irishbeast

That’s a powerful post—straight to the heart of the matter. I especially love the line, “Sitting on the fence is just fine with Satan: he owns the fence.” That hits hard and cuts through all the lukewarm fluff we so often hear. You're right—there’s no neutral ground in the spiritual battle. Your explanation of sanctification was spot on too. It’s both encouraging and humbling to remember that God isn’t finished with us yet. He began the work, and He will complete it—no matter how messy or slow the process may feel at times. Thank you for the boldness and clarity. Keep speaking truth.

While Jerusalem does fit certain symbolic aspects, revelation often uses symbolism with multiple layers of meaning. The dating of Revelation (whether early or late) significantly affects interpretations—particularly if one views the text through a preterist, historicist, or futurist lens. An early dating (before AD 70) would naturally lend weight to Jerusalem being Mystery Babylon due to the destruction of the Temple and city. A later dating (around AD 96) usually directs interpretations towards Rome, representing oppressive imperial power and spiritual corruption. Ultimately, the identification might be less about pinpointing one city exclusively, and more about recognising the spiritual condition represented—unfaithfulness, spiritual adultery, and rejection of Christ. Perhaps the most powerful takeaway is the call for all believers to remain spiritually faithful, discerning, and watchful. Have you considered that the symbols in Revelation might have more than one historical fulfillment, or serve as timeless warnings for God's people across all generations?

Howdee pal I delivered a message at church today about the different stages of faith using Peters escape from prison in Acts as a "template". I said there were 3 points: stages, decisions and perseverance. The order is not set in stone The fact that you are asking the question says to me that God has initiated a breakthrough (stages). You are wondering what to do relating to your family (decisions) and must (persevere) if you truly believe. I have lost most of my friends since I sort of give up drinking. Its hard as my family are Christians on paper but don't believe. I took ages to come to faith and yet I still f up all the time Do you pray? Or is that awkward in the environment? Despite what some would say there is no "proper" way to pray. Disjointed, broken prayer is better than none. The only thing I am fickle about is that the prayer must end "In Jesus Christs name" but other than that is all good! Within reason of course This passage may help In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us…” – Romans 8:26

Thanks - They mean a lot to me. Feel so blessed to have met them. I don't really hang around with my old crew these days. Seeing things from a different perspective. Without being horrible - they are losers. I overlook the pub I used to go to. The old crew in there every single day, regular as clockwork. They will never know Christ although I do pray for them. I'm not being patronising when I say they are losers. Its obvious- each their own and all that. In some ways I'm no better in some ways but trying to strengthen my relationship with the lord, minute by minute, day by day

Do you truly forgive things I cannot forgive myself for? or What did you feel in your final moments on the cross. Was it pain, fear, peace or all 3?

Thanks I will look as myself and my Pastor have been discussing the increasing prevalence of of Christianity a lot lately. I think young people are literally lost sheep at the moment and spiritual guidance offered by Christ might seem attractive so we need to encourage it!

Thanks for all the responses. Been a little busy We are still friends and she is incredibly keen but I think we are better off as friends as she knows about me being regular with church related activities, reading scripture etc. She's would have been ideal 10-15 years ago when I was still a partyboy! Although we have a load of common interests I can't expect her to calm her lifestyle down as that's just her thing which is fine but unfortunately it goes against what I am trying to do (recovering alcoholic) and I have come so far by the grace of God that I am not letting anyone mess it up. Christ is first, end of story. Think the scripture below sums it up. She's a nice lass though, I don't mean to sound horrible! 2 Corinthians 6:14 “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?”

Thanks - that's really helpful I did wonder initially if it was a curveball from the evil one which is why I have kept my hands off so to speak until I have a bit more clarity on whether this has any substance. I haven't really felt like this before and without being horrible she is not much of a looker, so the fact that I am drawn makes it strange in a nice way. I know its an old cliche but we sat in mine for a few hours having a brew last night and its like I have known her a long time. I can't describe it. I would hate to lose out on something which could be great, but I do constantly mention my faith and she will see things on walls around my flat that will remind her all the time. Maybe she will think "Why is he not like the other guys?" and maybe put 2 and 2 together and start asking more questions. I would love nothing more. Christ comes first for me as he will never cause me problems, not that she has but you know what I mena. Thanks for all the responses, even if i've not replies to all individually there were a few similar points - All useful stuff. IB

Maybe - Shes the one making most of the moves but I have just been a gentleman and a friend so far. One the ladies in my church family is married to a non believer and they have been happily married for a long time. Now occassionaly even now she still asks us to pray for him as I suppose it must be playing on her mind that someone she loves is not going to be saved by believing in Christ so we are hoping he may be saved by grace. I have been praying for her since asking the Lord to reveal himself to her. I will ask my church family to do the same and maybe just hold off things til we have either had a frank discussion or a grand revelation happens! I did think she would cringe when I mentioned it but she didn't (I had to mention it immediately) and she asks me how Church went etc and told me to have a nice prayer morning this morning. Its 6.30am here and with it being Easter week we are having a morning of prayer in the Pastors house which will be nice and I will ask then again.

