Messages

21

Introduce Yourself / Re: Kia Ora from New Zealand (Part One)

« on: June 29, 2021, 07:56:39 AM »

Yes we scattered all over! Chris has brought this up a few times in his teachings as well.
But I do like that idea! I agree when it's warm would be good. (Missing the warmth now as the cold as suddenly come.)

Soulless is an adjective I would use to describe Auckland haha. I agree Dunedin has character too and I was shocked how flat Christchurch was when I visited haha.

Yeah I do agree that it tends to be carnal. I didn't go last year (though I forget if there was one or not.) It's seems almost impossible to change people's minds on just one particular viewpoint, and quite a waste of time at the end of the day. When you consider the truth that unless their mind is changed in regards to their sin and Jesus Christ it doesn't really matter.
I was heavily involved with the ProLife club at my university (UoA) and still help out a bit, but it seems so pointless to me now. But I am glad the club exists and hope it continues to, they've tried to disaffiliate us three time in the clubs history. Though that was before my time.

I've had to learn again recently that I need to be more vigilant in confessing sins. It really is liberating. Praise the Lord for his mercy!

Holy Laughter sounds rather terrifying!
Yeah I thinking you are right about my friend's mum. 1 John 4:1 is good verse to keep in mind thanks. I might bring it up when I enquire further.

Exams and uni is all done now so I have a lot more free time but I will do my best and redeem it Lord willing! I have another post that I am working on that I'll post before the videogame one that I think you will find interesting.

22

Bible Discussion / Re: How to study the Bible?

« on: June 29, 2021, 12:10:09 AM »

Great insight you guys! Will be taking these things into consideration as I rethink how I do my personal study, so great timing too

Rowan I think that I've seen that Prayer of Jabez book in my house growing up haha. Always eyed it with suspicion. Might have a look into that Tecarta App.

The Blue Letter Bible looks like it could be a useful too as well Heather. But will stick just to the references. Do you often find cross-referenced verses that aren't actually related?
I like to pick a random chapter in those books too, usually the Psalms if I'm with someone and we're not sure what to read.

Indeed an excellent point, Dylan!
 

23

Introduce Yourself / Re: Kia Ora from New Zealand (Part One)

« on: June 26, 2021, 12:49:21 PM »

It's interesting how we all seem to be quite spread out...

Yes I thought the exact same thing! It brought to mind,
Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, - 1 Pete 1:1
And other various verses that discuss the flock of God being scattered. We've got a pretty even distribution throughout the country. xD I think of that verse cause a friend of mine was talking about it, but in his translation, scattered is exiled. Which is a very different implication. And if you consider the church buildings, like he is a part of, it doesn't make sense for the Church to be scattered, well because the Church meets at church every Sunday!

I have been to Wellington twice, both just for a night or two to attend the annual March for Life. I really like it there, I find it a lot more pleasant and that it has a lot more character than Auckland, but that also might be partly cause I'm just getting a bit sick of Auckland haha.

I didn't mean to belabour the point, considering three others had already brought it up. It's clear that you received it humbly and have learned from it. But I just wanted to preface that before by my comment.
I can understand the willingness to share a bit too much. Often I have to shrug off the temptation cause usually the circumstances aren't quite appropriate. But it can be very relieving to get things off your chest.

Haven't heard of "holy laughter" before, but "a word from the Lord", or "prophetic vision" definitely heard that a few too many times. I have a friend is a repentant believer, and his mother is very much in this way of thinking / speaking. Somewhat recently he's told me of some rather crazy things that were foretold prophetically that have come to her and some other people, and have actually come true. But oftentimes they are usually quite worldly things, but still quite astounding. I didn't know what to make of it at the time but it's made me very concerned for what spirits are operating. Cause like you said about your mother, "what spirit"? I know she also was involved with deliverance ministries as well and has briefly mentioned to me some of the stuff that happened during those things, like people levitating. But yeah I am slowly understanding more but still need to look into this more before I approach anyone on the matter.

the first word uttered by both John the Baptist and the Lord Jesus Christ in their public ministries was "Repent".

Yeah I absolutely agree. I think it illustrates just how important it is, and it's a point I go on about whenever I talk to someone about repentance.

