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Christianity [OT] The Word became flesh and dwelt among us

showernota

Member
I spent a little time today checking out progressive Christianity church sermons on youtube.

Most are taking COVID extremely seriously, and one made made the statement that sit-in churches will be a thing of the past. He argued church services, and their community will move to streaming services even after the pandemic is over. Then he made the observation that there won't be a need for thousands of churches online, most will die and a few will absorb the congregations. I hadn't ever thought about churches following the model of big tech like Google and Facebook, or big box stores, but streaming could make it happen. It's a chilling prospect...
 
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Cycom

Banned
I spent a little time today checking out progressive Christianity church sermons on youtube.

Most are taking COVID extremely seriously, and one made made the statement that sit-in churches will be a thing of the past. He argued church services, and their community will move to streaming services even after the pandemic is over. Then he made the observation that there won't be a need for thousands of churches online, most will die and a few will absorb the congregations. I hadn't ever thought about churches following the model of big tech like Google and Facebook, or big box stores, but streaming could make it happen. It's a chilling prospect...
It’s disgusting. Christianity is being secularized and slowly corrupted.
 
D

Deleted member 17706

Unconfirmed Member
I spent a little time today checking out progressive Christianity church sermons on youtube.

Most are taking COVID extremely seriously, and one made made the statement that sit-in churches will be a thing of the past. He argued church services, and their community will move to streaming services even after the pandemic is over. Then he made the observation that there won't be a need for thousands of churches online, most will die and a few will absorb the congregations. I hadn't ever thought about churches following the model of big tech like Google and Facebook, or big box stores, but streaming could make it happen. It's a chilling prospect...

Aren't most people church-goers primarily for the community? Why would most of them choose to tune into some virtual nonsense when there are probably thousands of higher quality sermons already uploaded to YouTube for on-demand viewing?
 

showernota

Member
Aren't most people church-goers primarily for the community? Why would most of them choose to tune into some virtual nonsense when there are probably thousands of higher quality sermons already uploaded to YouTube for on-demand viewing?

I'm noticing a pattern with these sermons that Christianity is like science, and always changing and evolving (which is why the Bible barely counts as more than moralistic stories) to keep up with the 21st century. I don't know if Christians would move beyond physical churches, but I can definitely believe they (progressives, at least) would continue to want the newest and most up-to-date information, if that makes sense...
 

Bolivar687

Banned
I spent a little time today checking out progressive Christianity church sermons on youtube.

Most are taking COVID extremely seriously, and one made made the statement that sit-in churches will be a thing of the past. He argued church services, and their community will move to streaming services even after the pandemic is over. Then he made the observation that there won't be a need for thousands of churches online, most will die and a few will absorb the congregations. I hadn't ever thought about churches following the model of big tech like Google and Facebook, or big box stores, but streaming could make it happen. It's a chilling prospect...

I understand why they would think this. They don't have the mass.
 

Cutty Flam

Banned
John 18:36 Jesus said, “My Kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my Kingdom is from another place”

Is the Kingdom of God a place in Heaven as well as something embodied within the spirit? Or do you think the Kingdom of God is the way of saying those who follow God’s commandments and therefore love God and live as intended to by and for God?

I once had a very serene thought of what I thought was the Kingdom of God, I was just daydreaming. I pictures loved ones in the sky above the ocean and beach sand, the pier at night and there were lights as if they were all celebrating. I felt pretty emotional at the time. It was just a day dream of mine, during another time when I was trying to meditate on what the Kingdom of God would look like

What does everyone here think of when reading that verse? I would write the KJV but this book of Jesus quotes I have is only in NIV. I never understood this exchange between Pilate and Jesus; and what Jesus was trying to tell him
 
John 18:36 Jesus said, “My Kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my Kingdom is from another place”

Is the Kingdom of God a place in Heaven as well as something embodied within the spirit? Or do you think the Kingdom of God is the way of saying those who follow God’s commandments and therefore love God and live as intended to by and for God?

I once had a very serene thought of what I thought was the Kingdom of God, I was just daydreaming. I pictures loved ones in the sky above the ocean and beach sand, the pier at night and there were lights as if they were all celebrating. I felt pretty emotional at the time. It was just a day dream of mine, during another time when I was trying to meditate on what the Kingdom of God would look like

What does everyone here think of when reading that verse? I would write the KJV but this book of Jesus quotes I have is only in NIV. I never understood this exchange between Pilate and Jesus; and what Jesus was trying to tell him
It's a complex message. I think the heart of it is that God's Kingdom does not appear because an organization delivers it or because an earthly kingdom enforces it (though that also happened in history), but because it bubbles from the individual's pursuit of Christ's example. The kingdom of God, externally, is the sum total of the individuals acting in obedience and submission to God. This message directs the individual to pursue the kingdom via their own personal obedience, their own personal walk with God instead of trying to "bring about the kingdom" through external, earthly means.
 

