Salyan

Sigh. Your answer may not require a separate thread, but the discussion this is likely to create will. And I didn’t want us to get distracted from giving the OP answers to her genuine questions as to the nature of God. It is very likely there were STDs in the ancient world. However, you cannot say with any authority they are what is being referred to here. There is simply no biblical evidence for it. In reference to the woman of Moab being “diseased”, you contradicted that yourself. If God sent a special disease to punish Israel’s immorality, then the Moabites were not diseased when they arrived. At any rate, God punished Israel for sinning and disobeying him – period. There’s no reason to add anything else to the story. It was very common for victors of the time to kill the men and boys, and keep the single girls and children alive. No male children means no one to grow up and avenge their fathers. You have an interesting theory, but I really don’t see the need to read a special anti-STD campaign into this. Could it have been a factor? Sure. But you can’t count it as ‘fact’.

Good question, because I don't see that either, but can you take this to a new thread? I don't want to co-opt the OP's question.

I must say that I am impressed at bears being so close to civilization! I hope the momma was nowhere nearby.

Two miles from downtown... overlooking Gatlinburg... are you sure you left the city? If that's their idea of country down there, you should come up here! I can take you to a lovely lake over 2.5 hours from any town, with bears and cougars! Glad you guys got to get away and have a vacation.

Yes, this. /\ Calvinism’s definition of total depravity includes the inability to choose Christ. You cannot embrace one part of the doctrine without tacitly accepting false doctrines.

He was not banned. He was put on moderation, but chose not to submit any further posts.

David Cloud isn't wrong... but he's got to update his information. The Resolved Conference closed its doors in 2012.

Kitten

Yay, if it's spring. Mosquitos

I don't think people get confused. Isn't the Spanish name pronounced "Hay-soos" when it's a person and not Jesus Christ?

Why would you come to a site expecting to get banned for your behavior? That is... not a sign of mature behavior.

They were there because they were still held captive by sin, in a sense. It was sin that prevented them from you directly going to heaven with God, until Christ’s sacrifice for sin was complete. Is that captivity – of sin — that Christ had victory over.

What?? That is a ridiculous suggestion to make. I know you’re trying to make a (wrong) point, but please don’t butcher interpretation on purpose. Abraham was one of the righteous dead. If our interpretation is correct, then he too had to wait for Jesus’ work of salvation to be complete in order to go to heaven. That means he was waiting in Hades too. Abraham is referenced in the Bible as being the father of those that believe through faith. As such, and especially as that period of waiting took place when his descendants the Jews were the vast majority of the righteous dead, it makes sense that he would be referred to with a position of… Leadership? honor? Either could be implied by that reference. Finally, whenever the Bible refers to someone’s bosom in that way, it’s always talking of a place of care and protection - never of captivity.

Heaven and hell are indeed far off from each other, but I don’t believe you can see one from the other. The old testament saints could not to heaven until the sacrifice for their sins – Christ – had been completed. Their souls had to go somewhere. If not Hades, then where?

You use some really strange terminology sometimes. The Mennonites cannot be “as apostate as Muslims” because Muslims are not apostate. They are a false religion. They never had the true gospel.

I remember learning about Gallipoli... that was some battle.

Do the Amish live simply because they believe it will somehow work towards their salvation, or because they are choosing to eschew the temptations of the world? There's nothing wrong with the second option (albeit one can probably eschew temptation while still utilizing some modern conveniences). It's not really a spiritual issue - after all, there's no Scriptural support for not living simply either. The statement that 'knowledge shall increase' is merely a statement of fact, not direction for living.

Yeaahhh... that's not okay. Freedom of speech, much?

I would personally strongly prefer a woman doctor, but would be thankful for whatever medical help I can get! I suspect that most women would prefer female doctors and midwives, but the fact is that they are few and far between. This mindset of 'women must not be seen by male doctors ever' is very dangerous, as it has prevented women from receiving medical attention. Historically there have been far more male than female doctors. Isis shut down medical ob-gyn clinics to avoid the possibility of women being attended by a male doctor. The practical effect (for the women) was that they were without medical assistance entirely. Not cool! There is a time and place for moral concerns, but I strongly suspect that this particular attitude, historically, has been far more about misogyny than morality. It hurts women (and children). I notice that Mr. Anderson isn't saying anything about men seeing lady doctors - funny how his concern about supposed immorality in the medical profession only applies when it is women that are seeking medical attention!

I get suspicious when I hear doctors prescribing birth control pills to solve other problems. This evil culture seems determined to sterilize people at all costs – discouraging committed marriage, encouraging transgenderism and homosexuality - I would not at all be surprised if the trend toward using birth control pills to solve other problems is one more way of producing this effect. I did some research on this once and found that regular use of birth control pills can produce long-term fertility issues – even long after stopping the use of the pill. Whether single or married, if you hope to have children someday, you should avoid using it. Just seems that with all the medicines out there today, there should be some that will produce the same effects without the abortionaid effect.

James, I think there are some wise mentors among the men here who may be able to help you with your struggle. However, a mixed forum is really not the best place to discuss this. May I suggest that you join the forum (as a member, not just a guest)? You can then continue this discussion in the men’s area.

Alan, I've asked Robycop to refrain from any comment on the KJVO issue, and he is complying. It is unfair to ask him any questions on that issue.

Websites (or at least a Facebook page) are a requirement nowadays, I think. If I'm searching for a church to visit, I won't even consider any that I can't first look up their statement of faith and peruse their website. But the website needs to look like it was updated within the last 15 years!

It's a loose association of countries that used to be part of the British Empire. Maybe it's not as 'old' as I thought it was. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Member_states_of_the_Commonwealth_of_Nations

On the topic of aliens, I have to recommend Alien Intrusion, by Gary Bates. It's an incredibly interesting read on the alien/ufo phenomena, historically and recently. It includes the (true) story of two paranormal researchers who decided to research why the subset of Christians called 'born-again' didn't seem to report any alien abductions - and ended up getting saved as a result of what they found out. This is not light reading, and should be approached soberly (dealing, as it does, with the demonic), but it is a subject I really think that Christians should be aware of and have an answer for. https://www.amazon.ca/Alien-Intrusion-Gary-Bates-ebook/dp/B004477XBE Apparently they're doing a movie now as well; I'll have to take a look at that!