I had a read of your first post on the videogame thread. Thanks for sharing those details, the Exodus 32:6 is definitely food for thought as well. I suppose the things we enjoy the most typically are idols, and playing is all about enjoyment. I was also thinking, many of the games that you were involved have never really appealed to me. But that's probably because they contain no witchcraft! Yet it is interesting that even things that aren't inherently evil can still be bad, like it seems to be a trend through technology. Like junk food is badly made food, not inherently evil, but can lead to gluttony. I think of some of those games you describe similarly, not inherently bad, but how they are designed it can easily lead you into a trap. Just because through our modern age more things have become more stimulatingly, and can lead to unideal circumstances and often sin. But idk just an unfleshed out idea I've had.
Funny you mention people taking careers from playing simulators. I used to play an mmo with someone that played trucking simulator and he was considering that as a career cause he quite liked it haha.
I have some more to say about videogames, there's one in particular I want to post about that might be interesting to others. But I'll get on to that and plenty of other stuff I've been putting off after my last exam on Monday!

24

Introduce Yourself / Re: New Member

« on: June 26, 2021, 11:45:06 AM »

Hello Dylan!

Thanks for sharing your testimony as well as the further details in your other posts, I enjoyed reading then. Very interesting about your experience listening to that preacher and the voice that was revealing your sin. Was the preacher preaching directly on sin?
I had a kind of similar experience before I was saved. Similarly I was in a cult church building for a while, but one time there was preaching on idolatry and I remember being overcome with unjust anger, as deep down I knew I was particularly guilty of it and needed to give them up. Though I didn't repent until several months afterwards. But I find it interesting that I was convicted majorly even though the preacher was leavened as with yours.
Reminds me of Philippians 1:18,
What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.
seems God still makes use of false preachers to convict sinners. 

in fact you could say hes a reprobate as he likes to call people.

Very good point, ironic and sad.

25

Introduce Yourself / Re: New Member

« on: June 25, 2021, 10:42:39 AM »

Sad that she had to be banned but I hope she reads those articles/book and that God gives her understanding.

I appreciate all the discussion on deliverance ministries and such though.
When I first got saved I used to watch this deliverance ministry by this guy named Chris Lasala. He said some firm words in his videos that were good for me to hear at the time, but man he is actually quite insane, and eventually observed that we was quite leavened as well.
He has many videos of himself "casting out" demons. Generally, the videos are of people convulsing and acting very strangely, like they are demon possesed, while Chris is, as Rowan aptly puts it, "trash talking the devil". They go on for quite some time as well, and then they kind just stop, and then the person all of a sudden seems to be normal again. And then he's usually like "we'll have to do this again", like it's a continual process. He used to quote just the first part of Romans 7:18 a lot,
For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.
The implication being that demons are dwelling in the flesh.

For a while it's bewildered me, and I have wondered what on earth am I witnessing here. But, especially after reading your guys posts, I am concluding that though they might be engaging with real demons and devils (I'm not sure if all the time),  and that it is possible (there seems to be Christians who deny that this stuff happens), it's not something we should seek out, let alone setup an entire ministry around doing such a thing.

26

Introduce Yourself / Re: Kia Ora from New Zealand (Part One)

« on: June 25, 2021, 07:55:17 AM »

Hello Rowan!

I found your introduction to be a very fascinating read and there were many things that I related to as well. Though it was a bit more of a biography than an introduction! That's not a complaint though haha. 

I do agree with Tim, Kevin, and Chris that this post wasn't the appropriate place to go into those details relating to your sexual sins. However I did find your analysis on child discipline enlightening, especially the part about violating the child's modesty. This was how myself and my siblings were often "disciplined". Like yourself and others, it was nearly always done out of anger and not with our best interest in mind. I can see how this could have contributed to my own struggles with sexual sins so this was quite an eye opener. It really does produce wicked fruit!

Video games was another part of your testimony that I related to. In fact Chris' article on videogames was exactly how I came across CLE in the first place. They certainly are very addicting, and before you know it, days, months then years of your life have been eaten away.

Being from New Zealand as well (I live in Auckland), I personally really enjoyed hearing about the various things you detailed over the year. It's interesting to hear what life was like, but especially the details concerning the various religious influences that you witnessed.
Both of my parents are from "Christian" families, and it's interesting to hear about aspects of the religious influences in the culture that were happening that could have influenced them to end up where they are today. (I am doubtful of all of them.)
For instance, like with your mother, I have recently noticed my own mother and a few of her family seem to have a strong Pentecostal/Charismatic influence. As well as my one of my friends' parents of a similar age. Also helps me to see why everyone is so lukewarm these days.

