Willa

To be honost, I don't watch any of those or play games other than solitaire. Movies made prior to the 70s are more likely to be cleaner in content and langurage, as well as less violent. For instance we watch the old Maverick westerns which are rated 14 for mild violence. They would be G rated by today's standards. Most were made prior to '63. Old Bill Cosby stand up comadies were great, too, and didn't make you feel like you just had a swim in the sewer. "Why is there air?" is one that I remember. If you had an 8 year old sister, would you want her watching it, playing it, listening to it?. It pretty much leaves you with the old cartoons like bugs bunny and scooby doo, and maybe spongebob. Most movies geared for Christian audiences are pretty good. But not all are factual when they are based on the Bible. Those that are testamonies can be very good. Soul Surfer is one that I remember. The inspirational channel has quite a few clean shows. Duck Dynasty, Everybody loves Raymond is still on, or Home Improvement, and Monk. You might ask yourself if Jesus would enjoy watching the programs you listed? Or you might watch sports, instead. When reading the Bible, read a passage and then go back and underline or write down the things that are meaningful to you. Memorize a verse from it. Then go to the next passage. It will make you think about what you read. Some people outline a book of the Bible. Do what works well for you.

The Amplified was the first I ever read some 55 years ago. I now use NKJ a lot. But I learned that not all are translations. The Living Bible and the Message are paraphrases and are full of more opinion than the translations. So I don't refer to them. It is a bit like seeing the movie after reading the Book. The movies are embelished to make them more attractive and interesting, but they lack the truth of the real story. Willa

Pastor always says that if you are concerned about it, it is not too late. It is too late when you don't care anymore. Over and over it says in the book of Hebrews, TODAY if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts. It is unbelief that keeps people away. So pray, Lord, I believe, help my unbelief. Turn your back on your sinful lifestyle and look to Christ to help you. Ask Him to come into your life to live His life in and through you. Ask Him in you to love others with His pure compassionate love. Then read your Bible and pray every day, till your life becomes a life in constant communication and fellowship with God.

Ex. 15:26b For I am the Lord God who heals you. Psm 103:2-4 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits; Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from distruction, Who crowns you with loving kindness and tender mercies NKJV. Matt 8:16-17 When evening had come they brought to Him many who were demon possessed. And He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick, that it might be fulfilled that which wa spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: He Himself took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses. (Is 53:4) Acts 9:34a And Peter said to him, "Aeneas, Jesus the Christ heals you." Luke 4:18--He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to captives, and the recovery of sight to the blind.

Start reading in the New Testament with the Gospels. Many people recommend starting with the Gospel of John, but starting with Matthew and reading through Jude would be fine. The last book, Revelations, is the one that no one completely understands. These are the books of Christ and the church. The Old Testament starts with Genesis but it is largely a lot of history, laws, and boundaries of the Promised Land as well as names that few can pronounce. So the easiest would be to read the Psalms and Proverbs. Many people start in Genesis since it is the first of the "Book" But the Bible is a collection of many books. So Genesis starts the history of the world and particularly the Jewish people. It contains their failures as well as their triumphs. But we are to learn from their failures as to what not to do. We can also see the patience and nature of God in it all. He would wait centuries to bring a people to judgement. Then He would forgive His people over and over again. So I personally would recommend starting in Genesis much later in your studies to learn the history and prophesies of the Jewish people.

I so agree. I was thinking of Jesus saying "I am the vine and you are the branches. Apart from Me you can do nothing". Two different plants. In Romans He is the Olive Tree. He is also call the Root of Jesse and the Root and offspring of David. We are grafted in but the Jews will also be grafted back into their natural tree. Rom. 11:31-32 Even so these also have now been disobedient, that through the mercy shown you they also may obtain mercy. For God has committed them all to disobedience, that He might have mercy on all. Perhaps the pride to which you referred is the underlying sin of replacement theology?

Makes me want to move 250 miles north.

Exodus 20:12 Honor your father and mother Eph. 5:22-6:4 family relations Col 3:18-21 Wives, submit to your own husbands---Husbands love your wives and do not be bitter toward them. Children, obey your parents in all things---Fathers do not provoke your children lest they become discouraged. 1 Peter 3:1-9 husbands and wives and attitudes 1 Timothy 5:3-8 providing for widows and own household

I find this concept of pingos very intriguing--but I have always liked geology.

