BibleStudent100

Regarding addictions Farouk, it seems that doing anything in excess is wrong. For example, we all know dedicated, hard-working ministers who tend to their spiritual flock with so many hours over so many years, that their own children are neglected and perhaps the needs of their wives as well. The same could be said for Bible study: we could spend so many hours per month in this regard that we neglect our own health needs and the emotional and physical and financial needs of our family members. So addiction is usually thought of negative things right out of the gate (e.g. alcohol, drugs, sex, etc.) but "addictions" could be positive but turn into negatives because of their consequences.

How does serving in the military line up with the Bible's teaching of "being no part of the world" (John 17:16) and other texts that encourage Christian neutrality, such as John 18:36: “My kingdom is no part of this world. If my kingdom were part of this world, my attendants would have fought that I should not be delivered up to the Jews. But, as it is, my kingdom is not from this source.” I believe the Amish and Quakers follow the Biblical admonition to stay neutral and so do not serve in the military.

Is homosexuality genetically influenced? I believe that is the question posed. Sometimes this matter is phrased as "born or bred" or "nature or nurture." The science appears to be unclear at this time regarding "why" gay people are the way they are. But the real question is, "does it matter?" If the Bible condemns behavior X, then behavior X is wrong, regardless of one's "natural proclivities." Another way to phrase it is, if someone has a genetic predisposition to becoming angry or losing one's temper, then is he absolved from working on his sinful nature? Of course not! There are many scriptures (James 1:19-20 is just one example) that show that Christians need to control their anger and we all know people who are by nature calm, low-intensity people and who just simply don't get mad. For these folks, avoiding anger is easy! But for other Christians, controlling their emotional outbursts is an ongoing challenge for which they pray for help. So for those who are tempted by homosexuality, we feel for their struggle, but a struggle it is and those unnatural feelings (unnatural is defined by God, not by us) they may combat them for life. But we all have internal struggles, they just differ from person to person. Romans 7:15-20 is a great verse as it shows that we ALL struggle to do what is right and just as the Apostle Paul fought against his sinful inclinations, so must we all. It's just that our sinful inclinations vary from person to person. Christians who have homosexual tendencies can either remain single and celibate or they can marry and if they are honest with their potential mate about their inclinations and the prospective mate is agreeable, then they can enjoy marriage in a heterosexual fashion.

Yes, we notice this as well. In the movies, sexual activity is portrayed as exciting and to be pursued with wild abandon, yet, nothing is said about pregnancy or STDs or the damage to one's conscience. Galatians 6:7 carries a strong warning to all of us about the damaging effects of sin, which do not always show up at first. Of course, the same can be said of the propaganda that is spread to young people regarding the appeal to become famous and little is said about how often worldly fame ruins a person and introduces an eroding influence into that individual's life and family.

According to The Encyclopædia Britannica, some who called themselves Christians “wished the date to coincide with the pagan Roman festival marking . . . the winter solstice, when the days again begin to lengthen and the sun begins to climb higher in the sky.” That same reference work notes that many Christmas customs originated with “pagan agricultural and solar observances at midwinter.”

Perhaps in his infinite wisdom, Jesus realized that IF humans knew the day of his birth, that they would certainly celebrate his birth and for that reason, the gospel accounts are silent on this fact, although it has not stopped most humans from picking a "random date" that just so aligns with pagan practices. Yes, it is much more important to observe the date of his passing in accordance with his words in the final 24 hours of his life, which we all do here in this forum. Sadly, this week, I have seen my first TV commercials for Christmas; it seems these commercials start earlier and earlier each year...

God could, as Creator, if he wished, stop the motions of the whole solar system. Or, he could stop the motion of only the earth so that sun and moon appeared to remain in the same position as viewed from the earth. On the other hand, it is possible that the sun, moon and earth all continued on in their regular movements, but that the light from sun and moon ceaselessly shone by some form of refraction that we do not now understand. In any event, this was a truly unique event, for the Bible says that “no day has proved to be like that one, either before it or after it, in that God listened to the voice of a man.”

