Who me

On a par with using pagan months, and days of the week.

That is eisegesis. The word eisegesis literally means “to lead into,” which means the interpreter injects his own ideas into the text, making it mean whatever he wants.

It takes time to get into the publics awareness, but yes if a church or group of churches are prepared they can put on displays/p.ays that show the Christmas story. One example:- https://www.wintershall.org.uk/life-christ-2025 Or there is :-https://www.christmasjourney.org.uk/ an example :-http://www.insightinkingston.com/christmas-journey May I suggest you talk to your church, are they willing on their own or with near by churches to Co produce a telling of the Christmas story.

By damage I'm referring to our physical and mental state here on earth. For many the Christian life involves real physical suffering, hardship etc we are not promised an easy life as Christians and we can be/are damaged by that experience.

Could you elaborate, which part of what I posted needs to be dealt with prayer?

No God wants us to be saved, that is the priority if we get to heaven damaged so be it, heaven is the goal not beautiful lives. That said I agree with the bulk of your post. Troubled, worried, I a panic etc etc Tell God about it in detail or in unspeakable groans and sighs. We are not used to trusting God, we're healthy, there's money in the bank, food in the house etc So when life punches you in the stomach and kicks you when your down, it is hard to trust God through ones pain and tears. But if one has the courage to turn to God, he does give one peace of mind, he does ease the pain of worry/fears and give one the strength to face each moment by moment. God is faithful in the toughest of times if we trust in him.

In two ways. We know the excesses that a commercially minded society encourages, we need to settle on a level of physical celebration that is not too self indulgent. We also need to both mentally/spiritually worship God in our preparation and celebration of Christmas as well as vocally acknowledge what Christmas is about. Practically that can mean spending the extra on cards with a Christian greeting inside, in not having lights depicting santa clause or wearing Christmas jumpers that depict him, elves etc And of course going to church on Christmas Day. The list is not exclusive and certainly not prescriptive, butoour worship is primarily spiritual, not about what we wear or do but the attitude we have in us.

First of all God knows and understands our frailties. Then what is the " what if! " about? Questions and doubts about ones faith is to be expected as we are supposed to be able to give a reason for the hope/faith we have. That means we should be examining the what and why we believe, as well as looking at objections to our faith. Christians have not arrived at heaven, they are on a pilgrimage to heaven. Paul in Romans uses the illustration of an Olympic athlete as being an example of a Christian. In Ephesians the illustration of a fully trained and equipped professional soldier. From these we can see that Christians should be constantly studying and part of that is finding answers to one's doubts ans questions. That said if the " what ifs!" Are about events I daily life, what if the car won't start what if that person at work is nasty to me etc etc These need to be dealt with by facing reality. What are the chances that we'll maintain car won't start. Why is that person being g horrible and what can I do about it

God will judge them according to their ability and their relationship/faith in Jesus. In su day school preschool children are taught the gospel. Some adults when giving their testimony say they believed when a small child. If we are welcoming and seeking to reach those with learning difficulties, who are mentally challenged or as they used to say, simple minded, we will not only have shown the love of Jesus, but quite likely have reach them, their family and carers.

I've found the thread on Israel and whether they are commiting genocide interesting. The saying, " my country right or wrong " has been a reoccurring thought, but then so has 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”says the Lord. 20 On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12. I wonder how are we loving our enemies and yes I recognise that zislam and it's followers fall into this category Never mind the arguments about what is happening in gaza, should Christian agencies be at the forefront of providing aid to Palestinians.

The answer is in Romans 3: Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin. 21 But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22 This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. 25 God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— 26 he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus. Note verse 22+ 23 There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. No difference ce between Jew or gentile. All are sinners in need of Jesus as a saviour.

I've two serious questions for you. 1. How are we saved? I'm not being silly or sarcastic, you claim to take the bible seriously. Well the new Testament teaches that we are saved by faith and not by works, yet you are teaching that we are saved by works. Look at your opening post and the quote above. 2nd question. If you are serious about obeying old Testament instructions, are you obeying the many commands about diet, ritual purity and how and where to worship? Do you eat kosher food, worship at the temple on a Saturday, but only traveling a sabbath journey and if following the strictest Jewish customs not using Any electrical device on the sabbath. Just how serious are you at keeping laws fulfilled by Jesus.