Cutty Flam

Banned
It's a complex message. I think the heart of it is that God's Kingdom does not appear because an organization delivers it or because an earthly kingdom enforces it (though that also happened in history), but because it bubbles from the individual's pursuit of Christ's example. The kingdom of God, externally, is the sum total of the individuals acting in obedience and submission to God. This message directs the individual to pursue the kingdom via their own personal obedience, their own personal walk with God instead of trying to "bring about the kingdom" through external, earthly means.
Thanks dun. I believe what you are saying is true. My walk with God started when I was 19. I believe God is always with us and by our side, and on our side all so to speak in general terms, but I wasn’t able to nor ready to walk alongside Him until I had bought that book of Jesus quotes and began to read more of Jesus’ teachings, and how to live according to God and his commandments for us. I believe the Kingdom of God is within because despite all my troubles and constant pain and failures that I was enduring at the time, my strict desire to follow God and Jesus through His many examples allowed me to feel loved and one with essentially everything in my life. It was a beautiful experience. All I had to do was try with earnest to follow as best I could and be like Jesus, treat others well, live and walk according to the path God set for us and I think something indescribable happens. It’s like everything is made right, life is better, things are better and in all directions you are closer to truth. Very tough for me describe those days in which I was reading the bible and my other book, and trying hard to apply all the new teachings and become perfect as God is perfect

But what about there being many rooms in mansions in Heaven? What was Jesus saying then? I always thought the Kingdom of Heaven was also a place as well?

Here is the verse in the Bible

John 14:2 “In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you”

What is this verse teaching?
 
Thanks dun. I believe what you are saying is true. My walk with God started when I was 19. I believe God is always with us and by our side, and on our side all so to speak in general terms, but I wasn’t able to nor ready to walk alongside Him until I had bought that book of Jesus quotes and began to read more of Jesus’ teachings, and how to live according to God and his commandments for us. I believe the Kingdom of God is within because despite all my troubles and constant pain and failures that I was enduring at the time, my strict desire to follow God and Jesus through His many examples allowed me to feel loved and one with essentially everything in my life. It was a beautiful experience. All I had to do was try with earnest to follow as best I could and be like Jesus, treat others well, live and walk according to the path God set for us and I think something indescribable happens. It’s like everything is made right, life is better, things are better and in all directions you are closer to truth. Very tough for me describe those days in which I was reading the bible and my other book, and trying hard to apply all the new teachings and become perfect as God is perfect

But what about there being many rooms in mansions in Heaven? What was Jesus saying then? I always thought the Kingdom of Heaven was also a place as well?

Here is the verse in the Bible

John 14:2 “In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you”

What is this verse teaching?
We do have an eternal home in heaven, after judgment day. You're correct. That is God's kingdom as well, his heavenly kingdom. God's plan with Adam and Eve was halted, but he intends to resume that mode of relationship with us.

God's kingdom on earth does not (necessarily) appear via artifice and organization. The kingdom of God is within you, and it cuts both ways. I can either submit to God and allow his kingdom to spill out from me into the external world, or I can squelch God's word in my life and prevent his kingdom from affecting those around me. In either case, all true earthly expressions of "God's Kingdom" stem from individuals acting in this manner, and God brings them together into a church to multiply the efforts and carry out God's earthly work.
 

showernota

Member
John 18:36 Jesus said, “My Kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my Kingdom is from another place”

Is the Kingdom of God a place in Heaven as well as something embodied within the spirit? Or do you think the Kingdom of God is the way of saying those who follow God’s commandments and therefore love God and live as intended to by and for God?

I once had a very serene thought of what I thought was the Kingdom of God, I was just daydreaming. I pictures loved ones in the sky above the ocean and beach sand, the pier at night and there were lights as if they were all celebrating. I felt pretty emotional at the time. It was just a day dream of mine, during another time when I was trying to meditate on what the Kingdom of God would look like

What does everyone here think of when reading that verse? I would write the KJV but this book of Jesus quotes I have is only in NIV. I never understood this exchange between Pilate and Jesus; and what Jesus was trying to tell him

The kingdom of heaven is central to the parables presented in all of Matthew 13, Christ also explains the Parable of the Tares himself. Likewise, the Parable of the Laborers, the Parable of the Householder, the Parable of the Marriage Feast, and the two parables in Matthew 25 all give insight to what Christ considered the kingdom of heaven to be. Jesus also referred to it as a definite place occurring at a definite time on Earth. Peter also confirms that believers of Christ will enter the everlasting kingdom, which is the traditional Heaven most usually think of.

EDIT: I'd really recommend anyone interested buy the Open Bible, it's really an incredible reference/study Bible with a very neutral commentary. It mainly lets Scripture interpret Scripture, and makes the multitude of cross-reference conenctions super easy to digest.
 
