seraph

"Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” -2 Corinthians 3:17

Perhaps in some cases at the time of the event the person is traumatized, afraid, and embarrassed to say anything about it... maybe it comes out years later when they have had a chance to heal and gathered some strength... sometimes it just takes one person speaking out against someone that gives others hurt by the same person the courage to speak out with them and isn't necessarily just jumping on the bandwagon of publicity.

I saw that on Facebook as well and shared it. Very moving. I agree... everyone should see it. A few years ago I looked up the meaning of the lyrics for a sign language interpretation and was moved to tears. It was not until this video that I heard the flag was literally held up by patriots, both dead and alive.

It's unbelievable she's not, but I'm not surprised at all... I didn't figure she would be charged. It's shameful.

I just happened to click on this and haven't read through aaallllll the pages, so sorry that I will likely repeat what's already been said. What post said is pretty much my take on it... it wasn't the tattoo specifically, but the expression of pagan worship that was the issue. If we take it to mean we should not mark or cut (i.e. pierce) our bodies, those who have their ears pierced really can't say much against tattoos. Personally, I like tattoos and piercings in general. I know some argue that a tattoo would 'defile' our body/temple (I Corinthians 6:19), but that is an opinion. What one sees as unattractive, another sees as art. Many Christians choose to get a tattoo that declares their faith and expresses their relationship with the Lord. I have designed one expressing the freedom I have found in Christ and truth that I will have a tattoo artist do. I've also heard some who are against tattoos say that people only get them out of pride - to draw attention to oneself. That is the motivation of some. For myself, I do not like being the center of attention, but I do see it as sharing a little bit about who I am and about my faith... people often ask why someone got a particular tattoo or what it means, which can open the door to witnessing to someone who might not otherwise ask. I also see it as sharing art, like I would a photo or a painting... it just happens to be on the skin... permanently.

English is not his first language, so we can be patient trying to understand the actual question. Do you want to know if God can cause demons or people under demonic influence/oppression/possession to have black eyes so that we can identify them and avoid them? I have not seen a demon with my eyes, but I have seen people's eyes change revealing the evil intent inside.

I'm sorry for the loss of your friend. I'm glad you have the comfort that you will see him again.

http://www.cnn.com/2016/06/13/us/orlando-shooter-omar-mateen/index.html In the above link, CNN reported that he had been to the club a few times. Being a gun-free zone, the people in the club were easy targets. At least his father condemned his actions... said he didn't think he had been radicalized. He also said he had been very angry after seeing two gay men showing affection. People who knew him said he was angry and abusive. He had been under investigation related to terrorist ties based on comments he had made but the cases were closed, so he was not under investigation at the time. If there are red flags, what do you do to prevent this? It's so sad that people could be filled with such hate. My prayers are with all those affected by this.

A very useful one for us

I just had a trigger on Wednesday night from a scene in a movie that brought me back to something traumatic... it was very unsettling. What helped me was to be committed beforehand to stop myself from that downward spiral thinking that brings me back into the moment, prayer, thanking and praising God, evaluating circumstances logically, and talking with a trusted, strong Christian.

There is the concern that you can't fully commit, and thus serve, if you're stretched too thin between churches. However, I do not see anything wrong with attending more than one church. My current church (SBC) is where I have been called to serve in ministry. I am not getting the teaching I want or need like I did at my previous church (non-denominational). I have considered attending my old church on Wednesday nights or Saturdays to get the teaching I miss. Because my schedule is so hectic with school, I am just listening to the podcasts of the sermons, and maybe that's a better option for me right now. In addition to that, I've been reading the Bible and doing devotionals with someone else and that has helped tremendously... for the learning and the fellowship. Maybe one could argue you should get everything you need at one church? Pray about it. See where God leads you. The important thing is that you have a fellowship of believers where you can grow in your faith and serve the Lord.

God's promises never fail. However, that doesn't mean God promised you this person... people have free will and can choose to be with someone or not... and sometimes God brings people into your life for a reason but not for ever. Trust God and just pray for His will to be done regarding this whatever that may be.

When people just let "these things just happen," they are usually not following God's will. Love is a choice and an action, not just a feeling. You don't accidentally fall in love... Christians developing feelings for someone they shouldn't should be vigilant in examining themselves so they can see and stop problems from developing. A Christian is not to be unequally yoked with a nonbeliever... a Christian's number one priority should be God, and if their second most important person in their life doesn't share that, there will be problems.

I would say do not go to her with any "moves" or game as that can come across as disingenuous. Pray for God to guide you if this is a relationship you should pursue; if it is something within God's will, then go to her in honesty. Tell her what you just said in your post... that you wanted more to offer her and are still interested in her. Pray for her and ask her to pray about a possible relationship as well. If you both feel led to go forward, make sure you pray together and talk openly to each other and before God.

I do not know of Christians who wear a Hijab as a practice of their Christian faith. I do know some do see it as an issue of modesty and protecting a woman from lustful thoughts; however, even completely covered a woman could be immodest and a man could still lust after her. Culturally, if that is what women wore, I wouldn't see it as a problem. It could be more of a problem to go against the culture and offend others. And not, I'm not talking about being like the world, so please don't go there... one can still be uncompromisingly sanctified and set apart from the world while adjusting their behaviour (within reason) so as to not offend or be a roadblock to someone. There is a difference between doing something out of consideration of someone else and being oppressed by legalism to do something. Like Omega had mentioned, if you, as a Christian, are okay with drinking alcohol but another Christian is offended by it, don't drink alcohol around them. When traveling on mission trips, I have adjusted my clothing to be culturally appropriate and to not offend anyone or when offered food I do not want to eat, I ate it. If a significant other has an issue with what I am wearing, I would change it... not because he is being domineering or I am being weak, but out of consideration for his feelings. Just like we need to consider not offending someone, we need to not be so quick to be offended by things that are different or unfamiliar (like Omega also mentioned in another post about the word Allah). Allah is the Arabic word for the English word God... Allah is not exclusively the god of Islam. Just like English-speaking Christians do not change the word God to something else because some cult twists who God is, Arabic-speaking Christians do not change the word Allah to something else because of Islam.

