Esther4:14

I don't find this to be a sufficient explanation for why Jewish people do not feel inclined to accept Christ today. I think it only becomes an excuse. For example, African Americans suffered hundreds of years being cruelly enslaved and mistreated by people who attended church on Sunday, and this has not affected their willingness to accept Christ as their Savior. In fact, it was a while back that I read that Africa has a record for having the largest number of conversions taking place in a single gathering. It was from an evangelistic missions event in Africa. Outside of this, African American churches have always been a thriving part of the Christian community through many trials, toils, and snares. So, there is something altogether different about the resistance that is present within Judaism that has nothing to do with what you suggested as Hitler misrepresentation of Christianity. Even in citing their presence in European countries. Outside of different cultural separations, they have always enjoyed a strong economic presence that was not hindered from taking various positions within the country they were residing. I also disagree that the explanation given to defend their position of innocence in regard to some of the charges that have been given to them throughout European history does not really hold much weight. For example, saying that the law says that you are not supposed to do something does not mean that person is not capable of disobeying that law and committing offences in question, which were not without evidence in the time they were given. That would be like saying the law says that it is illegal to steal in America, so of course it would just be a rumor that anyone in America were guilty of stealing. The law says not to steal; therefore, we clearly don't believe in the crime we are accused of. That is a ridiculous defense. There is no way to prove one way or the other now; however, that does not make the defense more logical. So, I don't believe the Jewish people have been as innocent as they would like to have everyone believe, and the only difference between their complaint and the complaint of the African American community is that the Jewish people can't beat everyone over the head with the club that says, "God's chosen people," on it and try to finally get the nations to submit to their self proclaimed superiority and presumption that they should have this or that or this or that and then...they might consider accepting Christ. However, maybe everything that has happened is God's will, and maybe it would be better to consider this the same way David did when the man was taunting him when he was suffering for committing adultery. "As he cursed, Shimei said, “Get out, get out, you murderer, you scoundrel! 8 The Lord has repaid you for all the blood you shed in the household of Saul, in whose place you have reigned. The Lord has given the kingdom into the hands of your son Absalom. You have come to ruin because you are a murderer!” Then Abishai son of Zeruiah said to the king, “Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over and cut off his head.” But the king said, “What does this have to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah? If he is cursing because the Lord said to him, ‘Curse David,’ who can ask, ‘Why do you do this?’” If the Jewish people could begin to see that they would get farther with repentance than with making demands, maybe the veil would finally be lifted for them. Until then, I have read counter missionary literature. I am fairly certain that the reasons why the Jewish people don't convert to Christianity have more to do with doctrinal complaints than with a connection between Hitler and Christianity. For example, the doctrine of the trinity and Christianity false teaching about Satan are too major doctrinal roadblocks to the Jewish people accepting salvation. How many here know that Satan does not exist in Judaism the way it does in Christianity. Taken from Ask the Rabbi "Everything comes from G-d, He created everything, good and evil. That being the case, Satan is not a rival of G-d, he is a messenger of G-d and unable to do anything outside of G-d’s will... To reiterate, in the Jewish bible, everything was created by G-d, both good and evil and everything is under G-d’s control. Only one force, not two, whereas, in Christianity Satan is not under the control of G-d but is rather, a competing force against G-d. Christian theology makes Satan so powerful that he is given the title, “the god of this world.” This sets up a situation in Christian theology whereby Jesus must come and accomplish something to help us get out of the difficult situation – to overcome Satan, since he is at war not only with G-d, but with us. However, Judaism teaches that what is to be overcome is not Satan, but the “satan” in our path, the obstacle which has been put there for our growth," http://www.jewishanswers.org/ask-the-rabbi-2566/the-jewish-view-of-satan/?p=2566 Now, I have always been of the opinion that people throw out the whole attack from the enemy thing way too much, to the point where we almost take or expect no responsibility over injustices taking place. So, I do find that I might have adopted a view that is something more of a middle ground between seeing the enemy as an obstacle and recognizing that Satan represents the ultimate rebellion against the authority of the creator of everything. That He did not create evil. Evil was created by rebellion towards him. However, I can see how this doctrinal position creates a very large gap between what I am familiar with encountering in a Sunday church gathering. Therefore, the problem is much more doctrinal in my opinion, than anything else. It is even naive to think otherwise considering what the Jewish people possess, which we know as the Old Testament and larger portion of the perfect inspired word of God. In my opinion, it would be more effective to face this head on and discuss ways to address the doctrinal differences preventing the salvation of the Jewish people rather than pretending they are not there and suggesting that there is another cause. A real, sincere engagement in topics like this would be the best way to bring in people and grow in the body of Christ. I personally think it would benefit everyone if we talked about things like this together rather than talking about being Jew or Gentile. Who knows, maybe the church could grow to an even more accurate understanding of the adversary we face, and possibly even gain a greater defense from an understanding of the truth. But, this will never happen when you have one side crying that they deserve more than they have been given, while the other side caters to this through a lack of discernment.

