fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,399 
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Post by fearnot on Oct 24, 2016 13:15:17 GMT -5
10/24/16
John 16:1-15
There are several somewhat shocking things in this passage, like:
v.2 '.....the time is coming when anyone who kills you will think they are offering a service to God."
And certain so-called Christian factions think the Holy Spirit is like the Oracle of Delphi...you can just ask the spirit any question and receive an answer ( which job will I make more money at, who should be my husband, what class will help me prosper etc etc.)
But Jesus say, God the Holy Spirit will only teach us about the Lord:
v.14 ".... He will glorify me"
also
v.13 " But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth."
Jesus is the Truth....so again the Holy Spirit speaks of Jesus.
My application is to never ever consider trying to use the Holy spirit as some sort of 'crystal ball'.... but only ask His help to know the Savior more and to love Him more as I get to know more and more about Him.
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Post by Cindy on Oct 25, 2016 11:39:32 GMT -5
Reading your post ( and reading the verses about the Lord coming back), I couldn't help but say: Come back, and take me with you!
I am so glad we are doing this thread.
I always have a bit of a problem with getting a little depressed in the dark, cold, windy grey winter months ( some days are worse and some days are better)
But it is so encouraging to come here and read your posts....I know you will be here ( almost every day.....but in a few days for sure)
Of course, I do pray and talk to Jesus and ask His help, but coming here is an added upbeat bright spot.... especially if its a day I am struggling....once in awhile, when I almost don't want to get up,
but then, I want to read your post.... so I do get up LOL.
Actually so far this fall/winter I am doing better than I may ever have.....but I still have had a few mornings of feeling down or blue.
I start praying but once in a while it is still a struggle....I know I have to take my depression/thoughts captive....but sometimes its like fighting a war and is so tiring. I just read something in today's scripture that is a big help.....
This is the first year I have suet hanging so I can watch the birds outside my window which is cool.
I know light actually makes a difference in how we feel too, so another thing I do, regardless of the electric bill, is turn on all the lights, and open all the curtains when I get like that. (and I have bright 100 watt bulbs in all the lights in my house for that reason) That used to drive Bruce nuts when we were first married, until I explained to him why I do that, lol. I also make sure that I get dressed and that I choose something bright and cheery to put on. It's really amazing how the clothes you wear can affect your mental attitude! Just getting dressed alone is a big part of it, for it tells your mind that you're ready to get going with your life and live it. But you probably know all about all this stuff and probably already do it. I'm so glad to hear you're doing so much better! I wish we lived near each other. (I was just thinking that earlier) so we could visit with each other every day!
10/21/16
John 14: 15-31
Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit
It's strange I was talking about feeling more blue in the winter and how it is a struggle some mornings and then these verses were very helpful!!!
First: I have another advocate:
v.16 "........another advocate to help you and be with you forever—
v. 17 the Spirit of truth."
and another encouragement:
v.18 "I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you."
v.19 "......Because I live, you also will live. "
v. 27 "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.
I do not give to you as the world gives.
Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
There was one slightly scary part tho....
v.30....." for the prince of this world is coming".
But then the very last verse was uplifting to me because although Jesus was talking to the disciples in real time, to me it reminded me that He is coming back to rapture us ( me) so I could almost hear Him saying to me:
v.31 ".......“Come now; let us leave."
Again the application was already supplied:
v. 21 "Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”
And the Lord expanded on it a bit more:
v. 23 "Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them."
sans MS]  good one! One I love to reflect on too! Jesus said "another advocate", but another way that word can be translated, is "counselor"! He's sending another counselor, because He was their counselor and now He has to leave. He actually tells them that He is sending another just like Himself to help them. The counselor He sends will be to them and to us, all He was to the disciples while He was here on earth. I love to think about all He did for them when He was here. He took very good care of them, making sure they ate, got enough sleep, taught them His Word and how to live it, turned them from bullies, and cowards into strong, loving, bold people, He kept them safe from Satan and the world, and on and on and on I could go.... And now we have that counselor living within us to do all of that for us as well! All we have to do is stay in His Word and listen to Him. Amazing! I've looked up all the times that the word counselor is used about God or His word and it's used quite a bit actually. My most favorite is this though: When Isaiah tells us about Jesus,
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6) and we find out that one of His Names is "Wonderful Counselor"!
Other words that are used to translate the word in the original language for John 14:16 are: helper, comforter, friend, counselor, and Paraclete. I looked up the original word for you, to help us get an even better understanding of what the Holy Spirit does for us.
Counselor: parakletos /par·ak·lay·tos/1 summoned, called to one’s side, esp. called to one’s aid. 1A one who pleads another’s cause before a judge, a pleader, counsel for defense, legal assistant, an advocate. 1B one who pleads another’s cause with one, an intercessor. 1B1 of Christ in his exaltation at God’s right hand, pleading with God the Father for the pardon of our sins. 1C in the widest sense, a helper, succourer, aider, assistant. 1C1 of the Holy Spirit destined to take the place of Christ with the apostles (after his ascension to the Father), to lead them to a deeper knowledge of the gospel truth, and give them divine strength needed to enable them to undergo trials and persecutions on behalf of the divine kingdom. Strong, J. (1995). Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon.
παράκλητοςa, ου m: paraklētos: n.masc.; ≡1. the Helper, Counselor, Encourager, Mediator Dictionary of Biblical Languages with Semantic Domains: Greek
παράκλητοςa, ου m: (a title for the Holy Spirit) one who helps, by consoling, encouraging, or mediating on behalf of—‘Helper, Encourager, Mediator.’ The principal difficulty encountered in rendering παράκλητος is the fact that this term covers potentially such a wide area of meaning. The traditional rendering of ‘Comforter’ is especially misleading because it suggests only one very limited aspect of what the Holy Spirit does. A term such as ‘Helper’ is highly generic and can be particularly useful in some languages. In certain instances, for example, the concept of ‘Helper’ is expressed idiomatically, for example, ‘the one who mothers us’ or, as in one language in Central Africa, ‘the one who falls down beside us,’ that is to say, an individual who upon finding a person collapsed along the road, kneels down beside the victim, cares for his needs, and carries him to safety.
A rendering based upon the concept of legal advocate seems in most instances to be too restrictive. Furthermore, there may be quite unsatisfactory connotations associated with any word which suggests a lawyer, especially since in so many societies, a lawyer is thought of primarily as one who ‘bribes the judges’ or ‘can speak two truths’ or, as in one language, is ‘a professional liar.’
‘to call upon to provide help,’ one who may be called upon to provide help or assistance—‘helper.’
