WillfromTexas

The longer I have studied the Bible there's one thing that I have learned. The more literal I take the scripture, the more it makes sense, and more truth has been revealed to me. The Bible is a masterwork that would be impossible to recreate. It is an integrated message system written from outside our time domain. God has even hid treasures within scripture to those that seek it. The names, puns, symbolism, simile's, idioms all can have significant meanings that add to the overall meaning. Every letter and detail is there for a reason. You use scripture to interpret scripture and can't use worldly knowledge to apply an outside meaning. Such as all those that hang on a tree are cursed. That didn't make a lot of sense until Jesus hung on a symbolic tree on the cross bearing our curses. Or take for example the first 10 names in the Bible. Here's an paste from a webpage that shows it quite well. The Names Bible Code: An awesome prophecy emerges when the meanings of all 72 names in the genealogy from Adam to Jesus are read sequentially! The meaning of a name was very important in bible days. Sometimes the bible itself informs the reader what a name means. Famous biblical persons such as Adam, Cain, Seth, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and his 12 sons, all have the meaning of their name explicitly given in the bible. Their names tell the story of why or how they were born. Some have wondered whether these names (with their meanings) were intended by God to be strung together in succession to tell some larger story. Already there have been attempts to string together the first 10 names in the bible from Adam to Noah. In general, this is what the first 10 names of the bible read when the meaning of each name is rendered in the order given in the bible. Read down the right column where the meaning of each consecutive name in Jesus' genealogy is given, and note the unfolding prophecy. "The God-man is appointed; a mortal man of sorrow is born! The Glory of God shall come down and teach that His death shall bring the grieving comfort and rest." The Promise to Fallen Man (Jesus is called, "The Glory of God", in 2Cor. 4:6.) If you are worried something has got lost in translation over the years. Well the oldest scriptures found, the Dead Sea Scrolls, have been found to be completely accurate to the Bible we use today. There's also other sources such as the Matthew fragment and translations of the day but hopefully you believe your Bible is accurate. The Bible is there to bring us out of confusion not bring us into confusion. Granted the Greek and Hebrew are more accurate languages than English. Yet the overall meaning isn't lost in the translations. You can read into a greater meaning and understanding BUT it will not change the original meaning only add to it. Lastly Jesus himself said that not a single letter or punctuation mark would pass away before it was fullfilled. Matthew 5:17-19 Amplified Bible (AMP) 17 Do not think that I have come to do away with or [a]undo the Law or the Prophets; I have come not to do away with or undo but to complete and fulfill them. 18 For truly I tell you, until the sky and earth pass away and perish, not one smallest letter nor one little hook [identifying certain Hebrew letters] will pass from the Law until all things [it foreshadows] are accomplished. 19 Whoever then breaks or does away with or relaxes one of the least [important] of these commandments and teaches men so shall be called least [important] in the kingdom of heaven, but he who practices them and teaches others to do so shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

Only if you start spelling his name right, lol. I kid I kid... It is CarMAN though like a car man! Or something like that he said something about it once. I think Carmen is the female version. Will be praying! Carman is a neat guy I've always thought.

