Topics

MitwahSenior Member

@Keith posted:
How the caste system helps the poor?

India has outlawed the caste system.

Some Hindus donate to a charitable cause especially in memory of the deceased and past ancestors. The Pundits would call on the congregation to donate supplies for the temple to be able to prepare meals. Clothes are also collected to give to the poor and homeless. According to Sanatan Dharam, to refuse hospitality to one who comes to your door is an unpardonable act. Be careful, one never knows when the Lord can appear at your door in any form.

9/19/231:04 PM

KeithSenior Member

The Joy of Waiting

As we look forward to the fulfillment of God's promises, we can rejoice in His presence today.

Zephaniah 3:14; Zephaniah 3:16-17

Zephaniah had to deliver hard news to Judah. Because of their sins—especially the sin of worshipping false idols—a day of great judgment lay ahead. “On that day,” the prophet said, God would judge their enemies, but His anger would also devastate the nation He loved (Zephaniah 1:4-9).

In verse 16 of chapter 3, however, Zephaniah uses the same phrase—“on that day”—to promise a time of renewal. God encourages them to rejoice, even while they wait and endure a time of suffering. As the other prophets do, Zephaniah connects the call to joy with God’s faithful presence among His people. Whatever they face, He will be with them. They have enemies and feel abandoned, but God is “a victorious warrior” who “will rejoice over [them] with shouts of joy” (v. 17).

And what about us? We also wait for a world restored, where our fellowship with God will never end. The writer of Hebrews sees Jesus as our example for joyful work while we “run with endurance” toward that goal (Hebrews 12:1). Consider Jesus, he writes, who endured the cross “for the joy set before him”—that of sitting in fellowship with the Father (Hebrews 12:2). Because we look forward to that same blessing, we can set fear aside and rejoice!

9/20/235:56 AM

KeithSenior Member

@Mitwah posted:
India has outlawed the caste system.
Some Hindus donate to a charitable cause especially in memory of the deceased and past ancestors. The Pundits would call on the congregation to donate supplies for the temple to be able to prepare meals. Clothes are also collected to give to the poor and homeless. According to Sanatan Dharam, to refuse hospitality to one who comes to your door is an unpardonable act. Be careful, one never knows when the Lord can appear at your door in any form.

Is that what you're telling yourself? The caste system still exists in India today, despite being officially outlawed in 1950.

9/20/236:07 AM

MitwahSenior Member

Idiot, you seem to be stigmatizing me. The caste system is neither exclusive to Hindu religion nor is it endemic to India. It is present in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Bhutan and many more countries.

Caste organizes social life not only among Hindus but also in Muslim, Christian, Sikh and Buddhist communities. You seem to be at the lower rung in your jati.

Why don't you help feed some beggars rather that spending all day cutting and pasting selected bible verses as directed by your white masters?

Christ did not die on the cross. Stop fooling the masses.

9/20/239:11 AM

KeithSenior Member

Resisting Anxiety

Trusting God to provide all we need enables us to both live and pursue His will in peace.

Luke 12:22-34

A modern poet described the time we live in as an “age of anxiety.” Our lives have only become more anxious, in part because the world has become characterized by the need for “more.” Advertising and information flood our senses and emotions, so when it comes to material goods, enough seems to be just out of reach.

We may think this is unique to our lifetime, but is it? In Luke 12, Jesus’ assessment of His audience could have been written today. “Do not worry about your life,” He says. Specifically, He says not to be concerned about where food and clothing will come from. He urges us to consider the birds and the lilies—if God feeds them and clothes the grass of the field so gloriously, He will certainly provide for our needs!

What Jesus says may at first sound naïve to our ears—we know that food and clothing don’t appear out of thin air. Unless we work hard, we won’t have what we need.

But Jesus’ teaching isn’t a license for laziness. It’s an invitation to work as only God’s children can. Thinking that our work alone will provide for our needs is a wrong view of God and His kingdom. Jesus says, “[Our] Father has chosen to give [us] the kingdom” (v. 32). If we can see Him as a loving Father who is able and willing to provide all we need, we can trade fear and anxiety about our life for patience and trust.

9/21/235:59 AM

KeithSenior Member

@Mitwah posted:
Idiot, you seem to be stigmatizing me. The caste system is neither exclusive to Hindu religion nor is it endemic to India. It is present in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Bhutan and many more countries.
Caste organizes social life not only among Hindus but also in Muslim, Christian, Sikh and Buddhist communities. You seem to be at the lower rung in your jati.
Why don't you help feed some beggars rather that spending all day cutting and pasting selected bible verses as directed by your white masters?
Christ did not die on the cross. Stop fooling the masses.

What I have presented are facts, but it might be difficult for you to accept the truth about the caste system in your religion. It may be unsettling for you. As I mentioned, you continue telling yourself that it doesn't exist in India or Hinduism. "Denial" is not just a river in Egypt.

What evidence do you have that Christ didn't die on the cross? These non-Christian sources below provide some external corroboration of Jesus' existence and the general circumstances of his crucifixion, they do not provide the level of detail found in the New Testament.

