All Discussion PAGE 58

Self analysis: A proper Christian perspective

It has been said by those at least somewhat aware of the state of the church in this hour that we are far too obsessed on ourselves; especially in relation to this life. Living our "worst life now" I find humerous and sobering as Paul Washer has stated in the past in regard to another (I'll keep anonymous" person emphasizing the opposite sentiment. There has been much said about a very popular psychologist who has passed a few years back who tried to incorporate "moral and Christian values" with tenets of Psychology. Sophia; the founder of the "Rainbow Redemption Project" recently commented on the concept of "Gender Dysphoria" and how it is a harmful concept (I suggest you read her testimony on the site). There are some in the conservative media who realize the harm of "vitimization" is in society today with spoiled; lazy kids which is inexorably tied into the concepts of Dr. Spock from the 1960s and the disintegration of the two parent household and associated marriages.

With that introduction; I once again will point out that we can go to extremes such as what I mentioned in the last point of self depreciation constantly. That in ITSELF can be a pride issue. Ultimately we should let the Spirit of God work in us; and have His way and we can simply put less focus on ourselves and more on Christ being "on display". Psalm 139 states we are "fearfully and wonderfully made" at birth; certainly after the new birth. I can relate a brief experience i had about 15 years ago when someone on the street who was panhandling and seemed to have some problems suddenly seemed convicted that I was a real "man of God" and he said he was ashamed of himself. I can only pray that he is clean and sober today. We can have confidence no one will touch us unless God allows it. We have the fullness of life now or the abundant life ( John 10:10) and that verse contrasts that with Satan who steals; kills and destroys.

Humor and the Christian

Now for a completely different discussion. Christians have argued about whether we should use humor or if God has a sense of humor. Given the verses about God laughing at the calamity of the wicked (such as Psalm 2); we need to be careful if we ask the Lord this question as well as with our intentions.

My experience (hitting the big THREESCORE this month) shows me that humor may be best served to lighten the burdens of our everyday annoyances; and SOMETIMES certain situations involving others can show the folly of this life. It is often better not to know the individual mentioned. Prayer is crucial as the most important thing we can do for others; and we need others to hold us accountable if we are ill advised in opening our mouths. The focus must be on the mission field; first and foremost. It is almost always best to let others bring up something humerous; because as with any other "liberties" someone may be easily offended and perhaps tempted to sin when they are the butt of a joke; no matter how "innocent" it may seem.

Few seem to categorize humor as something related to a joyful heart or spirit especially these days. It seems unheard of today in my life to think of someone who is that joyful who even smiles but maybe I am jaded in that mindset. Even laughing at ourselves can be wrong if we are constantly badmouthing ourselves. I had to rebuke brothers in the Lord who were too "hypercalvinistic" to the point where thy seemed boastful about what "worms" they were.

We then have the situation regarding nonbelieving friends and co-workers. Often I have found the best thing to do is either say nothing or excuse myself and try to say; eat my lunch elsewhere. I have in the past found family squabbles and the meetings involved when my former law firm I was employed at split up hilarious at times. Again; we shouldn't focus on character assasssination or take sides in these events but can't say humor is always wrong.

Scripture reading: Concluding thoughts

I have often kidded around about having someone memorize the first 6 or 7 chapters of 1 Chronicles. Genealogies aren't to be obsessed over ( 1 Tim. 1:4); however they are vital in seeing the lineage of God's people. The beginning of Matthew; for instance gives us the lineage from Abraham to Joseph; and Luke from Mary's lineage all the way back to Adam. This of course goes back to Genesis 3:15 and the "seed of the woman" prophecy. These two lineages probably are enough to know in themselves from the whole Bible in regard to that subject. If we go deeper into meanings of names particularly in the first generations it appears there is a prophetic indication of Christ to come if we list the names and their meanings in order in Hebrew. There are no doubt patterns of equidistant letters that are unique in scripture pointing to certain events. Again; like genealogies; they are best not obsessed over; for we already know Christ is the living Word so we don't need hidden clues as to who He is. We can look to past events; and I have stated that Michael Drosnin's prediction of Rabin's assassination in 1996 may have been something the Lord allowed so others wouldn't meet the same fate. Since we are now still in the Church Age; we are not in the time of Revelation when prophets once again are on the earth in that role and there is a known 7 year template for all the judgments to occur. God has ultimate truths that must come to pass; but some things are conditional which only He knows that prayer and action now can possibly delay judgment; as we see with the example of Nineveh.

