Anybody else?

[VictoryinJesus]

Hmm I dont think that is the fault of the bible- but it is due taking verses out of context as well as historical meaning.

I didn’t mean it is the bibles fault. That would be like blaming the bible for what is in the heart. It would be like blaming the bible for the reflection it reveals. No, I meant the opposite of the bible helps by revealing what is in the heart. Even when we choose to look away from what is revealed. Like in a mirror.

The bible as a whole harmonizes. I

Agree. Makes me think of harmonizing with God as the lead. That is what I meant about all the different perspectives…what would it sound like if you went to the symphony and every instrument played a different song all at one time? It has to sound confusing to those hearing a symphony of many instruments playing differently all at the same time. Where’s the harmonizing they might ask? Only meant that I can understand when people say …what is that sound of so much confusion? Then every instrument proclaims “I was following the leader.” I get the question of: then why are y’all all playing a different song?

It's all about the heart! Recall the Pharisses- lots of knowledge, sticklers for the word, yet they didnt know the love of God, they knew rules and were hypocritical.
I think your friend would enjoy some fellowship tho. There are many many loving people!! Share one anothers burdens, you know?
May the Lord bless her.

She does mention going back to church. Your post did make me think about my friend. Almost everyday a verse or passage will help me have comfort or it will remind me to have hope. I can be in the worse place mentally and a passage will turn that mindset around. That is the only reason I’m sad for my friend not reading the bible. But she does say God comforts her, so where and how she finds comfort is up to her.

 

[Brakelite]

@Riven
Hi. I'm another Christian who has his beliefs and thinks they are correct, until I'm convinced otherwise. Stubborn lot aren't we. But that's actually a good thing. What kind of faith would it be of we all believed stuff and all changed those beliefs every second day at the drop of a hat? I have changed church demonstrations twice in just under 50 years. For very good reasons. And I'm sure others here have their reasons also. Thing is this. God knows who are His. And He isn't that arbitrary judgemental tyrant many claim Him to be. We are not going to be lost on account of a couple of misunderstood doctrines that don't affect salvation... However, there are a few doctrines that are absolutely essential to get right. How do we arrive at a place where we can be confident of our beliefs? By doing exactly what Scripture says.
"Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness". Matthew 6:33.
And that begins on your knees.

 

[Gottservant]

Does anyone else feel a sense of dread? It's kind of like this undercurrent. Subtle, but it's there. It's like there's something wrong in our society, but I can't quite put my finger on what it is.

Concentrate on your nation.

Humble souls are not easily perturbed.

 

[Aunty Jane]

There are different interpretations of Job.

Satan walks into the holy court of God.

Yes, because God permits him to…..he is allowing his heavenly creation to take the same test as his human children…..remember that the first rebel was not human.

Some see Satan role there as a tester of righteousness on earth.

No disagreement between Yahweh and Satan in Job.

And yet he is called “the adversary”……what is an adversary? He is one’s “opponent” in a conflict or dispute.
There is great disagreement between satan and the Creator, who was slandered by him in Eden, calling God a liar, and lying himself about the death penalty…..”you surely will not die” is perpetuated in the idea of an immortal soul. There is no such thing as an Immortal soul. A soul is by definition, entirely mortal.

And of course Satan is not identified as a devil in Job or anywhere else in the Old Testament. And the tempter in Eden is not identified as Satan or a devil.

He is identified clearly in Revelation. (Rev 12:7-12) And the activities of the demons were well known in Jesus’ day because many brought their demon possessed relatives to be released from their grip. It’s the very reason why spiritistic practices were forbidden in God’s law. (Deut 18:9-12) Without their leader, the demons have no reason to exist.

God does not warn anybody about Satan in the Old Testament.

satan’s activities are recorded all through OT Scripture. Where do we think “the sons of God” came from who turned the world into a corrupted and violent mess when Noah walked the earth? Unlike the days of Sodom and Gomorrah, which suffered a localized solution, their demise required a global solution, making sure that these demonic spirits could never materialize again.…drowning every living thing outside the ark.

