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One of the people in the crowd listening to Jesus deliver the Sermon on the Mount. I can't begin to imagine hearing the greatest sermon ever given.
If you could be a "fly on the wall", where would you be? -
Jerry, I'll follow the link, in a bit, to finish reading the article.
I'm still a novice with regards to studying the history of our faith, having only seriously dived into this subject in the last two years. Feeding Christians to the lions, dark ages, inquisitions, all the way up to persecution today in some parts of the world was just something that happened and really had no bearing on me. That is, until the Holy Spirit led me to read histories again with "new" eyes. Beginning with what Jesus Christ suffered for me. Continuing with what others have suffered over the centuries to ensure that we have God's word today. Today, people are still giving their physical lives in modern day equivalents to the inquisition.
Often during my studies, I've questioned myself. Will I have the strength to give my all to Christ, if I'm faced with with the horror of what others have faced in the past? Me? No. Simply because I know the struggle I have, with insignificant things when compared to giving my life. I can't do it without help. Thus, the prayer that the Holy Spirit will give me the strength to face, with a willing heart, whatever comes about between now and the end of my life on earth.
You ended your post with a good question about Christians and 24/7. My personal answer to the latter part of your question is above. When I look around me, I'm asking the same question, too. While I can't know what's in other Christian's hearts, their fruit is easy to see, in far too many cases.
* When American Idol had a finalist from NC, people wanted to rush choir practice to get home to watch the TV.
* Left Sunday morning worship early to prepare for the Superbowl activities.
* Can't come to services, as they're out selling Girl Scout cookies.
* Spent last weekend at the beach (frequently).
* Have an early tee time with my buddies.
* Excuses, Excuses.........
Yes, I've seen the changes you mentioned. Even remember when "blue laws" were in effect. Retail businesses were closed to allow employees time to go to church. And, it was a temptation removed from others who wanted to shop till they dropped. People had to prepare on Saturday, or do without, as all the stores in our small town closed all day Sunday. Gradually that changed as laws were changed, and chain stores set up shop.
I'm not sure where I'm heading with this post, so it's probably time to close it. Thank you for much to think about this morning. And, to pray about, too. May the Lord give each of us the strength of our convictions to face whatever today may bring that's a challenge to our faith. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen -
IT IS SUMMER AROUND HERE. Temps running 15 degrees above normal. May hit 90 over the next few days.
Under thunderstorm watch for this afternoon. Tstorm warning scrolling across the bottom of the tv screen, as I type.
Yep, it's summer! -
That's why it's becoming ever more common to see professing Christians with tattoos (often what they call "Christian tattoos), smoking, drinking beer, going to R rated movies, meeting friends and family at a bar or bar and grill, dressing like the world no matter how immodest, cussing, egaging in sex before marriage, shacking up, divorcing for selfish reasons, etc.
While in times past a Christian might be heard to boast of how his pastor really preaches the whole Word of God, today it's just as likely to hear professing Christians boast that their pastor isn't really like a pastor, more like a "regular guy". It's more common to hear about the fun or entertainment at their church than much about preaching.
So, true.
Ever stand on the front porch after church, watch the people, and listen to the conversations around you?
And that's after a message from the pulpit that should have put everyone on their knees. -
43And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.
While I'm also curious about the things being discussed here, every time I read this passage of scripture, I'm freshly reminded of what we have in store for us, one day. He paid the price for our ticket to Paradise. All we have to do is hold out our hand. -
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I'm not in the mood to ban anyone right now.
I'd rather send an appropriate handshake or hug to every born again, in Christ, reader of this post.
And, to extend a hand to any unsaved person who'll take a moment to listen. :godisgood: -
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change things I can and the wisdom to know the difference.
As this old body ages there seem to be more of the first, less of the second, and growing awareness of the difference. -
OK, I admit it, I enjoy waking up before the rest of the folks in this house, neighborhood, neck of the woods. Even the birds are still asleep.