I have yes. She was raised Catholic but hasn't really practiced it for a long time. She did ask me about my faith though and I told her. I have not asked the questions but I would be almost certain she would be willing to pray with me, although I do like doing it alone unless outside of my church family - but I can make an exception. I might make her something to eat one night and start by saying grace. There's not been so much as a kiss yet as his has been playing on my mind. I'm gonna meet her again more than likely. It would just seem a bit tragic to shut her off for no reason in her eyes and she does seem really nice and caring. I resigned myself to never meeting anyone so its been nice and really really "simple". She doesn't play games or stress me out at all like most women (no offence ladies!)

So, I have been on a few Christian dating sites and met a few lasses. The two recently were an absolute nightmare. Honestly it was beggars belief. Once was a pathological liar and the other was the rudest person I have ever met! Anyway, I needed a cleaner at short notice a few days ago and so went on a local Facebook page and voila a lass came. Nice lass and to say we hit it off is a bit of an understatement! Was quite bizarre. We've seen each other every day since actually. She's really fun and I feel so at ease with her. It's quite something. However, She likes to party and is no stranger to substances. She does however also work for a company who deal with harm reduction from drugs at dance events which blew my mind a bit. Reason being that I just finished writing my book about substance abuse. So it was almost perfect timing and something I had been praying about. So she likes to party and is not a Christian. She knows that I am serious about my faith and church life but isn't bothered at all, seems an unlikely match up in some wats but in other ways it feels strangely right. From scripture I'm thinking about 2 Corinthians 6:14 "Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers" I'm a bit torn here and could do with some advice. Have any of you dated/married a non believer? I would love some input Thanks!

Interesting All sciptres is likely the Law, Prophets, and Writings, possibly via the Septuagint, which included the Apocrypha. Paul was familiar with these texts, but he never quotes the Apocrypha directly, focusing instead on scriptures pointing to Christ (Romans 15:4). While early Christians, Catholics, and some Protestants valued the Apocrypha for instruction, their canonicity was debated, and most Protestants now exclude them, prioritising the Hebrew canon. Paul’s exhortation to study scripture doesn’t explicitly include the Apocrypha, so Protestants rejecting them aren’t necessarily missing his intent. Still, they might overlook valuable historical and ethical insights from books like Sirach or 1 Maccabees. Ultimately, discernment and tradition guide their use, as scripture equips us for faith and good works.

I think its a genuine concern especially given that the Russia situation is all over youtube and also american tv is would seem. The though that the actions of one man (Putin) could literally wipe out a country certainly plays on the mind. I have been watching it all with great interest as if Putin were to do such a thing it would be world war 3. I genuinely believe Putin doesn't think hes done anything wrong, but hes a tyrant in reality It playing on my mind. I rarely remember dreams these days as I don't sleep all that much but I'm guessing this has been on your mind anyway?

Very true. I have a candle I bought for another friend who passed a number of months ago now that I never got round to burning for one reason or another. Its been sat on my kitchen worktop for quite a while now, I'm a very untidy person! Might be something nice I can do tonight and honour them both in my own personal way.

Thanks everyone. That has made me feel better, which wasn't the reason behind posting I assure you I have just got back from the Dentist all sorted and it would all be over by now (11.20 cremation - now midday in the uk) All this "Having a drink for Simon" will be the theme of the evening. It does seem that, particularly in the uk everything gets celebrated with alcohol, which I used to love to be fair so am a bit of a Hypocrite. It was to fill a void which has always been there. The last six months have been strange to say. I was sort of forced to give up the booze. Am I allowed to share the first chapter of the book I am writing if I bleep out the swear words? I think some might find it interesting and I also want feedback from people who have not faced addiction as I have shared it with mostly addicts and some non thus far.

I'm struggling with some mixed feelings and could use a bit of perspective. Someone I knew only slightly passed away recently, and his cremation is scheduled today. Although we weren't close, I know his sister quite well. Part of me felt obligated to attend, and I genuinely would have gone—I had even arranged a lift with a friend to make sure I'd be there. However, I was hesitant because many of my old drinking friends, who've distanced themselves since I became sober six months ago, will be there. I'm not keen to face potential pressure to drink or revisit uncomfortable dynamics. I asked God for guidance about what I should do, and shortly afterward, as odd as this sounds, a huge filling came loose from my tooth while eating a biscuit. Concerned about infection and admittedly how ridiculous I look, I called the dentist and was offered an appointment today at 11 am, exactly the same time as the cremation. I accepted immediately, almost feeling relief at having a legitimate reason not to attend. Yet, I'm now second guessing myself. Was this just coincidence or possibly divine intervention? Proverbs 3:5-6 comes to mind: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." I've never been to a cremation, and while I don't necessarily want to attend, I feel somewhat guilty for not paying my respects, even though afterward everyone will head straight to the pub, exactly the environment I've worked hard to avoid. I'm caught between guilt, relief, and confusion. Have I done the right thing here, prioritising my dental health (and possibly sobriety), or should I have rearranged things and attended anyway, out of respect? Any thoughts appreciated.

