fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 7,470
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Post by fearnot on Jul 28, 2020 9:54:44 GMT -5
I have been thinking about deception and how in the secular world today we are drowning in it.
It is not that the world has not always had deception to deal with so thinking oh for the 'good ole days'
[smear:#56af38]Say not, “Why were the former days better than these?” For it is not from wisdom that you ask this. Ecclesiastes 7:10[/smear:#8e3fb2:0]
However, living in the end times and having all manner of ways to spread deception so much more is sadly unique. Things like: the internet, video games, music, drugs, movies, schools for all children, so that in many cases, they are being brainwashed etc.
But the devil and his demons can use all these tools, to not only promote all manner of falsehood, but also to keep unbelievers so involved and addicted, they don't hear the truth.
[smear:#4039a0]4 .... the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 2 Corinthians 4:4[/smear:#19e65c:0]
Virtual reality is one thing that can keep people so addicted they never hear the gospel... and one of it's great pull is, the gamer thinks he or she, is in control of their make believe universe... They are a 'god' calling the shots and constructing, and creating their own Eden. However, many gamers can begin to avoid real 'reality' , as they become more addicted to being 'god'.
but this is a great deception on so many levels.
In a way, it reminds me of the Tower of Babel:
[smear:#a635a5]“Come, let us make bricks.......... “Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves Genesis 11:3,4[/smear:#08f492:0]
could it be used in a God honoring way? Yes, but I am speaking now of how it is being used to deceive the unbelievers.
Even listening to music can be a deception, in that in the secular world, people just like the beat, to dance to it, to party, to drink, do drugs, have sex etc. with it etc.
The deception comes in because, words have meanings, and can have great influence!
Much ( if not all) of today's secular music glorifies: violence, greed, drugs, sex ( not love), anger, hopelessness, suicide, etc.
But it also is used by Satan to cunningly tempt people into more and more sin, and to never come to salvation but go sliding to Hell.
[smear:#89e619]But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. 2 Corinthians 11:3[/smear:#62026a:0]
Satan is the master deceiver and He hates humanity and God.
[smear:#2b527d]4 .....He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. John 8:44[/smear:#2d8239:0]
[smear:#731e42]9 And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world— he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. Revelation 12:9[/smear:#3f297b:0]
Satan uses the internet in so many evil ways one is to prey on humanities carnal nature and lust by having porn at one beck and call 24/7
Unbelievers never hear or read this verse as they are caught in the porn trap [smear:#329a65] Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Colossians 3:5[/smear:#ce19e6:0]
The lost are deceived into thinking this is okay, and fulfills their needs and desires but it is a lie, it is not love and will leave them empty and alone.
Done for Today
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Post by Cindy on Jul 29, 2020 10:44:24 GMT -5
I have been thinking about deception and how in the secular world today we are drowning in it.
It is not that the world has not always had deception to deal with so thinking oh for the 'good ole days'
[smear:#56af38]Say not, “Why were the former days better than these?” For it is not from wisdom that you ask this. Ecclesiastes 7:10[/smear:#8e3fb2:0]
However, living in the end times and having all manner of ways to spread deception so much more is sadly unique. Things like: the internet, video games, music, drugs, movies, schools for all children, so that in many cases, they are being brainwashed etc.
But the devil and his demons can use all these tools, to not only promote all manner of falsehood, but also to keep unbelievers so involved and addicted, they don't hear the truth.
[smear:#4039a0]4 .... the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 2 Corinthians 4:4[/smear:#19e65c:0]
Virtual reality is one thing that can keep people so addicted they never hear the gospel... and one of it's great pull is, the gamer thinks he or she, is in control of their make believe universe... They are a 'god' calling the shots and constructing, and creating their own Eden. However, many gamers can begin to avoid real 'reality' , as they become more addicted to being 'god'.
but this is a great deception on so many levels.
In a way, it reminds me of the Tower of Babel:
[smear:#a635a5]“Come, let us make bricks.......... “Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves Genesis 11:3,4[/smear:#08f492:0]
could it be used in a God honoring way? Yes, but I am speaking now of how it is being used to deceive the unbelievers.
Even listening to music can be a deception, in that in the secular world, people just like the beat, to dance to it, to party, to drink, do drugs, have sex etc. with it etc.
The deception comes in because, words have meanings, and can have great influence!
Much ( if not all) of today's secular music glorifies: violence, greed, drugs, sex ( not love), anger, hopelessness, suicide, etc.
But it also is used by Satan to cunningly tempt people into more and more sin, and to never come to salvation but go sliding to Hell.
[smear:#89e619]But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. 2 Corinthians 11:3[/smear:#62026a:0]
Satan is the master deceiver and He hates humanity and God.
[smear:#2b527d]4 .....He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. John 8:44[/smear:#2d8239:0]
[smear:#731e42]9 And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world— he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. Revelation 12:9[/smear:#3f297b:0]
Satan uses the internet in so many evil ways one is to prey on humanities carnal nature and lust by having porn at one beck and call 24/7
Unbelievers never hear or read this verse as they are caught in the porn trap [smear:#329a65] Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Colossians 3:5[/smear:#ce19e6:0]
The lost are deceived into thinking this is okay, and fulfills their needs and desires but it is a lie, it is not love and will leave them empty and alone.
Done for Today
Well said! I don't think there's any area of life left where we aren't seeing a great deal of deception. And what's worse, is that a lot of it is related to God, His Word, and/or the Gospel in some way. Let me clarify that... what I mean is that it's being used to get people away from God, His Word, and the gospel. For example, there's a great deal of deception in the medical world today. So when a person is really sick or in chronic pain, doctors now regularly suggest ways they can supposedly feel better that go totally against God's Word and not to long ago those ways were considered quackery by real doctors! Once someone is going against God's Word, even if they don't realize it, it's opens a door for Satan into their lives. He can then introduce
We've all heard the words "fake news" and there's a great deal of that out there too. People don't know what or who they can believe any more. Reporters no longer report the news, they either report their opinions or they make the news up.
Obviously, the internet is full of fake news, medical quackery, false teachers, and false prophets. Everywhere I turn, I'm surrounded by what's false. Interestingly, only those who love the Truth (and the Truth is Jesus Christ) can tell what's false. And to do so they must be in God's Word & prayer daily. “But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.” (Hebrews 5:14) Notice that it's through the constant use of God's Word that His children learn to distinguish good from evil, and also truth from lie.
The world is becoming ripe for the Antichrist, that's for sure, for he is the master of lies!
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 7,470
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Post by fearnot on Jul 29, 2020 11:20:42 GMT -5
You are soooo right about the medical world today. I have experienced so much of that From 'real' doctors ( more than just one):
suggesting yoga
visualization techniques ( a whole class teaching this for alleviating pain)
emptying my mind to alleviate pain ( mindfulness and/or meditation)
A lot of Eastern religious ideas
and so on.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 7,470
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Post by fearnot on Jul 29, 2020 11:55:56 GMT -5
Well keeping on the deception aspect
I am thinking about AI
Now I realize that since believers will not be here during the 7 years of tribulation and the Anti-Christ and his false prophet So that, things could be 'totally' different than what 'could, might. maybe' seem to be setting up for that time
Still, I find the massive explosion of knowledge/information chilling.
[smear:#ba0a20]4 But you, Daniel, shut up the words and seal the book, until the time of the end. Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase. ”Daniel 12:4[/smear:#0a6aa1:0]
My thought is that this verse does not mean just a causal increase but a mammoth, immense, colossal, stunning amount.
One area in which AI is being used to an extent many people may not be fully aware of is in finance, like banking, and the stock market etc.
One of the 'selling' points of AI controlling global banking is its convenience, improving customer service, it's financial forecasting abilities etc.
The forecasting lets you know when you can buy or even sell, based on it's ability to track exactly what you have spent and where, its predictive analytical abilities ( by knowing your income, your balance, your upcoming financial obligations, etc. will give you an answer ( yes or no) if you can buy an item) In other words... IT....AI will give you permission
Neat eh? Helpful, no overdrafts and so on...
But...
This is in effect ( no matter how 'helpful')
and outside entity.... calling the shots It reminds me a bit of these verses:
[smear:#a6249a]15 And it was allowed to give breath to the image of the beast, so that the image of the beast might even speak and might cause those who would not worship the image of the beast to be slain. 16 Also it causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, to be marked on the right hand or the forehead, 17 so that no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark, Revelation 13: 15-17[/smear:#1941e6:0]
Oh and I forgot, not only is A running all the banking convenient, with greater customer service, having financial forecasting abilities it greatly improves Security via bio metrics....based on linking it up to your fingerprint and voice recognition
Could the use of your bio-metrics linked to finance be a conditioning to the eventual taking the mark of the beast
I think one way deception creeps in is by being truly convenient and 'helpful' but slyly conditioning people... to a one united centralized global economy.
Whatever will be the actual way the anti-Christ will control all buying and selling I think the fact even believers today are big on convenience might play into the devils hand but also all of these sins ( and many more)
[smear:#74e619]But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. 2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, 4 treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God 2 Timothy 3:2-4[/smear:#a122a0:0]
But going along with the idea of convenience, lovers of self, lovers of money.... is the idea of a 'universal basic income' but again the deception comes because those who wish for this equality or equalizing basic income idea is that they forget someone will be in control of who gets it and who does not.... making it easier for whoever is in control, to manipulate society.
Interestingly enough the present pope is all for this.
Done for today
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 7,470
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Post by fearnot on Jul 30, 2020 10:12:05 GMT -5
I was thinking I should mention there has been severe and/or record breaking rainfall in many countries or places like in:
Japan, Mumbai, Bangladesh, and China to name a few! ----------------------------------------------------------------
Back to deception:
[smear:#f93cdc]16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. James 1:16[/smear:#19e623:0]
This is for Christians, we should never underestimate our enemy and fall into the justification or type of thinking like just 'a little' sin won't hurt, or like the idea: a 'little white lie', is so 'little', as to be barely even a lie. etc. etc. etc.
Instead we need to be thoughtful , and remind ourselves of this verse:
[smear:#8619e6]24 For false Christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. Matthew 24:24[/smear:#e63f19:0]
and stay aware:
[smear:#0abbc6]11 so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs. 2 Corinthians 2:11[/smear:#e619e3:0]
The devil has always attacked God's people often with outright persecution.... but also, with subtle lies and deception.
