BibleStudent100

Thank you for sharing Brother Tan. Yes, we do indeed need to worship God in "spring and truth," as John 4:24 states.

Insightful--Thanks for sharing. On the sub-point of superhero movies, the constant bombardment of these demi-gods or "gods" existing even in the fanciful world of entertainment in film and TV, can after a while take on a "real existence," in the eyes of the younger ones. They grow up with the notion of the very real possibility of other worlds with other civilizations that also experienced their own evolutionary cycles that brought life to other planets. Another example of the Great Lie promulgated by Satan: one more distraction that causes people to ignore the existence of a loving Creator and our responsibilities to Him.

Great analysis Dennis, Satan has been very successful in twisting human thinking that we either evolved or have "arrived" here via panspermia. Remember "Chariots of the Gods," the book from the late 70s that exposed many Americans to the "seeding" theory or that earth had at least been visited by visitors from outer space?

Is the "Anti-Christ" a person? Or could he/she/it/they be an organization or group or entity or consortium of anyone who opposes Christ. Thus it could refer to all people, organizations, or groups that falsely claim to represent Christ or claim to be the Messiah or that oppose Christ and his disciples? 1 John 2:22 seems to provide the basis for this interpretation: "Who is the liar but the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, the one who denies the Father and the Son."

I enjoyed your expressions Vine! Yes, we can intellectualize the Bible as a literary masterpiece (which it is), but it is designed to change and transform us! Praise the Lord Brother!

Hi Other One, You are correct when you state that we need to use analogies and illustrations in our conversations to help others to comprehend the concepts of the Bible. In fact, the Bible states that Jesus would "speak to the crowds by illustrations. Indeed, without an illustration he would not speak to them" (Matthew 13:34). Note this pertinent quotation from a Bible Encyclopedia: "The Greek expression pa·ra·bo·leʹ (literally, a placing beside or together) has a wider latitude of meaning than the English “proverb” or “parable.” However, “illustration” covers a wide range that can include “parable” and, in many cases, “proverb.” A “proverb” embodies a truth in expressive language, often metaphorically, and a “parable” is a comparison or similitude, a short, usually fictitious, narrative from which a moral or spiritual truth is drawn." In attending church last month, I heard a wonderful way to drive home the point about selfishness, which involves : "If we take and take and don't give back to others, we become like the Dead Sea, which takes in fresh water, but disgorges nothing and becomes "dead." Better to be like the Sea of Galilee, which takes in fresh water and then lets it out and as such is a healthy, sound sea."

Wisely put my friends....Have you noticed how many current movies are based on revenge and getting even for past wrongs? We live in a world that nurtures grievances and retaliation. I personally refuse to watch these movies, even though I tend to enjoy action films in general; but if they have this theme of personal vengeance, I decline to watch.

I apologize Snow if I divert this encouraging discussion down a side channel, but sometimes our friends in the Faith pray to God hoping to have their prayers answered in easily discernible ways. Historically, though, prayers from our spiritual ancestors recorded in the Bible related more to finding moral strength and enlightenment, enabling them to hold to a righteous course. Even more so, for Christians, answers to prayers involved matters that were mainly spiritual, not spectacular or powerful acts. As a result, we should not be disappointed if our prayers are not always answered in the way that we expect or prefer. For example, rather than remove a trial, God might choose to give us “power beyond what is normal” to endure it (2 Corinthians 4:7; 2 Timothy 4:17). Never should we minimize the value of such power, nor should we conclude that God did not really answer our prayers at all.

Thank you for sharing this point Ray and I apologize for leaving this thread's tagline and I ask that you all indulge me. I know there is a trend for people to serve God in ways that do not involve organized religion and in some camps, "organized religion," even carries a negative connotation. But in the first century we have many references to the early Christians who gathered together for worship and for the visiting apostles, the logistics alone would be much more difficult if people served in their own homes only. Thus, the pattern today should be for us to gather together, at least in homes, if not buildings, to share our faith and strengthen others. About a 1/3 of the regular participants in my church tune in via zoom, because of advancing age and illnesses, but at least the 2/3 of us are there in person.

When we look at this text, we see how Paul here counsels, as it were, radical surgery—cutting out what was formerly a part of us, our old personality, and allowing the development of a whole new spirit to actuate our minds. And he was speaking not to newly interested ones but to baptized Christians. The changing of our personality does not stop at baptism. It is a continuing process. If we stop cultivating the new personality, the old one is likely to resurface, with its pride, arrogance, and selfishness. This could lead to a return to works of darkness.