The meaning of παράκλητος overlaps considerably with other domains. It certainly involves psychological factors of encouragement. There is also a sense in which παράκλητος inevitably involves some communication. The role of intercession has certain legal implications. It is very rare indeed that any one term in a receptor language will have all of the distinctive features of meaning possessed by παράκλητος, especially in reference to the role of the Holy Spirit.
Often the Holy Spirit is named by phrases which explain something of the nature and activity of the Spirit: πνεῦμα (ἐκ τοῦ) θεοῦ ‘Spirit of God,’ πνεῦμα ἅγιον ‘Holy Spirit,’ πνεῦμα αἰώνιον ‘the Eternal Spirit’ (often called ‘the unending spirit’ or ‘the spirit that never ceases’), πνεῦμα τῆς ἀληθείας ‘the Spirit of Truth,’ that is, ‘the Spirit who communicates truth’ (sometimes rendered as ‘the Spirit that communicates the truth about God’); πνεῦμα τῆς δόξης ‘Spirit of glory,’ that is, ‘the glorious Spirit’ or ‘the wonderful Spirit’; πνεῦμα τῆς ζωῆς ‘the Spirit of life,’ that is, ‘the Spirit who brings life’ or ‘the Spirit that causes people to live’; πνεῦμα υἱοθεσίας ‘the Spirit of sonship,’ that is, ‘the Spirit who makes us sons of God’ or ‘the Spirit that causes us to become God’s sons’; πνεῦμα τῆς χάριτος ‘Spirit of grace,’ that is, ‘the Spirit who bestows kindness’ or ‘the Spirit who shows kindness to us’; πνεῦμα σοφίας καὶ ἀποκαλύψεως ‘Spirit of wisdom and revelation,’ that is, ‘the Spirit who gives wisdom and who reveals God’ or ‘the Spirit who causes us to become wise and who shows us what God is like’ (or ‘… who God truly is’). Louw, J. P., & Nida, E. A. (1996). Vol. 1: Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament: Based on semantic domains
It's exciting to know more of what He really does for us, isn't it?
This morning I listened to a MacArthur sermon on Hell.
He mentioned a few things that were really helpful for me to understand.
I am so glad he dealt with the issue of why is it just that God punishes sinners for sins in what is a short temporal time...for all eternity?
I must admit I always wondered that....I just decided that because I know God is just that it had to be just.
However MacArthur pointed out several things.....
It's not that people sin on earth and refuse Jesus and then go to hell and pay for their earthly sins forever.....
He pointed out that hell is not remedial. In other words people don't go their and realize how wrong they were, and cry out: I am so sorry, I was wrong, yes I deserve to be here......
No.....they continue to rebel.....they curse God, they hate Him, are bitter, etc etc.
So even, If, they could... they would never be able to pay for their sins by being there.... because they continue to sin, worse and worse.
In face, MacArthur thinks sinners sin more in hell, than on earth because there is no restraint.
I was thinking, that if someone wanted to be a mass murdered, for example ( for a nice long life time)....
if they went out in board daylight and started killing, soon police etc. would come and gun them down....
so they have to restrain their sin, so they can continue for their life....
but in hell whatever their pet sins,
there is no such restraint.
Not that they can kill other in hell but sin starts in the mind and heart. ( my thoughts, not what MacArthur actually said)
So God is just.....just as I knew, but that was a great help to me!!
10/22/16
John 15: 1-17
There are at least 3 applications in this passage:
v.4 " Remain in me, as I also remain in you."
That sort of ties into:
v. 10 "If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, ..."
to me I think that means stay in His Word the Bible, keep it in my heart and mind and apply it to my life, and be able to speak to the Lord ( some times in His language....His words).
and also
v. 17 "This is my command: Love each other".
10/23/16
John 15:18-25
The World Hates the Disciples
This is not the exact message I want to hear, but I already know it is true.
Of course, sometimes (often?), the 'hatred' is deserved because I am a sinner....
and perhaps, in the past, I really bungled explaining the gospel.
However, I know there were times when it was Jesus and the gospel and the fact of my relationship that caused the great anger/hatred.
In fact, Jesus goes on to say:
"As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world.
That is why the world hates you."
And there are several applications:
I am to keep this in mind when I tend to whine about being hated by the world:
v.18 "...keep in mind that it hated me first."
and also I am to remember:
v.20 Remember what I told you:
‘A servant is not greater than his master.’
If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. 
10/24/16
John 16:1-15
There are several somewhat shocking things in this passage, like:
v.2 '.....the time is coming when anyone who kills you will think they are offering a service to God."
And certain so-called Christian factions think the Holy Spirit is like the Oracle of Delphi...you can just ask the spirit any question and receive an answer ( which job will I make more money at, who should be my husband, what class will help me prosper etc etc.)
But Jesus say, God the Holy Spirit will only teach us about the Lord:
v.14 ".... He will glorify me"
also
v.13 " But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth."
Jesus is the Truth....so again the Holy Spirit speaks of Jesus.
My application is to never ever consider trying to use the Holy spirit as some sort of 'crystal ball'.... but only ask His help to know the Savior more and to love Him more as I get to know more and more about Him.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,399
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Post by fearnot on Oct 25, 2016 14:50:47 GMT -5
I had forgotten what you said about giving yourself 30 minutes ( or less when we realize how foolish we sound) to grumble
and then
30 (or more) to bring it all to the Lord.
I do think it is a good idea. God does talk about hidden things being brought to the light, so if we don't occasionally let it out and instead just always try to cover it up ( like we never even had such thoughts) it would be like lying.
But then, when they come out in the light, they begin to look silly and sooooo disrespectful.....which would be good for me to see.
I am sure that most of the time, just taking the thoughts captive is the best....but when I am so overwhelmed....like a massive flood, then an occasional switch in fighting tactics would be good for me, so thank you so much for reminding me!!
And thank you for the definitions for the Holy Spirit that was eye opening as well.
Also that was also so helpful about answering life questions from God's word.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,399
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Post by fearnot on Oct 25, 2016 15:03:51 GMT -5
10/25/16
John 16: 16-33
The Disciples’ Grief Will Turn to Joy
I can honestly say, I do not like grief, but since it will and has happened, I most surely prefer it to be grief then Joy.
I would not want a lovely 'perfect' life in this world only to have eternal grief....no I would always prefer to have the worst first and then no more and even eternal joy!!
Jesus even mentions the pain of child birth and what He said is so true...while its going on, it seems somehow I walked into some horrible world of endless torture that seemed like it would not end......but then it did, and there was a most amazing little one so that I forgot all about the pain.
The application is tied to this example ( and others) when Jesus says:
v. 33 "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
I need to know.... there will be trouble.....but I am to 'take heart'....
knowing that Jesus has overcome the world!!