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Chaplain

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Jada_Li

Banned
John 18:36 Jesus said, “My Kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my Kingdom is from another place”

Is the Kingdom of God a place in Heaven as well as something embodied within the spirit? Or do you think the Kingdom of God is the way of saying those who follow God’s commandments and therefore love God and live as intended to by and for God?

I once had a very serene thought of what I thought was the Kingdom of God, I was just daydreaming. I pictures loved ones in the sky above the ocean and beach sand, the pier at night and there were lights as if they were all celebrating. I felt pretty emotional at the time. It was just a day dream of mine, during another time when I was trying to meditate on what the Kingdom of God would look like

What does everyone here think of when reading that verse? I would write the KJV but this book of Jesus quotes I have is only in NIV. I never understood this exchange between Pilate and Jesus; and what Jesus was trying to tell him

John 18:36 KJV + Strong's
36Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. -https://biblehub.com/kjvs/john/18.htm

At this time, Jesus Christ's role on earth is as Savior, not as King. Currently, God's kingdom is in heaven. There is a prophesy that has yet to come where God returns during the 2nd advent as King of kings and Lord of lords, but before that many other prophesies will come to pass including the tongues of the Pentecost which God's Elect will have the Holy Spirit spoken through them so everyone around them will hear God's Word in their own language and dialect.

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Ornlu

Banned
I'm actually considering going to church this weekend.

It's been a long, long time. I wonder if Catholic mass is even open here. They definitely aren't having us all drink from the same cup. I'll tell you that much

I bet you could find a church that's open. We eventually said fuck it and found a church that doesn't give a rats ass about the lockdown rules. It's been awesome to be back in a worship service. :messenger_heart:
 

#Phonepunk#

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Dave Rubin is one of the bright lights of the intellectual dark web. He occupies that unique niche inhabited by the likes of Jordan Peterson and Douglas Murray, where the sacred and secular rub shoulders. Tired of living in a contentious world of non-overlapping magisteria, these men seek a parley. They aren’t puppets of a particular ideology but a curious audience who just wants to know who is really pulling the strings.
The world needs Jordan Peterson more than ever
One of the strangest and most baffling aspects of the Peterson phenomenon has been the way in which his critics failed to contend with his points and arguments. And not just the specifics, but the fact that anybody with such a following must be onto something. Of course critics primarily on the ideological Left claimed that Peterson was some kind of fringe “alt-right” figure, against the evidence of any and all of his words. It was telling that they remained so incurious about the popularity of his work.
Eat, Pray, Love: How Families Grow Stronger During the Pandemic
Prayer not only invites God into the relationship at times of unhappiness and struggle, but also helps the couple become more intimate and concerned with one another. Regularly sharing one’s thoughts with God in the presence of another is extremely intimate, perhaps rivaled only by physical intimacy. It binds people together. They both require great transparency and trust, enhancing the marital relationship.
Video: A Conversation with Glenn C. Loury
...Albert Mohler talks with one of the most important conservative intellectuals of our day, Glenn C. Loury, on law, race, economics, and human dignity.


Video: A Conversation with James Lindsay
...Albert Mohler talks with scholar and author James Lindsay about critical theory and the cynical transformation of society as examined in Lindsay's new book "Cynical Theories: How Activist Scholarship Made Everything about Race, Gender, and Identity―and Why This Harms Everybody."



Video: The Apologetic Inherent in the Gospel Message - Jerry Root
Apologetics comes from a Greek word that simply means “defense”. We see it used in classical literature in Plato’s Apology/Defense in Athens. We see it used in the early Church by Justin Martyr in his Apology I and II as he makes a defense for Christianity before the emperor of Rome. Though it is good to be familiar with the basic types of apologetic appeals it is best of all not to neglect the most profound apologetic inherent in the Gospel itself.


Video: Evil is a Power
Miroslav Volf is a Professor of Theology at Yale University and the author of Exclusion and Embrace, a classic work on conflict. In this RESET interview we discuss the origins and nature of conflict. Where is peace found?
 

Chaplain

Member
New Resources:

Video: God's Purpose for People (Genesis 1-3, 10/25/20)
“…God has not left it simply for the intellectuals to be able to get a grasp of His Existence and to have a relationship with Him. God has revealed Himself so that the simplest or the greatest person can respond on precisely the same terms.” (Oxford professor John Lennox)


Video: Developing and Imitating the Compassion of Christ - Ken Sande
Compassion is one of the most appealing and compelling characteristics of pastoral ministry and of the Christian life. This talk will establish the Biblical basis for compassion. We will also explore the neurological basis of cognitive and affective empathy. After examining the relational and evangelistic benefits of compassion, we will explore specific strategies for developing empathy and compassion, both in adults and in children.