Technically, to love your neighbor as yourself is the same teaching as eye for eye if you think about it. If the law says eye for eye and tooth for tooth and you love your neighbor as you love yourself, how does the law of eye for eye apply. It could be that Jesus corrected the way the law was being taught at the time. More than likely, to love your neighbor as yourself fulfills the law saying eye for eye. "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," (Matthew 5:17). " But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. " (Galatians 5:22-23). In other words, the law of eye for eye has been fulfilled.

I did not say Messianic Judaism says that Gentiles have to follow the Noachide laws and the not the same laws that the Jews have to follow. I said the argument in the article that you continue presenting as though it provides some defense on the subject, resembles the same arguments within some groups in Judaism that argue that the Gentiles are righteous when they follow the Noahide laws. I am not saying that Gentiles are unequal to Jewish believers, however, the article you keep promoting, does appear to be saying this. Basically, the Noachide laws are 7 of the ten commandments. So, yes I do think we should all follow them, the same way I think we should all follow the ten commandments given through Moses because they were not abolished with the message of Christ. This is besides the point of presenting the article as though it rebukes some false teaching. The only false teaching the article presents isn't addressed by the writers, which is the false teaching that Jews are to continue following the whole law, even though they concede that the Gentiles are not obligated to do the same. So, they present some address that they are not promoting Gentiles to follow these same rules as an organization, even while they admit that Jews are supposed to follow the teachings that they want their audience to be informed they do not require of Gentile members. However, the Jews who convert to Christ are no longer under the law either and whether they practice it or not, there is no need to fear the same consequence for breaking the law as there was in former days. So, basically, the whole problem could be easily solved by allowing everyone to practice the law to some degree as a method of evangelism because as a congregation following Christ, there is no need to concern itself with enforcing the law as an organization. This is the same principle as Paul taking a vow while in the presence of Jewish believers who were concerned about what the message of Christ meant in regard to the law. If it does create a climate that does bring the message to the Jewish people, there is nothing wrong with following what is written in the law that we are all familiar with as Christians; however, we should not add the additional teachings of Judaism or require teaching on following these precepts from within the Rabbinic community who have continued to carry these teachings in the dark years of Israel's rejection of Christ, but there is nothing wrong with application of what is in the law as means of understanding why David said that the "law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul." In fact, I am actually in support of this. I think it would be a great way to begin taking down the high places that have been set up over the past 2000 years the same way Josiah did when he realized the people were walking in error (2 Kings 22), by understanding how the law was truly to be applied, which is to be understood in the teachings of Christ. This is the only way to correct the false teachings that are present in our time and undo the bondage and oppression by the practice of what is false. The problem is, to what degree do the members of the Messianic congregation recognize the teachings in Judaism that are false and find ways to address them as believers in Christ. These are very simple things to understand.

Hi Jayne, this is actually exactly why I find Maccabees so interesting, not because it is teaching something that is true, but because it is clearly teaching something that is false. It sets up a whole new dynamic in considering the rebuke Jesus gave to the Pharisees. So, what Maccabees is saying is that the people rebelled against God again by praising an offering made to the dead. Is it any wonder Jesus did not come to bring peace but a sword (Matthew 10:34). In particular, the praise given to Simon in 1 Maccabees 14 is interesting when considering what they expected of Christ. Then, there is a mystery to consider. Why didn't Christ assume the role that was expected of him. It says, " Therefore, the Jews and their priests are happy to have Simon and his descendants as their leaders and High Priests, until a true prophet appears," (1 Maccabees 14:41). Couldn't Jesus have fulfilled this expectation? However, He didn't, which is a striking thing to consider and why I think Maccabees should be included for the purpose of further understanding the reason that Jesus did not seek to be included in the high places of government in the time He lived.

