All Discussion PAGE 1093

My son lost his life yesterday, the eight of June.2022,because of drug and alcohol addiction. As is all too often the case, being the closest to him in everyday life, as a father my love for him blinded me to his problem. In simple words he died of an overdose but by the Grace of God Almighty and his son Jesus Christ & the Holy Spirit he came back to my to us from the afterlife. Sure, human hands and circumstances played a big role but I firmly believe those hands were guided by God himself.

What I have shared up until now is only the beginning of the real story that I wish to impart.

I read my Bible everyday. My method is to start at the first chapter of Genesis and end with the last chapter of Revelations. I'm not sure how many times I have read the entire Bible(mostly the NIV But some King James as well but my educated guess is at least10 times. I do skip around at times seeking different passages for specific reasons also but when this happened yesterday in the normal course of my reading I find myself in the book of Psalms. The 38th to be exact. l will lave it to the readers desire to truly watch how the Hand of God guides those of us who are willing to listen and accept his truth in our spiritual journey to our home in his eternal presence.

Know that on this night it came as a revelation and epiphany to me and my walk with my Lord Jesus. May he bless each reader with his almighty and everlasting wisdom and to him alone belongs all thethe glory and praise.

I know as a Christian detachment from the things of this world is easier and profound the closer we are to God. That's where I am - I truly abhor the ways of the world, pursuing like-minded people who love God's world and love and enjoy good people. That is how I fulfill my days.

A young couple lives next door, of whom I had chosen to obliterate all attention to. Bad choices (drugs). Since they moved in people in general avoid them. The young lady has predatorial habits with her phone. She argues with many in the area. I used to give in to reinforcement when she harassed me, and decided to withhold reinforcement altogether. What I got from her was a retaliation burst. I believe this is typical of controlling people who lose that ability to control another individual. As a result, she complained to the landlord that I yelled at her children out of a 2nd-story window my daughter and I keep closed all the times on June 2. The children are definitely not a problem. I recall that day hearing them vaguely in their backyard, however I'm usually in another part of my house with headphones on while doing my work to drown out noise from the location of my office, which is in a different location than the window I was supposed to have yelled from. The landlord wants to evict me, but told my daughter she could stay. We have both refuted the landlord's support of the conjured complaint by the neighbor. Today is June 9, and now he is stating - from the neighbor's complaint, that I knocked on her door, as well. I don't know what to do with this - I'm without words! We asked the landlord to have her provide proof. The bigger problem in all this is the landlord's strange one-sided support. What is the biggest problem is I truly believe this is a spiritual attack. For example, during Lent, I prayed with purpose to find something good and sympathetic with this couple. They started to stalk and harass me. It has been relentless ever since. I really need supportive prayer. Thank you!

In reply to Chris and Giannis

Remember the Sabbath, and keep it holy is the 4th Commandment of God?

Gen 2:2-3- And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.

And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.

The Sabbath was a Commandment before Mt Sinai and was kept and taught by Noah, Abraham, Moses and Israel, EVEN before the finger of God wrote the 10 Commandments. Gods Commandments are just that, Commandments not Recommendations. As for Col 2:16, notice it says'Sabbath Days" plural. This relates to all the Sabbath Days celebrated that no longer have any significance to God, that is why the Law of Moses was nailed to the cross, not Gods 4th Commandment. Throughout Gods Word He speaks about keeping His Commandments, this includes the 4th Commandment.

Fourth Commandment: Jesus set the example for us of keeping the seventh-day Sabbath ( Luke 4:16), as did the apostle Paul ( Acts 17:2). After Jesus' death, the author of the book of Hebrews confirmed that worshipping on this day continues to be expected of Christians ( Hebrews 4:9).

Jesus said " The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath:Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath

Mark 2:27,28

Matt 5:17-19 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.

For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

Heb 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.

God bless

Good Evening Alex,

Once again I say I do not accept your interpretation of Scripture on this topic. To me, it seems that you have a narrative that you try to weave with many Scriptures taken out of context and interpreted (with your ideas in parenthesis) as to the meaning. I don't share your interpretive narrative, as I have said before.

Since you initiated a response to me, I wanted to respond. However, I do not wish to go back and forth with you again on this topic as in the past. I take seriously your requests to me in our recent posts and I do not wish to upset you again by strongly disagreeing with your viewpoints, as I think they are false beliefs. So, I think it is best for this conversation between us to end tonight. Perhaps we can talk another day on a different topic. I hope you have a good night, Alex.

I am requesting prayer for an insurance approval for my ivig medical treatments. thank you

Romans 7:1 Read on

Romans 7:14

For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.

