BrotherTony

You know both you and I have been there done that! I still rely on my KJV as my translation of choice. I preach from it, teach from it, and use it in all of my writing projects needing Scripture references in them. But, as I have stated many times here and elsewhere, I am not going to try and destroy someone else's translation of choice unless Christ cannot be found in that translation and it cannot be used for the good in their growing in grace and holiness. I certainly will not try to limit what the Holy Spirit can use because of a preconceived notion. I've got a sister whose church uses the ESV, and they are an on fire soul winning Southern Baptist church. Man is consistently trying to put their own bias ahead of what the Holy Spirit can do, and it's not profitable for the Kingdom.

I believe in going with people's strengths as shown through the working of the Holy Spirit in their lives, not an arbitrary rotation at will.

Again here, TGL, the theme of rotating people from their positions of service at a whim is very much a thing the RCC or like denominational setting would do, and it would lead to unqualified personnel in positions they are in no wise qualified for. If there's no good reason to rotate a person out of the position they are in, then this is a reckless approach. With all that being said, I have to agree that many people will blindly follow a leader, church or not, through the gates of hell if they're not first placing their eyes on the Lord Jesus Christ. This is one thing I have seen in many IFB churches and institutions of higher learning. The SBC churches are no exception.

Pastor Chappells invitations are in line with what SHOULD be done. He, IMHO, doesn't try to manipulate anyone into a decision. I've always appreciated it. As you may remember, I lost a lot of respect for him over how my sister and now ex bils tenure there was terminated. But, that's in the past, over and done. Over the years much of that respect has been gained back. Still, there are still some disagreements. But, Christ is being preached, and that's what matters.

I can definitely agree with you on the need for baptism classes in many instances. Yet, I wouldn't require it of all. In the case of Saul/Paul I could definitely understand their questioning of events. I clearly believe that there is a need for careful examination of many of those who claim to have been converted. On the "Decisionism" challenge, I believe you and I had several discussions on this on another platform, and I believe we were in complete agreement. I have a very dear pastor friend who declares the gospel every day for several hours, handing out Bibles and "leading" people to the Lord. He has had many decisions, but, when pressed to answer whether or not these "converts" are truly saved, the best I can get from him is that the Bible says they are and to let the Lord sort them out. He pastors a reasonable sized IFB church, and I had a lot of respect for his father before he passed. For some the Hyles mentality of soul winning is the real deal and acceptable. But quick decisions lead to false converts and the person still on their way to a devil's hell.

I somewhat disagree with your last sentence, Ray. Where is your evidence for this? How long of an examination? I see that they were baptized and added to the church that same day. Also, on the subject of REGENERATION, we agree that the Holy Spirit is the one who brings this about, but you need to be aware that most of the participants here won't agree with any "Calvinistic" doctrine. Just a heads up. Personally, when it comes to"alter calls," I am against them. In my experience many of the"showman" pastors, and I'll give the example of Tony Huston here, stand in front of the congregation, voice worbling, fake teary eyes, and a thousand verses of"Just as I Am" being sung, allegedly under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. I grew up in that circus and can now say "Not my circus, not my monkeys." I can say, though, that I am not against a short invitation with no showmanship. I've seen the Holy Spirit work with and also without any of this. But, that's just my opinion.

Initial creation by God was all good. It ended with the fall of man. Psalm 58:3 3The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies. I believe that the one who tells the Christmas story in Charlie Brown's Christmas was quoting from the KJV...if not, it was from the ESV. No need to be sorry for me, Morales. I research what I put on public forums.

Welcome, Ray! It's great to have you here! I know your testimony, as we're old friends from several different forums. You know mine as well, I believe. Like you, I was so thankful when the Lord led me away from the "frozen chosen!" Blessings, my friend, and Merry Christmas to you and your dear wife and family!