The paper does not oppose one law as you suggest it does. It presents the premise that Gentiles do not have to follow the law even though the Jews who convert and accept Christ do. It is a very veiled description of some Jewish literature encouraging Gentiles to follow the Noahide laws and not concern themselves with the more difficult requirement of following the law. Basically, all the paper does is rebuke the Gentiles for thinking they can be considered equal with the Jews of the congregation, and if the Jews are preaching that they need to keep the law, then why can't the gentiles do the same? They can. Either way the whole discussion reflects great immaturity in the body of Christ. These discussions are not difficult questions when we read the Bible. Paul took a vow when he went to Jerusalem because he was free in Christ (Acts 18:18). He said everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial (1 Corinthians 10:23). Therefore, this subject of one law and the rebuke of the Gentile members of the congregation for following the law in an effort to participate in the evangelism of the Jewish people, is really kind of a ridiculous discussion. There is no harm or reason to single them out in their participation unless it is in an effort to protect the congregation from continuing to adopt more that exists within Judaism that should not be a part of Christianity. But, the basic practice of some of the law that is included in our Bibles is not a subject of rebuke, and does not set a good example for teaching basic principles of Christianity to the Jewish people. One very important principle being that we are one body in Christ, Jew and Gentile. The discussion on one law included in the paper released above suggest that the authorities within the Messianic congregation are still struggling with this concept of including the Gentiles equally in Christ; or, they are caving to outside pressure from the Jewish community questioning what Christianity teaches about our new relationship together.

So, I have been reading the book of Maccabees and for the life of me, I cannot understand why it isn't included in our Bible. I am thoroughly struck by how profound the life of Christ was in the light of the book of 1 and 2 Maccabees.

His breath would be an energy source. Therefore, He breathes life, or give energy to things He creates. So, it is not nothing, but it an energy that we can use in the same way that we cannot use protons and electrons to make different kinds of matter. But, the reality that matter is created by a combination of positive and negative particles reflects that creation is is a type of energy, and not simply nothing.

None of these verses make any cohesive argument and deny the words of the prophets who, for one reason or the other, would have opposed what the title of this thread is suggesting by delivering their message to Israel. The title of the thread suggests that there is something about the verses that suggest blind support of Israel in modern times, which is a nation that has not collectively come to accept the New Covenant it was given, and is therefore wandering in disobedience still unwilling to listen or repent of the error that is present. Living with the assumption that because they carry the identity of a Jew, that there is no error in their interpretation. This does not mean that there aren't some who are not capable of repenting of these sins that are still promoted within Judaism, but that there is no way to form a collective argument that there is rebuke towards someone for opposing the creation of the nation state of Israel in the present day. There is nothing in scripture to say that it is not okay to identify the same error the prophets spoke of existing in modern Judaism, and rebuke it. In fact the scriptures suggest in Revelation 11 that He plans to send witnesses one last time to the state of Israel and they will be rejected by them one final time. What do we consider these witnesses to tell them. That they have rejected this one who was sent to deliver them of their sins. I think it would be good for everyone who is Christian to take a look at counter-missionary literature in Judaism and see how they make fun of Christians and their understanding of the Old Testament just to be aware of the truth and understand that the way He is dealing with them is in righteousness. Many of them basically think that Christian arguments are practically the dumbest things they have ever heard. In some ways I agree with them because I am not in favor with much of what is only superficial Church speak. Many of us have only parroted teachings and doctrines that made us feel comfortable and accepted in a body of believers for a time. When that time passed and we were pressed by the Spirit to further pursue understanding, a separation is created again similar to the separation that was created the first day we accepted Christ. However, many in the church will not ever go beyond this comfortable understanding and will continue to parrot these same teaching and doctrines making them no different than a Jew who rejects Christ completely in many ways. The bottom line is that we are called to grow in Christ and speaking the truth in love is hard to cultivate, but it is not accomplished by making blind assumptions like this to favor a group of people unfairly and set them up as having greater favor over and above the church even. This will eventually be a detriment to the body of Christ and it would be good for us to understand now, how to love the Jewish people without feeling that we have to accept or encourage teachings that prevent them following Christ.

