George

Tis okay ...we love to have discussions in love ... and heated ones ... and if there was a situation whereby I removed something ... I would place a note within the post itself ... oftentimes send a Private Message ... and certainly a private message if I banned you from a thread. And we don't ban people easily ... we may regulate their posting at times, but we certainly don't want to shut down the dialogue -- even with the most hardened of atheists!

Actually, moderators have a series of checks and balances as well. And you are not BANNED from any thread ... your posts are simply reviewed because of past behavior. God bless, George

Nobody gets banned ... they are restricted as to where they can post if they are not truly having a dialogue. If they are simply stirring the pot so to speak, we move them to an area whereby they can have discussions with seasoned believers in the faith.

I don't ever recall any of your posts having that issue on Worthy. Whatever took place on another forum ... we run things a bit differently here.

I moved your question out of Worthy Q&A ... it's not a post and reply area ... more of a question then lots of answers and people can vote what they believe is the best answer ... or lower answers if they believe it's bad. I moved your question out of Worthy Q&A -- into Have a question ... now you can reply to my reply.

Shalom Natesute, I'm glad you made it to Worthy! Listen, for me, faith is not a blind faith ... but a reality. It's fairly simple. You look around and see the complexities of life ... you realize that scientists still haven't figured out the human body in its entirety ... and in every cell is DNA which holds enough information of roughly 1.5 gigs ... and the information in DNA within a body would store 150 trillion gigs of information! A TRILLION ... in zeros is ... 150,000,000,000,000. So it's obvious there is a DESIGN ... for what is created in the world without a DESIGNER? So within the concept of a DESIGNER ... you come to the realization what DESIGNER would create such complexities ... without leaving a guide ... or a means by which we're to function? So you come to the realization ... with a DESIGNER ... comes a REALITY ... a DESIGNER would create a GUIDEBOOK for His Design. The Bible details the functions of the designer ... and how the design became flawed ... while most look at the Bible as "do's and don'ts" it's misunderstood ... as its a means of how to live. For example, as a parent ... I tell my kids, Don't play in the STREET! Is it because I don't want them to play in the street ... not at all ... I want them to play, but play in a safe environment! That is what a good parent does! This is all the Bible describes ... a lifestyle that FREES those who live by it, not with rules, but a framework whereby they can TRULY enjoy life and all its splendor without suffering the ramifications of trying to live outside its guidelines! Next, the Bible describes the ultimate plan of God, to restore His Design back to when it was flawless when He first created it! So right now, you're in the midst of a plan of God ... and the plan of God is to restore you completely and fully! The issue that mankind has to deal with is the fact that mankind is not perfect ... not even close to it! So how does God allow an imperfect being ... to enter His Perfect restoration ... if He allowed it ... the restoration He's promised would become imperfect. Thus He sent His Son ... to be the substitute ... to replace our imperfection ... with His PERFECTION ... so that the REALITY of the future is God's plan to restore everything that became corrupted ... so now we're in the midst of a TEST. There's ONLY one requirement to pass the test ... it's not complicated. When you come to such a simple plan of salvation ... it's not complicated ... but for some ... it's too simplistic ... why would God make it so easy? Simple ... because as the great designer He wants all to enter into what He truly has prepared for His creation! Come to the realization that you are not perfect ... and simply say to God -- I'm a sinner ... fallen short of your perfection, and I believe you sent Your Son, Jesus to be my Lord and Savior and I am trusting that You will save me, not based on who I am, but based on who You are! I believe as Jesus was resurrected from the dead ... that you will resurrect me as well and I want to turn from my sin and try to live a holy life for your glory! As C.S. Lewis wrote in the Chronicles of Narnia in the last chapter, "And as He spoke He no longer looked to them like a lion; but the things that began to happen after that were so great and beautiful that I cannot write them. And for us this is the end of all the stories, and we can most truly say that they all lived happily ever after. But for them it was only the beginning of the real story. All their life in this world and all their adventures in Narnia had only been the cover and the title page: now at last they were beginning Chapter One of the Great Story which no one on earth has read: which goes on forever: in which every chapter is better than the one before." This is simply the beginning ... it's a ONE QUESTION TEST ... with ONLY ONE ANSWER ... the choice is yours. God bless, George

