amazingrace

Well, whatever it was, I think we can all agree that Paul was humbled by it, submitted to the Lord in the matter, and used it as an object lesson for others to learn from, and in the process, God was glorified.

Yes, the Greek does indicate a physical affliction. And yes, it has been mentioned, that it was probably a physical problem... and most likely a visible physical problem, seeing as how some that Paul wrote to did not reject him on account of it. Nevertheless, because of Paul's eloquence in referring to his affliction as being from the devil, there are now, and always will be those who try to make his thorn in the flesh spiritual. How about this in its simplicity.... Paul's physical affliction was most likely a painful, permanent disability as a result of having been beaten and stoned and left for dead ... who did this to him? Well... the enemies of God ... men who wanted to stop Paul from advancing the gospel message ... so whether they knew it or not, they were doing Satan's work. (But Paul did know who was behind it).

HUH?

Here's a clue no one has mentioned (at least I dont recall reading it): Galations 4: 13 You know because of physical infirmity I preached the gospel to you at the first. 4:14 And my trial which was in my flesh you did not despise or reject, but you received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus. 4:15 What then was the blessing you enjoyed? For I bear you witness that, if possible, you would have plucked out your own eyes and given them to me. Whatever the infirmity was, they did not reject him on account of it (i.e. he was not unclean... leper or discharge). In fact, they seemed to have compassion on him, to the degree that they would have given him their own eyes if they could. This seems to insinuate that his infirmity had something to do, at least in part, with his vision. Taking this along with the other passage that in the Greek indicates that his infirmity had to do with being beaten about the eyes, I think we come as close as possible to what his infirmity was... something to do with his eyes, or his vision ... or maybe even severe headaches manifesting in the eyes ... like migraine? I get migraines that feel like I am being stabbed in the eye with a sharp stick.

Keep an open mind, but dont let your brains fall out. Wigglesworth came to fame in the 1930's in England. He has been a 'hero' to such notables as Rodney Howard-Browne (a promoter of the "Holy Laughter" movement). It is Wigglesworth's techniques, not his faith, that deserves scrutiny.

I have been a fan of Spurgeon for a few years. Although I havent read a lot of his writings, I consider him to be a true hero of the faith. While his live was punctuated by pain and difficulties, he remained faithful to the Lord, using the lessons of his own suffering to minister to others in their pain. Here is a quote of his (not word for word, as I dont remember it exactly, but the meaning remains untarnished): "I never learned one half so much of God's grace when I was well, as I did on my bed of pain".

I will never be convinced that God has not assigned an angel to watch over me.

Think he'll pose with the bottle? Sorry, I couldnt resist.

Since they didnt all disappear on the same day, is it safe to assume we weren't left behind?

actually, that is referring to the 1000 year MK---which biblically is before the new heavens and new earth, according to revelation 20, compared to 21 and 22. but, there are trees, and there are fruit, and there is water, and there are people. AND---THERE IS A LAMB---- now, what is his name..... Check out Isaiah 11:1-10

We can expect to see animals in the new earth. The Bible tells us that the lion will lie down with the lamb, and babes will play by the viper's den.

Maybe no one is interested in attacking.

Mark, better Bible scholars than you would disagree. Here are the words of Matthew Henry: [II Sam 12:23 "Now, wherefore should I fast?" Two things checked his grief:-- 1. "I cannot bring him back again"; and again: "He shall not return to me." Those that are dead are out of the reach of prayer; nor can our tears profit them. 2. "I shall go to him." Firstly, to him to the grave. Note, The consideration of our own death should moderate our sorrow at the death of our relations. Secondly, To him to heaven, to a state of blessedness which even the Old Testament saints had some expectation of. This may comfort us when our children are removed from us by death, they are better provided for, both in work and wealth, than they ever could have been in this world. We shall be with them shortly, to part no more. ] This is all I have to say about this.

If there was, I missed it. But then, I miss a lot of stuff

Mark, I am very glad that is only your opinion, and not God's. Just as David expressed his certainty of seeing his infant son again, I have every hope of being reunited with my children. II Samuel 12:22 "But now he is dead; why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me."

