Tzephanyahu

Shalom TRlover, I'm sorry to hear you are going through some issues at the moment. May Yahweh bring you a peace soon. Considering what you said, may I ask you a question? And please forgive me if this comes across strong - I mean no unkindness. Do you find yourself judging others? Do you find yourself frustrated at others actions and responses? Do you harshly judge yourself often? Sometimes we can judge others or ourselves and, if we get in the habit of doing so, we can in turn feel or see God's justice in our life - instead of mercy and grace. "as you judge, so you will be judged". But far from doom and gloom, praise Yahweh for disciplining us now - seeking to reconcile us today rather than keep us ignorant for judgement day! Forgive me if that is not the case. I don't know you so I might be completely wrong! I'm just going by your message and the fact that I have faced that scenario in my own life. Love & Shalom

Shalom LJ, I can totally empathise with your situation. Consider what the apostle Paul would say, if he stayed at your church for a few days. That's not to say we should blame your church, but rather that your feelings and thoughts are probably justified. It may be that Yahweh has laid these things in your heart ahead of a future calling for you. If your thoughts feel right, true and scriptural then do not ignore them. Meditate upon them but do not share them with other members in the congregation, lest you be misunderstood in your intentions and there be doubt cast over your character. In my opinion, what the church "does", in terms of outreach programs, missions and witnessing - these matters belong with the leaders. Whatever they do or don't do is between them at God. As a member of the church, the most important thing to do is to love, help and care for one another. Whether you do this or not is between you and God. This will be the same with every church you go to. Almost all of them have some form of issue to face these days. If you are very unhappy then maybe leave but it could be that you are meant to be in that church for a purpose. What I'm trying to say is this. It's good that you have visions and plans for the Church, which may be in your heart for a reason. But, in order to get your plans heard, live at peace with all the members and leaders. Love them all and help as many as you can. Then, the leaders might take notice of this and willingly invite your ideas, if it's God's will. And, if they don't, you'll still be living your church life respectfully and dutifully with is YOUR responsibility in any church (good or bad). Yahweh will see this and bless you. Whatever you decide to do my friend, I hope that your zeal finds it's fruition for the glory of God. Love & Shalom

Shalom StJoek, I don't know if it's any consolation, but isn't it encouraging to you to see so many people respond to you with advice and kind words? Looks like you are already starting to form some digital friends. I realise that is different than face-to-face but the advantage with digital is that people aren't forced to talk with you because you are in the same room - they choose to out of love. Surely that counts for something so far? It's a start, at least! Praise Yahweh Yahweh is surely aware of your situation and, if you've prayed about it, He surely knows your feelings on the matter. Ultimately, God wants us to be happy and to have great relationships. That is for sure in the next life. But, in this life, and at this time in history, it's not as easy. So what then? Will things stay as they are? Well, it could be one of these three possibilities: 1. Your situation is soon to change - it's just down the line until you reach that appointed moment in time 2. You're in a form of training - It could be from this experience Yahweh would have you rely on Him only and entirely, and then he will bring the blessings of relationships. As sometimes relationships can become more important to us that the Father himself. 3. You're in a form of outreach - Not all Christians can be inside churches and home groups or on the streets preaching. Sometimes Christians need to live on the fringe of the "fishing net" to catch the fish at farthest reach of the net. It could be you that you will communicate better with isolated non-believers much better than a Christian who takes relationships for granted. It may even start with the help you bring on this forum! Those are just some ideas. The last thing I want to be is like Job's friends - advising things that aren't true! However, it's more to demonstrate how the plans of God are always at work to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. Until you find that group of friends physically, remember you have them here digitally. Praise Yahweh. Love & Shalom

Shalom Marandawont I couldn't agree more with your opening post. I find it so sad when things like Black Israelites, Black Jesus and a Black God are pushed out there. For me, if you have to distinguish the colour of Messiah's skin in order to follow him, you've utterly missed the whole point! I can understand the motive and thought behind it, counter-intuitive as it tends to be at times, but it is missing the whole point of God's Word and the Messiah's Path entirely. Another similar confusion slowly starting to gain traction is that God is a woman. *facepalm Love & Shalom

Ah, apologies! I thought that might be the case. I sent the moderator an message as I don't know how to move a post! Apologies everyone, my bad ?

