Michael Cisneros

I have been to two Al Anon classes now. Already it has really helped me opened my eyes. I now see how long I have been in denial about how bad things were getting, and for how long. For anyone reading this who is also living with alcoholism in the family, please find an Al Anon group. One day at a time, one step at a time, your healing can begin. To everyone who has offered personal experiences, advice, and prayers.... thank you. I am so grateful for all of you. God bless each and every one of you all.

I am hurting really bad right now. I just did the hardest thing I have ever had to do. I just informed my wife that I filed for divorce. I did not come to this decision lightly. It is with a heavy broken heart that i do this. I ask for prayers for her, for our children, and for myself.

I am so sorry for your loss. I truly appreciate your sharing your experiences. I know it must bring back some painful memories.

RED ALERT My wife was arrested this Saturday morning for dwi. Of course nothing I have said or done since has been anything she wants to hear. I was able to bail her out same day. I am at a complete loss. On the one hand, i know she needs help. On the other hand, she wouldn't even listen to me when I explained how to fill out her part of the bond agreement. She refused to fill out all of the references until the bondsman told her she had to. I feel so lost, and powerless.

Thank you all for the very interesting discussion. After reaching out to many people within my church family regarding this subject I must admit my understanding was flawed. I have adjusted accordingly and am grateful for the opportunity for growth. It is wonderful how our journey in faith is never ending. Having a dynamic, and active relationship with our lord and savior is truly awesome. I am blessed to be able to be part of this community. Peace

I am not saying anybody is right or wrong. The whole point of this intellectual debate, is the debate itself. I never intended for there to be a "winner " declared. Simply deep, thoughtful discussion. ?

Matthew 16:18New International Version (NIV) 18 And I tell you that you are Peter,[a] and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades[b] will not overcome it. Footnotes: Matthew 16:18 The Greek word for Peter means rock. Matthew 16:18 That is, the realm of the dead

Ouch, labels can be harsh. Though I respect your opinion, and your right to one.

Precisely. So far we have only discussed the forgiveness part. As far as I know, the only unforgivable sin is to deny Christ to your last dying breath.

And yet, who is to say that our heavenly father isn't watching us right now, just waiting for us to follow through with what these verses say? I figured this would be a super interesting topic. I love the responses it is getting. I love deep, and meaningful conversation. Even if everyone has a differing belief about the subject.

And yet in verse 23 Jesus very clearly tells them that any sin they forgive, is forgiven. If you remove all interpretation and take him word for word, that is.

Those are all excellent examples arguing your point. And I am not disagreeing with your point. I am just intrigued by the idea that Jesus felt the need to tell his followers that they have received the Holy Spirit, and they now have the authority to forgive sins. And being Catholic, I believe that John 20:22-23 validates the point that by the power of the Holy Spirit, and with the authority handed down by Jesus Christ, a priest can forgive sins. This in no way brings glory to the priest. All power of forgiveness still has The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit as its origin. Again, this is only my understanding. In absolutely no way do I claim to be more right in this than anyone else.

John 20:22-23New International Version (NIV) 22 And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.23 If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” My understanding of these two verses is as follows... He who has received the Holy Spirit has been given the authority to forgive sins by Jesus Christ. Your thoughts?

You are right for keeping a healthy dose of skepticism when hearing only one person's point of view on an issue like this. I wish more people would refrain from jumping to conclusions prematurely. In this particular case, I am not asking anyone to do much more than pray for us. I understand counsel will be limited based on the circumstances. I needed a place to speak what was on my mind, to voice my concerns, and to be acknowledged. When I bring up my concerns to my wife she shuts down and refuses to speak to me. She finds a way to turn it around and say that I would be better off without her, that I deserve better, and that she will leave so she isn't my problem anymore. It is I, who is left fighting to keep my marriage together, even though she is the one going down this dark path. Like I said, it is exhausting, and painful.

No, this developed over time. She freely admits she has a problem. She refuses to listen and therefore is either in denial about the damage it is causing our family, or she doesn't care. I truly hate to think it is the latter of the two.