I am in tune with what you are saying Neighbor. I remember I used to love the song, "Strangers in the Night," by Frank Sinatra. Then I focused on the lyrics and it is all about hooking up sexually with someone you just met at a bar. The lush music is beautiful yes, but the lyrics are certainly non-biblical. Now, I try not to listen to this song.

Paul experienced that through Christ, God’s powerful protection was spread over him like a tent. Today, God answers our prayers in a similar manner. He spreads his protection like a shelter over us. Of course, a tent does not stop the rains from falling or the winds from blowing, but it does provide some protection from those elements. Likewise, the shelter provided by “the power of the Christ” does not stop trials from befalling us or hardships from being brought against us, but we have adequate protection against the trials the afflict us.

Wise words Mr. M: I am not sure this woman was literally named "Jezebel" or it was a name give to her because she reflected the wickedness of the other Jezebel from the OT. But this “woman” did teach false religion and mislead many to commit fornication and idolatry and she callously refused to repent. We need to watch our own selves and try to avoid similar tendencies that could, if allowed unchecked, to grow into a way of life that might put us in league with "Jezebel."

Amen, brother!

Here is a line of reasoning that we could use in helping others (like the agnostics) reach a conclusion . You could first ask: Did the universe have a beginning? Most would agree that it did. Then ask: Was that beginning without any cause, or was it caused? Most people sense that the beginning of the universe was caused. This leads to the final question: Was the beginning caused by some thing eternal or by some One eternal? With the issues thus presented clearly and logically, many can be led to conclude: There must be a Creator! That being so, should not meaning in life be possible? Do some of you other simple ways to reason with agnostics or atheists?

Could you expand on this? Thank you

Great attitude Stan! I live in a wealthy resort area and huge benefactors donate to the local hospital and to the local musical theater building, etc. Their names are always prominently displayed for their efforts. Instead we Christian should remember to be "low profile" in our charitable deeds: "Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward" (Matthew 6:2).

We had a minister once in my church; he was a traveling brother in the faith. He always reminded us to keep humble and meek and to never look down on people. One quotation of his sticks with me: "You can always learn something from everyone, including a homeless person."

Great point Neighbor. As I have heard it said, "we all are only a couple of monthly paychecks away from being homeless...." You just can't beat this sage advice:(Proverbs 30:8) "Remove untruth and lies far from me. Give me neither poverty nor riches. Just let me consume my portion of food."

Hi Wayne, I have taught in China before and so I am somewhat familiar with the Christian religious activity that exists there. For example, the faith I belong to is strictly banned there and so I could not attend my church nor contact any members of my faith while I was there. A colleague at the school at which I taught was able to attend his Mormon church, although the LDS church is forbidden to proselytize there and can only meet together as foreigners. When I was there, China was not allowing any Christian activities at all. Where is this news coming from?

There are many studies concerning the causes of homelessness. As mentioned aplenty in these postings, drugs, mental illness, etc. are the main causes. For those of us who travel to Hawaii, another cause is the high cost of rent. "Regular" jobs simply do not pay enough for people to afford housing. I live in Southern California and the unhoused problem is intense. Not surprisingly, people who live on the street do not have access to sanitation and the neighborhoods are visibly reflecting this problem. Although our hearts ache for such people, we are reminded of what the Bible says in Ecclesiastes 1:15: “That which is made crooked cannot be made straight.” Despite the best intentions of volunteers and the authorities, such deep-rooted social problems as homelessness and poverty are difficult to eradicate.

Thank you for sharing these many examples of individuals who have used their God-given intellectual talents and strength to help us appreciate the historicity of the Bible. For those who are honest hearted and want to learn, there is ample scientific, archaeological and historical evidence for Biblical accounts. Still, most people are blinded by the Great Deceiver to these truths.

It sounds like you are retired; if so, then I am happy for you! You are enjoying your days after working many years I am sure.

You are correct Jimmy about a man and woman who live together as roommates but who refrain from sexual activity. If that is the case, then no sin has occurred. But in today's parlance, if people "live together," then that connotes having sexual relations.

The Bible places fornicators and adulterers (even if they are in "committed relationships") in the same category as homosexuals. This understanding is repeated numerous times in the Bible, one of which is this verse: Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor male prostitutes, nor homosexuals, 1 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. 1 Corinthians 6: 9,10