Tzephanyahu

Hi @Open7 I hope you are doing well. You raise a good question but consider this... You are assuming that everyone who sinned in the camp brought an offering before Yahweh. What if they didn't, due to negligence, an unwilling heart, hiding from their error or simply because they were unaware of their sin? Wouldn't sin still be found in the camp and need to be atoned for? Therefore, it seems that the Day of Atonement ensured that atonement was made for all Israel, once a year, as it would inevitably still spread as a mould in the camp - despite the system of personal offering being available to all. There is of course other significant parallels which can be drawn around this Day but that's another subject. I hope that helps. Peace

Hi @HopeInHim Yes, it's one of the more basic concepts but not necessarily the easiest! Forgiveness can be instant and can take time. But the key part is the choice you make. Therefore, if you wake up each day and choose to the forgive said party and, when any negative thoughts arise, you choose to turn away and head towards forgiveness - then you are doing well. You'll know that the forgiveness is complete when you can you upon the other party with pity and empathy, but that may not happen over night. But yes, accept the injustice and the appearance of lack of recompense and do not retaliate, even in images in your heart. If anything, imagine the wrath of God that they may face and then you'll be moved to pray for them. Remember the injustices our Lord and the disciples endured for doing good and they feared for their oppressors as judgment will come for all one day. So in summary, make the choice to forgive each day, even if it doesn't feel legit. But a small rudder steers a huge boat. So hold out and brave the rough waters until you reach the calm seas. In time your heart will listen to your command and forgiveness will come. Peace

Hi @Open7 I agree. Sometimes the chapter and verse numbers can be very jarring or even misleading at times. A famous example is Isaiah 53, which really should begin back at 52:13 - but often people just start at 53:1 instead. That said, they can greatly aid us for locating passages in Scripture when sharing! This was something that the Disciples and the Messiah could only do by quoting a short line from a passage, and hoping the reader/listener would understand the fuller context of the passage. But to only hear the quoted text itself alone is to have a narrow view of message. However, some have got in the habit of just quoting chapter and verse numbers and then using them like points of law to beat up others with and argue over as if they were Top Trump Cards. For such people, the numbering system is deadly as it helps facilitate this kind of mindset and approach and it doesn't lead to a good place. Nevertheless, if used as reference points only, the chapters and verse numbers are incedibly handy - as long as we remember they are just reference numbers and not bullet points! Peace.

Hi @john1 This question of yours comes up in the ancient book of Gad the Seer. In Chapter 3 of this book, a Moabite challenges David on this very topic and David consults the Most High through Nathan the prophet. Nathan returns with the message from the Most High that He was commanding this of Moabite MEN only to not of women, adding "...their women and daughters belong to Lord" - 3:10. Therefore, this could well explain Ruth's grafting into Israel. Hopefully this gives you a new perspective. Peace

Hey Ghostdog, Interesting piece. It feels heavy and dark yet there is still hope within it. Is this an original I take it? Peace

Hi @IowaChristiangal Whether this is the mark of the beast or not, I don't know. I don't think so but who knows for sure. Nevertheless, what's important is that if you accept a vaccine because you feel pressured into it, then you will have crossed a significant psychological barrier that will make it easier for you to compromise again in the future. For boosters, other vaccines and who knows what else - maybe even the mark later. Again, if you say "yes" now to something the government or your job is imposing into your body (when you actually are dead against it), cognitive dissonance will set in and the walls of resistance and resilience will be utterly weakened for the next time. This is just how our minds work. These times are challenging. And you are being challenged more than most if you are being given this ultimatum now. But these times are nothing compared to what is to come. So, if we back down on our beliefs at this hurdle now, when jobs, friendships and reputations are at stake, what hope do we have later when our safety and lives are threatened when the mark comes. Therefore, be strong sister. It's easier for you to turn back to Egypt than face the wilderness. But Yahweh is not in Egypt. Hold out with whatever excuse you think will help you keep your job. I'm personally am saying that I refuse until more research has been done - as the vaccine was rushed out and there have been numerous issues. That's to keep things easy. But if they push further then I'll play the religious card which may work or not. But whatever approach you decide to take, don't let your body be invaded against your will for the sake of a job. You must remember that the first compromise will do your future resolve a lot of damage. Trust in Him. Focus your prayers and fast if you feel led. Remember that even if you feel alone on this matter, there are many hundreds of thousands (at least) stood with you in agreement. So be brave and be strong for yourself and for them. His Kingdom is coming soon! Peace.

