Study, Apply and Transform

[Lanolin]

I finished book 2 and 3. I realised my science education is lacking. I had only read one science book on the list, and that was actually Rachel Carson's Silent Spring.
It didn't have Gray's Anatomy or the DSMV-II which was unusual - both these books are still used in the medical field (which is related to science?)
It had Charles' Darwin's Origin of Species, Einsteins Theory of Relativity, Stephen Hawking's A brief History of Time but I think it should have had Answers in Genesis. Or Palmer's Manual of Shrubs and Trees. Or maybe Permaculture One.
Under poetry, it listed KJV book of psalms.

It didn't have any of the books considered essential for an classical Eastern Education like 'I ching' or "Analects of Confucious' or 'the Art of War' or 'Poetry of Rumi' or 'Arabian Nights'

'One day room makeovers' has its own tv show. But I think he cheated a bit, he had to get all the furnishings ready to install BEFORE changing the room and in reality it takes time to shop for items, like you are not going to find them all in one day...it wasn't like he was changing the room around with furnishings that were already there. But I like the before and after shots. Some people just seem to have a knack for decorating - if they are allowed to do it that is. Most people are too busy for this or the landlord says you can't put anything on the walls or only allowed certain colours. I think every rental I've ever seen has had white walls, beige carpet, and white cupboards. Even if you have new house, its likely to be a variation of three colours - white, grey, or beige.

 

[Big Moose]

Greek philosophy and the roman era and Vikings I never studied - so I would like to know more about them.

The Roman era is important since it is directly involved with Jesus and His ministry. Without the Romans, there would have been no cross since they invented that cruel punishment.
The history after the Roman Empire as Europe changed drastically as Christianity blossomed is some of the most important history to learn. It affected and effected so much of what the world has become today. The topics of the spread of Christianity, exploration, individual freedom, religious freedom and ownership of property were just some of the causations of that time period. Learning about how those concepts came about really shows how the Hand of God has been steering world history.

 

[TransformedinChrist]

Be very careful here. "Experiences" can be deceiving!

“If anything is revealed to another who sits by, let the first keep silent. For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged. And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints” (1 Cor. 14:30-33).

When we are having an experience that we learn from the Scriptures is not from the Lord, it is time to “keep silent,” and remember that our spirits are to be under our own control—”the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.”

Be very careful here. "Experiences" can be deceiving!

“If anything is revealed to another who sits by, let the first keep silent. For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged. And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints” (1 Cor. 14:30-33).

When we are having an experience that we learn from the Scriptures is not from the Lord, it is time to “keep silent,” and remember that our spirits are to be under our own control—”the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.”

I beg to differ. Experiencing God - just as Moses experienced him at the bush, just as people experienced the relationship and forgiveness of Jesus as He walked upon the earth. Not chasing after an experience- but you cannot prevent humans from experiencing. It's an every day occurrence. God is not stagnant or static. He is alive.

 

[Big Moose]

So I have been studying 1 Samuel. I just got to the part where David could have killed Saul when he went to relief himself at the cave and all of David's men where there. David cut the corner of his robe.

God used that situation to answer David's prayer in Psalm. God gave him an opportunity to show that David wasn't trying to kill Saul and take his kingdom. David's heart was right. God showed grace.

Realizing that God may want to show my enemies grace - will I join Him in His Work?

I know my Mom is my Mom but when people aren't following Christ, doing detestable things against God - they are your enemy because of what they are doing against God. We are called to hate what God hates.

I am seeing how God is using this opportunity to show my Mom that grace, I could have hammered her down. I could have rejected her flat out and avoided her. I bought her a new bible, I encourage her, I explained, I have been sharing scripture, I have been even vulnerable about some things that we have been discussing pertaining to the questions we are asked how we are going to align to God's Word in our lives and adapt/alter our life's and make our choices based on God's Word.

I now see. Grace. I don't have to hurt her. There is no revenge, anger or resentment. I don't know if this makes any sense. I mean obviously I wouldn't go out of my way to physically hurt her but mentally and emotionally I think when people have trauma and severe abuse there IS that temptation.

I am so grateful God is teaching me what it means to use the opportunity to extend His grace. To show my heart is right. I want to honor God, join Him in His work and see her grow and become rooted solid in His truth and eternal Word which will impact her relationship with God and bless her in turn.

