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Gemstone777

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  1. With Jesus I understand why you would say that because He knew all since He and the Father are one. I didn't mean to imply that He had doubts of God's plan as the others did, more just that he didn't want to feel the pain/suffering. I think it was more of a rhetorical question for him, but it it didn't negate the suffering that he would like to have avoided if possible. He was human when He came to earth, and what I was trying to show that even with His perfection and being God in the flesh, He struggled with the task before Him cause he had the same emotions that we have even though He dealt with His perfectly. He still completed it, and He was without sin, but He had the emotions that we have. If He hadn't, He wouldn't of cried/lamented and asked God to take the cup from Him. He felt pain, and He knew very well the pain that He was going to endure for the sacrifice of our sins and the sins of the world. I definitely don't think Jesus was lacking faith cause He couldn't of done what He did without faith, especially when He had the power to prevent/stop it from happening. As always, I enjoy hearing your thoughts and insights! Love ya brother!
  2. Not a question, rather just a comment on a thought that was triggered by a verse in this passage. In Ephesians 1:19 it says, “ speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord.” When I was a child I would sit on our swing outside by myself and make up songs to God. I didn’t write them down and often couldn’t remember the words or notes, but I was singing them from my heart to God. Or when I was riding on the lawnmower I would create music just to sing to the Lord. Maybe that is why I still like mowing so much to this day! ? Even though I am older now, I still create my own songs to God. I will often sing them while on a drive, road trip, or travels across country with my husband or family. The fact that they were/are one time only to me makes them more special, just for my King! Thanks for letting me share a pleasant childhood memory! Have a blessed day all!
  3. 1. What do you think it means to be dead and your trespasses and sins? Our sin makes us guilty to God because we violated His holy commands. So, those that don’t have a blood sacrifice (Jesus) to forgive them of their sins will die and go to hell. Sin creates separation from God. 2. Where it speaks about the Ephesians’ former condition that they walked according to the course of this world and according to the prince of the power of the air, and of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience, what do you think the bolded terms above are referring to? The lost, those that have not been redeemed by the blood of Jesus, those that are serving/following Satan and not God, and are under his leadership. 3. Who are the "sons of disobedience"? Those that are engaging in sinful acts and not walking with/serving Christ. Some have said this could also include the angels that fell and followed Satan. 4. In verse three, Paul says that we also all formerly lived lusting in at indulging in the desires of the flesh and of the mind. Do you think then, that "all" means without exception? Except for Jesus, absolutely all of mankind has sinned and fallen short of God’s holy, perfect standards. (Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.) 5. What kind of things are meant by lusts of our flesh and desires of the flesh and mind? Lust of our flesh are sinful desires of the physical human body that are contrary to the will/law of God. Desires of our mind are where the sinful desires usually start. 6. We were by nature children of wrath. What do you think that means? By nature means born into the world as sinners and that it was not optional. Children of wrath means that they are subject to God’s wrath for their sins. Romans 3:10 As it is written, there is none righteous no not one.
  4. Good point Frances! Ephesians 5:19 says, "speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord." The phrase "making melody" comes from the Greek word "psallontes" which means "to rub or touch," "to twitch or twang." It was commonly used in Greek to refer to playing a stringed musical instrument. This could be another Scripture indicating it isn't wrong to play instruments, just a different way of musical expression.
  5. Thank you Other One for that explanation, as I am simply trying to understand the Biblical reasoning behind it. I myself like Acapella music too. I like music in a variety of forms, especially when it's used to praise God. From my understanding of Scriptures, the Bible doesn't forbid it, but if someone is convicted differently than that is their choice. Hope you have a blessed day!
  6. Does anyone understand where some Christian churches get in the Bible that you should not play instruments (verse 3-5) or dancing (verse 4), as long as it is to honor the Lord? I sincerely want to know as I can not find it in the Bible. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens. 2 Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness. 3 Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre, 4 praise him with timbrel and dancing, praise him with the strings and pipe, 5 praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals. 6 Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.
