mike2

Its so tempting to just tune them out and walk away. Its good to have someone like you to remind us not to be selfish with the treasure we have recieved James 3:18 A harvest that has God's approval comes from the peace planted by peacemakers. Merry Christmas mike2

Started reading that and I also watched a video on it and to me it sounds over the moon. If this book was inspired by God why isn't it in the bible. Please don't say men put the bible together, even though this is true they were inspired by God to give us His word. There are plenty of books inspired by God. Lots of the things on this forum (maybe not on this particular thread) are inspired by God. I believe that God brought what He specifically wanted us to know, in the bible. Something like Enoch, could be, in fact, is, considered, by most churchs, to be irrelevant to our seeking God and having a relationship with Him. This a a view I share. I think that before we can look at something like Enoch, we have to have a discerning heart and an understanding that God has already given us everything we need to know, in the bible and on our hearts. I only brought Enoch up because of the talk of fallen angels, not because I believe his writings should be a part of the bible. If God hasnt placed it on your heart to look into it, I wouldnt give it a second glance. I've looked at it, read it- moved on. God bless, mike2

I look at this forum primarily to teach and be taught. God made us to have relationship with Him. The evidence of our relationship with Him is in the relationships we have with others. It is possible to disagree and have very good in depth, thought provoking discusions that may lead us to new understandings. That all goes out the window when we take the love of Christ out of it. If we feel that someone is totally off base with their understanding the WORST thing we can do is insult their ignorance. We should instead stop and PRAY, pray for wisdom through the Holy Spirit that we may come to an understanding. When the disciples recieved the Holy Spirit and started speaking in tongues, it was a sign from God to us, that, no matter the situation, He would provide a way to cross the barriers of communication. If we trust the Spirit we will be able to communicate to others what God is saying. I believe one way or another our conversations with each other is a way to seek a better understanding. To get the best understanding, we must let the Holy spirit work in us. When we argue, is it our Lords Spirit working Or is it us? mike2

There were giants (Nephalim) in the earth in those days and also after that when the sons of God came unto the daughters of men Also after that......after when...? when the sons of god came unto the daughters of men. I don't read it to mean after the flood.... or ....am I missing something ?

Gen 6:1 When man began to multiply on the face of the land and daughters were born to them, Gen 6:2 the sons of God saw that the daughters of man were attractive. And they took as their wives any they chose. Gen 6:4 The Nephilim were on the earth in those days, and also afterward, when the sons of God came in to the daughters of man and they bore children to them. These were the mighty men who were of old, the men of renown. Angels are sometimes refered to as sons of God mike2

See Hebrew 11:5 By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God. He is otherwise refered to in the geneologies (Enoch/Enosh was 8th(?) generation from Adam and great grandfather to Noah) and in Jude where he is qouted as being a prophet -a prophet (the first?) that was around before the flood! Other than that- nothing. The little we are told of Enoch is pretty big stuff. At the risk of distracting one from the authority of the bible, may I suggest reading 1 Enoch You can find it on the internet. It is controversial in that it is considered as canonical in the Ethiopian Church. The first part of Enoch describes the "watchers", angels- also refered to as sons of God. I believe that God didnt want to distract us from seeking Him so He saw fit to have these writings off and away from most people. In fact they were missing until the 1800's- Daniel refered to writings that would be hidden until the end times... hmm It is interesting reading, however, because its not part of the bible, I personally will not take time away from Gods word to be "studying " it.

I believe the first word in verse 27 gives us the direction towards an answer. Paul proclaimed everything he knew of the will of God. Something we quite often dont do. Something we quite often dont learn. I take it to mean that he told everyone he met, that it was always on his mind, and his utmost priority to share it with whoever he met, if anyone he met did not find salvation in Christ- it wasnt because he (Paul) never told them of the Gospel. must have been a lot of christian tentmakers in his time

I believe the first word in verse 27 gives us the direction towards an answer. Paul proclaimed everything he knew of the will of God. Something we quite often dont do. Something we quite often dont learn. I take it to mean that he told everyone he met, that it was always on his mind, and his utmost priority to share it with whoever he met, if anyone he met did not find salvation in Christ- it wasnt because he (Paul) never told them of the Gospel. must have been a lot of christian tentmakers in his time

Sounds like you're trying to schedule God into your life. Maybe you need to spend ALL your time dedicated to God. No, its not impossible. I was listening to Charles Stanley the other day and he was talking about how he could be in a conversation and praying to God at the same time. It could be for strength in the situation, wisdom or whatever. I was doing just that the other night, while refereeing, and almost ate a hockey puck (guess I need more practice) no, not at eating hockey pucks My point is that God wants us all the time, and by having Him constantly on our mind, we are open to the Spirits guidance. I'm having a tough time with my organizing too, I feel really tapped out right now. I know it is because I am in the midst a lot of changes in my life, and I really have to drop some things that are distracting. The other night, after 11 years... I decided to give up refereeing for a while. May God grant you peace and strength, mike2

Femelle Read everything above that you have just written accept start with Dear Lord

Great insight!!