I feel you are very brave to share this. Your courage inspires me. I don't know if this helps you feel better or not. I find when I feel this way way myself, not much usually does. I have found sharing is what usually helps the more than advice. So, I wanted to applaud your courage to share this.

I already explained the process by which we are being deceived into believing that every reason they outline to support Israel follows a false reward system that they invoke by saying that He will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you, which I have further proved with scripture is not always the case when there is rebellion, and which you apparently have deliberately ignored by reasserting the same comments that I already responded to as though they speak for themselves. Further, the reasons suggested by this organization are false to begin with and do not correspond with the doctrine of the New Covenant. You can't put new wine into old wine skins (Mark 2:22), which is what this organization is trying to do. And finally, I do not support the nation of Israel's rejection of Christ nor do I feel obligated to do so no matter how many times they pin the verse about blessing or cursing the descendants of Abraham as some sort of threat against the church. I will never feel obligated to support a nation who claims favor from the Father, yet rejects the Son. I would strongly suggest that the church reconsider their involvement in this endeavor as well. I firmly believe it will be a detriment to the church if it continues. That is all I have to say on this matter.

Well I find it to be a passive aggressive way of disagreeing with me or insulting me. But, in other words I think it means to know what He has said in His word and be able to use it effectively to identify insincerity in the response of others. Thanks.

I enjoy listening sometimes as well. I even listen while playing computer games or crocheting and get something out of it. I just don't like to always see it as a work because that mentality starts to affect other areas of my life, and the way I see my understanding or knowledge of the Bible. It is through grace we are saved and not of works lest anyone should boast (Ephesians 2:8). And it is by grace that we read or listen to the Bible. It is a gift. It is not to become strife. So all ways that it can be seen as a leisure at least some of the time, is a good thing in my opinion.

Well I got a 38\40. That was pretty fun. I also want to throw something out there to be encouraging hopefully. I disagree that gaining Bible knowledge has to be the result of a serious study. Most of the time, Bible reading is leisure for me. I read the Bible the same way I would read "War and Peace," and I did pretty good if I do say so. I hardly ever use a dictionary. I underline things just because I like them and for no specific reason. Its just makes it fun. When I read the Bible, I remember what Jesus told Martha when she was worried about getting dinner ready. He said, "Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”(Luke 10:41:42). Deeper study is fun too sometimes. It is a fun way to share what I have gained with others, but at the end of the day, only one thing is required. We can give up all the Bible work we do and just sit at His feet like Mary did. It is always good to come back to this understanding.

The organization who put this together is not a Christian organization. The reasons that they suggest supporting Israel all have something to do with gaining prosperity. Therefore, I would consider them to preach something of a prosperity gospel in order to gain support for their cause. They also fail to recognize that the reason why the Jews were expelled from the land for their disobedience. Jeremiah 7:14-16 "Therefore, what I did to Shiloh I will now do to the house that bears my Name, the temple you trust in, the place I gave to you and your ancestors. I will thrust you from my presence, just as I did all your fellow Israelites, the people of Ephraim.’ “So do not pray for this people nor offer any plea or petition for them; do not plead with me, for I will not listen to you," I would also like to point out how Jeremiah was told not to pray for them because of their disobedience, which contradicts the advertisement this group is sending that we will blessed or cursed depending on whether we bless or curse Israel (Genesis 12:3). This could only be a concern if the people were walking in obedience the way they were supposed to, and in order to walk in obedience today, they would have to repent and accept Christ's death on the cross for forgiveness of sin. Until this time, this blessing or curse threat is just propaganda directed at the church. The judgement given by Jeremiah wasn't something new He though of either, it was also in accordance to word He gave to Moses about what He would do if the people rebelled. " The Lord will drive you and the king you set over you to a nation unknown to you or your ancestors. There you will worship other gods, gods of wood and stone. You will become a thing of horror, a byword and an object of ridicule among all the peoples where the Lord will drive you" (Deuteronomy 28:36-37). So when the UCI is able to recognize how Israel has repented in order to be established in His favor again as the separate entity from the church that they want to be, then I would support Israel. However, I highly doubt that this will ever happen because all I ever hear is that they are persecuted as though what the Bible says happened to Israel as whole was just some unfair thing that I should be sympathetic with. Was God unfair in expelling the people from the land? No! Therefore, the only thing I support is the possibility that the few will be able to break away from the false teachings in Judaism in order to accept Jesus as their Messiah. I do not support building the home of the beast and the false prophet, which is what I believe establishing Israel without repentance will accomplish.