We can look to history and scientific facts as authenticated from the Bible; with more coming all the time. For the skeptic who God chooses to enlighten it may be a good witnessing tool; but we shouldn't make such methods are only talking points for apologetics. First we must see if someone is serious about wanting to hear the truths of the Word

Studying scriptures: Individual vs Group Study

I will attempt to dive into the differences between individual and group Bible study. We could also divide a study with others into informal small group and formal Sunday school and/or what is covered in a main church service. The differences in approach are something I haven't really considered until now but it seems worth investigating.

The first difference I see is what is often the question and answer part of a group study in the informal setting. My recent experience seems to show that often Pastors aren't the best people to ask questions (I often here very general ones). If and when discussions are encouraged any church were there are at least some that take God's Word seriously we all are bound to learn something; through personal experiences or those with wisdom in citing relevant passages that help to further bolster an idea or concept. In reality it is good to have such an informal situation and allow certain latititude for "rabbit trails" and occasional cans of worms to be exposed. There certainly needs to be serious study in a sermon as well; where normally there isn't response but hopefully good discussion afterward.

I have said this frequently but in regard to prayer and Bible study these are two bedrocks of a strong church. Often they seem to support one for another; if anything reminding us of verses that we use to edify others. One thing brought up this past Sunday in Sunday school was a question in regard to the hymns and Psalms frequently sung in the time of the Apostles and early church. Rejoicing in such praise is certainly a good way to begin fellowship; rather than griping about our problems (that was pointed out). I agree and pray that someone will do that on occasion who is gifted musically or maybe not but wishes to rejoice.

I have found out that certain websites are helpful; particularly those that bolster archaeology with scripture; or Creation science sites.

Studying scripture: Doctrines

1 Timothy 4:1

"Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;"

1 Corinthians 1:23-24

23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;

24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

Going from the last discussion on Cathechisms; doctrine is at the core and essense of that topic. All commitments which we adhere to especially related to church membership in regard to doctrine in the Cathechism should be based on scriptural truth.

Clearly in today's churches we see many variations of interpretation and many are spurious. I am not here primarily to bash any particular denomination; but asking us to be Bereans in studying the Word to be approved before men and God ( Acts 17:11). It is noteable that the Bereans were said to be more noble than the Thessalonians especially since they came to quick understanding of deep prophetic texts. I am not aware that they were even an organized church; per se; maybe someone can shed light on that. In any event NO church hierarchy should dissuade careful study of scripture before any commitment is made; or any statement is said to be factual at least in terms of things that aren't core doctrines such as the life; burial and resurrection and bodily return of Christ. This stems back to my last post as well; because as I see it having kids memorize and study chatechisms before showing evidence of saving faith in Protestant circles is no different than those of Catholic churches which have ritual readings such as the "Hail Mary".

In any event; these verses quoted attempt to keep central teachings always in mind; as well as being careful for new interpretations and errant versions of the Bible. In brief if it appeals to the flesh it is to be avoided in worship.

Mark 14:22-26

"And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake it, and gave to them, and said, Take, eat: this is my body."

One noticeable feature of the breaking bread is missing here. While feeding the Five Thousand we read thus, " And when he had taken the five loaves and the two fishes, he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and brake the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before them." (6:41) He looked up to heaven and blessed, and brake." Significance of the heaven is defined in this space. The Spirit calls it upper room. His presence there was as the Son and he symbolically brought the disciples to be with him. In his passion and death it was to be discontinued till he drank fruit of the vine with them new. Breaking bread shall be no more loaded with spiritual symbolism as is now. "Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is."( 1 John 3:2)

"And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them: and they all drank of it./And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many./Verily I say unto you, I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day that I drink it new in the kingdom of God."