Romans 7:15

For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.

Romans 7:16

If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.

Romans 7:17

Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.

Romans 7:18

For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.

Romans 7:19

For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.

Romans 7:20

Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.

Romans 7:21

I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.

Romans 7:22

For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:

Romans 7:23

But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.

Romans 7:24

O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?

Romans 7:25

I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.

1 Peter 4:1

Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;

1 Peter 4:2

That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.

Colossians 3:1

If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

2 Corinthians 5:20

Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.

Please pray for John who has been diagnosed with Alzheimers and decided to "go on his own terms." For increased faith and placing this battle into the hands of our Father. Thank You

Is the trinity speled out in the scriptures

Hello Janelle. I understand you're enquiring about the meaning of Communion, otherwise called, The Lord's Table or Breaking of Bread. As you know, this was first instituted by the Lord Jesus when He shared a meal with His disciples at Passover time, prior to His arrest & crucifixion (called, The Last Supper): Luke 22:14-20.

Then after Jesus' Death & Resurrection, His apostles & the new Church formed under the Holy Spirit's indwelling & direction, also observed this coming together, eating, & remembering of Jesus' Sacrifice ( Acts 2:41-47; 1 Corinthians 11:23-30). So when Jesus first instituted this at The Last Supper, He wanted to show His disciples very vividly how the bread they had broken & now eating, was a picture of His Own Body being broken (crown of thorns, nails in hands & feet, flesh torn by whipping, & pierced side). And the cup of liquid they drank & shared together, should be a reminder of His Blood that would be shed in death & through it, the New Covenant would be brought in. New Covenant? This is God's Promise that whoever repents & is forgiven, does so because Jesus was made our Sacrifice (our Substitute) & God accepts us on His new Terms. The Old Covenant was under obedience to the Law & Sacrifices, which could never save a person, but it looked forward to when God's Sacrifice (His Son) would fully pay for our sin - for those who truly repent & turn to Him.

So how does Communion work? It is a memorial occasion, where those who are born again of God's Spirit, share together in a meal (today we generally have small tokens of wafer & juice), remembering in a material way, what the cost of our salvation was & a time to praise God together as a Church body, for God's Gift of His Son because of His great Love for us. This meal/token of bread & wine doesn't change into flesh & blood, as some believe, but are given as reminders of the great work at Calvary. It should be a special time when the Church together focusses on Jesus' Death & Resurrection.

Brothers in Christ,

I truly understand each one's point of view. If I may share my thoughts that made me know I am saved.

I read the entire animal blood sacrifices in the Old Testament for the atonement of sins and sanctification ( cleansed or washed away sins). Then one day I realized that the greatest gift our generation could ever received was the blood of Jesus Christ, ( a parallel sacrifice for our generation) to be our propitiation ( i.e. an act of appeasing wrath). I could have been put to death for my own sins, but instead Jesus Christ took upon himself my sins and others to save me and all of us from the wrath of God and give us an eternal/ everlasting life. Then make us live in the Kingdom of God here on earth.

1 John 4:10

Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

Romans 3:25

Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;

1 John 2:2

And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

Then I realized I have to keep that Holy Spirit in me. I cannot explain how I started to read the Bible like my life depends on it. This happened on 11/11/21 when I know I was saved.

Since I was young I know I have some peculiar things happenings to me. I cannot explained them, but now I understood the God given gift of discernment. That is why at such a young age I made God as my best friend. People will say or do something that I know in my heart was wrong. I cannot explain then, but now God made it clear to me.

In conclusion, Jesus Christ is in me. I know.

Galatians 2:20

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Hi Barbara. You can find a couple of them mentioned in Galatians 5:20 and Revelation 18:23. In both references, 'pharmacy', or 'pharmakeia' (in Greek), refer to witchcraft & sorcery. Those practising these abominable acts, often used medicine or drugs to induce an altered state of mind or body. However, with the progression of medicine, from earliest times till now, certain elements found in plants, animals, etc. could be extracted that had a positive outcome for a person's healing. These 'medicines or drugs' fall under the heading of 'pharmaceutics'. That is why we must always be aware of what we are taking, its real effects, & any conflicts with other medicines or existing health problems.

My question. We have new Pastor n wife not involved in her hubby Pastor. We have reputation their history. We hired them no one view. OK In their past over 16 years they have bad report record history drinking alcohol n arrest. Before invole ministry. It good idea for them to be our pastor but church spiritually member not growing fruits. Small member of church. What can do. It correct n honest their testimony. Please respond soon. Thank y my is connie

Fully agree bro Giannis. In respect to Colossians 2:14, "Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross", I would also add Ephesians 2:15, "Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace".