Of course I meant no offense or to belittle women at all. I was raised with 3 sisters and was the youngest. People tried to take advantage of them too and I was always their protector. I've always tried to protect women when I can because well... It just seemed like what I was suppose to do. I remember once in Mazatlan Mexico there was this girl completely smashed and these three guys were trying to get her to go with them. Then I got her away from them and found her friends. Treating women with respect is very important to me. Call me old fashioned but it's just the way God made me. I thought I said men and women BOTH get seduced by witch/wiccan practices. Didn't mean in any way that women weren't intellegent because I know how intellegent they are trust me! Men and women are both vulnerable but the people behind the religion try to focus on women. There's usually some lesbianism involved and they really don't want guys in their groups. Depends on the group. My experience comes from my dating days way back when... Before I was a Christian and lived like a whore. My goal in life was to have a harem or something- I dunno, lol. I was stupid! But I did date a LOT of women through this period of time and I met several practicing witches/wiccans. Even as a non-Christian I knew it was from Satan and dangerous and would warn them against it. I remember having to have my pager number changed because one girl kept texting me 666 and leaving all this satanic stuff in my voice mail. This was like right at the time I got saved and wanted to cut all ties with bars, drugs, illicit sex, sinning in general. Anyway... Thanks for those who defended me kwik and everyone. It's amazing how mentioning 'Texas' or seeing my avatar 'that somebody chose for me' brings up prejudices of treating women bad and rednecks. I'm use to it though and don't really take any offense. It's actually kind of funny... Come to Austin sometime and you'll see what I mean. I'm proud of my city but am a bit old fashioned. Holding homosexual/transgender proms for 16-18 year olds that turn into a drunken orgy at a hotel. Well I'm not too cool with that stuff. Before you jump on the homophobe wagon- no I'm not a homophobe but am with God on the issue. When I was 17 I was working as a doorman at new age clubs that had plenty of gays. The owners were gay, my good friend and drama teacher were gay and he died from aids... Never have I engaged in anything homosexual- I am just straight to the bone and have never had the attraction. Just events through life have put me around many gay people in my youth. Wasn't a Christian back then but they'd still been my friends if I was. Ok I better stop before this starts turning into a book! Just know I don't put myself more highly than anyone else. If anything I have self esteem issues lol.

Setting aside one day for the birth of our Lord only seems right. Christmas generally brings closer to God by reminding the world of Christ's birth. Christmas and Easter are two days when people will goto church that normally wouldn't. Maybe that one visit on Christmas was what led them to salvation and going to church more often. It's strange to bring up Cain. The reason God didn't accept his offering was because it wasn't his best and his heart wasn't in the sacrifice. Then he killed his brother so you know... If we as Christians fall for Satan's trap and surrender Christmas to the pagans then they've just chalked up another holiday for themselves. This is Christ's birth! The angels in Heaven rejoiced! It isn't about the specific date but that we set aside a day to celebrate our Lord. One of my favorite religious songs is actually a Christmas song. Well many Christmas songs... Do you hear what I hear- if you just listen to the lyrics they are very moving. They make me feel closer to God and they move me. Christmas for me is about Jesus and family- it brings me closer to both. How can something that brings me closer to what God wants be satanic? Said the night wind to the little lamb Do you see what I see Way up in the sky little lamb Do you see what I see A star, a star Dancing in the night With a tail as big as a kite With a tail as big as a kite Said the little lamb to the shepard boy Do you hear what I hear Ringing through the sky shepard boy Do you hear what I hear A song, a song High above the tree With a voice as big as the sea With a voice as big as the sea Said the shepard boy to the mighty king Do you know what I know In your palace wall mighty king Do you know what I know A child, a child Shivers in the cold Let us bring him silver and gold Let us bring him silver and gold Said the king to the people everywhere Listen to what I say Pray for peace people everywhere Listen to what I say The child, the child Sleeping in the night He will bring us goodness and light He will bring us goodness and light The child, the child Sleeping in the night He will bring us goodness and light

Luke 22:35-37 Amplified Bible (AMP) 35 And He said to them, When I sent you out with no purse or [provision] bag or sandals, did you lack anything? They answered, Nothing! 36 Then He said to them, But now let him who has a purse take it, and also [his provision] bag; and let him who has no sword sell his mantle and buy a sword. Did Jesus just ask me to buy a sword? God obviously has no problem with going to war. The Israelites have been in war since the old testament and God supported it. We can defend ourselves and try and prevent the plans meant to harm people. You have to remember wars are suppose to save more lives in the long run than lost and lead to peace. We dropped an atomic bomb in WW2 that killed hundreds of thousands and it saved estimated millions. Jesus was on a mission here on earth as the lamb of God. Yet when he returns he will be King of Kings and Lord of Lords with his vestment dipped in blood declaring war on the Antichrist and his followers.