Sorry I am rambling. I just love how God is sovereign and teaches you. You have a mirrored situation in your own life [looking at the scriptures and then back at your situation] and wow God speaks so loudly in His Word to us.

1 Samuel is such a great book! It has so much going on in it and it creates vivid images of what was going on. How David handled the power struggle with King Saul gives us great insight. God had Samuel name David as the next King, but David had to wait for it. So much great stuff!

 

[TransformedinChrist]

Be very careful here. "Experiences" can be deceiving!

“If anything is revealed to another who sits by, let the first keep silent. For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged. And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints” (1 Cor. 14:30-33).

When we are having an experience that we learn from the Scriptures is not from the Lord, it is time to “keep silent,” and remember that our spirits are to be under our own control—”the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.”

I beg to differ.

God experienced Moses at the bush.
Saul experience Christ on the road of Damascus and having a radical transformation.
People experienced Jesus' love, grace, forgiveness in His ministry.
You cannot avoid a human having an experience. It is an everyday occurrence. Holy Spirit brings Scriptures to mind, confirms, teaches, comforts, reveals - if you are yo have an intimate relationship with God and loving Christ [it is an experience] not to have an experience would mean God is stagnant or static. Which He clearly isn't. He's alive. I know enough when people are running after THE experience. I'm not. Holy Spirit changes you, convicts you - there is a transformation that happens and how you know it's of God you test the spirits. You see the fruits. I know what I experienced as I read Scriptures lastnight. God's word is alive and active - I don't agree with that statement otherwise any experiences we have with turning away from sin, transformation and change and being filled with Holy Spirt [Him working inside of us] would be seen as carnal. Clearly God's Word is truth as it is written for us. It was all experienced. From Doubting Thomas, to the broken hearted Peter whi denied Him, to the ship on the water that roared in chaos and disciples fearing for their lives, to the thief on the cross asking Jesus to forgive Him and remember him in paradise, on and on. You cannot not read God's Word and not experience how incredibly awesome and knowing God and who He is. Relationships are experienced. When people idolize, run after, base their relationships on actively gaining an experience, base what they feel see as God's Word [it's not] we always go back to Scriptures.

For me lastnight was having head knowledge but you need to have heart knowledge.

This is a perfect example:
When we say things like “I know God loves me, but I hate myself” or “I know God wants me to be generous, but I just can’t do it,” we are stating truths about God from our head and using that knowledge, but there is a lack of understanding in our heart. If we knew God truly loved us, we wouldn’t hate ourselves. God’s love would be so real to us that we would see ourselves the way He sees us, through His son, as an adopted child. If we knew God truly wanted us to be generous, we would joyfully give our money, time, and possessions back to Him and anyone in need. Especially because He first loved us (1 John 4:19).

A good way to think about this for yourself is when you read the Bible, pray, or when you’re involved in the local body (the Church), are you doing all of this out of an obligation to God to pay Him back for something or to earn your way? Or, instead, are you doing all these things because of an overflow of gratitude of what He has done for you? Are you loving Jesus with your heart or head? - I am loving Jesus with my heart. I know for me He made it personal when I was studying lastnight which was an answer to prayer.

Romans 8:1). Pray to God, ask Him to search your heart, test your thoughts, guide you into understanding that what Jesus has done for you is very real and personal [I have an active fellowship with Christ]. Every day. I ask, I want God to change me. I want to understand and apply Scriptures in my life not merely [think it and understand it in my head] but actively walking in obedience and in faith to the Word of God.

“Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!” – Psalm 139:23-24

Question: When it comes to Jesus, do you know Him personally, in your head or in your heart? ​

So that's my little nugget of what I was trying to convey.

 

[Big Moose]

I beg to differ. Experiencing God - just as Moses experienced him at the bush, just as people experienced the relationship and forgiveness of Jesus as He walked upon the earth. Not chasing after an experience- but you cannot prevent humans from experiencing. It's an every day occurrence. God is not stagnant or static. He is alive.

Cherish those moments. So often we, at least I do, don't pay attention to what was happening at the time, only to look back later and realize God was involved. Being aware of it at the time is an awesome thing.

 

[TransformedinChrist]

Cherish those moments. So often we, at least I do, don't pay attention to what was happening at the time, only to look back later and realize God was involved. Being aware of it at the time is an awesome thing.

