Bible Thread

[GYMnTONIC]

Could use some prayers.

My wife has been in significant pain since last Thursday. She went to a clinic yesterday and they said its probably bladder irritation and sent her home. I was surprised they didn't do any blood work or imaging. Last night her pain was very intense so this morning she went to Emergency, after doing imaging she will likely need emergency surgery. The first clinic completely dropped the ball.

Thank you

Prayers Sent. No questions asked. I'm praying like 2-3x a day now. Which is very new for me.

Oddly, question for the experts here. When I pray or read the Bible, I feel an "energy". A sense of "peace" almost

I can genuinely say I feel different.

I know Im the forum conspiracy theory, but no bullshit I have to say I actually "feel different"

I know Im the novice on God and religion here, and I mean that sincerely, so I'm looking for legit responses. Not these fake accounts being made after every response I make. Testing my patience.

Im being sincere. Thank you for your time.

 

[220]

Praying that she will make a swift recovery.

 

[220]

Prayers Sent. No questions asked. I'm praying like 2-3x a day now. Which is very new for me.

Oddly, question for the experts here. When I pray or read the Bible, I feel an "energy". A sense of "peace" almost

I can genuinely say I feel different.

I know Im the forum conspiracy theory, but no bullshit I have to say I actually "feel different"

I know Im the novice on God and religion here, and I mean that sincerely, so I'm looking for legit responses. Not these fake accounts being made after every response I make. Testing my patience.

Im being sincere. Thank you for your time.

I know exactly what you mean.
There are verses throughout God’s word that refer to a peace that can only come from above. The first one that comes to mind comes from Philippians 4:6-7.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

 

[HFO4]

Prayers Sent. No questions asked. I'm praying like 2-3x a day now. Which is very new for me.

Oddly, question for the experts here. When I pray or read the Bible, I feel an "energy". A sense of "peace" almost

I can genuinely say I feel different.

I know Im the forum conspiracy theory, but no bullshit I have to say I actually "feel different"

I know Im the novice on God and religion here, and I mean that sincerely, so I'm looking for legit responses. Not these fake accounts being made after every response I make. Testing my patience.

Im being sincere. Thank you for your time.

first thing is I’m no expert lol but I am a born again believer in Christ filled with the Holy Spirt so I think I can qualify to answer this for you...

When you’re truly talking from your heart to the supernatural creator of all things, Jesus Christ, He gives you peace that passes understanding. The Holy Spirit is in the supernatural business so it shouldn’t surprise you really, but I totally get that it does because His peace is new to you, now that being said, we walk and live by faith so there maybe times you “feel” nothing but that doesn’t mean Jesus isnt listening nor does it mean He isn't present, because He is always with you and He is always present. He is omniscient.

- - - Updated - - -

Prayers Sent. No questions asked. I'm praying like 2-3x a day now. Which is very new for me.

Oddly, question for the experts here. When I pray or read the Bible, I feel an "energy". A sense of "peace" almost

I can genuinely say I feel different.

I know Im the forum conspiracy theory, but no bullshit I have to say I actually "feel different"

I know Im the novice on God and religion here, and I mean that sincerely, so I'm looking for legit responses. Not these fake accounts being made after every response I make. Testing my patience.

Im being sincere. Thank you for your time.

first thing is I’m no expert lol but I am a born again believer in Christ filled with the Holy Spirt so I think I can qualify to answer this for you...

When you’re truly talking from your heart to the supernatural creator of all things, Jesus Christ, He gives you peace that passes understanding. The Holy Spirit is in the supernatural business so it shouldn’t surprise you really, but I totally get that it does because His peace is new to you, now that being said, we walk and live by faith so there maybe times you “feel” nothing but that doesn’t mean Jesus isnt listening nor does it mean He isn't present, because He is always with you and He is always present. He is omniscient.

 

[Multislacking]

first thing is I’m no expert lol but I am a born again believer in Christ filled with the Holy Spirt so I think I can qualify to answer this for you...

When you’re truly talking from your heart to the supernatural creator of all things, Jesus Christ, He gives you peace that passes understanding. The Holy Spirit is in the supernatural business so it shouldn’t surprise you really, but I totally get that it does because His peace is new to you, now that being said, we walk and live by faith so there maybe times you “feel” nothing but that doesn’t mean Jesus isnt listening nor does it mean He isn't present, because He is always with you and He is always present. He is omniscient.

Couldn't have said it any better. There are times I "feel" things and times I don't. I don't feel the least bit worried if I don't.