A quiet time in this noisy world. -
Ban Salyan, because I cannot ban John for beleiving with God all things are possible.
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Thanks for your replies.
I suspect the term "tools" lead to my misunderstanding. Thought that perhaps, additional "tools" (resources) that our church could use were sitting just beyond a locked door. One of the things that has become routine is to forward links to people in our church on anything that has a good likelyhood to help them in their ministries. Whether it's the pastor, a deacon, or a Sunday school teacher, etc.
BTW, I should acknowledge, while I'm on this subject, how helpful this site has been and is in this regard. References from quite a number of posts have been forwarded. Just further evidence of how far reaching is the good fruit that's being displayed here.
Thank you, one an all, for helping me to grow in Christ and providing fruit to help others grow, too. -
First, and foremost, I believe that people can come to Christ without reading a word from any Bible.
Romans 10:17 KJB
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
The concept of everyone knowing how to read is a fairly new one within the history of mankind, if I understand correctly. And, even today, there are many who can't read the Bible -- any version -- in their native language.
Next, I'm just a layman, fairly recently returning to fellowship with the body of Christ. Upon returning, I discovered the King James ONLY controversy. As a result for the last 18 months or so, I've spent a considerable amount of time in study of this subject. Far ranging topics from origins of written languages to copyright/financial reasons for revising revisions of previous versions. All of this with a continual prayer for guidance from the Holy Spirit.
I also beleive God directed (inspired) the original recorders of His word, regardless of writing method, whether chisel and hammer or a stylus in soft clay or a reed quill on animal skin. I also believe He kept His promise to preserve His word for all generations.
Moving on, I am NOT a King James ONLY as it's often defined today. There are too many extreme positions on this that push people away from God rather than bringing them closer to Him. Satan is, in my humble opinion, using this to try drive a stake into the body of Christ. If you and I, as born again true beleivers that Jesus died on the cross for us, spend hours of endless heated arguement about "the Greek says", "oldest manuscript is best", etc. & etc., what does that "tell" those watching us about our faith?
No, a born again person will not go to hell for studying an NIV. Yes, a person can be saved, when they accept Christ while reading any document God uses to touch their hearts. Including those, again in my humble opinion, are modern day per-versions of His word. Document examples: Billboards, Christmas cards, gospel music, newspaper article in the "religion" section, and so much more.
All that said, whew..... I also believe that when a person comes to Christ, the best resource to use to:
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Tim 2:15
is the King James Bible using a 1700's edition of the 1611 first publication.
Put the KJB first and foremost.
Why?
Hours and hours have been spent over the last 18 months reading about "outdated language", "errors in the KJB", "original manuscripts", Hort and Westcott, King James and alleged lifestyle, Darwin & evolution, and....
comparing translators & methods for the KJB vs modern day editors, translators, manuscripts, publishing houses.
With help from the Holy Spirit, and committment to learn the truth, it becomes easier and easier to *see* the flaws in the "logic" of those attacking the KJB. I'm not saying I'm an expert or everything I say is without error. Please don't misunderstand, as I'll never learn enough in my remaining lifetime to come anywhere close to that. It's only with the Lord's blessing, that I've come far enough to voice somewhat of a position statement. One that's continually being refined as clay on His potter's wheel.
* So far, every statement that the KJB is in error has a valid rebuttal. From scriptures taken out of context to outright lying by those who know better. And all the shades of grey that lie between by those who know how to
Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? Gen 3:1
* Much of the "originals" and "oldest manuscripts" fall into this catagory, too. Manipulation, to serve various agenda, comes to light, when study pulls back the curtain on how those terms are being tossed about as truth.
There's so much more to write, the words want to rush out. But, it's time for me go get off my soapbox. So, in closing, back to the OP and the question that follows. Yes, I'd like to learn more about Christ's actual birth date. That's from a historical standpoint. From a faith standpoint, it doesn't matter, since I know He gave His life, on the cross, for me. And, that one glorious day He'll teach me everything I'm now yearning (Proverbs 2:3-6) to learn, as I sit as His feet.