Hi Tigger, Your labs don't show your WBC count, although I think it is safe to say you are not anemic. So that is a good thing. Are you drinking enough water. I know when I used to smoke I never drank enough water. Drinking more water could change those lab results. I don't know if it will. It really looks like you might need some follow up tests. Either way, don't worry about all the what if's right now. You are doing something good for yourself and that's whats important. The body is very capable of healing itself. From my experience trying to quit over the course of like 10 years. I started smoking when I was in high school. I started trying to quit when I was 18. I did quite when I was 20 and started again when I was 25 where I quit, and started, and quit and started for about 5 more years. So, I can understand the spiritual struggle you are having over smoking. I used to feel super guilty when I would start again like He was going to be super mad. But, He never left and I would pray for a way to understand why I couldn't quit, and eventually I started to crochet because it replaced my figgiting. I haven't smoked for your years next month. But, even then, after I had quit and started and quit and started, it was Him who still gave me a way to stop. So, I wouldn't worry about how this is affecting your salvation. He doesn't leave that easily, so it more likely that you and the Spirit are grieving together over your health because He wants you to be a healthy and happy because He's saved you so you could have life and have it more abundantly (John 10:10). Because quitting smoking is such a lifestyle change no one can really tell you how or what to change entirely. It is something of a process of trial and error so don't feel bad if something doesn't work out and you have to try something else. That's completely normal when you are making a lifestyle change. This is what would always get me. It was easy to quit when I felt sick. It was hard to stop when I didn't feel sick anymore. Basically, I feel like smoking causes a number of deficiencies that affect your health as well so try your best to drink enough water and try going to a health food store to get some supplements to reward yourself for making a positive lifestyle change. I personally like to get wheat grass and put it in my black tea with some cream. It may not sound so good, but I like it and the wheat grass has an alkalizing effect and I am all about alkaline diet right now. If you are able to find the alkaline bottled waters. I personally love them and they don't make me feel bloated afterward. tc

Yes, I do think that forum members are guilty of stirring up strife. I remember when I was still new here, I even had posted on a subject, which is like whatever. There are my words made temporarily permanent on a revolving cycle of threads on a Christian message board. There I am, and then I go about my real life. However, someone was apparently very upset by this and began harassing me through the entire thread even when I decided to stop responding to them. They still continued quoting my posts and demanding response even finishing with the words that they apparently, "knew" people like me or knew my kind of person. And, that really stuck with me over the year, that this person seemed to think they know me based on something I included into a discussion. How do you know me based on a handful of words that I have posted on a Christian message board. You can't see my face. You don't even know what color hair I have. You don't know that I have probably given at least a hundred bed baths before. That I have two kids. That I have given up many things over the past 8 years to pay for their Christian school education. You don't know that my mom has been dead since I was 16. You don't really know a thing about me. I could really go on and on because most of the time something that I have to say does not define the person that I am. This is something that will cause me to feel impatient with others around here as well, this impression that they seem to think they know the person they are talking to from one discussion. I really don't like when people forget that people are still people who do dishes, and laundry, and regular things we all do. There is really a whole lot more about me that no ones here when I am just using a simple keyboard to express myself. I get impatient with things like this in my real life too, when people think they have the right make comments that border more on gossip then objective criticism as well. Things like this often bother me at work. People I work with complain about other people I work with, and I just don't really see why most of the time. That is just a different person and that is the way they do their job. We can't just always replace people because we believe they are not doing everything we expect them to do. I used to float to different departments and this is a complaint for most of the people I work with because it is hard to be out of their comfort zone, and they will complain about how no one helps them in a different unit, and I know this isn't true because all I did was float and I always could find at least one person who is willing to help. So, I think it just makes people feel better to complain sometimes. With the exception of a troll, I think most of the strife that is created on a Christian message board would be resolved if people would take the time to think of people beyond the post. Maybe even consider that not everyone is going to be an award winning writer, and sometimes may be trying to say something more than their sentences reflect. I think it would even help sometimes if people really considered this card that it is okay to call out false teaching. Maybe we should all take a minute to reflect on whether or not we are really qualified to call out what is false in every case we think we are? Most of the time I don't think people are trying to present "false" teachings. They are more like unfinished teachings. It is a primary reason I like using a message board to begin with. I feel like I can be a little unfinished and it won't be held against me in 10 or 20 years. To me, the message board is like a treadmill. It is a spiritual exercise. I think people take it way too seriously and this also creates strife.

