Not of the World

We're supposed to walk in humility and kindness. In fact, we're supposed to be the most humble of all people. We're supposed to tolerate mistreatement without respond in kind. None of that is easy because the world teaches us the opposite of those things. As for "toxic" people, they might actually be the most hurt of everybody. But, we must only tolerate so much. I recall a verse about after warning someone to then have nothing to do with them if they don't change.

Great stuff! So wise! Conversing with ungodly, hostile, "toxic" people only influenced me to be like them rather than like Christ. Staying on the narrow path is difficult enough already; I don't need to increase my load by dealing with such people. Although I will continue to plant seeds I will NOT engage in their folly and we all know folly when we see it.

Great stuff, especially the last verse that you highlighted.

Romans 16:17 ESV I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. Matthew 10:14 ESV And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town.

The world is FULL of hateful, toxic, people. I've finally learned, after 56 years of life, that it's best to not associate with them. I know that I'm supposed to plant some seeds with them and I try to do that but if they remain toxic then I avoid them. I have quit a couple of message boards in which I have been participating for years because, as @Omegaman 3.0 said to me, I should be producing good fruits and interacting with people and things that are edifying. Those other message boards (politics and football) didn't bring me closer to God, they moved me away from him, but no more. 2 Corinthians 6:14 Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?

My life story.

Thank you. I've heard some say that that the 7 mountains is referring to Rome. Is it possible that the 7 mountains is referring to the 7 continents?

What is the significance of John referring to Babylon the Great as "her"?

I believe that Mary is in Heaven. I believe that Mary is a faithful follower of God and that she has been richly rewarded in her Heavenly estate. No where in the Bible, however, does Jesus (or anyone else) tell us to pray to Mary or to any other dead person. In fact, Jesus doesn't even tell us to pray to HIM but, rather, our Father in Heaven. I'm willing to be persuaded that I should pray to Mary, but you'll have to show me in the Bible where it tells us to do so.

Asking my neighbor to pray for me is not the same as asking DEAD people to pray.

Wow. How pathetic. I've never reported anyone.

Roymond, are you Catholic?

I heard that form Pastor John MacArthur and I thought "YES!" I think that just about any question about how one should handle something in life is told to us through the Bible by God. In reading the Bible I have witnessed it's amazing truth and wisdom and I know that it is true and that it is, indeed, the word of God! Right now I just feel the need to praise God for giving me life and for choosing me to know him along with my brothers and sisters in Christ. I am inspired by him and I want to serve him and to make him proud to call me his son! Thank you God, our father in Heaven! Psalm 119:105 ESV Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Proverbs 30:5 ESV Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. 1 Thessalonians 2:13 ESV And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers. Job 23:12 English Standard Version 12 I have not departed from the commandment of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my portion of food. Jeremiah 15:16 ESV Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O Lord, God of hosts.

I'm not making a "strawman" argument; I'm simply reminding you that we live in an evil world that Jesus tells us to NOT be a part of it. The most powerful people of the world are running the Washington establishment. If they're not "of the world" then nobody is. I told you that there is a "deep state" and you didn't believe me and I gave you solid examples of deep state activity and you told me that you don't accept those either. I will shake the dust and move on.

I encourage you to do your own research so that you can learn the truth. You don't actually believe that the people running the most powerful nation of the world are all virtuous, pillars of integrity, do you?

The FBI fabricating "evidence" in order to overthrow a sitting president is an example of the "deep state". The Internal Revenue Service setting up barricades to prevent political participation by Republicans is another example. Directing Twitter to NOT permit certain discussions that might cast Democrats in a negative light is another. Former FBI Director Luis Freeh "donating" $100K to Joe Biden's grandchildren is yet another. Does this suffice?

I do want to add that censorship of speech is more the rule than the exception in America today and even more so in the rest of the world. It's difficult to find forums that will permit free expression, particularly those that are managed by the political left or conservative, relgious, people. There is a saying: "I may not share your opinion but I will fight for your right to say it". Most people don't share that view, unfortunately.

A joke? I have zero doubt that the deep state is exploring all possible ways to go after Elon Musk. Do you believe that a "deep state" exists?

How dare you disagree with me!!! Just kidding.

Ok, @George, the next time someone gets upset I'll tell them to talk to management.

I totally get that and I am accustomed to people expressing disagreement with me on other forums in which I participate and on topics such as football, politics, and more. I must tell you, my friend, that I don't believe that I am the one that needs a lesson in being able to tolerate a viewpoint that differs from my own. Here's how it has gone so far: 1) I post an opinion or ask a question. 2) Someone becomes offended with my opinion or question. 3) I'm blamed for them being offended and am accused of creating "discord".

Thanks. It's clear that, anyone who opposes the Washington establishment, will have every facet of their existence investigated and they will be mercilessly prosecuted for even the slightest misstep. If and when it appears that Governor Ron DeSantis will be the Republican nominee for president, the deep state will swing into action against him, his associates, friends, and family.

Asking questions HERE in this community is one of the best ways that I learn about the truth of God versus that which is deceptive and of the world. Some of my questions sometimes upset others and then it's my fault for them being upset. One very good poster, who I believe is experiencing a certain level of paranoia, essentially accused of me surreptitiously advancing Catholicism in this community because I ask a lot of questions about that theology and share some of their beliefs here so that other posts here, who are far more learned on the word of God than I, can elaborate on such things in order that I (and others) CAN LEARN! However, I also understand that the greater community here may prefer that the discussion be kept light and "positive" meaning, don't ask questions that might make another uncomfortable. Perhaps the community prefers to stick to sharing recipes, sharing Bible verses, supporting one another in the prayer request forum, etc. I did join "Christian Forums" today as it is my hope that I can discuss how Catholicism is either missing from scripture or even in contradiction to scripture so that I CAN LEARN. My question is, is this community a suitable place to discuss such things or, going forward, should I avoid any topic that has the slightest chance to offend someone? Thank you.

Most people don't understand what fascism actually entails but that's essentially what we're living under. Fascism, among other things, is the marriage of big business and government. The American federal government colludes with major corporations to protect corporate profits along with enriching and protecting the Washington establishment class.