That account is found in Numbers 15: 32-36. Yes, the penalty was severe for anyone who was found to be working on the Sabbath. That was a day that was to be devoted to God and to be spent pondering on one's spirituality and not to think about one's material needs. Collecting firewood (i.e. the sticks) would indicate a violation of the Sabbath rules. The severity of the Sabbath requirements is better placed in context by remembering why God wanted the Sabbath to be observed in the first place: The desisting from all labor and observing other God-given Sabbath requirements not only gave rest to the body but, more important, it provided opportunity for the individual to demonstrate his faith and obedience through Sabbath observance. It also gave parents the opportunity to inculcate God’s laws and commandments into the minds and hearts of their children. (De 6:4-9) The Sabbath was also customarily occupied with taking in knowledge of God and attending to spiritual needs, as well. Of course, we must never forget how this spiritual principle applies: "It is better to obey than to sacrifice" (1 Samuel 15:22).

We need to define our terms, as fasting means different things to different people. To some, fasting means total abstinence from food and water for a fixed period of time, while others take liquids during their fasts. Missing certain meals or refraining from a particular type of food is considered fasting by many. But long-term unsupervised fasting can be hazardous. And of course, fasting is NOT a requirement for Christians. Still there may be health benefits to moderate fasting. To keep my weight down, I will fast for about 24 hours a few days a week. And of course, I find I get more out of church meetings when my stomach is not full.

I have never found the dollar store to be a good bargain. The store just cuts down the volume of what they sell; you actually get more for your money at other stores. Additionally, regarding their food items, they sell food stuffs that are nearing their expiration date.

It seems like the majority here do not like the time changes. What are the reasons against it?

In Hebrews chapter 11, David is mentioned as a man of faith along with many other individuals from the OT. Yet, King David was a highly flawed individual. The difference between the adultery and murder that David committed was that he was severely disciplined by God for his behavior and that shameful conduct was publicly condemned by Nathan, and no doubt others. So while recording King David's sins AND his incredible humility and love for the Lord, there is no record that Lot's offer to give his daughters to the sexed crazed men of Sodom was a "bad call." So there must have been some reason for Lot doing so that we just don't know about, which is entirely possible as that event took place some 4,000 years ago. Cultural norms prevalent at the time were quite different from our modern perspectives. The same understanding applies to what Abraham did regarding his beautiful wife and the Pharaoh of Egypt. The Bible does NOT condemn Abraham for what he did, so that act must have been understandable by the Lord for those times and circumstances.

This account has puzzled and even disturbed some, but in no way did Lot act in a cowardly way. A careful read of the account reveals that Lot bravely stepped outside to attempt to reason with the sex crazed men of Sodom who were crying out to have sex with the two strangers, but that act of courage did not assuage their lustful conduct. So why would Lot have offered his daughters to the mob? Here are some possibilities: A) If Lot had realized that these men were materialized angels, then Lot was sure that they, with their angelic powers would have intervened so as to prevent the two daughters from being gang raped. B) Lot remembered how God had protected Sarah, his uncle’s wife, when she was in danger of being violated by Pharoah, so Lot could have reasoned that his daughters could be similarly protected. C) Lot may have also have been trying to shock or confuse the men. He may have believed that his daughters would not be desired by the crowd because of the homosexual lust of the Sodomites. D) Since the young women were engaged to men of the city, so relatives, friends or business associates of his prospective sons-in-law might well have been in the crowd and Lot may have hope that by reason of such ties, some men in that mob would speak up in defense of his daughters; a mob thus divided would not be nearly so dangerous. Whatever Lot’s reasoning and motives were, we can be sure of this: Since the Lord always does what is just, He must have had good to reason to view Lot as a “righteous man” (2 Peter 2: 8,9) and so we assume that Lot’s actions were the correct actions to take under the circumstances.

1 John 5:19 reminds us that “the whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one,” which of course is Satan. We should NOT “put our trust in princes, nor in a son of man, who cannot bring salvation” (Psalm 146:3). To believe that the wicked governments of today can bring about anything good is folly, for our salvation belongs in our trust in God and in his promises. Flee from an earthly solution and instead, rely on a godly solution!

I am sure Whitedove that your husband is a wonderful man in many ways, but I know many who live in a religiously divided household and my heart aches for them as it is not easy. Issues involving conflicts of conscience arise frequently in these types of family arrangements. May you be spiritually successful in continuing to prove yourself in what is "the good and acceptable and perfect will of God" (Romans 12:2).