Very interesting William, I must have missed that. That answers my question. Personally, I have long considered something like this as the method of preparing the witnesses for their ministry as part of a vow that sets them apart like the Nazarite vow. For example, the clothing of the witnesses would be part of the vow that sets them apart like Samson. However, I have also considered the possibility that something like you are suggesting would be a method to escape according to Luke 21:36; or, the way wrath would pass over the saints. Anyways, I am not trying to derail. Just wanted to share some thoughts. Tc.

That is an interesting theory William. I like the consideration of the role of 40 days seen throughout scripture. The 40 day periods that have always amazed me were the ones when Jesus and Moses fasted for 40 days. That is profound to me. However, 40 days was often a time of preparing for ministry. Do you think it is possible that the Holy Spirit will prepare those who persevere to the end with a 40 day preparation like Moses and Jesus experienced. The reason that I say this is because it is hard for me to see how 40 days and the 1260 days fit. However, I did find that you can divide 1260+ 1260(approximately 42 months)=2520(7 years)/40=63; or, 2520/7=360. In other words, the numbers 40 and 7 divide evenly into the common time frame we have generally considered the book of Revelation giving in the body of Christ, which is interesting. I personally believe the time frames given for the witnesses and the beast happen simultaneously and it Daniel's revelation that causes me to consider that the time after will equal the same number of days to complete a week (or seven year time period). So, I would be interested in hearing you elaborate more on how 40 days would be included in this concept. However, I overall like the concept of the discussion and the consideration for Matthew 24:22 " "If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened." This is a primary verse in my consideration that there is no need to consider a pre-tribulation rapture. There will be grace in this time for the elect, which will cause Him to shorten the days in His mercy; or, in other words, evidence of mercy during a time when wrath is being poured out on the wicked. It is this type of encouragement that I believe will prepare the body of Christ to enter into the time of testing.

I understood your post was in response the opening post. Usually, if someone doesn't quote, I think it means they are responding to the opening post who was asking for a subject from Galatians to write about. You were clearly giving a subject to write about from Galatians. It was not confusing. Maybe just make sure to address of the post like a letter next time if you don't use the quote feature to make it easier to see.

Technically, Paul is referring to a situation where people appear to be trying to further persecute him through false witness, and is not specifically talking about how to address a situation where a false doctrine is being preached. "I would ye understood, brethren, that the things which have come unto me, are turned rather to the furthering of the Gospel, 13 So that my bands in Christ are famous throughout all the judgment hall, and in all other places. 14 Insomuch that many of the brethren in the Lord are boldened through my bands, and dare more frankly speak the Word. 15 Some preach Christ even through envy and strife, and some also of good will. 16 The one part preacheth Christ of contention, and not purely, supposing to add more affliction to my bands," (Philippians 1:12-16). So, basically, Paul is saying that some are bringing grief to him, but that he will bear this because he realizes that his witness is partly responsible for this phenomenon. Without the fame that he was receiving, the one who are boldened by what they see Paul suffering would not want to speak as boldly. However, there are still some that want to further his persecutions through false witness. It is something a wheat and tares illustration. So, I don't necessarily agree that this is what the verses are saying because Paul has been able to identify witnesses of Christ who do so out of envy and strife. He has even pointed them out indirectly. However, I can sympathize with what you are saying because in recognizing this false witness, he presses on patiently in his bonds and does not respond in fear or with comments I have heard accusing others of potentially being the sole reason someone else doesn't accept Christ. I don't believe this will be where the blame is placed when we appear before the judgement seat. It would be like saying, "I didn't repent because the people on TBN always asked for money and I thought that meant they were fake." I just don't believe that will fly with the creator of the universe because a core point of salvation is our agreement to accept Christ's death on the cross for our sins." If a person truly recognizes their need of salvation, they will keep searching no matter where they may stop along the way. No matter if they listened to a false witness for a time. Nothing will stop the person who truly needs Christ. So, I believe that is his message here, that we do not need to respond in fear when we see someone preaching out of envy or strife, even when this places bonds on the body of Christ of Christ as a whole through their false witness. We should be able to bear them the same way he did, and be encouraged that this is evidence that the message of the kingdom is nevertheless, increasing.

