GoldenEagle

How to find a balance between so-called "hyper grace" (far left) and "legalism" (far right)? God bless, GE According to the author, the following summary points are signs of a hyper grace church: 1. The preachers never speak against sin. 2. The lead pastor never takes a cultural stand for righteousness. 3. The Old Testament is almost totally ignored. 4. People who live immoral lives are allowed to teach and lead ministries. 5. The lead pastor speaks often against the institutional church. 6. The lead pastor preaches against tithing. 7. The lead pastor only preaches positive motivational messages. 8. Key members of the church are regularly living sinful lives with impunity. Full article below:

I grew up in Brazil so here's some background on Brazilian Portuguese translations of the Bible. The standard for many years was the Almeida Version. It was published in two volumes in 1748 and 1753. Something similar to the KJV was translated into Portuguese in 1917 with a translation that was called the Brazilian Version (Tradução Brasileira) with assistance from the American Bible Society. This translation abandoned the traditional Portuguese form of the Old Testament names in favor of names which were replaced by form closer to the Hebrew original. In 1988 there was the publication of A Bíblia na Linguagem de Hoje (The Bible in Today's Language). Due to criticism and lengthy revisions it was re-released in a revised version in 2000. I grew up reading this version as both the Brazilian and Almeida versions were too archaic for me. There's also in 2001 a New International Version in Portuguese (Nova Versão Internacional) that has become quite popular. I've enjoyed reading this version as an adult. God bless, GE

Re: Popular Vote Why should every vote by every citizen matter just the same in every state? I’ve thought about that more… It's really basic math. If every vote mattered just the same then the only states that would matter come election time would be the urban population centers. In other words California (38 Million+), Texas (26 Million+), Florida (19 Million+) and New York (19 million+) as sates with population base would be the centers for campaigns. Truth be told, you’d need to include Illinois (12.5 Million+), Pennsylvania (12.5 Million+), Ohio (11.5 Million+), Georgia (9.5 Million+), Michigan(9.5 Million+), North Carolina (9.5 Million+), New Jersey (9 Million+), Virginia (8 Million+) as states with 8 million + population. This would add up to roughly 184 million people in 12 states. So the other 38 states and half the population would be ignored. God bless, GE

@Out of the Shadows thoughts on this? God bless, GE

Isn't armor used for battle? So perhaps the armor of God is used to stand... Not to avoid or cower away from the world? God bless, GE

@Mateo I believe Leonardo is simply saying that to be spiritual one should not be involved in protecting the general population and upholding the law. Why? Because that might cause a person to have to take the life of another person. The difference between murder and taking a life is clear. It is all about intent. Police officers for the most part intend on helping keeping others safe and upholding the law. Sounds like Leonardo might perhaps be anti military as well. It is unclear. Given the background that he is from Brazil this doesn't surprise me. I grew up in Brazil and there is little respect by the general population for police or military. Primarily due to corruption as both police and military are severely underpaid. So understanding the cultural context of his comments is key. God bless, GE

@shiloh357 I couldn't agree with you more here. @Leonardo Von you are sorely mistaken in your interpretation or use of Scripture. You are clearly ignoring the passages I presented in previous posts here where I mentioned what the Bible says on Murder, God's justice, and defense of the weak/poor/oppressed from the wicked. OR where I mentioned here in this post how Paul and Peter addressed government authorities "bearing the sword" and "punishing those who do evil." OR the in this post where I mentioned where both John the Baptist didn't tell soldiers to refrain from doing their duty. Not to mention Peter did not instruct Cornelius to give up his command as a Roman Centurion. FINALLY, the mention of the intent behind Jesus's words of laying down your life for another person in this post. How do you view or interpret these passages? God bless, GE

@BacKaran I wonder how you view the verses that @Yowm quoted? God bless, GE

From what I can tell there is some merit to the idea of Christmas having roots other than Christianity. To deny this is to deny history. Yet it doesn't matter if there is any truth to the idea that "Christmas is pagan" or has pagan roots. Some people take issue with certain holidays. That is their choice and their conscience to follow. Just as it is my choice and my conscience permits me to celebrate Christmas with loved ones. Who are we to try to be the Holy Spirit in someone's life? God bless, GE

Yes I see what you are saying.... But where in the Bible do we see people praying for protection from the world? God bless, GE