I do cherish them. It encourages me to keep going. Studying. Be open to God changing me. To make a daily choice to die to my flesh and deny myself and take up my cross. I had been praying that God would reveal His love and grace to me. I mean you get head knowledge but heart knowledge makes it personal. Trusting in Christ is a choice, choosing to obey God is a choice. Free will. Lastnight seeing those scriptures [I finally "understood"]. I pray the Lord contiunes to teach me through His Word so I can do what pleases Him in obedience. I don't want to just "know the scriptures" but understand and be transformed by His Word.

I never want to be the same person. I want God to contiune to root out what He desires to root out and grow me in where He desires to mold and change me. I get to spend the rest of my life [eternally] actively following and in a relationship with Him [following His Word]. We are so incredibly blessed.

 

[Lanolin]

The Roman era is important since it is directly involved with Jesus and His ministry. Without the Romans, there would have been no cross since they invented that cruel punishment.
The history after the Roman Empire as Europe changed drastically as Christianity blossomed is some of the most important history to learn. It affected and effected so much of what the world has become today. The topics of the spread of Christianity, exploration, individual freedom, religious freedom and ownership of property were just some of the causations of that time period. Learning about how those concepts came about really shows how the Hand of God has been steering world history.

I think I would like to know more, I did a little bit of middle ages in Social studies at school, and world religions and also communism but I never learned classical studies of Greeks and Romans. It was all very piecemeal.
When people teach history, they should just do it chronologically so it makes sense right?

So I'm just going to borrow a couple of Terry Derry's Horrible Histories books about the Ancient Greeks and Roman Empire. You are right its important to learn the ages around the time of Jesus especially what was going on in the gentile world at the same time. I learned Bible history but that tended to focused on Israel...and I kind of have sorted out in my head what's going on with Israel/Palestine today and how that came about.

When I did a worlds missions course they were always going on about syncretism and that was tied up with colonialism. And how the gospel needs to be apart from 'westernisation' or 'civilisation' because it wasn't about building physical empires. Well we now live in a post-colonial world that wants to be decolonised - NZ achieved 'independence' from Britain around 1948 (it used to be a 'dominion') and it might very well become a republic one day. Or it maybe absorbed into Australia (Australasia) since our flags are so similar. Who knows. Maybe the North Island will be one country and the South Island another. This has actually happened to a lot of nations in the last century like Germany, Korea, Vietnam, boundaries are constantly being drawn and redrawn so you can never keep up lol

 

[Lanolin]

Regarding the middle ages, what I learned was this 'divine right of kings' or the 'great chain of being' was what everyone believed and it was all very feudal...if you were a serf or peasant the King or monarch owned ALL the land and housing etc (and the castle) and in return for your work in the fields you had to be loyal and fight for him. The King could dispense grace and favours how he pleased and you had to bow to him like he was God (or divinely appointed)

The thing was though the King lived in splendour while often the serfs and peasants just got the basics. If your crops failed or there was a famine then He was in trouble...and if the King didn't earn the goodwill of the public the peasants could rise up and revolt against his excess in big numbers.

There is still a vestige of that today in all the monarchies left in the world. But now people are forming republics and democracies and taking turns ruling and voting instead of inheriting it by birthright. I don't really know what is better. Leaders can be tyrants and despots whether they are Kings, Queens or presidents and prime ministers.

 

[Lanolin]

I think I did too much study this weekend next week I'm just going to apply it. I seem to have low energy today. I want to get back into swing of things but those precious school holidays are when I need to rest. I looked back on all I've learned (academically, knowledge wise) and need to organise the church library again.

I'm thinking of having another section called 'guides' and another just for women (there are now lots of christian books by women and written for women, I suppose to make up for lack of literature back when all that was published was by men)

My sections are
biography
christian living
theology
history
missions and evangelism
devotions
marriage and family
general
children
Bibles

the theology section has very thick books that I'm not sure anybody reads and they don't really fit on the shelves. Also paperbacks I'm annoyed with if they are cheap ones they get yellow and faded quickly, and I'm sure there are some old outdated books from the 90s that say 'todays christian' which is so last century. I've read the majority of them (about 600 books in the collection) some are great although some are self published efforts that don't make a lot of sense to be honest, but as said in scripture the making of many books there is no end, and too much study is wearying the flesh....

 

[TransformedinChrist]

I think I did too much study this weekend next week I'm just going to apply it. I seem to have low energy today. I want to get back into swing of things but those precious school holidays are when I need to rest. I looked back on all I've learned (academically, knowledge wise) and need to organise the church library again.