Great idea, Ray! We have a lot of Muslims living in our little rural area, and this indeed would be a wonderful conversation starter. Blessings, my friend, and Merry Christmas to you and your wife. If you are ever in the Nashville area again, please let me know so we can get together for coffee and prayers.

There are many places that will rebind that wonderful Bible! If you just want to clean the mildew off of it, vinegar water with a mild detergent should be able to clean it off. Then to preserve the cover well, if it's leather, I would suggest a small bit of Blackrock Leather N Rich. It's a great product used in many leather good stores. If you have any other leather goods, this product is great for bringing them back to life and luster.

Welcome, Ray! I wondered when you'd find your way here! At any rate, Brother, people get all up in arms over a lot of things they shouldn't and excuse much larger things that should be addressed.

I think the storm has already begun. According to the Netanyahu administration, the next step is the destruction of Hamas so that they can never do this again.

So, are you trying to convey that you are for, or against Christmas trees? One of my parents pastors was against celebrating Christmas, period. Vivian and I had gone back home for Christmas vacation and went to church with my parents. The pastor made a huge issue about this particular subject and stated that he didn't believe anyone in his congregation should have a Christmas tree, nor should they celebrate on December 25th. My parents had a tree, and they really didn't care how he felt about it. He had no scriptural basis for his beliefs. Unfortunately he knew that I disagreed with him on the subject, and after church while talking to folks on the way out of the church he got confrontational. He handed me a King James Version of the Bible that had been his sons telling me that I needed to repent and get saved. I tried to walk away, but he blocked my way to my parents car and got even more confrontational. I finally made it to the car, thanks to my father. Some of these sycophants go too far in pushing what they believe.

"Everything has a good beginning?" Where do you find that in Scripture?

Yep, again by a liberal, left-leaning judge. Go figure. Don't be too full of glee, Morales.

I don't see this where I live, except in churches and denominations that have gone apostate. And we ARE to love the sinner and hate the sin. We can let them come into the churches to hear the gospel without making them participants in the functioning of the church. There may be"too much syrup" where you live, but, not here.

It goes much further than just presenting the gospel, though that should be our message through all we do. The way Christians approach many subjects and people is often hateful. There are many things we are told in the Word that are wrong. We should stand firm on those things being wrong. But we can also show some grace in how we approach those who are in the world. Being here in the Bible belt many people who name the name of Christ, if they come across a person claiming to be transgender, they talk down to this person trying to make themselves look righteous and the one that they are living a holy life. This is just an example. The same terrible approach with those who are homosexual, or having affairs, or stealing money. It could be applied to any situation.

This in no way addresses what I posted. Don't get me wrong, Scripture is good, but many people talking about hateful Christians are Christians. Many inside Christian circles have become hateful in their approach to not only the lost, but towards others inside Christianity as well.

Not in this country!

Same to you and yours, Brother.

Not a thing. I was almost a sailor myself, but the Navy rejected me back in 1979. Something about my legs being unstable.

Well, the fever finally broke about 8 AM. I'm worn down and sore through my ribs from coughing so much. Thankfully only my left lung is the only one that is rattling a bit, and my voice is really raspy right now. I sound like an old sailor! LOL @Napsterdad, that concoction that @HappyChristian mentioned is pretty good. I found out from my biological father that he's used it for.years and that it not only tastes good, but works like a charm.

I've got the banana's, the honey, and plenty of water. Might give that a try.

Nor do I. As of 30 minutes ago I have been running a 101 temp and have started with a headache and chills. UGH! This back and forth weather hasn't helped. Running in and out with these 3 dogs hasn't helped. Thank the good Lord that Vivian is home today and tomorrow. We've got 2 friends and their families that have come down with fevers and chills just yesterday. Someone wanted me to run a home test for COVID, but I'm not likely to do that.

Glad everyone is on the mend. Here I have been down with bronchitis and pneumonia for almost 12 days but I am starting to gain ground against it. Prayers for you and your family and the church there. Blessings.