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Post by Cindy on Oct 26, 2016 8:41:06 GMT -5
I had forgotten what you said about giving yourself 30 minutes ( or less when we realize how foolish we sound) to grumble
and then
30 (or more) to bring it all to the Lord.
I do think it is a good idea. God does talk about hidden things being brought to the light, so if we don't occasionally let it out and instead just always try to cover it up ( like we never even had such thoughts) it would be like lying.
But then, when they come out in the light, they begin to look silly and sooooo disrespectful.....which would be good for me to see.
I am sure that most of the time, just taking the thoughts captive is the best....but when I am so overwhelmed....like a massive flood, then an occasional switch in fighting tactics would be good for me, so thank you so much for reminding me!!
And thank you for the definitions for the Holy Spirit that was eye opening as well.
Also that was also so helpful about answering life questions from God's word.
10/25/16
John 16: 16-33
The Disciples’ Grief Will Turn to Joy
I can honestly say, I do not like grief, but since it will and has happened, I most surely prefer it to be grief then Joy.
I would not want a lovely 'perfect' life in this world only to have eternal grief....no I would always prefer to have the worst first and then no more and even eternal joy!!
Jesus even mentions the pain of child birth and what He said is so true...while its going on, it seems somehow I walked into some horrible world of endless torture that seemed like it would not end......but then it did, and there was a most amazing little one so that I forgot all about the pain.
The application is tied to this example ( and others) when Jesus says:
v. 33 "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
I need to know.... there will be trouble.....but I am to 'take heart'....
knowing that Jesus has overcome the world!!
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,399
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Post by fearnot on Oct 26, 2016 12:28:04 GMT -5
10/26/16
John 17: 1-26
Jesus Prays to Be Glorified
V. 5 is another verse where Jesus makes it clear He is God ( unlike what some people claim...that Jesus never claimed to be God).
v. 5 "And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began."
No one but God would have been with God the Father before the world began.
Jesus Prays for His Disciples
My application is found by Jesus saying of his disciples:
v.6 "... have obeyed your word".
and
v.8 "For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them."
It seems that even tho, we appear on the outside, to be like everyone else, the worldly people sense we are different, ( the Holy Spirit and God's Word in us), they can tell we are not of this world and hate us.
v. 14 "I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world.
16 "They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.
v. 17 Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. "
Jesus Prays for All Believers
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Post by Cindy on Oct 27, 2016 11:38:59 GMT -5
10/26/16
John 17: 1-26
Jesus Prays to Be Glorified
V. 5 is another verse where Jesus makes it clear He is God ( unlike what some people claim...that Jesus never claimed to be God).
v. 5 "And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began."
No one but God would have been with God the Father before the world began.
Jesus Prays for His Disciples
My application is found by Jesus saying of his disciples:
v.6 "... have obeyed your word".
and
v.8 "For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them."
It seems that even tho, we appear on the outside, to be like everyone else, the worldly people sense we are different, ( the Holy Spirit and God's Word in us), they can tell we are not of this world and hate us.
v. 14 "I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world.
16 "They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.
v. 17 Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. "
Jesus Prays for All Believers
I had a thought today, but then when I came here realized I was confused again. For some reason I thought you had started in Romans LOL. Maybe that's because that's what I'm studying now and I keep thinking how awesome it is and that anyone who studies it could never be unsure of their salvation again.... On the other hand, it can be difficult. It's taken me almost a week to get through Romans 5. But by doing it slowly like I have, I think I have a much better understanding of it, so that's good.
Hope you have a good day today. I sure wish Eva would come around and let us know how she's doing....
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,399
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Post by fearnot on Oct 27, 2016 12:39:48 GMT -5
Maybe I will study Romans after finishing John :-)
I agree I soooo wish we would hear from Eva.
I don't know if you remember that Leonard and I had this younger male friend ( who has had many troubles)?
Anyway Around the 1 st of Oct. he ended up in a 'mental watch' at our small hospital ( we had been trying for the previous week to phone/text him, dropped by his place etc.
When the police finally told us he was at hospital we went to visit....only to have JUST missed him.
Once again the police
( we noticed our friends door open first time and 2nd asked for a well check).....
told us he had been taken to a Coos Bay mental health place but there are 5 mental health places in Coss Bay
( which is a pretty tiny place about 15,000 )
The staff won't tell you anything at all....one place finally reluctantly told me that they didn't have any males at that time !!!
So he has been missing for about 5 weeks........
However, he turned up at our home last night.
Missing people/friends take a toll on us because although we did offer our friend up to Jesus...
we still couldn't help worrying from time to time.....because we didn't really know where he was, or how he was, or even if, perhaps, he had died.
So tho I try to leave Eva in the Lord's hands, I can't help but sometimes wonder if she is okay!!
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,399
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Post by fearnot on Oct 27, 2016 13:09:44 GMT -5
10/27/16
John 18: 1-14
Jesus Arrested
IN John's account somethings the others told are left out and somethings left out by other accounts are included.
In these verses Peter cuts off the high priests servant's ear.
Herein I find an application for me.....
Often times ( especially if it involves my loved ones),
I get very angry and see red ( I don't think I am normally an enraged person but that might be one more self-deception?)
Anyway, without thinking, I take matters into my own hands ( I haven't cut off anyone's ear like Peter, but I understand his wanting to avenge his Lord)
However, Jesus rebukes Peter and scripture also says somewhere:
Vengeance is mine saith the Lord
There are probably more times, I need to pray and leave it in God's hands than in my hands.
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Post by Cindy on Oct 28, 2016 12:25:12 GMT -5
Maybe I will study Romans after finishing John :-)
I agree I soooo wish we would hear from Eva.
I don't know if you remember that Leonard and I had this younger male friend ( who has had many troubles)?
Anyway Around the 1 st of Oct. he ended up in a 'mental watch' at our small hospital ( we had been trying for the previous week to phone/text him, dropped by his place etc.
When the police finally told us he was at hospital we went to visit....only to have JUST missed him.
Once again the police
( we noticed our friends door open first time and 2nd asked for a well check).....
told us he had been taken to a Coos Bay mental health place but there are 5 mental health places in Coss Bay
( which is a pretty tiny place about 15,000 )
The staff won't tell you anything at all....one place finally reluctantly told me that they didn't have any males at that time !!!
So he has been missing for about 5 weeks........
However, he turned up at our home last night.
Missing people/friends take a toll on us because although we did offer our friend up to Jesus...
we still couldn't help worrying from time to time.....because we didn't really know where he was, or how he was, or even if, perhaps, he had died.