Isaiah 59:17,19 For He put on righteousness as a breastplate, And a helmet of salvation on His head; He put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, And was clad with zeal as a cloak. So shall they fear The name of the Lord from the west, And His glory from the rising of the sun; When the enemy comes in like a flood, The Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him. Romans 13:12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Over the past week, the possibility of war in the middle east has grown significantly. Over the past week, the United States has increased its military presence in the region -- and the rhetoric between the United States and Iran has only intensified. Meanwhile, Israel may very well be caught up in the midst of it all ... and find itself at war. Meanwhile, we believers – we've been at war since we came to faith! "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Thus Paul instructed us in Ephesians. We fight against the kingdom of Satan. We fight with spiritual weapons; prayer, the Word of God, faith in His truth and His power– these are not carnal weapons but spiritual. We are seated in the heavenlies with Him [Ephesians 1:20], and in His authority, we make our stand. The enemy's weapons are temptations, fiery darts of doubt and disbelief, discouragement, weariness, earthly pleasures. Thus the enemy distracts us from and disarms us in the battle position. But what soldier goes to war without taking the equipment necessary for war? A soldier on the battlefield without his weapons is useless and helpless and in great danger. So it is in the spiritual realm. We need to actively take up our spiritual armor and weapons to fight the enemy. And we have this promise -- when the enemy comes in -- like a flood the Spirit of the Lord shall raise up a standard against Him! Are you ready to make your stand in this day? Now, today, war is a very real threat in the physical realm – but it's already been here for millennia in the spiritual realm. So by all means necessary take up the armor of God today – stand with Him in faith and win your battle, one day at a time -- win the battle over your thoughts and your actions. YHVH Tz'vaot, "The LORD of Hosts" is with you, to strengthen, equip, and overcome; and His victory is assured! The post Prepare for War! appeared first on Worthy Christian Devotional - Daily Devotions. Read the entire devotional.

We love to discuss ... however, we won't tolerate any personal attacks on an individual. Welcome to Worthy! God bless, George

I removed a few personal attacks from this thread. Please refrain from personally attacking ANYONE.

Philippians 2:6-8 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Tonight we'll participate in the Independence Day celebration in Israel -- and what a party! -- shows, fireworks, music, dancing, everything under the sun! But interestingly, today is a very solemn one; Israel's Memorial Day, commemorating all the soldiers who died protecting the nation's birth and continued existence. All the major television stations stopped airing their programs for twenty-four hours in honor of these men and women. At different times during the day, long loud sirens wailed all throughout the Land. Wherever anyone was as the sirens sounded, the entire population stopped whatever they were doing — even standing still on the highways, to give honor to the fallen soldiers. The dedication and camaraderie among Israelis are just amazing to witness and take part in. I have traveled many places and I've never seen anything like it. This juxtaposition of two of Israel's national holidays speaks powerfully of the gospel. Messiah's death purchased our freedom from sin and eternal damnation. We've often heard and been reminded of the cost paid for our independence by soldiers who gave their lives defending our nation. It is a beautiful and precious thing to remember when you think of the value of human life and the blessing of individual freedom. Yet our Lord willingly laid down His life for our eternal freedom and joy in a New Creation. How much more should we give honor to His sacrificial death and then...celebrate the astounding destiny He has bestowed on us! Read the entire devotional.

There is no need. I just wanted you to know how we live good discussions. But discussions that get overly heated ... usually do so when someone gets offended. It gets personal. Then it's no longer a discussion amongst family members ... but a heated argument with people behind a computer. I'm often wondering if these debates would get so heated if people were looking at one another at the dinner table.

I realize that you are new ... and this is the first time I've seen you reported. But we try to debate the subjects ... not the person. Keep posting Scripture ... to show your viewpoint ... and let the Word prove your point.

