bartmac123

I'm looking for Bible verses that tell Christians that they should pray for others or others things especially when we have No personal vested interest in them. (Galatians 6:1-5) 6 Brethren, even if [a]anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted. **2 Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.** 3 For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 But each one must examine his own work, and then he will have reason for boasting in regard to himself alone, and not in regard to another. 5 For each one will bear his own load. I sometimes refer to Galatians 6:2 ( Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ. ) as an example of a bible verse that suggests that praying for others is emphasized. However, is that correct? The reason I'm kind of wondering if it's correct is because Galatians 6:2 has to be taken into context of Galatians 6. Galatians 6 starts off with the word "Brethren" and then mentions about anyone caught in trespass which sort of suggests that it is about bearing the burdens of others within the Christian community. Furthermore, if we take Galatians 6:2 in the larger context of Galatians 6, it does Not seem like I could use Galatians 6:2 as a command to pray for people suffering from the devastation caused by an earthquake in a faraway Islamic/Hindu/Buddhist country. Also, are there any other verses that tell us to pray for others or other things especially when we have No personal vested interest in them?

I meet people who are sometimes so successful in their careers ( regardless of whether it's academics / business / regular work career) that I notice an arrogance about them because they talk about their successful career victories with so much emotional pride, and they are Not humble. (In fact, I sometimes notice that about myself when I do well at work, and I have to keep in mind that it is The Lord's Battle, and Not mine. It's really dangerous to have Nebuchadnezzar's pride ( Daniel 4:30 The king [ab]reflected and said, ‘Is this not Babylon the great, which I myself have built as a royal [ac]residence by the might of my power and for the glory of my majesty?’ ). It's so dangerous to have earthly pride because we tend to forget Jesus Christ. Really scary.

I'm trying to find bible verses that warn people against being "too clever by half"/ "oversmart"/"overly proud about their craftiness" For example, Job 5:13 is one example, and part of it is reused in a rephrased manner in 1 Corinthians 3:19-20 (Job 5:13) “He captures the wise by their own shrewdness, And the advice of the cunning is quickly thwarted. (1 Corinthians 3:19-20) For the wisdom of this world is foolishness before God. For it is written, “He is the one who catches the wise in their craftiness”; 20 and again, “The Lord knows the reasonings of the wise, that they are useless.” Another verse that is remotely related might be (1 Corinthians 8:1b) .......Knowledge makes arrogant..... However, could someone please respond by posting some more verses that warn people against being "too clever by half"/ "oversmart"/"overly proud about their craftiness"?

Proverbs 2:16-19 Proverbs 3:3-20 Proverbs 6:24-35 Proverbs 7:5-27 Proverbs 9:13-18 ( may be more broader than just adultery, sexual fornification, sexual lust because it could also include being engaged in financial / material theft or robbery or corruption ) Most of the aforementioned Bible book of Proverb's verses deal with adultery, sexual, fornification, sexual lust, etc., except maybe Proverbs 9:13-18 ( see reason above ). In all the aforementioned verses, it seems that: A) the women are the culprits/miscreant ( I suppose to be more lawyerly or to use legalese, we could say that the women in said verses lean towards being the "principle of the crime" ) B) the men seem to be like Naive Accomplices in a crime. I read both 1) a formal equivalence literal translation of the Bible like New American Standard Bible 1995 ( NASB1995 ) 2) , and also a dynamic / functional equivalence relatively gender-neutral / gender-inclusive politically correct translation of the Bible like Christian Standard Bible ( CSB ) , and both translations seem to make the women seem like the "principle of the crime" , and the men seem like Naive Accomplices. Essentially, it seems like male chauvinistic because the aforementioned proverbs verses seem to be warnings to naive men about the dangers of the sexually promiscuous women. The aforementioned verses fail to address the case of 1) lonely hardworking working wives, and her handsome promiscuous male colleague 2) lonely housewife, and the handsome promiscuous male neighbor/male supervisor(if she lives in an apartment) Could someone please give some insight as to whether or Not the aforementioned verses could be interpreted so that they can be more gender-neutral / gender-inclusive / politically correct?