So tho I try to leave Eva in the Lord's hands, I can't help but sometimes wonder if she is okay!!  I'm glad he finally turned up so you know he's ok. I'm sure Eva is ok, she's probably just busy right now. I just miss her.
10/27/16
John 18: 1-14
Jesus Arrested
IN John's account somethings the others told are left out and somethings left out by other accounts are included.
In these verses Peter cuts off the high priests servant's ear.
Herein I find an application for me.....
Often times ( especially if it involves my loved ones),
I get very angry and see red ( I don't think I am normally an enraged person but that might be one more self-deception?)
Anyway, without thinking, I take matters into my own hands ( I haven't cut off anyone's ear like Peter, but I understand his wanting to avenge his Lord)
However, Jesus rebukes Peter and scripture also says somewhere:
Vengeance is mine saith the Lord
There are probably more times, I need to pray and leave it in God's hands than in my hands.
I've got to run. My youngest son, Christopher was just here to visit for a couple of hours, so now I need to get my chores done. Have a great day!
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,399
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Post by fearnot on Oct 28, 2016 13:33:04 GMT -5
I didn't mean Coos Bay was a 'small' place, but that it was a small place to have 5 mental health facilities ....
Here in Seaside pop is 6, 441 soooo Coss Bay is approx 3 times as big....
but we don't have even one mental health clinic ( which may be a good thing).
I just find it strange that right smack dab on the more Southern Or. Coast
( we are Northern) there are 5 mental health clinics...why???!!!
I have heard for example that Portland ( a big city around 2 million I think) puts its homeless on a bus and sends them to Seaside... (a place of 4,000 with limited resources...)
but then, Seaside turns around,
and puts them right back on a bus,
and sends them back.
I heard this from a tenant who lives in our complex, and grew up here, and has worked in both of the nursing homes, and knows the police ( grew up with some of them).
4, 000 plus people is small enough that over time, the police do get to know quite a few people.
For example, when we asked the police to do a well check on our friend, I started by giving him the name of our friend,
and then I started to give him our friend's address,
but the officer chuckled
and quoted from memory our friend's addy....
they are well acquainted with him!
I have been listening each day to one John macArthur bible study....Yesterday I decided to listen to all on John starting with John 1-5 today will be John 1:6-13....as you know they are about one hour long each, so its a nice addition.
I am even thinking of upping it to 2 a day....
but you know,
how I struggle with studying on my own,
and rather prefer, leaving it all up to an 'expert'.
But really, I am learning sooooooo much from him!!!
And since I haven't been to church in a Looooong time, it's like catch-up.
Plus, it's probably a LOOOOOOT lot better than just looking at news, or series, etc.
I am enjoying them so much!
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,399
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Post by fearnot on Oct 28, 2016 14:11:51 GMT -5
10/28/16
John 18: 15-23
Peter’s First Denial
I so relate to Peter at this point in his life, he is standing warming himself by a nice fire, and while Jesus is suffering, Peter denies he is one of Jesus's disciples.
The application for me is to realize I am too comfy with my comforts, and to know that to deny Jesus, ends up hurting myself.
The High Priest Questions Jesus
so while Peter by the comfy fire is lying, Jesus on the other hand, speaks the truth no matter the cost:
v.20 “I have spoken openly to the world....I said nothing in secret."
v. 23 “If I said something wrong,” Jesus replied, “testify as to what is wrong. But if I spoke the truth, why did you strike me?”
These are examples for me....
speak the truth
and
if someone speaks wrongly...
do not strike them
but
testify what is wrong.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,399
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Post by fearnot on Oct 29, 2016 14:59:27 GMT -5
10/29/16
John 18:24-40
Peter’s Second and Third Denials
I am not sure how to respond to Peter's denials of Jesus. It seems so terrible and it was in fact.
Yet, if Peter who was with Jesus for 3 years, and truly loved Jesus as Lord and Master, Savior and Friend, stumbled not once, not twice, but 3 times in fear....
I can realize that when fear attacks me, Jesus still loves me, and knows my heart, that I want to not fear, and be totally for Jesus.
I do not mean to give myself a pass, so that I am not diligent about my 'feelings'....but I am no where near being Peter and in my human frailty I stumble into fears.....but Jesus is faithful when I am not.
Jesus Before Pilate
I always hate reading this account
they are worst than thugs, or mass murderers, so unfeeling, uncaring:
v.28 "....By now it was early morning, and to avoid ceremonial uncleanness they did not enter the palace, because they wanted to be able to eat the Passover."
And yet, scripture says:
v. 32 "This took place to fulfill what Jesus had said about the kind of death he was going to die."
When Adam and Eve failed their test, this was the plan, so it had to happen.
Another application for me is to know the truth:
v. 37 "....the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth.
Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”
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Post by evafromgreece on Oct 29, 2016 17:38:24 GMT -5
Hey guys :)
I am in Thessaloniki. I live for now at an old friends house. For now I dont have a proper internet connection, just some megabytes on a sim card in a usb stick.
When I rent my own house I will transfer the lan line I had in Rhodes.
I have some good and bad news. It seems things are not that easy as I thought when I planned to move here. Public ( the previous company) will have jobs available from 2017 in this area, probably February, but if I want I can work there 1 month for the Christmas period, which is nice, but I want to start something that will last more than a month.
The other company(media markt) in which I was introduced to by 2 people that were my trainers at public before they went to work for them, is not really what I was thinking of from the descriptions. These people are working in athens and in any store there are differences, but even from the interviews I felt something is not right... They described it as a company that is much better. I went for the 1 st interview and all they have been asking me was what was wrong with Public and they wanted me to get into details. I am not really good at avoiding to tell what I really believe, so I did, and I am not sure what impression I made. But I felt awful when I got out the door... One week later I went for a second interview. It went better, but still unconfortable, and I felt I do not much with these people. also, even I had the best possible references someone could have, I felt like a silly too young person going there to ask for a job. It seemed like my cv, my experience, my references do not make any difference... and on the top of all these they told me the better they can offer is a part time , 3 months contract. They gave me 3 days to answer if I agree with this or not. I called back and ask for the exact salary for this so I can give my final answer. They told me, I said ok (for now , 3 months at least to have something) , and I was expecting lets say to tell me when I start or something, but the woman I spoke to told me that she will call until the end of the month because they are not finished yet with the interviews... as you can easily understand I started contacting other buisiness after this. and still I dont have an answer from media markt, I would apprieciate a negative answer, but an answer. actually, only God knows what is best for me, but I dont feel this is the right company for me, I feel something is wrong, is weird, but again only God knows.