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Proverbs 2:3-6 KJB
3Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding;
4If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures;
5Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.
6For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. -
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN— at the close of the Constitutional Convention of 1787, when queried as he left Independence Hall on the final day of deliberation.
Well, Doctor, what have we got—a Republic or a Monarchy?”
“A Republic, if you can keep it.”
http://www.bartleby.com/73/1593.html
Edit: Quote expanded upon. http://www.fff.org/freedom/1101b.asp -
It probably is because the answer is also probably here in the forum somewhere. OK, here goes.
Why is the Tools for Ministry forum "protected"? I understand the reasoning behind having protected forums where men and women can freely discuss gender related matters.
As a layman, I can't in good faith, ask to be permitted to participate there, as I don't hold any "office" in my church. Yet, shouldn't I be able to learn of and use any "tools" that God provides in my witness and fellowship?
BTW, it's not a big issue, as I'm a guest in the "home" of those who created and maintain this meeting place. Just wondering........ -
paganism=magic. What is up with all this magic anymore? I go visist sister in KY an she puts on Barbie movie for her young daughter and my kids. It is filled with magic. I can sheepishly and quietly ask, "do you think they should be watching a show with all this magic stuff in it?" I then can get the loud answer, "IT'S JUST AN INNOCENT KIDS VIDEO, DO YOU HAVE TO BE SO UPTIGHT YOU SELF-RIGHTEOUS PHARISEE!!??" I guess I just don't see the innocence in a young, innocent child watching a video with so much garbage in it. Oh, and the innocent movie has an innocent rating of "G".
I suspect this could be a situation where you simply have to pick your battles. Suspect, from her loud answer, that you've had numerous battles with her on subjects such as this one.
I know that within my family (including my church family) I do have to pick my battles to keep from driving them away, alltogether. All of them do things that aren't according to scripture. I'm guilty of that, too. Because I can't be perfect, others are viewing my life and my actions, too. If far too many battles on far too many subjects, I have little chance of persuading anyone to even take a second look at truly serious stumbling blocks in their path. They'll quickly point to those in my path and close their ears to anything I have to say.
Yes, I know that all sin is wrong in the eyes of the Lord. My sins, included.
However, when working with others, isn't the point to bring them closer to the Lord? Depending on the individual circumstances, sometimes that can include ignoring, in others, what we may personally consider to the wrong path. Your example, may be such a situation. For young kids, almost every thing is magical, as they haven't learned enough yet to discern the differences in the meaning of the word. When the time is appropriate, teach them the difference between the "magical" work of the Lord and the sinful magic of satan. Help your sister do this, if she asks, when the time is right. Don't put her on the defensive because she chose a video that contains some form of "magic".
Possibly one way to do this is to plant seeds and let the Holy Spirit water them. In this instance, maybe a less confrontational approach would be to wait until another time. (Not while she's playing the video and especially, not in front of her child.) Casually mention that you're seeing the trend of more "magic" being included in children's materials. You're concerned about it and wonder if she's given any thought to the subject. If she doesn't want to talk, that's OK. You've planted the seed. -
I'm sure others can answer this better than I, so this is just my 2-cents.
Bible study has to include what's happening at the time the scriptures were inspired. Apparently cutting one's self was a part of the grief process when losing a loved one. Just as was using sackcloth and ashes.
As this is in a set of verses of what not to do, the comma in the verse may separate cutting for the dead and marking the body for any purpose. http://www.biblegate...cus 19&version=KJV
Edit: Reference your post #42. -
The older I get, the more sadness I feel (sometimes anger, too) at how the name of the Lord is being used for greed. It's like the money changers in the temple.
I believe in free enterprize and the concepts of capitalism.
