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Bible Discussion / Is this rebuke Biblical?

« on: October 12, 2020, 09:36:45 AM »

A few weeks ago my husband's sister rebuked me for not attending church (i.e. a church building) on Sunday morning. My husband and I were talking about having some family pictures taken at his sister's friend's apple orchard and I was asking for her phone number so we could get the owners' permission. Our photographer suggested Saturday or Sunday morning. She is an old friend who was driving from far away (with a baby) and we wanted to be flexible for her schedule and in case of bad weather. His sister was shocked that we were considering doing them on a Sunday morning because we should be in church. (At this point in the conversation my husband was listening to someone else talking, as we were at his parents house and the whole family was around, so he didn't hear any of her rebuke.) She continued to allude to us not being in church regularly, citing Hebrews 10, and said it was the Lord's day. She also mentioned the church being God's house.

And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
-Hebrews 10:24-25

I was very flustered and not prepared but I was aware of what Hebrews 10 says. I said that the church is the body of Christ, not a building. I can't remember if I said every day is the Lord's day. She went on to suggest that we were isolating ourselves by not worshiping with other Christians on Sunday morning in a church building. We were talking about the pictures while I was gathering our things up to leave to get our daughter home for a nap, so that was pretty much the end of the conversation as we were ready to go.

When we left I felt awful. I had been wondering if we were going against God by not fellowshipping with other Christians, but I also know that church is full of leaven: 501C3, tithing, Christmas, Easter, trunk-or-treat, cross symbols, new-age "Christian" music, gluttonous pastor, etc. My husband has not asked us to go to church in a long time (I'm sure partly due to Covid and them being shut down and because we haven't attended regularly since my daughter was born) and I wasn't going to ask him to go. I'm sure if will come up again in the future, as he continues to send tithe, something else we disagree on. He knows that I don't want to attend that church, although when he has asked, I've told him I will go out of obedience.

When we got home, I began to search and study to see if she was Biblically correct in her rebuke. It is my understanding that there are no commandments stating that we must worship on a specific day of the week and I am certain about my statement that the church is Christ's people, not a building.

And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
-Colossians 1:18

I am currently reading in Deuteronomy and while studying the meaning of "observer of times", I came across Galatians 4, which refers to the sabbaths and Holy Days God commanded for the Jews.

But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain.
-Galatians 4:9-11

Does this not extend to the traditions of Sunday worship today? Doesn't Sunday worship stem from the Catholic Church's attempt to fuse their pagan practices with the sabbath? Then I read Romans 14.

One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it.
-Romans 14:5

It sounds like this verse is saying that whatever day a person chooses to dedicate to the Lord is acceptable. I decided to look at Christopher's teachings to see if this is a topic that has already been addressed. I found the quote below from the article on the sabbath that mentions this same verse in Romans 14. (I added the bold and underline in the first paragraph of the quote for emphasis.) http://www.creationliberty.com/articles/sabbath.php

The Lord Jesus Christ is our passover and our sabbath. He, and He alone, is the fulfillment of these prophecies, and if we continue in those traditions, like celebrating passover and keeping the Sabbath, we are denying that He has fulfilled the law and prophets. If someone wants to have a specific day that they designate to honor the Lord God in their homes, that's perfectly acceptable, but when they teach the Body of Christ that they are required to do this, that's not acceptable, and I will not let them deceive my brethren.