  7. John 11:33-35 When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. “Where have you laid him?” he asked. “Come and see, Lord,” they replied. Jesus wept. Sometimes in our society the world tells people to suck it up, not be emotional, and looks at crying as a weakness. Especially if someone is a male it’s not looked at as manly to cry, yet Jesus wept. It said he was “deeply moved…..troubled….wept.” Not just a little upset, but extremely. This passage is clear that Christ had emotions and was compassionate. I believe this is an example where we should not follow the ways of the world, but use Jesus’ as an example of how to live. Romans 12:15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep, is another place we are told to do this. Then it goes on to say in John 11:36 Then the Jews said, “See how he loved him!” By weeping, Jesus showed love. John 11:43 When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” Because what Jesus spoke comes to fruition, if he had not called Lazarus by name, it would appear that all the dead buried there would have been brought back to life. John 11:48 If we let him (Jesus) go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our temple and our nation.” Fear of losing their power and greed led to the chief priests and Pharisees plotting to kill Jesus. John 11:53-54 So from that day on they plotted to take his life. Therefore Jesus no longer moved about publicly among the people of Judea. Instead he withdrew to a region near the wilderness, to a village called Ephraim, where he stayed with his disciples. I’ve heard some Christians over the years say that we should just let evildoers overtake us and be martyrs for our faith. I think this is an example where Jesus was wise and didn’t help them to do evil to Him, until it was His appointed time to die/be our sacrifice.
  8. Hey Omega! When I watched your video, it was late and I was not in a mindset (alert enough), nor had the time in that moment to process deep theological things. I had already spent hours reading over Scriptures and other posts in the Bible club, as I was catching up. Sometimes you can read/watch something that stirs all kinds of thoughts in your mind, and it's hard to focus and respond to that when one is getting tired. I wanted you to know I had watched it and hoped that you would be encouraged knowing someone took the time to do so. I said what I felt in that moment, and I still think your character is quite entertaining, and I like your quirky humor. I know that your main intent was not to entertain, but it doesn't mean that someone didn't get something deeper out of your post just because they were entertained, or didn't respond with deep insights. As far as Christ's return, I think there are a lot of signs pointing to His return. I think a lot of prophecy has been fulfilled that has to happen for Christ to return, but there still are more that need to take place. I try to do what God has commanded me to do, be waiting and watching, and I don't think anyone knows exactly when He will return. Matthew 24:36 But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. When it comes to Eschatology, I think there is a lot of uncertainty on the details and that is why there is so much debate, even among Christians. Maybe that's because some think it's more literal and others think it's figuratively. Even theologians sincere in their faith and studied far more than I about end times specifics disagree how it plays out. I think people share what they believe is their interpretation of how it all plays out, and they take a stand based on their understanding of the Scriptures. I think some things are truly mysteries and we won't know the preciseness of them until they play out. I think it is important that we be doing the Lord's work so that when He returns he doesn't find fault with us. That is what I think is most important. I know you like to discuss things/engage in debate, and I do see the benefit of iron sharpening iron. However, sometimes discussion/debate can turn into arguments and are not profitable, as we see on the forums at times. Maybe it's just because I've heard arguments on all sides of the Eschatology hot button topics over the years and I don't always choose to engage. It's not because I don't have thoughts and views, I just choose to share them when I feel led. As far as me or others growing, I think different things stick out to people at different times. Just like on many of my posts on the Bible 365 Club Forum I speak about the things that stand out to me. We are all different, at different stages in our walks, and certain things will stand out to us. I understand you desire deeper discussion with substance on the Bible 365 Club. I would like more people to share questions and insights too. I think we have to let people talk about what they feel led to talk about though and can't force our desires upon them. All we can do is encourage more participation and hope they are gaining something from it. Like Gandolph I believe it was said something to the effect that he likes that he can read multiple days at once on the Bible 365 Club. I like that too, as I have multiple Scripture readings, devotions, Christian books, etc that I partake in. If you touch one with this ministry, it's worth it. I personally have enjoyed participating in Bible 365 Club. Arguments are not usually in silence, the arguing comes when someone states their ideas that others do not agree with. Some people just don't like to argue and choose silence, which can be wisdom. As far as cherry picking certain verses to support ideas doesn't mean they are necessarily taken out of context. The Bible works hand in hand, it's a complete book with many parts. For example, a verse from the Old Testament can be reiterated in the New Testament giving it further strength by complementing each other. If looking for a certain topic let's say prayer, you can find verse all throughout the Bible that help us understand how to pray, what it is. There's not one verse that dominates the meaning of prayer, they are all important. I do think there's always a chance that things can be taken out of context and that's true for us all. When we get to heaven we will all probably find out something was wrong with our theology, as we are imperfect beings. But that is why we study to be as accurate as we can be in our beliefs, to honor God, and grow closer to Him. I did not think me commenting on the Omega Man character would draw this response from you friend. It does seem that I am unintentionally good at doing so though! Although I may not have given you all the dialogue you want, this is me, and that is what I know how to do. I hope you have a blessed day brother! Love in Christ always, Gem ❤️