 

[heavyiron]

This is gonna sound stupid but here goes…


I guess I just thought that I’d feel more than I do and I’d have a clearer conscience and more guidance from the “big guy” when I gave myself up to him. I haven’t been to church in a long time and I’m probably gonna start going here soon. There is this ex Amish guy whose a Christian preacher now around these parts. A really helpful and caring person that goes out of his way for so many people. I’ve only met him a couple times. He likes to pray for/with people and when he does he physically shakes…. Almost like a subtle form of touretts syndrome (not dramatic but you can see it and feel it) … I don’t think he does it for theatrics… maybe he does have like early stage Parkinson’s or something but to me it seems like he is getting some type of energy from his faith.

Maybe I haven’t done enough to get myself in a position where I can experience Gods grace so that’s why I guess I figure my faith alone isn’t enough or maybe my faith is just a security blanket. It’s something I have to work on I suppose. I’m gonna start reading the Bible again before bed instead of watching Jordan Peterson talk about his coming to faith moments. And I’m gonna start going to church again. I went to a baptist Wesleyan when I was a kid but I don’t really like the fact that there is 7000 denominations… I want to go to an orthodox Bible church.

anyways. I totally get that Christ was our sacrificial lamb because we suck and without him there would be no redemption…. The Living waters guy helped me understand that when he interviewed a Jew and basically turned that guy into a Christian in like 5 minutes. I just thought if I were truly a man of God that I’d be able to see it/feel it.

is faith always a work in progress?

thanks for all your guidance in this thread, all of you, it’s been a true blessing.

good day!

I have been thinking about your post since I first read it on the 1st. I woke early this morning and you were in my thoughts.

I think your instincts are right.

We leave our Bibles on the shelf and sometimes they gather dust but at the same time we long for relationship with the Creator, The One who made us. When I think of the Bible, I love all the doctrinal details and all the life lessons it contains but often it helps me to think of it in a more global way. A 40,000 foot view so to speak.

The ultimate commandment is to love God with our all and to love others. Christ said the entire law and prophets hung on these two commands. Essentially this condenses the entire old testament.

The Greatest Commandment
(Deuteronomy 6:1–19; Mark 12:28–34)34 And when the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, they themselves gathered together. 35 One of them, an expert in the law, tested Him with a question: 36“Teacher, which commandment is the greatest in the Law?”

37 Jesus declared, “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’e 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’f 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

We are commanded to love God. How do we do this?

God wants us to have relationship with Him and with others. Relationship is when we listen and talk to each other. How do we listen to Him? We must read the scriptures to really hear from The One who made us. We pray for God to speak to us, to guide us, to direct our paths but we don't read The Book. Prayer is also part of the relationship. Talking to Him is prayer, listening to Him is reading His words. The relationship is reciprocal and it takes faith and it will take on forms of action. Its a listening and a talking based in love.

The scriptures also tell us to gather together.

24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

This could be a church setting or just a setting when you get together with other believers for the purpose of encouraging love and good works.

When I think of the Christian life it really boils down to loving The One who made us and loving others. If I could choose one word it would be relationship.

However its a bit more than "love God and love others."

I believe our ultimate purpose is to do that while glorifying God.

Anyway, I'm not sure how we can obey the commands of loving God and others without reading scripture and talking to Him and without fellowship with other believers.

As far as faith goes we need to go back to the listening part because faith comes by reading or hearing The word of God.

17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Here's the short version below;
Love Him
Talk to Him - Prayer
Listen to Him - Read Scripture
Believe Him - Faith
Glorify Him

Once you do that you will better be able to do the following;
Love others
Gather together - Fellowship to stir up love and good works

 

[01dragonslayer]

One of the greatest examples of love is commitment. What better illustration of persevering love is there than a couple that keeps their marriage vows for fifty, sixty or even seventy years, despite the trials of life? God wants us to love Him with a love that perseveres.
Our love for God must endure. It is easy to love a fellow human whom we can see and touch and hear and hug. It is far more challenging to love a God we can’t see, who allows us to go through challenging trials, and who has made us promises that we’ve yet to see fulfilled. Perhaps this is why Jesus reminds us to love God with all our strength – strength that only the indwelling Spirit of God can provide. We must actively engage our minds and hearts to persevere in loving God when the rest of the world tells us we are foolish.

 

[heavyiron]

This chapter in Isaiah always hammers me. I too am a man of unclean lips. Sometimes I read this out loud and imagine what Isaiah saw and felt.