So believers need to be sober minded
[smear:#e61933] 8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, .... 1 Peter 5:7-9[/smear:#f8eb03:0]
When we are confused about evil seemingly winning ( another type or kind of deception, because in the end, they will not win) This verse can be brought to mind:
[smear:#8950e2]The Lord has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble. Proverbs 16:4[/smear:#136a6b:0]
And with all that is going on today this is a verse to lift up our heats and minds:
[smear:#006a97] 12 Be of good courage, and let us be courageous for our people, and for the cities of our God, and may the Lord do what seems good to him.” 2 Samuel 10:12[/smear:#f42cb6:0]
Likewise:
1[smear:#32b01c]3 But he is unchangeable, and who can turn him back? What he desires, that he does. Job 23:13[/smear:#724589:0]
There has been in the past, and is now, today a reason God allows Chaos and deception to reign
We need to trust this is true:
[smear:#6224ba] 9 For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm. 10 The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; he frustrates the plans of the peoples. 11 The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations. Psalms 33:9-11[/smear:#f52ebd:0]
God is never deceived, evil does not surprise Him Instead:
[smear:#19e63c]For the Lord of hosts has purposed, and who will annul it? His hand is stretched out, and who will turn it back? Isaiah 14:27[/smear:#e6199f:0]
And lastly for today:
[smear:#c1240c]4 For you are not a God who delights in wickedness; evil may not dwell with you. Psalm: 5:4[/smear:#c219e6:0]
Done for today
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Post by Cindy on Jul 30, 2020 10:33:32 GMT -5
You are soooo right about the medical world today. I have experienced so much of that From 'real' doctors ( more than just one):
suggesting yoga
visualization techniques ( a whole class teaching this for alleviating pain)
emptying my mind to alleviate pain ( mindfulness and/or meditation)
A lot of Eastern religious ideas
and so on.
yes, I know you have. Actually, I'd be surprised if anyone who lives with chronic pain hasn't had their doctor suggest those things and others to them as well.
Well keeping on the deception aspect
I am thinking about AI
Now I realize that since believers will not be here during the 7 years of tribulation and the Anti-Christ and his false prophet So that, things could be 'totally' different than what 'could, might. maybe' seem to be setting up for that time
Still, I find the massive explosion of knowledge/information chilling.
[smear:#ba0a20]4 But you, Daniel, shut up the words and seal the book, until the time of the end. Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase. ”Daniel 12:4[/smear:#0a6aa1:0]
My thought is that this verse does not mean just a causal increase but a mammoth, immense, colossal, stunning amount.
One area in which AI is being used to an extent many people may not be fully aware of is in finance, like banking, and the stock market etc.
One of the 'selling' points of AI controlling global banking is its convenience, improving customer service, it's financial forecasting abilities etc.
The forecasting lets you know when you can buy or even sell, based on it's ability to track exactly what you have spent and where, its predictive analytical abilities ( by knowing your income, your balance, your upcoming financial obligations, etc. will give you an answer ( yes or no) if you can buy an item) In other words... IT....AI will give you permission
Neat eh? Helpful, no overdrafts and so on...
But...
This is in effect ( no matter how 'helpful')
and outside entity.... calling the shots It reminds me a bit of these verses:
[smear:#a6249a]15 And it was allowed to give breath to the image of the beast, so that the image of the beast might even speak and might cause those who would not worship the image of the beast to be slain. 16 Also it causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, to be marked on the right hand or the forehead, 17 so that no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark, Revelation 13: 15-17[/smear:#1941e6:0]
Oh and I forgot, not only is A running all the banking convenient, with greater customer service, having financial forecasting abilities it greatly improves Security via bio metrics....based on linking it up to your fingerprint and voice recognition
Could the use of your bio-metrics linked to finance be a conditioning to the eventual taking the mark of the beast
I think one way deception creeps in is by being truly convenient and 'helpful' but slyly conditioning people... to a one united centralized global economy.
Whatever will be the actual way the anti-Christ will control all buying and selling I think the fact even believers today are big on convenience might play into the devils hand but also all of these sins ( and many more)
[smear:#74e619]But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. 2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, 4 treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God 2 Timothy 3:2-4[/smear:#a122a0:0]
But going along with the idea of convenience, lovers of self, lovers of money.... is the idea of a 'universal basic income' but again the deception comes because those who wish for this equality or equalizing basic income idea is that they forget someone will be in control of who gets it and who does not.... making it easier for whoever is in control, to manipulate society.
Interestingly enough the present pope is all for this.
Done for today
Good one! I would like to mention this though just to be sure there's no misunderstanding... there is nothing inherently wrong or sinful about something being convenient. Nor is there anything wrong or sinful about using Artificial intelligence (AI) for something, or having a microchip in your body somewhere, or any of the other many things that paranoid people have thought up that the Antichrist could use as his "mark".
Before the "mark" is implemented, God will have sent angels to preach the gospel all over the world, and He will have sent His two witnesses to Israel and the 144,000 witnesses to the world to tell them the gospel. Before the "mark" happens, that angel will have told every human being alive the gospel and what the consequences will be for taking the mark. Everyone will know that they are thereby choosing between Satan and God. That's why the mark is unforgivable for someone taking it knowingly. It's also why someone who is somehow forced to take it against their will, WILL be forgiven.
As far as the pope being for a universal basic income, I'd bet he also thinks he should be the one to control it! A few years ago I remember reading an article I posted on our board about the increase of knowledge. I couldn't find it at this time, but did find where the author got at least some of his information. This is really amazing:
Buckminster Fuller created the “Knowledge Doubling Curve”; he noticed that until 1900 human knowledge doubled approximately every century. By the end of World War II knowledge was doubling every 25 years. Today things are not as simple as different types of knowledge have different rates of growth. For example, nanotechnology knowledge is doubling every two years and clinical knowledge every 18 months. But on average human knowledge is doubling every 13 months. According to IBM, the build out of the “internet of things” will lead to the doubling of knowledge every 12 hours. www.industrytap.com/knowledge-doubling-every-12-months-soon-to-be-every-12-hours/3950
This shows exactly what the Bible is talking about and how that prophecy has been fulfilled in our time! Amazing isn't it? I'll have to try and find that article as it was really good!
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 7,470
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Post by fearnot on Jul 30, 2020 11:12:39 GMT -5
Very interesting ( I read the link you posted)
Oh I am glad you wrote about convenience not being inherently wrong, nor using AI.
I am sorry, I did not mean to give that impression. I was trying to point out that knowledge has increased soooo much and that AI and what seems to me virtually anything man creates can be used for good or for evil.
And since AI is being used so much concerning money It might or could 'possibly', be used by the anti-Christ
I should have made it clear about the rapture, mark, and 144,000, angels etc. Again sorry :(
I just get so tired, I ran out of 'typing' energy LOL
It fact. my eyes are struggling mightily right now to stay open and I just fell asleep arrgghh Did not sleep well or much last night and I haven't even begun on the Bible study!!!
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 7,470
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Post by fearnot on Jul 30, 2020 12:15:19 GMT -5
LOL todays post is above the post you did today...another one of those :)
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Post by Cindy on Jul 31, 2020 11:08:32 GMT -5
I was thinking I should mention there has been severe and/or record breaking rainfall in many countries or places like in:
Japan, Mumbai, Bangladesh, and China to name a few! ----------------------------------------------------------------
Back to deception:
[smear:#f93cdc]16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. James 1:16[/smear:#19e623:0]
This is for Christians, we should never underestimate our enemy and fall into the justification or type of thinking like just 'a little' sin won't hurt, or like the idea: a 'little white lie', is so 'little', as to be barely even a lie. etc. etc. etc.
Instead we need to be thoughtful , and remind ourselves of this verse:
[smear:#8619e6]24 For false Christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. Matthew 24:24[/smear:#e63f19:0]
and stay aware:
[smear:#0abbc6]11 so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs. 2 Corinthians 2:11[/smear:#e619e3:0]
The devil has always attacked God's people often with outright persecution.... but also, with subtle lies and deception.
So believers need to be sober minded
[smear:#e61933] 8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, .... 1 Peter 5:7-9[/smear:#f8eb03:0]
When we are confused about evil seemingly winning ( another type or kind of deception, because in the end, they will not win) This verse can be brought to mind:
[smear:#8950e2]The Lord has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble. Proverbs 16:4[/smear:#136a6b:0]
And with all that is going on today this is a verse to lift up our heats and minds:
[smear:#006a97] 12 Be of good courage, and let us be courageous for our people, and for the cities of our God, and may the Lord do what seems good to him.” 2 Samuel 10:12[/smear:#f42cb6:0]
Likewise:
1[smear:#32b01c]3 But he is unchangeable, and who can turn him back? What he desires, that he does. Job 23:13[/smear:#724589:0]
There has been in the past, and is now, today a reason God allows Chaos and deception to reign
We need to trust this is true:
[smear:#6224ba] 9 For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm. 10 The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; he frustrates the plans of the peoples. 11 The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations. Psalms 33:9-11[/smear:#f52ebd:0]
God is never deceived, evil does not surprise Him Instead:
[smear:#19e63c]For the Lord of hosts has purposed, and who will annul it? His hand is stretched out, and who will turn it back? Isaiah 14:27[/smear:#e6199f:0]
And lastly for today:
[smear:#c1240c]4 For you are not a God who delights in wickedness; evil may not dwell with you. Psalm: 5:4[/smear:#c219e6:0]
Done for today
Good one! You would be shocked though at how even Christians these days will argue with you forever saying that "little white lies aren't sins, and other similar things like that. I've even had them argue that viewing porn with their husband (or wife) wasn't sinful! It's amazing how far our sin natures will go to excuse our favorite sins! Knowing that has helped me because if I ever start trying to say something isn't sinful, I'll know what I'm doing is wrong!
Very interesting ( I read the link you posted)
Oh I am glad you wrote about convenience not being inherently wrong, nor using AI.
I am sorry, I did not mean to give that impression. I was trying to point out that knowledge has increased soooo much and that AI and what seems to me virtually anything man creates can be used for good or for evil.
And since AI is being used so much concerning money It might or could 'possibly', be used by the anti-Christ
I should have made it clear about the rapture, mark, and 144,000, angels etc. Again sorry :(
I just get so tired, I ran out of 'typing' energy LOL
It fact. my eyes are struggling mightily right now to stay open and I just fell asleep arrgghh Did not sleep well or much last night and I haven't even begun on the Bible study!!!
I knew you didn't mean that hon and I realized that you weren't well and were most likely sleepy too. Don't worry, I've got your back! Hon, if you're too sick and/or tired, you can take the day off you know. That's always between you and the Lord. I'm certainly not going to judge you for doing so. I've had to take time off when I've been too sick to read anything. Or if it would help, just read your Bible and don't try to post anything. Whatever works for you and the Lord. LOL todays post is above the post you did today...another one of those :)
I've got it lol
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 7,470
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Post by fearnot on Jul 31, 2020 12:35:38 GMT -5
Awwwww thank you Cindy!!!!!!!!
Every now and again, I have nights, when I don't sleep at all, and other nights when I get a couple of hours and then sometimes
when I can't even wake up after 12 hours of sleep LOLOL
But after the no sleep nights, sometimes, not always,
I find myself asleep and awake and asleep and awake all day long
i have zero control over falling asleep its like I am awake and typing...
and then after some time ( I don't know how long) I am awake, and realize I had fallen asleep in split second
The reason I emphasize that is that is NOT how I usually fall asleep..
Leonard almost always does that
But it will take me 10 to 15 mins usually at night to fall asleep
so I always find it odd, weird, crazy, unsettling etc. To be awake and instantly asleep!!!!!
