irishbeast

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

I never thought of pacemakers to be honest! Although (not in all cases) pacemakers can be brought about as a result of a bad lifestyle which has simply evolved over the years. The typical western diet in particular is garbage. Some people can be born with genetic problems, though to be around 15% although precise data is not readily available. I'm pretty sure God didn't want us eating Double XL whoppers with cheese!

I had an interesting discussion with my church family today about Elon Musk and Neuralink. Personally, I think Musk is an incredible innovator—a true gift from God. His work in AI, space travel, and now brain-computer interfaces is undeniably groundbreaking. However, I also wonder if he is unknowingly stepping into playing God territory? Neuralink has the potential to restore mobility, cure neurological diseases, and even bring sight to the blind (though that hasn't happened yet). Sounds amazing but a few points were raised If someone has been blind their entire life, could suddenly gaining sight be overwhelming rather than a blessing? There are real cases where people who regained vision struggled to process the world properly. Could this be more of a burden than a gift? If God has given us the intelligence to develop these technologies, is it wrong to use them? Or is there a point where we cross a line into altering God’s design rather than healing? Could Neuralink be the start of something bigger—where humans try to enhance themselves beyond what God intended, leading us toward something like the Tower of Babel scenario in Genesis 11? I’d love to hear what others think. Should we embrace this technology as part of God’s plan for human progress? Or does it risk becoming an attempt to replace God with human innovation? Looking forward to your thoughts!

Of course our Lord and Saviour was perfect but consider this: In church today one of the guys got up and spoke about how Jesus would have have been perhaps considered a bit of a rebel by today's standards and give some interesting examples. A few from memory . they are mentioned places in the Gospels Refusing to answer questions in court Matthew 26:62-63 and others When questioned by the high priest and later by Pilate, Jesus remained mostly silent, refusing to defend himself against the accusations. Flipping over tables Matthew 21:12-13 and others Jesus entered the temple and overturned the tables of the money changers, driving them out with a whip called them a Den of thieves Breaking Sabbath Rules Mark 2-2:23 and others Jesus healed on the Sabbath and allowed his disciples to pick grain, defying the religious laws of his time. Today, breaking religious laws in favour of compassion and practical needs could be seen as rebellious Associating with "unsavoury characters" Luke 5-29:32 Jesus dined with tax collectors, prostitutes, and sinners, which offended the religious elite. The point of the message was that in this life we should of course be followers of Christ but nobody is perfect, and God will realise that. The timing couldn't be better as I had a week I was not proud off. It put my mind at ease a bit. It doesn't mean a licence to break all the rules but moreso to convey the message that we are only human and have free will, but will never be perfect so don't beat yourself up too much if you break the rules. If you are genuinely sorry (this is important) then repent in prayer. This doesn't a wild card to commit sin every day as you just confess your sins thinking you will be forgiven. God already knows your heart. He's sending messages all the time without people realising. Where does a guilty conscious come from if we are just flesh and bone? Same as feelings of love. Scientists try to understand it but never will as God can do things that transcend our understandings I'm rambling a bit now - Just wanted to share this as is was timely for me and if it helps anyone else it then that's great :)

Really? who knows. I have about 20 tabs open at once so a slip is quite possible!