Most interesting however, and most important, was your journey in faith over the years. Because you had some very good understanding after what you call your Great Theological Shift. But it's amazing that you seemed to be so close on paper, but also so far off as well. It's incredible, and incredibly sad how many people are so close to salvation, the very Book of Salvation in their homes. But yet so far, cause they miss one absolutely crucial thing; repentance. I will be forever thankful for this understanding and gift. And thank the Lord that you eventually received this crucial gift as well!

Glad the Lord has lead you here and I look forward to reading more of your posts on the forum!

27

Wild Emails @ CLE / Re: How "Conspiracy Ministries" Warp the Minds of Their Listeners

« on: March 23, 2021, 03:41:33 AM »

Not sure if someone has mentioned this before, but I've noticed that conspiracy ministries really like to quote that Hosea verse.

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.” - Hosea 4:6

It's a great verse, but it felt like the only verse the conspiracy ministries I used to watch would ever quote. Probably because it's the only verse that they can use to kind of justify what they do. Though as you infer most of the time their 'knowledge' isn't even factual.

Also in these emails it really surprises me how quick people are to rail after even one response that they don't like. If I received an unfavourable reply I'd be wondering what I did wrong. I guess it wastes a bit less time though.

Thanks for posting this email, it's helpful to see more examples of these conspiracy-obsessed type people.

28

General Discussion / Re: Covid-19

« on: February 16, 2021, 08:26:10 PM »

Strangely enough I've actually met Siouxsie before during my first semester at university. She and this other lady ran this course, basically to broaden scientific perspectives and understanding of the scientific method etc. They eventually took us through some useful things like what makes a good research proposal for grants in future semesters. But the first semester was more focused on kind of keeping us entertained with different interesting talks, and they'd have a lot of guest speakers come in.

The other course coordinator along with Siouxsie called herself a 'gender historian'. Yep. Needless to say it was quite an uncomfortable first semester. In one session the gender historian posed the question; does Elon Musk sending a tesla into outer space a symbol of toxic masculinity? Just one of the many examples where they pushed their philosophies.

Sioxsie herself ran one session about infectious diseases. I can't remember much about the content. However we had a movie night to follow that session the film we watched was called 'Contagion'. Surprisingly or unsurprisingly, the entire plot line is exactly what the mainstream media is trying to tell us.

The plot basically boils down to: some person contracts a deadly contagious disease in China, gets spread worldwide but mostly in the States. Lots of predictable things happen, and there's also many forgettable characters each with their own side stories. Eventually a vet develops a vaccine, heroically tests it on herself to see if it works. It does. And everyone is saved. Hurray!

Pretty crazy that she's basically playing out the script from a movie she got my classmates to watch!

29

General Discussion / Re: Video Games: Causing Witchcraft to Prosper

« on: January 22, 2021, 10:11:45 AM »

(continuation of post oops)

"And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God." - Luke 16:15

Videogames are an excellent example of the truth of the verse. An example from another game I poured 3,500 hours of my life into, was Final Fantasy 14. Now that time doesn't include all the time I also spent obsessing over it, watching videos and keeping up to date on the news, and so and so forth. This game is an MMORPG, it's online so you you play with other people. Chris did well to warn us of MMOs in his article, because they are truly never-ending, and it will suck away your life.
In these types of games, they add expansions to the game, which is a whole heap of content, equivalent to a whole new games in of itself. Since it's relaunch it's always been quite popular, but it's most recent expansion was by far the most popular, its story rivaling the other giants of the series. But by far it is the most wicked.
It's called Shadowbringers. You're character, the warrior of light, must now become the warrior of darkness because there is a flood of light (the pagan ying and yang idea that light and darkness must be in equilibrium.) The enemies you face are called the sineaters, demonic creatures of the light, and you need to go around killing these lightwardens to contain the light (on top of other nonsense  ) There are many other wicked details, for instance the astrologian class (a class that uses tarot cards to cast magic) its new final skill was literally called divination! But I think what really set it apart, was that the I believe that the story line actually conditions you to have sympathy for the devil and his fallen angels for being cast out of heaven, at least that's what I gathered from details I looked at. Cause I never actually played this expansion.

However believe it or not, I was intending to play this expansion. In classic addict fashion, I thought I'd play one more expansion, then that would be the end of it. One more drink! But God convicted me big time, he couldn't let me play such an abominable game. And I deleted my character and all the hours I put into it.