Yet, I want to cry at how those are being abused, in the name of the Lord. The Lifeway mailer that we get is filled with "stuff" imprinted with Christian "slogans" almost to the point of being obscene. Cutsey gimmicks to lure believers into buying cups, bowls, and spoons, simply because they have something "religious" printed on them. And, especially, when the secular world is also incorporated. Something's wrong when there's a sale on bunny rabbits and Easter eggs with a token reference to the Lord on them. -
Should I tithe from the child support I receive for my daughter?
This is a question that you'll have to answer for yourself, as each person has to do according to how the Holy Spirit leads them. The only thing we can do is offer some advice, based on our own lives and how the Holy Spirit moves within us, individually.
The Lord only asks that we be a cheerful giver in all that we give for His glory. Give without regret or hesitation or reluctance. While we must render unto Caesar, most of us certainly don't do that cheerfully. At least I don't. Taxes are paid because they must be paid or face Caesar's penalties. When Christ died on the cross for us, He erased the "tax codes" of the old covernant and mandates within them. From the blessings that are bestowed upon us, we can freely choose how much we return to Him.
That said, we tithe. Not because we have to give, but because we want to give that baseline amount because there is biblical historical reference to giving 10%. Sometimes I wish that another term could be coined to replace "tithe" from the OT. A single word that could convey the scope of how we, as individual believers, chose to follow what's in our hearts, with our offerings to the Lord. Not only with dollars, but even more so with what/how we give of ourselves. Certainly God doesn't need our gold, He needs us. FREELY giving x percentage of our gold back to Him for use by His church, is simply one way to give of ourselves. He also rejoices, when we give of ourselves in other ways of service to Him and for His glory. How much time do we offer to Him each day? Each week? How much time do we devote to Him that's beyond what's considered by many to be our Sunday obligation?
Every Sunday, or any other ministry/activity that we consider to be an "obligation", in the same sense as paying taxes, is something that God does not want from us, IMHO. Go to church on Sunday morning with the joy of having the opportunity to worship in fellowship with others. Or, wake up Sunday morning, wishing we could be doing something else, from sleeping late to mowing the lawn. Which offering of our Sunday morning time is pleasing to the Lord? Again, IMHO, this is the same principle that's involved with giving dollars, regardless of what label is applied to them or the % of our total they represent.
A FWIW.... We are blessed in that we've lived long enough to be retired and are living on a fixed income. I haven't tried to calculate the percentage of the time we give to the Lord each week. There's no point in doing so, as the Lord knows those hours given in His service, are given with praise to Him that we are able to do so. Because of the necessity of filing tax returns, it's a simple matter to calculate monetary numbers. While we tithe on the gross (BTW) , the estimate (I don't keep up with everything) is that our total return of our income to Him is well in excess of 20%. Given without hesitation or regret.
For another person, as the Holy Spirit leads them, that percentage may be 5% or 45%. I believe the Lord looks upon those equally, when freely given, from the heart, rather than some "mandate".
Pray about the child support for your daughter. If she is old enough, talk to her, too. Pray with her. And, then listen to the quiet still voice of the Holy Spirit. You'll know, in your heart, what's right in the eyes of God.
I hope you'll find within these words, some small token of guidance towards finding the answer to your question.. -
If that is the case, someone should have updated the system so such automated letters would never be generated. That said, accidents and mistakes do happen in this world. Hopefully, if it was system issue, they will now address it so such can't occur again.
I spent several years working in a university admissions office so I know how much paperwork is generated and how time consuming it can be to keep everything updated; yet such needs to be done. Over the years I spent countless hours updating our database and paper files along with my other duties. This was before automation.
One problem I've noticed in many offices since automation as become so widespread is the office workers tend to expect the automation to do everything so they rarely, if ever, think to update the system.
I, also, spent many years in data processing.