Drinking fruit of the vine in the kingdom of God is new because Christ who is our life dies no more. Instead we as many branches to the true vine is more closer in spirit to the Song of Solomon. "I sat down under his shadow with great delight, and his fruit was sweet to my taste./He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love."(S. of S :2:3-4) There shall no more blood or any violence but love. So the ensign of the Spirit the Lamb slain before the foundation of the world shall be held aloft indicating our spiritual bodies.

26 And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.

Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death. Then said the Jews unto JESUS; Now we know that thou has a devil. Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and thou sayest, If a man keep my saying, he shall never taste of death. Art thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? and the prophets are dead: whom makest thou thyself?

Whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? (or not?)

Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of GOD, which should come into the world.

I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of GOD, GOD will give it thee.

Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.

That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.

Words of JESUS from John chapters 8, and 11, and 17

The Word is GOD, the Word is from everlasting to everslasting, the Word is self-executing, understand? Get ready

Jaz, beautiful prayer. I will also pray this for me, if you don't mind. God bless you. Amen

For our conversation is in heaven, you believe? If not, come up here.

Blessed be the GOD and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ. From whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto His glorious body, according to the working whereby He is able even to subdue all things unto Himself. (This is a process, a wor of our Lord JESUS, not a magic)

Philippians 3:20-21 combined with Ephesians 1:38 and 1 Thessalonians 4:17 and Daniel 12:3 Take a look.

I am asking prayers for me and my husband and family. God knows all that is going on, I am asking God to speak peace in the storms of life we are in. Our Savior knows all. Please help me pray.

For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance:... Matthew 25:29

and now for the second part . I managed to perform two of my dream jobs . as Lord said there'd be both Joy and long suffering . God bless you for your encouragement . thanks for your kind words :)

thanks :)

Asking for extra strong protection, intervention, encouragement, strength, peace, joy, more love and breakthrough for us and all in need.

Big hug.

Hi Henry,

Welcome to the site.

please remember my daughters and their families today in your prayers please pray for me

Hello Dear Brother it's good to hear from you and to be able to speak to you through this forum . I'm sorry for your present circumstances and hope and pray that they will improve soon . It must be very difficult for you to try to live your life in a way that is acceptable to God in your situation . Keep doing your best and always pray to God to thank Him for what you do have and to ask Him to help you to know the best choices to make to improve your condition . He is always with you and will never leave you so cling to Him tight every day He will get you through this trying time .

Dear Sister your desires are commendable . Read Matthew chapter six verses five through to fifteen . Prayers should always be from your heart and always remember to thank God for every good thing in your life .

Mark 14:12-25 "Upper Room"

This upper room has been prepared for a special occasion. Who had it prepared for Jesus? In the Gospel of St John Jesus assured his disciples, "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also."( John 14:3). "For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God." (He.3:4) As with the colt for his Son to go to Jerusalem God had provided all thing for life and godliness for his Son. God had appointed himas the heir of all things.

When Jesus said of foxes having holes and the birds their nests he was stating his own case as a man. In the world each one is so particular to flaunt their fashionable address God chose the upper room, and the Spirit has not given as one except that whatever God chose was in his Power and glory.

Jesus assured "My Father and I are one" and wherever he walked and abode signaled his Father to testify. "Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."(1:11). Psalmist refers to this relationship of the Father. "If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there." (Ps.139:8)

The Last supper enacted in that upper room evokes for us the same betrayal when Satan betrayed the trust of the Most High. For this reason Jesus refersto Judas as the son of perdition. "While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled." ( John 17:12)

We have several instances where what are presented before us is a kangaroo word in terms of the eternal Word. Thus the alabaster box is a kangaroo word for the woman who prepared the body of the Son for his burial. Ezekiel thus ingesting the roll that God gave him becomes a double for the Son. "Son of man, eat that thou findest; eat this roll, and go speak unto the house of Israel."(Ez.3:1)

I just need a night,eating,morning,repent,forgiveness,basically everything prayer please and God bless you! I'm also a beginner so please tell me everything I shall know please.