There are good and bad things about Harry Potter, he shows exceptional courage and loyalty to what is right. Being willing to sacrifice himself for others. Yes there are many dark and disturbing issues in the books,the willingness of ordinary people to support abus being one. But it is more than just Harry Potter that should be concerning us. Magic and the supposed struggle between good and evil has been in entertainment for a long time. Frozen is an example of a potentially harmful magic being used responsible, how? By the power of love, love of what and how is that love able to change ? Sin is not defeated by our love. It is the critical awareness we need to cultivate in ourselves and our children to see spiritual realities.

I suspect that nothing was decided in those meetings and that the leadership is starting to panic. If nothing has changed your options are to put in writing to each of the leadership team or concern that ignoring a small church rule like the notice for church meetings is a symptom of far greater ignoring of church practice rules and to ask for their comments. To pray for the leaders. To continue to be a loyal active church member. To evaluate carefully who ever they decide to appoint and if you disapprove to write a letter of resignation and leave. An old saying, Marry in haste, repent at leasure apples equally well to church or business appointments May I suggest that you try to encourage your fellow church members to be more active in there support of your church. Having no pastor is not the end of the world so long as people will step up.

" Is this the Christianity of today? : No it is the Christianity of the 4th century. would you please explain why you think this is how Christians today should behave?

There is nothing wrong or sinful with having doubts or questions about ones faith or belief. There is ample research that shows that unanswered questions and very poor biblical teaching is responsible for many teenagers walking away from Christianity. Any Church leader who will not answer questions about Christianity from people is not worth listening to and is a good reason for leaving that church.

Where do you find this belief? Please supply your source,. I'm aware that it is a phrase in one of the creeds, so if that is your source you will need to research the history and reason for that creed. Jeusu is the eternal Son of God. He has always existed as the 2nd person of the trinity. As such john1:18 No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known. Is a good defining statement.

Why assume there was no rain prior to the flood? Physics didn't change then so water would have evaporated, condensed and fallen as rain. If there was sunshine at the same time then there would be a rainbow. God gave significance to the rainbow after the flood.

Why do people disobey Jesus and make vows? Matthew 5:33 “Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfill to the Lord the vows you have made.’ 34 But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; 35 or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. 36 And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. 37 All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.[g]

Two quotes that strongly indicate the Christian is not merely pew fodder, passively sitting there but is an active recuit being engaged in his training to use his weapons. Who wants to stand in the battle line with unfit, untrained soldiers who haven't trained and practised using their weapons.

Why do so few people here offer practical advice to people in need? Any suggestion of a physical problem is offered the spiritual advice of pray and read the Bible. I wonder how effective that is for a broken leg? Paul told Timot don't drink the water that makes you ill. Note he did not say pray about your stomach problems. Thanks to the Internet it is possible to look up treatments, medication and there side affects. This includes sites .I,e:- https://iocdf.org/expert-opinions/25-tips-for-ocd-treatment/ Which gives advice re OCD and intrusive thoughts.

Please do two thing 1. Talk to your mother about your compulsions and get a doctors appointment. 2. Read this free Web site:- https://iocdf.org/expert-opinions/25-tips-for-ocd-treatment/ Point 4 explains how one can deal with intrusive thoughts, do read it and share it with your mother, your friends, youth leader, pastor and doctor. As others have said, the devil is a liar so have nothing to do with him. Also, God does not make bargins with us. He expects obedience. You need help in dealing with your OCD and the intrusive thoughts so talk to your mother.

Take your medication.

Part of our evangelism is to challenge non Christians about their morality etc.

We live in an age that is not Christian, in countries that do not follow or believe in what Christianity teaches. It is only Christianity the says All people.e, regardless of class, wealth, tribe, or nationality, citizens or aliens, should be treated in the same just and fair way. If Christian moral teachings are being rejected ow do you expect justice from those in power?