I'm thinking of having another section called 'guides' and another just for women (there are now lots of christian books by women and written for women, I suppose to make up for lack of literature back when all that was published was by men)

My sections are
biography
christian living
theology
history
missions and evangelism
devotions
marriage and family
general
children
Bibles

the theology section has very thick books that I'm not sure anybody reads and they don't really fit on the shelves. Also paperbacks I'm annoyed with if they are cheap ones they get yellow and faded quickly, and I'm sure there are some old outdated books from the 90s that say 'todays christian' which is so last century. I've read the majority of them (about 600 books in the collection) some are great although some are self published efforts that don't make a lot of sense to be honest, but as said in scripture the making of many books there is no end, and too much study is wearying the flesh....

I feel the same way at times. I need to take a break and chew for a while. I have SO many books. I have ebooks piled into my tablet for reading and I pray that I get to them! Studying itself and learning is so exciting. Being hungry for God's Word. I have a lot of physical books, bibles and devotionals as well. I mainly use my commentaries for OT and NT when studying the bible to refer back to. It is impossible to be "TIRED" of it. Knowing that the Word of God changes you.

Few books I have going are:

The Strategy of Satan -Warren Wiersbe
Experiencing God Day by Day Devotional [Blackaby Ministeries]
Hearing God's Voice by Richard and Henry Blackaby
Rose Book of Discipleship [awesome book!}
Seven Realities for Experiencing God [Blackaby]
The Joy Filled Soul -Janine Lansing
How to let God Solve Your Problems - Charles Stanley
A Life for Christ: What a Normal Christian Life Should Look Like - Dwight L. Moody

I am reading them slowly, and bit by bit. Taking A TON OF NOTES. Going back to scripture, commentaries and it has blessed me so much. I think the biggest part is brain space LOL. The activity of getting up, pulling out the Bible, the books and studying - asking some solid hard questions and in prayer using what we have learned to apply in our lives. We never stop learning. I really do enjoy it.

 

[Major]

I beg to differ.

God experienced Moses at the bush.
Saul experience Christ on the road of Damascus and having a radical transformation.
People experienced Jesus' love, grace, forgiveness in His ministry.
You cannot avoid a human having an experience. It is an everyday occurrence. Holy Spirit brings Scriptures to mind, confirms, teaches, comforts, reveals - if you are yo have an intimate relationship with God and loving Christ [it is an experience] not to have an experience would mean God is stagnant or static. Which He clearly isn't. He's alive. I know enough when people are running after THE experience. I'm not. Holy Spirit changes you, convicts you - there is a transformation that happens and how you know it's of God you test the spirits. You see the fruits. I know what I experienced as I read Scriptures lastnight. God's word is alive and active - I don't agree with that statement otherwise any experiences we have with turning away from sin, transformation and change and being filled with Holy Spirt [Him working inside of us] would be seen as carnal. Clearly God's Word is truth as it is written for us. It was all experienced. From Doubting Thomas, to the broken hearted Peter whi denied Him, to the ship on the water that roared in chaos and disciples fearing for their lives, to the thief on the cross asking Jesus to forgive Him and remember him in paradise, on and on. You cannot not read God's Word and not experience how incredibly awesome and knowing God and who He is. Relationships are experienced. When people idolize, run after, base their relationships on actively gaining an experience, base what they feel see as God's Word [it's not] we always go back to Scriptures.

For me lastnight was having head knowledge but you need to have heart knowledge.

This is a perfect example:
When we say things like “I know God loves me, but I hate myself” or “I know God wants me to be generous, but I just can’t do it,” we are stating truths about God from our head and using that knowledge, but there is a lack of understanding in our heart. If we knew God truly loved us, we wouldn’t hate ourselves. God’s love would be so real to us that we would see ourselves the way He sees us, through His son, as an adopted child. If we knew God truly wanted us to be generous, we would joyfully give our money, time, and possessions back to Him and anyone in need. Especially because He first loved us (1 John 4:19).

A good way to think about this for yourself is when you read the Bible, pray, or when you’re involved in the local body (the Church), are you doing all of this out of an obligation to God to pay Him back for something or to earn your way? Or, instead, are you doing all these things because of an overflow of gratitude of what He has done for you? Are you loving Jesus with your heart or head? - I am loving Jesus with my heart. I know for me He made it personal when I was studying lastnight which was an answer to prayer.