Will you please explain this? Is this saying by asking a question I am sinning? No, not at all. Your question is harmless and often asked. Yet, by reading the thread through, you will see that by focusing in sin, we sin. If we focus in Christ, we will have a much lesser tendency to sin. My point is, what is our focus to be? Instead of worrying about what sin is, adhere to what Christ spoke pertaining to the two greatest commandments and you will not go wrong. Allow yourself to be directed more and more by the Holy Spirit and there will be no concern what sin is. Matthew 22:37-40 Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” If sin is defined as breaking the law, then follow His two commandments and you will not be enticed to sin. I so agree with Onelight here. Peter could only walk on water by keeping his eyes on Jesus. We can only walk in the Spirit by keeping our eyes on Jesus. When I go on a diet, I must focus on all the things that are good for me that I can eat. If I list the things I cannot eat and focus on them, temptation overwhelms me and I fail. A Christian psychologist once told me that you become like what you focus on. We become like the person we hate. We do the deeds we hate as in Romans 7. But we walk in the Spirit by focusing on Christ and the things He wants us to do. Romans 8:5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.NKJV However, the law is the schoolmaster that leads us to Christ. As such it should be taught to those who have not come to Christ as yet, and to all children. Our constant failure to keep the law is what shows us how badly we need our Savior. After we have come to Christ we need to know that only His life in us is able to lead the Christian life--Christ in us the hope of glory. Then we learn to walk in the Spirit and love as He loved. So I do believe that our nation should be taught the Mosaic law and that our civil laws should be based on the 10 commandments, especially. But are all of you really prepared to kill both an incestuous father and the child between 1 and 8 years old that he raped? Yes, this is one law that find particularly hard to swallow. I can't imagine killing an innocent victim of cruelty. Nor can I imagine Christ doing that. I can imagine Him comforting the little ones and doing as he did with the woman caught in adultery--applying the mercy and grace of God's righteous compassion. Every one of us is a sinner saved by God's wonderful grace. God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. John 3:17

There is a long held tradition held by the followers of Augustine that the church is now Israel. This is absurd but after Israel was destroyed and Jeruselem was razed in the first century, it seemed logical to the Christians of the early centuries. Augustine was a godly man who helped the church to define many of our beliefs. But his book called the City of God caused many to believe that we are now the true Jews/Israel and inherit all the promised given to the Jewish people. The Catholics, the Calvinist/Presbyterian/Reformed groups and the Lutherans usually taught this. It led to horrible persecution of the Jews over the centuries. Most evangelical churches do not subscribe to this belief and support the state of Israel. We also support her in her right to defend her land from attack. The news media has has for decades shown Israeli troops firing on "defenseless" Palestinians who, only moments before, had been attacking them. I have seen video of this being staged for liberal American news networks. Even now the Israelis warn the people in Gaza that the area will be bombed soon and advise them to flee, but they are advised by their own soldiers to stay, claiming the the Jews are lying. So they allow the massacre of their own people and purposely put their rockets next to schools and hospitals. I have also seen video of these things occurring as they try to make the Jews appear to be criminals. So I pray for the peace of Jerusalem as the Scripture tells us, and I bless the Jews, supporting them in my letters to congress and to friends.

This part of Ozzy's statement confuses me. Jesus is the only One Who is worthy of the Kingdom because He kept the law perfectly on our behalf. Old Testament saints were saved by faith, as was Abraham, and looked to their God for grace and mercy. They looked for the promised coming Messiah to be their rightous holy King, the Branch from David. But it was Jesus Who also provided the grace and mercy they longed for. And this is the Gospel. We are saved by GRACE through FAITH; and that not of yourselves; it is a GiFT from God, not of works (of the law) lest anyone should boast. Eph 2:8-9. The law of loving God, receiving His Messiah, and loving others has been written on our hearts as was promised by the prophets. This is the higher law that we are to preach to the nations. The gospel that we are to take to the world is that we are saved by an unmerited gift from God--faith. It was provided through the death and blood sacrifice of the Jewish Messiah for the sins of the world. He was God in human flesh Who arose from the dead and ascended into heaven. Rom. 9:30-32 That Gentiles who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained righteousness, even the righteousness of faith; v.31 but Israel, pursuing the law of righteousness has not obtained to the law of righteousness. v32 Why? Because they did not seek it by faith, but as it were, by the works of the law. Rom. 3:28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law. As to the OP, one cannot argue with Fresno Joe. He speaks God's Word. God's prophecies concerning the boundaries of the Promised Land have never been fullfilled. They are yet to be obtained by the Jewish people; and one day all Israel will be saved by embracing their Messiah. Rom. 11:25-27 Concerning the election they are beloved for the sake of the fathers. v.28. But God still loves the Jews, even those who have rejected Him. For God so loved the WORLD--including the Jews--that He gave His only begotten Son Jn3:16. But God demonstrates His love toward us, in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us. Rom 5:8. NKJV God loves the Jews to this day. I see us as being grafted into Christ by faith and the all Jews being someday grafted into Christ by faith. And through Christ we are all attached to the root of the faith of Abraham. But the land was promised to the Jewish people and will be realized by the remnant survivors of the tribulation who will populate it during the mellinium.

