May God Bless You Dani

There are many misled souls out there who do not have sight of full Biblical truths. None of us are perfect though..Christian or not, we all fall short. Church's finest hour....it has yet to come.

Gary, The receiving part is something....I am still working on. It is something my husband and I both struggle with still.... Thank you again for your insight and wisdom. Both are much appreciated. More than you know. May God Bless You Dani

TurtleTwo, I shall be praying for you. If you do ever find a moment and need someone to talk to...please send me a pm. Trials and tribulation are no stranger. Will gladly lend you an ear and a shoulder if you need a friend. May God Bless You Dani

somehow i just don't think Jesus meant "don't work, don't earn a paycheck, instead FREELY TAKE from your neighbor's garbage can"... maybe i'm being judgmental but i think the guy is living selfishly and trying to get his 15 minutes of fame that way. He does his ministry via a blog. nice. what about getting out there and talking to people face to face about what Jesus has done for them? oh wait, bad idea. He doesn't invest money in toothpaste or toothbrushes. i wouldn't want him in MY face! I wonder how he blogs? One can go to a library with a guest pass or library card and get on computers for an hour or so at a time. It was what I did to sell Avon online before I got one at home.

Hi AnotherSinner, I too am just another sinner saved by grace. If you are referring to my last post, I am not looking to debate though some may perceive it as such, I assure you I do not wish to debate, but I sincerely would like open discussion on the topics of doctrine. After all we are to earnestly contend for the faith. If I do not understand your position succinctly I will ask questions so that I understand your position. The question I asked: "What gain is there in keeping the Sabboth?" Was so I could ascertain the position of the person that made the statement "Yeshua kept the Sabbath" in response to the topic of this thread. Understanding the person's motive, i.e. gain, will shed light on how they view following the Bible. Now, Do you wish to end the discussion on this topic by your comment? You interjected a generality and we are disusing a particular aspect of doctrine that it appears you asked. Do you wish to know the answer to your query? or do you want to just drop the discussion? grace and peace, LT Of course I desire answers.... my response was not made in general to anyone in particular. Just sharing what I found within the word about the word of God. That of course being that it has been here since the beginning, was with God in the beginning, and that the word is God. Not seeking argument. Just sharing.

Can understand wanting to seek some form of fulfillment...but the way this man is being idolized is really frightening.

John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. Instead of debating on what gain there is to be had or just what words we are to obey....why not reflect on the entire message of God's word. As it is really a reflection of the maturing relationship between God and mankind. What is important is that we seek God's will and strive to live in it.

Gary, The word of God is Jesus. He was the living word of God. Receiving while it is a pleasant thing, just does not reap the same reward as giving. To know that another person's needs are met and that there is a little hope at the end of the tunnel for another person, it is a wonderful thing. Especially when there have been instances in which one might have liked to see the same for them, and had to see through the storm. That is likely why I believe so much in giving what I can...because when I have hoped to get the help from those closest to us, my husband and I have been left alone in the dark. When these same people end up in need...somehow, if we have the means...even if we are still hurt that we did not get help when we needed it, it is hard not to have compassion remembering how the help could have been used when we need it and give to another whose fortunes are no better, or worse off than our own. There really is no greater award though at times for a little compassion than a smile. A smile on a person's face...especially knowing that this person felt like there was no one in the world that cared or like there was not a hope in the world after such has been restored...well...it is just amazing. Thank you again for sharing those passages Gary. May God Bless You Dani

Have had to apologize one more than one occasion upon seeing myself in error. Be it in words chosen, or understanding of another person here. Communication sometimes can be very difficult, especially when discussing matters that are very con-traversal without allowing one's personal feelings to get in the way. It is something that must be prayed about and surely worth doing so.

Today is National Prayer Day. There is no greater need for God than the present. With upcoming elections as well as much of the animosity it brings out in us.... the presence of the Lord is truly needed. We live in a world that is growing in doubt as well as skepticism. Yet the power of prayer is beyond measure. There is no place that a single individual proves more strong than down on bended knee and going to the Lord in prayer. So please, take the time out to pray...be it in your home....on your way to work....during lunch break...in the midst of chores.... Just take a moment to give everything to God. Join the cause....the cause for continued prayer.

This is why we must not only seek God's will, but live it.