Mark 14:1-9 "In Bethany"

"And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head."(v.3)

All the four gospels carry this incident where the woman had prescience to anoint Jesus for his burial. None present there except Jesus who understood the significance of her action. "He (Jesus Christ) knew all men, and needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man."Besides he knew what he was there for, among them and also knew where he was going to. His deity was as the Word become flesh. In Luke we read thus, "For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end."( Luke 22:37)

How can a woman of ill repute find the right occasion to be born again or in this case, Mary as John gives her a name, break the box unless her faith and of Christ was one?( John 12:3) God breathed into man and made him a living soul. Faith is what explains this relationship between God and man. "Faith is one."(Ep.4:5) So in her action she poured out herself in order to prepare him beforehand for her burial.

What is the significance of Bethany? In the Gospel of John Jesus was in the company of Lazarus whom he had raised from death. "Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live."( John 11:25).

The alabaster box is similar to the earthen vessel that Jeremiah broke as commanded of God. The box doubles for Mary whose faith became a memorial unto her. St Mark juxtaposes this with the breaking of bread during the Last supper.(v.22)

I have spent a lot of time on the street . I find strictly following the King James Bible get you there but keeps me alive . and living out of a suitcase . are there any other members here? I've been here a while I've only spoken to one . please talk to me.

Amen, Precious, Amen!

Please pray for my brother, Philip James, who has endured significant physical and mental abuse throughout his life. He has struggled with drug addiction as a way to cope with the pain he has experienced. Although he was raised in a church by our parents, many people harbor ill wishes towards him that he will never get better.. Despite his belief that everyone has given up on him, I have faith that Jesus Christ still loves his children. I kindly request your prayers for God to intervene in his life, surrounding him with positive influences and guiding him towards a positive transformation and repent and come back to God.

Please pray for me John

Dear Heavenly Father

Great God Almighty

Thank you for this past day and all the wonderful loving kindness you have shown me today and throughout all the past days of my life

Thank you for not rewarding me in accordance with all of my sinfulness which is as an open book to you

Please Great God Almighty may Your Kingdom fill this your earth ever so soon

When it is Your Will

Untill those very best days are upon us all please continue if it is Your Will to show all flesh Your wonderful loving kindness tender mercies and generous blessings every day

Please continue if it is Your Will to take pity upon all flesh and remember our weakness our stupidity our shortsightedness our fearfulness and our insecurities

Please Dear Heavenly Father see our pain and misery and need for You and Your Son and Your Kingdom to be upon this Your earth and upon us all very soon when it is Your Will

Please heal all flesh and turn the hearts of us all to You and Your Son and make us all all Yours forever ever so soon when it is Your Will

Please take pity on all the creatures that we have tamed and domesticated and then neglected and abused and treated unkindly and coldly and cruelly and ease their suffering at our hands if it is Your Will

Please bring an end to all this pain and misery when it is Your Will

Please give me the strength and courage and determination to live tomorrow as best as I can in a way that is acceptable to You and please don't allow my emotions to overwhelm me and lead me into being irrational and foolish if it is Your Will

Thank you so much for providing for all of my daily needs in abundance and thank you for sustaining me and enabling me to do all those things that I think I need to do every day

Please continue to do so if it is Your Will

May Your Righteous Will be done through Jesus Christ my sinless Redeemer I offer this prayer to You my God my Creator my Sustainer my Peace my Strength my Dear Heavenly Father

Amen .

Studying scripture: Catechisms

Having wiped out my last posting AGAIN by pushing the wrong button I will have more to say perhaps later regarding devotionals.

I thought I would shift gears and discuss Catechisms. I expect many know that a Catechism is a sort of reciting of a Doctrinal Statement.

