
Fidei Defensor
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Everything posted by Fidei Defensor
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Well, the good news is you are now written in Lamb's Book of Life.
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Be still, and know that I am God:
Fidei Defensor replied to Walter and Deborah's topic in Defense of the Gospel
I've noticed how important being still for a time in prayer is. Instead of making requests or even expecting Christ to speak, it is soothing to spend time with the Savior in silence. Its like two friends who don't need to talk when their together, they enjoy each others presence without a word. -
I believe Christ uses everything for good. We both have a testimony of coming out of A Galaxy, far, far away... and can warn people of the sorcery wrapped in The Force clothing.
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Fox News rocked by yet another firing at the top
Fidei Defensor replied to MorningGlory's topic in U.S. News
I didn't mention Murdock. Those are your words. -
Fox News rocked by yet another firing at the top
Fidei Defensor replied to MorningGlory's topic in U.S. News
When allegations came out for O'Reilly, I thought it was possible but once it became Hannity and now Jessie Watters, you know its a witch hunt. This is the Radical Left's Inquisition (I'm not lumping liberals and leftists in this group, only radicals). -
I am glad to not be alone in my perspective. I frankly am greieved how many years and hours I gave to Galaxy, gfar, far away... The only consolation is when I share something like this it comes not from outsider naysayer, but a former die hard who can tell you who Mara Jade is, Dash Randar, Revan, Prince Xizor and more. People tend to listen when you've been there and warn them about its perils and pitfalls.
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Fascinating. I become aware of the Force's demonic powers when George Lucas during The Prequels revealed that he invented the Force from Shinto Monks who could hover with demonic powers (this was on TV docu). I then became concerned with how in Star Wars, the Death Star is in shape of Globus Crusiger (orb Jesus holds in Renaissance Paintings to denote He is Salvator Mundi, Savior of World and King of Kings), the Death Star is the exact shape, with the line around center of it to sunking in creator as what the Savior holds in the paintings. Then you have Kylo Ren (The Force Awakens) has the only cross shaped lightsaber and he's the villain? Then in Revenge of Sith Obi-Wan tells now Darth Vader, "Only a Sith deals in absolutes," uh actually Christians are absolutists, there is only one way to be saved: Jesus Christ (John 6:40, John 14:6, Acts 4:10-12) Is Disney and George trying to say something? It seems to me its antichristian. Then you have Stephen Spielberg, George Lucas' best friend, who in Jurassic Park 1993 has the only Catholic Christian praying on a toilet be eaten in most memorable way by the T-Rex, then you have in The Lost World: Jurassic Park in 1998 the only Christian, Dieter an Eastern Orthodox Christian eaten by the little green raptor like Troodon compys. Then Stephen Spielberg in His Indiana Jones films does this, in Raiders of Lost Ark he makes Jehovah (Adonai) appear as creepy God who burns you faces off (in Bible the worst incident was man touched the Ark and died, like instantly no pain), then in Temple of Doom its Astec ritualistic heart sacrifice, then in The Last Crusade Jesus is made to look creepy with the many cups of Christ (Holy Grails), and finally in The Crystal Skull Spielberg tells "Chariots of the gods" for umpteenth time.
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Wild Boars overrun and kill Islamic terrorists
Fidei Defensor replied to Neighbor's topic in World News
According to the Hadiths and perhaps the Quran, to even touch a pig renders a Muslim unclean and even damned in Allah's sight. So this has more ramifications for those radicals who were just gored to death by boars. -
Your post came in at same time as mine, I didn't see yours because we must have posted at same time.
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The Word of God (Savior or Scripture?)