So, I started contacting other buisiness. I went for an interview at a vodafone franchise shop, and it went well, nothing weird... Full time, the only disadvantage is that some days I will work split shift, but I have done this before. Its 40 euros less than the previous job, but I wont be in charge of anybody there ( I was mobile sales supervisor at public for an extra 40, I think it wasnt a good deal), and 40 less its not bad. anyway, the store owner seemed to like me and we had I think good conversation, so this week they will arrange a second interview with the area manager of vodafone. Still, only God knows what is best for me, and I keep praying and praying to lead me to the best working place for me... It might be one of them, it might be none of them...
I dont know.... Of course I cannot know...
Some good news... I found the church I was trying to find some months ago and I couldnt. I went 2 times and I will go also tomorrow. They are really warm and friendly, finally I found people who talk ! LOL! The sermon seemed really right also, I didnt notice something unbiblical. 2 women I was talking to gave me their phone numbers and they asked me if they arrange a home bible study if I would like to join them, of course I said yes! I am sure I will speak to more people tomorrow :)
Also, I studied until Romans 11 until today
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,399
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Post by fearnot on Oct 30, 2016 14:47:21 GMT -5
I am So happy to hear from you! I really missed you and wondered if you were okay!
Having never really worked at a job ( only extremely briefly....I was a life guard at a pool, and a front desk person at a small motel for one summer etc.
But no 'real' job so I probably am not the best person to comment on your job search.
I can understand tho, your concern that one company main interest was in your finding fault at a previous company.
I would wonder if it was a 'loyalty' test
or
a 'dog eat dog' tactic, to learn about the competition in order to ruin them
or
what?
It seems odd they were not more concerned about you and your qualifications.
However, Cindy will probably have better informed advice, having actually had a 'real' job ( or more than one, I think).
Anyway, looking forward to when you can join us again, but thank you so much for letting us know you are okay.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,399
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Post by fearnot on Oct 30, 2016 15:21:18 GMT -5
10/30/16
John 19: 1-16
Jesus Sentenced to Be Crucified
The continuation of the darkest, sad, horrible part of scripture and yet, for my sake, it is the only way, I could e saved.
An application for me ( because of fears), is to not be like Pilate, who, knowing in His heart, Jesus was innocent, yet but because of fear, let Jesus be sentenced to be crucified.
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Post by Cindy on Oct 31, 2016 11:56:15 GMT -5
I didn't mean Coos Bay was a 'small' place, but that it was a small place to have 5 mental health facilities ....
Here in Seaside pop is 6, 441 soooo Coss Bay is approx 3 times as big....
but we don't have even one mental health clinic ( which may be a good thing).
I just find it strange that right smack dab on the more Southern Or. Coast
( we are Northern) there are 5 mental health clinics...why???!!!
I have heard for example that Portland ( a big city around 2 million I think) puts its homeless on a bus and sends them to Seaside... (a place of 4,000 with limited resources...)
but then, Seaside turns around,
and puts them right back on a bus,
and sends them back.
I heard this from a tenant who lives in our complex, and grew up here, and has worked in both of the nursing homes, and knows the police ( grew up with some of them).
4, 000 plus people is small enough that over time, the police do get to know quite a few people.
For example, when we asked the police to do a well check on our friend, I started by giving him the name of our friend,
and then I started to give him our friend's address,
but the officer chuckled
and quoted from memory our friend's addy....
they are well acquainted with him!
I have been listening each day to one John macArthur bible study....Yesterday I decided to listen to all on John starting with John 1-5 today will be John 1:6-13....as you know they are about one hour long each, so its a nice addition.
I am even thinking of upping it to 2 a day....
but you know,
how I struggle with studying on my own,
and rather prefer, leaving it all up to an 'expert'.
But really, I am learning sooooooo much from him!!!
And since I haven't been to church in a Looooong time, it's like catch-up.
Plus, it's probably a LOOOOOOT lot better than just looking at news, or series, etc.
I am enjoying them so much!
I see what you were saying now and agree that is a lot.
10/28/16
John 18: 15-23
Peter’s First Denial
I so relate to Peter at this point in his life, he is standing warming himself by a nice fire, and while Jesus is suffering, Peter denies he is one of Jesus's disciples.
The application for me is to realize I am too comfy with my comforts, and to know that to deny Jesus, ends up hurting myself.
The High Priest Questions Jesus
so while Peter by the comfy fire is lying, Jesus on the other hand, speaks the truth no matter the cost:
v.20 “I have spoken openly to the world....I said nothing in secret."
v. 23 “If I said something wrong,” Jesus replied, “testify as to what is wrong. But if I spoke the truth, why did you strike me?”
These are examples for me....
speak the truth
and
if someone speaks wrongly...
do not strike them
but
testify what is wrong.
10/29/16
John 18:24-40
Peter’s Second and Third Denials
I am not sure how to respond to Peter's denials of Jesus. It seems so terrible and it was in fact.
Yet, if Peter who was with Jesus for 3 years, and truly loved Jesus as Lord and Master, Savior and Friend, stumbled not once, not twice, but 3 times in fear....
I can realize that when fear attacks me, Jesus still loves me, and knows my heart, that I want to not fear, and be totally for Jesus.
I do not mean to give myself a pass, so that I am not diligent about my 'feelings'....but I am no where near being Peter and in my human frailty I stumble into fears.....but Jesus is faithful when I am not.
Jesus Before Pilate
I always hate reading this account
they are worst than thugs, or mass murderers, so unfeeling, uncaring:
v.28 "....By now it was early morning, and to avoid ceremonial uncleanness they did not enter the palace, because they wanted to be able to eat the Passover."
And yet, scripture says:
v. 32 "This took place to fulfill what Jesus had said about the kind of death he was going to die."
When Adam and Eve failed their test, this was the plan, so it had to happen.
Another application for me is to know the truth:
v. 37 "....the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth.
Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”
Good job with all of it!