Let's be honest here; although maybe it's just me...such studies can often be the most BORING ones we undertake and if someone is really not a believer it could in my opinion do more harm then good even if it is a scripturally solid one. The first thing of course we must investigate is; when considering becoming a church member in particular is are there any issues that jump out to us that we cannot believe or are unwilling to be dogmatic about? I am from a Protestant and primarily Reformed background; and generally ascribe to things in the Heidelburg confession; for instance. That being said; for whatever reason the designation exist; I find the term "DIVINES" for those who came up with certain Reformed confessions as being a repulsive term. I have shown evidence in the past of certain behaviors among Calvin and Luthor; no matter how critical they were for getting back to "Sola Scriptura" and concepts of Predestination that I don't care to mention them as examples to follow and say instead that they brought out scriptural truths such as are found in the book of John in particular as to God calling and choosing people the Son would reveal Himself to. Such a concept saturates many chapters in John in particular but is found in many other places in scripture. We don't find the term "total depravity" in scripture but there are many places where it says man can do no good and his good works are as "filthy rags" ( Isaiah 64:6).

I mentioned in an earlier post that the Orthodox Presbyterian church (OPC) that existed in Pittsburgh before folding allowed me to be a member but not of full standing as to my take on infant Baptism. We shoudn't rush membership.

How to read scripture: Devotionals

I have touched on several good devotional sources in posts last year; namely Oswald Chambers "utmost for the Highest" and Daily Bread. This site also is helpful when highlighting a daily Bible verse for the surrounding text to consider.

If I have the terminology correct Expository preaching is systematic reading of a book chapter by chapter. There is another term for topical studies that I am sure someone here knows. For a new believer it is hard to argue with the standard approach of beginning in the Gospels (usually John is picked) and then transitioning to Paul's Epistles. Scripture memory is helpful for two reasons particularly for new believers; one for edification and second to have verses to explain the hope within us in Christ when witnessing. Taking the example of John 3:16 for instance we have the assurance of eternal life but if we read the surrounding text we see in verse 18 that he who does NOT believe in Him is condemned already. This is one danger of "cherry picking" an isolated verse that gives us "positive vibes" and not comprehending God's Word as to repetitive themes; in this case blessings for obedience and faith and cursings for not believing. This contrast between good and bad is throughout scriptures; whether we look at warnings in Deuteronomy as to conditions affecting the entire nation because of disobedience vs obedience; Psalms and Proverbs related to characteristics of righteous and wicked and books of Chronicles and Kings as to righteous and unrighteous kings.

We are to be cautious; therefore with any devotionals that always have "encouraging" verses or if the author is skewed in that direction. The opposite could be said of the Oswald Chambers as some have accused it of being works oriented too much; they certainly are challenging unlike anything I've read. In terms of scripture memory; it is useful but internalizing the Living Word through meditation and application also.

In the world post-rapture (as I see things in Eschatology) God will begin to use the Jewish people as the primary agent for the Spirit to utilize once again to bring upon "Jacob's trouble" to bring national repentance that only comes to full fruition right

before Armageddon according to verses in Zechariah. Once the church is gone; truly faith will be hard to find on the earth ( Luke 18:8).

Before discussing the mark given to these individuals; we should consider the fact that they are God's servants as these verses indicate. I won't go into various considerations of what the term "virgins" means except to say morally and spiritually these are uncompromised individuals "sold out" for Christ. There will be many "religious" people in the harlot religion at this time which

I suspect is a hybrid of Christianity and mystical elements of other religions tied into the One World Government for the first half of the Tribulation. THESE individuals I believe will cause the greatest persecution at that time; to be replaced later on after the mark of the Beast comes forth that will readily identify the wicked and those who will be damned.

No doubt anyone who is a servant of God rather than an adherant to the false religion which no doubt will bring an expectation of continuing wealth during the seal judgments will go after anyone who loves the Lord like this; which may be only the 144,000 at first then those of the countless multitude saved afterwards mentioned later on in this chapter. I would doubt the seal of the righteous is readily identified by eyesight but certainly seen in the spiritual plane as an identifier. The fact that during the trumpet judgments (which seems to be the time period related to harm to the earth and sea after this sealing) that these individuals won't be touched will make any mystery as to who they are go out the window. They will be no doubt hated by the world and the mark of the beast will be the rebel response for "protection".