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 7,470
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Post by fearnot on Jul 31, 2020 12:46:04 GMT -5
This might seem an odd topic or comparison, tho I think such comparisons could be made of many other groups.
So even tho the Goth' group may seem lessen ( not so prevalent ), in today's world ( tho I am not so sure that is the case, they may have just changed... there is some bickering as to who are the 'real' or genuine Goths... the old order or the new)
I want to compare Goths with the 'biker' , and gang groups.
And you might wonder why I picked this as my first verse when talking about 3 seemingly so greatly diverse groups?
[smear:#e15b04]What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? 3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. Romans 6:1-4[/smear:#05d10f:0]
Well, knowing you Cindy, I imagine you can already tell where I am going with this LOL
One thing, before I get into this comparison: Not all the members of either of the 3 groups, fit the bad press and stereotypes they have gotten. That is not my aim.
However, without too much digging into either group one can easily see that all 3 groups have a kind of 'love affair' with darkness and death. Many Goths tho love it from an artistic, poetic, music etc way.
I think the underlined parts of this verse applies toall 3 groups ( and really all people who are not born again)
t[smear:#983f05]he people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned.” Matthew 4:16[/smear:#06c8ba:0]
The Goths ( some of them) relationship with death would be they would be more likely to commit suicide,
Whereas, some bikers or gang members, would be more likely to enact with death, by killing others .
So one side would be more apt to commit suicide, and the other side, more apt to commit homicide... but either way....it is death.
In a sense, I think,the 3 groups are fascinated with sin, a type of evil and 'death'... tho differently.
Hummmm ......who do we know, who would be actively pushing actively pushing death and darkness and be for that....death ...I mean Satan maybe?
[smear:#0bbaab]14 Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself ( Jesus) likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, Hebrews 2:14[/smear:#e619a0:0]
Another way, all 3 groups are similar, is they are not out to win a 'popularity contest', or out to please 'phony' people, or societies mores ( which all of these 3 groups can see plenty of 'hypocrites' in the 'normal' society groups) etc.
Not unlike these verses:
[smear:#7a117d]2 “Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. Matthew 6:2[/smear:#034d52:0]
[smear:#8b0317]25 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. Matthew 23:25[/smear:#08930b:0]
[smear:#6a9c07]1 Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, 2 “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat, 3 so do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do. For they preach, but do not practice.
Matthew 23:1-3[/smear:#9a19e6:0]
What is in a lesser, but still interesting thing, I have noted is the 'dark' wayall the groups dress.
Not necessarily the all 'black' uniform of 'some' Goths (black nail polish and black lipstick included, which may be old school now) ( tho not all Goths dress in that uniform, anyway)
and not all bikers wear 'black' leather, chains and tattoos nor all gang members wear 'colors'
But in a general sense...there is a 'dark' theme to what many of their members wear.
And in all groups, there are pretentious 'wannabes' who 'play' at the ideas, beliefs, etc. of which ever group
The 'posers' sort of talk the talk, but do not really walk ... the walk They are just into it, as a fashion trend but have no substance
However, I am not sure any of them have any idea, this is true for Christians as well.
[smear:#af19e6]7 for we walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7[/smear:#7ee619:0]
And there are 'fake' Christians .... which cause so much misunderstanding about Christians and more so about Jesus.
[smear:#952358]10 For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers,.... Titus 1:10[/smear:#34933e:0]
Neither group ( not the men or woman) are concerned about this verse for sure LOL:
[smear:#42f82e]9 women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, 10 but with what is proper for women who profess godliness 1 Timothy 2:9.10[/smear:#f13a42:0]
Then there are 'sub groups' in each or the 3 groups I am mentioning today
that are also, in one way, or another intoxicated with 'blood' be it the 'vampires' or the murders ( more in the gangs, but also has happened with bikers )
And in a totally different way, one might say, that is true in a sense for Christians...
because Jesus died on a cross and shed His blood for our eternal life.
But perhaps more about this tomorrow in any case Done for today.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 7,470
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Post by fearnot on Aug 1, 2020 12:11:10 GMT -5
A little bit more on the comparison of the 3 groups I mention yesterday Goths, bikers, and gangs
There is a fear of all 3 groups ( sometimes warranted), but sometimes a misconception, and a grouping that makes them all of their members, the same, rather than individuals.
While it is true, that there may be some who are into the occult ( in all 3 groups) ( witches, wizards, warlocks, and devote Satanists) This is certainly not true of all ( or even most).
Some of the individuals in these 3 groups want to just stand out and be 'different' and not 'ordinary' even rebellious, if that is what it takes to not be a 'sheepple'
But few of them are not knowledgeable of 'any' of God's word , like:
[smear:#e65919]For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and presumption is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has also rejected you from being king.” 1 Samuel 15:23[/smear:#fd07b6:0]
or this [smear:#73f708] 6 And he burned his sons as an offering in the Valley of the Son of Hinnom, and used fortune-telling and omens and sorcery, and dealt with mediums and with necromancers. He did much evil in the sight of the Lord, provoking him to anger. 2 Chronicles 33:6[/smear:#e61928:0]
Nor this:
[smear:#e619c3]19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21[/smear:#1945e6:0]
But likewise, those who do not know these scriptures (and many more like them),
would also be unaware, that Jesus died on the cross, for all sinners that would trust in Him, as paying for their sins. ( including those mentioned in these verses and many others, that all people can or could be struggling with)
Another, similarity is that many of the folks in all three groups sense that there is something VERY VERY wrong in life they all have an insight that 'evil' is in the world
So many in all three groups do not present or have an attitude of a happy go lucky Pollyanna approach towards life.
Goths are or tend to be more: melancholy, pessimistic, gloomy, morose, downcast, despairing, cheerless, troubled, etc etc.
The other groups, take a more 'evolutionary' approach ( I personally do not believe in evolution but that is another topic)
Bikers and gangs, lean more to the 'survival of the fittest' approach, in this dog eat dog, and evil in the world.
Strangely, all groups can also decide ( in a sense) To take a position, of if you can beat it ( evil, death etc.) why not join it
Therefore many goths see: artistic 'beauty' in ugliness, sadness, darkness etc.
The other 2 groups sort of go with, the point of view ( again this is not for all) to be the ones that increase the chaos and come out the winners .
I doubt there are many of the people in any of the 3 groups who know this verse:
[smear:#19e66e] They did not remember his power or the day when he redeemed them from the foe, Psalms 78:42[/smear:#e6197e:0]
The 'He' in the above verse, is God, and the 'foe', is ultimately, Satan and his demons.
nor are many aware of this verse ( and sooo many more)
[smear:#b20f7c]Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure. Psalms 147:5[/smear:#7df740:0]
Another similarity is: they all embrace what the 'normal' folks, disdain, shun, fear, reject, have no part of etc.
They are unaware there really is an all knowing, all powerful, infinite, eternal God who loves them
[smear:#19e6af] 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38,39[/smear:#e6199f:0]
Just as many people are not knowledgeable about why people join any of these groups, what they see as benefits, what are the misconceptions what is really the truth
So it is, about Christians... few really know what they believe, or why and there are tons of misconceptions
one being, that it is for the 'weak' and so the weak
( who cannot deal with the ugly, sad, evil, etc. etc. in the world) thus they need a fairy tale God,
Done for today
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 7,470
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Post by fearnot on Aug 2, 2020 9:00:01 GMT -5
Of the 3 groups I have been comparing Goths, bikers, and gangs ( plus one more ....wealthy business men in suits)
the Goths in a strange way come the closest to truth
[smear:#0f5c6f] The people who walked in darkness......... ......................................................... those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness,......... Isaiah 9:2[/smear:#7d19e6:0]
Those without God do walk in darkness.
Also the secular people of the world, are the spiritually 'walking dead'.
[smear:#442484]even when we were dead in our trespasses.................. Ephesians 2:5[/smear:#2f7e1a:0]
Without hope and rejecting the only Savior they will only continue to walk further into the darkness ( some will walk slowly, others faster)
[smear:#67f008]..........................having no hope and without God in the world. Ephesians 2:12[/smear:#0d7a6e:0]
There are some extreme Goths (others Goths and the average person wishes this super sub counter culture Goth clan did not exist, or some Gothic folk say: it's just role playing, )
However, there is some real reality to this extreme clan).... who think they are not really human, or have a non-human status, having reached immortality, as a vampire.
But what even this extreme group says to me,
is they hope, wish, or have a desire more towards life... eternal life, Of course as a Christian, I mourn they are trying to reach it Satan's way.
This is just another demonstration, of how darkness continues to spiral downward, without THE light.
[smear:#ab19e6]12 Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12[/smear:#4ac13b:0]
And speaking of the downward trend without God I want to bring in the most recent groups on the radar today Antifa and Black Lives Matters
When all restraints are removed, people will naturally go into a Satanic free fall. We first had 'protests' a constitutional right.
Which quickly morphed in mobs rioting
But it is really no longer even that, it has become a armed organized rebellion with plans and plotting, the way real militaries work... And it is now an armed insurrection
What is most glaring about Antifa meaning......Anti-fascist is just how fascist they are!
There is no debating their position, no freedom of speech etc.
If a person were to say, Please do not loot, burn, or hurt others You would be screamed at: "Shut up racist'
They see the white Caucasians as: 'jack booted thugs' and yet... that is exactly how they act....
Using lasers to blind the police, throwing bricks, rocks, and all kinds of refuse like poop at them, they bring bats, and even guns ( more and more) They are dressed for war.,,and act like soldiers.
Yet, they think they will bring peace, and a great New World Order out of violence and chaos.
Not realizing they are acting like evil masquerading as light and in total darkness.
[smear:#1d0c40]4 And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 2 Corinthians 11:14[/smear:#f5cb03:0]
They are unaware that this insurrection has 'demonic influence' and that they have been groomed for 'revolution' almost from birth. Much of their indoctrination started in their earliest days of school.
Nevertheless, parents are also guilty , in that in their attempt to show their children love by material abundance and being 'loving' by being their children's 'friends, and by allowing total liberty the opposite happened kids were ungrateful ( material things can't buy love or respect)
[smear:#076593] But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. 2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, 2 Timothy 3:1-3[/smear:#76089b:0]
So kids became rebels and were taught to be proud of themselves ( "you can be whatever you want to be") and the moved on to being arrogant and disobedient to their parents and certainly kids are and were often ungrateful.
Plus, not wish to hear anything about Christianity ( if their parents were Christians)
Tho They would be okay with Buddhism Hinduism
In fact , Karma and thinking what they were in a past life if a fine thing Horoscopes seances necromancy Ouija boards etc. etc.
Anything is okay...but rigid, uptight, judgmental, ignorant, naive, non compassionate, racists, homophobic, myth believing etc etc etc Christians
But most secular people are unaware that all the founders of all the other religions have one thing in common none of them are alive today
only Christians have a living Savior.
None of the other religious founders claimed to be able to pay for peoples sins and give them eternal life.