@Josheb Thanks for your response. I want to share the following helpful chat conversation that I had with a user on another site ( Biblical Hermeneutics Stack Exchange ):

@LearningToLetGo I know this is kind of straying away from the main message of this posting's main topic, however, it is kind of incidentally relevant information. Furthermore, I hope that I do Not sound overly preachy, overly sanctimonious, overly holier-than-art-thou but here goes. A lot of entertainment industry stars (especially Music industry stars) started off in Christian churches: -The music band called the Jonas Brothers were pastor's kids. It's really kind of strange because when they went into the secular music industry, it was their church's congregation members who told their father who was a pastor that they should Not be singing inappropriate secular songs about women, etc. LOL, essentially, it was the Reverse of the Nehemiah's bible narrative. -Katy Perry's parents were both Christian pastors, but if you hear her music, it's definitely Not appropriate for Christian audience. -Whitney Houston was part of her church's gospel choir when she was a kid -Miley Cyrus was raised as a Christian, and was baptized in a Southern Baptist Church. -...I'm sure the list goes on..... Again, forgive me if I sound overly preachy, overly sanctimonious, overly holier-than-art-thou

@Bawb Thanks for responding. This might a bit of a stretch using the following circuitous / tortuous logic, however, let me explain A) The Luke 14:25-33 bible passage verses is about the sacrifice/challenges in regard to being a disciple of Jesus Christ B) It is important to note being a disciple of Jesus Christ does mean that we should live out the Christian life according to The Bible Word. C) Since the following 1 Timothy 5:8 bible verse instructs people to look after members of their household (family, even oneself if we are single, etc.) which could be -family/personal financial planning -project planning at a job that allows us to have a salary to look after our household -business planning if we are self-employed or even a CEO or some executive of a company which also allows us to have a salary to look after our household , and please keep in mind that 1 Timothy 5:8 bible verse is part of The Bible Word. D) Therefore, keeping 1 Timothy 5:8 bible verse, we could argue via circuitous / tortuous logic that the Luke 14:25-33 bible passage verses are broad enough to entail Personal Financial Planning/Project management/Business Planning in a Christian's life.

Is evaluating Luke 14:25-33 verses which discusses the Parable about Discipleship Tested / Counting the cost as instructions for Personal Financial Planning/Project management/Business Planning be considered as taking said verses out of context? The reason I'm asking is because Luke 14:25-33 starts off by emphasizing the sacrifices/challenges for Christians as disciples of Jesus Christ, however, would we be able to also consider said verses as instructions for Personal Financial Planning/Project management/Business Planning be considered as taking said verses out of context?

@LearningToLetGo (By the way, I'm Not saying said acting techniques are bad by and in themselves. To elaborate, method acting is alright if you are planning to act as Stephen's speech in Acts 7 of the Bible Or David's mourning over the death of his son, Absalom in 2 Samuel 18:33 of the bible. Context matters. ) For acting, singing, and also writing, I suppose the following Ephesians 4:29 verse is quite relevant: If you think about it then there is obviously dancing that is really sexually suggestive like pole dancing at a strip bar, therefore I believe the following Ephesians 5:3-5 verses warn against said types of dancing:

