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Bible Discussion / mystery of iniquity

« on: June 06, 2021, 10:11:48 PM »

2 Thessalonians 2:7
For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.

I was thinking about the “mystery of iniquity” and what it might be. Could it be how sin blinds men from having understanding? More specifically men blinded by their sin who are not born again, likened to the fool who fears not God and therefore has no wisdom. In the context of the 2nd chapter of 2nd Thessalonians, those with whom God sends a strong delusion are in for big trouble.
 
I think about this “mystery of iniquity” concept from time to time when dealing with some of the false converts in my life and I don’t know for sure that I am correct in my understanding. For example, my brother smokes weed and cigarettes one minute and will give a hallelujah praise Jesus shout the next. I have told him these things ought not to be (and many other ridiculous things too) but it is a process that has been repeating itself. I have found myself thinking – that must be the “mystery of iniquity.”

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General Discussion / Pretending to Protect

« on: March 28, 2021, 10:03:05 PM »

I have from time to time thought about the life of the "secret agent man." I am talking about the good guy spy who infiltrates the terrorist's headquarters and ruins the bad guys' plot to blow up a building or foils their plans to assassinate a world leader. I somewhat liken this to what David did when acting mad.

And David laid up these words in his heart, and was sore afraid of Achish the king of Gath. And he changed his behaviour before them, and feigned himself mad in their hands, and scrabbled on the doors of the gate, and let his spittle fall down upon his beard. Then said Achish unto his servants, Lo, ye see the man is mad: wherefore then have ye brought him to me? 1 Samuel 21:12-14

So even being in a life and death position like this, was not David's fictitious actions considered lies? I have read accounts of undercover police bringing down entire criminal gangs by doing this type of pretending. Many of these police were scared too and pretended to be someone they were not in order to survive.

I do not consider children playing Cowboys and Indians sinful lying but I do think most actors cross the line in Hollywood and consider their pretending to be sinful. I am sure a lot has to do with the heart. Because a little white lie to perhaps not hurt someone's feelings is still a lie - it is hard for me to justify this kind of undercover work. I am glad I don't have to do it but at the same time thankful that others do.

Curious to hear any insight anyone might have. Maybe I am just over thinking it and apologies if this has been covered elsewhere. I am also trying to get a few more posts in hopes to gain access to the private section of the forum and I did not want to add any remarks to other threads just for the sake of adding remarks. 

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Introduce Yourself / Hello CLE Forum Members

« on: October 18, 2020, 10:20:26 PM »

My name is David, some call me Dave either is fine by me.  I figured I would stop being lazy and write a bit about myself in order to join in.  I have been reading, watching, listening and learning from the sidelines for some time now.  I hope to be clear and concise in my writing and that is not one of my strong points.  By joining, I also hope others may benefit from my words as I have received edification and comfort from all of you through your conversations with each other.

1 THESSALONIANS 5:11
Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another even as also ye do.

As a man who lived a life full of debauchery for over 30 years, it is hard for me to even begin to summarize my misdeeds.  I started very young with pornography and at the age of nine I can remember stealing two pornographic magazines from a book store.  This kind of sinful behavior just snowballed into fornication and adultery throughout my life.  At twelve, I started drinking and consuming drugs.  I would party hard and make outrageous spectacles for attention.  In turn I would grow up into a wantonness and brutish man.  In my foolish pride I often made fun of others and I find I still struggle with inappropriate jesting.

My mother left my father when I was six years old.  This devastated my dad who pretty much left me to my own devices.  He raised me catholic and I went through the confirmation process but I knew early on that God was not there. 

I remember cracking open a KJV bible when I was sixteen after a night of experimenting with psychedelic drugs.  I had lots of questions about God around this time but continued in my hedonistic lifestyle.  I would go on to drop out of college after one year and eventually I was converted