  9. I watched the first video! Your Omega Man super hero is quite entertaining!
  10. What I read and my thoughts are almost identical to Omega.
  11. Reflection: Yesterday, I saw a guy on a TV fishing show off the coast of Hawaii eat a heart that was still beating out of the big fish that he had just caught. I was reminded of this verse. It made me sad because he's violating God's instruction, and I'm guessing unknowingly brought judgment upon himself. Also, when I was in college, a group of friends went out for a steak dinner. One of the guys that was a professing Christian and body builder ordered a rare steak that had blood coming out of it. He ate the whole thing. I tend to think maybe he didn't know this verse, but I guess he could have blatantly disregarded God's commands. In these two instances, one was an unbeliever, and the other was a believer, but yet both violated God's instruction. The believer is forgiven, yet as believer's we are held to higher standards because of our decision to follow Christ. The fisherman was an unbeliever so we shouldn't expect him to follow God's instructions. It seems to me this is one of the many examples of God's grace on believers.
  12. George, There's so much good stuff in this post! I would give a detailed response, but I think I might write a book, lol.....too many thoughts! Let me just say there are things I'm reminded of that were much needed. Even some that I've forwarded on to others that were struggling in certain areas. This is a really good post started long ago, and I hope some of the newer members can read over it too. I think there's so much in here that it would most certainly help everyone, or spur them on in their walks. Have a blessed day! Your sister in the Lord, Gem
  13. George, There's so much good stuff in this post! I would give a detailed response, but I think I might write a book, lol.....too many thoughts! Let me just say there are things I'm reminded of that were much needed. Even some that I've forwarded on to others that were struggling in certain areas. This is a really good post started long ago, and I hope some of the newer members can read over it too. I think there's so much in here that it would most certainly help everyone, or spur them on in their walks. Have a blessed day! Your sister in the Lord, Gem
  14. 1 Samuel 16:1,6-7, 10-13, & 19 1) The Lord said to Samuel, “How long will you mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and go; I will send you to Jesse of Bethlehem. I have chosen one of his sons to be king.” 6) When they entered, he (Samuel) looked at Eliab and thought, “Surely the Lord’s anointed is before Him.” 7) But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for [b]God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” It appears that along with God cautioning Samuel to not look on physical appearance to determine the character/abilities of a man, He was also foreshadowing that none of the expected sons would be chosen to be king. Kind of like that old saying, “Don’t judge a book by it’s cover.” 10) Thus Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel. But Samuel said to Jesse, “The Lord has not chosen these.” 11) And Samuel said to Jesse, “Are these all the children?” And he said, “There remains yet the youngest, and behold, he is tending the sheep.” Then Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and [d]bring him; for we will not sit down until he comes here.” 12) So he sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, with beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance. And the Lord said, “Arise, anoint him; for this is he.” 13) Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon David from that day forward. It’s interesting to me that Jesse didn’t even line his son David up as a possibility for Samuel to be instructed by God to choose him as king. I mean I get when other people underestimate an underdog, but his own dad in a sense didn’t believe that he had a chance to be selected. It’s also a reminder to me that sometimes we look for approval in other people (parents, siblings, friends, spouses, coworkers, etc.) but the appreciation we desire is found in God alone. David was overlooked by others, but selected by God! 19) So Saul sent messengers to Jesse and said, “Send me your son David who is with the flock.” So in verse 13 he was chosen to be king, but by verse 19 he is found back in the fields tending to the flock as a shepherd boy. At first that sounds crazy that he would be anointed to be king, but sent to do remedial work back in the fields. But in this time of waiting, he had character building and development to do that would help him as king. That’s why preachers are often referred to as shepherds caring for their flock because there is skill and leadership involved in taking care of a plurality of animals or people. Think about it, David had to fend off wild animals, and that could have prepared him for battle and not to fear. After all, he did kill a bear and a lion! 1 Samuel 17:34-36 But David said to Saul, “Your servant was tending his father’s sheep. When a lion or a bear came and took a lamb from the flock. I went out after him and attacked him, and rescued it from his mouth, and when he rose up against me, I seized him by his beard and struck him and killed him. Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, since he has taunted the armies of the living God.” Also, I find it interesting that there is no indication that he was impatient while waiting to take over as king, but that’s probably because he was satisfied with where God had placed him. So often it seems like most of us (myself included) try to rush our times of waiting, but there is a purpose in our time of waiting.
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