Fidei Defensor replied to Fidei Defensor's topic in General Discussion
Interesting point. Yes, the Lord and Disciples already knew which books of Old Testament were canon. As for what was canon in New Testament during the time of Apostles, this was what Gospel accounts and epistles were kept at the various churches, and which were circulating the most and which described the events of Jesus' life, crucifixion, resurrection, ascension, and return best. -
I find the words "most intelligent people" has a very demeaning quality to it. So almost 80% religions which believe modesty must be enforced with strict clothing as not intelligent? The fact is they haven't found a great solution to the problem of modesty (title C.S. Lewis probably would have given a book on subject). As aforementioned, I am saying a good alternative is needed, but the extreme response to cover up to excess like a nun is what people end up doing, because the regular clothing you describe as ideal is not agreed upon by many. There are people who want to stretch it one way or the other, and yes clothing stores have what you might call regular, but there people who wear jeans without belts to reveal underwear, there are women who buy v neck shirts to show their bosoms and so forth. Who gets to decide what's regular? That's the big question. If we are all allowed our individual concept of modesty (hello post-modernism) then you are going to run into people who wear some really revealing outfits, but if there is a council or board of Clothing for the country, then you are living under a sort of totalitarianism. Neither is a great answer, and still how to define, agree upon, and then institute modesty is a headache.
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You missed my point. Islam's answer to modesty is Burkas/Hijab, and the Church once used Puritanical clothing. I am urging caution to not swing to far into a modesty that is excessive to fix the problem. Granted you say that is obvious, no one wants this, but what's the alternative? If you want freedom, people can dress how they want long as it doesn't break the laws of the land. If you want dress codes, you just violated people's freedom. Its not clear cut answer.
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The Word of God (Savior or Scripture?)
Fidei Defensor replied to Fidei Defensor's topic in General Discussion
I agree, my Eschatology teacher Mr. Wonderly once said, "We must let Scripture define Scripture," do not trust what a pastor or expert says blindly, go check it in Scriptures. I ever endeavor to cross reference as much as I can to prove something in Scripture (my Blog is testament to this). But no matter how much people want to avoid commentaries and the thoughts of other men, you are going to have bias that is Augustinian, Darbian (Darby), Lutheran, and so forth; because people before us interpreted that way before we did. Unless you learn Aramaic and Hebrew, and Coine Greek, and you hear the Holy Spirit's interpretation perfectly, you will at some point seek a commentary or analysis of a difficult to grasp Scripture. -
Modesty is double edge sword. On one hand, the spectators are responsible, "I made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a young woman," (Job 31:1) and the person wearing the outfits is responsible, "Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother or sister to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause them to fall." (1 Corinthians 8:13). While Paul's words are about food, they can be applied to anything such as alchole and what we wear and so forth. The balance is difficult, we don't want Hijabs/Burkas and Nun outfits on everyone like Puritans, but we also don't want to wear something that draws attention to something that will make someone stumble.
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The Appearance of Evil (1 Thessalonians 5:22) is very subjective and situational. For example in the US and most western cultures, if a person were to show their breasts it would be considered exhibitionism and public nudity which is finable and grounds for arrest. But in a poor remote village of Africa, there are tribeswomen who have their breasts exposed, but there is not sensuality and promiscuity to it. Another example, a person may drive an expensive car in the West out of the pride of life (1 John 2:16), while another may have nice and expensive car they drive missionaries around in, and picked it because it will have best features for their work and even ministry. Then there is the off limits subject of alcohol. There are those who drink some wine with their dinner, and others who think a drop of alchole is sin. I am not going to get into debate here over this, but if you are with someone who thinks drinking is wrong, then you need to abstain that night you share a meal (Romans 14:21, 1 Corinthians 8:13). Abstaining from evil is tricky, because it has hand in your convictions , "But if you have doubts about whether or not you should eat something, you are sinning if you go ahead and do it. For you are not following your convictions. If you do anything you believe is not right, you are sinning," (Romans 14:23), and "So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves." (Romans 14:22). I do worry about appearance of evil. A good example is Star Wars. When I was growing up the Jedi were like the Military Orders of the Crusades, warrior monks with supernatural powers. There even was some allusions to Judeo-Christian values. But now the Jedi are more like New Age and White Magic Paladins, they even must mediate on their lightsaber crystals and become one with them (which is New Age teaching). Here is the problem, this new way of the Jedi makes a former fan like myself appear to like something evil, New Age doxology and mysticism, but the Jedi I like are from olden days. The problem is society and impressionable relatives are judging on basis of the latest interpretation (approbation) and so I had to hang my Jedi cape and lightsaber up.