I don't think he's asking in malice, lol. Some of the responses seem to be a bit harsh. Anyway I hope some people were Christians for this reason. I never met or knew them in real life and will be able to if they were Christians. What's so bad about that? There's been a lot of great people that have lived and it would be awesome to meet them. That's one of the things I am looking forward to in Heaven. Imagine Elvis leading the worship service

I do! The Holy Spirit is doing the best it can with what it has- me- an imperfect vessel with feet of clay. Without the Lord I am nothing.

I don't find it powerful at all actually. In fact what sounds scientific takes incredible faith to believe. They say we evolved from a primordial ooze and the greatest scientists in the world can't reproduce one living cell from nothing. Every living cell derived from another living cell. The complexity of a so called simple cell is far more complex than anything man has ever conceived. There is micro evolution no doubt. That's how we have hundreds of different kinds of dogs all derived from four common ancestors. Yet no matter how a dog is bred or inbred they will always be a dog and never jump species. It is how Noah fit all the animals in the ark- because the animal species contained all the variety within the species we see today. We're at the bottom of the fossil record and haven't found one missing link. If macro evolution were true we'd be up to our armpits in sub species and evolutionary dead ends. Many of the so called prehistoric men you see are artistic renderings. Most of the skulls are built around a skull fragment. There's also nothing that shows neanderthal weren't just severely inbred humans. If you saw a neanderthal on a bus today he'd look like a human being. But God did address this and said there were demon/human hybrids known as the nephilim. That's why God flooded the earth to cleanse it of the impure geneology. Believing in evolution won't keep you out of Heaven but if you can't believe God created man and woman in his own image then how can you believe the rest? God isn't a caveman.

I understand your point and will be praying right along side there with those suffering. It's just you kind of act like people are doing something wrong. To say people 'don't care' about him because he wasn't famous is a bit ridiculous and unfair don't you think? Never could make it through 10 minutes of a Fast n Furious and frankly considered them terrible bubble gum fodder. Yet people knew Paul Walker through his work. You gain a familiarity with an individual seeing them act and going along in their movie adventure. People didn't know Mr. Rodas and he's a stranger- we've never seen his face, heard his voice, or know him at all. Also I am sure people are holding Mr. Rodas responsible since it was his reckless driving cost them both their lives.

Belief is a choice. That's what free will is all about! We all have a choice to believe what the Bible says, believe Jesus died for our sins, and believe he was raised from the dead. If God forced us to believe then we wouldn't have free will. What God does is give us faith to believe once we've made the choice to follow him. Personally I believe if you are sincere when you say the sinner's prayer, and accept Jesus as your savior, accept the gift of forgiveness, then you are saved. What you do with this gift is what is important. We follow Jesus for what he has done for us and strive to be like Jesus who is our example. All God wants is your thanks, recognition of Jesus work, and an honest desire to follow him. We don't follow God out of fear but because we love him and appreciate what he has done to deliver us from damnation. If you've confessed Jesus as your savior then you are saved! Jesus did everything that needed to be done to get you to Heaven. Many don't accept Jesus because they think it is too simple. They think- that's it?! Don't I have to read the Bible every day? Don't I have to do this or that? The answer is no. Does this mean we can live like those who aren't saved? Once again the answer is no. We have a higher calling not to live like the world does. We prove our faith and what we believe by our lives. When we share Christ, help the poor, love our enemies, read the Bible, and try to avoid sin it shows we are Christians. It isn't the thing that gets us to Heaven but it's evidence we believe what we believe. I help that stranger because Jesus lives inside me and is what he wants me to do. Your faith will grow the longer you stick with your faith. I'm 42 now and have been a 'true' Christian for around 20 years and it's still a learning process. When you first start it's easy to be swayed by the world and nonbelievers because you're ignorant of God and what the Bible says. Through time your faith grows and all the things people say don't matter. There's nothing that could ever be said or done that would take away my faith in Jesus now. Which goes back to your original question is it a decision. It is even a decision to this day but I know so much now about God and Christ it's an informed decision. Every Christian could walk away tomorrow and worship the devil but we don't because we know it leads to destruction. John 5:23-25 Amplified Bible (AMP) 23 So that all men may give honor (reverence, homage) to the Son just as they give honor to the Father. [in fact] whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father, Who has sent Him. 24 I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, the person whose ears are open to My words [who listens to My message] and believes and trusts in and clings to and relies on Him Who sent Me has (possesses now) eternal life. And he does not come into judgment [does not incur sentence of judgment, will not come under condemnation], but he has already passed over out of death into life. 25 Believe Me when I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, the time is coming and is here now when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear it shall live.

