pokemaughan

The main reason I read it (and now I read it with my NASB or KJV nearby for reference) is because it's put in words that get to my heart and mind a lot faster. I understand it much better- for example, KJV Psalm 139:13 "For thou hast possesed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb." Message Psalm 139:13 "Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out; you formed me in my mother's womb." The Message is written in words that I use when I talk to God myself, so it makes me feel more connected. But again, should I read something that doesn't quite ring right with me, I'll double check it. There are a few verses here and there that aren't as powerful in The Message as they are elsewhere. But should someone ask me, "What do you think of The Message?" I'd say, "It's great for reading; very simple. But it's studying by any means. It's a paraphrase more than a translation. It's best to read something a little more meaty, substantial, and accurate first... then you'll know what's really written, so when you read The Message, it's easier to understand. I'll also mention that sometimes The Message doesn't hold some of the meanings of verses as well as other translations- which is why it's important to know the good stuff first (KJV, NASB, NKJV, whichever)." Anyways, God has already used it to get to me and change some of my bad habits. So it's definitely been a plus on my shelf.

Ya, I'm aware that The Message is more of a paraphrase than a study Bible. But it's very simple and easy to understand. As far as the 'pagan/gnostic' references in it, that doesn't really surprise me. People fling mud at just about every translation nowadays... But don't worry, I do have God on my side after all, so I'm sure I'll almost instantly recognize if something isn't really the same. (and I have already, I think)

Some versions are more word-for-word... those are generally harder to understand, but better for study (KJV, NASB, NKJV), others are more contemporary, meant more for plain reading (NIV, NLT), and then there's The Message, which is Bible so simple and sweet I think anyone could pick it up and understand it. I wouldn't worry yourself with which one is most accurate, or most 'true'... the message is the same in all of them, brother.

Psalm 139:1-3 - O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar, you discern my going out and my lying down, you are familiar with all my ways.

The Love Dare. Great book, if you're in a relationship. It takes scripture and 'dares' you to apply it with your significant other.

I think these kind of topics really only end up being traps for the KJV-thumpers and whoever else to clash and argue.

I myself used to be pretty firm about the NIV and KJV being equal, until I noticed a passage completely missing from the NIV in the new testament. Something that one pool where the lame would bathe in, and they would be healed... the KJV (and other translations) say an angel came down and stirred the waters... the NIV just completely deletes that. Disturbed me just a little. You'll find that the NIV does cut out here and there, if you get to comparing different translations. It is good for easy-understanding, however.

As far as I know, that's the verse that talks about Jesus going into Hades to bring the righteous people where they belong. Hades, as far as I've been told/read, is where people went before Jesus. Good people were taken to heaven in His time, bad people were judged. Have you been wondering about that at all? As far as the purpose... I really don't know what to tell you. Keep praying and investigating. This kinds of things, although weird, are always worth looking at. Supernatural things can happen in God's world..

Great story... but ya... I think the light was just that- light, coming through the windows.

The main point is that you yourself recognize what is right and wrong in the eyes of God. Another thing to remember is what sin is- a curse word in and of itself is not sin. The sin is the intention in the heart. That's not to say it's just okay to curse... even the best intentions won't come off clean. As a thumb rule, never cuss around other people or in public etc... Being a testimony for Christ is important. There's a few verses in Ephesians that talk about foul language... I'm thinking chapter 3 but not sure. It's towards the end of the chapter. As far as anime, it is what it is. Remember who you are and why you're here, and you'll be fine. God should be 1st on your list of people to thank for what you enjoy and the happiness and entertainment. That's about all I have for you... don't stress it too much. Remember grace... the free gift of God. No work required to earn it! So don't push too hard.

Alright, I got in an argument today. After a while, I admitted my wrong, and asked for forgiveness. But she had also committed wrong, and I tried to tell her that she should ask as well, because I can't forgive her unless she asks. She went on to say, in short, I don't have to ask forgiveness from you. She recognizes that she has to ask forgiveness from God, but she (in what I perceive to be pride) believes that she doesn't have to reconcile herself with me. I really feel dumb asking this question, because I feel this is a common sense thing... but like I said, I think she's got the veil of pride over her eyes and just doesn't want to admit she's wrong. Is there any Biblical justification for asking forgiveness from a brother/sister? I know the Bible talks a lot about forgiving others, but what does it say about asking forgiveness from others? My own word is as good as nothing in the court of pride; only the Two-Edged Sword can reveal the truth. Please, if you will, help me here. I've forgiven her in my heart, but I still feel she needs to admit her wrong and ask for it as well. If you're wondering why it's so important in this case- this girl is the one I'm committed to, so I'd like us not to have a barrier like we do now.