Whether referring to the "handwriting of ordinances" or "the law of commandments contained in ordinances", you would know that the same word is used, 'dogmasin' (decrees, edicts, ordinances). It's sometimes claimed that only those 'other' commandments have been abolished by virtue of the Cross & not the Decalogue. Though there was nothing wrong or at fault with any of God's Commandments ( Romans 7:12), it's present application & implications have ceased, because Christ's Sacrifice has nailed it ALL on the Cross. If they were still applicable & to be obeyed to prove obedience, then it shows that Jesus' Death didn't work towards salvation & God's Gift of Grace is a non-event & the whole Plan was a failure. ( Romans 8:3).

But our only attendance now is to Jesus & to His Spirit Who brings out the fullness of God's Requirements for His Blood-bought, giving us both the desire & power to learn & apply them to every situation in life. Therefore, sins of murder, theft, adultery, etc. are no longer clear finite physical acts of transgression, but now the Spirit tells us that they find their root in the heart & can even encompass a much wider range of applications than what is implied in the Decalogue. Jesus came to deal with the heart of sin, not the head knowledge of it. Using any of the commandments as a yardstick of our obedience has limited use for knowledge of Jewish laws & requirements. They have no bearing on the Jew or Gentile who has come to the Cross & under the New Covenant ( Hebrews 8:6,7,13). Blessings brother.

I believe the real president DJT is anointed by God and God recently a few months ago asked for his people to run for positions in government.

Hi Jennifer,

I long for you to prosper in Jesus. If you feel there are curses on your life, it's good for us to figure out why, or if that is the case.

Proverbs 26:2 says:

As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come.

Curses do not come up on people for no reason. Are you born again and washed in the blood of Jesus Christ? When we are truly born again, we are blessed in Jesus, not cursed. He breaks our chains, and helps us to live out the new life that He plants inside of us! Praise Him forever!

Even as Christians, we can do foolish things that open the door to the enemy; have you opened any door to sin or involvement with others who are in sin?

If you are saved and have no unrepented sin - what makes you think you're 'cursed'. Some people think they are 'cursed' because bad things happen to them. We live in a very fallen, sinful world, and on this side of heaven, Christians are NOT exempt from any problems that are commonly experienced in this life, Jennifer. We can experience sickness, financial trouble, family trouble, social trouble, job trouble,...just to name a few! This doesn't mean we are cursed. These things pertain to human life, but the Lord will help us either out of those troubles, OR...He will work on us THROUGH those troubles. :) We are not to think it strange, the apostle said, when fiery trials come upon us! This is for the trying of our faith and for the increase of our graces.

I will remember to pray for you, that you are totally set free, and that you are encouraged to walk out your salvation in Christ...or, if you're not saved, to believe the gospel, and believe on Jesus and surrender all to Him! Amen!

Blessings, Jennifer!

It is not God who takes away life. That is not what he does, he is the giver of life. Not the author of death.

That is the devil, to believe it is god that takes away blessings is a lie from the pit of hell.

Lord Jesus, I am continuing to ask for strong protection (pleading the blood of Jesus over us & family and asking for Holy Warrior angels and a wall of Holy Spirit fire to surround each of us), deliverance, healing (incl. this now), peace and salvation and wisdom and an infilling with the Holy Spirit. Please grant what Paul prayed in Eph. 3:14-19 for each of us. Also Lord please intervene concerning the painful things you know about. Please send encouragement. Please forgive the sins that have led to these things. Thank you and praise you. In your holy name I pray Lord Jesus. Amen

Genesis 1: 10 "and the gathering together of the waters called he Seas"

"he Seas" is a typo? Or is there some other meaning?

Please pray that ALL curses on my life are broken and I and my family are healed and don't get sick anymore ijip amen

Hello. I appreciate your desire for 'Godly' men and women to be put into positions of power; but I want to encourage you in something. God says this in His Word about looking to 'flesh' to help us--"This is what the LORD says: "Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind, who makes the flesh his strength and turns his heart from the LORD." ( Jeremiah 17:5).

When we get desperate, we will do 'anything' to find relief or help; it's human nature. Most if not all of us do that.

But it's dangerous. God also says in His Word, "Give us aid against the enemy, for the help of man is worthless." Psalm 108:12.

WORTHLESS is the help of man. One more Scripture: "A song of ascents. Of Solomon. Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain; unless the LORD protects the city, its watchmen stand guard in vain." Psalm 127:1.