He was a Christian, according to his biography, and his actions sure seemed a testament to his faith. We all know he has entered into his reward. 95 years old is nothing to sneeze at! He also has suffered a lot these past few years and basically kept alive by a team of doctors. I don't know about you but I wouldn't want to be suffering past my time. Death is always sad but he isn't suffering anymore and had made his mark on the world.

Well the tummy troubles are directly the result of coffee. Irritable Bowel Syndrome-IBS and the number one culprit is coffee. As a coffee addict I can relate. Kicking coffee isn't easy and if you find a way let me know lol. I like the taste too. One other thing a lot of people don't think about is sleep apnea. It's not that rare and can cause chronic fatigue syndrome, high blood pressure, heart murmurs, etc... Sleep Centers are common now and your Dr can prescribe a monitoring session. You just go there and sleep for 6 hours.

Just when you think you've seen it all.

This subject has several views depending on what your fundamental beliefs are. Pre/Mid/Post tribulation views all have their own spins on the 1000 years. To me the Bible speaks very clearly on the subject and if you want to see it all put together in a nice guide I have one for you! http://www.amazingfacts.org/media-library/study-guide/e/4989/t/1000-years-of-peace.aspx

Matthew 10:32-34 Amplified Bible (AMP) 32 Therefore, everyone who acknowledges Me before men and confesses Me [[a]out of a state of oneness with Me], I will also acknowledge him before My Father Who is in heaven and [b]confess [that I am abiding in] him. 33 But whoever denies and disowns Me before men, I also will deny and disown him before My Father Who is in heaven. 34 Do not think that I have come to bring peace upon the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.

India needs Christianity very badly... There are so many idols/false gods worshipped it is in almost every home. Some of the customs are very disturbing including canibalism. Millions march to a temple to dip their fingers in the blood of a statue that's suppose to be menstrating. Self mutilation, human sacrifice... Like I said it's very disturbing. This article is just the tip of an iceberg.

Nobody in your family seems to be very concerned about your feelings. Sounds like you been through Hell and snap your fingers and be alright. That's just completely unrealistic. Yes we should pray for guidance, forgive and forget, etc... But this is still an issue being rubbed in your face even if inadvertantly. This guy is going to be a constant reminder of something bad. No where in the Bible does it say you are forced to be with people that are a negative influence. He is a negative influence on you and your wife. I'm from Texas and we're all born cynical and suspicious. To me it sounds like there's a lot more to the story and your wife is trying to spare your feelings. All the texting and 3 entire months of seperation... Oy! I think hearing these stories is why I stay single for so long. Before I changed my ways and became truly saved and a Christian. I was in many relationships where I was the cheated on, cheater, or 3rd man. If you want my honest opinion it sounds like they hooked up for 3 months and she found out he wasn't what he seemed. They always say he's 'just a friend'. This is your marriage and I'd say it's time to take out the big boy pants and quit being run over. You're the victim. You have every right to ask your wife to sever all contact with this man, her family should honor your wishes as well, talk to the guy and tell him you don't want him influencing your wife and if he keeps trying to contact her there will be problems. That's just my opinion and I don't think there's anything UnChristian about what I said. I think Dr. Phil would be in agreement too.

Makes me quite sad but I know he's come into his reward. I can remember even back before I was a Christian and my mother watching TBN. Then later on after I became a Christian how instrumental TBN was for me when I needed it most. Whatever people's views on him were- He was a man that loved Jesus and did much to spread the gospel to the ends of the world. Bless you Paul until we meet in the sweet by and by.