My plans right now are to stick with my current job for at least a year or so, so I have a solid work history to go off of. The job I'm at now is by no means a way to support myself, nonetheless a wife But thankfully, I live with my mother and she is kind enough to let me pay only a small bit ($200 a month) for rent. After I get through a year at this job, the plan will either be a) Look for a better job b) Go to community college then look for better job We do live quite a bit apart (a couple states), and only recently, due to my job, has visitation in person been a more frequent possibility. Her parents don't know me well, but they aren't opposed to me by any means, as far as I know. I generally talk to Sara on the phone every night, and usually chat here and there (so I don't waste minutes and cost my mother $300 extra on a phone bill ) I will actually be visiting her this coming 30th, to the 4th. Pretty excited, of course. I am more than aware that I have a ways to go before I'm ready for marriage, but that doesn't mean I shouldn't start preparing 1-2 years in advance. I know I won't just magically 'become' a leader when I turn 20 or some nonsense, nor will I learn and grow in my walk with the Lord. It's gonna require some work on my part. I really appreciate the advice and concern for my situation; it really means a lot when a wiser person kneels down to give me some pointers.

Sara wants to marry me ASAP, or better put, as soon as we're both ready. She doesn't want to go to college, but her current view is that you cannot get a job to support yourself without a degree. It seems in her mind you can only work at McDonalds with a GED/High School Diploma. The reason she's so concerned about that is because she has Crohns disease, and fears that if she doesn't have a good job, she won't be taken care of. I know one of the prongs of being a husband is being a financial provider for her- so I hope and pray that I can fulfill that a little sooner than college would allow. Anyways, I'm very aware that God will only give me marriage on His clock, not mine. I'm not ready now, though I want to be. But I must be patient and continue to grow...

Arrgh! A woman can teach you a thing or two--even Sara. And what man is leading you in this? Isn't it prideful to have the attitude- "How dare this boy tell me that I'm not acting how I should!" Humble Christians are teachable- they want to learn! But I want to make a point that I'm not just going to say "Okay Sara's mom, you're wrong because this and this and this" Everybody liked the idea, including parents, girlfriend, and my counselor. I want to assure you that I approach this to be a better tool for God, and a better leader, with meekness and fear. I know very well what 'my place' is. I am the lowest of low! Please forgive me for being prideful. I will be praying about this, and it's good to know I have the perfect tool and perfect Father watching over me. God bless you, Mathew

Well I guess I didn't explain myself well enough! The big point is to work on becoming a bigger leader, and to build a better relationship with her parents, instead of being just 'that one boy she likes'. I'm a disciple at the moment, and I've been doing studies on pride and our purpose here. My leader put it simply, "What are your interests?" (to get married) "What are her mother's interests?" (college) "Okay, so you're not marrying her mom?" (right) "So you're going to want different things! If you marry Sara, that takes her little girl. Sara is a pawn between your interests, and her mom is trying to use her as a pawn in hers. It's a pride issue." We're all proud- my pastor is proud, you're proud, my dad is proud, the guy down the street is proud... but the goal is to become humble. Anyways, again, I'm sorry you feel the way you do. I know that I will not learn to be a leader just by being a teenager all my life! I have to step up, and start trying. My mom, her mom, Sara, and Sara's dad all like the idea. So I suppose you see things differently than them. Forgive me if I sounded proud in my post, but I assure you I approach this idea with meekness and fear- with the hopes of helping a few people grow, including myself. If nothing else, it'll show Sara's parents that I'm a lot different than they thought- perhaps even a potential husband. Please forgive me for being prideful. I am not perfect, but I do have the perfect tool...

So encouraging! Thank you very much! I really hope I've got the right idea... but I trust God will lead me the right way. "In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps." Prov. 16:9

Well let me begin my reply with this: I'm really sorry you feel that way. Maybe you have had trouble in the past with 'us darn kids'! I will let you know that regardless of how time works, I have grown quite a bit in that short time. I do not lie when I say I hit the ground running! I will also say that I believe there are not tiers in this life! A brother is a brother is a brother, as a sister is a sister is a sister! One may be wiser than another, but we are what we are- servants of the Most High God. I think it would be a shame for me to turn down my God-given role just because I'm a youngun! On a side note, both my mother and her mother liked the idea, and her mother was pleased me teaching her daughter. After all, men are the leaders, right? I really hope you realize that what you said was very abrasive and judgmental... but I appreciate you expressing your view on the matter. I hope for your best!