We must cast away our old lives, and remember Lot's wife, to not be like her. And thank God that he is so merciful and patient, because I am have been guilty of being like her. Having fond memories of these wicked abominations has been one of the hardest things to overcome. It's true that the nostalgia can be so powerful. But really I am concluding that nostalgia is really a problem of idolatry in the heart. But we mustn't forget that these idols are wicked in the sight of God. And that anything we might think is good or admirable about them is devils mixing in some good things to sell us more sin and wicked philosophies.

One last thought, and is one that has crossed my mind fairly often is, "imagine going to hell cause I wanted to keep playing videogames." (Not that playing videogames sends us to hell, but as in imagine rejecting God for them.) Really helps to put things in perspective for me.

"Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils. - 1 Corinthians 10:21"

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." - Romans 12:1-2

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General Discussion / Re: Video Games: Causing Witchcraft to Prosper

« on: January 22, 2021, 10:06:01 AM »

Hello Luke,

Ellie and Kenneth have already given great scripture and advice. But I thought I'd share as well as this article is actually how I came across CLE, and where I was lead by God to learn that I needed to repent.

I found the article because I was seeking to justify myself, because I had been convicted about the contents of my videogames, though I knew for a long time that there was something quite wrong about them. I would always get annoyed and lifted up in my pride whenever someone would dare suggest if anything in my beloved video games of tv shows were demonic. I always thought people that those types of people were paranoid as well, and the type of people who would flee to the country and have no internet access. Never thought I'd ever agree with them on this!

After reading the article I become very distressed, and was down in the dumps for a good part of the week, because videogames were pretty much what I lived for, they were my idol 100%.

"He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal." -John 12:25

 I had never been so depressed about anything up to that point, cause I know I had to give them up.

"For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death" - 2 Corinthians 7:10.

Once I had finally accepted that they were wicked, like Ellie, God began to reveal so many things. But most importantly that I needed to repent towards God to be saved.

I didn't turn away from all videogames completely however. The main videogame series I use to play, which was Final Fantasy, I accepted that most of them were not fit to play because of their demonic summons that featured in the game. However I still continued playing the Kingdom Hearts series because the magic in that game was a little more easier to excuse, but there was still plenty of dodgy stuff that I looked past as well.
When I continued to play the games, I was the only one home for a while as my family were away. I remembered being afraid to be in the dark again, having strange and irrational fears when being alone. And we don't know the full extent of how these things are affecting us.

The other thing though is that in these types of media that are entrenched in witchcraft often teach doctrines that opposite to the doctrines of Christ. For example, in Kingdom Hearts 3, Mickey Mouse says "May you heart be your guiding key." Whereas the Bible says "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?" - Jeremiah 17:9 Another example is Minecraft. Now after all the witchcraft we're used to seeing, most people give it a pass in terms of occult content. But really, when you consider the monsters that come out night, zombies and skeletons etc, and how over time in updates they've added things like cauldrons and the ability to enchant weapons etc, there is actually a lot of witchcraft in this game. Yet I believe that there is something that the game communicates that is often missed by most people. In Minecraft, Hell is just a place you can visit, where you can come and go as you please. It's called the Nether officially, but in the early development it was actually called Hell, but everyone already knows what it's supposed to be.
Minecraft subtly communicates to people that Hell isn't a place you should be afraid of, but a place you can go an conquer. Massively downplaying the wrath of God. This is the only thing that makes sense to me as to why the game is so massively popular.

31

Evangelism / Re: Do all conversions look the same?

« on: January 21, 2021, 07:13:40 PM »

It really is that simple. Apologies for overcomplicating it.

The fear of man brings a snare, But whoever trusts in the LORD shall be safe. Proverbs 29:25 

I have been conscious of this verse and know I am guilty of snaring myself in this fear but your words have helped me move forward with this. For which I am very thankful!

I have discussed repentance with a few Christians that I know since posting this and it's been amazing to confirm that they have come to repentance as well and to have that confidence and assurance in their salvation. I wasn't surprised really, cause I could see a lot of fruit, and also observing how they have changed over time. But I was still uncertain. They have some way to go on certain doctrine and I will be doing my best to explain to them and bring things to their attention.
 I still have a long way to go myself clearly, I am ashamed at how long it's taken me to start having these discussions. But thank the Lord He is emboldening me.