[smear:#5c72e2]28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. John 10:28[/smear:#be4ff1:0]
Which reminds me of one other group physicists
Some physicists suggest the idea that we live in a holographic universe that uses a form of quantum "computer code" to create the physical reality
it is a very complex theory having to do with the code embed in the string theory
What strikes me is: that would mean the Universe was created by an intelligent creator ( the one who wrote the code),
thus it was not created by a random accident. Therefore a Prime Creator exists!
These physicists have 'almost' come to the first verse in the Bible which is the absolute truth:
[smear:#9f19e6] In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1[/smear:#359f34:0]
Done for today
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 7,470
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Post by fearnot on Aug 3, 2020 9:54:48 GMT -5
I mentioned secular business men yesterday and how they too walk in darkness ( although it might not seem that way so much in compassion with the other 3 groups). Although money in and of itself is not evil or having it a sin when it becomes a person's idol they worship and the love of their life ( instead of God) Then it is:
[smear:#407924]10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. 1 Timothy 6:10[/smear:#e61949:0]
and this famous verse:
[smear:#e61937]4 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money. Matthew 6:24[/smear:#177304:0]
and for some or even a lot of people today, this verse has come true
[smear:#258a2c]4 Do not toil to acquire wealth; be discerning enough to desist. 5 When your eyes light on it, it is gone, for suddenly it sprouts wings, flying like an eagle toward heaven. Proverbs 23:4,5 [/smear:#168cb2:0]
For many there is a tremendous seduction towards success, greed, the power it gives, all the 'things' it can buy, etc. It can easily becomes one's total focus.... and it can lead to as much of darkness, as any other of lost peoples groups.
In fact the Bible has lots to say about money.
Jesus also spoke a lot about it Here is one of our Lord's statements:
[smear:#a719e6]34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Luke 12:34[/smear:#19e679:0]
One thing those who are consumed with becoming wealthy cannot say is this:
[smear:#dfe619]11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. Philippians 4:11-12[/smear:#1993e6:0]
I think it is not just the wealthy who are guilty the very poor are also if one is about to become homeless Most likely their first thought is:
IF I only had some money.....
'Money' would solve the problem... rather than trusting God no matter what!
I am not saying, I am able to have such strong faith.... but I do often remember this verse, when times are tight money wise.
[smear:#3cbb64]36 For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? Mark 8:36[/smear:#d719e6:0]
This verse has helped me so much from envying the very wealthy I would not want to be Jeff Bezos, Bill Gates, or Elon Musk, or Mark Zuckerberg to name a few.
One of them may soon become the world's first trillionaire ( I think it might be Bezos).
But it really is a struggle today , when we have been bombarded since birth by ads telling us we cannot be happy or content, unless we have more, more, more. And that discontentment, can cause great debt to keep up with the Jones ( or the 4 listed above LOL)
However, discontentment is a serious thing, it is basically a slap in God's face, by our ungratefulness. It is not 'things' or money, that will make us happy, it is being in the center of the love of God.
[smear:#19e65d]Better is the little that the righteous has than the abundance of many wicked. Psalms 37:16[/smear:#f73ef2:0]
and this verse is soooo true ( well they all are, of course!!! :)
[smear:#8c1ca6] 6 But godliness with contentment is great gain, 7 for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. 8 But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. 9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. I Timothy 6:6-9[/smear:#308bf2:0]
This does not mean, we should be lazy and never work and earn money again it is about the love of money!!!
In fact, the Bible says this:
[smear:#215591]10 For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. 2 Thessalonians 3:10[/smear:#82e619:0]
We are to be good stewards with what the Lord gives us.
[smear:#5eb574]35 In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Acts 20:35[/smear:#c7498c:0]
Done for today
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Post by Cindy on Aug 3, 2020 10:24:35 GMT -5
Awwwww thank you Cindy!!!!!!!!
Every now and again, I have nights, when I don't sleep at all, and other nights when I get a couple of hours and then sometimes
when I can't even wake up after 12 hours of sleep LOLOL
But after the no sleep nights, sometimes, not always,
I find myself asleep and awake and asleep and awake all day long
i have zero control over falling asleep its like I am awake and typing...
and then after some time ( I don't know how long) I am awake, and realize I had fallen asleep in split second
The reason I emphasize that is that is NOT how I usually fall asleep..
Leonard almost always does that
But it will take me 10 to 15 mins usually at night to fall asleep
so I always find it odd, weird, crazy, unsettling etc. To be awake and instantly asleep!!!!! I hate it when that happens to me and I think I've figured out why I fall asleep like that during the day after I've gotten up. Apparently, my body's had too much sleep when that happens. I know that doesn't sound logical, because you'd think if you'd had too much sleep your body would just cause you to stay awake. Well for some reason it's not doing that. And this seems to be true even when I think I haven't had enough sleep that night. I've found that if I go to bed at 9 or 9:30 and get up between 4 and 5, then I'm wide awake and stay awake. Another trick I've learned that helps if I start to fall asleep like that anyway is to do something entirely different then I normally do for a half an hour or so. That seems to make it so I won't go back to sleep too. I haven't figured it out perfectly yet, but I'm working on it!
This might seem an odd topic or comparison, tho I think such comparisons could be made of many other groups.
So even tho the Goth' group may seem lessen ( not so prevalent ), in today's world ( tho I am not so sure that is the case, they may have just changed... there is some bickering as to who are the 'real' or genuine Goths... the old order or the new)
I want to compare Goths with the 'biker' , and gang groups.
And you might wonder why I picked this as my first verse when talking about 3 seemingly so greatly diverse groups?
[smear:#e15b04]What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? 3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. Romans 6:1-4[/smear:#05d10f:0]
Well, knowing you Cindy, I imagine you can already tell where I am going with this LOL
One thing, before I get into this comparison: Not all the members of either of the 3 groups, fit the bad press and stereotypes they have gotten. That is not my aim.
However, without too much digging into either group one can easily see that all 3 groups have a kind of 'love affair' with darkness and death. Many Goths tho love it from an artistic, poetic, music etc way.
I think the underlined parts of this verse applies toall 3 groups ( and really all people who are not born again)
t[smear:#983f05]he people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned.” Matthew 4:16[/smear:#06c8ba:0]
The Goths ( some of them) relationship with death would be they would be more likely to commit suicide,
Whereas, some bikers or gang members, would be more likely to enact with death, by killing others .
So one side would be more apt to commit suicide, and the other side, more apt to commit homicide... but either way....it is death.
In a sense, I think,the 3 groups are fascinated with sin, a type of evil and 'death'... tho differently.
Hummmm ......who do we know, who would be actively pushing actively pushing death and darkness and be for that....death ...I mean Satan maybe?
[smear:#0bbaab]14 Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself ( Jesus) likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, Hebrews 2:14[/smear:#e619a0:0]
Another way, all 3 groups are similar, is they are not out to win a 'popularity contest', or out to please 'phony' people, or societies mores ( which all of these 3 groups can see plenty of 'hypocrites' in the 'normal' society groups) etc.
Not unlike these verses:
[smear:#7a117d]2 “Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. Matthew 6:2[/smear:#034d52:0]
[smear:#8b0317]25 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. Matthew 23:25[/smear:#08930b:0]
[smear:#6a9c07]1 Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, 2 “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat, 3 so do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do. For they preach, but do not practice.
Matthew 23:1-3[/smear:#9a19e6:0]
What is in a lesser, but still interesting thing, I have noted is the 'dark' wayall the groups dress.
Not necessarily the all 'black' uniform of 'some' Goths (black nail polish and black lipstick included, which may be old school now) ( tho not all Goths dress in that uniform, anyway)
and not all bikers wear 'black' leather, chains and tattoos nor all gang members wear 'colors'
But in a general sense...there is a 'dark' theme to what many of their members wear.
And in all groups, there are pretentious 'wannabes' who 'play' at the ideas, beliefs, etc. of which ever group
The 'posers' sort of talk the talk, but do not really walk ... the walk They are just into it, as a fashion trend but have no substance
However, I am not sure any of them have any idea, this is true for Christians as well.
[smear:#af19e6]7 for we walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7[/smear:#7ee619:0]
And there are 'fake' Christians .... which cause so much misunderstanding about Christians and more so about Jesus.
[smear:#952358]10 For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers,.... Titus 1:10[/smear:#34933e:0]
Neither group ( not the men or woman) are concerned about this verse for sure LOL:
[smear:#42f82e]9 women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, 10 but with what is proper for women who profess godliness 1 Timothy 2:9.10[/smear:#f13a42:0]
Then there are 'sub groups' in each or the 3 groups I am mentioning today
that are also, in one way, or another intoxicated with 'blood' be it the 'vampires' or the murders ( more in the gangs, but also has happened with bikers )
And in a totally different way, one might say, that is true in a sense for Christians...
because Jesus died on a cross and shed His blood for our eternal life.
But perhaps more about this tomorrow in any case Done for today.
Interesting! But I'd have to say that I disagree with what you said about them not being out to win a 'popularity contest'. The bikers and the gang members are definitely out to win that contest; I don't know enough about goths but it would surprise me if they didn't also want to be popular within their group. The gang members first want to do their best at whatever the head of their gang tells them to do so they can please him and be his number one man, the next in command so to speak. As for the bikers, it's almost exactly the same way. They are all striving to prove that they're the best. My husband knows some bikers and he gets angry whenever I imply anything about bikers being "bad". The first thing he does is point me to "Bikers for Christ" Before his motorcycle accident, he used to go to a huge motorcycle rally here in NH that brings in bikers from all over the US, and he always brought home something from the Bikers for Christ to show me. (this was to prove they're good lol) But seriously, he did tell me about many things the bikers did that was very good. Like when they were the only ones to go in to help victims of the hurricanes one year some time ago. (others did finally come to help after the Bikers showed them all up). Another time he reminded me that the Bike gang, Hell's Angels, collectes tons toys for children every year, and often hold charity rides for others like Toys for Tots. It seems Hell's Angel's have actually done quite a bit of good for many others. And I remember seeing on the news how they show up to honor anyone who has given their life for their country. Here's a link that tells about some of the good things they do: www.thethings.com/hells-angels-surprisingly-positive-tidbits/
I have to admit that I've had to change my thinking about the Hell's Angels. They're a very confusing mix of good and bad, just like all of us I guess. But every one of them wants to be the best and wants to be popular within their group at least, and some desire even more popularity then that. I think that's true concerning everyone in all the groups you mentioned. It's kind of a basic thing we all want to a certain extent - we all want to be liked. In some of the gangs they've changed their popularity to depend on fear instead of being liked. So the one who's feared the most is the most popular, but it's still the same thing.
A little bit more on the comparison of the 3 groups I mention yesterday Goths, bikers, and gangs
There is a fear of all 3 groups ( sometimes warranted), but sometimes a misconception, and a grouping that makes them all of their members, the same, rather than individuals.
While it is true, that there may be some who are into the occult ( in all 3 groups) ( witches, wizards, warlocks, and devote Satanists) This is certainly not true of all ( or even most).