Their activities were then confined to making trouble invisibly, because it was not yet time to deal with them permanently……the whole human race was to be tested first. That situation was not even envisioned until Christ came. The Jewish conscentation was solely on the holy land and themselves…..but made unholy by their pagan conquerors and their wicked leaders.
Jesus implied a global witness to people of all nations, (Matt 24:14) which is backed up by God’s initial promise to Abraham….that “all the nations” would be blessed by the seed who was to come from his lineage. The Jews mistakenly thought that being a descendant of Abraham was all they needed, but they were completely wrong. John B set them straight. (Matt 3:7-10)

So there is no reason for the Jews to believe in a devil.

Wow…I’ve heard some convoluted story lines in my time, but you really have lost the plot.
Why is this all about the Jews?….those who could never do what their God commanded them to do, and who so often carried out what he commanded them never to do….! Their history of disobedience and unfaithful conduct is appalling……but we learn so much more from their errors than we ever could from their obedience. We needed both for a contrast.

We are not fleshly Jews and it was never going to be all about fleshly Jews…they were simply the vehicle through whom God brought his Messiah into the world. They were strict record keepers and could prove their lineage to Abraham and also to Adam. All of the prophesies concerning the Messiah included those aspects.

Once his purpose in connection with them was accomplished, God abandoned that unfaithful nation to the world. (Matt 23:37-39) And we see in their conduct to this day, alliances with nations whose worship they despise, just as they did in the past. God punished them by allowing their enemies to gain the victory over them. Yahweh has no worshippers today who have blood on their hands. (Isa 1:15)

 

[PGS11]

I feel lately like I am being led back to basic Christianity where faith is not mixed into politics or any worldly thing.The focus is back on Jesus Jesus only and the sacrifice he made so our sins are forgiven.None of that other stuff is important or helps in anyway it can impair my faith.I am not the only one I have heard this from other people also who feel led in the same direction without telling them I feel the same thing.That's where I am staying from now on pure basic Christianity.Lots of wolves in sheep's clothing out there.

 

[PS95]

Hi. I'm another Christian who has his beliefs and thinks they are correct, until I'm convinced otherwise. Stubborn lot aren't we. But that's actually a good thing. What kind of faith would it be of we all believed stuff and all changed those beliefs every second day at the drop of a hat? I have changed church demonstrations twice in just under 50 years. For very good reasons. And I'm sure others here have their reasons also. Thing is this. God knows who are His. And He isn't that arbitrary judgemental tyrant many claim Him to be. We are not going to be lost on account of a couple of misunderstood doctrines that don't affect salvation... However, there are a few doctrines that are absolutely essential to get right. How do we arrive at a place where we can be confident of our beliefs? By doing exactly what Scripture says.
"Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness". Matthew 6:33.
And that begins on your knees.

Hi Brakelite, ...and that IS the truth!

 

[Grailhunter]

And yet he is called “the adversary”……what is an adversary? He is one’s “opponent” in a conflict or dispute.
There is great disagreement between satan and the Creator, who was slandered by him in Eden, calling God a liar, and lying himself about the death penalty…..”you surely will not die” is perpetuated in the idea of an immortal soul. There is no such thing as an Immortal soul. A soul is by definition, entirely mortal.

"accuser" or "adversary", and is derived from a verb meaning primarily "to obstruct, oppose".

 

[PS95]

I feel lately like I am being led back to basic Christianity where faith is not mixed into politics or any worldly thing.The focus is back on Jesus Jesus only and the sacrifice he made so our sins are forgiven.None of that other stuff is important or helps in anyway it can impair my faith.I am not the only one I have heard this from other people also who feel led in the same direction without telling them I feel the same thing.That's where I am staying from now on pure basic Christianity.Lots of wolves in sheep's clothing out there.

I'm glad you feel led back. Jesus doesnt lose His sheep.
..fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith.. Hebrews 12:1

 

[Grailhunter]

satan’s activities are recorded all through OT Scripture.

Disagree

You can read what you want into the scriptures.
But if the scriptures made it clear that Satan was doing evil the Jews would believe in a devil.
The New Testament is a different story, Satan is very apparent as a devil.

 

[Grailhunter]

Wow…I’ve heard some convoluted story lines in my time, but you really have lost the plot.
Why is this all about the Jews?….those who could never do what their God commanded them to do, and who so often carried out what he commanded them never to do….! Their history of disobedience and unfaithful conduct is appalling……but we learn so much more from their errors than we ever could from their obedience. We needed both for a contrast.

We are not fleshly Jews and it was never going to be all about fleshly Jews…they were simply the vehicle through whom God brought his Messiah into the world. They were strict record keepers and could prove their lineage to Abraham and also to Adam. All of the prophesies concerning the Messiah included those aspects.