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Navy SEAL of God? Are Christians suppose to be pacifistic?
Fidei Defensor replied to steven84's topic in General Discussion
Pacifism and Militancy in church is difficult to discern. We have examples that if you take up the sword you will perish, "Put your sword back in its place," Jesus said to him, "for all who draw the sword will die by the sword," (Matthew 26:52), and then we have examples of defending yourself, "He said to them, "But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don't have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one." (Luke 22:36). I think that one has to be called to be a warrior. It is not something to enter into lightly, because it has a cost package, "But don’t begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it? Otherwise, you might complete only the foundation before running out of money, and then everyone would laugh at you. They would say, ‘There’s the person who started that building and couldn’t afford to finish it!" (Luke 14:28-30). Granted the context of Jesus words is about becoming one of his disciples, but I think the model works good for becoming a warrior. A warrior has to do something very antithetical to how we were made, kill people who are imagine of God (Genesis 1:27). If they don't do this, then evil people can kill God's people, so sometimes it is necessary, but the cost package is PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) and many other unseen and seen costs. -
The Word of God (Savior or Scripture?)
Fidei Defensor replied to Fidei Defensor's topic in General Discussion
Thank you for sharing how Scripture was canonized in greater detail. You helped make my case, that I think the Apostles when writing that the Word of God judges your thoughts is really Jesus the Word (John 1:1-4) not the Holy Bible (which can't read my thoughts, such a notion is actually Gnostic). -
Jumping to judgement is a fault most of us have in the Church. We often forget to speak the truth in love, "Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church." (Ephesians 4:15). It is easy to speak truth and argue for it, but we must share it in love, because Jesus is the Truth (John 14:6) and He is Love (1 John 4:8). I think this is a case where we should heed the warnings of Christ Himself, "Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. 2 For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged. “And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own? 4 How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye? 5 Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye. “Don’t waste what is holy on people who are unholy. Don’t throw your pearls to pigs! They will trample the pearls, then turn and attack you." (Matthew 7:1-6). These are words of Jesus Christ not my own, and I think if someone will not show you proper respect, and "do unto others as they would have done to them" (Luke 6:31), then you are encountering what Jesus said not to caste your pearls before.
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I have covered this topic on my blog. I wrote this following post on Modesty: "We live in times where modesty has gone the way of morality in western societies. Many women now wear skimpy skirts, daisy Duke shorts, yoga pants that reveal all, and more. In Summer the swim suites have progressed from tank tops, and two pieces, to near full on nudity. Modesty is a rare commodity these days, and what may fascinate women is that men are drawn to modesty. Wait what? Why do you think lingerie like Victoria Secret is so popular? It is because it is part of the excitement of concealing what is sacred and private for matrimony. Men have minds that are often tempted by what is concealed, what is hidden. But, modesty does not just arouse, it creates interactions between the sexes that are not sexual in nature. A man does not feel distracted by a busting bosom if it is modestly dressed, and so can focus on the woman's eyes, face, and her words. Modesty goes both ways. Men can be immodest to especially with speedos, going shirtless, and even wearing prison jeans with no belt showing their backside. Our society has become so saturated with sexual perversion in forms of pornography and immodest behavior that we are losing the sacred and joy of it all. Sex is becoming like buying soda pop and Swiss cheese. As time progresses and hormones subside, there will be disillusionment with the natural forms of sensuality meant for marriage. It will take more and more wild and depraved sexual actions to arouse because most people have become so desensitized to what is normal. The expecations movies and advertising on television create are bound to lead to people being disappointed with God ordained consummation in the marriage bed. The fantasy and the visuals that are modeled everyday are creating an insatiability and unrealistic belief of what intimacy between a man and woman is suppose to be. And it all begins with a lack of modesty. Reversing this