Yes, they were worse than thugs. What really scares me is knowing that they were the spiritual leaders of Israel, and knew their scriptures better than most. They knew what they believed and could site verses to show why they believed it. Just like our so called spiritual leaders do today. In our time, they would be the mega church pastors, and the most well known pastors of our day, just as they were then. If they, who had had their scriptures for near a thousand years, and who'd been trained to know them well, could be like we know they were, and be so adamant that they were right and all others were wrong, what does that say about the so called pastors of our day that are similarly convinced that they're right? Just as the Jews did, the church is also rolling in the mud of self righteous sin, insisting they're right that homosexuality is ok, that there's no such thing as a rapture and that the "church" is the one that will make the world a great place to live in, with no injustice etc, and that the church has to do this before Jesus comes again, etc. (and many other things as well, such as there was no virgin birth, no miracles, or the opposite, that there were lots of miracles and we can still do them today - opposite but the same in that focus on man instead of God)
Hey guys :) I am in Thessaloniki. I live for now at an old friends house. For now I dont have a proper internet connection, just some megabytes on a sim card in a usb stick. When I rent my own house I will transfer the lan line I had in Rhodes. I have some good and bad news. It seems things are not that easy as I thought when I planned to move here. Public ( the previous company) will have jobs available from 2017 in this area, probably February, but if I want I can work there 1 month for the Christmas period, which is nice, but I want to start something that will last more than a month. The other company(media markt) in which I was introduced to by 2 people that were my trainers at public before they went to work for them, is not really what I was thinking of from the descriptions. These people are working in athens and in any store there are differences, but even from the interviews I felt something is not right... They described it as a company that is much better. I went for the 1 st interview and all they have been asking me was what was wrong with Public and they wanted me to get into details. I am not really good at avoiding to tell what I really believe, so I did, and I am not sure what impression I made. But I felt awful when I got out the door... One week later I went for a second interview. It went better, but still unconfortable, and I felt I do not much with these people. also, even I had the best possible references someone could have, I felt like a silly too young person going there to ask for a job. It seemed like my cv, my experience, my references do not make any difference... and on the top of all these they told me the better they can offer is a part time , 3 months contract. They gave me 3 days to answer if I agree with this or not. I called back and ask for the exact salary for this so I can give my final answer. They told me, I said ok (for now , 3 months at least to have something) , and I was expecting lets say to tell me when I start or something, but the woman I spoke to told me that she will call until the end of the month because they are not finished yet with the interviews... as you can easily understand I started contacting other buisiness after this. and still I dont have an answer from media markt, I would apprieciate a negative answer, but an answer. actually, only God knows what is best for me, but I dont feel this is the right company for me, I feel something is wrong, is weird, but again only God knows. So, I started contacting other buisiness. I went for an interview at a vodafone franchise shop, and it went well, nothing weird... Full time, the only disadvantage is that some days I will work split shift, but I have done this before. Its 40 euros less than the previous job, but I wont be in charge of anybody there ( I was mobile sales supervisor at public for an extra 40, I think it wasnt a good deal), and 40 less its not bad. anyway, the store owner seemed to like me and we had I think good conversation, so this week they will arrange a second interview with the area manager of vodafone. Still, only God knows what is best for me, and I keep praying and praying to lead me to the best working place for me... It might be one of them, it might be none of them... I dont know.... Of course I cannot know... Some good news... I found the church I was trying to find some months ago and I couldnt. I went 2 times and I will go also tomorrow. They are really warm and friendly, finally I found people who talk ! LOL! The sermon seemed really right also, I didnt notice something unbiblical. 2 women I was talking to gave me their phone numbers and they asked me if they arrange a home bible study if I would like to join them, of course I said yes! I am sure I will speak to more people tomorrow :) Also, I studied until Romans 11 until today  I am So happy to hear from you! I really missed you and wondered if you were okay!
Having never really worked at a job ( only extremely briefly....I was a life guard at a pool, and a front desk person at a small motel for one summer etc.
But no 'real' job so I probably am not the best person to comment on your job search.
I can understand tho, your concern that one company main interest was in your finding fault at a previous company.
I would wonder if it was a 'loyalty' test
or
a 'dog eat dog' tactic, to learn about the competition in order to ruin them
or
what?
It seems odd they were not more concerned about you and your qualifications.
However, Cindy will probably have better informed advice, having actually had a 'real' job ( or more than one, I think).
Anyway, looking forward to when you can join us again, but thank you so much for letting us know you are okay.
10/30/16
John 19: 1-16
Jesus Sentenced to Be Crucified
The continuation of the darkest, sad, horrible part of scripture and yet, for my sake, it is the only way, I could e saved.
An application for me ( because of fears), is to not be like Pilate, who, knowing in His heart, Jesus was innocent, yet but because of fear, let Jesus be sentenced to be crucified.
 At my age now though, it still seems to me that most don't care what happened on that Friday so long ago. Maybe it's not preached about nearly enough....
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Post by evafromgreece on Oct 31, 2016 12:10:21 GMT -5
Thank you guys :) The church is awesome , but far away , but this doesnt matter a lot :)
They didnt call untill today, so I guess they dont want to hire me. Of course, I would appreiciate an answer like "you dont match with the profile we want to hire", but they didnt even call.
So I will wait for my other option- vodafone, and if they do not call until lets say 1pm, I will call them.
Please, please pray for me, that God gives me strength and patience, but also to guide me in the right job for me :)
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,399
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Post by fearnot on Oct 31, 2016 12:22:02 GMT -5
The strange thing is....now some young people dress in all black every day, but of course not because of Jesus
They are the Goths
oh
and then there is the all black burka.
But I agree with you about all the strange goings on in the church today.
Not wanting to insult anybody, it seems few pastors ever mention our problem ....
sin
or
hell
quite a few talk only about the love of Christ, which is true, but....
unless we understand so many 'politically incorrect' subjects the church is no longer willing to talk about, I have to wonder when does it become a 'different' gospel?
The church I used to go to with Leonard ( he still goes)
got a new pastor.
The former pastor was big on outreaching to those on drugs, homeless etc. all perfectly fine,
but he was also big on counseling ( scripture and psychology),
and his sermons were often very funny , and that is nice now and again in a sermon, but sometimes I felt like it was more comedy hour.
He called our church a 'campus'? I guess as a place of learning? But there is NO cross anywhere.
I know elaborate crosses and stained glass windows are NOT necessary, but a plain cross is a reminder of the price paid for our sins ( we don't need that....God's word and our minds can do the remembering fine,....
but I just find it hard to go to a 'campus' on Sunday, without a cross, that often felt like comedy hour, to be told to befriend the lost ( make good friends of them) and so on and on.
So Leonard said the new pastors first sermon was on 'love'.
Love is a good topic but I wonder if he will always camp on that and never on sin, hell, repentance, Godly character, etc etc and of course love.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,399
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Post by fearnot on Oct 31, 2016 12:24:38 GMT -5
Thank you for the update Eva....let us know as soon as you can if you get, the vodafone job....praying for you.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,399
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Post by fearnot on Oct 31, 2016 15:16:16 GMT -5
10/31/16
John 19:17:27
The Crucifixion of Jesus
Part of me just wants to skim over this, hurry and get thru to the good news...
I feel so guilty ( because I am), helpless, because I hate to think of the infinite suffering of Jesus, and there is nothing I can do to ease what happened that day.
The application for me, is Jesus's example, in such pain ( physical and spiritual), sorrow and suffering beyond human comprehension, Jesus still manages to take care of His mother. His love and compassion never ceased.