Once his purpose in connection with them was accomplished, God abandoned that unfaithful nation to the world. (Matt 23:37-39) And we see in their conduct to this day, alliances with nations whose worship they despise, just as they did in the past. God punished them by allowing their enemies to gain the victory over them. Yahweh has no worshippers today who have blood on their hands. (Isa 1:15)

I am not saying that Christians do not believe that Satan is the Devil.
Storyline.....it sounds like you make it up as you go.
So do you see any scriptures that directly indicate he is named in any action.
How about God's conversations, did He warn those that Satan would tempt them to do evil.
Jehovah’s Witnesses are good example of how false beliefs start.
If you think something should be there and it is not, you change it.
If you do not like something you change it. You guys had to write your own Bible because you wanted to change so many things.

 

[PGS11]

I was never lost but like others I went searching for a spiritual experience and was disappointed like many have been it was a mistake.But I have come to the realization I don't need any of that and its rare I have what I need which is faith and the promise of eternal life nothing else matters.What more could you ask for its the greatest gift that will ever be offered to you.How can I ask for more from God I can't.

 

[Reggie Belafonte]

Absolutely!

The world is the place created by God to manifest both good and evil, then restrict return entry to those who are born [again} of His perfect spiritual nature. So, yes, there is a war going on. And just as there is an unseen war going on in heaven, there is an unseen war manifest here in the world. Good and evil are literally doing battle (as we speak) both in heaven and in this world.

Thus, it is important to be committed to which it is you would choose to side with for eternity. Because that's what we are born into the world for--to choose. Then comes the end, just as it has been written.

Incidentally, good has and is winning. This is the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

It's not about good and evil ? it's truly about Deceptions and Delusions Jesus said in fact and that's what one has to seek out, the Holy Spirit is above all in fact and it's this that will guid you, if you abide in Christ Jesus your heading on the right path.

The Power of Christ Jesus is like a light in you ? for one is on fire not lukewarm in regards the Holy Spirit ! so when temptation comes you way you can deal with such ! for you are awake to such a Serpents workings.

The Devil is a Tempter period ! such creats deceptions and delusions ! such wants somthing from you ? or to dominate over you.

Christ Jesus only gives, but one has to be willing to pick such up. this way is the way ! as outside of this is an endless cycle of distruction, for they are Lost ! they only cause trouble because they are a ship of fools regardless. their are people who steer the ship but that's their game play, it's for themselves that they work at, not the people of God that's for sure !

So when you see an add ? someone has created such a thing in a way to suck you in to buying such, it may be half truth or come from any angle or an outright lie a deception is somewhere with in it ?

I seen an add that claimed to fix bathrooms up, showers that leaked, so you would not have to renovate the whole bathroom, saving you all that cost etc ? but the product works ? and it can fix the problem but that does not mean that it will !
It's only the product that is the real issue at hand in the deal ? the product used is up to scratch ! but their is more to it than just that product.
Then also they can get you in first chop at giving you a quote to do a total renovation ? but most take this company to Court ! because they are set on the Add does deliver the fix up ? The add does come across and totaly sounds that way ! but the dude who runs the show makes a fortune ! and he just runs about all over Australia going to Court cases ! he told me that he loves it and it takes only 10min in Court and he has won the case !
I pointed this out to a customer and i was not believed at all ! i said i have been in the Tiling game over 40 years, you would think that i would know what i am on about, but No ! They believed 100% in the glossy Add. why ? well because people want to believe in such. As the Truth is hard too swallow in fact. and people can easy turn away from the Truth i have found, they just walk of in a state of that they do not want to know in fact. but if i am renovating such i have to really stop them to make sure that they understand what is going on and that it will cost more ! because the floor is rotten etc and it all addes up ! but i have found that some just will not listen. so i have to walk away then. as i can not absorb that extra cost. because i am not under the delusion of the outrigh facts ! but when you do a reno you do not know totaly what you are dealing with till you start ripping it up ! and then their could be mold issues and they do not want to know about that as they just could not care less. look the issue is here and you have to deal with it period ! it can not be just boddgy up !

And we see such within Political workings, is that the Party does not want to truly deal with the issue in a productive way for the future, it's all stupid is as stupid does ! and the people and MSM just disregard reality.