@LearningToLetGo Sorry, I should have provided more details when it comes to my arguments. ( Let's start off with some Quotes from Credited Reference: https://ifilmthings.com/acting-techniques-actors-must-know/ ) "4. Lee Strasberg’s technique Lee Strasberg’s method is all-around actors intensifying their connection to their character within their day to day lives, slowly adding little parts as they go on, submerging their character. By doing this the actor will have a greater understanding of their character, how they think, what they like, what they don’t like, and how they interact." "Method acting is all about drawing personal connections from your feelings and experiences to the character. This creates a lifelike and realistic portrayal of the character using sensory memory. The method acting technique will force actors to imagine themselves as the character and develop the thoughts and actions of the character in intricate detail for their performance." "Stella Adler’s acting method of teaching is linked to the above (Method acting) as she was a student of Strasberg. However, her method does differ. Stella’s was focused on imagination, creating a world within the actor’s mind. The emotional recall is included but imagination overcomes that. It’s about using personal experiences and actions but then adding to them, exaggerating and growing what has happened to you to create a heightened performance." If you reading some of the aforementioned quotes from the credited website's page, you will notice that a lot of emphasis is on making actors "imagine themselves as the character and develop the thoughts and actions of the character in intricate detail for their performance." Just to mention a few of the many Bible scripture verses that could certainly come into conflict with the aforementioned acting techniques: Let me elaborate even further. Lets say some actors needed to play the role of Adolf Hitler, and various members of Germany's Nazi regime for a World War 2 film. The aforementioned techniques would suggest that the actors should immerse themselves in their characters. Specifically, for said World War 2 film, it would be immersing themselves in the racist and antisemitic thoughts & feelings of Adolf Hitler and other Nazi officials which really contradicts with the bible verses of Philippians 4:8 , Proverbs 4:23, Colossians 3:5, and many other verses. Also, furthermore, if you read about Stella Adler’s acting method, it emphasizes the following: (Quotes from Credit Reference: https://ifilmthings.com/acting-techniques-actors-must-know/ ) from "It’s about using personal experiences and actions but then adding to them, exaggerating and growing what has happened to you to create a heightened performance." Stella Adler’s acting method states that an actor/actress should draw in their personal experience and actions which is really shocking. The reason being is that if an actress had some unpleasant experience in real life as a sexual assault victim, and she gets a role to play a sexually raped victim then Stella Adler’s acting method seems to suggest that said actress should recall the memories of whatever unpleasant experience she herself had as a sexual assault victim. This is scary. Furthermore, a charismatic/pentecostal Christian like me would even point out that the aforementioned actors who adopt said acting techniques would be opening a door for demonic spirits to enter into their lives. It's really scary, and disgusting if you think about it.

Sorry, if I sound like I'm ranting and/or complaining but I really find the fashion & entertainment industry (i.e. Hollywood, Bollywood, etc.) really in conflict with the Christian lifestyle. Apart from all the fame & fortune that could easily lead Christians astray, I came across acting techniques used by the entertainment industry to be totally harmful & vulgar to the Christian lifestyle. Let me explain. Some, Not all, but Some of the following techniques "drawing personal connections from your feelings and experiences to the character. This creates a lifelike and realistic portrayal of the character using sensory memory." ( quote from Credit Reference: https://ifilmthings.com/acting-techniques-actors-must-know/ ) : Credit Reference: https://ifilmthings.com/acting-techniques-actors-must-know/ Classical acting – Stanislavski’s acting technique Uta Hagen’s realism technique Meisner technique Lee Strasberg’s technique Michael Chekhov technique Method acting Stella Adler Practical Aesthetics technique Viola Spolin’s – “theatre games” Basically some of the aforementioned acting techniques are in direct conflict with the Philippians 4:8 bible verse: Again, sorry if I sound like I'm ranting and/or complaining