Some of the individuals in these 3 groups want to just stand out and be 'different' and not 'ordinary' even rebellious, if that is what it takes to not be a 'sheepple'
But few of them are not knowledgeable of 'any' of God's word , like:
[smear:#e65919]For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and presumption is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has also rejected you from being king.” 1 Samuel 15:23[/smear:#fd07b6:0]
or this [smear:#73f708] 6 And he burned his sons as an offering in the Valley of the Son of Hinnom, and used fortune-telling and omens and sorcery, and dealt with mediums and with necromancers. He did much evil in the sight of the Lord, provoking him to anger. 2 Chronicles 33:6[/smear:#e61928:0]
Nor this:
[smear:#e619c3]19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21[/smear:#1945e6:0]
But likewise, those who do not know these scriptures (and many more like them),
would also be unaware, that Jesus died on the cross, for all sinners that would trust in Him, as paying for their sins. ( including those mentioned in these verses and many others, that all people can or could be struggling with)
Another, similarity is that many of the folks in all three groups sense that there is something VERY VERY wrong in life they all have an insight that 'evil' is in the world
So many in all three groups do not present or have an attitude of a happy go lucky Pollyanna approach towards life.
Goths are or tend to be more: melancholy, pessimistic, gloomy, morose, downcast, despairing, cheerless, troubled, etc etc.
The other groups, take a more 'evolutionary' approach ( I personally do not believe in evolution but that is another topic)
Bikers and gangs, lean more to the 'survival of the fittest' approach, in this dog eat dog, and evil in the world.
Strangely, all groups can also decide ( in a sense) To take a position, of if you can beat it ( evil, death etc.) why not join it
Therefore many goths see: artistic 'beauty' in ugliness, sadness, darkness etc.
The other 2 groups sort of go with, the point of view ( again this is not for all) to be the ones that increase the chaos and come out the winners .
I doubt there are many of the people in any of the 3 groups who know this verse:
[smear:#19e66e] They did not remember his power or the day when he redeemed them from the foe, Psalms 78:42[/smear:#e6197e:0]
The 'He' in the above verse, is God, and the 'foe', is ultimately, Satan and his demons.
nor are many aware of this verse ( and sooo many more)
[smear:#b20f7c]Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure. Psalms 147:5[/smear:#7df740:0]
Another similarity is: they all embrace what the 'normal' folks, disdain, shun, fear, reject, have no part of etc.
They are unaware there really is an all knowing, all powerful, infinite, eternal God who loves them
[smear:#19e6af] 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38,39[/smear:#e6199f:0]
Just as many people are not knowledgeable about why people join any of these groups, what they see as benefits, what are the misconceptions what is really the truth
So it is, about Christians... few really know what they believe, or why and there are tons of misconceptions
one being, that it is for the 'weak' and so the weak
( who cannot deal with the ugly, sad, evil, etc. etc. in the world) thus they need a fairy tale God,
Done for today
Good one, and interesting too!
Of the 3 groups I have been comparing Goths, bikers, and gangs ( plus one more ....wealthy business men in suits)
the Goths in a strange way come the closest to truth
[smear:#0f5c6f] The people who walked in darkness......... ......................................................... those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness,......... Isaiah 9:2[/smear:#7d19e6:0]
Those without God do walk in darkness.
Also the secular people of the world, are the spiritually 'walking dead'.
[smear:#442484]even when we were dead in our trespasses.................. Ephesians 2:5[/smear:#2f7e1a:0]
Without hope and rejecting the only Savior they will only continue to walk further into the darkness ( some will walk slowly, others faster)
[smear:#67f008]..........................having no hope and without God in the world. Ephesians 2:12[/smear:#0d7a6e:0]
There are some extreme Goths (others Goths and the average person wishes this super sub counter culture Goth clan did not exist, or some Gothic folk say: it's just role playing, )
However, there is some real reality to this extreme clan).... who think they are not really human, or have a non-human status, having reached immortality, as a vampire.
But what even this extreme group says to me,
is they hope, wish, or have a desire more towards life... eternal life, Of course as a Christian, I mourn they are trying to reach it Satan's way.
This is just another demonstration, of how darkness continues to spiral downward, without THE light.
[smear:#ab19e6]12 Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12[/smear:#4ac13b:0]
And speaking of the downward trend without God I want to bring in the most recent groups on the radar today Antifa and Black Lives Matters
When all restraints are removed, people will naturally go into a Satanic free fall. We first had 'protests' a constitutional right.
Which quickly morphed in mobs rioting
But it is really no longer even that, it has become a armed organized rebellion with plans and plotting, the way real militaries work... And it is now an armed insurrection
What is most glaring about Antifa meaning......Anti-fascist is just how fascist they are!
There is no debating their position, no freedom of speech etc.
If a person were to say, Please do not loot, burn, or hurt others You would be screamed at: "Shut up racist'
They see the white Caucasians as: 'jack booted thugs' and yet... that is exactly how they act....
Using lasers to blind the police, throwing bricks, rocks, and all kinds of refuse like poop at them, they bring bats, and even guns ( more and more) They are dressed for war.,,and act like soldiers.
Yet, they think they will bring peace, and a great New World Order out of violence and chaos.
Not realizing they are acting like evil masquerading as light and in total darkness.
[smear:#1d0c40]4 And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 2 Corinthians 11:14[/smear:#f5cb03:0]
They are unaware that this insurrection has 'demonic influence' and that they have been groomed for 'revolution' almost from birth. Much of their indoctrination started in their earliest days of school.
Nevertheless, parents are also guilty , in that in their attempt to show their children love by material abundance and being 'loving' by being their children's 'friends, and by allowing total liberty the opposite happened kids were ungrateful ( material things can't buy love or respect)
[smear:#076593] But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. 2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, 2 Timothy 3:1-3[/smear:#76089b:0]
So kids became rebels and were taught to be proud of themselves ( "you can be whatever you want to be") and the moved on to being arrogant and disobedient to their parents and certainly kids are and were often ungrateful.
Plus, not wish to hear anything about Christianity ( if their parents were Christians)
Tho They would be okay with Buddhism Hinduism
In fact , Karma and thinking what they were in a past life if a fine thing Horoscopes seances necromancy Ouija boards etc. etc.
Anything is okay...but rigid, uptight, judgmental, ignorant, naive, non compassionate, racists, homophobic, myth believing etc etc etc Christians
But most secular people are unaware that all the founders of all the other religions have one thing in common none of them are alive today
only Christians have a living Savior.
None of the other religious founders claimed to be able to pay for peoples sins and give them eternal life.
[smear:#5c72e2]28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. John 10:28[/smear:#be4ff1:0]
Which reminds me of one other group physicists
Some physicists suggest the idea that we live in a holographic universe that uses a form of quantum "computer code" to create the physical reality
it is a very complex theory having to do with the code embed in the string theory
What strikes me is: that would mean the Universe was created by an intelligent creator ( the one who wrote the code),
thus it was not created by a random accident. Therefore a Prime Creator exists!
These physicists have 'almost' come to the first verse in the Bible which is the absolute truth:
[smear:#9f19e6] In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1[/smear:#359f34:0]
Done for today
Amen! Very good!
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 7,470
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Post by fearnot on Aug 3, 2020 11:01:57 GMT -5
Thank you Cindy, I will look at your link, for sure. I am aware that bikers do a lot of good things, and some are Christians Strangely enough, there are also Gothic Christians!!
And I wasn't trying to disparage any of the groups as evil people Thought there can be evil in all groups without the Lord.
But just that without God, they are walking in darkness and like any unsaved person, if they are not saved by Jesus, their end ( their eternal end) will not be good.
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Post by Cindy on Aug 4, 2020 10:09:09 GMT -5
Thank you Cindy, I will look at your link, for sure. I am aware that bikers do a lot of good things, and some are Christians Strangely enough, there are also Gothic Christians!!
And I wasn't trying to disparage any of the groups as evil people Thought there can be evil in all groups without the Lord.
But just that without God, they are walking in darkness and like any unsaved person, if they are not saved by Jesus, their end ( their eternal end) will not be good.
I'm so sorry if You thought I thought you didn't know that about them. I was really posting that for others who might read the thread. But I also was just talking about it because it was something that had surprised me when I learned about it.
Yes there are some Christian bikers, but I'm not sure about Christian goths. I remember one goth I spoke to on our old board. They were really into goth stuff, and didn't know much about the Bible. So I explained (politely, I thought) that when we get saved, we are told that we're all new, even quoted this verse to him: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17) With this and other verses, I showed him that we're supposed to give up our old life and everything that goes with it, and start a brand new life when we are saved. That's why it's like being born again. I quoted Gal 2:20 and others to show that it isn't our life anymore, but instead it belongs to Jesus. Funny, while he would answer me as long as it was about goth stuff, he never replied to that. I hope that I at least planted a seed to show him that he was no longer a goth, but was instead, now a Christian (if he was actually saved anyway.)
I remember thinking after I wrote that article for him that the same article, just leaving out the stuff about goth, could really be good for all of us about something, because each of us generally has something we're hanging on to that's bad for us, that Jesus already took care of. it could be guilt or shame about something in our past, but Jesus took care of all our guilt and shame too when we were saved. So again, we need to leave that behind as part of our old life and go on with our new life in Christ; remembering that it's not us who are living it, but instead it's really Jesus, like Gal 2:20 says, and like “For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.” (Colossians 3:3) last time I checked, dead folks don't feel guilt or shame! It kind of reminds me of this too: “When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.” (1 Corinthians 13:11) It's like when we're saved, we're becoming an adult so we need to put away all our toys, and our pacifiers and security blankets. Now we just need to hang on to Jesus. I'm sure you could take this and run with it too
Sorry I got side tracked hon. I've got to run though as I need to do my chores. See you tomorrow! Please know that when I do stuff like that it's not because I think you don't know something, but generally just because I want to share something, or maybe I want to share it for others who may read the thread to make sure there's no confusion, but I generally say so when I'm sharing for that reason. Sorry it's so hard to shut me up
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 7,470
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Post by fearnot on Aug 4, 2020 10:45:47 GMT -5
LOL I was not upset and in fact, what you said, was a clue, that I probably need to be more careful, so I do not confuse or upset someone else reading ( if anyone does) what I am writing about.
I do make an effort, but I may need to take even more care.
Well about the Christian Goths....I have not looked real carefully at their sites.
But one thing did cross my mind is if you were a gang member yeah most likely....you ought to get totally out, when you become a Christian
On the other hand, I am not sure that would hold for say a biker member? I suppose if they were a violent group, rather than ones made of of Christians, who just like to ride.....
And so I am not sure where on the spectrum the Goth person who fall.
Because, I 'think' bikers do have a kind of 'culture', sense of honor and belonging, that if it meant they could no longer hang out when they became a Christian.....going by the same idea
We do become new people in Christ.
I am not saying I believe Goths should continue in their Gothic ways, thought or even dress etc.
when they become Christians
And riding a motor cycle is one thing, and doing it with friends and family as a fun hobby does not seem like something one should have to give up when a person becomes a Christian.
