[Johnnyboy]

Re: Hi

Oh great, my sole needs healing and no pastor on duty. FFS.

Just prayed for cussing. How hard do I have to work to get to heaven for Christs sake.. Damn I did it again...lol

If your sole needs healing, there's a very good nigra cobbler in Landover. He can patch your shoe up in no time. His name is Blue, and just tell him Johnny sent you!

[David Goldman]

Re: Hi

A very little intro about myself.

I am a Christian man that struggles with the validity of the Bible.
Saved at 17 and now 49 and still stumble with the bible.

I could go on but when I watched Zeitgeist I am perplexed to say the least.

Steve, it is great to have you here.

There is not a man alive that doesn't struggle with some part of the Bible. It was written by a perfect being, and we won't be perfected in this life, tho it is our job to try.

Now it looks like you should have a good jump on being perfected, working at it for 32 years. But when you say you watched Zeitgeist, that perplexes me as well.

So let's back up a bit. What is your struggle, and how have you been serving the LORD these last 3 decades?

[Steve H]

Re: Hi

Steve, it is great to have you here.

There is not a man alive that doesn't struggle with some part of the Bible. It was written by a perfect being, and we won't be perfected in this life, tho it is our job to try.

Now it looks like you should have a good jump on being perfected, working at it for 32 years. But when you say you watched Zeitgeist, that perplexes me as well.

So let's back up a bit. What is your struggle, and how have you been serving the LORD these last 3 decades?

My struggle comes from believing in a God that I cant see and trusting that the word of God (bible) was written by God through man.

Also, in the old testimate they sacrificed animals for the redemption of sin, how does that work? I trust it must because God sent his Son to die for our sins.

If the bible was so easy to understand, why are there so many religious groups and groups inside of groups?

[David Goldman]

Re: Hi

My struggle comes from believing in a God that I cant see and trusting that the word of God (bible) was written by God through man.

Also, in the old testimate they sacrificed animals for the redemption of sin, how does that work? I trust it must because God sent his Son to die for our sins.

If the bible was so easy to understand, why are there so many religious groups and groups inside of groups?

No offense, but it seems like you might just be looking for excuses to backslide. You believe in the wind and in gravity, yet you can't see them. And what's this distrust of the Bible? God wrote it -- man only copied the words down.

Don't worry about sacrifices. The simple concept is that without the shedding of Blood, there is no remission of sin. But that's meat of the Word, and you are still having problems keeping milk down.

And as for schisms it is because people are fallen and prideful, and lust is strong, and the way is straight an narrow. As soon as some pathetic person feels that they have received some "special revelation" then it is game over for them and anyone else foolish enough to follow them. Keep it simple, God's way, and follow the KJV1611. And if you are thinking too much (as it appears you are) then you'll fall in the same trap as those schisms.

[Steve H]

Re: Hi

I agree. We need to be like children and not question the word of God.

More thinking. I also stumble on this. Christ died on the cross for the redemption of sin. Then why cant I just realize I am a sinner in need of a savior, put my faith in Christ and go my marry way?
I mean after all, anything after that would be works righteousness and Christ died on the cross in vain?

Not saying that I don't need to read the Bible. I actually have read if from cover to cover and still have too many questions. Is it a sin to ask the questions or do I just keep reading and wait for an epiphany?

[Wide-Open]

Re: Hi

Not saying that I don't need to read the Bible. I actually have read if from cover to cover and still have too many questions. Is it a sin to ask the questions or do I just keep reading and wait for an epiphany?

Hi Steve, and welcome to our forum. The questions you have are perfectly normal, and in a way I think Baby Jesus is steering you towards being Saved®. GLORY!

I used to be an atheist sinner. Yes, I admit. I had homosexual friends, and I couldn't see anything wrong with them. They looked like nice, normal people. I used to think that women were equal to men. I used to think that "just being nice" was good enough.

It is only when I read the Bible again that it started to make sense. You can not simply believe some parts, and not others. Some say that our Holy Bible is not meant to be read literally, but... there's a problem with that.

Where does it stop? What is the true meaning of Christ, and what is "just a story"?

Example:

The Bible tells us that woman should be silent and never teach. After all, they did chase us from Paradise. ( ).

1st Timothy 2:12
But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.

God created women as our servants:

Genesis 2:18
And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.

So... should I ignore these words? Should I think "times were different back then?" Of course not: when I became Saved I understood that it was not for me to question the validity of the Divine Words.

Jesus is working through you friend, and I have high hopes for you.

PS: drinking beer isn't a sin, even Jesus had a sip of wine now and then. Beer even has a specal mention in the Holy KJV!

Numbers 21:16
And from thence they went to Beer: that is the well whereof the LORD spake unto Moses, Gather the people together, and I will give them water.

[David Goldman]

Re: Hi

I agree. We need to be like children and not question the word of God.

More thinking. I also stumble on this. Christ died on the cross for the redemption of sin. Then why cant I just realize I am a sinner in need of a savior, put my faith in Christ and go my marry way?
I mean after all, anything after that would be works righteousness and Christ died on the cross in vain?

Not saying that I don't need to read the Bible. I actually have read if from cover to cover and still have too many questions. Is it a sin to ask the questions or do I just keep reading and wait for an epiphany?