One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.
-Romans 14:5

Finally, I want to quote the leavened website again with their "principles" on how to keep the Sabbath:

"We keep the Sabbath by enjoying a spiritually fulfilling Sabbath. On the Sabbath, we are to pause from our normal routines - our work, shopping, errands, activities, sports, television - and spend the day doing things that are spiritually focused."
-Erik Jones, "How to Keep the Sabbath as a Christian," retrieved Aug 11, 2015, [lifehopeandtruth.com/bible/10-commandments/sabbath/how-to-keep-the-sabbath]

Folks, THAT is the problem right there; we have a generation that is so indoctrinated and trained into the traditions and pleasures of this world, they only take out time from their precious worldy habits to focus on the things of God one day out of the week. (And not really the whole day, just a small portion of it.) Furthermore, if people give up their worldly pleasures for a day, they're not enjoying the Sabbath, and therefore, if we follow the teachings of this website, they're not keeping the Sabbath. If the only spiritual focus you have is sitting in a church building pew for 45 minutes once a week, then you need to examine yourself immediately:

Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
-2 Corinthians 13:5

I'm not saying Christians need to study their Bibles and pray every hour of every day, but you ought to do it some throughout the week. If a church building has become your only place of studying the Word of God, you are a part of CHURCHianity, not CHRISTianity, and if you believe and teach that all Christians must observe the Sabbath, then, according to the Lord Jesus Christ, you're no better than the dog licking his own vomit.

While most "Christians" do not claim they keep the sabbath, they apply similar principles to Sunday, but usually only Sunday morning. I know my husband's sister does not abstain from ALL activities on Sundays, she just reserves Sunday morning as the Lord's day. If I am understanding this correctly, she can choose to worship God on Sunday and I can choose to worship Him on another day, and we are both correct and should not judge one another. If I am wrong in anything that I have said, please correct me. I hope I am reading these verses with clear understanding and not with clouded goggles in an attempt to justify myself.

What my husband's sister does not know is that I am part of this forum and listen to CLE teachings at home. And thanks to the work of the Holy Spirit, my husband and I are now listening together. She never once asked me any questions, rather rebuked me for not following a specific set of rules for worship. My question is, what constitutes "assembling together" and am I guilty of forsaking that?

For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
-Matthew 18:20

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Bible Discussion / Observer of Times

« on: October 09, 2020, 04:31:05 PM »

I am currently reading in Deuteronomy and I find it interesting the number of times God warned the Israelites to not follow after the gods of the people they are driving out of the land He promised them. The importance of this warning is clear as God repeated it many times and gave instructions for breaking down their alters, burning their idols, and killing any Israelite who is found guilty of worshiping these strange gods. However, I need some help understanding the meaning of the phrase "observer of times".

When thou art come into the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations. There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee.
-Deuteronomy 18:9-12

My initial thought was this means someone who celebrates the seasons such as the spring equinox (today called Easter), the winter solstice (today called Christmas), etc. The word "time" has at least a dozen definitions in Noah Webster's 1828 dictionary, depending on the context. The second one refers to a season and seemed to make the most sense.

TIME, noun [Latin tempus; tempora, the falls of the head, also tempest, etc. See Tempest. time is primarily equivalent to season; to the Gr.wpa in its original sense, opportunity, occasion, a fall, an event, that which comes.]

1. A particular portion or part of duration, whether past, present or future. The time was; the time has been; the time is; the time will be.

Lost time is never found again.

God, who at sundry times, and in divers manners, spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets. Hebrews 1:1.

2. A proper time; a season.

There is a time to every purpose. Ecclesiastes 3:1.

The time of figs was not yet. Mark 11:13.

Here is the link to all the definitions: http://webstersdictionary1828.com/Dictionary/time

This phrase also appears in the New Testament.

Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods. But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years.
-Galatians 4:7-10

This passage sounds like it is referring to the Holy Days the Israelites were commanded to observe in the Old Testament; however, God wasn't telling the Israelites in Deuteronomy not to observe that which He just told them to do. He was telling them not to learn after the ways of the heathen, so in this context it would make sense that "observer of times" is referring to the pagan seasonal celebrations. Please correct me if I am wrong in my interpretation.

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Bible Discussion / Will Christians be raptured before the final antichrist is known?