@Michael37 Thanks for your posting. I can understand that David was a man running to save his life because he had so many enemies who wanted him dead. However, I'm still really cautious and reluctant to overlook how David kills his enemies like a vigilante exercising extrajudicial justice. Case in point, why does the David's manner of killing off some of the people of Moab seem so arbitrary and/or playful in nature? There is No intelligent assessment, No thorough judicial process(No due process) from David. 2 Samuel 8:1- Now after this it came about that David [a]defeated the Philistines and subdued them; and David took control of the chief city from the hand of the Philistines. 2 He [c]defeated Moab, and measured them with the line, making them lie down on the ground; and he measured two lines to put to death and one full line to keep alive. And the Moabites became servants to David, bringing tribute. 3 Then David [d]defeated Hadadezer, the son of Rehob king of Zobah, as he went to restore his [e]rule at the [f]River....... The 2 Samuel 8:2 account of how David killed some of the Moab people in a very arbitrary manner seems kind of playful which shows a rather creepy/scary side to David's character. David does Not hold any sort of ancient version of a the post-WWII Nuremberg trial of key members of Hitler's Nazi regime in order to determine who among the Moabites should be executed. There is No judicial process. There is No ancient version of due process. David just goes on to kill the Moab people in a sort of playful manner like an ancient biblical version of Russian roulette. It kind of suggests/hints that David was some kind of sadistic vigilante. LOL, David is like and Old Testament Bible version of the Punisher who is a fictional vigilante in Marvel Comics. **Also, I just wanted to emphasize evidence of due process in the bible(especially the Old Testament Bible). Exodus 18:13-23 is account of how Moses carried out "due process" as part of his judgement. I suppose that we can infer that since Moses lifetime was long before David, we could assume that David knew about the stories of Moses, and how Moses judged Israel in a Godly manner.** Exodus 18:13-23 New American Standard Bible 1995 13 It came about the next day that Moses sat to judge the people, and the people stood about Moses from the morning until the evening. 14 Now when Moses’ father-in-law saw all that he was doing for the people, he said, “What is this thing that you are doing for the people? Why do you alone sit as judge and all the people stand about you from morning until evening?” 15 Moses said to his father-in-law, “Because the people come to me to inquire of God. 16 When they have a [a]dispute, it comes to me, and I judge between a man and his neighbor and make known the statutes of God and His laws.” Jethro Counsels Moses 17 Moses’ father-in-law said to him, “The thing that you are doing is not good. 18 You will surely wear out, both yourself and these people who are with you, for the [c]task is too heavy for you; you cannot do it alone. 19 Now listen to [d]me: I will give you counsel, and God be with you. [e]You be the people’s representative before God, and you bring the [f]disputes to God, 20 then teach them the statutes and the laws, and make known to them the way in which they are to walk and the work they are to do. 21 Furthermore, you shall [g]select out of all the people able men who fear God, men of truth, those who hate dishonest gain; and you shall place these over them as leaders of thousands, [h]of hundreds, of fifties and [j]of tens. 22 Let them judge the people at all times; and let it be that every major [k]dispute they will bring to you, but every minor [l]dispute they themselves will judge. So it will be easier for you, and they will bear the burden with you. 23 If you do this thing and God so commands you, then you will be able to [m]endure, and all [n]these people also will go to [o]their place in peace.” Leviticus 19:15-16 New American Standard Bible 1995 15 ‘You shall do no injustice in judgment; you shall not be partial to the poor nor defer to the great, but you are to judge your neighbor fairly. 16 You shall not go about as a slanderer among your people, and you are not to [a]act against the life of your neighbor; I am the Lord. I think 2 Samuel 8:2 is just further evidence of David being "treasure in earthen vessels"(2 Corinthians 4:7) who is selected by God to become the 2nd King of Israel. David lifestyle as a warrior is very disconcerting, and just because he is a man after God's own heart does Not mean we Christians should trivialize David's actions during wartime.

David can be seen as a warrior-King chosen by God to lead Israel. In 2 Samuel 8, we see David bringing judgement upon the enemies of Israel in a playful arbitrary manner like a vigilante does in comic books. 2 Samuel 8:1-3 Now after this it came about that David [a]defeated the Philistines and subdued them; and David took control of the chief city from the hand of the Philistines. 2 He defeated Moab, and measured them with the line, making them lie down on the ground; and he measured two lines to put to death and one full line to keep alive. And the Moabites became servants to David, bringing tribute. 3 Then David [d]defeated Hadadezer, the son of Rehob king of Zobah, as he went to restore his rule at the [f]River....... Psalm 109 which is well-known for it's imprecatory nature was either directly/indirectly authored by David himself. Psalm 109's verses are very aggressively judgemental and cursing in nature: Psalm 109:9 Let his children be fatherless And his wife a widow. Psalm 109:11 Let the creditor seize all that he has, And let strangers plunder the product of his labor. David even declares judgement upon himself after Nathan talks about the Traveller's parable to David: (2 Samuel 12:5-6) 5 Then David’s anger burned greatly against the man, and he said to Nathan, “As the Lord lives, surely the man who has done this [a]deserves to die. 6 He must make restitution for the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing and had no compassion.” It's important to note that David's vigilante playful justice seems come back to haunt his descendant's like Solomon, and the nation Israel which is suggested in 1 Kings 11:15-25 passage (1 Kings 11:15-25) 15 For it came about, when David was in Edom, and Joab the commander of the army had gone up to bury the slain, and had struck down every male in Edom 16 (for Joab and all Israel stayed there six months, until he had cut off every male in Edom), 17 that Hadad fled [h]to Egypt, he and certain Edomites of his father’s servants with him, while Hadad was a young boy.........................more scripture....scripture........... 21 But when Hadad heard in Egypt that David slept with his fathers and that Joab the commander of the army was dead, Hadad said to Pharaoh, “Send me away, that I may go to my own country.” 22 Then Pharaoh said to him, “But what have you lacked with me, that behold, you are seeking to go to your own country?” And he answered, “Nothing; nevertheless you must surely [c]let me go.” 23 God also raised up another adversary to him, Rezon the son of Eliada, who had fled from his lord Hadadezer king of Zobah. 24 He gathered men to himself and became leader of a marauding band, after David slew them of Zobah; and they went to Damascus and stayed [d]there, and reigned in Damascus. 25 So he was an adversary to Israel all the days of Solomon, along with the evil that Hadad did; and he abhorred Israel and reigned over Aram. I suppose the following bible passage and scripture verses come to mind as well: Matthew 7:1-5 “Do not judge so that you will not be judged. 2 For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and [a]by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you. 3 Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ and behold, the log is in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye. Luke 6:37 “Do not judge, and you will not be judged; and do not condemn, and you will not be condemned; [a]pardon, and you will be pardoned. Proverbs 14:29 He who is slow to anger has great understanding, But he who is [a]quick-tempered exalts folly. Proverbs 16:32 He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit, than he who captures a city. Proverbs 14:17 A quick-tempered man acts foolishly, And a man of evil devices is hated. Psalm 103:8 The Lord is compassionate and gracious, Slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness. What are the Dangers of the Judgemental side of David's life in the Bible?

