emdie

8 minutes ago, HisFirst said:

 umm...no!!

Never mind me, I have a strange sense of humour.

Sorry I forgot about that, the printers do deserve their money of course. Silly me.

Just now, enoob57 said:

definitely digital... my whole library is -I've been adding to it since 1990. My guess is around 1500 to 2000 volumes ...

Wow enoob, you should upload them to Google Drive and provide us with the link please!

I was curious to know how people study their Bible, either an 'old-fashioned' leather bound book, or do you read it onscreen?

As for me, I have both paper and ink Bibles, as I enjoy the smell associated with reading a Bible, and like the weight in my hands; and then I look quotes up on screen as I admit that's an easy way to get hold of God's word, especially when posting. What do you do?

Happy Birthday Omega, I hope you had a lovely day set aside to celebrate, with friends and family. 

It's so interesting that you asked this question, as I think I'm experiencing demons right now. 

I had taken my Lord for granted, after being a believer as a small child, you can forget the one most precious to you, but I realised I was slowly starting to come away from the Lord, and so within the last month began to speak to God much more regularly and pray, and read my Bible, and then luckily I found this site and have been reading people's comments about various threads. But I've been having trouble sleeping, dropping in and out a lot, and having vivid ideas that something strange was watching me. Then the visions started, of a presence or presences near me, reaching for me, and just when I wake up and say 'in the name of Jesus Christ...' they disappear. It's mildly unsettling, and it does wake me up in a hurry, but I'm not too worried as I still have that feeling of security because I know God Almighty is watching over me and protecting me from such things. I think the demons know I've suddenly got a lot closer to the Lord and they don't like it.

I'm just so thankful for all of you whose faith strengthens my own, and you do set a wonderful example for me. I am indeed Blessed, thank Jesus and the good Lord. 

ROFL... For a second I thought you meant that dude who 'thinks' he can talk to the dead... John Edwards lol... that would have been have been an interesting post from me  

The only persecution I have received was not because I was/am a Christian, it was from my church school. So-called Christians made my high school life a misery, the students, teachers and headmaster all had it in for me. Why? Because I was ill a lot of the time due to type 1 diabetes, and they didn't like how I could miss classes and come back in and get A grades, even though they knew I had won a scholarship there, (the kids would mock me and call out 'fluke'). It came to a head when they insisted on me going to an outward bound camp, with no telephone to use in case of an emergency, and I could have gone into a coma with no way of getting help. My specialist was adamant that I not attend and wrote a letter to my headmaster, who ignored it. I was set to enter university at age 17 but this whole episode made me not believe in myself, and I just lost the focus for schoolwork, not helped I guess by my father's attitude, he was completely non-supportive of me. I've gone to uni anyway (I'm back right now), but it derailed me for a couple of years. Who knows though, maybe I wouldn't have ready for uni at that age, or maybe God had a hand in it to teach me something? I don't know, but you can't rule these things out.

We ended up moving about 2000 miles away for my father's business, but it changed how I viewed people, how I almost expect people not to be nice now (but plenty of people still surprise me that way). However, this makes me appreciate the friendships and connections I have made on this site, in the short time I've been here, so maybe those connections make me a better Christian. If so, it was more than worth it. I'd take being mocked in this life in order to be with God and Jesus after the Resurrection any day.

There are more quotes regarding those of you who were made to suffer for your beliefs, but here are some I like.

2 Tim 15:18

Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,

John 15:18

“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.

1 Peter 4:12-14

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.

Sounds more like 'Spaceballs: The Movie' than 'Star Wars'.

19 hours ago, shiloh357 said:

I don't think that is what Omega was saying or implying.   Hillary's unsavory character stands on its own apart from the morons who riot on her behalf.

If I got it wrong, and I think I did, I apologise to you Omega. You're an insightful and intelligent person so on reflection I don't think you meant it that way either. 

10 hours ago, BacKaran said:

I'm in my late 50s and have had hearing issues all my life. I can lose my hearing at any time but it's been dropping down a slow ride for decades. I bought a book for learning how to sign.