Romans 8:1). Pray to God, ask Him to search your heart, test your thoughts, guide you into understanding that what Jesus has done for you is very real and personal [I have an active fellowship with Christ]. Every day. I ask, I want God to change me. I want to understand and apply Scriptures in my life not merely [think it and understand it in my head] but actively walking in obedience and in faith to the Word of God.

Question: When it comes to Jesus, do you know Him personally, in your head or in your heart? ​

So that's my little nugget of what I was trying to convey.

Those are good examples. BUT, remember.......those experiences took place before the Word of God was produced.

God interacts with us in different ways. What I am saying is that we can not aloow what we experience to over power or take the place of what God has said.

Scripture is Objective truth and it is always true and cannot be changed.

More years ago that I want to remember, we had a visitor from another church come to worship with us, and after services, he told me, “God spoke to me and told me that you are not going to be here next year."

The man was wrong, even though he was 100% certain his statement was true and that he was sure God had spoken to him, but he was in error because he based his beliefs on his experience, and that’s where the problem is. I was actually at that church another 25 years. If people insist that they’ve heard from God, they might have…but they might have also heard from another god, and not the God of Heaven (2nd Cor 4:3-4).

The man who said “God told me to tell you,” is a mystery to me. Why would God call a 3rd party to talk to me in His place? If we wanted to tell a friend something, would we go to another person to call them for us? That makes no sense, so my answer is always, “God speaks to me too…and He does it most loudly and clearly and accurately in His written Word, the Bible.”

 

[Major]

I beg to differ. Experiencing God - just as Moses experienced him at the bush, just as people experienced the relationship and forgiveness of Jesus as He walked upon the earth. Not chasing after an experience- but you cannot prevent humans from experiencing. It's an every day occurrence. God is not stagnant or static. He is alive.

I am not saying that we have "experiences"! THAT is not what I am saying at all.

We all have experiences. What I am saying is that we can not allow experiences to be more of a truth than the written Word of God.

Please understand that Satan can deceive and work wonders tooo and he can put on a miracle or show you an experience to get your eyes off of Christ!

 

[TransformedinChrist]

Those are good examples. BUT, remember.......those experiences took place before the Word of God was produced.

God interacts with us in different ways. What I am saying is that we can not aloow what we experience to over power or take the place of what God has said.

Scripture is Objective truth and it is always true and cannot be changed.

More years ago that I want to remember, we had a visitor from another church come to worship with us, and after services, he told me, “God spoke to me and told me that you are not going to be here next year."

The man was wrong, even though he was 100% certain his statement was true and that he was sure God had spoken to him, but he was in error because he based his beliefs on his experience, and that’s where the problem is. I was actually at that church another 25 years. If people insist that they’ve heard from God, they might have…but they might have also heard from another god, and not the God of Heaven (2nd Cor 4:3-4).

The man who said “God told me to tell you,” is a mystery to me. Why would God call a 3rd party to talk to me in His place? If we wanted to tell a friend something, would we go to another person to call them for us? That makes no sense, so my answer is always, “God speaks to me too…and He does it most loudly and clearly and accurately in His written Word, the Bible.”

Oh absolutely I don't agree with thus says the Lord - but that's not at all what I was stating. Experiencing God's truth in Scripture [in your heart] not JUST reading but believing and walking in alignment to it and truly having understanding. Anyone can read God's Word, Holy Spirit illuminates it within us.

Perhaps most importantly, dunamis can refer to “inherent power, power residing in a thing by virtue of its nature, or which a person or thing exerts and puts forth” (ibid.). In Matthew 22:29 Jesus tells the Sadducees, “You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.” Jesus also said, “Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven. And then all the peoples of the earth will mourn when they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory” (Matthew 24:30). In other words, the Lord has inherent power residing in Himself. Dunamis is part of His nature.

We do not live the Christian life in our own power, but in God’s. It is God’s ability that makes us able to accomplish anything of value, for apart from Him we can do nothing (John 15:5). It is His strength that makes us overcomers.

Several key uses of dunamis in the Bible are listed below:

Luke 1:35: “The angel answered, ‘The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.’“

Luke 4:36: “All the people were amazed and said to each other, ‘What words these are! With authority and power he gives orders to impure spirits and they come out!’“

Acts 1:8: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Romans 1:20: “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.”

First Corinthians 1:22–24: “Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.”

Second Corinthians 4:7: “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.”