Well the book of Ruth is found in the Dead Sea Scrolls which is the oldest copy of scriptures. They didn't have the internet back then you know much less literate people. http://www.deadseascrolls.org.il/explore-the-archive/search#q=composition_type_en:'Scripture' How we as Christians know it is true is because Ruth is the direct blood line to Jesus Christ. So she obviously existed. Many things were destroyed in the Temple 70 AD. Land deeds and the such destroyed by those who stole the land. If you're wanting eye witnesses- well they've been dead for a few thousand years now.

It's the End Times Silvia and all countries are moving away from Jesus and the Bible. They took God out of school long ago and violence has gone up. There's a strong Atheist movement to take God off and out of everything even our money. They abuse the law and constitution to get their way. If you study Revelation you'll see we're headed straight into the prophecies. Jesus said it'd be like the days of Noah when all were wicked hearted. Matthew 24:36-38 Amplified Bible (AMP) 36 But of that [exact] day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 37 As were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 38 For just as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, [men] marrying and [women] being given in marriage, until the [very] day when Noah went into the ark, Luke 17:25-27 Amplified Bible (AMP) 25 But first He must suffer many things and be disapproved and repudiated and rejected by this age and generation. 26 And [just] as it was in the days of Noah, so will it be in the time of the Son of Man. 27 [People] ate, they drank, they married, they were given in marriage, right up to the day when Noah went into the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all.

But Jesus IS their religious heritage; the challenge is getting that veil out of the way (2 Cor 3:15). Indeed. Unfortunately most won't even discuss the subject because they feel it is blasphemy. I want to see them saved and have found it a very hard witness. Like my friend and his wife I still pray for them and have hope. It's all the Holy Spirit using us when we lead another to Christ of course. The time isn't right I guess. What makes me feel twice as bad is I led this best friend away from a witness when God had touched his heart one Spring Break. I wasn't saved and we'd went to Padre Island about 19 years old. We'd been many times before and this one time it was just us and we were out to party. On the beach a Christian Group had made a huge breathetaking sand sculpture of the crucifixion. They witnessed to my friend and he was moved and wanted to go with the Christians to dinner that night instead of a club. They called and I said- C'mon man! We're here to go chase women, get messed up and party, it's Spring Break! Anyway my friend didn't go and it weighs heavy on my heart now. I ask God to forgive me for such a blunder out of my youthful ignorance. Now I am against a wall because he's converted to Judaism because his wife wouldn't marry him unless he did. I still trust God there will be a solution eventually. Would love to see he and his wife saved.

It's unfortunate that many Jews really hate Christians. I've experienced it first hand myself. My best friend since 7th grade married a Jewish woman and he'd even converted. Her family was very orthadox and we drove past a Jews for Jesus billboard and she got very irate saying "Do you see that! Spreading lies!" I tried to explain how Jesus was the messiah and she said "But he's not!" Then my friend told us to drop it and we did- but the tension from her was there. Anyway. She wouldn't let him be my friend anymore because I was a Christian. Still hurts me to this day. I know Jews are only trying to protect their religious heritage. If they only knew how much real Christians love them and are on their side.

Sounds like something God would say to me! Satan definitely wouldn't want you to forgive people. Of course God speaks to people and I have heard his voice inside. A while back, going through some stuff, I kept asking God what I had done to deserve what was going on. I asked him that and he finally answered me "It isn't what you have done, but what you haven't done!" You know when it's from God- you just know. I'm still trying to figure out all the things i'm suppose to do but I'm trying.

I remember when they were saying Ronald Reagan was the antichrist, lol. Ronald Wilson Reagan three names with 6 letters each- boom! Yeah people were actually pushing that at the time. Just about any name can be manipulated to 666 if you use enough math and prime numbers to get there. Also remember chapters and verses were added by man and aren't part of the original scriptures. So referring to a specific chapter and verse kind of blows this theory out of the water I'd say. I'm sure you mean well and the end times are indeed upon us. Thankfully I don't plan on being here during the tribulation. What would even be your goal if we knew exactly who it was now? There's no stopping God, prophecy, and the Antichrist's rise to power because God said so and he can't lie. I am totally against people allowing any marks, microchips, or whatever be put on their bodies. I'll certainly never do it even if it meant I couldn't eat. That would be something to emphasize because Jesus is coming and the Antichrist is rising despite anything we do or know.