I would go far to say that we are committed, but the actual proposal part is a ways off. The plan now is to grow and mature into our roles for God. Prayer is obviously a must! Both my mother and her mother liked the idea. Her mother seemed impressed that I was taking the position of leader. I'll approach this situation with meekness and fear, love and patience!

edit: Thank you everyone for your comments. I apologize for this post being arrogant in places, and I hope you will forgive me. I've learned some important things since I wrote this- but all the parents think this is a good idea. I will also say my intentions and motives have changed in this idea, to reflect a more selfless, God-honoring plan.

Thank you everyone. I see now that the ceremony (tradition) part of it is there for a reason. I'll do my best to wait.

Where do you infer that from? I've never heard of marriage being a promise to the 'community'. I only know it as a promise to God and to your spouse, no more, no less. Other than that, what do you (everyone) think of the fact that if you lie with a woman, you two become one? In the Bible this is mainly a point put across to defer fornication, because if you are intimate with a woman you become a unified body in Christ- not something to be taken lightly, obviously. I also noticed that this idea was used a lot to rebuke prostitution and having many partners, because again, if you lay with a woman you become hers and she yours. Anyway, I guess my point is this- I have been committed to a young woman for 3 years now, and marriage is no taboo subject for us- we want to get married. I can see sex being bad in the case of I go around looking for promiscuous women to be intimate with... but if we are committed to eachother, and want to be married, then I suppose I see 'becoming one flesh' as a positive thing. I really question all this tradition and extra-biblical doctrine hubbub. On another note, I really want to make a proper decision. I may sound like a strapping young lad with his eyes peeled for sex, but I assure you, I really REALLY don't want to sit here and try and justify sex before marriage. I live to glorify God. I've been trying myself from every angle today, thinking about this quite a lot. The urgent matter is the fact that I struggle with self-control, and it seems Paul offered a remedy in 1st Corinthians. But as it may be, if I find myself wrong in my reasoning, then I'll be patient once more. In short, this is how I feel "Wait, so if I struggle with self-control, and I do, I should get married? How do I do that (and hopefully quickly, because I don't want to have to fight this any longer!)?" Again, this is not to say I do not understand the other sides of marriage... I don't want to come off as a naive young boy raging with hormones.

I had hoped to come to the forum and ask a question, and get an answer for that question. Not, "Ya, the sausage is in the fridge." Or something along those lines... I'm just a little edgy, and on a short wire. I wanted a legitimate answer :| Anyways, you present a strong case, and I see the point there. "Well we didn't really get married, so we I don't have to technically do this or that." If possible, could you provide some scripture on top of that opinion?

That's not what I asked for. And when I get married, that's not the reason I get married. I'd marry because I'd want a partner to lead and love, and so I could proclaim to the world the love of Christ through us. The 1st Cor. verse is just a concern right now, because I do 'burn' at the moment and have for a long time. I'm not saying I want someone to make a life promise to so I can blow some steam. I don't mean to be rude, but I really didn't ask a question so I could hear opinions and advice on completely opposite issues.

I know I've asked something like this a few times, here... Anywho, on the topic of marriage again. Whenever someone speaks of 'getting married', they generally mean a ceremony in a church or something similar. But my problem is still... how do you get married? I mean honestly, is there really a clear cut answer? Or is marriage as simple as making a promise? I mean, if I promise to be a leader, and stay faithful to the girl I wish to be my wife, and completely change our relationship into that of a very intimate one (emotionally and spiritually)... and promise to God the same thing, and she vice versa, is that not marriage? I'd like some biblical examples, if possible. I don't want to hear "Well everyone else does it this way, so you should follow suit", because as far as I'm concerned I'm not supposed to follow the world As some can imagine, as a young man I struggle with temptation. This verse seems to be of some comfort, if not a solution: 1st Cor. 7:8-9 "But I say to the unmarried and to the widows: It is good for them if they remain even as I am; but if they cannot exercise self-control, let them marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion." I have a feeling some more conservative types will try to refute that verse in one way or another... but it clearly says, if you're having trouble with sexual temptation, get married, because it's better to be married than to burn with passion.

The unforgivable sin is rejecting God, right?