Triple Crown

Hmmmmmmmm Let's see , Well, the simplest answer I could give would be "because He does". But in fairness, that would only be speaking of the absolute certainty that I have that He exists. For many years I searched out "answers" to many of the questions that arise when it comes to God and those who have inhabited this planet before us. Everything from ancient races to extra-terrestrials right through the study of other "religions" trying to find out the big "what is going on here!?!?" These explorations and studies still always left questions unanswered that could only be answered with "theories" or "speculation". I was not looking for "possibilities", I needed FACTS. But the difference for me I guess was that I held a belief in God in my heart the whole time. I was just on a mission trying to connect everything in life as we know it to have it make sense to me. I know that God let me wear myself out searching, and I continually asked His forgiveness, as I was not doubting Him, just trying to understand better. And then my clarity came, and with it, my peace about it. What I came to realize was that it was my ego that demanded answers for everything. Being of a rational mind, and from a semi-intellectual family, I assumed that EVERYTHING had a definite answer. My realization was that some things in this life simply defy explanation. Not everything can be proven, regardless of the scientific or philosophic "theory" used to prove or disprove anything. I then began to look around me at nature, the sky, animals, birds, the stars, my hands, my eyeballs, and on and on and on. The utter perfection of life, it's rhythms, and it's systems are so absolutely indescribable and intricate, it simply cannot be some act of random happenings. God made this world, and us, and everything else that goes with it. Because we choose to question this gift does not make Him go away or any less credible for that matter. But when we think we are smart enough to comprehend EXACTLY who and what God is, and explain it, we are just so absolutely incapable. When Christ returns and brings us home to our Father in Heaven, and we eventually see "what eye has not seen and ear has not heard", only then will we know the truth. I pray you peace, mercy, and grace on your quest for the answer to your question. in His service TC

This is a post that I am asking specifically for a personal opinion from anyone who may have one on the subject, but only under the condition that they post it then leave the subject to others to do the same. I do this in an attempt to prevent my post from spiraling into the usual endless, dragged on debate about who's right on the matter and who's not. I'm looking for personal input/viewpoint NOT debate. So please, I pray your consideration of my request to refrain from re-posting to counterpoint anyones opinion. My question is about a line in 2 Peter 4 Recently I was quite shocked to converse with someone who professed to have had someone in their family undergo an exorcism. Honestly, Gods' mercy and protection has kept me from being anywhere near that kind of thing my entire life so I could not relate to this persons belief and conviction about the matter. I don't bother spending much time fixating on "evil spirits", "ghosts", or anything else of the sort. My eyes and my belief stay on Christ, who is my King and my strength. I despise the vile and filthy name of Satan, my sworn enemy, and I will fight him and his deceptions until the day I draw my last breath. That being said. Some believe that since the 1/3rd of the angels that rebelled with Lucifer are certainly far outnumbered in the context of the worlds modern population numbers, that the belief that there is a "personal" evil spirit who hounds each of us is even harder to support. My only thought about it was that if true, it certainly wouldn't take more than a whisper in some peoples ear to get them thinking in the wrong direction, human nature could do the rest of the evil work for them. But my Scriptural stance, based on 2 Peter 2:4, keeps coming back to me... 4 For if God did not spare the angels who sinned, but cast them down to hell and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved for judgment; So if indeed these rebellious angels have been "incarcerated" lets say, do you feel that Satan is working alone in the world ? Or does this "evil spirits" viewpoint hold any credibilty when held up to Scripture? Grace and peace to you all in Christs' beautiful name TC

ElijahSK, Forgive me if I have missed it in this post but would you be able to share with us what you're repetitive sin was? Grace and peace to you all in His service TC

Hello AK, Thank you so much for your post, it was very helpful. Would you mind also doing the Greek translation (literal) of verses 9 & 10 here for me please? ( 2 Corinthians 12: 9,10) I would truly appreciate it! in His service TC

GentleGiant , Thank you so very much for posting the article --------------- What About Paul's Thorn in the Flesh? ---------------------- Very thorough, concise, and well presented material. God's Blessing to you my brother in His service, TC