Sure ... in the forums, there is a person that came on as a Catholic. I personally called him on the phone and explained that he was more than welcomed at Worthy. I asked him to take part in a "Soapbox" debate forum. Most Catholics are Post-Trib ... and don't believe in the rapture. So I placed him in a soapbox debate ... with a woman -- a wife of a pastor to debate the timing of the Rapture. Why? First, I used his male ego against him by having him debate a woman. Secondly, I didn't want him to deal with a "salvational" issue ... but rather something obscure so that he was forced to read his Bible. I told him I'd be more than willing to help him with any issue in the debate ... after a month or so ... he started doubting what the Catholic church was teaching ... because he was seeing the truth in the Bible! Within a few weeks, he came to salvation. The next part was tricky since his wife was also a Catholic. Basically, he was so zealous -- it was turning her off ... so I just told him -- have the passion without the words -- win your wife by your conduct. After a few weeks, she came to faith along with his entire family. A few years later ... I made him a moderator at Worthy. He stayed in the position for a few years until he started his Pastoral classes. And now he's an ordained minister. So this is someone who I didn't try to convince "Catholicism" is wrong, but rather ... knowing that the Lord has a way of recovering someone in error ... usually by His Word. I never approached it from the perspective of why it was wrong ... but rather showed him the truth so much ... he could easily see the counterfeit!

We have the "Oy Vey" which is similar -- means dismay or grief. What happens is that people will form "cliques" and actually start targetting an individual ... sad to say it's happened in the past and I'm cautiously watching. Just so you know ... when a post is reported x number of times ... it's autohidden by the software. This is why it's important to report. For those who have "abused" this in the past in a clique we can also disable abuse of the report feature on any individual. As far as moderation is concerned ... usually the person offended ... is the one that reports a post. God bless, George

Matthew 6:34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. When I first gave my life to the Lord, like many of us, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. If God would have shown me, at that time, all the things that would have to change about me, I think I would have gone running for dear life! Now, here we are, in Israel, a whirlwind of events going on around us, a growing ministry, all the trials you can imagine in relating to a different culture, language, etc. Ha! If you would have shown me this picture back in the days of my rebellion, I think I would have laughed my head off in unbelief! But that is the Lord's way. God is a gentleman. He doesn't show us more than He feels we need to know. He knows that we are weak and He's merciful enough not to give us more than we can handle. He desires for us to lay our worries upon Him and trust Him for our future. God has not given us the power to overcome all the problems we have yet to face. He has given us only the power to overcome what faces us today! Just as the children of Israel could collect only enough manna for one day, the power God gives us to face our trials -- it only comes one day at a time. God has so many wonderful adventures ahead for us who love Him and are called according to His purpose -- and He will surely give us the strength to endure the trials we'll face with each adventure. Let's trust Him only for today's trials -- and let Him worry about the rest! The post Don't be overwhelmed with tomorrow! appeared first on Worthy Christian Devotional - Daily Devotions. Read the entire devotional.

Mat 24:6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled, for all these things must occur; but the end is not yet. Just realize that it's actually a command by Jesus ... to not be troubled. Take comfort in the fact ... we've read the end of the book!

Judaizers is only used one time in the New Testament. This is the definition by Baker's Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology. Take it for what it is. https://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionaries/bakers-evangelical-dictionary/judaizers.html

There are a lot of GREAT answers. My hope is that Worthy is a place where believers can come, be refined, and grow with one another in the Lord ... because NONE of us have even come close to ARRIVING. If you think so ... Remember what Paul said, 1 Corinthians 8:2 And if any man thinks that he knows any thing, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know. So WHY there are disagreements -- NOT IN LOVE ... as Proverbs 13:10 says, "Only by pride comes argument, but with those who take advice is wisdom." This word PRIDE used in this verse is such an interesting word in Hebrew. It's only used 11 times in the entire Old Testament and also has been translated as arrogance, and presumptuously. So think about WHY you are posting on Worthy ... and that will DETERMINE HOW you will post on Worthy. If you are posting ... to GROW and BE REFINED ... you will post in love and humility knowing that IRON sharpens IRON. For who PURPOSELY OFFENDS a brother if you realize that when you do so -- YOU WILL BUILD BARRIERS. Proverbs 18:19 A brother offended is like a strong city; and their disagreements are like the bars of a fortress. If you are posting to CORRECT and ADMONISH all those you believe are WRONG then you are posting from a viewpoint of SPIRITUAL PRIDE ... and the forums will BRING OUT THE WORST in YOU! Remember Paul's instruction to Timothy, 2Ti 2:24 And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, 2Ti 2:25a correcting his opponents with gentleness. This is how we are to touch one another ... and discuss topics ... to sharpen one another in love! Who does the work of correction ... ? 2 Tim 2:25b God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, 2Ti 2:26 and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will. That God does the REAL work of correction ... and maybe it'll be by YOUR WORDS and ACTIONS! God bless, George