Well if you like to talk about God then have you considered getting into ministry? I hear Charis Bible College is quite good. From everything I am reading in your posts it seems like it might be time to listen instead of talk. Listen to some preachers with strong biblical teachings and leave some of your hang ups at the door. You said you couldn't find one Christian church where they agreed with you. Well I'm not sure you're going to find a church like that anywhere. People go to Church to learn, socialize, worship God, and strengthen their faith. It isn't exactly a debate forum brother. A decent Bible study would be more of a place for that- and even then it isn't really a place to argue established doctrine. You seem so weighed down with doctrine, twisted teachings, and things that leave me a bit curious where you got them from. Such as the Catholic Church was started by Christ and the Apostles. This goes back to Peter being the first pope lie I assume. I assure you Peter was not the first Pope and haven't heard that from somebody in a long time. The Catholic Church is completely twisted and following their traditions won't get you any closer to God. It's responsible for the deaths of millions and millions through history. The theology is so unbiblical I don't even know where to start. I went to Catholic school in my childhood and know it from first hand experience. I left that school with no clue about salvation and the important things about Christianity. You seem to think we're in some balancing act with God based upon our performance. Our best efforts are as used 'menstral cloths' in God's eyes. Those are God's words not mine. Even all Billy Graham has done is a pile of ashes to God. There is only one work that God honors and that is Jesus death on the cross for our sins. Sure we will be rewarded in Heaven for our good works but they do not get us there. How many of your sins were yet future when Jesus died for them? All of them. When you got saved your past, present, and future sins were thrown into God's sea of forgetfulness. When God looks at you he sees us clothed in the righteousness of his son- not our filthy rags. There will be those before God in judgement saying 'Lord! Lord! Didn't we do your works and cast out demons in your name?' He'll say depart from me workers of iniquity- for I NEVER knew you. That verse is there for those who think they got to Heaven by their works alone. When God asks me why I should be allowed in Heaven I'll say 'I am not worthy- but I have believed in the Lord Jesus and his finished work. Jesus paid the price for my sins and I am owned by him. We are justified by our faith- just like Abraham and Moses. Of course this doesn't mean we can live in sin. We try and avoid sinning out of reverence for our Lord Jesus. We love him because he first loved us. When we sin it isn't surprising God and that goes for your sin yesterday and today. Christians will make mistakes and sin. To show us how dependent on the cross we are Jesus even told us how God thinks of our sins and how deep it goes. Jesus said to be angry at another is the same as murder- and just to undress a woman in your mind is the same as adultery! To break ONE comandment in thought or deed is the same as breaking them ALL! If I were you I would take everything I know about God and put it away and start with a fresh perspective. We are to approach God as little children. I've had to do this myself so don't think I'm speaking down to you in any way. I had to let go of so many wrong and twisted beliefs to relearn the Bible for what it really says. You are in the same boat and really need to let go and let God with all these things driving you crazy. God promises a sound mind and peace- which you don't seem to have. Once again I speak pretty straight forward and hope nothing I've said has been taken the wrong way. Your heart is in the right place and that's the most important thing. Hope I don't sound like some know it all but I've just been there man. It is so liberating once you realize God isn't judging you as a believer based upon your performance for entrance into Heaven. We are commanded to be Holy and should try and purge sin from our lives. The reasons we do this is for protection, some blessings, and our thankfulness. There are also rewards/treasures in Heaven and for some that is motivation. Just look at life in general. Some of the most holy, Godly believers I've known have experienced untold tragedy. While some of the vilest people I've known seemed to get away with everything unpunished. Rain falls on both the righteous and the wicked. Not sinning isn't going to guarantee everything will be peachy- although I can guarantee sinning will make your life worse. Wishing you the best of luck and pray God will give you the answers you seek.