In database design, it's the exception situations that cause the most grief. While the attempt is made to incorporate handling of exception situations, it's almost impossible to identify all of them upfront in design. Often, it's only after an unfortunate situation, like the one in the OP, comes to light, can additional coding be done to prevent it in the future.
On another note, when sending mass mailings, often all free hands are called upon to stuff envelopes. People doing the stuffing are only interested in finishing the job on time. Thus, these free hands don't take the time to review what's on the individual pieces of paper. And, take it one step further, if the operation is large enough, machines do the stuffing envelopes, sealing, and apply postage. Thus, no one actually reviews the output for exceptions.
Finally, data entry errors and omissions can't be completely removed from the picture. That's despite controls and cross checks incorporated into database management programs. It's similar to combating computer virus. Regardless of how many guards are put on the accuracy of the data, there's always something else that can crop up to corrupt it. (Funny, Macfee, just gave me notice they've updated my virus protection, as I was typing this.)
I'm sorry the parents experienced this failure in the "system". It isn't any different from similar ones that happened to me when I closed the estates of my parents. When things like this happen, we have two choices. Recognize it as an error and move on, or capitalize on it for our own purposes (agenda). We see it over and over again, in our society that demands perfection on one hand while demanding acceptance (condoning) of imperfection on so many other levels. For example, defining marriage is on the ballot for NC's May primary vote. -
This is a wait and see situation. If WalMart is one of the "good guys" in the eyes of the powers to be, the story won't really go anywhere. OTOH, if WalMart isn't in that position, everything possible will be done to bring them down.
Because there's so much high level corruption in both big government and big business, I'm leary of reports such as this one. Who's agenda will be satisified is the first question I ask. In the name of "justice" is WalMart being targeted, while others doing the same or much worse are being ignored?
If this is true, to use an old cliche Sam Walton will be turning over in his grave. That is, if what I've read about him over the years is accurate. -
Agree. He wasn't ready to take the final step.
Just as so many are finding themselves today. The price of giving up the "pleasures" of their lifestyles is just to high and they are not ready to let go of them. Especially in the view of Scarlet O'Hara in Gone With The Wind -- I'll do it tomorrow.
It isn't just riches (money) and it isn't just unsaved people who never attend church. Even among professing Christians we see their unwillingness to give up whatever is needed to put God first.
"Good morning Bob. Missed you last Sunday." "We couldn't make it to church because we were at the beach". Substitute any worldly activity from golf tee time to selling Girl Scout cookies. (What kind of example does that set when parents are selling cookies for their girls, instead of being in church for 2 hours?)
Story: Recently, Bible studies were cancelled for a valid reason that particular Wednesday. A DEACON told me they thought they had a VACATION from church during the week, until they realized that choir practice was still scheduled. Since I was disappointed the studies were cancelled, that comment really made me stop and think about that person's committment. (sigh) -
We are slowly, but surely, moving towards one world government. Just as we are towards one world religion, with all the efforts to get all "faiths" to work together for the good of mankind.
The United Nations is suceeding where the League of Nations initially failed. But the seed was planted.
Quote: President Woodrow Wilson had been a driving force behind the League's formation and strongly influenced the form it took, but the US Senate voted not to join on 19 November 1919.
Quote: The structure of the US federal government may also have made its membership problematic, as its representatives at the League could not have made decisions on behalf of the United States executive branch without having prior approval of the legislative branch.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/League_of_Nations -
Its never right to do wrong. ts never right to disobey God, never. So if we ignore anything that is actually scriptural, them we start sinning.
Obey God, except when .....................
Isn't that the slipperly slope of the devil?
Abortion is murder, except when ....
Lying is wrong, except when ....
xyz shouldn't be done, except when ...
KJV'>1 Corinthians 5:6
Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?
KJV'>Galatians 5:9
A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.
Except when .....
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Thanks, Jerry.
I don't remember hearing it, so looked it up. Listening to it for a 3rd time, as I type.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAiqKTpzeok&feature=related