It might be circuitous/tortuous reasoning but here goes: 1) David has adulterous sinful sexual relations with Bathsheba 2) Prophet Nathan confronts David about his sin 3) David feels remorseful, and therefore repents 4) Prophet Nathan does say God forgives David but there are still going to be consequences due to said sexual sin 5) David's eldest son, Amnon, rapes his half-sister, Tamar 6) David hears about the aforementioned rape, but can Only be angry because a) he feels hypocritical due to his own adulterous sinful sexual affair with Bathsheba b) also, David recollects that Prophet Nathan did still say that negative consequences would happen due to David's aforementioned sin **Note:2 Samuel 13:20-22 gives an account of David's anger immediately after the story about Amnon raping Tamar. Let me explain, 2 Samuel 13:20-22 verse was mentioned immediately just after the story of Amnon raping Tamar, and then Tamar being in shame. Furthermore, only later on when we read 2 Samuel 13:23-38 gives account of Absalom's taking revenge by killing Amnon. Finally, as we continue to read past 2 Samuel 15 , we learn that Absalom leads a rebellion or coup d'etat against King David. ** Does anything in 2 Samuel 13:20-22 Hebrew text hint that King David reaction as Only being angry is because of David's own hypocrisy due to adultery? **Interesting Side Note: I suppose a better term to use to describe David's angry reaction would be the term "galling" because David might have felt caught in his own "web of hypocrisy"** 2 Samuel 13:20-22 20 Then Absalom her brother said to her, “Has Amnon your brother been with you? But now keep silent, my sister, he is your brother; do not take this matter to heart.” So Tamar remained and was desolate in her brother Absalom’s house. 21 Now when King David heard of all these matters, he was very angry. 22 But Absalom did not speak to Amnon either good or bad; for Absalom hated Amnon because he had violated his sister Tamar. 13:21 Hebrew OT: Westminster Leningrad Codex וְהַמֶּ֣לֶךְ דָּוִ֔ד שָׁמַ֕ע אֵ֥ת כָּל־הַדְּבָרִ֖ים הָאֵ֑לֶּה וַיִּ֥חַר לֹ֖ו מְאֹֽד׃ שמואל ב 13:21 Hebrew OT: WLC (Consonants Only) והמלך דוד שמע את כל־הדברים האלה ויחר לו מאד׃ שמואל ב 13:21 Paleo-Hebrew OT: WLC (Font Required) והמלך דוד שמע את כל־הדברים האלה ויחר לו מאד׃ שמואל ב 13:21 Hebrew Bible והמלך דוד שמע את כל הדברים האלה ויחר לו מאד׃