If you wanted to kill yourself over a breakup with someone, then it's very likely you aren't ready to go into another relationship. Focus on being who God calls you to be and pray for His will and trust He will bring the right person and the right time. Personally, I wouldn't want to use a dating service, but I also don't think there's anything necessarily wrong with a Christian one... just realize it doesn't guarantee who you will meet someone who is a follower of Christ.

I agree with what has already been said, if you are tempted to join in, separate yourself if need be. Preferably, I would pray to be strong against the temptation in order to witness. It can be hard to not join in when we want to be accepted... but would they like you more for joining in and not being your true self, or for standing up and being your true self even when it's difficult? Most people are going to at least respect you for being real and possibly like you even if they disagree with what you believe. Also, keep in mind to what degree you want to be accepted and form friendships with unbelievers as being unequally yoked can cause problems. I have no issue being "friends" on some guarded level with non-christians, but they cannot be my closest friends as we do not share what is most important in my life and should affect every aspect of life - Jesus Christ. I have worked with unbelievers as well... they know my faith without me being "preachy." There are times when they have talked about someone... even when they have a legitimate reason to be angry with someone, I try to show that this is still a person whom God loves and there are reasons for their behavior (not excuses, but reasons). I try to show them my faith in how I treat others, my work ethic, etc. Of course I'm flawed and fail, but I believe my faith - and how God affects my life - comes across as genuine. I will say, what helped lead me to the Lord was the example of some Christians who never witnessed to me with their words, but their behaviour spoke volumes to me.

Rushing into anything without consulting God can bring consequences... we often make poor decisions based on emotions, circumstances, misinformation, etc. The consequences can not just be dismissed when it's a decision that you are to commit to for the rest of you life and you can't just 'change your mind.' Maybe the state of your marital relationship is the consequence of choosing someone that God did not choose for you so you are incompatible, and/or maybe this is a time to endure until God can change things in both your hearts. It's a bit useless at this point to wonder if 'he's the ONE' or dream of someone else because as husband and wife, you are one. Perhaps you are 'not hearing' from God because He has already told you what to do, or not to do, regarding divorce and adultery in His Word. Like has already been stated, God hates divorce... divorce is not permitted for having different expectations/dreams and adultery is never permitted. Something to keep in mind, inciting him to divorce you is still going against God's Word. Nothing is impossible... so I would keep praying for your relationship... regardless if things change or not, be who God has called you to be - as a wife and an individual. I understand it hurts to not have that affirmation from the one who is supposed to cherish you, but if he's not capable or willing to give it at this point, take comfort in how God sees you. More important than if your outward appearance moves him, focus on your inward self and being the wife God wants you to be... perhaps a good example will inspire him, but if not, still be who God calls you to be. I am praying for you and your husband.

Sometimes an abuser is labeled an abuser because they are, in fact, an abuser and the label fits the motivations/actions. Other times, people can't take the truth that, if spoken in love, may hurt but is intended for edification; if they are quick to label the other person as being abusive, they may not examine themselves and miss out on being built up and refined. Regardless of at what point a dialogue digresses and an argument begins, we always have the choice in how to respond. Keep in mind that an abuser is abusive for a reason... it's a symptom but not an excuse. Despite who "started it," we can always pray for them and respond in love, humility, grace, assertiveness, truth, forgiveness, etc. (and sometimes it's necessary to walk away).

I'll ask the pastor about that. It's not "open to the public" to "rent," we allow groups to meet and charge a very minimal usage fee to cover the cost, not to make a profit. Edited to add: I'll ask another day, I was already on the phone with him for 20 minutes

Hawk, my church has other churches meeting on our property, community outreaches, as well as non-Christian groups using our property. I talked with my pastor to ask him about your questions. The churches that meet share the same core doctrines that line up with our SBC church; the Spanish, Chinese, Thai, Persian, and Deaf churches can reach people for Christ that we cannot. One of the churches does believe women should wear skirts but this doesn't create any conflict. All the church groups believe in baptism by immersion; the pastor would not approve of a group baptize by sprinkling as it is not representing the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ (though the church could 'overturn' him). We have many community-focused events that may work with community partners that may not be Christian, but would not support things that go against our beliefs, such as abortion. We have practical outreaches that welcome everyone like parenting classes, community service opportunities, etc. The hope is that they will come to know Christ, of first importance, but also to meet the needs of the community. We have seen many come to Christ through these activities (some are members and being discipled, others are elsewhere). Non-Christians groups may "rent" our facilities In the community, such as the local high school for their talent show or we may partner with a governmental agency for a community service like supervised visitation monitoring. We have the reputation of being the church for the community.... loving not just in words, but in deed and truth... that's a beautiful thing for "the world" to see that in us. Of course, our "ulterior motive" is for them to come to know Christ, and it does bring us the open door to speak to them about the Lord... and we do... and we have seen the fruit from it. Hope this helps with your question.

That's insane! Good for you for standing up!

Absolutely. If we focus on who others say we are or are not we can forget who God says we are.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAGNF8XEq18 No matter who fails you, God never will. "Now behold, today I am going the way of all the earth, and you know in all your hearts and in all your souls that not one word of all the good words which the LORD your God spoke concerning you has failed; all have been fulfilled for you, not one of them has failed." -Joshua 23:14

Nice one.