The 20 years old and above is not about accountablity, it refers to those numbered for war: Numbers 1:2-3 Take a census of all the congregation of the children of Israel, by their families, by their father' houses, according to the number of names, every male individually, from twenty years old and above--all who are able to go to war in Isreal. You and Aaron shall number them by their armies. Census of eleven tribes were taken in this manner. But none of the Levites were included in this census: Numbers 1:49 Only the tribe of Levi you shall not number, nor take a census of them among the children of Israel. The Levites were counted in a separate census from the age of one month: Numbers 3:15 Number the children of Levi by their fathers' houses, by their families; you shall number every male from a month old and above. Now, when the Jews were afraid to enter the Promised Land as conquering warriors and, as a consequence had to wander in the desert for 40 years, the Levites were not included in that judgement (because they were exempt from the census for war) Numbers 14:29 The carcasses of you who have complained against Me shall fall in this wilderness, all of you who where numbered, according to your entire number, from twenty years old and above. So you see, the twenty years and above is not about accountability... its about being able to go to war. But as far as accountabilty goes, I am inclined to think it is not a set age, but rather that it is different for each individual. Consider God's last words to Jonah: Jonah 4:11 And should I not pity Nineveh, that great city, in which are more than one hundred and twenty thousand persons who cannot discern between their right hand and their left--and much livestock?

I really enjoy sudoku. There are places online where you can get puzzles for free.

You did the right thing, and in her heart of hearts your friend knows it too. I could not help wondering what kind of friend expects another to become an accomplice in her duplicity? I think by asking this she might have been seeking approval for her actions? Naturally she would be disappointed that you would not compromise your values in this way. On the other hand, she now knows that she can count on you for the truth even when it hurts. I am not sure I would seek out her friendship, but I wouldn't cross her off my prayer list.

No, he cant, but he is a master of deception. Divination...attempting to foretell the unknown by occult means...is one of his great deceptions. Through his trickery some people are convinced that they possess these special powers, and convince other people to believe that they can be helped in some way by consulting them. Some of these practioners receive help from 'familiar spirits'. The Bible talks about them. The Bible is very clear about using magic, witchcraft, divination, astrology, charmers, consulters, mediums, enchanters, necromancy, soothsaying, sorcery etc. to obtain forbidden or hidden knowledge which God has not yet revealed. These sorts of practices are an abomination to the Lord (see Deut 18:11) and were punishable by death (Lev 20:6, 27). Numerology (which includes the 'bible codes') is divination.

Satan is behind divination.

I will repeat the same answer I aways give. The "Bible Codes" is divination re-packaged for Christian consumption. It is a doctrine of demons.

The Jewish year is based on 360 days, using the 30-day cycle of the moon for 12 months, rather than 365 day in a year. When you calculate it out over the centuries, you see how they have many more years than those who use the 365-day system.

mimilana, from what you have described with your boyfriend, there is much more to be concerned with than just his faulty theological slant ... although that in itself is serious. This man appears to be manipulative and controlling. Has he 'punished' you yet for your mistakes? .... silent treatment? off-sides remarks regarding how you choose to worship if it differs from him? overt criticism? anger that seems to come from nowhere, for no apparent reason... and then just as suddenly, he acts as if nothing ever happened? Do his attempts at 'humor' have a cutting edge? As soon as you change to suit him, does he change the rules?... keeping you always off-balance and on-guard... being careful what you say or how you say it in order to keep him from being angry? confusing you with saying something, and then claiming that that is not what he said? even arguing with you even when you actually agree with him? When he said he was Christian, was it after you declared your faith in Christ? Does it ever seem as is he playing a role, saying/being what he thinks someone else wants him to be in order to impress them? Do you usually only do what he wants to do, when he wants to do it... and when you do do what you want, is he enjoying himself, or is it grudgingly? Does he ever criticise or express disapproval of your friends, or the time you spend with them? Do you find yourself parroting him, instead of expressing your own thoughts? "John thinks (rather than I think)" Does it ever seem as if he uses his "superior" knowledge of Scripture or theology or world history or politics or whatever you are discussing, to belittle you? My dear, if you recognize even one of these behaviors in him it should send up a red flag, and if you continue the relationship, proceed with caution, because I can tell you from experience, this is a toxic personality. Sooner or later, you will lose sight of who you are, not knowing where you stop and he begins ... and you will not be happy about it, but you will have convinced yourself that the problem is with you, and that if you try harder you can please him. I apologize if this has caused you any grief at all. Please believe me when I say I am speaking out of true concern for you. May God guide you.

When one is in the will of God, one has peace within even if there is chaos all around. As for knowing if/when God has spoken instead of just our own imagination or the result of bad pizza... again, there is peace within. I like what Leonard said... "you know in your knower". Some of it is obvious. For instance, if a voice or in a dream, 'God' tells me where to find secret stones in my back yard that will give me special information, new revelations about Him ... is this really from God? Not likely. Yes, staying in the word, in prayer, in praise and worship, and in fellowship with other believers, and keeping close to the Lord Jesus will keep us from making mistakes and from being deceived or deceiveing ourselves.