But sometimes it goes deeper than that ( I think?) with some biker groups. This is probably not fair, but the bad press waaay back when of the 'Hell's Angels' Maybe they were not really violent and that was just fake news
But if one were in that group, and it really did have violent tendencies Then, in that case,
if a gang member should get out of a gang, when they become a Christian
( and they should...tho the might be able to minister to gang members more easily than I would lets say LOL
And a Goth should leave their 'culture' completely also
The same should hold for a biker? yes...no?
But you are right, we all do seem to hold onto some of the past stuff, that we should NOT.
I think, if I remember one article I read on the Goth Christians ( so I am not sure for sure)
but somehow I got the idea, some of what they would hang onto was the 'artistic' nature or something like that... it might be, kind of like a Christian Hell's Angel would still want to wear his leather Hell's angel jacket and so the Goth might still want to dress in black lets say.....stuff like that.
And, maybe God has to work on them, as all of us....
However, I just briefly checked out one of the sites, and yeah....I think it is as you said more of trying to keep a foot in both worlds.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 7,470
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Post by fearnot on Aug 4, 2020 11:17:11 GMT -5
I just saw this as a headline and I am not surprised:
"The Sunrise Movement has called for action on a nationwide “100 Day Siege” to escalate civil unrest leading up to election day and they will be joined by ANTIFA, Black Lives Matter, and other domestic terrorist organizations.
The Sunrise movement ( I did not know who they were): is a climate and environmental activists group.
I think the old saying has been totally missed by many in these groups ( some of the members are very sincere in thinking they are doing good)
But the old saying that: Freedom is never free ( so many died to give us the freedom we have in our country
Tho, I think, it is being strip away faster and faster
Someone will always try to take freedom away, and that is usually tied in with a great spiritual battle also.
For some reason these two verses come to mind:
[smear:#870d8d]So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, Acts 10:34[/smear:#19e644:0]
and
[smear:#e64d19]3 For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment...... Romans 12:3[/smear:#1f19e6:0]
Without God, when people try to solve problems, using just human ideas and ideals it seems that soon it turns to pointing fingers pride, hubris, self-glorification, egotism and the like quickly rises to the surface. And along with that, will come hostility, towards those who do not get on board.
And that reminds me of this verse:
[smear:#e619d7]Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. Proverbs 16:18[/smear:#82e619:0]
Pride is something all people struggle with tho many secular people thing it is a good thing ( be 'proud of yourself') Whereas the Christian takes on the viewpoint that to be humble like Jesus, is their goal.
This sin of Pride started in Heaven with Lucifer/Satan/ the devil and his pride lead him to battle the very God who created him.
And humans with their pride, and having determined to change whatever they see as wrongs also go into a battle mode....
[smear:#09a445]There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death Proverbs 14:12[/smear:#84172c:0]
and we are watching it escalate before our eyes.
However, God is the Lord of battles, He will always win, in the end.
So Christians do not to be like this:
[smear:#e61971]26 people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Luke 21:26[/smear:#5819e6:0]
and even this verse is one to consider:
[smear:#5abe5b]28 Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” Luke 21:28[/smear:#bb48de:0]
And so, we are seeing a battle escalating, wanting to become a full on war yet, another war and there are always supernatural demonic forces at work also
For example, last Sat. the rioters/insurrectionists found a new target (besides police, buildings etc etc) they had a big bonfire and burned Bibles and demanded that all churches should be destroyed.
And the Christian needs to be filling their minds with as much scripture as possible:
[smear:#08f515]Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. Psalms 20:7[/smear:#362a9d:0]
[smear:#5dcd4f]I am the Lord, and besides me there is no savior. Isaiah 43:11[/smear:#a33edf:0]
and this
[smear:#952898]I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. Psalms 119:11[/smear:#63f90a:0]
Until Jesus raptures us or we die now is the time to be storing up His word in our heart like never before because thing seem to heading ever downward.
Done for Today
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Post by Cindy on Aug 5, 2020 10:02:23 GMT -5
LOL I was not upset and in fact, what you said, was a clue, that I probably need to be more careful, so I do not confuse or upset someone else reading ( if anyone does) what I am writing about.
I do make an effort, but I may need to take even more care.
Well about the Christian Goths....I have not looked real carefully at their sites.
But one thing did cross my mind is if you were a gang member yeah most likely....you ought to get totally out, when you become a Christian
On the other hand, I am not sure that would hold for say a biker member? I suppose if they were a violent group, rather than ones made of of Christians, who just like to ride.....
And so I am not sure where on the spectrum the Goth person who fall.
Because, I 'think' bikers do have a kind of 'culture', sense of honor and belonging, that if it meant they could no longer hang out when they became a Christian.....going by the same idea
We do become new people in Christ.
I am not saying I believe Goths should continue in their Gothic ways, thought or even dress etc.
when they become Christians
And riding a motor cycle is one thing, and doing it with friends and family as a fun hobby does not seem like something one should have to give up when a person becomes a Christian.
But sometimes it goes deeper than that ( I think?) with some biker groups. This is probably not fair, but the bad press waaay back when of the 'Hell's Angels' Maybe they were not really violent and that was just fake news
But if one were in that group, and it really did have violent tendencies Then, in that case,
if a gang member should get out of a gang, when they become a Christian
( and they should...tho the might be able to minister to gang members more easily than I would lets say LOL
And a Goth should leave their 'culture' completely also
The same should hold for a biker? yes...no?
But you are right, we all do seem to hold onto some of the past stuff, that we should NOT.
I think, if I remember one article I read on the Goth Christians ( so I am not sure for sure)
but somehow I got the idea, some of what they would hang onto was the 'artistic' nature or something like that... it might be, kind of like a Christian Hell's Angel would still want to wear his leather Hell's angel jacket and so the Goth might still want to dress in black lets say.....stuff like that.
And, maybe God has to work on them, as all of us....
However, I just briefly checked out one of the sites, and yeah....I think it is as you said more of trying to keep a foot in both worlds. I'm confused...why would you need to look at a goth site? Or rather a supposedly Christian goth site? (I'm asking as I know others do that too) I've certainly never been to either and have no intention of doing so. The only goth I've ever had any contact with is the one that showed up at our old board that I just posted about. I hardly know anything about them but the very little I do know was enough to know they needed to leave it behind. In other words they needed to dress like a Christian, not like a goth; and talk like a Christian, not like a goth, and most of all, think like a Christian and not like a goth.
Yes, IF a biker is in a gang then he should leave that when he's saved. But as you know, people who ride motorcycles are all called "bikers" and obviously only a few are in a gang. Some belong to clubs which are just normal clubs for people who like to ride motorcycles. Most just ride them without belonging to anything lol. None of those people need to get out of anything because they're not in anything bad.
We don't need to go check out sites about people like that. If we did, it would take all our time and the only thing it would do would be to put more trash in our minds that God would then have to work with us to get out of our minds. Come to think of it, we should let people know that the only thing we need to know is the Bible....maybe tell them the story of how the government teaches people to be able to recognize counterfeit money, by making them only study real money for months!
So, as you know, (I'm just writing all this cause I want to share, ok?) all we need to know is what the Bible says, which is that all people are sinners and that when people are saved they are to leave their old life behind and get into God's Word so they can learn what their new life will be about, and then practice those things (such as love, dressing modestly, being clean, not using bad language etc.) Obviously if someone is dressing in black and wearing a bunch of make up to make themselves look like a dead person or a vampire (like a goth does) then they need to stop, as that's not what a child of God would do.
The same is true for everyone that's saved. Like a person that lives in the mobile home park here...she's got some Christian stuff hanging in her house, like a cross and a prayer, but she also has hindu and Indian and New Age junk hanging all over her house. In fact more of that then the Christian. If she gets saved, then she needs to get rid of all that junk - rid her house of it, her speech of it and mostly rid her mind of it all, because it's against God's Will for us. She needs to come out of her old life and put on her new life and stay there. Someone who is homosexual also needs to leave their old life behind and put on their new life in Christ and stay there. The person who's been depressed or who's clung to their guilt or shame needs to leave that old life of being depressed or clinging to guilt or shame behind and put on their new life in Christ and not allow their mind to go back to their old way of thinking. See what I mean?
Of course God has to work on them as He does all of us, but that doesn't mean that they hang on to their old life while He works on them. People who say that are kidding themselves and lying to others. They have to first give up the old and God will help them remain in the new life. Remember: “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” (Ephesians 4:22–24) As long as we stay in our old life, or any part of it, that causes our minds to hold onto that way of thinking. Our minds cannot be renewed or made new unless we have put off our old self. Our old self corrupts us; but God helps us when we are doing our best to abide in Christ.
Concerning gangs, they definitely need to give up their old life, no doubt about it! Gangs in the inner cities, and that's where gangs exist, kill people! And most likely the only way they can is by moving as far away as possible. Otherwise the gang they were part of will kill them. God says we're to flee from the devil, not stay in his lair. Once they've been saved, they may have to go to prison for some of the things they've done, and that will be their chance to share the gospel with others who are like they used to be.
I know of a man who got out of a gang he belonged to in a weird kind of way. He was caught and sent to prison where he found Christ and was saved. So when he got out of prison he moved away so his old gang couldn't kill him as they couldn't find him. But they eventually did find him and God told him not to fear that he would save his life. they beat him badly more then once and he'd wind up in the hospital. When he'd get out, they'd do it again. Each time he told them about Jesus and always told them he forgave them for what they were doing to him. He never sought them out though. They sought him out. Well after frequently being beaten within an inch of his life and him always telling them about how Jesus loved them and wanted to help them and how he forgave them, etc. they gave up beating him and trying to kill him. It was obvious to them that there was a God or else that guy would have been dead a long time ago. Many of them wound up coming to Christ too.
I just saw this as a headline and I am not surprised:
"The Sunrise Movement has called for action on a nationwide “100 Day Siege” to escalate civil unrest leading up to election day and they will be joined by ANTIFA, Black Lives Matter, and other domestic terrorist organizations.
The Sunrise movement ( I did not know who they were): is a climate and environmental activists group.
I think the old saying has been totally missed by many in these groups ( some of the members are very sincere in thinking they are doing good)
But the old saying that: Freedom is never free ( so many died to give us the freedom we have in our country
Tho, I think, it is being strip away faster and faster
Someone will always try to take freedom away, and that is usually tied in with a great spiritual battle also.
For some reason these two verses come to mind:
[smear:#870d8d]So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, Acts 10:34[/smear:#19e644:0]
and
[smear:#e64d19]3 For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment...... Romans 12:3[/smear:#1f19e6:0]
Without God, when people try to solve problems, using just human ideas and ideals it seems that soon it turns to pointing fingers pride, hubris, self-glorification, egotism and the like quickly rises to the surface. And along with that, will come hostility, towards those who do not get on board.