Second Corinthians 12:9: “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”

Ephesians 3:20–21: “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”

Second Timothy 1:7: “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”

Hebrews 1:3: “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.”

Second Peter 1:3: “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.”

Perhaps I am wording it wrong but experiencing God is not a sin. Unless you never want to feel, relate, build, have a relationship with etc. God is actively engaging in a relationship with us through Scriptures, in our lives, Holy Spirit works within us because of Christ and His gift of Salvation.

If you don't feel that you can experience God daily - that when we enter into prayer and communion with Him [through His Word and empowered by Holy Spirit]. I don't understand that. Relationship is active - unless we should experience absolutely nothing and be dead. No I never said outside of the Word of God nor do I exalt my experience higher than God's Word. I think you totally took my words OUT of context and stirred up unnecessary stuff I had explained [which I am not doing].

 

[TransformedinChrist]

I am not saying that we have "experiences"! THAT is not what I am saying at all.

We all have experiences. What I am saying is that we can not allow experiences to be more of a truth than the written Word of God.

Please understand that Satan can deceive and work wonders tooo and he can put on a miracle or show you an experience to get your eyes off of Christ!

Which I am not doing so why bring it up?

I am not saying that we have "experiences"! THAT is not what I am saying at all.

We all have experiences. What I am saying is that we can not allow experiences to be more of a truth than the written Word of God.

Please understand that Satan can deceive and work wonders tooo and he can put on a miracle or show you an experience to get your eyes off of Christ!

How can my eyes be off Christ when I specifically state I finally get it [grace] and that I see how God demonstrated in 1 Samuel [it's solidified in Scripture and changed me as a person by His power?] When it is Christ that had given us that power through salvation to walk godly lives in Him? Kind of "hard" for me have Christ off focus when He is the one providing the strength and power as an overcomer to do it? I don't know it just seemed like you jumped the gun and completely turn into something that wasn't happening.

This is why I have a hard time sharing on forums. People jump the gun and start planting fear, doubts, confusion, all sorts of things. In no way was I focused ON the experience yesterday and not focused on Christ.

Anyways I going to take a break from the fourm. Thank you for having me.

 

[Major]

Which I am not doing so why bring it up?

How can my eyes be off Christ when I specifically state I finally get it [grace] and that I see how God demonstrated in 1 Samuel [it's solidified in Scripture and changed me as a person by His power?] When it is Christ that had given us that power through salvation to walk godly lives in Him? Kind of "hard" for me have Christ off focus when He is the one providing the strength and power as an overcomer to do it? I don't know it just seemed like you jumped the gun and completely turn into something that wasn't happening.

This is why I have a hard time sharing on forums. People jump the gun and start planting fear, doubts, confusion, all sorts of things. In no way was I focused ON the experience yesterday and not focused on Christ.

Anyways I going to take a break from the fourm. Thank you for having me.

Obviousely you have taken some offence at my comments. I am sorry if something said caused you a problem.

I was not speaking directly to you but makeing a general statement which you took as personal.

I did not say that YOU had taken YOUR eyes off Christ !!

You said...........
"People jump the gun and start planting fear, doubts, confusion, all sorts of things. In no way was I focused ON the experience yesterday and not focused on Christ."

I have to disagree with you because that was not said neither was it intended or implied!

What I actually said was..........
"I am not saying that we have do not "experiences"! THAT is not what I am saying at all.
We all have experiences. What I am saying is that we can not allow experiences to be more of a truth than the written Word of God.

I do not understand how you got to this point but It seems that we have a communication/understanding problem and I do not want to play any part in causing you concerns or anger so I am withdrawing from this thread with you.

May the Lord bless you and your family!

 

[TransformedinChrist]

Obviousely you have taken some offence at my comments. I am sorry if something said caused you a problem.

I was not speaking directly to you but makeing a general statement which you took as personal.

I did not say that YOU had taken YOUR eyes off Christ !!

You said...........
"People jump the gun and start planting fear, doubts, confusion, all sorts of things. In no way was I focused ON the experience yesterday and not focused on Christ."

I have to disagree with you because that was not said neither was it intended or implied!

What I actually said was..........
"I am not saying that we have do not "experiences"! THAT is not what I am saying at all.
We all have experiences. What I am saying is that we can not allow experiences to be more of a truth than the written Word of God.

I do not understand how you got to this point but It seems that we have a communication/understanding problem and I do not want to play any part in causing you concerns or anger so I am withdrawing from this thread with you.