Even Peter said that Paul's teachings are difficult to understand: (2 Peter 3:15-16 ) 15 and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation; just as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given him, wrote to you, 16 as also in all his letters, speaking in them of these things, in which there are some things that are hard to understand, which the untaught and unstable distort, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction. I do understand people find Leviticus & Deuteronomy boring to read because they contain so much detailed information about the Jewish Law. Also, I understand that people get confused about the immense amount of symbolism in Revelation, and also there are difficulties in understanding other parts of the bible like Jesus Christ's parables. However, I find Paul's Epistles really really difficult because when I read them it seems like it's a University Professor's published academic papers. It way too erudite and academic. Does anyone have any suggestions/hints as to how Christians can go about studying Paul's letters? (Also, please pray that Christians do Not shy away from reading, studying, reflecting and studying Paul's Epistles in the bible)

I do agree that for people who might Not be that business-minded and are Not that great a finances can and should read books on money management, financial sense, being good at business, etc. However, there are some people who are naturally talented business people. Therefore, if you are poor at mental math like me, and Not that good at business negotiation, it would be good to get a spouse who is more naturally business-minded.

Thank you for responding. However, I believe it's Wise to consider all qualities and characteristics when courting a person, and ultimately marrying the said person. If you think about a lot of people(especially youngsters) become really enamored and/or infatuated by good looks, features, charm, etc., of the person that they are seriously courting, and ultimately seriously thinking about marrying. Furthermore, it probably reaches a point where they blatantly violate/break the 1st commandment: Therefore, it's quite practical and more importantly adhering to Godly Wisdom when we take into consideration all qualities & characteristics of the person whom we as Christians are courting, and seriously considering marrying.

I just have a white-collar desk job usually working from 9am to 5pm as a computer IT software developer. I still think that I need someone who is business-minded, intelligent with money, etc. Also, I wanted to mention that CS Lewis was a brilliant Christian theologian whose published books positively impacted the Kingdom of Christ. However, when he died he had a huge tax bill. It tells us that there are probably a lot of genuine and sincere and dedicated Christians in life who do Not know how to handle / manage money, and do Not know how to run a business. Also, I sometimes listen to online internet video sermons by Pastor John Hagee of Cornerstone Church in Texas, USA. I remember a sermon by Pastor Hagee where he was recounting instructions that he gave his son before his son was going into ministry. Pastor Hagee told his son that he should go get a business degree, and then enter ministry. I would like to point to the following bible scripture passage Luke 14:28-32 that emphasizes the importance of planning by counting the cost, and keeping track of your resources before determining how to take on a challenge that we are Christians face:

If you have a chance, please do read the entire parable of the Shrewd Manager in Luke 16. The verses that real caught my attention are: ( Luke 16:8-9 ) 8 And his master praised the unrighteous manager because he had acted shrewdly; for the sons of this age are more shrewd in relation to their own kind than the sons of light. 9 And I say to you, make friends for yourselves by means of the wealth of unrighteousness, so that when it fails, they will receive you into the eternal dwellings. Let me be very frank, I am really bad when it comes to doing business. I'm Not saying that I am wasteful when it comes to spending money. I am reasonably careful with mony. It's Not like I click purchase on every item that I like on amazon.com However, a used car salesman can probably sell me a piece of junk as a car, and I'd probably Only find out as soon as I drive it off the car dealership's parking lot. Basically, I'm Not that business-minded. Therefore, I would consider myself to be like the "sons of light" who are relatively Not as shrewd as the "sons of this age" In my family, my Dad was shrewd at business, but my Mom is Not. Therefore, my Dad would handle negotiations when we wanted to buy a car or a house, etc. One of my concerns as I communicate with Christian ladies for dating is whether or Not they are shrewd at business. It's sort of a Drawback if both of us were like the "sons of light". Could someone please provide their opinion/feedback in regards to the aforementioned case?