« on: August 23, 2020, 09:34:52 PM »

Earlier today my father-in-law said that Christians will be raptured before the final antichrist comes. I had recently re-read Christopher's article on Christian rapture so it was fresh in my mind and I was excited for an opportunity to share. I showed him the image from the article that outlines Jesus's return after the sixth seal is opened. He then went and got his Bible (I think he reads NKJV) and started showing me different verses from Revelation, which was just confusing me. I couldn't remember which chapter it talked about the seals, but I think we may have been talking past one another. While I was talking about Christ's return happening after the sixth seal is opened, that does not address his comment about Christians being around for the final antichrist. I do not have an understanding of that, but l do know the signs of His return and that many false prophets claim to be Christ.

For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
- Matthew 24:24

Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
- 2 Thessalonions 2:1-5

Is this verse saying that the final antichrist, the son of perdition, will be revealed before Christ returns? Is the verse in Matthew 24 talking about the final antichrist, or just all the false prophets that come before him? Or perhaps this is something that we cannot understand until the time comes? I do not have enough understanding to answer these questions, so perhaps one of you do.

And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood; And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind. And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places. And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?
- Revelation 6:12-17

Is this not describing the second coming of Christ, after the sun, moon, and stars go dark?

It was hard for me to tell exactly what he believes, but I do know that he follows David Jeremiah, a mega-church pastor in California who has a TV show and sells millions of books, DVDs, etc. making merchandise of people. In fact, my husband and I joined a small group my in-laws hosted at their house to watch the "Agents of the Apocalypse" video/book series he was promoting. This was after I believe I was saved, but prior to the Holy Spirit giving me any knowledge or understanding of Scripture, and prior to me finding CLE. I cannot remember a single thing from that series and I think that is a blessing from the Lord! Upon searching for David Jeremiah's stance on Christian rapture, I found all of the false doctrines surrounding this topic that most modern day churches preach. Knowing that my father-in-law follows this man and shares his end-time books and videos with others, I'm sure he believes in pre-trib rapture as well.

Here is the article from David Jeremiah on Christian rapture:
https://davidjeremiah.blog/what-is-the-rapture/

There is a short video in the post linked above titled "The Difference Between the Rapture and the Second Coming." The article says "this coming event [rapture] is the first part of Christ's two-part return to earth." What he is suggesting is that the rapture is not Christ's second coming, that His second coming is when He returns to earth to live with His elect, referring to what I can only assume is described in Revelation 21. "The two stages, Rapture and Return, will be separated by a seven-year Tribulation on earth."

And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
- Revelation 21:1-8

This passage clearly says it is a new heaven and a new earth. To say this is Christ's second return makes no sense. That would mean His final return is actually His third coming. There is no Biblical justification for such lies. The article also states "the rapture is a signless event" and "without any warning, Jesus Christ will return to rapture His saints and take them to heaven. Christians must live prepared lives, ready to meet their Savior at any moment." All of the Scriptures that detail the signs of Christ's return, including Matthew 24, are never once mentioned in the article. It's funny that all of these false doctrines are exactly what Christopher covers in his teaching - so predictable. I anticipate my father-in-law will put together an outline to defend his beliefs and to try to convince me of the same, as he has done in the past. I have a document prepared with some Scripture and I can always share Christopher's article; although I suspect it will fall on deaf ears, as he clings tight to the teachings of his favorite preacher, of which he has invested much time and money.

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General Discussion / Andy Stanley - North Point Community Church

« on: January 04, 2020, 06:11:36 PM »