Shalom Ayin Jade Interesting question and I applaud you for your boldness in asking. I think the standard and safe answer would be to pray for anyone and refuse no-one. However, let's consider John 17 - Jesus says "I do not pray for the world but for those whom you have given me". Very interesting. I believe in some situations, the Father would have us pray and other times, He would not. We might see our prayers as having good intention, but they could work against a more perfect outcome! For example, if we prayer for someone to be protected from a negative situation, that person may not learn from it and produce the fruit of repentance or maturity So, what? Should we never pray for those in trouble? Well, praying for those in need, believers and non-believers, saints and sinners, is very good. But acting against our conscience and conviction is very bad. Therefore, if you are feeling deep within to NOT pray about a situation or person (even if they ask), then don't. Otherwise, if you act against your own conscience, how will you given a reasonable account before the Father? I think it's more important to always love and forgive and to never refuse love and forgiveness to anyone, believers and non-believers alike, always. But as for prayer? Only use that "weapon" when your heart is in it. I hope that makes some sort of sense. Love & Shalom

Shalom brothers and sisters, Forgive me if this is the wrong place to post this (maybe it should go under videos?) but it is prophetic in nature. This video explores the possibility of the mark of the beast with chips, 5G and quantum computing, in news stories from the last few weeks. A Scary Warning to America! (2019) - YouTube Love & Shalom

Shalom everyone, I certainly feel like "time", as man records it, has become out of sync with true time. I know that sounds weird but the seasons seem all over the place. Cold summers, warm winters, early summers, short springs, late winters... In fact, it recently feels like there is multiple run through of yearly seasons in one "man year". I can't remember the last year that had a synchronised spring, summer, autumn and winter - each with equal length. I sound so strange! ? Love & Shalom

Shalom turtle, Yes I've heard of and even seen this happening while back via some very informative videos by Jason A on youtube. I would highly recommend subscribing to his channel for his well-produced videos covering significant Christian news. Don't be put off by the "click bait" titles which are pretty terrible! The content is incredibly eye opening and fully backed up with sources and evidence - no crazy ranting. Search Jason A on youtube. In his channel you'll find a few videos on this development. Love & Shalom

Shalom friend, Welcome to WCF. This is a great place to be if you need Christian help and advice. Welcome aboard. Love & Shalom

Shalom my friend Sometimes (a lot of times) non-believers and evil people can get better opportunities and better living situations in this world. But, that is the point, it is in THIS world. It seems the Father can push someone down the dark road they walk, if they persist in it by devious means. The Father can even harden the heart of such a person, almost like saying "you want it, have it! Here, take more!", to make them fall deeper in their evil desires. Such people store up a fearful encounter on judgment day. Success in this world means little. Yahweh knows what you need and want, he isn't stupid. If it seems as though you are struggling, try to assess your situation abstractly and see what he might be wanting you to learn or see. Again, success in this world means little and can even be detrimental to the soul. Focus only on your path and don't assume the path of the evil, littered with opportunities, money and advantages, is one that will have a good finish. Proverbs 20:24. Love & Shalom

Shalom, Gossip or sharing in the name of "being concerned" or "so that we can pray for them" is cover for old habits. That premeditated excuse as to why you are gossiping is far worse than simply gossiping. It didn't used to bother me so much, I would just ignore it. But now I find gossip abhorrent. It almost always seems to have its roots in judgment or self-righteousness. Psychologically speaking, we are all aware of the "Alpha" tussle in groups to reach the top of the pack. However, the far bigger struggle in group dynamics is to stay away from the bottom of the pack - and that's where berating and disparaging comments on others begins - just as long as they can stay away from the bottom. Bad, old, fleshly habit. There will be no gossiping or backbiting in the New World. Praise Yahweh! Love & Shalom

Shalom, A fascinating subject. I heard it taught by Chuck Missler that the phrase "thorn in the flesh" was a term meaning like "a pain in the neck", not literally, but some persistent ailment. I wonder how Paul would have been had he not had this "thorn". Was it for his benefit alone? Maybe it was also for the new believers, so that they wouldn't put him on a pedestal as well. Maybe it was to teach us to keep on keeping on, even if the flesh objects... Love & Shalom

