Thanks for posting

gerbilwoman said:

Add me please.

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Welcome!

Welcome Linda!

May God bless the Japanese faithful and provide for them!

RileyG said:

They're connected. Trust me. Sin begets sin.

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Yep. Totally. Made some posts about the decline of our world, and I will release a devotional later this year about how we are in the End Times and this evil stuff will become more common

I need to put this on my to-watch list ! Thanks for sharing!

I always admired the Opus Dei!

Fascinating! Thanks for posting

Thanks for posting

jas3 said:

I was wondering this too, so I did a little research and it looks like Voigt published another version of the same opinion piece in Christianity Today a little over a week later: Some Evangelicals Are Leaving Protestantism for Other Traditions

I'll probably do a text comparison of the two to see the exact changes, just out of curiosity. But at a glance, it looks like he revised it to remove some of the criticism of Protestantism and some of the praise of Catholicism and Orthodoxy.

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I'm not surprised by this.

Is being filled with the Holy Spirit a specific experience? Is it a one time thing? Can it be different sorts of experiences?

In the 2nd chapter of the Acts of the Apostles we read that St. Peter was filled with the Spirit and then preached his sermon. What does this meaning? Was Peter filled this one time, and forever? Or does this speak of the way the Spirit worked in Peter in this particular moment--to preach the sermon which he gave?

St. Paul, writing to those who already believe, says, "Do not be drunk with wine ... be filled with the Spirit", which indicates an imperative. Something to be sought in our day-to-day life as Christians.

Without being too dogmatic about it, and desiring to do more, I would give a tentative argument thus: To be filled with the Spirit is an imperative which we who have the Spirit, by the grace of God according to the promise of the Gospel, ought to seek. Day-to-day, and is on part with walking in the Spirit. Part of what, broadly speaking, is often called sanctification, or to use another term, renovation. Renovation (the preferred terminology within Lutheranism) refers to the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, it is the ongoing renewal as the Divine Image is being restored in us. It's part of the Spirit's onging work of Theosis, of conforming us to Christ, conforming us to God. Thus the imperative is to walk in the Spirit, be filled with the Spirit--to seek, to work, to cooperate with God's grace. Not for our justification, but as the ongoing reality of faith working itself out through love, the dying of the old man and the rising and renewing of the new man.

We should always seek to be filled with the Spirit. It's not a one time experience. It's not a singular moment or event--it is the call of Christian discipleship to abide, to follow, and to obey.

The gift and promise of the Spirit is mine already, it is the promise of the Holy Gospel, granted to me through faith according to God's merciful works: Word and Sacrament. Thus I, by my precious Baptism by which God has made me His own in accordance with His own word and promise, have received the Holy Spirit; for this is the promise of God's word. For here God's decree, His word, His promise--His very sacred pledge--is made; that which has gone down into the water is dead, and what comes up is new, for He speaks His Name over me: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

What God has done already is sufficient, I do not need to seek further experiences, nor seek things outside of the Gospel for validation that I am His. Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ is seated at the right hand of the Father--and I am His.

But now that I am His I am to die. I am to abide, to follow, to obey. That the old man continue to die; and the new man renewed day by day. To seek to live and walk and abide by the Holy Spirit, who keeps me and sanctifies me by grace, in Word and Sacrament, that I might be made into the image of Christ, and in that future glorious day, become what God is working in me to be.

For in love He knew me, by grace He chose me, by His word He has called me, and by His Name He has washed me.

-CryptoLutheran

GodisgraciousR325AV said:

Is Paul right in Galatians 5:12 ESV?

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Paul's sentiment, as he wrote it, is pretty harsh, he indicates that those who are disturbing the churches of Galatia should go ahead and mutilate (ἀποκόψονται) themselves. It's clearly talking about those trying to compel the Galatian Faithful that they need to be circumcised in order to be Christians, and St. Paul is obviously frustrated with these schismatics.

The ESV chooses to render this verb as "emasculate", which gets the point well enough across.

Are you asking is it right for Paul to have this sentiment? I don't know, I think the Apostle's sentiment is understandable. Understanding the historic context of what was going on, it's very understandable why the Apostle was so frustrated with these folks going around sowing discord and disorder in the churches. Paul, and the rest of the Apostles, were trying to preach the Gospel, and then there were those who were--contrary to apostolic teaching as given to them by Christ and the Holy Spirit--teaching their own opinions as though they were divine command is something that would frustrate any caring and devoted minister of the Gospel. But is it good, or just, that Paul feels this way? Well that's a separate discussion.

Perhaps Paul is speaking rhetorically, employing hyperbole to indicate just how much he despises the false teaching being spread. Perhaps in a fit of anger he has let himself desire harm toward others, which we should be wary against.

At the end of the day, however, that isn't the point of the text. That isn't the point of Galatians 5:12. The point of Galatians 5:12 is, within the larger context of the epistle; and the broader historical context of Paul's writings and his apostolic ministry, the dangers associated with those false teachers disturbing the peace, sowing doubt and fear among the Christian Faithful who, instead, need to be ministered with the hope and beauty of the Holy Gospel: Of the Jesus who suffered and died for them, and by Whom and in Whom they stand justified before God according to the justice of Christ, reckoned to them through faith according to God's generous grace and love. And those who would seek to cause shipwreck the faith of God's precious children will face harsher judgments than even what Paul expresses here.