And that reminds me of this verse:
[smear:#e619d7]Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. Proverbs 16:18[/smear:#82e619:0]
Pride is something all people struggle with tho many secular people thing it is a good thing ( be 'proud of yourself') Whereas the Christian takes on the viewpoint that to be humble like Jesus, is their goal.
This sin of Pride started in Heaven with Lucifer/Satan/ the devil and his pride lead him to battle the very God who created him.
And humans with their pride, and having determined to change whatever they see as wrongs also go into a battle mode....
[smear:#09a445]There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death Proverbs 14:12[/smear:#84172c:0]
and we are watching it escalate before our eyes.
However, God is the Lord of battles, He will always win, in the end.
So Christians do not to be like this:
[smear:#e61971]26 people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Luke 21:26[/smear:#5819e6:0]
and even this verse is one to consider:
[smear:#5abe5b]28 Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” Luke 21:28[/smear:#bb48de:0]
And so, we are seeing a battle escalating, wanting to become a full on war yet, another war and there are always supernatural demonic forces at work also
For example, last Sat. the rioters/insurrectionists found a new target (besides police, buildings etc etc) they had a big bonfire and burned Bibles and demanded that all churches should be destroyed.
And the Christian needs to be filling their minds with as much scripture as possible:
[smear:#08f515]Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. Psalms 20:7[/smear:#362a9d:0]
[smear:#5dcd4f]I am the Lord, and besides me there is no savior. Isaiah 43:11[/smear:#a33edf:0]
and this
[smear:#952898]I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. Psalms 119:11[/smear:#63f90a:0]
Until Jesus raptures us or we die now is the time to be storing up His word in our heart like never before because thing seem to heading ever downward.
Done for Today
Amen! That's for sure! The one thing we can be pretty sure of is that things are going to get worse until Jesus comes for us. Oh, there might be a time when things seem to calm down for a bit - but if so it's really kind of like being in the eye of a hurricane, so we shouldn't let our guard down thinking the worst is over. It's not going to be over until we return to the earth with Jesus, and before that happens He has to come and get us! The apostles spoke about how we should live knowing this was happening, and that would probably be a good thing to cover too when you're done with this subject, as it goes along with the same subject really. In a way you've already been doing that though. We could also talk about family life during this time and how to deal with children of various ages, parents, grandparents, etc. Just giving you some ideas, but you probably already have an idea of what you want to do next. (not meaning to say that you're done with what this subject now. We can go for as long as you want to on this one!)
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 7,470
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Post by fearnot on Aug 5, 2020 10:14:25 GMT -5
Thank you! Noooo I am sooooo glad you mentioned some directions to go. Most days, I do have an idea....something 'biggish' in the news etc.
But there are some days that nothing special sticks out.... Ha if I was trying to do this particular topic ......30, 20, or 10 years ago there would not be something 'biggish' to write about for weeks... or even months go back far enough and it might be every year something major would happen
but today's world, 2020...major things basically happen every day...
when it seems to me it does not It's just that I am not aware, or too sleepy.
However, ( even tho things have happened) on those days your suggestions are perfect and ought to be looked at irregardless
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 7,470
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Post by fearnot on Aug 5, 2020 11:52:47 GMT -5
That societies of humans will degrade and become as wicked as in the times of Noah, is something the Bible states clearly in these verses:
[smear:#10a30f]For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. Matthew 24:37[/smear:#1979e6:0]
And we also now, live in a time of constant contradictory misinformation, lies, and in USA, we are being inundated with Marxist cancel-culture.
We have major civil unrest of, rioting, insurrection, violence, looting, burning, destroying etc.... Not just in our country, but basically, in most other counties,
[smear:#e63919]12 And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. Matthew 24:12[/smear:#0a3e7a:0]
With the defunding of police, the murder rate is exploding, not to mention, the letting all manner of prisoners free.
Yet at the same time, Christians are not to go to church, sing, or have Bible study. Personally, I think we may well see the eroding of religious freedom, come to our country, in a major way, in the not too distant future....only time will tell.
[smear:#45329a]9 “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name's sake Matthew 24:9[/smear:#45c27f:0]
And the economy in the US is tanking, but then the Bible does not mention our country in the end times we certainly ( at best) will no longer be the world's greatest superpower in all of history...If we exist at all. I also think the rapture of the church might well be the final straw to weaken our country.
Speaking of the rapture:
[smear:#e6195b] For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ 1 Thessalonians 5:9[/smear:#5a3097:0]
[smear:#19e65e]13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, Titus 2:13[/smear:#2719e6:0] [smear:#368847] 10 Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth. Revelation 3:10[/smear:#d719e6:0] [smear:#e219e6]
22 Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!” 23 So the saying spread abroad among the brothers that this disciple was not to die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he was not to die, but, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?” John 21:22,23[/smear:#5969a7:0]
[smear:#8b085d]51 Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. 1 Corinthians 15:51,52[/smear:#07fdce:0]
Speaking of nations, another one of the signs of the end Times, in the Bible, is I recently read, Every old testament prophet (except Jonah ), predicted that Israel would be a nation again, during the end times.
Another sign of the end times.... which it seems like we are rapidly heading towards ( tho we might have a small respite...then again, maybe not) [smear:#272586] 21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be. Matthew 24:21[/smear:#d80722:0]
As before, now, more than ever believers need to put God first in their lives.
[smear:#f79402]3 Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident.
4 One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple. Psalms 27:3,4[/smear:#9141c8:0] Done for today
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Post by Cindy on Aug 6, 2020 8:31:04 GMT -5
Thank you! Noooo I am sooooo glad you mentioned some directions to go. Most days, I do have an idea....something 'biggish' in the news etc.
But there are some days that nothing special sticks out.... Ha if I was trying to do this particular topic ......30, 20, or 10 years ago there would not be something 'biggish' to write about for weeks... or even months go back far enough and it might be every year something major would happen
but today's world, 2020...major things basically happen every day...
when it seems to me it does not It's just that I am not aware, or too sleepy.
However, ( even tho things have happened) on those days your suggestions are perfect and ought to be looked at irregardless I'm glad I could help! That societies of humans will degrade and become as wicked as in the times of Noah, is something the Bible states clearly in these verses:
[smear:#10a30f]For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. Matthew 24:37[/smear:#1979e6:0]
And we also now, live in a time of constant contradictory misinformation, lies, and in USA, we are being inundated with Marxist cancel-culture.
We have major civil unrest of, rioting, insurrection, violence, looting, burning, destroying etc.... Not just in our country, but basically, in most other counties,
[smear:#e63919]12 And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. Matthew 24:12[/smear:#0a3e7a:0]
With the defunding of police, the murder rate is exploding, not to mention, the letting all manner of prisoners free.
Yet at the same time, Christians are not to go to church, sing, or have Bible study. Personally, I think we may well see the eroding of religious freedom, come to our country, in a major way, in the not too distant future....only time will tell.
[smear:#45329a]9 “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name's sake Matthew 24:9[/smear:#45c27f:0]
And the economy in the US is tanking, but then the Bible does not mention our country in the end times we certainly ( at best) will no longer be the world's greatest superpower in all of history...If we exist at all. I also think the rapture of the church might well be the final straw to weaken our country.
Speaking of the rapture:
[smear:#e6195b] For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ 1 Thessalonians 5:9[/smear:#5a3097:0]
[smear:#19e65e]13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, Titus 2:13[/smear:#2719e6:0] [smear:#368847] 10 Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth. Revelation 3:10[/smear:#d719e6:0] [smear:#e219e6]
22 Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!” 23 So the saying spread abroad among the brothers that this disciple was not to die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he was not to die, but, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?” John 21:22,23[/smear:#5969a7:0]
[smear:#8b085d]51 Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. 1 Corinthians 15:51,52[/smear:#07fdce:0]
Speaking of nations, another one of the signs of the end Times, in the Bible, is I recently read, Every old testament prophet (except Jonah ), predicted that Israel would be a nation again, during the end times.
Another sign of the end times.... which it seems like we are rapidly heading towards ( tho we might have a small respite...then again, maybe not) [smear:#272586] 21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be. Matthew 24:21[/smear:#d80722:0]
As before, now, more than ever believers need to put God first in their lives.
[smear:#f79402]3 Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident.
4 One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple. Psalms 27:3,4[/smear:#9141c8:0] Done for today
Good! We might also want to talk about how to deal with real persecution when it comes. I keep thinking about how someone told me that it wasn't a sin to lie in order to save someone's life, and that's something we may very well wind up facing. So we need to see what the Bible says about that. We could also look at what the very first Christians thought about that.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 7,470
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Post by fearnot on Aug 6, 2020 12:22:52 GMT -5
Our culture in the USA and elsewhere in the world (like Europe), is becoming less and less Christian and more and more secular. At the same time Christians are coming more and more under attack.
Ridicule has been going on for a long time, and scorn has also been on the increase, but everywhere this dislike to hatred is ramping up.
Jesus did tell us: [smear:#f50216] and you will be hated by all for my name's sake... Matthew 10:22 [/smear:#8e19e6:0]
Now even in our country, we are starting to see more churches being burned ( or demands for the destruction of them) Bibles being burned
There is more harassment and even in our country, the beginning of persecution ( many other countries have been facing this for decades or longer).
Can death be far behind? ( again, in other counties, Christians are being killed just for their belief).
In fact, you can do a search, and you will find that Christians are the most persecuted group in the world
Some countries where you will face extreme persecution or death are: North Korea, Somalia, Libya, Sudan, Yemen, Iran, Pakistan, India Syria Afghanistan China Etc. etc.
Perhaps it does, or does not, make medical sense that a person can: gamble, protest, have a big party etc. and there will be no problem with the pandemic
However, it is lethal to go to church, have a bible study at home, sing hymns etc.?
In fact, I just saw last night where Pastor John MacArthur said (among other things...he managed to give the gospel also for example though they only gave him around 4 minutes)
He has already been threatened by the state of California with potential fines and/or arrest or imprisonment for holding church services.
He also mentioned that out of 6,000-7,000 plus members they know of no one who presently has covid virus, and in the past, only a handful had covid, but were without symptoms
This type of thing may continue to get worse and worse
But a couple of things we can do Right now, Before we get to the level of the above mentioned countries
We can still read God's Word the Bible:
[smear:#19e64e] 17 Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. John 17:17[/smear:#e66919:0]
As evil continues to grow and flourish
Christians not only need to be in the Word ( the Bible) more and more, but we should also, put on the armor of God [smear:#771da2] 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Ephesians 6:10-13[/smear:#0bb29f:0]
So how do we do that?
The first thing ( especially in this present world of endless misinformation) is:
[smear:#1c807e]14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness Ephesians 6:14[/smear:#e619bf:0]
God's word however, is 100% true so that is a safe place to go for our information.
But also, we need to be thoughtful, and make sure there is no dishonesty in us...
and/or hidden sin, as much as possible, we need to cultivate righteousness ( with the help of God's Word, and His Holy Spirit). The breastplate is a shield for temptations to sin we rely on Jesus keeping our mind stayed on Him for our example of how to deal with temptation and persecution.