In my reading this morning I was drawn to these verses and saw them a little differently than I had any time I've read them before. I was curious what others understand Pauls' "thorn" to be that's stated here? 2 Corinthians 12:7-9 7 And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. 8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 9 And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Blessings, in His service TC

Hello Anna, I am another here who can relate to your problem firsthand. Shyness in all of the areas you mentioned troubled me also when I was younger, right up into my 20's. Where it was problematic for me was that I became a musician, who faced crowds full of strangers all the time for a living. In 30 years of playing music I faced thousands upon thousands of people but I made it through. I felt as helpless as you do, but somehow the Lord worked it out in my life and I know he will in yours. I agree with Micah68 in that a work in you is underway, you just need to trust and be patient. We are not all extroverts and some of us just need a little more time then others to get comfortable in social situations, etc... Remember Psalm 27:14 Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD! Even Moses needed Aaron to speak for him Just please stop thinking that there is something "wrong" with you because there's not. Shyness is not a disease, it's a trait. I'm a firm believer that Satan can sometimes mess with us purposely when he knows God has some fantastic plan in store for you. If he's allowed to hold you back (using your own thinking), you might not fight to get to where you need to be. I say this as an encouragement to you, knowing that considering that fact you might try twice as hard to overcome it. I've seen some incredibly shy people go on to be dynamic, outgoing, effective people, and I'm sure you will too. You're young, just keep going, keep trying, you'll be fine !!! Look to God, do not take your eyes off Him, and He will strengthen you Peace and strength to you Anna in His service, TC

Beautiful post Raj Check this link out also.......... Age of the Earth God bless in His service TC

Thank you so much for saying this apothanein kerdos!!!! I'm am so thankful to God for your truthful insight on the matter Peace to you my brother God Bless in His service, TC

1 John 4:1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world Paul warned us against the deception which comes through demonic influence (1 Timothy 4:1). John also cautioned us to test the spirits and to distinguish the spirit of truth from the spirit of error (1 John 4:1-6). "Satan's demonic forces are at work attempting to pollute your mind with lies in order to keep you from walking in the truth. There are the voices of evil and deceiving spirits, who lie in wait to entrap every traveler entering these higher regions of spiritual life. . . . These spiritual enemies, whoever or whatever they may be, must necessarily communicate with us by means of our spiritual faculties (speaking in tongues), Due to the deceptive nature of his impressions, Satan's voice may not always be detected objectively. " God Bless TC

Hi Josh, I went to the bands site for you and checked it out. They are in my opinion a band I would have nothing to do with myself. To start, there is a pentagram (5 sided star, Satan's calling card) right there on the home page(to the left). Other things bothered me about it, like their including their astrological (horoscope) signs on their personal bio's and especially the lead singers comment about the "blood of Christ and flesh of Christ" being his favorite food and drink. I think his intention is sarcastic, but to flexible Christians this might seem like he's saying he's a Christian.....HE'S NOT !!!! They are a secular band doing what secular bands do for the dark one. Distracting people (and kids) away from God...plain and simple. Your instinct about them (The Holy Spirit helping you) was right, don't darken your mind with that junk. Let me know if you need any more help brother Peace to you in His service TC

25??? Seriously, NO!!!!!! "Old" can be a "relative" term to many. Very few as they get older will say that they are "old". It isn't until we are old enough to not care about whether or not we are "old" that we'll admit it we are I guess. At 43 I wouldn't say I'm "old", maybe "older" but still very young. You are a "babe" by lifes measurement, relax. Hope that helps??? Peace to you God Bless TC