32

Evangelism / Do all conversions look the same?

« on: January 16, 2021, 01:04:49 AM »

This is a question I've been considering for a fair while now. For myself and many others on the forum that I've read, we can pinpoint an event, and know when we came to repentance towards God and thus when we were converted. And these events are typically quite dramatic, with a lot of tears and grief, and after which, are lives change majorly, and we begin warring against the flesh.

Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. Acts 3:19

Repentance is clearly necessary for salvation, but can everyone that is saved pinpoint more or less when they received repentance? Or could they receive repentance perhaps a bit slower, in a more subtle and less obvious way that they didn't notice or it didn't really stick out to them when it happened? (And of course some people are already are repentant and humbled and just need to believe, like the prison keeper in Acts 16. But I think probably the majority of the forum had a decent understanding of the importance of believing in Christ and what he did before being saved.) It seems a lot of people are unware when the foundation of repentance is laid in ones heart. However we know in most cases it is not.

Why I ask is that I wish to be more vocal and outspoken about repentance with those that I know, but I don't want to cause those that I am confident are saved to doubt their salvation (though I want to have certainty with them), but I want those that I believe to be false converts, like I once was, to have fear.

Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? -Matthew 7:16

Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. - Philippians 2:12

Those that I am quite confident in their salvation have been very receptive and thought it made sense. But those that I am confident are false have mocked it.

Hopefully my question is clear enough, but more than happy to clarify.

33

General Discussion / Re: Just Downloaded and Installed "Brave" Browser and... Wow!

« on: January 12, 2021, 08:49:20 AM »

Wow indeed! I've been using Firefox for the past year or so because I've been more conscious of Google's ways, and Firefox is regarded as a pretty good browser in terms of privacy. But looks like Brave is even better in this department as well as in speed!

I am shocked at how much faster it is than Firefox, I was actually getting quite frustrated with how slow it would be on certain websites. I was also always concerned at how much memory Firefox used as well.
So I decided to take compare the two browsers, I had the same amount of tabs open on the same websites on both of them, and when I looked at how much RAM was being used, Brave was using 417.9 MB and Firefox was using 1,032. MB! (RAM/memory is the short term memory of a computer, I understand that it's kind of like the workspace for the CPU, the part of the computer that does most of the processing for those that might be curious.)
I tested again by playing a video on both browsers, and Brave was using around about 700, and Firefox around about double again!

Perhaps since I had some a few extensions on my Firefox, maybe that contributed to it being slower, but I don't think it would be that significant. So Brave is not only faster, but seems far more efficient too.

I've been using Brave for the past couple days now and I've been enjoying it a lot. Thanks a lot for sharing!


 

34

Bible Discussion / Re: Sons of Thunder

« on: January 12, 2021, 08:09:47 AM »

That is very interesting! Funny enough I actually read that in Mark this morning and I did wonder why they were named that. :O

35

General Discussion / Re: PLEASE READ: About The Changes in America, and Your Grief

« on: January 09, 2021, 07:45:30 AM »

Thanks a lot for this post. I was filled with a lot of despair last evening as I was learning more about what's happening. But I am encouraged by this post and all the scripture and thoughts that were shared in the other thread too.

I hadn't really considered that if times get really bad then people would be more likely to humble themselves before God. Right now Revelations 3:17 applies to much of the world:
Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
With fewer things to blind people, they may be more likely to come to understand their true state. So I will be comforted with this understanding when things get really bad and tribulations and persecution comes, and right now as well as we anticipate them.

Also makes me want to not waste any more time at all and get to work!

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Introduce Yourself / Re: My name is Heather Taylor

« on: September 28, 2020, 08:22:23 AM »

Hello Heather,

Apologies it's a little late now but, Welcome! It was wonderful to read your testimony and praise God you found this ministry! I am rejoicing right along with you!

I see you've been talking about home births. I was born at home myself, though it was a while ago so I don't remember the details lol. So was my little sister, and then my older sister gave birth to her youngest son at home too, all in the same house funny enough!

My auntie is a midwife and she delivered me and nearly all my siblings, and most of my cousins. She's all about doing things naturally and she's done a lot of home births. So I think finding a good, supportive midwife is important. But I don't really know much this kind of stuff XD

Godbless you and your family

Joshua   

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Bible Discussion / Re: How to study the Bible?

« on: July 05, 2020, 08:15:23 AM »

(Apologies for my slow reply! I had my last exam the other day and then limited access to a computer.)