Unless we look to GOD ALONE; then NOTHING we do will prosper; NOTHING will help.

And politics/politicians can never help; it's a corrupt system which corrupts even those who truly want to do good.

One more Scripture: "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil.

This will bring healing to your body and refreshment to your bones." Proverbs 3:5-8.

I feel for you; we are all struggling with all of the evil we see surrounding us. But Christ and He alone is our source for all things. Yes, God DOES use people; that's true; but we can't count of people to dig us out of trouble. Only repentance for our sins; turning to Christ; preaching The Gospel, only THOSE things will bring any good. "Bad" proliferates when Christians don't live and preach The Gospel; and live according to His Word and His will; otherwise; the wall of protection God has around us comes down and we are open to attacks. Live God's way; and we will be protected and helped by him. I hope this helps you. Take care.

Alleluia. Amen.

praeyr needed it is bad. in jessu name i ask.

It should be noted in Isaiah that the lion will once again eat grass on His Holy mountain; and formerly venemous and dangerous animals will be tamed. So; it appears that a vegetarian diet will once again be established among animals.

Pretty clearly this is describing the destruction oif the wicked. Their souls will never see the light of life again; should they die in a lost state. Much like the story of Lazarus and the rich man; whose name isn't even mentioned in the account of hell.

It seems strange; with all the descriptions of hades in the Psalms and other O.T. verses that people only seem to pay attention to the N.T. on the subject. This is much like Jesus quoting that it is harder for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of heaven than a camel to go through the eye of a needle. It can be done; but only if we consider our possessions to belong to God; and to put Him first as well as restoring any wrongs such as Zacheus did. There are many verses about riches being a snare and a trap; such as in the parable of the sower and the seed. It also bears importance for us to consider how in the last days the cares of this world will be a trap for those who are proclaiming "peace; peace" (when as Isaiah stated there is no peace for the wicked).

We are given our lot in this life; whether rich or poor according to His foreknowledge. Those who have been blessed with a lifetime of such; especially when God doesn't speedily judge makes men complacent; and they risk a fate such as the man who was planning to build bigger barns for himself that their soul will be required that night. Our possessions do us no good after we are gone; and those who don't plan ahead will sometimes have the rightous attain some help; if their descendants don't inherit money or property. We can look at the parable of the two sons; and realize that the one who squandered his money at least learned a proper respect for a rightous father; and that was worth more to him as a servant without any more inheritance than it would have perhaps to the other son who always behaved. It is God who givest; and God who taketh away; and we surely naked we come into this world; and naked we depart (until the Rapture).

Gi Gi ..you are are not understanding that great Promise... As in Gen 22 : 17....I will multiply thy seed as the stars of heaven and God was so passionate about this Promise that he swore by his very self...Thus God will multiply his very self by the living word Thats y Jesus is saying to whom the word came it will make them Gods...Jesus cd not even refer to the H.G. as the Promise if the H.G. were not the very multiplication OF GOD,...Thats y Jesus is saying that which is born of the spirit is spirit..Thats the new Birth the birth of the H.G in us sinners...As the Promise Child is the H.G. via the seed of Christ...As God is spirit and the H.G. is spirit born in us via the seed of Christ the living word.

......When Jesus said behold i send the Promise of my Father upon you that was the baptism of the H.G. and fire, a living being Born in us via the seed of Christ. Our new innerman ...As Christ can reproduce very God in us via his seed the word ( his breath )...When he breathe on them that was his words and his Words are his seeds ....Thus the H.G is his offspring...Thats y Isaiah refers to Christ as everlasting father as Jesus is the FATHER of the H.G....And the H.G is that heavenly Jacob the 3 rd person an ISRAEL of God.

......The wheat is the H.G. a baby Christ and Jesus said that satan is the father of the tares thus Christ is the father of the

wheat....Simply b/c its Christ who sows the wheat ...Thus its satan that is the father of the tares simply b/c its satan that sows the tares....The wheat is a baby Christ simply b/c its Christ the bridegroom that sows that good seed the very seed of God in our hearts ....I said all that just to show you the multiplication of God..the H.G that are gonna be as the Stars of heaven.

.....Which are the Children of PROMISE...An Israel of God that is gonna be born in all of us sinners....Read Romans 9 : 8...Its the Children of PROMISE the H.G. that are counted for that good seed...Thus we must be bornagain of the H.G...K

I suppose what you are saying is that all the earlier Pauline Epistles and writings started with these type of salutations. Since God's Word is inerrant; technically Jude was stating His original plan for the Epistle before the Lord inspired him to write on these other matters. This would; therefore make us assume that some grounding in these basic doctrines were already understood to some extent since deeper matters were discussed.