As the Creator, God already owns everything we have in a material way, so there is nothing we can give Him materially. So what can we give Him? As you pointed out Walter, we can give God our obedience! We can draw the answer, in part, from the following admonition: “Be wise, my son, and make my heart rejoice, that I may make a reply to him that is taunting me.” (Proverbs 27:11) Though we have different circumstances and backgrounds, by being obedient, each of us can respond to the vicious claim of Satan the Devil that humans will not remain loyal to God in the face of trials. What a privilege that is!

In Luke 21: 25-27, we read that “There will be signs in the sun and moon and stars, and on the earth anguish of nations not knowing the way out because of the roaring of the sea and its agitation. People will become faint out of fear and expectation of the things coming upon the inhabited earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.” (Luke 21:25-27). Will the fulfillment of this prophecy include frightening signs and events in the literal heavens? No doubt, the signs will cause terror and panic in the hearts of God’s enemies; could these frightening “sign” include the issue in this new item, which until now has been conceivable only in science fiction, but may well be technologically feasible soon: https://www.worthynews.com/79598-russian-official-says-western-commercial-satellites-could-become-legitimate-targets

In Luke 21: 25-27, we read that “There will be signs in the sun and moon and stars, and on the earth anguish of nations not knowing the way out because of the roaring of the sea and its agitation. People will become faint out of fear and expectation of the things coming upon the inhabited earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.” (Luke 21:25-27). Will the fulfillment of this prophecy include frightening signs and events in the literal heavens? No doubt, the signs will cause terror and panic in the hearts of God’s enemies; could these frightening “sign” include the issue in this new item, which until now has been conceivable only in science fiction, but may well be technologically feasible soon: https://www.worthynews.com/79598-russian-official-says-western-commercial-satellites-could-become-legitimate-targets

In Luke 21: 25-27, we read that “There will be signs in the sun and moon and stars, and on the earth anguish of nations not knowing the way out because of the roaring of the sea and its agitation. People will become faint out of fear and expectation of the things coming upon the inhabited earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.” (Luke 21:25-27). Will the fulfillment of this prophecy include frightening signs and events in the literal heavens? One onder but at least, the signs will cause terror and panic in the hearts of God’s enemies. But could these frightening “signs” include the issue in this new item, which until now has been conceivable only in science fiction, but may well be technologically feasible soon: https://www.worthynews.com/79598-russian-official-says-western-commercial-satellites-could-become-legitimate-targets

I'm a teacher in a high school. Here in California, no matter where you go on Halloween day, you see people dressed up in costumes at banks, grocery stores, doctors' offices, etc. It's Mardi Gras, but with an evil twist...

Yes, you are are reflecting what I see in his holiday: it springs from pagan sources. It has now turned into a celebration mainly FOR children to one in which adults totally get into outrageous and sexually inappropriate costumes worn to their offices during the day and then topped off with a licentious party in the evening. No thank you!

What should be the Christian's view of participating in this "holiday"? Should Christians dress up in costumes? Should we allow our children to go trick or treating?

There is no way to argue against the notion that the King James is the best Bible ever regarding the crafting of beautiful language; it is a true literary work! But it did not draw upon the extant Bible documents of the day, but rather was a reworking of the works of both Tyndale and Coverdale, which were revisions of the Bishops’ Bible. Additionally, the KJ scholars also relied on the Geneva Bible and the Roman Catholic Rheims New Testament of 1582. I prefer to read modern day Bible translations that seek to use original source documents as much as possible in their translations, which include early Bible transcripts.

When men and women spend time together, romantic feelings can blossom into an emotional dependency that may undermine and even destroy a marriage, even when no sexual intimacy occurs. Married Christians do well to remember Jesus’ wise warning about adultery—it begins in the heart. (Matthew 5:28) Let us, then, safeguard the heart and avoid situations that could lead to such ruinous results. Some may argue that I am “master of how my heart feels,” but the Bible warns against placing excessive trust in our confident ways: “The heart is more treacherous than anything else and is desperate. Who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9,10).

Hartono, are you referring to how Christians should be tolerant of other faiths or should be tolerant to interfaith movements? How would you define "tolerance"?