I would disagree here. There's 3 basic types of human rights. There are very few rights we are given by nature of our status as humans and any of these can be taken away by impersonal circumstances. A. What about human rights as our God-given lifestyle? Most of the rights identified by the lifestyle God ordained are not universal - even the ideal situation does not guarantee everyone the opportunity to partake. However, these are situations that God has designed for our benefit. Some examples include: 1 - Marriage (See Genesis 2:24) 2 - Family (See Psalm 127:5) 3 - Opportunity to work (See 2 Thessalonians 3:10) 4 - To be part of a group for safety and identity (See Numbers 33:54) These "rights" are things that may be taken away by the side effects of living in a sin-filled world and the degradation of society. B. What about human rights as God-defined justice? This category is stronger. Instead of trying to interpret the message of nature, we can see God's justice in His word. Rights as defined by justice, for the most part, are comprised of ways in which people should not be victimized. Rights as defined by justice, for the most part, are comprised of ways in which people should not be victimized. Here are a few examples listed in the Bible: 5 - To not be murdered (See Exodus 20:13) 6 - To not be robbed (See Exodus 20:15) 7 - To not be insulted (See Matthew 5:22) 8 - To not be kidnapped/enslaved (See Exodus 21:16) 9 - To not be cheated on in one's marriage (See Exodus 20:14) 10 - To not be lied about (See Exodus 20:16) 11 - To not be disrespected by children (See Exodus 20:12) 12 - To not be cheated in business (See Proverbs 16:11) 13 - To not be victimized by society such that one's life is threatened (See Deuteronomy 14:29; 24:17) 14 - To not be raped (See Deuteronomy 22:25-27) 15 - To not be denied access to a place to worship God (See John 2:11-12) 16 - To not be defenseless (See Exodus 22:2-3) 17 - To not be denied reconciliation after apologizing for an offense (See Matthew 18:22) 18 - To not to be barred from entering a land that is safe (See Leviticus 19:34) 19 - To learn about God (See Deuteronomy 6:7) C. What about human rights as God-ordained mercy? When speaking of rights in the Bible, God rarely mentions what rights we should demand. Instead, He tells us what we are responsible for. This is seen in most of the laws on justice, but He also tells us to go beyond justice and into mercy. As an absolute, justice would require we all go to hell. In response to Jesus' sacrifice, we are to emulate Him and extend mercy. 20 - Return another's possessions (See Exodus 23:4) 21 - Help another's need (See Exodus 23:5) 22 - Feed the needy (See Deuteronomy 24:19) 23 - Sacrifice your investment for another's safety (See Deuteronomy 24:17) From: https://compellingtruth.org/human-rights.html God bless, GE

@nebula I think too many times people see black or white when the truth in instances like this issue of Christmas is more grey. I can celebrate Christmas in good conscious AND @eileen can feel a personal conviction not to celebrate Christmas. Nebula you can feel led as a personal conviction to not listen to "secular" music AND I can be led to listen to "secular" music in moderation. The problem comes in these conversations when people take a personal conviction and translate it to a universal Biblical truth that everyone has to follow. Particularly on issues where the Bible is not clear or there are multiple interpretations we should be open to alternatives. God bless, GE

This It is a time of reflection on the birth, death, and resurrection of Christ. Also a great time of the year to be generous. It is a time to focus on family and friends too. A time to be thankful for God's perfect gift through Jesus. God bless, GE

@gerbilgirl Hiya You can feel strongly about animal rights AND still be a follower of Jesus. It's not an either/or proposition necessarily. However, the Bible doesn't really speak to eating factory farmed animals. The Bible also doesn't really speak to how to slaughter animals. It also doesn't really address wearing animal products or using cosmetics tested on animals. Sounds like this is a personal conviction and one that you hold dear to your heart. God bless, GE

It probably would depend on the situation. No doubt it's a crime. Some would say love the person. Others would say you don't have to stay in such a relationship. Still others would recommend at least a separation and some serious counseling. I recently found out some friends will be getting divorced after less than 2 years of marriage. Turns out one spouse (the husband) is HIV positive and the disease has progressed to AIDS. I feel terribly sorry for this young wife. We live in a fallen world. God bless, GE

What is your situation? Are you planning on becoming a police officer? You are very welcome! Which passages do you think you found an answer? God bless, GE

(continued #3) So let's talk about what Jesus said for a moment. What did Jesus command? 8. Re: Motivation & Intent I think the premise of your questions quoted above don't take into consider motivation or intent. In fact, Jesus said in John 15 that no man has greater love for his neighbor than to lay down his or her life for them. John 15:13 12 “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command you. Police officers carry a gun not with the intent to kill, but with the intent to save lives. They don't intend to murder someone. They will use force if needed though to protect others or themselves. There is a huge difference. Don't you agree? God bless, GE