It should be noted here that this book primarily doesn't ask us to test ourselves to see if we are in the faith; but it asks us to examine the doctrines of those who creep in unaware spreading heresy. Only those knowing the truth would care enough to discern error. The pattern here is much like in ancient Israel. The spiritual forces of darkness were always trying to seduce those who were following the God of Israel from the beginning; despite God's clear warnings against the pagan practices and deliverance from pagan nations experienced by Moses and his followers. These wicked nations; when transgressions came to the full would be judged.

Our God is a jealous God; and will not tolerate idolotry; which in some capacity was overlooked in the O.T. times. The warnings against the spirits of disobedience who affected the corrupt seed of Nephilim and their descendants; and the affect of demons on people such as in Sodom to commit perverse actions is always tied in (i.e. spiritual with physical adultery). Satan will use the Word of God to bolster all false practices by infiltrating the church. He also uses control through authority and those who men will follow and women who are not firm in the truth. We are warned about tares that will spread false doctrines to entice people to fall away; but those who do were never truly with God in the first place. Eventually all true children of God hear His voice and also they will not follow another but run away. We are to guard the flock with diligence as leaders in the church.

Being in the first person; most commentaries make this a rather self evident identifier of the author of the book. As to who finally wrote the manuscripts found today which are likely to have been inscribed after his death we can trust the integrity of the Word of God as preserving the truth.

The prince; would indicate a reference as I see it to the Messiah; who also is mentioned in the Book of Daniel. There are psalms which indicate the eastern gate ( Psalm 24?) is where the Messiah will enter when He first arrives after the Tribulation. These gates have been sealed up in past centuries; even from a Muslim character in the Middle Ages. It would seem that the "sides of the North" is a pattern of the heavenly one that Satan wanted to rule over as mentioned in Isaiah 14 and Ezekiel 28. There are likely places where earthly priests (including David) will co-reign with Christ; who rules during the Millenium reign before God Himself comes down with the heavenly Jerusalem afterwards. A specific entrance for the Messiah and others; as well as a sort of traffic control for people from all nations to enter the Holy City will necessitate an orderly procession.

As to an outer and inner court; the inner one was reserved in the past for the priest to enter once a year; the outer more frequently; and outside for the populous in general. With Christ having fulfilled the sacrifice once and for all; it would seem that a literal sacrifice would be a ceremonial one; and likely allows people who are still in natural bodies to be able to dwell among resurrected saints and Christ Himself in the Millennial period.

Some have ascribed symbolic language to the waters as well; however we only need to look at certain fresh water areas of life developing in the Dead Sea area today to see a partial fulfillment. With ALL ocean life destroyed; this sort of inland sea will be invaluable during the Millenium.

Being in the first person; most commentaries make this a rather self evident identifier of the author of the book. As to who finally wrote the manuscripts found today which are likely to have been inscribed after his death we can trust the integrity of the Word of God as preserving the truth.

The prince; would indicate a reference as I see it to the Messiah; who also is mentioned in the Book of Daniel. There are psalms which indicate the eastern gate ( Psalm 24?) is where the Messiah will enter when He first arrives after the Tribulation. These gates have been sealed up in past centuries; even from a Muslim character in the Middle Ages. It would seem that the "sides of the North" is a pattern of the heavenly one that Satan wanted to rule over as mentioned in Isaiah 14 and Ezekiel 28. There are likely places where earthly priests (including David) will co-reign with Christ; who rules during the Millenium reign before God Himself comes down with the heavenly Jerusalem afterwards. A specific entrance for the Messiah and others; as well as a sort of traffic control for people from all nations to enter the Holy City will necessitate an orderly procession.

As to an outer and inner court; the inner one was reserved in the past for the priest to enter once a year; the outer more frequently; and outside for the populous in general. With Christ having fulfilled the sacrifice once and for all; it would seem that a literal sacrifice would be a ceremonial one; and likely allows people who are still in natural bodies to be able to dwell among resurrected saints and Christ Himself in the Millennial period.

Some have ascribed symbolic language to the waters as well; however we only need to look at certain fresh water areas of life developing in the Dead Sea area today to see a partial fulfillment. With ALL ocean life destroyed; this sort of inland sea will be invaluable during the Millenium.

What psalm 49 v 18 19 20 mean

Prayer required for our family and there kids. Karen Emily,Garrick,Denise,Audrey,Debbie, & thank you. A few is extreme pain. A couple need money. All are Christian.