One of my husband's family members invited us to a "Bible study" for married couples. In this "Bible study" they are going through a book called "Staying In Love" by Andy Stanley. I quickly responded by saying I was not interested and that I hope she gets out of it what she is looking for. Perhaps my response was too quick, but I had a feeling nothing edifying would come of it. My first problem with this is when people call a book club a Bible study. After looking up Andy Stanley my second, third, etc. problems with it became evident. He is the head pastor of the typical mega church. The first words on the church website are "Life doesn't come with instructions." Wow. Doesn't the Bible serve as instructions for a Christian? Apparently he thinks he can help you with his 24 years of experience more than God, our Creator and Savior, can help you. I read through the belief section of the website and, not surprisingly, it did not mention repentance in the part about salvation. The website doesn't look like it has anything to do with Christ or God's Word. Finally, I clicked on his latest sermon titled "Winning" and, also of no surprise, it felt like a comedy show mixed with a self-help seminar. It had absolutely nothing to do with Scripture. At 10:29 he begins telling a story about seven words that he wants to define his character and if any of those words are used to describe him at his funeral, he will "have lived my life in such a way that I was the person I always wanted to become." Shouldn't we be more concerned about living our lives according to God and His Word? Shouldn't we want to become the people He wants us to be? I turned it off after that, but I'm sure many of you won't even make it that far! From what I did see, it is the usual anecdotal sermon with a Bible verse thrown in to justify this or that (which oftentimes is even taken out of context). After learning all of this, I feel comfortable with my quick response wanting nothing to do with it. My husband received the same invite, but with his schedule I know he won't be able to attend anyway. Praise the Lord for that!

North Point Community Church
https://northpoint.org

Their Beliefs
https://northpoint.org/church-overview

Andy Stanley's Latest Sermon (as of 1/4/20) - Winning
https://northpoint.org/messages/winning

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General Discussion / The Catholic Church's Feast of Corpus Christi

« on: September 25, 2019, 07:56:11 AM »

The town I now call home I moved to 4 1/2 years ago after I married my husband (his hometown). It's about an hour from where I grew up. Unfortunately, from our house we can see the steeples of not one, but two Catholic Churches. One morning this summer my daughter and I were on a walk and noticed police cars blocking off the main road in town. I didn't think there were any festivals or parades happening at the time and was confused by the mass of people I saw coming down the street. At first I thought it was a band. As they got closer, I realized it was a procession of Catholics. The priests were dressed in their creepy robes and hats, one carried a parasol, another that incense thing on a chain. I can't remember if they had that sun relic or not. All the people were walking alongside them singing/chanting. I had never seen anything like it before. As soon as I realized what was going on, my daughter and I continued on our walk.

Something recently reminded me of this and I decided to look it up. The link below describes this event as the "Feast of Corpus Christi". I do not support, use, or endorse this organization in any way, I simply found it when Googling the definition.

"This feast is celebrated in the Latin Church on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday to solemnly commemorate the institution of the Holy Eucharist. Of Maundy Thursday, which commemorates this great event, mention is made as Natalis Calicis (Birth of the Chalice) in the Calendar of Polemius (448) for the 24th of March, the 25th of March being in some places considered as the day of the death of Christ. This day, however, was in Holy Week, a season of sadness, during which the minds of the faithful are expected to be occupied with thoughts of the Lord's Passion. Moreover, so many other functions took place on this day that the principal event was almost lost sight of. This is mentioned as the chief reason for the introduction of the new feast, in the Bull 'Transiturus.'"

http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/04390b.htm

I just skimmed the rest. It goes on to discuss one of their saints and a bishop and mentions indulgences and a vision of the church based on the moon. As if all of Churchianity celebrating Easter isn't bad enough, if I am understanding this correctly the Catholics used "the [supposed] day of the death of Christ" to highlight "many other functions [that] took place on this day" and then used the Feast of Corpus Christi to try and bring the attention back to Christ. Obviously, none of this is Biblical. I hope I don't have to witness anything like this again.

He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
Mark‬ 7:6-7‬ KJB

But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.
Matthew‬ 23:5-12‬ KJB

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness. Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.
Matthew‬ 23:25-28‬ KJB

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General Discussion / Rhogam Shot

« on: February 01, 2019, 02:11:14 PM »

Before I was even married, I felt uneasy about vaccines. Once I found out I was pregnant with my daughter, I began researching them. Thanks to the Lord and the work of the Holy Spirit, I was able to help my husband understand how dangerous they are and we have not vaccinated our daughter.