6 In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and the train of His robe filled the temple. 2 Above it stood seraphim; each one had six wings: with two he covered his face, with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. 3 And one cried to another and said:
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts;
The whole earth is full of His glory!”

4 And the posts of the door were shaken by the voice of him who cried out, and the house was filled with smoke.
5 So I said:
“Woe is me, for I am [a]undone!
Because I am a man of unclean lips,
And I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips;
For my eyes have seen the King,
The Lord of hosts.”

6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a live coal which he had taken with the tongs from the altar. 7 And he touched my mouth with it, and said:
“Behold, this has touched your lips;
Your iniquity is taken away,
And your sin [b]purged.”

8 Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying:
“Whom shall I send,
And who will go for Us?”

Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.”

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=isaiah+6&version=NKJV

 

[Multislacking]

On faith and works:

John 3:16-21
16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

18 “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. 21 But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.”

 

[heavyiron]

I'm having problems finding the verse I mentioned yesterday, but I'll put these here for now.

Ezekiel 28

“You were the seal of perfection,
Full of wisdom and perfect in beauty.
13 You were in Eden, the garden of God;
Every precious stone was your covering:
The sardius, topaz, and diamond,
Beryl, onyx, and jasper,
Sapphire, turquoise, and emerald with gold.
The workmanship of your timbrels and pipes
Was prepared for you on the day you were created.

14 “You were the anointed cherub who covers;
I established you;
You were on the holy mountain of God;
You walked back and forth in the midst of fiery stones.
15 You were perfect in your ways from the day you were created,
Till iniquity was found in you.

Isaiah 14

“How you are fallen from heaven,
O Lucifer, son of the morning!
How you are cut down to the ground,
You who weakened the nations!
13 For you have said in your heart:
‘I will ascend into heaven,
I will exalt my throne above the stars of God;
I will also sit on the mount of the congregation
On the farthest sides of the north;
14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds,
I will be like the Most High.’

This isn't the exact study I was presented with but its close enough. Sorry it took so long

https://kgov.com/when-did-adam-sin

BTW, Bob was killed with Remdesivir and a vent last year.

 

[E.J.D]

Need some prayers about a situation I'm currently in. Cliff notes version child support is trying to screw me with claims of delinquent payments but in my case it's impossible. Auto garnish taken. They did miss quote my payment amount which I believe is the true issue. So some prayers for swift justice and handling of the matter than I'm in no way in fault of. While I'm trying to get this taken care of. Thanks in advance.

 

[E.J.D]

Daniel 10:12
12 Then he continued, “Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all of our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.
—2 Corinthians 1:3-4

 

[tatertot]

Hey everyone, I'm new here, but stumbled across this thread and figured it's the perfect place for my first post.
God's Word is one of my favorite things in this world and it's awesome to run into bros discussing eternal things.
I wanted to shared some encouragement from the Heidelberg Catechism (which is a succinct booklet teaching foundational Christian doctrine.

Question: What is your only comfort in life and in death?

Answer: That I am not my own, (1 Cor. 6:19-20)
but belong— body and soul, in life and in death— (Rom. 14:7-9)
to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ. (1 Cor. 3:23 )
He has fully paid for all my sins with his precious blood, (1 Pet. 1:18-19)
and has set me free from the tyranny of the devil. (John 8:34-36 )
He also watches over me in such a way (John 6:39-40)
that not a hair can fall from my head without the will of my Father in heaven; (Matt. 10:29-31)
in fact, all things must work together for my salvation.(Rom. 8:28)
Because I belong to him,Christ, by his Holy Spirit,assures me of eternal life (Rom. 8:15-16 )
and makes me wholeheartedly willing and readyfrom now on to live for him. (Rom. 8:1-17)

 

[Multislacking]

Hey everyone, I'm new here, but stumbled across this thread and figured it's the perfect place for my first post.
God's Word is one of my favorite things in this world and it's awesome to run into bros discussing eternal things.
I wanted to shared some encouragement from the Heidelberg Catechism (which is a succinct booklet teaching foundational Christian doctrine.

Question: What is your only comfort in life and in death?

Answer: That I am not my own, (1 Cor. 6:19-20)
but belong— body and soul, in life and in death— (Rom. 14:7-9)
to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ. (1 Cor. 3:23 )
He has fully paid for all my sins with his precious blood, (1 Pet. 1:18-19)
and has set me free from the tyranny of the devil. (John 8:34-36 )
He also watches over me in such a way (John 6:39-40)
that not a hair can fall from my head without the will of my Father in heaven; (Matt. 10:29-31)
in fact, all things must work together for my salvation.(Rom. 8:28)
Because I belong to him,Christ, by his Holy Spirit,assures me of eternal life (Rom. 8:15-16 )
and makes me wholeheartedly willing and readyfrom now on to live for him. (Rom. 8:1-17)

Welcome.