Video: Life Lessons from an Old Man: Wisdom from David in Psalm 37:1-11 - Jim Cecy
In the midst of all the problems with growing old, also comes the joy of being a mentor. Such was the case with David in Psalm 37. As an advice-giving, grey-haired old man David presents a number of timely and relevant life lessons to anyone who will listen.


Video: Why the Reformation Matters | Session 1: Echoes of the Reformation
In this video, Albert Mohler, Kevin DeYoung, and Trevin Wax discuss the Reformation’s impact on Christians today. Download the free PDF study guide for this series here: https://bit.ly/2ElihWq


Video: Space, Time and History: Jesus and the Challenge of God: Featuring N.T. Wright
"What do we mean when we say ‘God,’ and how do we know? Those questions have exercised theologians, philosophers and enquiring minds of all sorts for centuries, often without considering the historical world of meaning in which Jesus himself lived."


Video: The Real Election! - 2 Peter 1:10 (10/25/20)
"God is girding every man for a place and a calling, in which, taking it from him, even though it be internally humble, he may be as consciously exalted as if he held the rule of a kingdom. The truth I propose then for your consideration is this… [God] will choose the best end or use possible, so he will appoint for us the best manner possible of attaining it; for, as it is a part of God's perfection to choose the best things, and not things partially good, so it will be in all the methods he prescribes for their attainment. And so, as you pass on, stage by stage, in your courses of experience, it is made clear to you that, whatever you have laid upon you to do or to suffer, whatever to want, whatever to surrender or to conquer, is exactly best for you. Your life is a school, exactly adapted to your lesson, and that to the best, last end of your existence." (Theologian Horace Bushnell)


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Chaplain

Member
New Resources:

Evangelicals Fight Wokedom Without and Within
Aspanking new organization has formed among Southern Baptists to resist the incursion of critical race theory into the largest Protestant denomination in North America. Founders Ministries, an older organization, and an array of other evangelical watchdog websites, vlogs, and blogs share the same aim. Other evangelical entities stand accused of capitulation to the contemporary social justice movement, including the Presbyterian Church of America (PCA), the parachurch organization CRU, Christianity Today magazine, Fuller Theological Seminary, and the popular evangelical website and conference movement The Gospel Coalition (TGC). Division between evangelical elites and self-consciously un-woke evangelicals has gone public and shows no signs of abating.
A Beginner’s Guide to the Argument from Rationality
Whilst American philosopher Daniel Dennett, is equally forthright in his commitment to atheistic materialism. There is only one sort of stuff, namely matter—the physical stuff of physics, chemistry, and physiology—and the mind is somehow nothing but a physical phenomenon. In short, the mind is the brain … we can (in principle!) account for every mental phenomenon using the same basic principles, laws, and raw materials that suffice to explain radioactivity, continental drift, photosynthesis, reproduction, nutrition, and growth.[2] Did you grasp quite what Dennett said there? All that you are—your hopes and dreams, your beliefs and your values and above all, your thinking and your reasoning—are nothing more than the movement of atoms jostling together, chemicals fizzing, neurons buzzing. Physics can explain your beliefs with the same ease as it can explain earthquakes or plant growth.
A Famine of Truth: Malcolm Muggeridge, George Bernard Shaw, and Journalistic Deception
Born at the dawn of the 20th century, Muggeridge was, at various stages of his life, an atheist, a Marxist, a womanizer, a Member of Parliament, a journalist, a spy, a staunch anti-communist, and a Christian apologist. While he is best remembered by his fellow Britons for his television documentaries and his unmistakable lilt, Muggeridge deserves to be remembered for a much more significant reason.
Why 'The Science' can't be our chief guide through the pandemic
Evangelist Michael Ots is concerned that our collective response to Covid-19 is inadequate. While rejecting conspiracy theories, he questions whether there really is a scientific consensus, and whether epidemiologists should be our chief guides through the crisis
Joe Rogan’s Example for Believers
Rogan’s example challenges the current echo-chamber paradigm of discourse—a paradigm that’s also shaping Christian media. Hosting voices outside the echo chamber is uncomfortable and can be seen as an endorsement of opposing or even heretical views. But Rogan shows Christians it’s possible to hospitably engage on weighty issues of faith, morality, and culture. We really can interact with “gentleness and respect” (1 Pet. 3:15)—even with those who differ from us in lifestyle and belief. Rogan’s success shows that audiences are eager to hear respectful, friendly, deep conversations—tinged with a humanizing humor that defuses heavy topics and intense disagreement.
Video: 3 Things Christians Should Know About The Passion Translation
Is the Passion Translation an accurate translation of the Bible or something else? Here are three things you need to know about who translated it, how it was translated, and which manuscript sources were used.


Video: Ethics and Government with Dr. Joe Boot
With three ethics breeches on the books with this current federal government, and in the shadows of the WE Scandal, this week's show on government and ethics is extremely timely.
 

Cutty Flam

Banned
Luke‬ ‭6:46-49‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?

Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like:

He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.

But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.”

‭‭100% truth. God protects your life and there are probably limitless reasons to keep his commandments and teachings
 

Cutty Flam

Banned
Does this verse have multiple meanings?

John 3:8 KJV

“The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.”
‭‭
 

Ornlu

Banned
Does this verse have multiple meanings?

John 3:8 KJV

“The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.”
‭‭

I don't think it has multiple meanings, but it could certainly have multiple applications depending on what's going on in your life.
 

#Phonepunk#

Banned
here's my (early morning pre-coffee) take: the wind is invisible and undetectable outside of how it moves the things around it. when you look outside and notice the wind, you don't actually see the wind itself. you see tree leaves blowing, you see clouds moving across the sky, you see the effects of the wind. you know it is there by how it moves and animates the world.

if you were to try and, for instance, scoop that wind into a jar for scientific study, it would be a fool's errand. yet nontheless, we know it is there. the wind has an animating property to it, imo this is a good metaphor for God, who also cannot be measured with a ruler, but we know His presence, by how the world is animated.

"whence is cometh and whither it goeth" points to the fact that we cannot know the future, or really, the past. the mysteries of the beginning and ending of creation are incomprehensible to us as beings of creation.
 
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Nymphae

Banned
Here's a link to a book I recently heard about which sounds interesting, full PDF available at link

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Nymphae Nymphae if you're into that kind of book, I recently finished Wonder of the World by Varghese, a follow up to my read of Anthony Flew's There Is A God. I'd recommend those as well.

I'm reading through a religious book called Unseen World by Michael Heiser. It's interesting so far and seems to be rooted in biblical tradition and exegesis. We'll see how it holds up.
 

Helscream

Banned
Does this verse have multiple meanings?

John 3:8 KJV

“The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.”
‭‭

Well lets take a look at this verse in a slightly broader context. Jesus is approached by a man by the name of Nicodemus, a Pharisee. Nicodemus is a religious man of high station and is extremely well educated in the Hebrew Old Testament. He is described as a "ruler of the Jews".

John 3:1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews

John 3:2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.

In the next verse Nicodemus comes to Jesus and addresses him as "Rabbi". Nicodemus acknowledges the authority of Jesus and knows that He is anointed by God and that His Spirit dwells with Him.

John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
John 3:4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?
John 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
John 3:6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

John 3:7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

Jesus is attempting to explain to Nicodemus that a man must be "born of again" to be inducted into the Kingdom of God. Yet Nicodemus replies in a manner of confusion asking how a man who is old be born again. This is significant because this demonstrates that despite the position of the Pharisee Nicodemus, he in all of his knowledge of the Hebrew Old Testament, cannot grasp what Jesus is telling him. There is a important precedent that we see in the Old and New Testament, that unless the Holy Spirit unveil to a person something, they will not grasp what it is. A excellent example is prophecy throughout the Bible.

Jesus then tells Nicodemus that a man must be "born of water and of the Spirit". Being "born of water" can be taken as a literal breaking of water of the mothers womb. Or it can be interpreted as the "Baptism of Water" in being cleaned and washed away of ones sin and becoming forgiven of those sins and being presentable before God. Being "born of spirit" is about (in the nerdy terms of dungeons and dragons) changing ones moral alignment to the God of Creation and His Son Jesus Christ. In the Old Testament there were only a few select people that the Holy Spirit would dwell with, it is not until the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus that the Holy Spirit is able to dwell with anyone who accepts Jesus as Savior and Master.

I would define the term flesh as "being of the carnal world, absent of God". Mankind is in a fallen state since the fall of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Mankind since the Great Flood and the Tower of Babel have removed the Creator from there lifes and pursue their own desires. When a person is born there are born into a carnal world absent of the Creator. So In order for a person to "Enter the Kingdom of God" they must go through a complete, total, absolute transformation to put behind their carnal flesh and be inherited back into The Kingdom (or better yet family) of The Creator. So now this leads up to verse 8, the verse in question.

John 3:8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.

Matthew Henry's commentary for this verse is worded extremely well, so I will paraphrase a bit from his commentary. The wind is being used as a example to describe a force that we can feel and confidently know is there, yet we cannot see or witness it. The Holy Spirit can dispense itself when and where and to whom it may see fit. The Holy Spirit can move as subtle or as powerful with whom it may. While we cannot see its cause, the effect of God's Holy Spirit is evident and clearly manifested in its actions. The operations and workings of the Holy Spirit may be a riddle, or mysterious to us at times, but we can be confident that it is used to its ultimate effectiveness by God Himself.

One more thing I would like to add that I think is critical to understanding one of the many functions of the Holy Spirit is the revealing or unveiling of knowledge that is not known by earthly, carnal, or fleshly wisdom.

In the book of Matthew, Peter acknowledges who Jesus Christ really is and Jesus responds to Peter's statement.