God did not come to earth as a man, Christ came to earth as a man. ( my last post..."May I suggest you read John 1:1 -15. Jesus created everything as well.") 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. 6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. 8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him,[/i] and the world knew him not. I believe God came to earth in Jesus Christ (a man) cardcaptor Posted Aug 25 2007, 11:02 AM QUOTE(whollybybill @ Aug 23 2007, 01:29 PM) God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit are all Gods and separate entities. God is NOT one God with 3 different personalities. Cardcaptor has a body and inside your body is a soul. Your soul (you) is Spiritually influenced, you choose how it will be spiritually influenced We all, have a spirit that influences our souls, and, in the end, our decisions that are manifested in our lives (bodies) Do you believe that you are 3 seperate beings? Body, soul and spirit are all part of us. ALL 3 make up one being We are made in the image of God God - soul the Holy Spirit- spirit the Son- body Like Christ, we too will recieve "heavenly bodies" 1 Col.15:49-52

So basicall the bible contradictes itself read John 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. How then is GOd also man? Unless God is within all of us good and evil as God is a part of God's creation:good and evil Did not God breath life into us. Do you think it was mere wind it was the soul. Our souls can be seen like a river were God is the ocean the water is always finding it's way back the source. Yet we are still water.(the soul) I am at work and although I am my own boss, I am swamped right now. WBB, , I am finding this very interesting but I wont be able to respond till this evening. later, mike2 ! We have a body, We have a soul, we also have a spirit (thoughts and desires) that influences our soul to act certain ways in our bodies. We...are...3 in 1 When our soul (the very essence of you or me) decides to act a certain way because of our spiritual influence, it can become apparent in our bodies (our actions) "How then is GOd also man? Unless God is within all of us good and evil as God is a part of God's creation:good and evil" God is not within ALL of us good and evil. God did not create evil. Evil is the absence of God. Type in Albert Einstein on this forums search and you will find a thread from last year, that retells how Einstein, while in class, described evil... its really good If we accept Him through Jesus Christ, and allow Him, He will be within us and becomes apparent in us If we dont accept Christ and remain sinners, we dont accept Gods Spirit and He is not within us, He may be around us, and in our lives that way, but He will not be within us. We have to invite Him in, He will not force Himself in We look at God as a being that no man has seen,( a soul) We look at his thoughts, his desires he shares with us (His Holy Spirit) And we see it become apparent in His body ( Jesus Christ). He...is.. 3 in 1

So basicall the bible contradictes itself read John 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. How then is GOd also man? Unless God is within all of us good and evil as God is a part of God's creation:good and evil Did not God breath life into us. Do you think it was mere wind it was the soul. Our souls can be seen like a river were God is the ocean the water is always finding it's way back the source. Yet we are still water.(the soul) I am at work and although I am my own boss, I am swamped right now. WBB, , I am finding this very interesting but I wont be able to respond till this evening. later, mike2

I think one of the things that we must always keep in mind, is that, of the many ways that Jesus teaches us, teaching by example is one of them. Just like the story im Mat 15:22, Jesus first refused for a reason, to show others how they were and how they must change. God purposely came to us as a man so that we can relate to all the things He shows us in Jesus Christ. And as a man, Jesus taught us to pray to the Father. God came to us as a man and died for us, because of that, we owe everything to him. May I suggest you read John 1:1 -15. Jesus created everything as well. Jesus is worthy of my worship.

I think it is very important to go to church with an open mind and a willing spirit within yourself. We are going to hear the Word of God spoken. Not just a preacher, the preacher is the telephone in which we are hearing the Word God speaks to us in his Word through His Holy Spirit. When we accept Christ we receive Gods own Spirit that allows us the discernment of his message. You could have a lousy speaker, but God will still be speaking His Word through that speaker You just have to be open to it. It could be something very casually spoken that no one else seems to ring with, but it makes a light go on for you How you respond to that, even if its dancing in the isles, well thats up to you, but it should be for you, and God. Not because that seems to be the way in the church May I suggest that at some time during the service after everyone has settled in and they are busy with what is going on in front, that you take some time to settle your spirit, just, you and God, and allow yourself to let Gods Spirit well up inside you, its already there ( if you have accepted), feel Gods love for you and enjoy the moments of worship and His Word If you can do that, the smallest nugget will be uplifting,... because it was meant for you in Gods love mike2

Deut. 5:8 You shall not make for yourself a carved image I think carving something and worshipping it, is a lot more than trying to imagine what God or Jesus look like. I often wonder and "can only imagine" I cant wait to find out mike2

] I dont know about you, but I start my work week on Monday. I work 5 sometimes 6 days and then I rest. God never says that the work week should start on Sunday, He justs says to rest on the seventh day. I am not trying to belittle what you are saying, because I too sometimes see a little shift now and then that seems to make an ever so slight change towards our being led away from God. And in the whole scheme of things control is what will be the ultimate indication of us coming to the end of the age. A time will come, slowly but surely, when the structure will be in place for one person try to take it from every one. God doesnt want to control us

I am praying for the person that wrote this letter that Gods Spirit of love and truth will guide him to a just and fruitful life, in the Holy and powerful name of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, through whom all things are created and who knows the hearts of all men.