Welcome to Worthy! Basically we live by the golden rule ... No personal attacks ... and we like to have discussions in love, God bless, George

Daniel 6:10 Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime. Let's consider Daniel for a moment. Here is one of the great rulers of the Persian empire, in charge of the King's affairs and of the affairs of the entire government. If anyone is really busy -- it's Daniel! But in spite of all this responsibility, he makes it a point to set himself apart from the world and pray three times a day. This really struck me. I mean, how busy are we -- really? And busy doing what? So my conclusion: If we are neglecting to meet personally with our God, then we're simply doing more than He intended! Let's keep our priorities in order and be a people of prayer! There is so much work to be done, but not at the expense of our most important relationship. The post Busy, busy, busy! appeared first on Worthy Christian Devotional - Daily Devotions. Read the entire devotional.

Just so you know ... this is a topic that comes up VERY OFTEN! I did several threads on it.

Shalom everyone, I'm curious ... what do you BELIEVE is the BEST way to RECOVER someone who you believe is in ERROR? I'm doing a forum test ... to see who really understands how to reach someone ... whom you believe is WRONG! Do I have any takers? God bless, George

Shalom GimpyGeek, Honestly, the very best method is letting the Bible interpret itself! But remember that in the voice of 2 or more witnesses is a truth established. So you find a passage and then do a cross-reference search of that same passage. For example, let's say you wanted to know what John 1:1 said. In the Beginning was the Word ... I would use a Cross Reference bible ... such as ... https://www.openbible.info/labs/cross-references/ So then you type it in John 1:1 -- and you get like 20 verses ... read those verses ... and then cross reference into more depth. Remember that the Bible will not CONTRADICT itself ... the contradictions you find is actually in the means of "interpreting" what is being stated! So you have to work out your "theology" understanding that you are searching for the truth ... and EVEN in your own quest of the truth ... YOU'RE GOING TO BE WRONG IN SOMETHING! It's okay ... you're human ... I'm human ... WE'RE FALLIBLE! Which means ... as Paul stated ... 1 Co 8:2 And if any man thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know. So in conclusion ... be a BEREAN ... one who studies the Scriptures ... and study yourself to be approved by God! And don't worry ... if you haven't figured it all out ... because the reality is this ... the more you study ... the more you will realize how much you really DON'T know! God bless, George

Matthew 14:23 And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, Here in Israel, cell phones are all the rage. You wouldn't believe it but parents even buy cell phones for their kids and send them to school with them in their schoolbags. I'm talking about six and seven-year-old kids! While it is true that part of the reason for this cell phone craze stems from the fact that violence goes on here daily and people want to be able to contact one another in the event of an emergency, I would still say that it's somewhat excessive. Mark Twain was once asked to record a Christmas message on an early gramophone. This is what he said, "It is my heart-warm and world-embracing Christmas hope and aspiration that all of us, the high, the low, the rich, the poor, and admired, the despised, the loved, the hated, the civilized, the savage--every man and woman of us all throughout the whole earth--may eventually be gathered in a heaven of everlasting rest and peace and bliss, except the inventor of the telephone." Not that technology is a bad thing, but I think we have become entirely too dependent on it! Telephones, cell phones, televisions, computers, X-Boxes, MP3's. what's next?! Sometimes I feel like we just need to go back to the basics. Put all those things away in a closet somewhere and just sit down with the Word and with our Father. He wants to whisper in our ears sweet words of encouragement and wisdom. He wants to tell us of His wonderful plans for our lives and reveal to us the extraordinary mysteries of His Kingdom. But this can't happen if we're too busy taking calls! So let's spend the weekend -- disconnecting from the world -- and reconnecting with our creator ... perhaps He'll give us a fresh revelation ... if we will take the time to listen! The post Hello? Can you hear me now? appeared first on Worthy Christian Devotional - Daily Devotions. Read the entire devotional.

Not much ... I can restate your status ... I don't remember how many posts you had. But there is no way to re-attach your old posts to your new account.