Shalom brothers and sisters, An important moment in a Christian's life is the baptism of the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit). Yet, everyone's moment seems to be different remarkably. I was wondering if we could all share how it happened for us. For me, it didn't happen after my water baptism. I searched for it for years and even after prayer from others, I felt no different. Then, one day whilst praying, I felt a cool wave over me, not unlike breath but also not unlike liquid. It felt like it was just resting upon me gently. From that moment, I stopped asking for the Spirit. Like it would be silly because I would be asking for something I already have. And, from that moment, I felt a spring of joy rise deep within me, still present today. Sometimes it quietly bubbles and at other times it feels like I could burst. And with it came a beautiful, untouchable shalom. Thank you Father! Thank you Lord! So, how did it happen for you? Love & Shalom

Shalom That's only part of the problem. The sad truth is that you would be blasted across the news and social media and even risk losing your child if you tried to encourage them to stay true to there God-given body. In some matters, the world dictates the way to raise your child and you will be quickly vilified if you disagree. Christians were once seen as the moral anchor in the west, always there in times of trouble. Now, we're seen as out-of-touch, old fashioned and bigoted. Lord come back soon and save us from this madness and our children from this confusion! My heart goes out to all parents in this situation. And as for those parents who encourage it, what if your grandmother advised your father to do the same thing as a child? Would you happily forfeit your life so that your father could have grown up more comfortable with his sexuality?

Shalom Rainatou, I'm so sorry to hear you went through this horrible incident. First of all, I wish I could send you a big hug and listening ear. I can't realistically imagine what you've gone through. I understand why forgiveness will be difficult. So, my advice at this stage, is read the Word. And when you have finished, read it again. And again. The Father will speak to you during these times through His Spirit, whether you realise it or not. You will find the answer, specifically and appropriate for you, from the Word by His Spirit. I wouldn't advise asking for God to soften your heart to forgive. Rather, speak to Him as you've spoken with us here. Tell Him your angry and you don't know how to forgive them, tell Him it hurts a lot and you do not understand it. God knows your heart - but he doesn't want us to speak to Him in the way that we THINK we should, or using Bible terms. Instead, speak to Him as a best friend, an ultimate confidant, a loving Father who you respect. Speak to Him honestly. Then the lines of communication will be open between you and Him and his love and healing will come. Remember, if you struggle to forgive then read the new testament, cover to cover. And when you've finished, read it again and again, over weeks, months and years. It will be a devotion, a distraction and a direction. You will find peace. We're all here for you, digitally, but we're here. Love & Shalom

Shalom angels, I think this growing trend of transgender adults and children, which has suddenly flourished over the past few years, upsets us all. This confusion has always been present but once political correctness, self-righteous movements and the medical industry get behind this and fuel it - it's an open invite for all who are struggling to understand themselves. "Therefore God gave them up to uncleanness, in lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshipped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen." - Romans 1:24-25 (NKJV) This butchery of the body, however delicate and elegant in the eyes of the surgeon, will always have repercussions in ways we can not possible calculate. Physically, psychologically, sociologically and spiritually. So very sad. Love & Shalom

Shalom everyone, I came into the light of the truth loving and accepting every Christian. Soon, I became disillusioned with denominations as I heard the bickering and accusing each other. Even accusing some of being demonic and heading for hell. May Yahweh forgive those foolish words spoken in ignorance. Being lead by those before me, I too fell into the same trap and became narrow-minded and "absolute" in my theology. As I have grown older, I have come to see the utter foolishness of division in the body. Not only for the sake of the Messiah and our brothers and sisters, but also for non-believers. It has kept people away from investigating the Bible and our faith - truly it has. My view today is that I think almost every denomination and differing theology is likely to be valid in some way. Rather than "who has the truth?" we should consider asking "what truth have you learned to be important?". Our God is incredible and I don't think we can fully understand every aspect of the Father, His Son and His Word unless we bring our differences together - so that we can collaborate our ideas and experience, looking for synergy. As one family. That may be a rose-tinted way of looking at things, yet it seems to work well on this forum! Praise you Yahweh! Thank you for this "well"! Love & Shalom