"And ye shall be brought to the governors and kings for my sake, in witness to them, and to the Gentiles. 19 But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that hour, what ye shall say. 20 For it is not ye that speak, but the spirit of your Father which speaketh in you" (Matthew 10:18-20)

I think you are so right and I can sympathize with the sense that I fall short in that area. I remember reading Hebrews 5:12 about 8 years ago " In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again. You need milk, not solid food!" I felt guilt over this verse for years.

Recently, I have been reading Tyndale's New Testament. For anyone who has never read this work, I would highly recommend it. It is a truly special experience. If the language seems difficult to read, what you can do is listen to an audiobook version of The Canterbury Tales following along with a print copy. It would only take maybe a couple hours to acclimate yourself to some differences in the English language because it is essentially the same language. I was inspired by the integrity of his translation. His intention in translating the Bible comes through and you can sense the only thing he wanted to do was write the Bible in English so people could understand it. English, at the time, of Tyndale's translation was not a language that was respected for scholarship. If you spoke English and did not go to school, there would be no real books that you would read for recreation. This is essentially one of the first books written in the English language, and this seems to be understood by Tyndale who appears to have taken some liberty in composing a written English language that would reflect the language he would use with the people of his country since there were no dictionaries to consult for spelling at the time. However, English would still not be a respected language because of Tyndale's achievement. Language was a mechanism of separating social class, so the elite would learn Latin and Greek and be able to spend time reading classical literature for recreation, while the people were excluded from this if there social positions did not allow them the time needed to learn these languages. Then, there was Geoffrey Chaucer who comes along and for whatever reason, decides to write in English rather than in a classical language and with his wit and popularity, there is the beginnings of literature written in English. Next comes Protestant reformation and the invention of the printing press, which re-fires the same desire in the people that Tyndale had, and the Geneva Bible is born. The Geneva Bible included a commentary surrounding the text. It is no different in some ways then some of the Bible we are familiar with today that have footnotes or devotional type comments included. And, there was great religious controversy and the pull and push of the Catholic church and the Protestants, and the tide over this social conflict would ebb and flow depending on the spiritual position of the Monarch. Enter stage left, King James of Scotland who was the nephew of the childless Queen Elizabeth who was responsible for the execution of King James mother, Mary Queen of Scots. Upon taking the throne, there is an attempt to kill him known as "The Gunpowder Plot." Nevertheless, King James was changed in disposition towards his position as monarch. He was one of the most politically strategic monarchs that have probably ever been, which is how the King James Version was born-as a political strategy. The King James Version would serve as a method of making both parties happy by removing the commentary that was included in the Geneva Bible for one. Then, by giving the people a Bible written in the English language for two. Then everyone would be happy and say that King James was the best king ever and shout "long live the king," every time they left the house and he could peacefully have his 17-course dinner parties where he would entertain guests with poetry and prose and beef. At the time, the English language was still not established. There would still not be a English dictionary till the 18th century, so the translators are still taking liberty in translating a English version of the Bible for the King. The king himself was even an aspiring writer himself. It is said that his piece "A Counterblaste to Tobacco," was originally written anonymously so that he could see whether the public would approve of him as a writer if they didn't know he was king. No one paid attention to this piece, but because the king had a passion to tell the people that smoking was bad for them, he eventually placed his name on the writing, and it was recognized by the public. As a result, I am even of the opinion that Malcolm X was correct in saying that King James was actually Shakespeare. There are many suggestions that Shakespeare didn't exist and that someone else was actually the author of his plays, and if you will notice in the original paintings taking depicting King James and Shakespeare, King James is always shown from facing left and Shakespeare is shown facing right, and they bear many other facial similarities. Shakespeare and the King James Version are also frequently credited with the development of the English language that we know today. So, the motivation to compose the King James Version was never comparable to the motivation that brought about the Tyndale New Testament or the Geneva Bible. The control over translation of this version was also in the control of the monarchy. This control can be seen as we begin to see the English language further evolve into the 18th century when the last revisions to the language in the King James Bible were made. Our modern version is based on these last changes to language in the 18th century. The 18th century is also noted for the development of the first English Dictionary composed by Samuel Johnson in 1755. Jonathon Swift is also another familiar writer of the 18th century most known for writing Gulliver's Travels. In the book Gulliver's Travels, the English language has already transitioned to looking very different than the 1611 King James Version and the writings of Shakespeare. " My father had a small estate in Nottinghamshire: I was the third of five sons. He sent me to Emanuel College in Cambridge at fourteen years old, where I resided three years, and applied myself close to my studies; but the charge of maintaining me, although I had a very scanty allowance, being too great for a narrow fortune," (Gulliver's Travels, chapter one). Jane Austen is another well known author of the early 19th century. Pride and Prejudice is even one of my favorite books of all time. The English language as it appears in the writings of Jane Austen is very different than the writing from the 1611 King James Version and the writings of Shakespeare as well. "IT is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife. However little known the feelings or views of such a man may be on his first entering a neighborhood, this truth is so well fixed in the minds of the surrounding families, that he is considered as the rightful property of some one or other of their daughters," (Pride and Prejudice, chapter one). Now, why wasn't the King James Version modified to reflect the language of 18th century English in it's last days of modification. I believe that this is because the monarchy had control of the publication of the King James Version, which was never about having a version that would be easy for the people to understand. So, the English language continued to change, and the translators of the King James Version did not feel the need to accommodate this change. So, I am a firm believer that there is an attempt to corrupt the scriptures. However, I do not believe that the KJV is as innocent as it appears. Maybe they are innocent in the light of the modern translations, but that does not mean they are not without guilt. Inevitably, the debate concerning translating the Bible into the strange language of English is strange to me because whether or not the KJV is accurate or not does not prove whether or not there is not a believer in Christ today with the same integrity Tyndale had in translating the Bible. Why should a person not be able to translate the Bible into a more common English language if that is what God lays on their hearts just because we have the KJV and consider it an accurate translation? I believe there are people capable of doing this in the body of Christ today that will put an end to these sort of debates in the future.