During pregnancy, however, I did receive the Rhogam shot. I am Rh negative and my husband is Rh positive. I felt pressure to get it because if my stomach was injuried or blood mixed during delivery, it would put the baby at a huge risk. My midwife was very open about everything and respected whatever decision we made, but she also told me about the Amish women she saw whose babies died because they did not get the shot. Have any of you researched this vaccine?

The article linked below talks about it from an anti-vaccine perspective. I had an uncomplicated delivery with my daughter and wish I would not have received it. I should have done more research! Fear based medicine at its finest. I am trying to prepare for future children and would appreciate any insight you might have on this matter.

https://www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com/rhogam-vaccine-big-pharma-profit-ploy/

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Bible Discussion / Conversing with "Christians"

« on: January 17, 2019, 09:04:54 PM »

A family member of mine shared this image on social media, to which I replied (comments are copied below). I do not normally post on social media, but felt like this was an opportunity to practice my understanding of the Scriptures. The link is to a photo posted on Facebook about bringing transgender people to know Jesus. I also want to state that I do not endorse this group or anything they post on Facebook.

https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/50636680_549565242215786_537126737432018944_o.jpg?_nc_cat=110&_nc_ht=scontent-ort2-2.xx&oh=e7709779219399543a699f1aacefc4f5&oe=5CC69689

Me: The problem is people don't read the Bible anymore. They listen to new-age "gospel" and add/take away from the true word of God to make it fit their sinful nature so they feel justified. Jesus said himself he did not come to bring peace but to divide. Of course, to those of us who read Scripture, this all comes as no surprise. Those championing the "all-inclusive" movement easily resort to labels that suggest we do not love, but what can be more loving than showing them the truth and the love God has for those who repent and believe in Christ Jesus? Jesus ate with sinners to bring them out of sin, not to "high five" them for it. God's kingdom is all-inclusive to those who have grief and godly sorrow for wrongdoing.

"Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God."
1 Corinthians‬ 6:9-10‬ KJV‬‬

effeminate - adjective - (of a man) having or showing characteristics regarded as typical of a woman; unmanly.

"Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division: For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three."
Luke 12:51-52 KJV

"If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. 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. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me. If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloak for their sin. He that hateth me hateth my Father also."
John 15:18-23 KJV

AJ: Hi Laura. I'm a seminary graduate who has studied the bible in the original languages and currently studies with theologians. Be careful when using accusations like "people don't read the Bible anymore" and "They listen to new-age "gospel" and add/take away from the true word of God to make it fit their sinful nature so they feel justified." If you haven't done the arduous work of reading the bible with experts from various backgrounds who disagree about its meaning, and/or you do not know any queer or transgender Christians, then there is almost certain likelihood that you're misreading it in a way that reflects your culture.

I won't go into a long diatribe about how horribly translated the KJV is (although it is beautiful prose), nor about how the Gospels were constructed in a way that positions Jesus' ministry as a way of re-orienting all commandments around the imperative of love. I will, however, ask you this: why did you quote that last passage from John? Both sides can accuse the other of "hating" them, but which side has the power to render others silent and worse through legislation and cultural norms?

Me: AJ, I already explained in my previous post that showing someone the truth is not hate. To suggest that you understand the Word of God better than someone else because you studied it in college is ludicrous! As for why I quoted from King James, this sums it up better than I can explain. Linked to: Why I Use The King James Bible - Creation Liberty Evangelism

AJ: I'm well aware of the arguments for why people use the KJV, I just disagree with them - strongly. The KJV actually in fact contains translations that border on heresy, which is why Evangelical Christianity - and the idea that there is ONE correct translation - also borders on heresy.

I'm not sure why it is ludicrous to suggest that some people know the Bible better than others. I didn't just study it in college. I'm working on a PhD. I will gladly say that I'm not an expert on the Bible, but I will also say that I do know experts, and if you haven't put in the work that they have, perhaps you might want to listen to them. Would you listen to your Pastor if they suggested you were reading it incorrectly? You may not recognize me as your pastor, yet I have been one, I'm married to one, and I study/have studied with many of them.