Matthew 16:16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
Matthew 16:17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.


All we need is to look a bit further back into the gospels to have a greater understanding of Nicodemus speaking to Jesus. The Holy Spirit can reveal things to us that all the accumulated knowledge of the carnal world can never show us. Hopefully I was able to help out.

I'm reading through a religious book called Unseen World by Michael Heiser. It's interesting so far and seems to be rooted in biblical tradition and exegesis. We'll see how it holds up.

I've learned alot from Michael Heiser's work. He basically takes what the scriptures say in their original language and context and simply provides that information to the viewer. I respect him because there is no spin-zone or sensationalist approach to his work, he simply presents the text as it is. I actually got to meet him in person back in January of 2013 and he really is a cool dude.

I dont agree with everything he has done, but his work has definitely helped refined my approach to learning/understanding the scripture.
 

borborygmus

Member
I've been unwell for a very long time now. Decades. I know God has saved me numerous times before because I've had instances of extremely bad luck that would have resulted in my death, but each time something equally unlikely happened that allowed me to get through unscathed. A lot of people have tortured me but I've forgiven them. I've been abused at a criminal level. But now that I've gotten through this, I find myself struggling with the damage. All the negatives are so unlikely I'd describe it as being cursed, but the saves were just as unlikely. It feels like everyone involved in the aforementioned events has gone on their way and moved on except for me.

Can anyone recommend a Bible passage? Job comes to mind, but I'm not finding it that constructive.
 

Ornlu

Banned
I've been unwell for a very long time now. Decades. I know God has saved me numerous times before because I've had instances of extremely bad luck that would have resulted in my death, but each time something equally unlikely happened that allowed me to get through unscathed. A lot of people have tortured me but I've forgiven them. I've been abused at a criminal level. But now that I've gotten through this, I find myself struggling with the damage. All the negatives are so unlikely I'd describe it as being cursed, but the saves were just as unlikely. It feels like everyone involved in the aforementioned events has gone on their way and moved on except for me.

Can anyone recommend a Bible passage? Job comes to mind, but I'm not finding it that constructive.

I can't comment on your exact situation, as I don't know you personally. However, I can provide a passage that I went through recently that I think might have some merit.

Acts 14: 19-22

"But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having persuaded the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead. But when the disciples gathered about him, he rose up and entered the city, and on the next day he went on with Barnabas to Derbe. When they had preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God."
 

Chaplain

Member
""Scientists have come to realize a startling truth- the universe looks suspiciously like a fix." (Physicist Paul Davies) Our existence is balanced on a razor's edge of incomprehensible good fortune. From the first moment of its inception, the universe’s governing parameters appear to have been delicately calibrated to permit the existence of intelligent life." (10/27/20)



"This is the woke ideology. Everything must be reduced to a cartoonish understanding of systemic power that thinks that everything that happens intentionally must have racism in it." (Atheist Dr. James Lindsay, 10/27/20)



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Jada_Li

Banned
Does this verse have multiple meanings?

John 3:8 KJV

“The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.”
‭‭

Like the wind, the Holy Spirit cannot be seen. The wind is invisible but one can always feel and see the effects of it.
Greek: pneuma: wind, spirit (https://biblehub.com/greek/4151.htm)
Hebrew: ruach: wind, spirit (https://biblehub.com/str/hebrew/7308.htm)

Depends on one's personal relationship with God to experience this awesome phenomena hence "...so is every one that is born of the Spirit." We can feel and we can see the effects of His presence in our lives and sometimes in the lives of others as well.
 

Jada_Li

Banned
here's my (early morning pre-coffee) take: the wind is invisible and undetectable outside of how it moves the things around it. when you look outside and notice the wind, you don't actually see the wind itself. you see tree leaves blowing, you see clouds moving across the sky, you see the effects of the wind. you know it is there by how it moves and animates the world.

if you were to try and, for instance, scoop that wind into a jar for scientific study, it would be a fool's errand. yet nontheless, we know it is there. the wind has an animating property to it, imo this is a good metaphor for God, who also cannot be measured with a ruler, but we know His presence, by how the world is animated.

"whence is cometh and whither it goeth" points to the fact that we cannot know the future, or really, the past. the mysteries of the beginning and ending of creation are incomprehensible to us as beings of creation.

There are no mysteries of the beginning or the end for God foretold it all. It is a matter of reading the Bible with understanding, God's wisdom, to know and understand the beginning, the present, how it all ends and the future.
 

Bolivar687

Banned
Can anyone recommend a Bible passage?

Thought of you while praying the Psalms tonight (34:19-23)

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted,
saves those whose spirit is crushed.

Many are the troubles of the righteous,
but the Lord delivers him from them all.

He watches over all his bones;
not one of them shall be broken.

Evil will slay the wicked;
those who hate the righteous are condemned.