I don't like infowars much either. They did find an interesting article. I can't stand Game of Thrones. I am really disgusted by the comparison. However, I still find infowars to be something more like propaganda. I came to the conclusion that if they, or anyone, is promoting something that seems to parallel the prophecy so specifically, it was probably intentionally made to be that way. Unfortunately, people who are not Christian know what we believe about the coming prophecy and I do think that the spirit of lawlessness at work is trying to deceive the church with things like prophecy propaganda. So, if it looks super specific, it was probably done on purpose and directed at a Christian audience to create hype. Oddly, enough, the book of Enoch says that the the watcher angels were disobedient in teaching "mankind the art of writing with ink and paper," (1 Enoch 69:8). I love writing. It is an important way for me to communicate the way I feel, but I also realize that writing is a primary way to distort the truth, and there is an important piece of history concerning the subject of yellow journalism where an entire war was based on the distortion of the truth through this medium. Yellow Journalism-noun: Journalism that is based upon sensationalism and crude exaggeration. "Yellow journalism was a style of newspaper reporting that emphasized sensationalism over facts. During its heyday in the late 19th century it was one of many factors that helped push the United States and Spain into war in Cuba and the Philippines, leading to the acquisition of overseas territory by the United States. " https://history.state.gov/milestones/1866-1898/yellow-journalism This is a primary reason that I think the sword of the second seal of revelation is words, or what we know as propaganda. In this instance, it was recognized that this was taking place and the effect that it had, but how many instances like this have been overlooked. These are things I consider when I read anything, but especially infowars. God bless you.