As for questions around gender and homosexuality, I am suggesting that if you haven't studied with experts on the topic, or if you don't even know any queer or transgender Christians, then you're likely very mis- or ill-informed on the topic.

End exchange

I did not reply further because he began twisting my words and only wants to have the last word. Afterwards, I learned that his gentleman used to be a friend of my family member and on a trip across the country, asked if he could stay with my family member. It was during this time that he revealed he believes that Jesus is just the character of a story. What I have learned from all of this is that I need to spend less time on social media (ideally, none) and more time studying the Word of God. If I want to have fellowship or practice my understanding of Scripture, I should look here. Also, if I was wrong in what I said or how I applied God's Word, please correct me.

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General Discussion / Guidance Please

« on: October 31, 2018, 12:55:20 PM »

Hello, Everyone!

I am new here and need some help and guidance on how to handle sharing all of the information on this site with my husband. Perhaps you have been in my situation and can relate and offer some suggestions. Or perhaps your response is just to engage in prayer over the issue. Either way, I appreciate your attention and support, and I hope this post is not in any violation of the rules.

I have been slowly sharing with my husband the truth behind the holidays we celebrate and call Christian, that in fact have evil, pagan roots. He has been open to hearing it, and agrees with most of it, but has communicated to me that he is exhausted with it all. He thinks I am trying to find ways to be different because I eat plant based, use cloth diapers, do not vaccinate, and now I am challenging all our traditions. He is more concerned with our child being accepted by the world, than doing what God has commanded us to do. I understand what the scriptures say about Christians being set apart. I do not want to raise our daughter to participate in all the pagan traditions of men, but my husband is not entirely on the same page. I do not know what to do. I also understand that he is the head of our family, and I even feel guilty coming on here asking for help. Should I? We recently got into an argument over participating in an infant dedication at our church. He wants to do it and I do not. I feel it is the same thing as an infant baptism without the water. It is beginning to take a toll on our relationship, which is not good. Do I just let it go, and join him in willful ignorance to be an obedient wife? I tried to offer a solution and compromise by designating an hour a week to share this information, which is important to me, but he just brushed the idea aside. I love my husband very much and I pray that God works inside of him to accept the truth and have the strength and courage to act on it. I am at a loss as of what to do. Perhaps I just need to focus on the power of prayer. I know the lifestyle changes that accompany these truths do not happen overnight. Patience is always something I have struggled with.

Thanks in advance for your guidance. I would also appreciate your prayers.

Warm Regards,
Laura

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Introduce Yourself / Greetings!

« on: October 31, 2018, 12:34:55 PM »

Hello,

My name is Laura. I am 33 years old, married, and have a baby who just turned one. I follow a plant-based diet and I enjoy helping others improve their health with food. I am also interested in natural healing. I am a Christian and I accept Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. I was raised in a Christian home and regularly attended the United Methodist Church in my hometown. My husband came from a similar background. I was baptized in second grade, although I now understand what baptism really means, and would like to be baptized as an adult. We all sin and fall short, but I try my best to recognize my sins and repent.

During college and in my mid twenties I did not attend church much or read my Bible. I was a lukewarm Christian who was caught up in the way of the world. After getting married, I began going to church again with my husband, and a few years later I started reading my KJV Bible and doing research on all our traditions, which led me here. In the beginning of my journey, I stumbled with false doctrine that promotes the Old Testament Holy Days and Sabbath observance, and I am thankful to have been rightly redirected. I have been enlightened on the errors of the church and the false doctrine that is being spread, but I am having a hard time sharing this with my husband. I am seeking your help and guidance on this matter. Please read my post in the General Discussion section where I go into more detail. Your prayers are also appreciated. I look forward to growing in my faith and learning together with you.

Warm Reagrds,
Laura