culture is going to be nearly impossible, though "all things are possible through Christ who strengthens us." (Phillippians 4:13). I am not calling for women to dress like Nuns, or put on Burkas, that is excessive modesty. I am talking about if a bosom is to be shown, it can be done stylishly and with taste like in Medieval days and Elizabethan Times oppose to near full nudity of today. The difference back then was people could dress like Queen Elizabeth I with bosoms shown, but the rest was covered modestly. Because back then breasts were not the most sensual part of body. They covered up the sensual part of body, but today breasts and the private regions are sensual, and yet there is a goal to expose them in our world today. In the regions of Africa, there are tribes were women have breasts exposed, but its not sensual, because to their society it isn't. But in West it is sensual, and so why are people exposing and doing exhibitionism?! We are Christians and are called to be, "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes.Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight.For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to adorn themselves. They submitted themselves to their own husbands, " (1 Peter 3:3-5), and "I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God." (1 Timothy 2:9-10). Both the Apostle Peter and the Apostle Paul call for modesty. They address the women because women generally have an ability to entice men to temptation by dress then men. Again this is because men are more visual than women and so a peak at something normally covered causes the imaginations of men to run wild. I do not believe it is wrong for men or women to wear jewelry, dress nicely, and enjoy garments. I believe the apostles were addressing women who now being free in Christ Jesus thought they could copy the Roman and Greek dress. Let me make this point, Roman women had their breasts exposed as all times, in fact Josephus, a Jewish Scribe and Philo describe Roman women by their eye color and nipple color. Peter and Paul are trying to discourage women in Church from adopting the customns of the world, which in those days to wear earrings was to be prostitute. That is not the case of today, but we must be mindful of what we wear, for it can say volumes to those who observe us and are watching us live out the Gospel. How can you claim to be modest follower of Christ and then dress like a seductress or male seducer? Are we of the world or to copy it? No you are not: "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will," (Romans 12:2), "You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God," (James 4:4), "Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them," (1 John 2:15), and Jesus Christ said, "If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you." (John 15:19). There is a fine balance between enjoying some good things of earth and copying the world's fashion of immodesty. Granted, some designers are not making immodest dresses and outfits. But we must be mindful, should we wear anything that makes another stumble? The Apostle Paul says, " Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God.." (1 Corinthians 10:33). So obey God's word, cloak yourself in God's righteousness (Isaiah 59:17), and be zealous to do the work of Lord: "Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction." (2 Timothy 4:2). Remember, that you preach with your mouth, and your body. So make your body a living sacrifice to the Lord Jesus, "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God--this is your true and proper worship." (Romans 12:1). So live holy and pleasing to God, not in excessive modestly or in immodesty, but rather in proper modesty before the Almighty God." (Modesty, A Knight's Blog, Feb 15 2016)
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Tongues I know is controversial subject, the lines are divided between those who think they are for today (I am one of them) and those who think they were for back then. I find very little peace using the gift corporately, because I have experienced where tongues becomes a measure for if someone got the Holy Spirit, and so anyone who doesn't is considered a second class citizen, like Dr. Sues Star Belly Sneetches (see pic below), those who have star were special, but then when everyone started getting the stars the others started removing them. Then there is relating to brothers and sisters who don't believe in tongues, and how to keep from offending them. A Repository of Scripture on Tongues: "And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues.." (Mark 16:17) "Are we all apostles? Are we all prophets? Are we all teachers? Do we all have the power to do miracles? 30 Do we all have the gift of healing? Do we all have the ability to speak in unknown languages? Do we all have the ability to interpret unknown languages? Of course not! 31 So you should earnestly desire the most helpful gifts." (1 Corinthians 12: 29-30) "All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them."