"Now these are the judgments which you shall set before them: If you buy a Hebrew servant, he shall serve six years; and in the seventh he shall go out free and pay nothing. If he comes in by himself, he shall go out by himself; if he comes in married, then his wife shall go out with him. If his master has given him a wife, and she has borne him sons or daughters, the wife and her children shall be her master’s, and he shall go out by himself. But if the servant plainly says, ‘I love my master, my wife, and my children; I will not go out free,’ then his master shall bring him to the judges. He shall also bring him to the door, or to the doorpost, and his master shall pierce his ear with an awl; and he shall serve him forever." Exodus 21:1-6 (NKJV)

Shalom all, Here is a beautiful rendition if Psalm 19. I hope you blesses you like it blessed me. Love & Shalom

Shalom Yes, like the epistle to the Romans in which Paul writes "to those who are called to be saints". The italicised "to be" was added by translators to the KJV. Without it, there is such a different spin which makes that sentence both epic and wondrous. Love & Shalom

Shalom Melinda, I have quite a controversial view here that will agree with you and disagree with many in terms of advice, so please keep that mind. I too have become disillusioned with church, from the limited ones I have tried of various denominations. In general, I find the teachings to be watered down and "mainstreamed", I feel that the praise and worship to be disconnected and not in unison, I don't see the gifts there and I see us looking unattractive to non-believers. Again, IN GENERAL. From an eschatological standpoint, there are many things happening with our churches (organisations, not people) which I think would upset the apostles. This has been happening for many years and it will continue to get worse in our lifetime unfortunately, from indicative signs. And remember that when the Messiah spoke about the narrow path and the wide path - he was talking to believers about believers. Indeed, a church (in terms of organisation and building), is not necessarily a sign of God's acceptance and blessing at all. So, rather than persist to go to a church that you are not connecting with, the most important thing is you stay connected to God through the Spirit and other brothers and sisters. That's what really counts. Perhaps you could find a decent home group, such as how the first century believers used to meet? From my experience, they can be a real blessing. All in all, if your love of God and the Messiah and love for his word has not diminished, then praise Yahweh. Do not feel burdened by this matter. Ask Him to lead you correctly in this matter , as you are, and He will lead you to an appropriate group or church. But remember these two things: (1) You are not alone with this viewpoint. (2) Yahweh can still bless you and teach you whether you are in a church or not. Love & Shalom

Shalom everyone, I have recently posted a video in the Videos section under Biblical Topics called "Hebrew - the divine language of Yahweh" (sorry I don't know how to link to it!) It's an absolutely amazing scientific study into Hebrew words that has completely changed my view of the language. I highly recommend a watch if you have an hour to spare as more believers and non-believers need to know this stuff. Love & Shalom

Shalom backontrack, I think the gift does still exist but, personally, I think there is a lot of fake tongues out there (although the speaker maybe blissfully unaware). When I sought the gift I was advised by several people to just move my mouth and make sounds and eventually I will "find" my language. I don't believe this is how it works though. The gift is mainly for edification of the church for praise to Yah. Sounds that repeat, sound complicated in structure and have multiple syllables for each and every word, seems suspicious for me and manmade. Consider this as well. There is no miracle or act of God recorded and readily available on video (at least from reputable sources and from what I know). Almost as if God doesn't want his acts to be captured, studied and dissected. Yet, when it comes to babbling tongues, this is readily available in many videos (Christian teachings and youtube). Does God allow this phenomenon to be captured so much (which makes Christians look crazy to non-believers) or are these people using a developed skill only? I have heard of those with the true gift though and even met them. They go to speak and another language comes out of their mouth - only to be identified by another person moments after. Praise Yahweh. Love & Shalom

Shalom JohnD, Having been a Christian, then a Messianic, and then a Christian again, I have learned this: The Torah is good and valid. Yes, it still applies as our guidance for what pleases Yahweh, for holy living and for revealing great mysteries. However, a lot of it doesn't apply if we follow the two greatest commandments - Love Yahweh and to love our neighbour. Then, such judgements and rulings are not appropriate as violations shouldn't be made. So yes, the Torah is good and valid for gentile Christians as well, as Acts 15:21 approves. Following and understanding its statutes is expected I believe. Yet, we do not get our righteousness or salvation from following the Torah, as I think everyone would agree with. And, if we fail to keep the Torah, it will be forgiven, if we can forgive it in others. Consider the incident in John 8 deeply with this in mind. Yahweh must be just, but he prefers mercy. For me, when a Christian Gentile can read Psalm 119 and love it and yet not be tied up legalism, it's a very good sign. Love & Shalom