 

[Aunty Jane]

I feel lately like I am being led back to basic Christianity where faith is not mixed into politics or any worldly thing.

Christians were told to be no part of the world for a good reason…..
”We know that we originate with God, but the whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one.”
If “the whole world” is under Satan’s control, then what part isn’t? Did Jesus ever dabble in politics, even when his people were under Roman domination….? He remained neutral.

The focus is back on Jesus Jesus only and the sacrifice he made so our sins are forgiven.None of that other stuff is important or helps in anyway it can impair my faith.I am not the only one I have heard this from other people also who feel led in the same direction without telling them I feel the same thing.That's where I am staying from now on pure basic Christianity.Lots of wolves in sheep's clothing out there.

Yes indeed…so many “wolves in sheep’s clothing”…..but like it was in Jesus’ day….sometimes the sheep are made to look like wolves, and people are turned away, just like the Jews were given a false impression of Jesus and his apostles…..which led them to demand his death as a blasphemer. (Matt 27:25) It also led to the ongoing persecution of his disciples….Jesus said it would happen. (John 15:18-21)

The only problem with “Jesus only and the sacrifice he made so our sins are forgiven” is forgetting about the one who sent him, and who provided the redemption price to set us free from sin in the first place.

Jesus himself said…..”This means everlasting life, their coming to know you, the only true God, and the one whom you sent, Jesus Christ.”
Salvation means knowing “the only true God” (Yahweh) AND the one he “sent”….so unless we know them both, (not just know about them) everlasting life will not be attainable for us.

 

[Dan Clarkston]

Does anyone else feel a sense of dread? It's kind of like this undercurrent. Subtle, but it's there. It's like there's something wrong in our society, but I can't quite put my finger on what it is.

You haven't heard????

Mankind sinned and most will burn in hell for eternity?

No need to feel dread about it since you are only responsible for your life and not everyone else's

 

[PS95]

I was never lost but like others I went searching for a spiritual experience and was disappointed like many have been it was a mistake.But I have come to the realization I don't need any of that and its rare I have what I need which is faith and the promise of eternal life nothing else matters.What more could you ask for its the greatest gift that will ever be offered to you.How can I ask for more from God I can't.

Welcome back, prodigal!!
just for you..
Eph 2--
And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, 2 in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. 3 Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, [d]indulging the desires of the flesh and of the [e]mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest. 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead [f]in our transgressions, made us alive together [g]with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and [h]that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.

11 Therefore remember that formerly you, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called “Uncircumcision” by the so-called “Circumcision,” which is performed in the flesh by human hands— 12 remember that you were at that time separate from Christ, [i]excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off [j]have been brought near [k]by the blood of Christ. 14 For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the [l]barrier of the dividing wall, 15 [m]by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained in ordinances, so that in Himself He might [n]make the two into one new man, thus establishing peace, 16 and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, [o]by it having put to death the enmity. 17 And He came and preached peace to you who were far away, and peace to those who were near; 18 for through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father. 19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the [p]saints, and are of God’s household, 20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, 21 in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy [q]temple in the Lord, 22 in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit.

​

 

[TheHC]

Reading all the different perspectives has helped me see there are a constant flow of different views. I’m not blaming God for it…it just makes me wonder how I can ever fully trust the things I’m persuaded of. Like how can there ever be certainty when mine is just another opinion among many.

That’s good, that you don’t blame God for all the dissension, that humans cause!

Jesus knew that after his going away, there would be those claiming to know Him, but doing bad things. His words at Matthew 7:21-23 are telling.

So what can a person do?

Well, Jesus also knew something else: that truth is ‘revealed to the childlike’ by His Father (Luke 10:21); these ones would be blessed by God’s spirit and display it’s fruitage, which is “love…peace…. kindness…” - Galatians 5:22,23.
So Jesus said this @ John 13:35…. “All will know that you are My disciples, if you have love among yourselves.” - See John 15:12,17
It would be observed by others.

So for those wondering about who has the truth, Jesus cut through all the doctrinal disputes; he said to look for His sheep who are loving their brothers. And even loving their enemies. -Matthew 5:44

His disciples’ love would especially be evident, ie., easily observed by others, when it was most challenging: during times of war & conflict.