[smear:#19e635] You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26:3[/smear:#ba2b77:0]
Which reminds me we also need to not be anxious, worried, or fearful about what is happening or going to happen
Well for sure sure, those things may attempt to attack us
but here is what we can do:
[smear:#fd7205] 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6[/smear:#1979e6:0]
More tomorrow Done for today
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Post by Cindy on Aug 7, 2020 10:22:13 GMT -5
Our culture in the USA and elsewhere in the world (like Europe), is becoming less and less Christian and more and more secular. At the same time Christians are coming more and more under attack.
Ridicule has been going on for a long time, and scorn has also been on the increase, but everywhere this dislike to hatred is ramping up.
Jesus did tell us: [smear:#f50216] and you will be hated by all for my name's sake... Matthew 10:22 [/smear:#8e19e6:0]
Now even in our country, we are starting to see more churches being burned ( or demands for the destruction of them) Bibles being burned
There is more harassment and even in our country, the beginning of persecution ( many other countries have been facing this for decades or longer).
Can death be far behind? ( again, in other counties, Christians are being killed just for their belief).
In fact, you can do a search, and you will find that Christians are the most persecuted group in the world
Some countries where you will face extreme persecution or death are: North Korea, Somalia, Libya, Sudan, Yemen, Iran, Pakistan, India Syria Afghanistan China Etc. etc.
Perhaps it does, or does not, make medical sense that a person can: gamble, protest, have a big party etc. and there will be no problem with the pandemic
However, it is lethal to go to church, have a bible study at home, sing hymns etc.?
In fact, I just saw last night where Pastor John MacArthur said (among other things...he managed to give the gospel also for example though they only gave him around 4 minutes)
He has already been threatened by the state of California with potential fines and/or arrest or imprisonment for holding church services.
He also mentioned that out of 6,000-7,000 plus members they know of no one who presently has covid virus, and in the past, only a handful had covid, but were without symptoms
This type of thing may continue to get worse and worse
But a couple of things we can do Right now, Before we get to the level of the above mentioned countries
We can still read God's Word the Bible:
[smear:#19e64e] 17 Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. John 17:17[/smear:#e66919:0]
As evil continues to grow and flourish
Christians not only need to be in the Word ( the Bible) more and more, but we should also, put on the armor of God [smear:#771da2] 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Ephesians 6:10-13[/smear:#0bb29f:0]
So how do we do that?
The first thing ( especially in this present world of endless misinformation) is:
[smear:#1c807e]14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness Ephesians 6:14[/smear:#e619bf:0]
God's word however, is 100% true so that is a safe place to go for our information.
But also, we need to be thoughtful, and make sure there is no dishonesty in us...
and/or hidden sin, as much as possible, we need to cultivate righteousness ( with the help of God's Word, and His Holy Spirit). The breastplate is a shield for temptations to sin we rely on Jesus keeping our mind stayed on Him for our example of how to deal with temptation and persecution.
[smear:#19e635] You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26:3[/smear:#ba2b77:0]
Which reminds me we also need to not be anxious, worried, or fearful about what is happening or going to happen
Well for sure sure, those things may attempt to attack us
but here is what we can do:
[smear:#fd7205] 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6[/smear:#1979e6:0]
More tomorrow Done for today
I love how you did this one! I've noticed that as far as I know, all of the countries where Christians are killed are either Islamic and worship allah (a demon) or they worship another human, such as the emperor in North Korea, or their ancestors in places like China.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 7,470
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Post by fearnot on Aug 7, 2020 10:54:22 GMT -5
that is a great point Cindy!!
It shows that although, people hate the Christian message, Jesus, and Christians...
mankind is still 'religious' at heart.... by the billions following other religions, or people,
or in some cases a kind of religious doctrine like 'Save the planet' a political ideology like socialism, communism, etc. or social justice or science is their god etc.
You might wonder why are there TWO posts for today!!!! Glad you asked LOL
Sooooooo I had been writing about 1/2 an hour but only posted a few paragraphs because I was so into what I was writing
unbeknownst to me, the thingy that connects to my computer had come out
It does that a lot (LOOOONG story)
and so because I had written a LOT and the plug ( whatever connector something) had come out
my computer died when I booted up again..... and yes yes restore pages
it only restored the few paragraphs!!! :( :( :( Bah humbug!!!
So rather than delete one.... I thought I would leave both for now so as better to whine about it :)
I will delete it tomorrow or so or you could I'd rather pout right now sigh! sigh sigh
until you sigh with me LOL
I do hate to loose stuff when I worked on something but oh well there is probably a lesson in here somewhere huh?
But what is upsetting, is I don't remember a lot of what I wrote I think it might have been good sigh sigh sigh
But maybe the shorter version will be okay
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 7,470
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Post by fearnot on Aug 7, 2020 11:12:43 GMT -5
Yesterday, I was looking at how Christians should live as our world continues to spiral out of control. One of the first things was to abide in God's Word the Bible. Another help is to put on the whole armor of God daily. I looked a little at the belt of Truth ( which we need now more than every)! and the breastplate of righteousness
Not only do we need to saturate our minds with God's truth, but we need to rid our minds of everything that is not godly. We should not be cultivating worldly secular drivel we ought to desire what our Lord desires..... When ever we listen to secular movies, songs, you tube videos etc. etc. or look at magazines, 'art', etc. we need to ask ourselves, is this what Jesus would have us be doing, looking at, listening to etc.
Well the next piece of armor is:
[smear:#8209af]5 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. Ephesians 6[/smear:#04bcd0:0]
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 7,470
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Post by fearnot on Aug 7, 2020 11:50:17 GMT -5
Yesterday, I was looking at how Christians should live, as our world continues to spiral out of control.
One of the first things was: to abide in God's Word the Bible.
Another help is: to put on the whole armor of God, daily.
I looked a little at the belt of Truth ( which we need now, more than every)! and the breastplate of righteousness
Not only do we need to saturate our minds with God's truth, but we need to rid our minds of everything that is not godly. We should not be cultivating worldly secular drivel
[smear:#e6a019] 15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 1 John 2:15[/smear:#2d7675:0]
Christians ought to desire what our Lord desires..... Whenever we listen to secular movies, songs, you tube videos etc. etc. or look at magazines, 'art', etc.
We need to ask ourselves, is this what Jesus would have us be doing, looking at, listening to etc.???
The next piece of armor is: [smear:#8209af]5 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. Ephesians 6:5[/smear:#04bcd0:0]
The temptation for the Christian in today's world is, to protect ourselves, our family, our loved ones not only from the secular influence.... but also from the anger, violence, and hatred of the lost people.
However, by doing so we deny them the salt, light and love of our Savior. Plus, we would be avoiding the 'great commission':
[smear:#0f2d50]15 And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Mark 16:15[/smear:#d903e0:0]
We were also like them at one time:
[smear:#e66f19]30 For just as you were at one time disobedient to God.... Romans 11:30[/smear:#17a5a9:0]
[smear:#26743b]8 for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light Ephesians 5:8[/smear:#af4577:0]
This can help us have more compassion for the 'unlovable ' (it feels like that sometimes but so were we 'unlovable' at one time and sometimes still are)
Once it seemed like we had to travel far away for our 'mission field' Of course, that is still needed.
Nevertheless, the lost are also in our own back yards so to speak ( they might be our dearest loved one)
Soooo all our angry people in our country are not our 'enemy' so much...
( those we want to run from, his from, avoid, protect ourselves from talking to etc.)
but they are to be looked at as our 'mission field"
And notice, the shoes we put on as the gospel of peace Something, we surely need in the world today as the slightest thing can trigger someone into a rage
Therefore, Christians need to be attentive and careful concerning their own anger.
If we keep our minds on Jesus.....
[smear:#126585]Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4[/smear:#ae19e6:0]
when He provides opportunities to share the gospel, our anger ( all humans can get angry) will be checked by His love.
I had a mishap with my computer, and lost about 1/2 hour worth that I can't pull back up, so I will just have to let this shorter version, be it for today.
Done for today.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 7,470
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Post by fearnot on Aug 8, 2020 11:36:00 GMT -5
The next spiritual armor we must put on in Today's world is: [smear:#9c19e6]16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; Ephesians 6[/smear:#e65c19:0]
We need to keep in mind, that although we live in this physical world, there is also a spiritual world.
That world has the fallen angels and Satan as it's leader.
We not only have anger, violence, wars etc. here in this dimension, but there is a war being aimed at us, from the spiritual domain... tho we may or may not know it.
But how do Christians deal with a spiritual warfare going on, that spills over and is aimed, into our realm?
First, we need to check our fear, and know, that God has already won the battle (ultimately).
Therefore we pray
[smear:#83339d]6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6[/smear:#02a3bb:0]
And keep this in mind
[smear:#e619b1]31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31[/smear:#19e62f:0]
This does not mean we may not get hurt, or even die ( all people die) but we need not fear, because, the battle is already won.
[smear:#2ccafc]35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?
36 As it is written,
“For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”
37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:35-39[/smear:#951df1:0]
Although the world looks bleak, and is getting more so each day... There are still many positives.
Strangely, as thing spiral out of control, it does begin to prove God's word. God has said we are all sinners, and we have been proving that since the beginning ( and even more so now as we are working our way back to the time of Noah:
[smear:#e61922]23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, Romans 3:23[/smear:#1b19e6:0]
[smear:#fb545e]37 For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. Matthew 24:37[/smear:#8554f2:0]
The fiery darts are spiritual attacks, but we have confidence in God's power and His timing.... that is a big part of faith. When we are putting out trust in God, All the fiery darts going around now in the world today, can never really kill our spirit. We might despair or feel sad for all the chaos, violence and anger, for a moment....
Yet we know God word, and prophecy is being fulfilled....... and many will yet be saved ( no matter how grim things are looking).
[smear:#60f24f]27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. John 10:27,28[/smear:#e619c7:0]
Again, that does not mean physical death, but we will be with the Lord, and our spirits will never die and God will give us new bodies also.
Satan and his demons are firing darts of fire, at us, and if we are well prepared soldiers we are using the shield of Faith, to put them out.
[smear:#812977]11 Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith.” Galatians 3:11 [/smear:#19e675:0]
What are the darts? They are not all the same sins and temptations come in many different kinds.
When those things come at us and they will....
we believe in our Savior who dies for us ( me) who rose who is coming again (every day is one day closer to His return).
The fiery darts are all lies! Temptations promise...but never deliver....not really. Not only that, it tells you to 'believe' in it whatever it is.... whatever sin and temptation
and not what God said about it.
The choice is who will you have faith in Satan or God
Satan promises his way will be fun, will get results fast, will make you happy but he lies.
Are people today, hearing lies Are they looking to God for truth and using their shield of faith
God says:
B[smear:#d5b306]lessed is the one who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting beside my doors. Proverbs :31[/smear:#08aba9:0]
The only way to quench Satan's fiery darts is to believe God.
Done for today.
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anna
Trials
Posts: 1,837
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Post by anna on Aug 9, 2020 9:37:57 GMT -5
Aman Barbra
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