(Acts 2:4) "When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied." (Acts 19:6) "If anyone speaks in a tongue, two—or at the most three—should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret. If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and to God." (1 Corinthians 14:27-28) "On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. 2 Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. 3 Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. 4 And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability. 5 At that time there were devout Jews from every nation living in Jerusalem. 6 When they heard the loud noise, everyone came running, and they were bewildered to hear their own languages being spoken by the believers. They were completely amazed. “How can this be?” they exclaimed. “These people are all from Galilee, 8 and yet we hear them speaking in our own native languages! 9 Here we are—Parthians, Medes, Elamites, people from Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, the province of Asia, 10 Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, and the areas of Libya around Cyrene, visitors from Rome 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism), Cretans, and Arabs. And we all hear these people speaking in our own languages about the wonderful things God has done!” 12 They stood there amazed and perplexed. “What can this mean?” they asked each other. 13 But others in the crowd ridiculed them, saying, “They’re just drunk, that’s all!Then Peter stepped forward with the eleven other apostles and shouted to the crowd, “Listen carefully, all of you, fellow Jews and residents of Jerusalem! Make no mistake about this. 15 These people are not drunk, as some of you are assuming. Nine o’clock in the morning is much too early for that. 16 No, what you see was predicted long ago by the prophet Joel: In the last days,’ God says, ‘I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams. 18 In those days I will pour out my Spirit even on my servants—men and women alike— and they will prophesy. 19 And I will cause wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below— blood and fire and clouds of smoke. 20 The sun will become dark, and the moon will turn blood red before that great and glorious day of the Lord arrives. 21 But everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." (Acts 2:1-21) "There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. 5 There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. 6 God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us. A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. 8 To one person the Spirit gives the ability to give wise advice[a]; to another the same Spirit gives a message of special knowledge.[b] 9 The same Spirit gives great faith to another, and to someone else the one Spirit gives the gift of healing. 10 He gives one person the power to perform miracles, and another the ability to prophesy. He gives someone else the ability to discern whether a message is from the Spirit of God or from another spirit. Still another person is given the ability to speak in unknown languages,[c] while another is given the ability to interpret what is being said. 11 It is the one and only Spirit who distributes all these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have." (1 Corinthians 2:4-11). "Let love be your highest goal! But you should also desire the special abilities the Spirit gives—especially the ability to prophesy. 2 For if you have the ability to speak in tongues, you will be talking only to God, since people won’t be able to understand you. You will be speaking by the power of the Spirit,[b] but it will all be mysterious. 3 But one who prophesies strengthens others, encourages them, and comforts them. 4 A person who speaks in tongues is strengthened personally, but one who speaks a word of prophecy strengthens the entire church. I wish you could all speak in tongues, but even more I wish you could all prophesy. For prophecy is greater than speaking in tongues, unless someone interprets what you are saying so that the whole church will be strengthened. 5 I wish you could all speak in tongues, but even more I wish you could all prophesy. For prophecy is greater than speaking in tongues, unless someone interprets what you are saying so that the whole church will be strengthened. Dear brothers and sisters,[c] if I should come to you speaking in an unknown language, how would that help you? But if I bring you a revelation or some special knowledge or prophecy or teaching, that will be helpful. 7 Even lifeless instruments like the flute or the harp must play the notes clearly, or no one will recognize the melody. 8 And if the bugler doesn’t sound a clear call, how will the soldiers know they are being called to battle? 9 It’s the same for you. If you speak to people in words they don’t understand, how will they know what you are saying? You might as well be talking into empty space. There are many different languages in the world, and every language has meaning. 