Our Friend Wide-Open speaks true! I'm seeing a whole lot of questions from you Steve, I'm not seeing a whole lot of love for God. I think you need to go back to square one and revisit your relationship with God. Once you get right with Him, then these other things will work themselves out: with joy, happiness, and love. If you want to be a Bride of Christ, then you have to love God for who He is, and all of Him, and not be nit-picking at a bunch of little stuff.

[Steve H]

Re: Hi

I agree, I have been backsliding in as of late.

I started to dabble in Buddhism, and also some metaphysical teachings. Actually to help my racquetball game. If Zen masters can hit bulls eyes in darkness, why cant a Christian with the assurance of Christ do it?

I read the book, "The Secret" and many similar books and must say it is very empowering, is that of Satan?

Please pray for me. Thanks brothers in Christ.

[Mrs. Mary Whitford]

Re: Hi

If Zen masters can hit bulls eyes in darkness, why cant a Christian with the assurance of Christ do it?

Because Christians have better things to do than keep practising trying to hit bulls eyes in the dark until they're ready to demonstrate such nonsense.

I read the book, "The Secret" and many similar books and must say it is very empowering, is that of Satan?

Friend, it seems to me like you're asking a lot of questions where the answer is pretty obvious. One or two, I can understand. Eventually it gets to the point though where it looks like you're actually mocking instead of seriously questioning.
The fact that your avatar has been called offensive but you haven't changed it isn't helping.

[David Goldman]

Re: Hi

I agree, I have been backsliding in as of late.

I started to dabble in Buddhism, and also some metaphysical teachings. Actually to help my racquetball game. If Zen masters can hit bulls eyes in darkness, why cant a Christian with the assurance of Christ do it?

I read the book, "The Secret" and many similar books and must say it is very empowering, is that of Satan?

Please pray for me. Thanks brothers in Christ.

Actually, I think it is possible that you have already become demon possessed. It can happen rather quickly when you open yourself up like that.

Regardless, you are beyond my humble and limited means of helping you and further. Good luck on your quest for answers, and may God have mercy on your soul.

[Steve H]

Re: Hi

Eventually it gets to the point though where it looks like you're actually mocking instead of seriously questioning.
The fact that your avatar has been called offensive but you haven't changed it isn't helping.

I post my deep seeded convictions and I am mocking? I struggle every day with this stuff. I no I don't read enough and it probably does show in my daily walk. I do pray daily for guidance and most of all thanks for all my blessings, cause I have many many things to be thankful for.

Avatar changed and sorry to have offended any of my brothers and sisters of the Lord. Or anyone for that matter.

[Rev. Jim Osborne]

Re: Hi

I read the book, "The Secret" and many similar books and must say it is very empowering, is that of Satan?

Yes, Steve, it is. For those that don't know, The Secret is a new age book, promoted by Oprah, that makes the ridiculous claim that you can have whatever you want just by positive thinking. Want to be a famous millionaire? Just imagine you are, everyday!

No, I'm serious. What we have to look at too is that if The Secret claims we are 100% responsible for our life circumstances, then it would be going contradictory to the Bible. The Bible tells us that God is in charge, not us, and no amount of positive thinking is going to keep you from going to Hell for reading that book!

Romans 9:21 Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?

[Wide-Open]

Re: Hi

I started to dabble in Buddhism, and also some metaphysical teachings.

That's where it goes wrong Steve. Next you will be saying you can hear the sound of one hand clapping.

I can clearly hear Jesus weep.

[Steve H]

Re: Hi

Another sticking point for me. It's the calamus. Most of my Christian friends at work frown on it rather heavily.
I used to train with a guy at lunch and he stopped because of that. Now he goes to bible studies at lunch and that is a good thing. Fellowship with other Christians, kind of like we are doing here.

Here are a few verses that should help. Need thoughts and greatly appreciate them in advance.

Exodus 30:23
Take thou also unto thee principal spices, of pure myrrh five hundred shekels, and of sweet cinnamon half so much, even two hundred and fifty shekels, and of sweet calamus two hundred and fifty shekels,

Song of Solomon 4:14
Spikenard and saffron; calamus and cinnamon, with all trees of frankincense; myrrh and aloes, with all the chief spices:

Jeremiah 6:20
To what purpose cometh there to me incense from Sheba, and the sweet cane from a far country? your burnt offerings are not acceptable, nor your sacrifices sweet unto me.

Isaiah 43:24
Thou hast bought me no sweet cane with money, neither hast thou filled me with the fat of thy sacrifices: but thou hast made me to serve with thy sins, thou hast wearied me with thine iniquities.

Ezekiel 27:19
Dan also and Javan going to and fro occupied in thy fairs: bright iron, cassia, and calamus, were in thy market.

[Pastor Ezekiel]

Re: Hi

I agree, I have been backsliding in as of late.

I started to dabble in Buddhism, and also some metaphysical teachings. Actually to help my racquetball game. If Zen masters can hit bulls eyes in darkness, why cant a Christian with the assurance of Christ do it?

That is a popular myth about chink buddhist priests. The truth is, they are guided by demons, and can't hit the broad side of a barn. The demons tell them they hit the bullseye, and the old slants brag about their imagined achievement.

Speaking of evil cults, what's with the picture of Jesus' momma in your avatar, Stevie? Are you a papist?