-CryptoLutheran

Jermayn said:

If you read past the title, the OP specifically says "As a relatively new Christian, I'm seeking guidance in how I can keep my heart from hate."

Regardless, I don't have enough time to keep responding to every sentence typed. Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament covenant and gave us 2 new commands. To love God with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength and to love our neighbors as ourselves. That being said, if America went full on communism, food supplies disappeared, and you fled to another country in an attempt to feed your family and yourself, would you want that government to round you up and dump you back in your home country?

Again, I am for strong border security, the wall, etc., and I understand there are people who have illegally immigrated who are shady and into running drugs, human trafficking, etc. Not trying to defend those guys/girls.

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I stayed away from the "hate" issue because 1) that has nothing to do with the border, 2) a responsiveness to my reply to the op (and those of others) informs the purported hate issue, 3) most Christians, new or old, know how not to hate, 4) hate, if that is what it is, indicates an investment that may not be recognized, 5) haters are gonna hate and nothing written here will change that , 6) by this time it seems the op wasn't interested in guidance (or the discussion thereof) since the op is more than a week old and it author hasn't replied to anything (how often do we read someone genuinely ask for help with hate?), and 6) the "thumbs up" like for Post 2 seems to indicate that reply was helpful.

OldBlighty said:

As a relatively new Christian, I'm seeking guidance in how I can keep my heart from hate. In the past, I realised in myself how I was beginning to hate others I didn't know just based on the assumption that they're immigrants, I know that's wrong but it's a survival mechanism at the end of the day. In any case, I pulled away from that and politics in general.

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Try starting with...

Philippians 2:3-7
Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bondservant...

Ephesians 4:26-32
Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity... Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.

Romans 12:9-21 ESV
Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good.

...understanding that part about "heaping burning coals" is an ancient idiom meaning "rekindle their warmth and sustenance," (not shaming someone).

OldBlighty said:

What can I look to in the Bible that will keep me level headed in these uncertain times?

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For one, stop thinking they are uncertain and, second, try figuring out why uncertainty was thought the best way to go with your thinking. Third, lean into any perception of uncertainty because it's all been decided by God and there isn't a thing any of us can do about it. Maybe take a cue from something Paul wrote the younger Timothy toward the end of the elder's apostleship...

1 Timothy 6:6-21
But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content. But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who testified the good confession before Pontius Pilate, that you keep the commandment without stain or reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which He will bring about at the proper time — He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone possesses immortality and dwells in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see. To Him be honor and eternal dominion! Amen. Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed. O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you, avoiding worldly and empty chatter and the opposing arguments of what is falsely called "knowledge"— which some have professed and thus gone astray from the faith. Grace be with you.

This is the only time "uncertainty" is found in the NT. There are a lot of verses about worry, anxiety, and fear, but uncertainty the God Whose will is done spent much time on. If hope in riches in uncertain, then what certainty is there in politics, or speculation about the future?

Matthew 10:28-33
Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows. Therefore, everyone who confesses me before men, I will also confess him before my Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies me before men, I will also deny him before my Father who is in heaven.


That is what is certain. Matthew 6:22-34 is helpful, too.

FreeinChrist said:

ADVISOR HAT

This thread was moved from Ethics & Morality to Testamonies.
​

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Thank you for moving Reginald's OP, sister in Christ.

tonychanyt said:

1. Moses thought the Israelites were ready to stone him (Ex 17:4).
2. A son of an Israelite woman and an Egyptian father blasphemed the Name with a curse in Le 24:

3. They stoned a Sabbath-breaker for gathering wood on the Sabbath (Numbers 15:32-36).

4. Achan took the forbidden items from Jericho. The Israelites stoned him and his family to death (Jos 7:25).

5. The Amalekites raided Ziklag while David and his men were away. They took their families and properties. David's men spoke of stoning him (1Sa 30:6).

6. King Rehoboam's taskmaster was stoned by rebellious Israelites (1 Kings 12:18).

7. Ahab hired some scoundrels to accuse Naboth falsely. They stoned him to death so Ahab could take his vineyard (1 Kings 21:1-16)

8. Another bad king, Joash, 2ch 24:


9. They wanted to stone a woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11). Jesus prevented her stoning.

10. The Jews stoned Stephen, the 1st Christian martyr (Ac 7:59), with the approval of some members of the Sanhedrin and Paul.

11, Some Iconium Jews and Gentiles plotted to stone Barnabus and Paul (Ac 14:5).

12. Paul was stoned once (2Co 11:25) but survived.

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It is great that Jesus prevented the stoning of the woman in John 8. I made a devotional about Stephen in Acts, and another about John 8.

Persecuted Christians:

Lay Down Your Stone (A Biblical case for pro-life):

It could also be correction meaning judgment.

That's wonderful!