 

[dale.c]

That’s gotta be about the best first post I’ve seen.

 

[220]

Welcome brother. The catechisms are excellent resources. I am currently using https://reformed.org/historic-confessions/the-childrens-catechism/ to teach my young children.

I love how they give simple answers to the big questions. These are the first five:

[FONT=&amp]Q. 1. Who made you?
A. God.[/FONT]
[FONT=&amp]Q. 2. What else did God make?
A. God made all things.[/FONT]
[FONT=&amp]Q. 3. Why did God make you and all things ?
A. For his own glory.[/FONT]
[FONT=&amp]Q. 4. How can you glorify God?
A. By loving him and doing what he commands.[/FONT]
[FONT=&amp]Q. 5. Why ought you to glorify God?
A. Because he made me and takes care of me.[/FONT]
[FONT=&amp]
[/FONT]

 

[tatertot]

That’s gotta be about the best first post I’ve seen.

Thanks man all glory to God though. He, through the work of Christ called, saved, and redeemed a sinner like me.

Welcome brother. The catechisms are excellent resources. I am currently using https://reformed.org/historic-confessions/the-childrens-catechism/ to teach my young children.

I love how they give simple answers to the big questions. These are the first five:

[FONT=&amp]Q. 1. Who made you?
A. God.[/FONT]
[FONT=&amp]Q. 2. What else did God make?
A. God made all things.[/FONT]
[FONT=&amp]Q. 3. Why did God make you and all things ?
A. For his own glory.[/FONT]
[FONT=&amp]Q. 4. How can you glorify God?
A. By loving him and doing what he commands.[/FONT]
[FONT=&amp]Q. 5. Why ought you to glorify God?
A. Because he made me and takes care of me.[/FONT]
[FONT=&amp]
[/FONT]

The Children's Catechism is such a good resource. Some of the younger kids at my local church have that entire catechism memorized and it's amazing.

The Lord has strengthened my faith the past few years by leading me to Reformed theology. Teachers like RC Sproul, John Piper, Paul Washer exposite the Scriptures with such wisdom and help show the majesty of God's redemptive work through Christ.

 

[tatertot]

This passage was on my mind this morning

Psalm 23 (ESV)
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.


One thing that stood out to me is the 4 times "He" is used. So often I try to do life on my own strength, but ultimately it's God doing everything. He gives breath in my lungs, a beating heart, strength to work and provide, rest in the evening. Without Christ I can do nothing. Yet He is gracious and kind and "leads" me every day of my life.

 

[E.J.D]

2 Corinthians 4:6
6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.


It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth... Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.
—Acts 4:10-12

 

[Milford King]

What is ‘calvanism’?

what does it mean when someone says they are a ‘reformed’ Christian?

what is the difference between being a Calvinistic reformed Christian and being a regular Christian?

Is this related to that argument of faith vs works? Why do my questions constantly revolve around that paradox?

 

[220]

What is ‘calvanism’?

what does it mean when someone says they are a ‘reformed’ Christian?

what is the difference between being a Calvinistic reformed Christian and being a regular Christian?

Is this related to that argument of faith vs works? Why do my questions constantly revolve around that paradox?

Great question. I’m a bit short on time this morning, but I wanted to leave you with this resource about Reformed theology. https://www.ligonier.org/learn/coll...bK0cRvsk1dpaJU6igq5RLKhaFbUAC9CxoCJHsQAvD_BwE

 

[tatertot]

What is ‘calvanism’?

what does it mean when someone says they are a ‘reformed’ Christian?

what is the difference between being a Calvinistic reformed Christian and being a regular Christian?

Is this related to that argument of faith vs works? Why do my questions constantly revolve around that paradox?

Hey man, many books have been written on that question, but I'll try to give you an accurate, succinct answer.

Ultimately to be a true 'Christian' is to be a Christ-Follower. It means you recognize your sin against a holy God and know that you cannot earn His favor or come into right standing on your own. You also justly deserve punishment for your sins, and the scriptures tell us that is carried out for eternity in hell. It's a terrifying thing.