Here are your own words on this subject, from this thread. It is obvious that you think tithing is required, because you keep saying, over and over again, that it has not been abolished. If it is something that is required by God and has not been abolished, then that means it is required. You can't have it both ways. And still no scripture from you that shows it's required of anyone beyond the Israelites under Mosaic Law. You say that blessings from God, when it comes to tithing, is not a blessing materially, but you also say that it is. I actually found two more problems you say a Christian who does not tithe and/or is not blessed, materially has, in addition to the first three: A) Any Christian who is poor, materially, is in bondage. B) Any Christian who is poor, materially, doesn't have enough faith. C) Any Christian who is poor, materially, isn't a strong believer. D) Any Christian who does not tithe does not love God E) Any Christian who does not tithe, or does not give enough does not trust God. And these are all things that you have said in recent posts that you did not say, in response to our pointed questions about it. You even told me I was lying, putting words in your mouth, attempting to manipulate what you said, and you said I was both hysterical and lacked integrity. Wow! somebody has done a lot of work to try to bring reproach! I have said it is not a must except that God tells a person. It is a spiritually discerned matter between oneself and God. I have said that very thing above. It is required for me and my husband because God has spoken to our hearts about it. No one has to if God hasn't quickened them to it Those who choose not to tithe can't complain about not experiencing the blessings that come with the tithe. These are terribly misleading in your case against me: A) Any Christian who is poor, materially, is in bondage. B) Any Christian who is poor, materially, doesn't have enough faith. C) Any Christian who is poor, materially, isn't a strong believer. D) Any Christian who does not tithe does not love God E) Any Christian who does not tithe, or does not give enough does not trust God. A. Poverty is a bondage that God lifts us out of. He desires us to be whole in all ways. He is the King, after all. B. Faith is not a quantitative thing. C. Strength of belief? Not necessarily. Something is simply immaturity or lack of Bible knowledge or good teaching/mentoring. There are many strong believers who do not have material necessities. That is why we are called to help. D. Nonsense! That doesn't even deserve a reply. It's a trumped up charge, to be sure. E. Tithing is definitely a trust issue. Many won't do it because they think they won't have enough. It is fear that keeps many from stepping out. It kept us from stepping out in faith to trust God for everything for a long time. We have learned that He is indeed our provider when things look bleak. We can't afford not to tithe, now. FA, A. Poverty is a bondage God lifts us out of. He desires us to be whole in all ways. He is King, after all. Wealth is something I have already shared is NOT something that is encouraged from a Biblical stand point in terms of pursuit. We are to present ourselves humble before the Lord. God can indeed help many of us through our struggles, be they financial...or otherwise. However, it is in poverty...that I have come to appreciate more of what God gives...and more of the strength in which He graces us with in order to seek to make things better for those we strive to support, provide for, and protect. B. Faith is not a quantitative thing. Faith indeed cannot be measured. Nor should it. Rather simply practiced. C. Strength of belief? Not necessarily. Something is simply immaturity or lack of Bible knowledge or good teaching/mentoring. There are many strong believers who do not have material necessities. That is why we are called to help. FA, this statement is very confusing. While you say that maturity or knowledge is lacking...or something in that regard when it comes to faith...you imply the opposite here too. Can you clarify a little? No doubt there are some with good faith that though they have faith, they do not necessarily have material necessities. Are you saying that there are some who have...well...that child like faith we so often reach for...and not necessarily the Biblical knowledge of those of which might actively seek it? E. Tithing is definitely a trust issue. Many won't do it because they think they won't have enough. It is fear that keeps many from stepping out. It kept us from stepping out in faith to trust God for everything for a long time. We have learned that He is indeed our provider when things look bleak. We can't afford not to tithe, now. FA, what of those who simply just do not have anything left to tithe with after necessities are taken care of? Truth be told...I know...and well am of a family whose household income is gone the same day it is received so as to keep roof and essentials to live in place for our children. We never have much to tithe, but when the plate comes around whatever is there is surely given to the Lord. Giving what we have with no fear or hope of recompense, gratefully. For God has always watched over us....even at times when things looked truly hopeless for us...He has given. I apologize my sister in Christ if I have offended you. That was not my intent. May God Bless You Dani

Probably not your best example here as there are countless Sundays I have not been able to make it to church. Worship....goes above and beyond your average relationship. Worshiping God, for me....is a daily process. Be it through simple prayer each and every day....singing hymns....or making an effort to remove a certain sin from my life....or finding joy in learning something in His word.... worship...when it comes to God....for me...is becoming a way of living. Know that may not make any sense. Sorry....

If we refuse a person the right to make the choice of if they can donate an organ...well, why not do the same with one's faith or other aspects? To force someone to give...is not really giving at all. Plan to donate what I can. None of my organs are going with me when I leave this earth. Still, as others have said not all believe in doing this. Some have beliefs that would otherwise keep them from doing so. If they choose not to and their actions cost someone their life...that is something that will be faced in the end. For there is a not a sin that God does not know of. Nor is there a secret that He has not heard or seen that we live and breathe every day.

In days long before I was ever born...there was speculation and still is speculation as to when the world will end. What does scripture say on this though? Not to go figuring or trying to figure it out. Even Jesus, said He knew not the day or hour in which it was to be. Rather we should be seeking to do God's will than fretting about tomorrow...I know...easier said than done...but it is worth a try right?

Matthew 6:33 is in reference to Jesus' instructions not to worry, to seek God's will first and foremost. It also speaks of God as one whom provides for His children. Especially those who seek to do and after His will. That passage is not about being wealthy at all. Matthew 6:25-34 (NIV) Do Not Worry 25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life[e]? 28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. This is what scripture says about the want to get rich, it is dangerous. A temptation that more often than not leads to sin. Not to say that anyone should expect another person to support him or her or that one should not work at all. 1 Timothy 6:2-10 False Teachers and the Love of Money These are the things you are to teach and insist on. 3 If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agreeto the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, 4 they are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions 5 and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain. 6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9 Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. Furthermore, this is instruction to wealthy believers. Telling them to seek first faith in God, not uncertain hope or faith in their EARTHLY riches. God is a provider of everything, this passage states. For our enjoyment...does this necessarily mean material wealth? No...but EVERYTHING, from a roof over our heads to the people that we love and see every day to the breaths we draw as they are all God given. 1 Timothy 6:17-19 17 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19 In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. I implore as all when we read as well as quote scripture, to read it in its full context before quoting it and sharing it with others to prove or support a point we intend to make, for if we do not do so...we could very well be spreading false messages. BelieveInHim....thanks for sharing. Most insightful.....may not be rich myself in material aspects, but faith...well that is ever growing in abundance. As you said, there is nothing on this earth that we shall take with us when we go home to be with God. So why trouble ourselves so much with it? I apologize if any offense is taken, none was meant. May God Bless You Dani