David & Michal's relationship does lead to marriage which is recorded in 1 Samuel 18:27. However, I was wondering how Christians who are seeking to date/court someone or are already in a courting/dating relationship can learn from David & Michal of the bible. A) We start off with Michal loving David which is clearly stated in 1 Samuel 18:20 (which could also suggest/hint/indicate that Michal & David did know each other before getting married, and so we can sort of assume that this was Not really an arranged marriage which is a common custom in ancient times, and also still quite a common custom presently practiced in the region of South Asia( Indian subcontinent ). To be more specific, it is Not like an arranged marriage where the man and woman may Only communicate for a really short period of time( like 5 minutes to an hour or so), and then decide to get an arranged marriage with the blessing of the man's family and the woman's family B) As premised by point A) above David & Michal did know each other for some period of time prior to their marriage. Therefore, we can probably assume that David knew that Michal had a household idol in her possession which is evidenced in 1 Samuel 19:13. Since David & Michal are both Jews in Ancient Israel, we have to wonder why David was Not troubled by the fact that his betrothed had a household idol which categorically violates the 1st commandment of the 10 commandments. So from a modern perspective, Christians who are dating/courting should make note of behaviours/actions that categorically violates their Christian faith. For example, if the person who you are courting/dating is repeatedly & knowingly listening to inappropriate music(i.e music with sexual connotations, bad language, etc.) then those would be clear warning sign that you should end the relationship, and Not marry said person C) When we read 2 Samuel 6:16-23 , we know that they are already married because it was previously mentioned that David married Michal in 1 Samuel 18:27. However, could Christians who are still in courtship/dating learn something from 2 Samuel 6:16-20 even though 2 Samuel 6:16-23 recounts a story about David & Michal after they were married ? Let me explain. The narrative in 2 Samuel 6:16-23 which emphasizes Michal's strong feelings of severe disgust/spite/embarrassment when she sees David's dancing during worship which may have been Unsophisticated/Inelegant/"Uncool" from her perspective. Subsequently, Michal harshly criticizes 2 Samuel 6:20 by saying a condescending manner: (2 Samuel 6:20b)......“How the king of Israel distinguished himself today! He uncovered himself today in the eyes of his servants’ maids as one of the foolish ones shamelessly uncovers himself!” Based how we read 2 Samuel 6:16-23 , we can probably assume that Michal was very arrogant towards David because he was dancing during worship. Do Not get me wrong, I understand if a spouse/(partner in courtship/dating) might mildly rebuke whomever they have married/presently courting/dating for singing too loudly in worship or dancing in a goofy manner. But I believe that Michal's response in 2 Samuel 6:20b is a lot harsher and a lot more critical than a mild rebuke. D) Finally, if we are Christians who are in courtship/marriage, we can probably make some noteworthy assumptions from 2 Samuel 6:23 which states: (2 Samuel 6:23) Michal the daughter of Saul had no child to the day of her death Some readers might say that due to Michal's overly harsh criticism of David, God would Not allow Michal to have children which is probably why Michal Never had any children till the day of her death, even if David may have continued to have sexual relations with Michal during their marriage. However, another perspective could lead us to assume that due to Michal's overly harsh criticism of David , David himself Stopped having any kind of sexual relationship with Michal which is probably why Michal Never had any children till the day of her death. This 2nd perspective would bring up the questions: "Should Christians who are in a courting/dating relationship just end their relationship ASAP( which is sort of symbolized by David Not having sex with Michal after her overly harsh criticism) with their partner after an experience similar to the one David had with Michal in 2 Samuel 6:16-23 ? In others, should we single Christians clearly make note of the fact that we should Never date/court someone who is overly harsh & excessively arrogant in life like 2 Samuel 6:16-23's Michal?"

Just adding to my previous posting about (1 Timothy 4:8)"... bodily training is just slightly beneficial...": Along with helping in reducing the Inappropriate Sexual Lustful feelings, daily strenuous physical exercise also reduces some physical aching pains like back aches which means I do Not have to take Opioids/painkillers/anti-depressants, etc. I just thought that I would mention the aforementioned benefit because of all the opioid-addiction crisis that has affected many parts of the Western world, and beyond since a lot of Opioids/painkillers and some anti-depressants, etc., are easily obtainable as Over-The-Counter(OTC) drugs which means they do Not need Medical Doctor's prescription.