These ones, while hated by the world (John 15:19), would also have the truth. And the unity that only God’s spirit can produce. - 1Corinthians 1:10

 

[PS95]

Christians were told to be no part of the world for a good reason…..
”We know that we originate with God, but the whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one.”
If “the whole world” is under Satan’s control, then what part isn’t? Did Jesus ever dabble in politics, even when his people were under Roman domination….? He remained neutral.

Romans 13. -- God is still very active in what the authorities do. How many times have you guys flip flopped on this one-- yet another?
Also, Jesus said to render unto caesar what is caesars. He did not tell us not to vote.
Jesus never told the Centurion to leave the army. He told him to be content with his pay!

No part of the world ? Oh jane...
16 "For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world."
that what Jesus means..
Has zero to do with voting for a person to run our nation. Stop adding to the word!

Yes indeed…so many “wolves in sheep’s clothing”…..but like it was in Jesus’ day….sometimes the sheep are made to look like wolves, and people are turned away, just like the Jews were given a false impression of Jesus and his apostles…..which led them to demand his death as a blasphemer. (Matt 27:25) It also led to the ongoing persecution of his disciples….Jesus said it would happen. (John 15:18-21)

Many indeed, but you guys rule in this division!..Congrats??
False prophecies. False teachings. Different gospel. Different Jesus.
The shoe fits.

The only problem with “Jesus only and the sacrifice he made so our sins are forgiven” is forgetting about the one who sent him, and who provided the redemption price to set us free from sin in the first place.

Woweee. Jane, you are flat out lying.
You are fully aware of what PG means and you do not teach that at all . Why the cunning?
JWs do not teach that Jesus gave His life for anyone sins except Adam's original sin. They ignore the scriptures..
Jws teach that when you die physically that is how you pay for your sins.
They utterly refuse to read Romans 6 in it's context.
You scoop 1.5 verses out of 23 and form a false doctrine of man!!

So why did you not "correct and teach" PG about how your invented Jesus didnt die for OUR sins?

Instead, you somehow managed to turn it into how PG does not know the father? Seriously?

..is forgetting about the one who sent him, and who provided the redemption price to set us free from sin in the first place.

How on earth does what PG said mean that to you?
That's just absurd. The Our Father sent His Son should be surprising to us or something?. Jesus said if we have seen Him we have seen His Father. Why do you say we can't know the Father? ABBA, FATHER is what our spirits cry.

Jesus himself said…..”This means everlasting life, their coming to know you, the only true God, and the one whom you sent, Jesus Christ.”Salvation means knowing “the only true God” (Yahweh) AND the one he “sent”….so unless we know them both, (not just know about them) everlasting life will not be attainable for us.

Yahweh? There you go again. What happened to Jehovah again? Why do you hide, Jane? JWs NEVER use Yahweh. You must be the exception.

Then YHWH rained on Sodom and Gomorrah brimstone and fire from YHWH out of heaven Gen 19:24

In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. John 1:1

Jws tell you that doesn't make sense.. "how can he be with him and him?", they say. So it is WRONG.
Even tho we have testimonies of the Apostolic fathers who say otherwise! There is no way to deny that in the context-- not possible for one iota. THAT is why Jane refuses to read them!! Even though our very bible canon was decided on what those men wrote!!
---and the same is true of punishment after death not sleep!!!

Could it be that God can do things that don't make sense to us? YHWH & YHWH ?

Trust in the Lord with all your hear And do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.
Do not be wise in your own eyes
Proverbs 3:5-7

He is the stone which was rejected by you, the builders, but which became the chief corner stone.
And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:11-12

For the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me and have believed that I came from God.. John 16:27

And we know that the Son of God has come, and has given us understanding so that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life. 1 John 5:20

Phil 2
And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death: death on a cross. For this reason also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name,
so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth,1and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life. 1 John 5:13

1What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the Word of Life— 2and the life was revealed, and we have seen and testify and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was revealed to us— 3what we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. These things we write, so that our JOY may be made complete.

Matt 11:23-30
For if the miracles that occurred in you had occurred in Sodom, it would have remained to this day. Nevertheless I say to you that it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom on the day of judgment, than for you.”
At that time Jesus said, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent, and have revealed them to infants. Yes, Father, for this way was well pleasing in Your sight. All things have been handed over to Me by My Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father; nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and anyone to whom the Son determines to reveal Him.
“Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. For My yoke is comfortable, and My burden is light.”
YHWH

 

[PS95]

I didn’t mean it is the bibles fault. That would be like blaming the bible for what is in the heart. It would be like blaming the bible for the reflection it reveals. No, I meant the opposite of the bible helps by revealing what is in the heart. Even when we choose to look away from what is revealed. Like in a mirror.