At Aldi's today I met a young man and his dad at the store. Joe has a cochlear implant so I asked him many questions on it. Joe's about 25-35 yrs old. He gave me his phone number as he lives close to me in a group home. I'm going to follow up and ask him to be my mentor to teach me sign language! 

To me this is a God divine appointment as I've between thinking for quite awhile how am I going to learn to sign? I don't know any deaf people and I don't know where to start. Joe gave me info about a deaf school and I'm going to check it out!

Thanks God!?

 

It's interesting isn't it, the things we pray for and then the way God answers is amazing. You had faith and you were rewarded, and I'm so glad for you.

Incidentally a friend of mine has had a cochlear implant since he was a child, and he hasn't looked back since. I sincerely hope you find the same thing happens for you, I will pray you do. God bless.

You're actually trying to hold up the behaviour of a group of people acting from their own accord as proof of Hilary's unsavory character? Oh Omega. I expect better from you.

On 10/27/2016 at 11:43 PM, cherubim said:

I have been dealing with things weighing me down - prayers left unanswered, and I wonder where God is and if He is sane at times.  I've had some bad things happen to my family and I - including being harmed by so-called "Christians."  My experiences can't be unique.  How do others handle this? 

I don't think God leaves any prayer unanswered, but it might not be answered in the way you think. God answers in the way we need, not what we assume to be the best path for us in life. It can be so hard to be objective about a situation when we're right in the middle of it, but God sees everything so only He can answer a prayer in the way it needs to be answered, with love and with a complete overview of your life. When I pray, I tend to only ask for God's will to be done, I hardly ever make my prayers specific, or I might ask for guidance and help to change my way of thinking. To me it's part of surrendering my will and let the Lord do the work, but I understand some people find that hard.

It doesn't matter if you pray night and day, and do every other thing possible to be a 'good Christian', bad things happen and will continue to happen. that's because we sinned in the Garden of Eden, so we must pay the price until we enter into our eternal lives. I must point out though, if there wasn't anything bad in the world, how would we know what things like love and happiness are, if we don't have anything to compare them with? it's the comparison that matters. Just know that every single one of us who have ever lived have suffered, so we know we can offer up that suffering to Jesus and He will bare it for us.

The other thing you mentioned is harsh treatment by Christians, and I think I can speak for everyone here, and that's we've ALL been treated harshly at some point by those persons who profess their Christianity but in reality they're just hiding behind the Lord, and don't live in the spirit of Jesus. The thing is, they're not God, so you mustn't confuse the two very separate issues. God did not treat you badly, human beings did. So the answer (at least in my case) is to speak to the pastor if the situation becomes unmanageable, or move churches until you can find the sort of people who make you glad to worship with them. 

I hope you find what you're seeking, to me the only way is through prayer. He will answer you, He always does.

7 hours ago, HAZARD said:

Hi emdie.

Jesus explained here how man allows himself to be convinced the book is too hard to understand and so they resist its truths and many accept the traditions and teaching of men. Jesus thanked God that the truths of the Bible were hidden from the worldly wise who refused to believe, and stated that God has "revealed them unto babes" (Matt. 11:25-27). He gives the reason truths are hidden from anyone. It is because they refuse to humble themselves to believe and conform to the Bible (Matt.13:10-17). Jesus speaks of the devil taking the Word from the hearts of men lest it should bring forth fruit (Matt. 13:19-23. Paul also speaks of the devil blinding the minds of men lest they should believe, and he also speaks of men wilfully handling the Word of God dishonestly and deceitfully (2 Cor. 4:1-6).

Also, there are many false teachers who have crept into churches teaching lies, even convincing men that they can never understand the Word of God without their help or interpretation. Some even teach one can never get to Heaven unless one is a member of their church and they, rather than Jesus alone are the only truth and light and way to Heaven. 

2Peter 2:1, 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, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

Jude 1:4, For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

The more I read the more I find out this is so true, even down to people we would normally think are of God are listening to agendas written with the laws of man in mind, and are as far away from the scriptures as one could possibly imagine. Even down to subverting the Sabbath to suit themselves, which is shocking heresy. I won't go into further detail as I don't wish to upset those people who believe they are doing the right thing in worship, only to find out in reality they're perpetuating a lie or several lies.