The good news, or Gospel, is that God has offered a free gift of salvation (Ephesians 2) through the perfect work of Jesus Christ (his life, death, and resurrection). When you repent of your sins, and place your faith in Jesus Christ, his perfect life is imputed (applied, given) to you. You are forgiven of your all your sins, past/present/future, and made right before God. The wrath of God against your sin fell on Christ on the cross, He took the punishment that you deserve, and He gives you his perfect righteousness.

Now that's an overview of being a Christian, and the Gospel. It's the core, essential part, and you MUST get this right to be a Christian.

But once you get deeper into "Theology" (the study of God) you run into differences in opinion. There's two main camps among Christians - Reformed/Calvinist, and Arminian.

Calvinism got it name because there was a French theologian in the 1500s named John Calvin who popularized the "Doctrines of Grace" and summarized in the acrostic TULIP. I'll try my best to explain:

• T - Total Depravity - because of sin, mankind is corrupt to the core. We are rebels and we hate God. Think about a child, you have to teach them to be 'good', right? They're naturally evil.
• U - Unconditional election - God is totally sovereign over all things, including our salvation. He chose to save some, and He chose not to save others.
• L - Limited Atonement - Christ's blood was shed on the cross only for the Elect saints that God chose to save (it wasn't shed for all people)
• I - Irresistible Grace - God through the Holy Spirit draws his People/Elect to Him, and they freely and happily come. Like a sheep hears the Shepherd's voice and follows.
• P - Perseverance of the Saints - God will sustain his people through any and all trials in life and in death and they WILL be saved.

These are very "hot button" topics amidst Christians, and honestly there are God-loving, mature, wise Christians on either side of the fence.

I hope this wasn't too much info. If you have any questions, please let me know and I will try to elaborate, explain, or clarify some points

 

[Multislacking]

Calvinism is heavy into predestination. The view is that God chose those who He would save ahead of time before they were ever born. In other words, free will pretty much goes out the window. I'm not a fan.

 

[heavyiron]

I'm also anti Calvanism to the max. Its bankrupt theology rooted in Greek philosophy.

 

[tatertot]

Calvinism is heavy into predestination. The view is that God chose those who He would save ahead of time before they were ever born. In other words, free will pretty much goes out the window. I'm not a fan.

True Calvinism seeks to be as accurate to the Bible as possible in theology. Predestination is a mystery, but it's in the Scriptures, so we should seek to understand it. Acts 13:48, Eph 1:4-5, 2 Thess 2:13-14.

I'm also anti Calvanism to the max. Its bankrupt theology rooted in Greek philosophy.

I'd be curious to know why you believe it's bankrupt? The heart of reformed theology is "Soli Deo Gloria", which means, All Glory to God Alone. It's rooted in 66 books of the Bible.

 

[tatertot]

And to answer your free will comment - Calvinists believe in Free will, we would say it's corrupted to the core by sin.

Humans are not robots. A quick example of this is Joseph's brothers sold him into slavery... they were free to do that because they were jealous and hated their brother. But in Genesis 50:20, Joseph tells them "you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good"... So God was sovereignly worked used the evil actions of his brothers, yet they still willingly sinned. God is sovereign, but man is still responsible for sin.
Romans 9 talks a ton about this.

 

[heavyiron]

I'd be curious to know why you believe it's bankrupt? The heart of reformed theology is "Soli Deo Gloria", which means, All Glory to God Alone. It's rooted in 66 books of the Bible.

If you are asking honestly I'll bite but I'm not interested in a copy and paste war from a drone that has no openness to other doctrines. About 35 years ago I realized that there were so many conflicting doctrines and I went to God in fervent prayer over and over and over asking Him to help me see ONLY truth. Its a rare prayer in "religious" circles I'm afraid.

Do you seek truth or do you just want to "win" arguments on the net?

 

[Multislacking]

I'm pretty sure most religions think they are getting it right. That's why there's a First Church of Two Benches on this corner and a First Church of Three Benches on the next corner. I'm kinda done with organized religion. All of them fall short, imho. They have their place, don't get me wrong. But all of them have shortcomings when you dig deep enough. I don't care how geeky they think they are about their theology.

I'm 100% certain there are things I don't get right as well. The difference is I encourage everyone to read and understand for themselves and let the scriptures speak to them. I've said it a hundred times...there's a BIG reason Jesus kept dumbing it down for us:

Matthew 22
37 Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”

 

[HFO4]

@E.J.D. I hope all is well with you and the CS is being worked out fairly.

 

[Codybenz]

As far as I know when the fall of Lucifer happened cannot be determined by scripture. There are obviously passages that allude to it. And there are some good speculations out there, but cannot be determined for certain.