Gen 3:2-3 She knew, God told her This was all done so that we would all be OUT of relationship with God and have to make the pro-active choice to get INTO relationship with Him

I can't argue that. This longsighted American was ambivalent about the war from the get-go. Fact is, we are there and getting out is going to take finesse. All in all, Eisenhower is one of my favorite presidents. He summed it up quite nicely way back in 1953: Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired signifies, in the final sense, a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and are not clothed. This world in arms is not spending money alone. It is spending the sweat of its laborers, the genius of its scientists, the hopes of its children. The cost of one modern heavy bomber is this: a modern brick school in more than 30 cities. It is two electric power plants, each serving a town of 60,000 population. It is two fine, fully equipped hospitals. It is some fifty miles of concrete pavement. We pay for a single fighter plane with a half million bushels of wheat. We pay for a single destroyer with new homes that could have housed more than 8,000 people. This is, I repeat, the best way of life to be found on the road the world has been taking. This is not a way of life at all, in any true sense. Under the cloud of threatening war, it is humanity hanging from a cross of iron. These plain and cruel truths define the peril and point the hope that come with this spring of 1953. People need to start thinking about the cost of war and what could be done if we were not so quick to jump into them. Money, Money, money, money ,money, instead of being spelled m-o-n-e-y, it should be spelled b-l-i-n-d. The way I see it, entry into Iraq was like someone who knew he was going down, so why not go down fighting, only to delay the inevitable. As you have alluded to, our world revolves around the dollar and going into Iraq was a matter of economics (oil) What would happen without the unrestricted flow of oil, or a hostile country controling the market. The U.S. economy is so far in debt that it is not reasonable to think it will continue the way it is. Something is going to give sooner or later. The move into Iraq will only delay it. And, it serves as a catalyst to harden already distant hearts with hate. We have to keep in mind always, how mans time will play out as we are taught in the bible.

Sometimes the seeds do not grow. Sometimes they have a difficult time and sometimes they dont make it to fertile ground. Just because the seed was planted doesnt mean that the work is done, and God will do the rest Himself. Paul talks about the different stages in 1Cor 1 It may very well be that someone has planted the seed in your congregation and someone else is supposed to work with that seed now. If we look at Peter and John in Acts 4:13, it could come from anyone at anytime because it is God at work in us through his Holy Spirit. Acts 3 and 4 really get into the boldness of Christians when we trust God enough to let His Spirit work through us. I would urge you to pray and meditate on God and His word before you make any decision to leave. Often God calls us to do things we are uncomfortable with, if we expect to grow spiritually, we have to be bold. Pray on it and trust the "Helper" to lead you in the right direction. As for suffering for helping someone. God bless you. Most people wont make an effort to help because of what they see happen to people like yourself. Thing is, NO ONE knows what good you may have done. That seed you planted in your help may gestate for years and you or no one else may ever know the positive influence you had..... until we meet Jesus in heaven. Thats what it is all about...reaching out to others in Gods love and sometimes having to take up our own cross as a result. Some people just dont get it in Gods love mike2

You are good, mike2~! Jesus is

Whether we are going about our business or sharing our belief in Christ, we quite often run into people that are simply not thinking the same way we do. The only way we can maintain civility, is to change the subject or just listen to them and really understand (not neccessarily believe) their point of view. Just because I have faith and have accepted Jesus, doesnt mean someone else should instantly get it because I have so eloquently explained it to them. This point goes through any discusion of any topic. I dont know how many times I have read a thread here, only to see it disintegrate into a verbal bashing, and I would like everyone to consider this: TO BASH SOMEONE IN WRITING TAKES PREMEDITATION! It is not a slip of the tongue or a weak moment. In this forum, there is plenty of time to calm down before replying. It is testament to a persons maturity and love of our God when they collect their thoughts and reason. Often I dont even write anything because of the tone in the thread. Having said that I believe the Spirit has moved Giaour. God bless you, and may His Spirit keep you bold. Also I do applaude the facilitators that recognize when this is happening, and address the problem.

Maybe the powers that be in the U.S. want the Iraqis' to have so much $US money that it becomes the national dollar. What would that do to Irans' desire or the region for that matter to trade their oil in Euros. In an effort to keep the$US afloat the oil has to be traded in $US, hence everything happening over there. Whats a few billion when the economy is about to collapse? If this is true, it sure looks like a last ditch effort. Imagine what will happen if (when) the worlds biggest economy collapses. Talk about hell on earth!