You're absolutely right though, it's written this would happen in several parts of the Bible, and warns us so we can recognise this subversion of faith as it happens. Of course, if in any doubt I go to the Bible, so I don't end up interpreting the scriptures to suit myself.

Just ask Wikipedia

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack-o'-lantern

Essentially, light was used during the pagan festival of All Hallows Eve to ward off evil spirits that roamed the land. As the Bible teaches that the dead can't be contacted it is a little redundant, and I believe is giving in to superstition, which is part of the occult, which we are expressly forbidden to go near. I wish the whole holiday would go away quite frankly, as I also wish for Christmas to disappear before you can say 'the love of money is the root of all evil', because let's face it, Christmas isn't a command from the Bible, and it was created or should I say appropriated for making money through donation.

Would you as a Christian believe in Santa Claus? If you say 'what's the harm', it's because it takes you away from the Word of God, and that Word is all that matters in the end, not how many pressies you bought little wossiname so they could be like all the other kids. Right, now I've made my outlandish views known, I'm off, so Bah Humbug everyone   

That's a joke btw.... this is my view, so please don't accuse me of being mean-spirited, I just worship God and no other.

Thanks so much for posting this, I watched it and had to keep watching the next two videos as well! He speaks very well, and is highly interesting in what he says. Again, thank you so much for posting this, I've subscribed on Youtube and look forward to many more of his sermons.

JERE, everyone here has said what you need to hear, but the distress came right through your message and I felt it so if I may add to what's been said?

When Jesus was on this earth, he took the time to really seek out the forgotten people, those whose life was awash with sin, those who despaired of living, and He did it deliberately, because He knew how much you need someone to listen when you're in that kind of condition. One of Jesus's close friends while He was here was Mary Magdalene, who was a prostitute but repented when she was found by Jesus. Our God is a God of love, and it is promised that if you personally go to Him with your sins and are truly repentant (and I don't mean just sorry, I mean with full understanding of the sin you have committed), then your sins will be forgiven. That means you do get a clean slate, for if the Lord forgives he doesn't hold it against you or remind you of it.

Everything you've said in your posts indicates that this is the way it is with you, so there's no reason to think you won't be forgiven. The next step, of course, is to determine what actions you're going to put into play which will help keep you from major sins again, and people have made good recommendations like listen to that inner voice which is God and develop a relationship with Him, and get to know your Bible and follow it's laws, and put them before mankind's greed and arrogance in your life.

One thing I would like to point out is that we're all sinners, because we're human, so we know there's a 100% probability of us sinning again, and so does God so try not to let that guilt you have eat up your life. God says we have to forgive ourselves our sins, before He can forgive us so maybe when you go to Him you should let those sins go. God also says that through Jesus, we can give our burdens to Him, including our sins, and He will carry them for us. Of course when I say this I don't mean you get a free pass or anything to sin again, just that it's pretty certain you will. So it's a process we end up repeating many many times in our lives as Christians, and it forms an integral part of our lives and our relationship with God. In my mind, God is God because you should feel comfortable to confess anything at all, because He loves you and sent His only son to die on a cross just so you can have that conversation with Him, and there isn't much more you can ask for someone to love you more than that.

I wish you the very best, and please do come back and let us know how things are going, and any more questions you have. God bless you.

13 hours ago, HisFirst said:

That'll never happen!!?

I'm just grateful the creation wasn't called Pavlov's Dog....!!!?

Sorry for some reason my reply is insisting on quoting you again, but that's no bad thing....

Yes, it's funny how whenever Aussies get together there's always Pavlova, even online  

It's been a lovely week for us Downunder. Both incidents are just horrifying, and very sad to see

13 hours ago, HisFirst said:

That'll never happen!!?

I'm just grateful the creation wasn't called Pavlov's Dog....!!!?

What, when you smell meringue and dog food mixed together you start salivating uncontrollably? I should hope not either  

I hope I picked the right forum for posting a question like this, as this is my first time creating a topic.

I'm just about to watch one called 'Risen', about after Christ has risen from the dead, from the point of view of an unbeliever, so should be interesting. 