(continued #2) Sure why not use real life examples then from the Bible? Here are two in the example of John the Baptist's teachings and how Peter interacting with a Roman Centurion Cornelius. 6. Re: John the Baptist In Luke 3 when Roman soldiers asked John the Baptist what they should do to follow God what was the response? Don't extort money or issue false accusations. In other words don't be corrupt. He didn't instruct them to leave their jobs or abandon their roles as enforcers of the Roman law. Luke 3:14 14 Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or by false accusation, and be content with your wages.” 7. Re: Cornelius - A Roman Centurion One of the first Gentiles (Non-Jews) to believe the gospel was a Roman soldier named Cornelius. He was a Centurion or Captain of about 80-100. He's first mentioned in Acts 10:1-2. Acts 10:1-2 1 At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion of what was known as the Italian Cohort, 2 a devout man who feared God with all his household, gave alms generously to the people, and prayed continually to God. In Acts 10 and 11 we find out God sent Peter, via the direction of the Holy Spirit, to the Centurion for a purpose. God's plan was to save Cornelius and his entire household. God's plan was also to show that salvation was for the Jew and Gentile alike. See specifically Acts 10:22; 11:14. Acts 10:22 22 And they said, “Cornelius, a centurion, an upright and God-fearing man, who is well spoken of by the whole Jewish nation, was directed by a holy angel to send for you to come to his house and to hear what you have to say.” Acts 11:14 14 he will declare to you a message by which you will be saved, you and all your household.’ 3 things of note here: A. The Bible calls this man devout and God-fearing, even though he was a Roman Centurion. He was a professional soldier and given his rank it's very likely he had to kill someone in his lifetime. B. God heard the prayers of a Roman Centurion. C. In further instructions to the Centurion, Peter does not tell Cornelius to leave his career. (Due to the length of my reply after some study on the subject I'm going to break this up into several posts.) God bless, GE

(continued #1) Another good question is how are we to interact with government officials? 4. Re: Government Authority & Bearing the Sword according to Paul In Romans 13 particularly verses 2-4 deals with submission to government authorities and by extension instruction on how law enforcement should be conducted. Police officers, government agents who "bear the sword", or peace officers represent the “rulers” mentioned in this passage and extend their authority. Romans 13:2-4 2 Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, 4 for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer. 5. Re: Peter Agrees God commands the government to punish evildoers. This isn't just some teaching of Paul either. See 1 Peter 2 for example and particularly in verses 13 & 14. 1 Peter 2:14 13 Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, 14 or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. (Due to the length of my reply after some study on the subject I'm going to break this up into several posts.) God bless, GE

@Mateo This is a very interesting discussion! What is difference between killing someone and committing murder? 1. Re: Murder The Bible does teach that we must not murder in Exodus 20. This is true. Exodus 20:13 13 “You shall not murder. Yet in Exodus 32 the Levites killed their sons, brothers, sisters, friends, and neighbors. Was the commandment not to murder paused by God? By no means! In fact Moses called the Levites who killed 3000 people "set apart by God". Exodus 32:25-29 25 And when Moses saw that the people had broken loose (for Aaron had let them break loose, to the derision of their enemies), 26 then Moses stood in the gate of the camp and said, “Who is on the Lord's side? Come to me.” And all the sons of Levi gathered around him. 27 And he said to them, “Thus says the Lord God of Israel, ‘Put your sword on your side each of you, and go to and fro from gate to gate throughout the camp, and each of you kill his brother and his companion and his neighbor.’” 28 And the sons of Levi did according to the word of Moses. And that day about three thousand men of the people fell. 29 And Moses said, “Today you have been ordained for the service of the Lord, each one at the cost of his son and of his brother, so that he might bestow a blessing upon you this day.” 2. Re: God's Justice We also know that God is a God of Justice. Deuteronomy 16:20, 32:4 for example. All God's ways are just and upright. God is faithful and without iniquity. Deuteronomy 16:20 20 Justice, and only justice, you shall follow, that you may live and inherit the land that the Lord your God is giving you. Deuteronomy 16:20 4 “The Rock, his work is perfect, for all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is he. 3. Re: Defend the Week, Poor, & Oppressed from the Wicked We are told in Psalm 82:3-4 to defend the weak and fatherless. We are to uphold the cause of the poor and oppressed. Even to rescue the weak and needy from the hands of the wicked. Psalm 82:3-4 3 Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute. 4 Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.” (Due to the length of my reply after some study on the subject I'm going to break this up into several posts.) God bless, GE

I hear or read of how Christians pray for "protection from the world". How do you view the concept of praying for protection from the world? God bless, GE

The only two states who do that are Maine and Nebraska. These states allocate two Electoral Votes to the popular vote winner, and then one each to the popular vote winner in each Congressional district (2 in Maine, 3 in Nebraska) in their state. Of interest this creates multiple popular vote contests in these states, which could lead to a split Electoral Vote. God bless, GE

Here's the full article:

@shiloh357 I would agree with what you've said. How would you approach this from a Scriptural standpoint? I've heard many people invalidate any kind of divorce other than sexual immorality. God bless, GE

@StanJ Question, if God didn't create us with the capacity to hate did something change at the fall when sin entered the world? God bless, GE