Always a Moon

Thanks for this. It seems like the only wise path forward. I repent of trying to strong-arm their repentance. Kind of ironic lol. The Holy Spirit gave me this this morning: "Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand." Philippians 4:5

I don't know if I believe in that old adage "Everywhere you go preach the gospel, and if you must, use your words." The Bible says how will they know if they don't hear, and how will they hear if you don't go preach. The gospel is the power of God unto salvation. But I know many people adhere to that.

Hi everyone! I would like some thoughtful advise on a current situation in my extended family. Some relatives no longer want to hear my husband and I speak about God, and being slaves to Jesus Christ, that is all we want to talk about. These relatives profess to be Christians. How would you navigate this dilemma? In addition to that, certain relatives have cursed my husband out for speaking the gospel...again, these are professing Christians. Their argument is to let them have their walk with the Lord the way they want it, and leave them alone about it. Not only is this painful for my husband and I, we are legitimately concerned about their salvation. I welcome all comments in truth and love. ~Sara~

Praise God!

I've thought about this a bit. I don't think it will be something that you can outrun or hide from. I have land, a gun or two, knowledge to be somewhat self sufficient, but I believe the control will be total. How would I pay land taxes? Every nook will be filled...it will come down to a hard choice. I pray I can be steadfast with my faith. All that conspiracy stuff being said, no one really knows the hour. As someone succinctly quoted earlier, nothing is new under the sun. This may be another turn the world takes and then just keeps turning. I'm going to stay in the Word and in prayer.

Agreed.

Yes, that link was very helpful. Thank you.

I appreciate your opinion. Separately, would anyone care to offer some biblical references for the Trinity? The "We" in Genesis 1:26 is notable, as is the Great Commission.

Great clarity! Thank you.

Thanks for that!

"God's Way is not a matter of mere talk; it's an empowered life." 1 Corinthians 4:20

Blessings all! I would like to discuss the Comma Johanneum and its importance. I've learned that the emboldened text below from 1 John 5:7-8 was not included in the bible until the 16th Century and that it is not in other cultures' translations. I've been ruminating on this issue for awhile, and I would be glad for some insight. "For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the Water, and the Blood, and these three agree in one." So it was not found in many Greek manuscripts until the 15th Century. Some ancient Latin manuscripts contain it, but it is not in the Vulgate. Under pressure from the Catholic Church, it was added to the Textus Receptus, resulting in its being in the KJV/NKJV. How significant is this? Adding to God's Word is forbidden, obviously (Rev 22:18), but furthermore, what are the ramifications of this in people's understanding of the Word?

Hi Tony! Praise the Lord that your desire is obedience to God! I pray continually for a heart that is eager to obey the Lord, and He continues to transform my heart and desires to be more like His. Spiritual life is as real to me as physical life. I've found that the closer I am to God the more creative the enemy gets with attacking me. The war is real, but thank God, the God of angel armies, we do not have to fight alone. AND, we know who wins in the end!

Thank you for the correction! Sorry to take the thread off coarse. <3

Poignant verses for me: 7-8: People who "worry their prayers" are like wind-whipped waves. Don't think you're going to get anything from the Master that way, adrift at sea, keeping all your options open. 19...Lead with your ears... 27: Real religion, the kind that passes muster before God the Father, is this: Reach out to the homeless and loveless in their plight, and guard against corruption from the godless world. I've been using the Message Bible so the verse numbers may not translate exactly.

I knew Paul said the same thing, but I didn't know where to find it. That's why you're a boss!

@Jostler: Oh. I got you now. I started on the thread you linked (the length and research required gives me a lot of brain food!).

Interesting information here, but I am lost at "six MILK topics." I just read Hebrews 6, and I googled that phrase. I'm still lost.

What peace this psalm brings to my heart. "You have given me relief when I was in distress." He is always faithful to me, always pulling me from my plight in His time. "Offer right sacrifices, and put your trust in the Lord." This has a new meaning for me, as recently I have learned what sacrifice is right for me to offer to Him. That requires a great deal of trust, then, when I continue to sacrifice, it actually produces more and more trust. Amazing how that works. "In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, o Lord, make me dwell in safety." All the Amens! My mind and spirit are at peace the more I seek Him. When I dwell with Him, nothing can rattle me.

This is powerful. So agreed! It seems crazy that this is even questionable to people. My husband would never seek to diminish or domineer me; we are both so much stronger in faith together than we could ever be separate. But then, on the other hand, my father was of the mindset that almost completely minimized, overlooked, and often scorned women. I have so many memories of him saying, "It all went downhill when they gave women the right to vote." Still, it's crazy to me that people still seek to put women down. And the double slap is using God's Word to justify it.

The full passage seems to imply that husband and wife are both reliant on each other. Perhaps in the historical context it was not fathomable to say, "Husbands, also, submit to your wives," so it says, "...that, if any (husband) obey not the word, they may be won by the conversation of the wives. While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear." The submission of women is highly controversial in our society today. All God's people are instructed to have a submissive heart. I want to say more, but I'll be late for church...

My church is a small community church, but I believe they have the power of God with them. They have commanded demons to leave people's bodies, just to name one supernatural event. That is power straight from God the Father through Jesus. I know not all churches have this level of faith and therefore cannot wield God's miraculous power. But some can.

Nice post, OP! I'm new around here, but I have seen some significant changes since first logging on. Most importantly, the discussions and camaraderie on the forum has resulted in a greater longing for knowing God and understanding His Word. I feel like a teenager again...so thirsty for learning and growing! The measurable difference is more time in prayer and study and research and far less/no time wasted on worldly distractions. Praise the Lord. I could go on and on about how much I love this place, but my daughter needs my attention...

This was also my response to the OP. I've found that surrender is crucial for any deep desire. You have to get to the state where you're fine either way. Accept God's will, not your desire. Then, if it is God's will, you will be ready for the blessing. Take courage, @Figure of eighty. God is kind.

@Jayne: Wow, girl. Just wow. That historical break down was so helpful. I have to read up on my Old Testament so I can be a boss like you! <3 The last verse is a declaration of his faith and trust in God. No matter what's going on, God is the only salvation.