I could not earn my salvation, but once saved, I can learn to be obedient and how to have compassion on others, to learn to have a servant's heart.
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Post by Cindy on Nov 1, 2016 11:24:53 GMT -5
Thank you guys :) The church is awesome , but far away , but this doesnt matter a lot :) They didnt call untill today, so I guess they dont want to hire me. Of course, I would appreiciate an answer like "you dont match with the profile we want to hire", but they didnt even call. So I will wait for my other option- vodafone, and if they do not call until lets say 1pm, I will call them. Please, please pray for me, that God gives me strength and patience, but also to guide me in the right job for me :) The strange thing is....now some young people dress in all black every day, but of course not because of Jesus
They are the Goths
oh
and then there is the all black burka.
But I agree with you about all the strange goings on in the church today.
Not wanting to insult anybody, it seems few pastors ever mention our problem ....
sin
or
hell
quite a few talk only about the love of Christ, which is true, but....
unless we understand so many 'politically incorrect' subjects the church is no longer willing to talk about, I have to wonder when does it become a 'different' gospel?
The church I used to go to with Leonard ( he still goes)
got a new pastor.
The former pastor was big on outreaching to those on drugs, homeless etc. all perfectly fine,
but he was also big on counseling ( scripture and psychology),
and his sermons were often very funny , and that is nice now and again in a sermon, but sometimes I felt like it was more comedy hour.
He called our church a 'campus'? I guess as a place of learning? But there is NO cross anywhere.
I know elaborate crosses and stained glass windows are NOT necessary, but a plain cross is a reminder of the price paid for our sins ( we don't need that....God's word and our minds can do the remembering fine,....
but I just find it hard to go to a 'campus' on Sunday, without a cross, that often felt like comedy hour, to be told to befriend the lost ( make good friends of them) and so on and on.
So Leonard said the new pastors first sermon was on 'love'.
Love is a good topic but I wonder if he will always camp on that and never on sin, hell, repentance, Godly character, etc etc and of course love.
10/31/16
John 19:17:27
The Crucifixion of Jesus
Part of me just wants to skim over this, hurry and get thru to the good news...
I feel so guilty ( because I am), helpless, because I hate to think of the infinite suffering of Jesus, and there is nothing I can do to ease what happened that day.
The application for me, is Jesus's example, in such pain ( physical and spiritual), sorrow and suffering beyond human comprehension, Jesus still manages to take care of His mother. His love and compassion never ceased.
I could not earn my salvation, but once saved, I can learn to be obedient and how to have compassion on others, to learn to have a servant's heart.
It's amazing to me too that even in such pain, our Lord's thoughts were not for Himself, but instead were for others. He was concerned for the two thieves that had been crucified next to Him, for His mother, and for His disciples and of course, for every single person that has ever been or ever will be saved. It shows me just how pervasive our sinful self centeredness is and what it looks like when that self centeredness is replaced with a God centeredness. It shows me what I'll be like when I'm finally conformed to His image completely and gives me a goal to work toward.
Another thing this section points out is how quickly the Jew's plan was carried out. Our Lord was arrested in the garden around midnight, went through 6 court cases, was brutally flogged, deserted by his disciples, and finally, was on the cross by 9am that morning. So all of that happened within 9 hours. The Sanhedrin hurried everything along as they didn't want to be caught doing this, and wanted all this "unpleasantness" out of the way before Passover. Then, they were surprised because when they went to tell the Romans to break the legs of the condemned, to hurry along their deaths, they discovered that Jesus was already dead! He was on the cross for only 3 hours, and generally it took days for people to die. But He literally, by His own will, burst His own heart when His work here was finished. What an amazing Savior and God!
But speaking of Him giving His mother's care to John instead of to His brothers which was the norm in those days, that shows me again the importance of our faith. His brothers had not yet come to believe in Him, and He therefore did not want Mary in their care. He loved them, but wanted Mary with other believers, so He gave her care to John. Remember that in Luke 8:21 He told us “My mother and brothers are those who hear God’s word and put it into practice.”
Did you notice that when they listed all of our Lord's possessions, everything He had on Him when He was arrested, that there was no mention of money? How many of us would be caught anywhere, at anytime, (other than perhaps in bed at night sleeping) without a wallet with money? Yet our Lord carried no money with Him. He had no large assets to be distributed either, just the clothes on His back.
Whenever I read about the crucifixion, I like to read the whole story, so I read: Matt 27:33–61; Mark 15:22–47; Luke 23:32–56; John 19:1742; Genesis 22:1-19; Psalm 69:21, and Psalm 22. It's hard to read, at least for us who are saved, but it's good too because it shows us the price of every single sin we ever commit. It helps us to understand that God's gift of salvation may be free for us, but it cost God a tremendous amount. The better we understand that, the harder we fight to obey the Lord and not live in sin any longer, and the more we hate our sins.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,399
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Post by fearnot on Nov 1, 2016 12:45:58 GMT -5
Thank you so much for your detailed comments!
I read all the verses you mentioned...well except John, since I am going to read it for today.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,399
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Post by fearnot on Nov 1, 2016 15:44:18 GMT -5
11/1/16
John 19: 28-37
The Death of Jesus
The 'good' thing about Jesus death is His own words:
"It is finished"
Of course, it means more than His torture is over, it is also that Jesus paid for our (my) sins, in full, He beat the devil and Hell for those who would believe on Him.
I have read and heard several well known physicians testify against the 'swoon theory' because this verse is proof of death:
v. 34 "Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus’ side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water."
My application is to be like John:
"He knows that he tells the truth, and he testifies so that you also may believe."
There is no more important thing for a person(me) to know, than the 'gospel' about Jesus.
Lovers and friends and even children come and go, as does jobs, politics, education, etc. etc. etc.
But we (I) need to know, our (my) true condition of sin, our (my) total inability to pay for them, our (my) eternal destination....depends on trusting in Jesus having paid for our ( my) sins on the cross.
I need to tell the truth to anyone who asks so they might believe on Jesus.
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Post by Cindy on Nov 2, 2016 12:06:31 GMT -5
I Eva, I meant to ask when do you want me to start writing about the rapture on the other thread? I don't want to start that until you've read what's already been written, and would like to know if you have a general idea of when you'd be able to start again....Thank you so much for your detailed comments!
I read all the verses you mentioned...well except John, since I am going to read it for today.
11/1/16
John 19: 28-37
The Death of Jesus
The 'good' thing about Jesus death is His own words:
"It is finished"
Of course, it means more than His torture is over, it is also that Jesus paid for our (my) sins, in full, He beat the devil and Hell for those who would believe on Him.