Hi @~Shalhevet~ Do you really want direction on what do to on this matter from a forum? The virus and vaccine has divided so many and even believers, often into strongly opposed camps. So asking for guidance from a bunch of unknowns on a forum isn't likely to yield wise advice, neither should such guidance sway you on such a personal matter. Therefore, if you say no and hundred on here say yes, let your answer still be no, or vice versa. But if you are uncertain of your decision, ask yourself what are the motives for choosing what you have, and then the motives to change... Whatever side God and His Word fits in should then bring you a settled heart (regardless of the potential fall out, uncomfortability and challenge). But whatever side terms such as "peer pressure" and "convenience" fit in, is probably the wrong side to choose. So again, rather than seek advice on forums over this heated and controversial subject, with fundamentalists on both sides, rather look deep into yourself for the motives behind your decision. Then you will know the path that you should take before Him with a clear conscience, whatever your choice, come what may. Peace.

Possibly but I think that's conjecture.

Hi @Mike Mclees Yeshua did. He became a man and was tempted in every way that we are. I believe we can too, although it requires great discipline. But there are others in the Bible who done this. Does that mean they were without sin? No. But it's very different to fall to sin in great weakness, ignorance or error rather than willfully. The latter can be mastered over. The text doesn't really say that Cain brought the best fruit. In fact, it may imply the opposite... "So it came about in the course of time that Cain brought an offering to the Lord of the fruit of the ground." Genesis 4:3 To me it seems like Cain gathered what had fell to the ground (or the leftovers) rather than the firstfruits. Whereas Abel.. "Abel, on his part also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of their fat portions." Genesis 4:4a I might be wrong, but I think it was due to the QUALITY of the offering rather than the TYPE of offering which led to Yahweh making a division. For the quality reflects the heart. And so I think that if Abel brought a blemished lamb and Cain brought the firstfruits, maybe thr story woukd have gone differently. Again, I may be wrong but I hope that helps in some way! Peace

Good question @Open7 Yahweh didn't command this in all cases when it came to conquering or defending land. However, sometmes He specifically did with certain people groups. The Amalekites were the enemies of Yahweh, as found in Exodus when they launched an unprovoked attack on Israel after the Red Sea Crossing. They are thought by some scholars to be the original "vampires" as they are cited for drinking blood for rituals and probably just for sustenance too. The animals would have likely been polluted in many ways by the Amalekites, not just on a physical level but maybe even genetically (ala the teachings of the Watchers) and possibly spiritually too - as remember, demons can inhabit animals. Whatever the cause, Yahweh refused to accept these animals as spoil or sacrifice so something must have gone very astray in the animals development and they were polluted/defiled in a highly concerning way. So don't think of them as happy farm yard animals treated with love and respect. The truth is probably far removed from that. I hope that helps. Peace

Hello friend, Don’t worry, I think you have just misunderstood your soul is. We are comprised of basically three elements... Basar (flesh) - our literal substance Nephesh (soul) - our emotions, memories and personality Ruach (spirit) - the life giving power from Yahweh. Therefore, don't worry that you have lost one of these. That cannot happen unless through death. But if you lack faith, that is a different question. What is the main reason you lack faith? Is it because of the Bible? An incident? A big concept perhaps? Peace

Hi @JohnR7 Great questions. Heaven is a literal place above us. Technically speaking in the connotative term for the realm above the firmament, as the Creator called the firmament “heaven” in Genesis 1. Now, as for “thy Kingdom come…”. The Messiah was speaking about the literal Kingdom of Yahweh coming to Earth – descending from Heaven. This Kingdom is more commonly known as New Jerusalem or Zion. This is the whole message and point of the gospel “Repent, for the Kingdom is at hand”. Why are we to be saved? What for? To live, enjoy and rule in the Kingdom – New Jerusalem. Right now we live as a kingdom of God’s children but we don’t have a home – we are scattered and have a sense of longing. However, when New Jerusalem arrives, then the Kingdom has truly come and we will be united with Him in a very real way. You can read more about the New Jerusalem in the latter chapters of Isaiah and at the end of Revelation but it’s strewn throughout prophecy really. As for Paul being lifted up into the Third Heaven, you won’t understand this phrase or others such as “Heaven of Heavens” and “the highest Heaven” unless you first understand Biblical Cosmology. For a brief summary describing Biblical Cosmology and our recently emerging understanding of it, check out this guide here. I hope that helps in some way but feel free to ask any more questions if you have them. Peace.