May the Lord bless you and your family!

Major

I did take it personally because when I was sharing it was personal - what I was discussing and sharing.

I'm not mad. Just took it was a oh don't do that, just remember...

Trust me I have had a ton of experiences chasing, running after the next experience in Pentecostal Oneness I never want to go back. Ever. Done. Repented and never to return. Wasted SO much time.

I took it as somehow you thought I was doing that. I knew I wasn't. I'm sorry if I have offended you in any way. I wanted to withdraw so that I didn't make more of a mess nor react in sin.

Yes sharing is difficult for me. I have had people gain up on me, criticize me, judge me and so forth. I just thought somehow I was being judged for something I didn't do.

Please forgive me. I forgive you. I pray that this will only change us more and contiune go operate wisely, gently and in love.

Again i apologize truly.

Warmly in Christ, TiC

 

[Lanolin]

I popped into the Christian bookstore today.
I was looking for children's bibles. I just bought one called 'The Brick Bible' because a lot of boys at school are into minecraft and lego. It's actually the Bible as a story but with illustrated with pictures of lego people.

I am going to donate it to the school.
I also saw a graphic bible called 'The Epic Bible'. It's illustrated by both Marvel and DC comic artists. I am not sure how similar it is to the Action Bible but it is and handsome massive tome. I'm wondering should I save up for this one for the teens.

I am hoping I can find a Beginners Bible thats bilingual in chinese and english again.

I was given 'Quiet times for those who need comfort' by H Norman Wright to put in the church library collection.

I remember one women's bible study I did that was based on a book called 'Having a Mary Spirit in a Martha World' which was quite relatable. Mary was scolded by her sister Martha for not helping in the kitchen when all she wanted to do was listen to Jesus. Jesus backed her up by saying she has chosen a good thing and shouldn't be taken away from her.

I am reminded of this whenever people sort of denigrate women being educated. Both men and women seems to do this, like it's a crime for a woman not to just do ALL the housework. We now have labour saving devices! Back in the day you had to light all the candles/fire and put them all out again at night and the dust and ash just went all over everything so your entire life was spent sweeping the floor.

Ok so what if men have to make a meal every once in a while while the women are learning/studying/listening..it's not the end of the world. Some women can be very house proud but their secret is they have no other job as housework takes up so much time ...or they have help/daughters. Or they live by themselves and have no children messing things up lol.

Back in the day children didn't have to go to school. It wasn't compulsory for children and only the rich could afford it (and maybe would only educate ONE child, usually the firstborn boy) Parents would use their children free child labour, or hire them out as chimney sweeps cos they were small and could fit up the chimney.

 

[TransformedinChrist]

I popped into the Christian bookstore today.
I was looking for children's bibles. I just bought one called 'The Brick Bible' because a lot of boys at school are into minecraft and lego. It's actually the Bible as a story but with illustrated with pictures of lego people.

I am going to donate it to the school.
I also saw a graphic bible called 'The Epic Bible'. It's illustrated by both Marvel and DC comic artists. I am not sure how similar it is to the Action Bible but it is and handsome massive tome. I'm wondering should I save up for this one for the teens.

I am hoping I can find a Beginners Bible thats bilingual in chinese and english again.

I was given 'Quiet times for those who need comfort' by H Norman Wright to put in the church library collection.

I remember one women's bible study I did that was based on a book called 'Having a Mary Spirit in a Martha World' which was quite relatable. Mary was scolded by her sister Martha for not helping in the kitchen when all she wanted to do was listen to Jesus. Jesus backed her up by saying she has chosen a good thing and shouldn't be taken away from her.

I am reminded of this whenever people sort of denigrate women being educated. Both men and women seems to do this, like it's a crime for a woman not to just do ALL the housework. We now have labour saving devices! Back in the day you had to light all the candles/fire and put them all out again at night and the dust and ash just went all over everything so your entire life was spent sweeping the floor.

Ok so what if men have to make a meal every once in a while while the women are learning/studying/listening..it's not the end of the world. Some women can be very house proud but their secret is they have no other job as housework takes up so much time ...or they have help/daughters. Or they live by themselves and have no children messing things up lol.

Back in the day children didn't have to go to school. It wasn't compulsory for children and only the rich could afford it (and maybe would only educate ONE child, usually the firstborn boy) Parents would use their children free child labour, or hire them out as chimney sweeps cos they were small and could fit up the chimney.