I have read and heard several well known physicians testify against the 'swoon theory' because this verse is proof of death:
v. 34 "Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus’ side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water."
My application is to be like John:
"He knows that he tells the truth, and he testifies so that you also may believe."
There is no more important thing for a person(me) to know, than the 'gospel' about Jesus.
Lovers and friends and even children come and go, as does jobs, politics, education, etc. etc. etc.
But we (I) need to know, our (my) true condition of sin, our (my) total inability to pay for them, our (my) eternal destination....depends on trusting in Jesus having paid for our ( my) sins on the cross.
I need to tell the truth to anyone who asks so they might believe on Jesus.
To me it's like someone who has been convicted of a crime they were guilty of and has been given their sentence to serve X number of years in prison. Then, for some reason, that sentence is overturned and He is pardoned by the President. His record is wiped clean, as though all he did never happened and he is allowed to live his life in freedom instead. Obviously, they were really guilty, but for whatever reason the president decided they shouldn't serve their sentence and so pardoned them. Because of that, everyone, even those who were his victims, must treat him as though he's innocent even though they know better. He can never ever be tried for that crime again either, so in spite of everything, he's free and will face no consequences for that crime.
That's what it's like for us, although we get a lot more than just being free in this life from our pardon. Obviously, God knows we still sin as we still ask forgiveness and receive it. It's one of those things that remind me that God doesn't see things the way we do, and His thoughts aren't like ours. When He says He's going to do something, to us, that's in the future. But there is no such thing as past, present and future to God, so to Him, it's so certain it's as if it's already happened, and He sees that outcome, and bases our salvation on that, not on how we're living now. So, to God, when someone says that people can lose their salvation, it's like saying that the earth doesn't exist. Obviously the earth exists since we're living on it! It would be ridiculous to say something like that and everyone would agree about it! It would be ridiculous because to us the earth has always been here, and it was formed sometime in the long distant past. But to God, it's not something that's in the past, it's now, just as our salvation, and the life Jesus lived is now, in His eyes.
It's funny but right now I'm studying Romans 8 and it shows just what I just spoke about: “For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.” (Romans 8:29–30) We see being foreknown as in the past, and being conformed as both past, present and future; predestined, called, and justified we see as past; and glorified we see as future. Yet to God, all of those things are in the "now". He knows He will do as He says, and since He is not bound by time as we are, He sees the outcome. Therefore He sees that He has in fact completed our salvation, giving us new bodies and glorified us and Jesus. If you look, you'll see that in all the different versions, glorified is always in the past tense, as though it's already happened. If it's already happened then, it can't be "undone" and therefore no one can lose their salvation! Romans 8:29-30 aren't the only verses that show this, but were simply the ones in the chapter I happened to be studying today. Isn't that neat?
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,399
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Post by fearnot on Nov 2, 2016 13:07:06 GMT -5
I am sooooooo happy and glad, you must have either been feeling a little better today or were just inspired by the Holy Spirit.
What you wrote was soooooooo wonderful....I kind of knew it or parts of it a little.....but not the way you explained it.
What you wrote was so encouraging, maybe the most encouraging explanation I ever read!
Thank you so much Cindy!!!
Be sure to let me know when you start the end times again, so I don't miss it and get behind.
I can't believe it, only 2 more months to go, and this thread will be one year old!
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,399
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Post by fearnot on Nov 2, 2016 15:32:53 GMT -5
11/2/16
John 19:38-42
The Burial of Jesus
v. 38 "Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jewish leaders. With Pilate’s permission, he came and took the body away."
The application I took today from this passage is even tho Joseph had fear, he still was able to do something for the Lord.
I am thinking that perhaps even tho I am not 'naturally' brave, I can still take baby steps ( as the Lord leads me).
It's amazing the amount of aloe and myrrh that was used 75 lbs!!!
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Post by Cindy on Nov 3, 2016 10:08:23 GMT -5
I am sooooooo happy and glad, you must have either been feeling a little better today or were just inspired by the Holy Spirit.
What you wrote was soooooooo wonderful....I kind of knew it or parts of it a little.....but not the way you explained it.
What you wrote was so encouraging, maybe the most encouraging explanation I ever read!
Thank you so much Cindy!!!
Be sure to let me know when you start the end times again, so I don't miss it and get behind.
I can't believe it, only 2 more months to go, and this thread will be one year old!
11/2/16
John 19:38-42
The Burial of Jesus
v. 38 "Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jewish leaders. With Pilate’s permission, he came and took the body away."
The application I took today from this passage is even tho Joseph had fear, he still was able to do something for the Lord.
I am thinking that perhaps even tho I am not 'naturally' brave, I can still take baby steps ( as the Lord leads me).
It's amazing the amount of aloe and myrrh that was used 75 lbs!!!
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,399
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Post by fearnot on Nov 3, 2016 11:58:06 GMT -5
Aha!
I didn't think about the fact that much stuff (75lbs!!!) would have quickly smothered him
I also know He was already dead...but for those who might be confused by the swoon theory....
(tho it is beyond belief anyone could have survived the terrible beating and then Crucifixion)
Still, 75 lbs of paste would certainly do it....
But I think people back then, were closer to seeing the dead than many people today, and while putting this on Jesus, most would know the difference between dead and a fainted person....
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,399
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Post by fearnot on Nov 3, 2016 18:44:35 GMT -5
11/3/16
John 20:1-10
The Empty Tomb
My application is that there are times when it is okay to go to other believers, like Mary, when confronted with something of great magnitude.
I am not sure what it means when it says:
...."He saw and believed. v. 9 (They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.)"
I am not sure what 'he' ( John?) believed, if he did not understand yet, that Jesus had to rise from the dead.
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good one! One I love to reflect on too! Jesus said "another advocate", but another way that word can be translated, is "counselor"! He's sending another counselor, because He was their counselor and now He has to leave. He actually tells them that He is sending another just like Himself to help them. The counselor He sends will be to them and to us, all He was to the disciples while He was here on earth. I love to think about all He did for them when He was here. He took very good care of them, making sure they ate, got enough sleep, taught them His Word and how to live it, turned them from bullies, and cowards into strong, loving, bold people, He kept them safe from Satan and the world, and on and on and on I could go.... And now we have that counselor living within us to do all of that for us as well! All we have to do is stay in His Word and listen to Him. Amazing! I've looked up all the times that the word counselor is used about God or His word and it's used quite a bit actually. My most favorite is this though: When Isaiah tells us about Jesus,
I'm glad he finally turned up so you know he's ok. I'm sure Eva is ok, she's probably just busy right now. I just miss her. 
At my age now though, it still seems to me that most don't care what happened on that Friday so long ago. Maybe it's not preached about nearly enough....