Joseph G said:

Psalm 1 - Kim Hill

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Blessed is he who will follow the Lord,
He will not stand in the path of the sinner,
He will not sit in the seat of the scoffer,
For the law of the Lord is his delight.

In His law he meditates day and night,
He will be like a tree planted by water,
He will yield his fruit in its season,
His leaves won’t die,
In whatever he does, he will prosper.

Blessed is he who will follow the Lord,
He will not stand in the path of the sinner,
He will not sit in the seat of the scoffer,
For the law of the Lord is his delight.

For the lost, they are like chaff that the wind drives away,
They are not safe; at any time their life could perish.

Blessed is he who will follow the Lord,
He will not stand in the path of the sinner,
He will not sit in the seat of the scoffer,
For the law of the Lord is his delight.

The Lord holds the plans, and the paths of all who follow Him,
The righteous will stand secure and last forever.

Blessed is he who will follow the Lord,
He will not stand in the path of the sinner,
He will not sit in the seat of the scoffer,
For the law of the Lord is his delight.

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Whew, this one was a little before my time, so I have never heard this one before. These lyrics are almost directly from Psalm 1, hence the title.

Psalm 1 (NKJV):

goosesyrup said:

Thank you for this and for everyone else's responses, I am going to work up the courage to take the first dose soon and then I will realize I still love God and God still loves me and it will be over.

And even if there was a horrible accident with medication and it did change or damage someone's DNA, you wouldn't be damned because of it right? After all that unfortunately happens sometimes with radiation, after all I've smoked tobacco before that's an actual mutagen and I'm alright.


Thank you and everyone in this thread.

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How have you been lately, goosesyrup?

Uriah S said:

Well I know what I'm watching this evening...

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Hey, thank you. Glad to have introduced you a documentary, brother.

Just a few days before Jesus' crucifixion, in Lk 19:

11 As they heard these things, he proceeded to tell a parable, because he was near to Jerusalem, and because they supposed that the kingdom of God was to appear immediately.

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Even in the last days of his ministry, his disciples still misunderstood his second coming. He proceeded to tell them the Parable of the Ten Minas. His listeners were familiar with the background story of Archelaus, Herod's son, who went to Rome to be confirmed as ruler 3 decades ago.

12 He said therefore, “A nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and then return.

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Jesus was the nobleman. He would ascend to heaven then return in his second coming to physically take over the kingdom.

13 Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten minas, and said to them, ‘Engage in business until I come.’

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While the master was away, his servants got work to do.

14 But his citizens hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, ‘We do not want this man to reign over us.’

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In the historical background story, A delegation of Jews also went to Rome to oppose Archelaus' appointment. Archelaus received authority to rule Judea from Emperor Augustus Caesar anyway.

15 When he returned, having received the kingdom, he ordered these servants to whom he had given the money to be called to him, that he might know what they had gained by doing business.

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When Jesus returns, he will judge his servants.

26 ‘I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.

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He will also judge those who opposed his appointment:

27 But as for these enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, bring them here and slaughter them before me.’”

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SJP51 said:

Black bears can vary greatly in size. My understanding is that Canadian blacks can be 500+ lbs? I'd think 30-30 might be marginal for a critter that size. However, in the lower 48 many areas blacks are only upward of 200lbs. It if right, those smaller bears are down with a 30-30.

Hogs are tough tough tough. I've hit them at 30-years in the should with 165gr 30-06 and seen them run off. But, I've hit them with less gun and seen them drop.

In short, in my opinion a 30-30 is adequate for either, just be sure the range allows for a good shot.

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If you want to shoot a 500 lb boar at 300 yards, then no, a 30-30 is not a responsible choice. If you are hunting with a bear/deer license up in the Bruce Peninsula, unless you are shooting on the road, you would be hard pressed to find a shot over 75 yards.

I don't have a 30-30 so I would use my 6.5 x 55; it would be fine. If I was going after big blacks, browns or grizzlies, I would tote the 9.3 x 62. Good enough for Africa, good enough for big bears.

Hammster said:

View attachment 353776

Is she, like, really popular?

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As a supervisor for many years, I recommend that you hold her accountable. If you let her get away with one thing that she should be doing that she is not doing, she will not only take advantage of you more and more, the other employees will not have respect for you and they may begin complaining to you about her nonstop. Check with HR to find out what they recommend you can do and not do or say. These days, you gotta be careful. Especially don't promote her unless she deserves it. Basically, have a serious meeting with her and provide her with a list of her good points and points she needs to work on BEFORE she can be promoted. At the end of each week, have an update meeting with her to see if she is improving. But, honestly there are so many children in this generation who didn't have discipline and structure from their parents growing up, you as a supervisor, can only do so much. I have a lady that works for me and she is late every day. No matter how much I scold her and warn her, she still shows up late. Her parents spoiled her growing up. We need her because when she's at work, she does a good job. Some people you just can't improve. Best to let them go.

Sometimes people can address a minor problem using a humorous exaggeration such as hand gestures for halt and continue. If this can be done with a smile by both parties, it may help develop new habits.