I was just watching that scene on "The Chosen" today. Very good example sir and well put

Some really interesting discussion here. Hope I have not missed any prompts. Not been on for a while and came back to find this topic had picked up big time. In relation to AI I think people should watch the latest video from Mo Gambit, a prominent figure in the AI world who quite his job right at the top of googles AI team out of nowhere now has risen from the dead and spoke out. Its quite the eye opener! look for Mo Gawdat "I warned people" or words to that effect and look at most recent videos. Some are quite terrifying but I believe everything he said.

I have read quite a lot on his background etc and there's no doubt in my mind that he's not being completely neutral aligning with his desired persona as a some sport of free speech hero. Its nice to think someone would spend 40 odd million for the greater good but there's no doubt he is using the platform to amplify his own thoughts and ideas, or to ram them down people's throats if I am being less polite. I was saying to a friend about 6 months ago half jokingly that hes trying to conquer to world to resolve some demons he is facing which seemed absurd. Is it really that absurd now.........

Exactly! Hamas has embedded itself among civilians, expecting that Israel will hold back. This kind of situation isn’t new—there were similar instances in the Old Testament where extreme measures were taken, not out of cruelty but because there was no other way. One example that stands out is Jericho: Joshua 6:17 – 'And they devoted all in the city to destruction, both men and women, young and old, oxen, sheep, and donkeys, with the edge of the sword.' It's striking how history echoes itself, though modern warfare brings different ethical and strategic challenges.

Very true. both historically and currently. Throughout the book of Judges it was just non stop failure by them (with a few exceptions). I too am baffled by current affairs. Seems to be very much an eye for an eye mentality but I understand why they would be very upset but is their response appropriate? That was a question Douglas murray (English media spokesperson) has asked. I don't know the answer. I can understand their rages but its always tragic to see innocent people getting killed in wars across the world. I'm pleased to see Donald Trump making his mark as he wants the wars to end and I think he will be instrumental in making it happen. When he said the bullet missing his head was God's intervention, you would have a very strong argument for that being the case. Its so sad the amount of soldiers being killed, like cannon fodder. Their lives are just as important as the people in power. They are all human beings created by God, it breaks my heart at times.

Yes that's a good way of putting it. The speaker put it a lot more eloquently that I have but I guess the point of this thread was to not to make feel like failures if they can't live up to all biblical expectations, especially for people new to Christianity or struggling with it a little bit. I'm sure that God doesn't want to ostracise people who want to follow Christ or who are perhaps battling with some ot the rules. A key example that I struggle with is in Matthew 10:37 "Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me." Now being honest I love them both equally. Mum/Dad and God, I don't have children so can't comment on thay. So I struggle with that ask and did confide in my Pastor about it as its a really tough thing to come to terms with. His response was that we should do the best we can and that some of expectations would be very hard for anyone to truthfully follow. That's not so say we can just pick and choose which rules to abide by! We are supposed to honour they father and mother as per the 10 commandments :)

Thanks that's a really helpful post. I'm still struggling a bit with prescription medications of all things, after beating alcohol and cocaine! While I accept some responsibility it doesn't help that my GP practice have had me on strong opioids for almost a decade which is a bit crazy. You build up a tolerance quickly. Was up early this morning, relaxed, reading the good book - then got a bit of news which will potentially cripple my financially. A little side hustle I've had for years may be coming to an abrupt finish. Stress I don't really need. Trying to leave it all in the hands of the Lord. Without going into too much detail the side hustle was something I didn't really want to do anymore and my Pastor and I have been praying for a way out but didn't want it like a sledgehammer blow! How and ever I am still here, got my health and have to stay positive as getting depressed and doing nothing is a waste of life. Got a lot of things that need doing which I'm trying not to be overwhelmed by. Its Satan at play I know it is as I have been trying harder to practice my faith!

To add a layer. I wonder if also heaven is the same for us all. Is your heaven going to be the same as mine? God is fair, so if someone follows the word all their lived then they will receive greater rewards than say a mass murderer. Think of the parable of the vinyard. Also 1 Corinthians discusses how works will be tested and rewards given accordingly. Which would suggest some get a "better" heaven than others. Its an interesting topic for sure

Interesting. Although I wonder if there is a point where knowledge becomes too much? Rhetorical question but one that the Silicon valley people are trying to answer. For those of you who don't know there is a race to go from AI, like Chatgpt etc, to AGI (Artificial General Intelligence) which will be ultimately more intelligent than any human and then put that into a robot! It really could be like the Terminator film. Who is to say that these super intelligent robots won't realise that they have no need for us! I'm not trying to scare monger. I find it all fascinating but like anything it will be made with good intentions but some will use it for evil. Someone at chuch mentioned the wheel. One of the most brilliant inventions of all time, but I could cite hundreds of examples of it being used for evil. Satan will always find a way to corrupt the best of intentions