So I've just come back from watching the film, and it was brilliant. Joseph Fiennes plays Clavius, a Roman soldier who is in charge of the investigation into the disappearance of Jesus' 'body', but in the beginning of the movie he arrives just after Christ dies on the cross so be prepared to see something pretty emotional. I actually cried quite a few times during the film, I don't normally cry but of course the subject matter is so integral to us as Christians, but they were mostly happy tears I must admit.

I highly recommend this film to any Christian especially, but of course it might be nice if unbelievers would watch it as well as it supplies excellent reasons as to why we are believers and love Christ so much.

9 hours ago, HAZARD said:

Yes it does. The Bible is God's inspired revelation of the origin and destiny of all things. It is the power of God unto eternal salvation and it is the source of present help for the body, soul, and spirit (Rom. 1:16; John 15:7). It is God's will and testament to men in all ages, revealing the plan of God for man here and now and in the next life. It is the record of God's dealings with man; past, present, and future. It contains God's message of eternal salvation to all people who believe in Christ and of eternal damnation to those who knowingly and willingly rebel against the gospel.

The Bible is a simple book to understand because it was given by God to be understood by the simple. Following the commonly accepted argument that a perfect God cannot make anything imperfect, we can scripturally say that God did not fail in His purpose of giving man a simple revelation that could be easily understood by all men alike, even by the simple (Deut. 29:29; Ps. 119:104, 140; Proverbs 1:1-4; 2 Timothy 3:15-17). Paul speaks of "the simplicity that is in Christ" (2 Cor. 11:3). Jesus thanked God that the truths of the Bible were hidden from the worldly wise who refused to believe, and stated that God has "revealed them unto babes" (Matt. 11:25-27). He gives the reason truths are hidden from anyone. It is because they refuse to humble themselves to believe and conform to the Bible (Matt.13:10-17). Jesus speaks of the devil taking the Word from the hearts of men lest it should bring forth fruit (Matt. 13:19-23. Paul also speaks of the devil blinding the minds of men lest they should believe, and he also speaks of men wilfully handling the Word of God dishonestly and deceitfully (2 Cor. 4:1-6).

The most simple beginners can understand the Bible one line at a time, for this is the way it was given, and it is the best way to understand it (Isa. 28:9-13). No man can get the vastness of the Bible at once. It is the infinite scope of the Bible truth that causes some men to think the Bible is hard to understand. Its like someone saying they cannot understand water because they cannot drink the whole ocean dry in one drink.

Very true Hazard, but why is it man resists the word of God and says it is too hard a path? I personally think it's arrogance, that men like to believe they are in control of their lives, and it's the material possessions and suchlike which are so important. Instant satisfaction is what they're after, and gratification in this life which is the opposite of what the Bible teaches.

For me, I find it the easier road, the more comforting one as I know my Lord God watches over me when I follow it properly. It may be less worn but it's far more attractive in every way.

Sorry I've gone a bit off-topic but I have a habit of stating the obvious lol

Have you tried Googling it? I tried 'video games about the Bible' and it came up with a few pathways. I hope you find what you're looking for.

11 hours ago, forGod1 said:

It's so grossly addicting. I can barely last 2 hours right now.

I used to be a 50 a day smoker, so I can sympathise. That was 12 years ago now, and I can honestly say I haven't even looked back. The power of prayer is awesome, but I decided to have hypnotherapy as well, and it worked like a charm. At that point I wasn't just thinking about giving up, I was sick and tired of smelling like cigarettes constantly, my hair and clothes - yuck.

I will absolutely pray you get free of this addiction, and you won't even know yourself by then. If I can do it, anyone else can believe me. Good luck.

On 10/19/2016 at 7:41 AM, missmuffet said:

A person who is religious? A person that has good works? Do you think their is a difference in the term "Christian" and "Born again Christian?".

What are the characteristics you look for in a person you can trust to teach you the true Word of God? A person whom you can respect as a brother and sister in Christ? What are somethings that put up a red flag and put your discernment on guard?

A true Christian is one who accepts that eternal life is through our Lord Jesus Christ and He alone. 

A red flag for me would be any doctrine that puts a barrier between me and my God, as I believe my sins and my thoughts and discussions are for His ears only.