Only the Holy Spirit can convince of sin, righteousness and judgement. The first thing I do is to pray and ask God to guide my thoughts and fill my mounth with the right words. So each opportunity is unique. Sometimes it is easier to engage someone who is engaging me---such as a salesman or a mormon missionary. So I am looking for an opportunity. Once we were asked how long we had been married, which was over 45 years at the time. The salesman shook his head with disbelief and made a disparaging remark about his wife. I urged him to attend a christian couples retreat and learn what his wife throught were ways she expressed love for him, because at the top of my husbands list was that he let me eat onions! Who would have thought. Then I was able to tell how God had change our lives and our marriage. I suppose that handing out tracts may be a good way to open up the subject. But I usually urge people to attend the church of their choice as long as they believe and preach the Bible, or else I recommend several good ones around town rather than lead them to believe it is about a church. It is about Jesus. I don't always get to lead a person through the sinner's prayer. Sometimes we are interupted or derailed by others. But I am still able to witness about my relationship with God and how he has changed our lives.

Since satan is called the annointed cherub by Isaiah, and a burning sereph in Genesis, is it possible that cherubim and serephim were the same thing? Seraphim guard the Holy of Holies and that is also a picture of the heavenly throne, and cherubim surround the Throne in heaven. One had 6 wings and could fly, the other 4, but otherwise they seem a lot alike. Perhaps they can change their appearance as can angels? Just pondering. I have seen the 3 toed miniature horse found in Oregon by Dr. Hancock. He brought it to a presentation at our gem and mineral society in Walla Walla.

Note that the gifts of PEOPLE are usually referred to as Christ's gifts to the church. The gifts of power to accomplish a ministry are referred to as gifts of the Holy Spirit. 2 separate persons of the Trinity. I have to disagree that tongues must be given first before other gifts. This did occur in several places in the Bible like Acts 2:4 and at the house of Cornelius. But some of our great evangelists have not spoken in tongues--like Billy Graham. In Acts 4:31 they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the Word of God with boldness. I doubt that these people were mimicking other religions or Paul would not have called them gifts of the Holy Spirit but would reveal them as of other spirits. However, the Corinthians were known to be both babes and carnal, and had not yet learned to crucify the flesh or deny self. Paul claimed that he himself spoke in tongues more than all of them 1 Cor 14:18, So he did find it beneficial to build himself up during his many trials. But in v. 5 he wished that they all spoke in tongues. This clearly shows that all did not speak in tongues. Moreover, he did not encourage people to speak in tongues in church.in verses 19 and 23. In v. 14 he calls praying in tongues the same thing as praying in the spirit. in Eph. 6:18 he encourages all to be --praying at all times with all supplication IN THE SPIRIT --when interceding for others. Jude 20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, -- The practice is deemed the least of the gifts purely because they do not benefit others. God don't make no junk. God has most often given me a gift of wisdom in how to answer peoples' questions, such as in small group Bible studies. Also He gave me instantaneous unlearned wisdom in making decisions on a missions board for 10 years. This is the only gift I specifically prayed for, as well, But He has used me momentarily in most of the gifts of the Spirit when the need arose over the last 44 years. As for different ministries, while I had taught girls sunday school classes for many years, I have not ever been used in administration, as an apostle/missionary (sent out one), as a worker of miracles, and rarely in healing, tongues or interpretation. or in helps of practical service even though I make a great go-fer. Most people who rely on God to do the work of the church are inspired and invigorated by the work God does. Those who rely on their own strength to do Gods work often burn out or quit, and are rarely very effective.

No one is saying not to be baptized. But we are told that it is by grace that your are saved through faith; and that not of yourselves. It is a gift of God , not of works, so that no one can boast. Eph. 2 After we turn away from sin and look to Christ to forgive us, He leads us to start doing things that befit repentance. We tell others, we read the Bible, we are baptized and do other such things that are produced by our faith.

It said it is as though the rocks are perforated with sweat, or I would think it is like a huge layer of wet sponge surrounding the molten core. Fascinating!