I avoided watching Harry Potter films and also the books because I heard there is a lot of magic being conducted in the movie and in the book. Furthermore, LOL, I'm an adult male, and Harry Potter films is nerdy stuff. However, when Marvel Comic book movies like the Dr. Strange movie and all the Avenger movie series came out, I had mixed feelings because I really like Marvel and DC movies and cartoons. However, Marvel characters like Dr. Strange and DC characters like Fate conduct magic in the movies and cartoons. Is acceptable for a Christian to watch the aforementioned the entertainment even though all this magic stuff happens in them? If no/yes, please elaborate.

Some bible scripture verses(especially those in the Psalms) can seem legalistic and also sanctimonious. Psalm 101:2-4 2 I will give heed to the blameless way. When will You come to me? I will walk within my house in the integrity of my heart. 3 I will set no worthless thing before my eyes; I hate the work of those who fall away; It shall not fasten its grip on me. 4 A perverse heart shall depart from me; I will know No evil. But in the Colossians , Paul seems to warn people against legalistic behavior. How should Christians view bible passages( like in Psalms) that seem legalistic(and maybe even sanctimonious) with Colossians verses warnings against legalistic behavior? Colossians 2:18-23 18 Let no one keep defrauding you of your prize by delighting in self-abasement and the worship of the angels, [c]taking his stand on visions he has seen, [d]inflated without cause by his fleshly mind, 19 and not holding fast to the head, from whom the entire body, being supplied and held together by the joints and [e]ligaments, grows with a growth [f]which is from God. 20 If you have died with Christ [g]to the elementary principles of the world, why, as if you were living in the world, do you submit yourself to decrees, such as, 21 “Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch!” 22 (which all refer to things destined to perish [h]with use)—in accordance with the commandments and teachings of men? 23 These are matters which have, to be sure, the appearance of wisdom in self-made religion and self-abasement and severe treatment of the body, but are of no value against fleshly indulgence. But in the Colossians , Paul seems to warn people against legalistic behavior. How should Christians view bible passages( like in Psalms) that seem legalistic(and maybe even sanctimonious) with Colossians verses warnings against legalistic behavior?

In the Bible, some of the main characters often have a pastoral/spiritual guide to get Godly guidance or to get a better understanding of God's Will. King Saul --had--> Prophet Samuel King David --had--> Prophet Nathan King Hezekiah --had--> Prophet Isaiah Even some major evil characters had pastoral/spiritual guides King Ahab --had--> Prophet Elijah I suppose the following association is probably really really weak but if you consider John The Baptist's water baptizing Jesus Christ then Jesus Christ --probably had--> John The Baptist as a sort of guide if you take the water baptism into consideration but this is really a weak argument In any case, I don't want to kind of stray away from what my real question is going to be. When does a Christian person go directly to God Himself , and when does said person go to a pastoral/spiritual guide to get Godly guidance or to get a better understanding of God's Will ? One of the reasons that I ask said question is because (Mark 15:37-38) 37 And Jesus uttered a loud cry, and breathed His last. 38 And the veil of the temple was Torn in two from top to bottom. Jesus Christ's death on The Cross allows us to approach God directly. Furthermore, I really do Not want to keep approaching pastoral/spiritual guides as if they were soothsayers/seers/fortune teller all the time. Therefore, When does a Christian person go directly to God Himself , and when does said person go to a pastoral/spiritual guide to get Godly guidance or to get a better understanding of God's Will ?

1 Samuel 15:29 says that God neither lies nor repents since He is not a man. 29 And also the Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent: for he is not a man, that he should repent. KJV, ©1769 And yet, in 1 Samuel 15:35, it says that God indeed repented (for making Saul king over Israel). 35 And Samuel came no more to see Saul until the day of his death: nevertheless Samuel mourned for Saul: and the LORD repented that he had made Saul king over Israel. KJV, ©1769 Numbers 23:19 (KJV) God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good? Exodus 32:14 (KJV) And the LORD repented of the evil which he thought to do unto his people. Could we say that the contradiction between the aforementioned could be associated with literary devices of hyperbole, figure of speech? In other words, for God to repent or to regret something to do with his actions is so disturbing to God Himself that is why Samuel says in 1 Samuel 15:29 that God "will not lie nor repent" ?