Actually I just read this in the book The Strategy of Satan yesterday - Let me see if I can bring it up. It specifically talks about that as I had some questions too about women vs. men within the working field/home. This was cited in the book.

He gets the wife too busy outside the home. According to 1 Timothy 5:9-16, the
early church had an organized program for assisting Christian widows. There
were, of course, no government agencies or welfare programs in that day. The
widows had to qualify before the church would accept them. Paul counsels the
younger widows to get married, bear children, keep house, and give the enemy no
occasion for reproach; for some have already turned aside to
follow Satan. 1 Timothy 5:14-15

The yielded Christian wife should find joy and fulfillment in her home. Christian
girls who are not interested in bearing children, keeping house, and caring for a
husband simply should not get married. They will only make themselves and the
man they married miserable. Granted, there may be situations where the husband
and wife get along happily disregarding this biblical injunction; but I cannot help
but feel that they are losing something in their relationship.
Be that as it may, Satan is anxious to get the wife away from the home and
interested in exciting experiences apart from her husband and family. This kind
of temptation is especially dangerous to the gifted wife who has abilities she can
barter in the business world. I am not saying that it is wrong for a wife to work
outside the home. I am saying that both the husband and wife had better be alert
to Satan’s temptations. When outside the home is more inviting and exciting
than inside the home, then you can be sure Satan is at work to wreck that
marriage.

It is a serious thing to be a husband or wife, a father or mother. God holds
the husband responsible for the spirituality of the home (read Ephesians 5:18 ff.).
Satan attacks the husband and father, seeking to lead him out of the will of God.
Satan also attacks the wife and mother. This is why Christian couples need to
read the Word and pray, not only individually but together as a family. Invariably
when a Christian counselor confronts a family problem, he discovers that the
husband and wife have stopped praying and reading the Word together.
Your home needs the same spiritual defenses as the individual: the inspired
Word of God, the imparted grace of God, the indwelling Spirit of God, and the
interceding Son of God.

Being home full time due to my immobility and when I worked it was very challenging - the temptations I would face. I am so grateful that I am able to mentor, teach, pour into my daughters and continue to encourage their walk with Christ daily. I believe that is one of the vital roles that women are to fulfil is to be there raising their children. Especially with all the indoctrination that is in the world [atheism, occult, witchcraft, new age, all that]. It is impossible for young children to be in that and be intact spiritually [ I have heard many pastors talk about homeschooling and how important is to get your kids rooted and grounded in God's Word on a daily basis]. Children are one of God's blessings to us women. We are called to rear and raise them up in all God's ways. I am grateful my children are out of school. The amount of demonic influence, false teachings, satanic lies and indoctrination they received was incredible.

Right to the evolution that they believe man over God. Big bang theory and so forth. If I could have done it over I would have homeschooled them. I believe it is our responsibility as mothers to truly uphold God's standard in our children's lives. That means sacrificing to ensure they are NOT led astray. Being serious in your commitment to raising your children in God's way without demonic and satanic outside influences being taught daily to them. It hurts them spiritually and Satan gets a foothold. It is like spiritual suicide for them. They aren't even equipped or mature spiritually to engage in such a spiritual warfare battle at that age. I can remember all the things that my daughters endured [they were sexualized, they were involved in occultic things when they were teach them in the class, they were on trips that were in spirituality [Native American] and so much other. How can you fight the enemy when you are allowing your children to be apart of it? My oldest and youngest were both apart of the LGBTQ lifestyle, they lived it, my daughter was a practicing witch. Very heavy into the occult. I take full responsibility as mother as I should have provided more for them - pulled them out of school and started homeschooling them. God is very clear how to live, what to do, to be separate among them. Do not practice what they do. I regret not taking that in a serious matter. But what Satan meant for evil, God used for good. God delivered them both, they are on fire for Jesus. I am thankful, grateful that despite of my failure to do what God has said for us to do - He is sovereign. We do not engage at all in secular and unbiblical activities. We are very diligent, ask for wisdom and we keep close watch - with our nose in the Word of God. We need to be of sober mind.

That is how I view it as a Mother who desires her family to continue grow in Christ, and be obedient to God's Word.

 

[TransformedinChrist]

I am sure excited. I was able to read the first chapter of Ephes. Wow. I am going to have to chew on that for a bit. Love going back to the commentaries and going deeper into the studying. You can never get enough of God's Word!