11 But if I don’t understand a language, I will be a foreigner to someone who speaks it, and the one who speaks it will be a foreigner to me. 12 And the same is true for you. Since you are so eager to have the special abilities the Spirit gives, seek those that will strengthen the whole church. 13 So anyone who speaks in tongues should pray also for the ability to interpret what has been said. 14 For if I pray in tongues, my spirit is praying, but I don’t understand what I am saying. 15 Well then, what shall I do? I will pray in the spirit,[e] and I will also pray in words I understand. I will sing in the spirit, and I will also sing in words I understand. 16 For if you praise God only in the spirit, how can those who don’t understand you praise God along with you? How can they join you in giving thanks when they don’t understand what you are saying? 17 You will be giving thanks very well, but it won’t strengthen the people who hear you. 18 I thank God that I speak in tongues more than any of you. 19 But in a church meeting I would rather speak five understandable words to help others than ten thousand words in an unknown language. 22 So you see that speaking in tongues is a sign, not for believers, but for unbelievers. Prophecy, however, is for the benefit of believers, not unbelievers. 23 Even so, if unbelievers or people who don’t understand these things come into your church meeting and hear everyone speaking in an unknown language, they will think you are crazy. 24 But if all of you are prophesying, and unbelievers or people who don’t understand these things come into your meeting, they will be convicted of sin and judged by what you say. 25 As they listen, their secret thoughts will be exposed, and they will fall to their knees and worship God, declaring, “God is truly here among you.” (1 Corinthians 14:1-18, 22-25) It seems clear that Tongues are for evangelizing and encouraging, in Bethlehem, Israel I spoke in tongues over some young men from the city of David and I found out from the Pastor overseeing, that I was speaking perfect Arabic and telling them things about them I obviously didn't know, but the Holy Spirit did (John 1:48). However, normally I find tongues is helpful for personal prayer in private or in group of intercessors who believe in tongues. It builds up your spirit to pray in the Spirit, and when it is unclear what to pray, Tongues comes in handy.
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Is it bad that I don't like Contemporary Christian Music?
Fidei Defensor replied to holden92's topic in General Discussion
I am a big fan of Handel's Messiah, my favorites are "Behold the Lamb! Behold the Lamb of God.. who takes away.. the sins of man," and of course the Hallejuah Chorus, "King of Kings! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Lord of Lords Hallelujah! Hallelujah!" You know who is a good contemporary Christian band is Newsboys (the new one, not old band), they have songs like "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, holy, holy is his name," (from Revelation Song), and their Apostle's Creed abridged is awesome, "We believe in God the Father, we believe in Jesus Christ, we believe in Holy Spirit who is givin us new life, we believe in Crucifixion, we believed that He conquered death, we believe in Resurrection, and that He's coming back, coming back again." This is a very easy version of creed to remember, especially if you listen to beat. -
The Word of God (Savior or Scripture?)
Fidei Defensor replied to Fidei Defensor's topic in General Discussion
The Written Word is a measure, we have to consult it to know what Christ said (we have eyewitness testimony from his disciples, thank the Lord!), and you are right that Written Word helps us discern the Living Word, what is his character, does he challenge us, and so forth. But I do believe that we can experience the Living Word, Jesus Christ supernaturally in prayer and in the Gifts (1 Corinthians 12:4-11), and even I have had the Lord Jesus speak to me through a film. -
Do Christians that commit suicide go to heaven
Fidei Defensor replied to Starlight77's topic in Theology
There are some examples of Suicide in the Bible: "The fighting grew very fierce around Saul, and the Philistine archers caught up with him and wounded him severely. 4 Saul groaned to his armor bearer, “Take your sword and kill me before these pagan Philistines come to run me through and taunt and torture me.” But his armor bearer was afraid and would not do it. So Saul took his own sword and fell on it. 5 When his armor bearer realized that Saul was dead, he fell on his own sword and died beside the king." (1 Samuel 31:3-5). Interestingly, Saul had a demon (1 Samuel 16:14), which goes to my point that for someone to be able to go through with suicide they are highly oppressed by evil spirits.. "When Ahithophel saw that his advice had not been followed, he saddled his donkey and set out for his house in his hometown. He put his house in order and then hanged himself. So he died and was buried in his father's tomb." (2 Samuel 17:23). From what I gather Ahithophel was involved in civil war between Absalom and King David. "In the twenty-seventh year of Asa king of Judah, Zimri had reigned in Tirzah seven days. And the people were encamped against Gibbethon, which belonged to the Philistines. 