Hi @Melinda12 I feel your heart on this matter. I have been in the same situation. I can understand your frustration and sadness and feeling like you've lost hope. I was there too. However, with prayer, patience and realigned priorities my partner gave herself to the Lord eventually. HalleluYah. My advice is this. First of all, live your life for Yahweh in all truth and holiness. Let all your good works, ways and attitude shine before your husband. Be very watchful not to fall in hypocrisy. In this way you won't need to witness as your works will be your witness and far more likely to reach him. Stay in prayer privately concerning him every day, even 3 times a day. But let him come to you asking about God, don't go to him preaching or advising him. Secondly, here's my advice on the marriage front. You guys were obviously in love once upon a time so something is there and I don't believe it cannot be rekindled unless a serious violation has taken place. But it sounds more like decay and negligence. So the following might help. Primarily men want respect like women want love. That's not to say either party doesn't also need what the other wants but, as a priority, men want respect first and women want love first. Women can tend to care for their husbands in the way they want to be cared for - with love. Men do likewise for their wives - with respect. However, they are feeding each other incorrectly with their own needs and so the relationship suffers. However, when a woman cares for her husband with respect first and the man for his wife with love first, the relationship blossoms. From the little you wrote, I'm detecting perhaps a little unintentional disrespect from you to your husband. If you have relayed to him your disappointment that he is not being physical with you and that he is cold, this will likely bottle him up further, subconsciously recieving this as disrespect. Then, he won't show you as much love and it becomes a vicious cycle. However this started though, whether due to his negligence or yours, you should be able to break the cycle. Try to force yourself to show him respect first, over love, and walk in a way pleasing to Yahweh. The same respect you gave when he was just your boyfriend earlier in the relationship. At the very least you will then have a clear conscience in all things. But if he still refuses to change after a month or so of this behaviour, ask to talk with him seriously. Only dont turn it into an accusatory session. Rather speak to him with the same respect and gentleness as when on your first date together. Keep the matter light and not clouded with gloom. Don’t give up hope sister. If the Lord could change my wife He can change your husband. So remain prayerful, hopeful and faithful. You are surely being tried in this matter so prepare your heart for patient endurance, keeping your ways and tongue blameless until the Father opens his eyes. Love & Shalom

Hi @mlssufan01 I hate to sound so obvious, but what do you think the Messiah would do? Do you think, if He came in this day and age, He would have left reviews on Google or Yelp complaining about the religious authorities? It does sound like you've been a tricky situation and I appreciate the frustration you must feel. But I would leave the matter to God and let Him handle it. Conversely, if you do decide to handle it yourself in your own power, then you may be putting yourself under God's Judgement on this matter if you're not careful. In short, sigh and turn the other cheek. I know it's frustrating but there will be many more times in the near future where we will be challenged like this, and much worse. So maybe use this incident as practice Love & Shalom

Yes I do as well my friend. Praise Yahweh!

Hey @john smith My personal opinion is that these debates should be avoided unless one feels specifically called to do so. I've seen much harm done by Christians who have a gung-ho attitude to apologetics. Whilst their motivation and bravery is admirable, if they are not prepared or called to do it they can end up doing more damage to opposition than help - sealing the Atheist in their ways. Amen. This calls for wisdom and Proverbs consistently reaffirms this - of knowing when to speak and when not to. We must also consider Revelation 22:11 as well. Again, this calls for wisdom as we don't want to become quick to dismiss someone who may just be "acting-up" as they feel under pressure of an inner conviction. But certainly there are some who have no intention of debating with an open mind and seriously considering our views. I've met many of those. In those latter scenarios, it can be more fruitful to walk way - for them and for you - to prevent you from being provoked to sin in your thoughts or words. There are two approaches one can take these interrogators. The approach of reason, logic and apologetics and the approach of simplicity. As I mentioned, the former approach should only be undertaken if it is a calling. The latter approach however should be an option to every Christian. That latter approach is not getting into their word games, challenges, knowledge tests and provocative questions, but rather simply explaining your testimony (briefly) and explaining that you now live for the Messiah and, if necessary, die for Him - so how could you be lightly convinced on the matter? Providing you seem reasonable, calm and at peace, I think this is the kind of response an interrogator would not expect, probably secretly admire, and make them question it more than if you came back with a witty one-liner fact from AnswersinGenesis. I hope that helps you in some way brother. Love & Shalom