The Lord is the redeemer of the souls of his servants;
and none are condemned who take refuge in him.

I can't imagine what you've gone through. God doesn't promise us a life free from struggle but we can achieve the grace of inner perseverance, acceptance, and forgiveness of others, even in extreme circumstances, through solitary prayer and contemplation. A big level up for me was learning about the interior life, of earnestly inviting Jesus and his Father to dwell within you for infused contemplation. The book I read was The Three Ages of the Interior Life but Reginald Garrigou-Lagrange. The writings of Saint John of the Cross, namely the Dark Night of the Soul, are supposed to be classics on this as well.
 

Helscream

Banned
I've been unwell for a very long time now. Decades. I know God has saved me numerous times before because I've had instances of extremely bad luck that would have resulted in my death, but each time something equally unlikely happened that allowed me to get through unscathed. A lot of people have tortured me but I've forgiven them. I've been abused at a criminal level. But now that I've gotten through this, I find myself struggling with the damage. All the negatives are so unlikely I'd describe it as being cursed, but the saves were just as unlikely. It feels like everyone involved in the aforementioned events has gone on their way and moved on except for me.

Can anyone recommend a Bible passage? Job comes to mind, but I'm not finding it that constructive.

Obviously I don't know specifically what you are dealing with, here are some passages that come to mind.

Psalms 147:3 He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.

God is able, can, and will restore you.

Isaiah 49:15 Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee.
Isaiah 49:16 Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me.


God will not, can not, forget you. God is all-knowing. So he knows you, and your suffering as intimately if not more so than yourself.

2 Corinthians 4:8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair
2 Corinthians 4:9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed


We are not warned of oppression and persecutions, but promised it. Yet the God of Heaven will sustain us perpetually.

John 15:18 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.
John 15:19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.


When a person makes Jesus their Savior and Master, you will forever be at enmity with the world. I say this because sometimes you may feel like the world is against you.

Job 19:25 For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:
Job 19:26 And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God:

Job 19:27 Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.

Job despite his immense suffering still knew that the day would come when the promised Messiah set things right. He still clung to his faith, that one day he would witness the glory and image of God. Sometimes we have nothing, yet we must always hang onto Jesus Christ and the Cross. Hang on as long, and as madly as possible.

Despite the sins and trespasses that others might have committed against you. I would suggest you take it up in prayer and ask that God would assist you in the process of letting go of the past, and forgiving those who have wronged you. Forgiveness is not easy, and sometimes it can take days, weeks, months perhaps even years. Sometimes we as mortal beings lack the power to forgive others, this is why we must put our faith at what Christ did at the Cross and plead for God to help us, empower us, that we may travel the path of forgiveness.

Hope that provides some insight.
 

Chaplain

Member
Resources

“Reconciliation in a Divided Culture” with Michael Ramsden
I do not know if anyone has seen the original “Superman” movie, 1986 Christopher Reeves. If you have seen that movie you will remember, if you think what were his weaknesses? He did not have any apart from kryptonite. Superman had no weaknesses. Rationally-perfect, morally-perfect, ethically-perfect, kind, considerate, understanding, generous, handsome. He reminds me of me every time I think of him. That is why he was a superhero. He was perfect. But have you seen “Man of Steel,” the 2011 millennial remake? How does that movies start? Superman is lost on a boat in the fog struggling with his sense of identity, struggling with his sense of worth, emotionally unable to cope with the weight of expectation put on his shoulders. He feels cosmically lonely, cosmically abandoned, hurt, isolated. Superman, the modern-day superman, is a victim. I don’t know if any of you watch Marvel Superhero movies. But every Marvel Superhero has been used, abused, betrayed, abandoned, they are all victims. We are living at a time right now where all of our heroes have not been able to overcome the tragedies in their past, they are defined by them. This is what we mean when we talk of Global Victim Culture.
Why the 'cure' for Covid is far worse than the disease
Gospel for Asia's K.P. Yohannan argues Government imposed lockdowns in nations such as India are catastrophic
Evangelicals for Biden, Trump or any particular politician is blasphemous
I find it intriguing and somewhat surprising that some evangelical authors and speakers whose work I have benefited from are so fulsome in their praise of one presidential candidate (I would say the same about those who are for the other main presidential candidate – but that can wait for next week!). So my first question is why?
Audio: Does Life Have Meaning?
What is the meaning of life? Can we have meaningful lives without God? In this episode of Ask Away that originally aired in the fall of 2018, Drs. Jo and Vince Vitale draw on philosophy and their personal experiences to consider how different worldviews respond to these questions. They suggest that Christianity has a unique perspective and one that makes a practical difference, especially when life seems meaningless.
Pope Francis, Civil Unions, and Moral Truth
More deeply understanding the truth about marriage and human sexuality will help all of us flourish. And that is what a pastor like Pope Francis desires. We can understand—indeed we share—the frustration of our fellow Catholics with the ways in which the Holy Father conducts interviews and the ways in which the media distorts them, but we must not do anything to undermine the truth that sets us free.
Video: Kanye as Ecclesiastes Teacher Going Full God #2 on Joe Rogan
Kanye was on Joe Rogan turning heads. He goes full God #2 and no one dares say he's not allowed to bring that God into the public world. Why?