Has the Holy Spirit convicted you to go through it book by book slowly?  That is how you should study then.  

The Bible says Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15
As long as you are doing that, I am not sure there is a certain way to study.

I've been thinking about that verse quite a lot recently. So I'm thinking I better do it right haha! Reading more slowly, so that I can also meditate on scripture more is what I think I need to do to study better. But also I need to set up a routine and have a method and plan or I just procrastinate and don't end up doing any Bible study.
But you've made me consider that I'm probably overthinking it a little bit so I won't stress too much over the details.

Thank you for those points Kevin. Gives me good principles to keep in mind for how I should approach my study.
Those verses in Isaiah are wonderful, I'm seeing more and more how important correlating verses are and that context is critical.

It's a pretty sad state of affairs in most church buildings. Memorizing scripture so you can prove and back up what your saying will be very helpful for those who value what scripture says. Though it might be a good idea to for me to just remember what verses talk about what to begin with. Also I'm glad that Chris quotes scripture a lot cause it helps me to remember it too.

Yeah taking notes on a computer is just so much more efficient and faster. Though I do like writing by hand, I just don't write fast enough. Though I might figure out a way to incorporate both methods.
 Interesting to hear about you studying the two accounts, I remember being quite confused going through those books.

Reoccurring themes sound great to keep track of!


Thanks Tonya and Kevin!

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Bible Discussion / How to study the Bible?

« on: June 27, 2020, 08:17:29 PM »

Hello everyone!

I am curious to know how you guys approach your personal studying of the Bible.
A couple of months ago I finished reading through the Bible, just going through it at a fast pace, just to have read it through once. Since then, I have been going through Genesis again but a lot more slowly and taking notes. But I would like some more ideas on how I should go about it.
 
More precisely some of the things I am wondering: do you focus on studying one book at a time? How do you decide what book to study? And if you want to study by topic, how do you approach that?
Are there any major differences in how you approach studying the Old Testament compared to the New Testament? Such as an epistle versus a large book like the books of Moses or Isaiah?
What kind of things do you take note of?
What do you use to take notes and why; pen and paper or do you type on a computer?
Any guidelines on memorising scripture and what scripture to memorise?

Any wisdom you have I'd love to hear it

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What's New @ CLE / Re: (WEEKLY TEACHING) The Biblical Understanding of Weddings & Marriage p5

« on: April 17, 2020, 07:57:21 AM »

My cousin got married at a registry office and one of my friends who went to the church she used to go to (that I also attended briefly) made the remark that because they weren't married with the church as a witness, that they did not consider their marriage to be legitimate.

I didn't say anything at the time but it got me really thinking about the requirement for marriage and if that church in particular thought that the requirement was somehow different for Christians, or that all marriages outside of the church were somehow illegitimate.
 
Thank the Lord that he's made marriage so simple, and not based upon some arbitrary rules or rituals that all the cultures around the world wouldn't know about unless they had direct access to the Bible (assuming those rituals etc were put in the Bible.) Otherwise they would be sinning over and over (even more than they would have been already) and bringing upon themselves curses just by continuing their civilisation. Cause when you think about it, pretty much every culture has some sort of understanding or instituation of marriage incorporated within it. It's a part of the law written on their hearts.

It angers me that people place so much arbitrary emphasis on these tradiations to give a marriage legitimacy, and especially hearing about what Chris and Lorraine went through. Not surprised the Catholic Church has a similiar approach but hearing about the origins of the phrase "holy matrimony" sure did shock me a bit. I would never have suspected such a phrase...

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Bible Discussion / Re: Debt

« on: March 07, 2020, 09:47:14 PM »

Thanks for that Kevin. Education being like buying a house is a great comparison. Both huge investments with lots to consider. I wish I had though of it like that before studiyng, though I'm very thankful for where I am currently and the options I have avaliable. I'm going to start putting a lot more effort into having a good understanding of the opportunities around me. I have started doing so a little already, but up untill this point I have fallen into the trap of thinking that my degree would sort out my career for me. And like you were saying it's more about the qualities of the person than the degree.

Thanks for that suggestion, Jeanne. I'm close to finishing my degree now at my current university so I'll likely just finish it. But if cross creditting is possible it could be a really great option. 

Also I apologise for creating this thread in the Bible Discussion topic. My questions were less biblically focused than I thought.