The short answer is that many Christians cannot differentiate between their own intuition and the voice of God. It's a pandemic in the Body today and has been for decades. Once they have made statements like "the Lord said to me/revealed to me..." you can be sure they won't back down at all - even if contradicting facts and Scripture are found thereafter. It seems that everyone is a prophet or a teacher these days. And many are less fearful in saying "the Lord said..." over "I personally think... " Love & Shalom

Repetition, repetition, repetition! Once you read the whole Bible, start again. Or try a different translation. The Bible should be part of your daily or weekly life. No physical training program will work or continue to give you the benefit if you don't stick with it regularly. No diet plan will yield results unless you stick with it, with discipline. In the same way, if you study the Word of God with regular diligence only then will it change you, as it soaks into your heart. Even so, you don't then just drop it but stay with it to yield results. If you do this, you will change for the better as the Word will change you, providing you remain humble before it. But, if you quit it or leave it for long periods, it is like stopping a physical fitness routine and you'll become out of shape and in poor health. So pick up that Bible or a good audio Bible and get stuck in to a regular reading/study practice! May Yahweh bless you in your endeavour. Love & Shalom

Shalom @Thewhitedove How are you sister? Unfortunately I have no advice for you on this matter, but rather some encouragement. I think you made the right decision. And I wonder if another child will notice yours sitting out and ponder it. A small seed like this can have an incredible effect. If that seed is "they will not do it because they're Christians" that isn't a bad message at all. I know it must be hard on an emotional level for you and your children. But even more provocative lines in the sand will be drawn soon, not only in the schools but the whole world, saying "Are you with us or not?" We must be strong in these smaller battles if we are to have a hope of standing strong in the larger ones. Therefore, I think you done well personally. Try to find hope in this situation sister. As similar situations challenging our faithfulness occur more and more, isn't it a sign of all His return drawing near? Be brave. It's okay to get frustrated and angry about this, but don't sin. Pray that your children's exclusion will lead to the inclusion of others into the Kingdom one day. May our Father lead your steps and your heart in this situation, in the name of our Lord Yahushua (Jesus). Love & Shalom

Hello @Zandy Knope I hope you're well. In this day and age, there are too many places to start! It can make the journey ahead seem confusing and requiring caution. Therefore, I say the best and only place to start is with the Bible. It's great to see you have an open mind... With this same spirit, allow yourself to explore a thought experiment. An internal paradigm shift, in order to get right to the point of all. IF there was a God who created everything and IF He sent His Son to take away our due punishment, and IF the Bible is literally the inspired words of that Creator to lead me to the truth of all things - what would He have me do first? The Bible has changed the world - one soul at a time. Now the World likes to say "Yes, but look at all the harm that has come from it!", never stopping to equally focus on all the good has done. People have lived by the Bible and died for it and to save it. It can turn a death row inmate into a compassionate, empathetic charitable man and nearly 50% of all world religions are based upon it. It's no mere book. Therefore, no other book or teacher should come between you and the Bible. Keep it an A and B conversation. You should share and question others about it, of course (how else would you learn), but ultimately it's between you and the Book - or rather you and your Creator. "Right, where do I start with the Bible then?" you may ask. I would hope you know the Gospel message at the very least. If you have only heard it from others but not read it for yourself, start with Mark in the New Testament, for a short read. If you want a more detailed account, then read Luke for a longer read. Once you're done with that, I recommend this page to further guide you on how to start reading the rest of the Bible in a helpful order. Anyway, if you have any questions, please feel free to ask. If you do have many questions, that's a very reassuring sign, don't worry. Keep asking and keep searching, always. There are many answers and proofs for all you'll read. May the Creator guide your steps and your heart in your search. Peace.