Requirements for becoming a Christian are to choose to turn away from our sinful lives and to look to Jesus' death on the cross as granting us forgiveness. Acts 2:38 Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." The results of this vary as the Holy Spirit puts things on our hearts to do. He first led me to confess to my friends that I had asked God to forgive me, and then to read the Bible. But baptism helps people to realized that their old life is dead and buried, and they have been cleansed and raised to a new life in Christ. Romans 6:3-4 Or do you not know, that as many of you who were baptized in to the Lord Jesus were baptized into His death? v.4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Acts 22:16 And now, why are you waiting? Arise and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord. Romans 10:9-10 That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. v.10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Jesus also said that if we confess Him before men, He will confess us before His Father in heaven. It is most important that we believe Jesus is who He claims to be, the I AM Who spoke to Moses out of the burning bush, the God of Abraham; then to call upon Him speaking to Him in our hearts, and to confess Him as our Savior and Lord God before men.

Rev. 19:7b-8 for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready. v8 And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.. v14 And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, followed Him on white horses. The saints referred to are not necessarily those cannonized by the church. They are everybody who has given their lives to God and fully dedicated themselves to Him and His service. They are all true Christians, living and dead, who love Him and love one another. There is never any mention of Jesus procreating or engaging in sex. That sounds like the belief of the mormon cults. It is not a Christian belief and is not in the Bible. There is no marrying and giving in marriage in heaven but we will be like (similar to) the angels. We will have glorified heavenly incorruptible spiritual bodies like that of the risen Christ. 1 Cor. 15:42-49 During the 1000 years reign of Christ there will be people with earthly bodies who survived the tribulation, probably Jewish, who will in habit the earth and procreate, but they are not part of the bride of Christ spoken of here. Those who love the Lord and remain faithful to Him may become part of the New Jeruselem--I really don't know. All I know for sure is that upon death of this body our souls of true believers will be with the Lord for eternity.

They didn't even mention red heads with green eyes like my granddaughter. How does global warming affect her? My friend with red hair and blue eyes moved to the foggy coast so her thousands of freckles won't show up. Also, her pale skin sunburns easily. So she hides.

Lady, I have no idea why these bullies are picking on the Welch, but when I see a Lady in distress, surrounded by men who are harassing her mercilously, I just can't stand by and say nothing. Women of the world, unite! Support our dear sister.!

I will pray for a best friend for you, and someone that you can be a friend to. Perhaps you are going through this so that when you do have money to go to events with others, you will be mindful to invite people to things that are not costly. It may help you to reach out to others who are not being included. God uses things like this to make us more aware and caring. For instance, someone at church started free zumba classes that are being held at our church. There is a small fee for child care. Blessings, Willa

Tell satan to stop attacking your mind as well. He loves to create doubt and fear, and to divide families. Your wife deserves to be considered innocent until proven guilty. And above all you need to forgive her before you speak to her. Tell her you want to be a better husband to her and ask her how you can be more sensitive to her needs. Be a blessing to her and be her best friend.

Jesus prayed "nevertheless, not My will be done but Thine." As long as you can pray that way you should be OK. But if the following may be true, God may be asking you to choose something else. Will it require you to work on days of worship? Will it require you to move somewhere where you will not have a good church? Will it require you to spend a lot of time away from your family? Are you content with the money and things that you have? 1 Tim. 6:6, 8-10 Now godliness with contentment is great gain. v.8 And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. v9. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition v.10 For the love of money is the root of all evil, for which some has strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. Matt. 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. IT IS ALL A MATTER OF PRIORITIES. Blessings, Willa

God is just conforming you to the likeness of Christ. He shows us areas that we still need to grow in. That will continue all of our lives. I have been saved for 56 years. I found areas in the luke warm list that convicted me to the bottom of my toes. It is truly a humbling list. No one has completely arrived at the perfection of Jesus. You have no need to doubt your salvation--that is by grace through faith--not of works so no one can boast. We can only be thankful that our names are written in the Lamb's book of Life. So long as we can still see room for improvement, we know that God is still working on us. Our pastor says that when we start feeling miserable about more stuff God is showing us that needs to change, that we are growing. There was a time we wouldn't feel miserable about much of anything. Now He is continuing the cleansing process by showing us our hearts again. And He will continue to do that from time to time to show us He isn't through with us. When you see a sin, just confess it and ask Him to cleanse your heart. He will take care of it. This is a blessing, not a curse. You are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works He prepared for you to walk in. So continue to love and forgive others and to be a blessing to them as the Lord leads you. Thank you for being so transparent and for sharing this list with us. You are probably ahead of me in some areas of growth. Blessings, Willa