Oh good. Yes, for sure- the scrptures can be convicting at times, and revealing and beautiful at other times. I can hardly think of an emotion it doesnt grab!

Agree. Makes me think of harmonizing with God as the lead. That is what I meant about all the different perspectives…what would it sound like if you went to the symphony and every instrument played a different song all at one time? It has to sound confusing to those hearing a symphony of many instruments playing differently all at the same time. Where’s the harmonizing they might ask? Only meant that I can understand when people say …what is that sound of so much confusion? Then every instrument proclaims “I was following the leader.” I get the question of: then why are y’all all playing a different song?

Love the analogy~ and especially as a musician. Clanging symbols come to mind. I'm not on here for fellowship so i can ignore it for the most part. Like I've said, this board is not a reflection of any Christians that I know. I really do think it's the internet. People say things they wouldnt dare say in person. And the whole concept of "debating" always brings out a competative spirit and anger.

She does mention going back to church. Your post did make me think about my friend. Almost everyday a verse or passage will help me have comfort or it will remind me to have hope. I can be in the worse place mentally and a passage will turn that mindset around. That is the only reason I’m sad for my friend not reading the bible. But she does say God comforts her, so where and how she finds comfort is up to her.

The Psalms can really be like a friend. She would probably love them. Maybe you could start a sort of informal bible study together once a week? Has she read it before and feel she doesnt need it now? I ask only because there are days when I dont find much time to read, but the spirit brings verses to mind when I need them.. you know the warfare.. bam- over. I would not be terribly worried if someone took my bibles. I know He will keep speaking to my heart. but i love reading it. It's alive.
You mentioned she has diabetes- are her eyes affected? I know some people have that problem with diabetes.

 

[honeycomb]

What can I do about it? I don't have any control over what's going to happen in the world.

I recently joined, so I don't know you yet, but I'd like to. Some of the posts here seem to indicate that you do not yet know God. Well, I honestly believe that if you simply read God's book, which He wrote for you to read, you will fall in love with Him. All you need to do is get to know Him. He has made you many promises, and you must trust that He is faithful to keep every single one. He promises that He will never leave you nor forsake you; this is one promise that truly comforts me when I start to fear living in this crazy world.

But see, Jesus is coming soon, I genuinely believe. Could it be your lack of faith you dread? Do you, in your heart of hearts, know that Jesus died for you? Do you think it’s too good to be true? Well, it’s a fact, and it is written. Get to know Him, @Riven.
"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. "For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."

- Matthew 11:28-30

By the way, nice to meet you…

Petra

 

[VictoryinJesus]

The Psalms can really be like a friend. She would probably love them. Maybe you could start a sort of informal bible study together once a week? Has she read it before and feel she doesnt need it now? I ask only because there are days when I dont find much time to read, but the spirit brings verses to mind when I need them.. you know the warfare.. bam- over. I would not be terribly worried if someone took my bibles. I know He will keep speaking to my heart. but i love reading it. It's alive.
You mentioned she has diabetes- are her eyes affected? I know some people have that problem with diabetes.

I didn’t mean to drag her into it. She was only someone who comes to mind that doesn’t read the bible yet I do believe she has been taught of God that you ought to love one another. There are others as well. To me that “I have no need to write to you, since you yourselves are taught of God that you ought to love one another.” Can be God teaching through life experience, a work of God drawing someone closer. That is all I meant… I’m not so sure “taught of God” is exclusive to bible study but more of: what Father is there that loves a child and doesn’t discipline them, teaching them which way to go.

Her husband has diabetes. her eyes are fine but no she hasn’t read the bible other than hearing pastors speak on bible verses in a sermon. She believes she struggles with comprehension saying she hates reading because of it. I’ve had others say this same thing. Any reading materials she doesn’t like reading, not only the bible…reading is just not something she enjoys. (Her words not mine.) I hear others say they don’t spell well…or don’t read well … I do try to tell them I felt the same way too. Having this inner voice as a child that had me hiding when others raised their hands in class to read out loud. I never read books until I reached my forties because I also had this nagging voice that said I couldn’t.
I do try to tell them it’s not about how well you read or spell or “figure it out”…