16 Now the people who were encamped heard it said, “Zimri has conspired and also has killed the king.” So all Israel made Omri, the commander of the army, king over Israel that day in the camp. 17 Then Omri and all Israel with him went up from Gibbethon, and they besieged Tirzah. 18 And it happened, when Zimri saw that the city was taken, that he went into the citadel of the king’s house and burned the king’s house down upon himself with fire, and died, 19 because of the sins which he had committed in doing evil in the sight of the Lord, in walking in the way of Jeroboam, and in his sin which he had committed to make Israel sin." (1 Kings 16:15-20). " Then Judas threw the silver coins down in the Temple and went out and hanged himself. The leading priests picked up the coins. “It wouldn’t be right to put this money in the Temple treasury,” they said, “since it was payment for murder.”[a]7 After some discussion they finally decided to buy the potter’s field, and they made it into a cemetery for foreigners. 8 That is why the field is still called the Field of Blood. 9 This fulfilled the prophecy of Jeremiah that says." (Matthew 27:1-10). Judas actually fulfills a prophecy by hanging himself, it was turned into the Field of blood. Then there is Samson: "And when their hearts were merry, they said, “Call Samson, that he may entertain us.” So they called Samson out of the prison, and he entertained them. They made him stand between the pillars. 26 And Samson said to the young man who held him by the hand, “Let me feel the pillars on which the house rests, that I may lean against them.” 27 Now the house was full of men and women. All the lords of the Philistines were there, and on the roof there were about 3,000 men and women, who looked on while Samson entertained. Then Samson called to the Lord and said, “O Lord God, please remember me and please strengthen me only this once, O God, that I may be avenged on the Philistines for my two eyes.” 29 And Samson grasped the two middle pillars on which the house rested, and he leaned his weight against them, his right hand on the one and his left hand on the other. 30 And Samson said, “Let me die with the Philistines.” Then he bowed with all his strength, and the house fell upon the lords and upon all the people who were in it. So the dead whom he killed at his death were more than those whom he had killed during his life." (Judges 16:25-30). -
The Word of God (Savior or Scripture?)
Fidei Defensor replied to Fidei Defensor's topic in General Discussion
Well for me, this is just me and some priests, if you focus on word of God being God's breathed Scripture (1 Timothy 3:16) to me that is less than focusing on that Word of God is actually Jesus Christ (John 1:1-15, Revelation 19:11-16). In essence you are right, since Scripture is words coming from Word of God to the writers it is part of the Word of God. I suppose its just a matter of perspective. I just find that if I read, ""For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart,"(Hebrews 4:12) and see Word of God as literally Jesus this passage has a totally different meaning, it means Jesus literally inside me (Colossians 1:27) is penetrating my soul and judges my thoughts, oppose to view that the word of God is the Bible and being used to judge me, but it can't judge my thoughts and know me. -
Is it bad that I don't like Contemporary Christian Music?
Fidei Defensor replied to holden92's topic in General Discussion
My concern isn't that the music is contemporary, rather that contemporary Christian music is straying from any details about the Lord Jesus and what we believe as Christians. I mean Rap and Rock songs by secularists and even Satanists contain expletives and detailed synopsis of their beliefs, no matter how crude and debase. But Christian music is afraid to say the Gospel and the details of our faith? There are exceptions, I know, I've heard some great songs that talk about Jesus, but usually its "I love Jesus," (which is great for intimate worship on Sunday), but what about who Jesus is? What if unbeliever tunes in, they aren't going to have any idea what we Christians believe and may jump to weird conclusions like the Roman citizens in Nero's reign did, where they that our love feasts were something other than simply the Communion Meal and House Meetings to worship, pray, and share the scroll of Scripture. Some of better worship songs ironically are revivals of old hymns, "O praise Him, praise the Father, Praise the Son--, praise the Holy Spirit, three in one, O praise Him, alleluia! Alleluia!" That just told someone that the Trinity is Three yet one. They learned a tenet of faith and doctrine of the Trinity in a line.