Hi @glendas67 It seems like you are under quite a lot of pressure at the moment and I can understand why you are so frustrated. The common issues you have experienced are concerning living conditions and comfortability. These are clearly the areas you are being challenged in. Often when we move away from a challenge, by our own choice, the challenge will follow us and manifest in another way and often become more challenging - until we understand what the Father is trying to teach us or have us learn. Don't be drawn in by the wishy-washy teachings of the Church saying that "God wants more for you, God wants you to be prosperous" etc, as all other results in your life would then, by implication, mean that He is not with you. A time of prosperity and great peace is still to come. But before the resurrection, we are going through training and refining. We learn throughout the Bible of Yahweh (God) challenging people in some tough ways as a way of training. This ranges from family issues, financial issues and living conditions too. So what is Yahweh trying to teach you in this? I don't know. I'm just a man and I don't know anything about you. Therefore, anything I have to say in the following should be taken with a "pinch of salt": Look within yourself rather than outside. Don't consider the mess or problems, but consider your reaction to them. Are you warranted to react this way? How is its importance relative to everything else in life? Are you grateful for what you do have or boldly critical of what you don't? Would one of the Apostles agree with your conclusions and be as angry? If not, how might they react in those living conditions? Assess your actions and emotions as a Christian guest. Even if you are paying for this hospitality (trying as it is) what could you do to perhaps bless your sister in the Lord? Is complaining about the dishes the right way or could you perhaps do them as a blessing to them (and for your own sanity!) Perhaps you are there to help the lady start to get her place together - only don't be pushy but gentle and softly as you offer help. You may think that it isn't for you to clean up for this lady, and indeed it may not be. However, remember that the disciple Stephen was effectively a waiter before suddenly going before the Sanhedrin and glorified for his love of the Messiah. Listen for common themes in how you feel in these challenges. Were you ungrateful for where you lived before? Are you even more ungrateful for where you live now? Is it possible you may be moved somewhere even worse after this if you do not learn to be grateful and content? I'm not suggesting your complaints are not valid. Rather I'm saying to see a lesson in every challenge - an opportunity to learn of the weaknesses hidden deep within yourself and an opportunity to grow. So, consider your host - she is a good Christian lady but her house is in disorder. Perhaps you are there to challenge her in this hidden secret (but if you do, do so gently and peacefully). Consider yourself - hasn't a hidden side within in you been revealed through these challenges? Perhaps you should confront them and deal with them. I believe that, once you do, then a clear path and a place with comfortable living conditions will be revealed to you. I hope that helps in some ways. Love & Shalom

Amen. Jeremiah is a book for today yet ignored by too many as just historic. Jerusalem is symbolic of God's Kingdom, (New Jerusalem) and Babylon the enemy's kingdom (the World). The invasion and captivity is the sin and death that comes for those evil in heart, who have no safety in the Temple because of their deeds. The believers back then were proudly boasting "the Temple of Yahweh, the Temple of Yahweh will save us" as the enemy approached. But their hearts weren't right with Him. How many proudly boast in "the Blood of Jesus, the Blood of Jesus will save us" and yet their hearts are far from Him... ""Therefore the LORD God of Israel declares, 'I did indeed say that your house and the house of your father should walk before Me forever'; but now the LORD declares, 'Far be it from Me-for those who honor Me I will honor, and those who despise Me will be lightly esteemed." - 1 Samuel 2:30 "Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man." - Luke 21:36 "Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, "Amend your ways and your deeds, and I will let you dwell in this place. Do not trust in deceptive words, saying, 'This is the temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD.' For if you truly amend your ways and your deeds, if you truly practice justice between a man and his neighbor, if you do not oppress the alien, the orphan, or the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place, nor walk after other gods to your own ruin, then I will let you dwell in this place, in the land that I gave to your fathers forever and ever." - Jeremiah 7:3-7

Great posts @David1701, thank you so much for your work in sharing such vital information and doing so succinctly. Love & Shalom to you brother

I don't think there is a right way ot a wrong way. However, I would say thqt typically that new believer ought not to get carried away with wanting to start a ministry, when they still have much to learn, based upon zeal and good intentions. Love & Shalom