"Imperfect people trying to translate perfect words" I was shocked the first time I heard someone say this to me in a debate about doctrine. Though insulted at first, it began to sink in and really got me thinking. Eventually bringing about a change for me the more I prayed on it. I am saddened by denominational debate and division as it always brings about a "We're better than they are", "I'm closer to God than you are", "We understand the Bible better than they do", "you're going to Hell I'm not" mentality. It is modern man who created denominational differences and Satan who continues to stress the importance of them. Jesus, nor the apostles preached denomination anywhere in the Scriptures to my recollection? Our own egos and the need to have God defined "our way" perpetuates these divisions. We all think we're right, we all have our theories... God speaks "personally" to us all. etc, etc, blah blah blah. But honestly, if Jesus Only Charasmatics claim God "speaks" to them, and Protestants claim God "speaks" to them, and Catholics claim God "speaks" to them, is one of them lying necessarily? How would we know who? Hmmmmmmmm. Do you think honestly when Jesus comes out of the clouds He's going to say "OK, you Protestants....stay right where you are, you're not going anywhere !!! I think not. I don't think he'll care who's pew or living room you worshipped in as long as you "Loved the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind" "imperfect people trying to translate perfect words" A beautiful, humbling statement everyone should consider once in a while. For the record I believe the Bible is the infallible Word of the living God, delivered through the prophets (of whom John the Baptist was last), there is one salvation for our souls, the blood of Jesus Christ, and that enlightenment is through the indwelling Holy Spirit (not man). Modern man has opinions and views on the Scriptures, not infallible opinions and views, he did not write them............remember that. This was not posted to be confrontational but just so another "point of view" might be considered that was not so "inclusive". Peace to you all in His service TC

Charlie, I keep being drawn to your posts and read them with much curiosity. In a previous post I had signed off with "have fun with your game" as I wasn't sure if indeed you were playing one. You know, poking the Christians to see how far you could push them until they snapped back or contradicted the "peace" that they are purported to possess. But the more I read your posts the more I begin to wonder if your are really seeking God, and REALLY trying to understand what Jesus is about? Some people love to debate about matters of faith endlessly, I'm honestly not one of them. This is only because there reaches a point where it must become conjecture and that is where I lose interest. No one can have a definitive answer to "what does heaven look like?", "is there really going to be a rapture?", "did Jesus have blue eyes", etc, etc ,,etc... I have heard incredibly intelligent arguments, supported by Scripture on both sides of the issue, and it still came down to a "I believe blah blah blah and I'm right.....no you're wrong I believe blah blah blah so I'm right. You know what I mean? Christianity has this interesting dynamic of both uniting, and completely dividing the very same people. Reading religious literature other than the Bible will give you one writers view on something, but it doesn't necessarily make it fact. Denominational, doctrinal differences alone make it impossible to discern what "truth" really is. It must come down to us (you), your Bible, and prayer. There is no crash course or cliffs notes on how to get it quicker. It is a lifelong pursuit. The million dollar question here is have you accepted Christ as your savior yet? (Said the prayer of repentance and asked Him(Christ) to come into your heart). Real understanding and application of all you are learning here can not begin until you do this. You can gather all the facts you wish but God can not begin working in your life and answering these questions you have from the inside without your surrender. This is not so you can be "part of the club", but more an act of humbleness, a confession to God that you need Him, and wish Him to be part of your life. I only pray that you would do this because given your intellect I'm sure God would love to have someone like you to work through. This experience is something I and others just can't put into words Charlie, there are no words to describe it. All I can say is that when it begins happening you will no longer believe in coincidence in this life Charlie. You will begin to see the perfection of God's perfect timing and planning at work. I hope you will open your heart my brother If I can be of any help let me know God Bless you Charlie in His service TC

No problem Felix, It was derived from two part summary written by a writer named Margery Wakefield (1991) I posted it because the title of this thread was "What is Scientology?" I have a much longer, more informative explanation of Scientology and the FOOL who is L. Ron Hubbard written by Wakefield also. It is a very revealing read about who he is, how his cult of scientology was started, and exposes the lie about it being compatible with Christianity. It is far too long (16 pages) for me to post here, but I'd provide it in a Word document to anyone who was interested. It is dangerous for young, impressionable people to hear fools like Tom Cruise and John Travolta saying Scientology is "compatible with Christianity". Nothing could be further from the truth, and as a representative of Christ I will never pass on the opportunity to expose this lie. Hope this helped His peace to you in His service TC