Video: Finding the Gospel in Contemporary Culture | Dr. Vince Vitale
Dr. Vince Vitale gives a talk on September 11, 2020, in an online forum. In this talk, "Finding the Gospel in Contemporary Culture," Vince shares his personal journey to faith, and the hope of the gospel in today's culture.


Video: On Proper Care and Feeding of Our Psychē | David Carreon, MD
David Carreon MD., a psychiatrist at Stanford, talks about caring for our mental health in this difficult season, and how the Christian faith impacts the experience.
 

#Phonepunk#

Banned
i really think there is going to be a new revival following this year. people are desperate for meaning and community. they want to love their neighbor, not hate them.

as we see forces of darkness trying to push the other direction, i can feel that people everywhere are waking up. moral relativisim is an utter failure and the Truth of objective Good and Evil is more clear than ever. just imo.
 

Chaplain

Member
New Resources:

Video: Race, Apologetics and Evangelism - Critical Witness
Clare [Williams] also trained with OCCA The Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics and she now works part-time as an OCCA Fellow. Her role includes speaking at and participating in evangelism events, being part of Q&A panels and making links with churches and Christian organisations. Clare is specifically aiming her apologetics to deal with questions of race and identity and we are looking to cover some of these big questions in this conversation.


Video: National Prayer Webinar with Joni Eareckson Tada
The purpose of Colson Center’s National Prayer Webinar is to remind us that our hope is “in the power of God working through the hearts of people.” As we head into election week, we would like to share with you a special, encouraging recording from Joni Eareckson Tada, regardless of whether or not you have registered for the National Prayer Webinar.


Video: Mike Cosper | The True Meaning of Being Made in God’s Image
During the session, he discussed the image of God and many of the characteristics of our Creator people are meant to reflect. Cosper then detailed three ways that reflecting the image of God is meant to bring about good in the world around us.


Video: How Should Christians Vote? (Sean McDowell and Ethicist Scott Rae)
Do Christians have an obligation to vote? What principles should shape how Christians think about voting? When it comes to politics, Christians often differ significantly. Yet there are some biblical principles all Christians can think through. In this episode, Scott and Sean offer some reflections for the upcoming election.


Video: Theology Reader Presentation
Theologian Alister McGrath shows you how to engage one of the readings from his market-leading textbook The Christian Theology Reader. This presentation looks at a reading from Augustine of Hippo on the relation of theology and philosophy, explaining its context, engaging its ideas, and reflecting on its ongoing theological importance.
 

Bolivar687

Banned
Recently, I've really come to appreciate that not only did the Lord come to institute a new covenant with all mankind for our redemption and salvation, but that he also gave us a new divine and holy family to help sustain us on this adventure, that he invited us to become true children of his heavenly Father.

This also meant affording us recourse to an immaculate intercessor, his blessed mother. Just as she intervened on behalf of the newlyweds at Canaa before Christ was ready to perform his signs, so does she now retrieve graces and other heavenly gifts for us even when her son thinks we are not quite ready. I also find it interesting that it was on the Cross, at the completion of our redemption, that our Lord decided the time was right to entrust his Mother to the Church and the Church to his Mother (John 19:25-27). How much Christ must love us to not only make his heavenly bounty available to us, to also give us a loving relationship with his mother to help us on the journey.
 

Bolivar687

Banned
Father Michael McGivney, the founder of the Knights of Columbus, was beatified yesterday by Pope Francis. I just watched a thanksgiving mass at his parish in Connecticut, it was pretty cool.


The beatification comes in part as a result of a miracle with a child born to a family of the Knights of Columbus. They were told the child had down syndrome and fetal hydrops and that the two together gave him a 0% chance of survival. They asked Father McGivney for his intercession during a pilgrimage to Fatima and the child subsequently survived and was born.

 

Chaplain

Member
Free online virtual performance of C.S. Lewis's The Great Divorce:

"An innovative, intimate virtual presentation of the C.S. Lewis classic! Through the magic of green-screen technology, join four actors on a bus ride from hell to heaven. On arrival, they are invited to stay if they forego the flaws that damned them in the first place. The result is a theatrical clash that is poignant, humorous and deeply insightful about the human condition."

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Two performance dates:

Saturday, 14 Nov, 4pm (ET) (register here: https://mailchi.mp/fpatheatre/need-subject-line-1367384)
Sunday, 15 Nov, 4pm (ET) (register here: https://fpatheatre.com/tour/tgd-general-public/)
 
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