Tacitus (c. 56-120 CE): The Roman historian Tacitus mentioned Jesus in his work "Annals," written around 116 CE. He referred to Jesus as being crucified under the Roman governor Pontius Pilate during the reign of Emperor Tiberius. This passage confirms the crucifixion of Jesus from a Roman historical perspective.
Pliny the Younger (c. 61-113 CE): Pliny was a Roman governor who wrote a letter to Emperor Trajan around 112 CE, asking for guidance on how to deal with Christians. He mentioned that Christians would gather on a set day to sing hymns to Christ "as to a god." While this doesn't directly mention the crucifixion, it attests to the existence of early Christian communities that venerated Jesus.
Josephus (c. 37-100 CE): The Jewish historian Flavius Josephus, in his "Antiquities of the Jews," wrote about Jesus in two passages known as the Testimonium Flavianum and the James passage. The Testimonium Flavianum is often seen as partially or wholly interpolated by later Christian scribes, but the James passage is considered by many scholars to be more authentic. While Josephus does not provide detailed information about the crucifixion itself, his references to Jesus indicate the existence of Jesus and the early Christian movement.
Lucian of Samosata (c. 125-180 CE): Lucian was a satirist and author who, in his work "The Passing of Peregrinus," mentions Christians and their founder, who was crucified. This brief reference indirectly corroborates the crucifixion of Jesus.
Mara Bar-Serapion: A Syrian philosopher who wrote a letter from prison to his son, in which he discussed the unjust deaths of philosophers and kings, including Jesus, whom he referred to as the "Wise King of the Jews." Although the dating of this letter is uncertain, it suggests that the crucifixion of Jesus was a known historical event.

Those are FACTS! by non-Christians.

9/21/236:26 AM

MitwahSenior Member

That Jesus died on the cross is propaganda by his gang members to make him a martyr. He was in a state of coma. He could not be shown to be alive, else the Romans would get him. He backtracked to India with Thomas to Kerala and later moved to Kashmir where he lived among his fellow Jews and died of old age.

The caste system has become a culture and it is outlawed in India. However, more that 3 of my generations have removed the shackles of the caste system which did not originate in India. It was brought there by the Dravidians.

Altar boy does not see how he is a victim of the class/caste system in his cult.

No one can pay for your sins. What you sow, so shall you reap. Let's pray for him.

9/21/237:57 AM

KeithSenior Member

@Mitwah posted:
That Jesus died on the cross is propaganda by his gang members to make him a martyr. He was in a state of coma. He could not be shown to be alive, else the Romans would get him. He backtracked to India with Thomas to Kerala and later moved to Kashmir where he lived among his fellow Jews and died of old age.
The caste system has become a culture and it is outlawed in India. However, more that 3 of my generations have removed the shackles of the caste system which did not originate in India. It was brought there by the Dravidians.
Altar boy does not see how he is a victim of the class/caste system in his cult.
No one can pay for your sins. What you sow, so shall you reap. Let's pray for him.

Missy, you need to stop smoking/vaping whatever you're taking. Where is your EVIDENCE? I provided you 5 from non-Christians.

9/22/239:09 PM

KeithSenior Member

Doing Good Work

The harvest is coming! So when you’re tired, ask God for the strength to carry on.

Galatians 6:9-10

There are at least two kinds of waiting. We wait passively at times—while we’re in the car, on the phone, or in a checkout line. But we also wait actively—for the weekend, for summer, for retirement. We typically continue our work as we wait for these times of leisure and refreshment.

These experiences color our understanding of the Old Testament’s refrain to “wait for the Lord” (in Psalm 131:3, for example). Through Zephaniah, God Himself tells Israel, “Wait for Me” (Zephaniah 3:8). What kind of waiting is this?

At times it may seem passive, like standing in line. But generally, our waiting for God is the kind of waiting a gardener does. He plants seeds and keeps working as he waits for the harvest. Paul encourages the Galatians to do this—to keep working as they wait. “The harvest is coming,” he says, “so don’t allow weariness to discourage you from what you do.”

And the heart of this work, Paul says, is to live out the gospel’s promises where we are. “While we have opportunity,” Paul continues, “let’s do good to all people” (v. 10). Doing good comes naturally when we believe the gospel’s promises about the future. As we wait for the Lord’s return, let’s look for opportunities to be a blessing to others. And we can trust God will be faithful to bring a harvest “in due time” (v. 9).

9/22/239:10 PM

MitwahSenior Member

@Keith posted:
Missy, you need to stop smoking/vaping whatever you're taking. Where is your EVIDENCE? I provided you 5 from non-Christians.

Madam Keith, Flesh eater and Blood Drinker, I met this 60 year old fella who is a "born again Christian". He is worried that he may not be welcomed in heaven since he is not circumcised. He said his pastor told him that it is mandatory: This is my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee; Every man child among you shall be circumcised.

9/22/2310:43 PM

KeithSenior Member

A Different Kind of Slow

God's timing is perfect—He doesn't rush but is never late.

2 Peter 3:8-9

Bakers of sourdough bread learn to wait patiently. Sourdough is a “slow” bread that requires more time, effort, and attention than some other kinds. And because it depends on natural processes, it cannot be rushed. The result, though, is worth the patient waiting that it demands.

In a similar way, certain spiritual benefits can be gained only through waiting. For example, some of the early Christians felt frustrated by God’s delay. They had believed Jesus would return very soon, in their lifetimes. But time was moving on, and none of the promises they expected to see fulfilled were coming to pass. In fact, Peter warned believers that mockers would say “all things continue just as they were” (2 Peter 3:4). He reminded the people that our perception of time differs from God’s. For Him, decades and millennia pass like moments and days. So saying God is “slow” to keep His promise suggests a serious misunderstanding.

Not only is God not slow, Peter says, but what seems like slowness is actually God’s patience. Like the sourdough baker, God unhurriedly waits for something better—to see more people accept His gracious gift. We can wait patiently, too, if we understand that God’s delays always lead to something better than we can imagine.

9/23/2312:57 PM

KeithSenior Member

@Mitwah posted:
Madam Keith, Flesh eater and Blood Drinker, I met this 60 year old fella who is a "born again Christian". He is worried that he may not be welcomed in heaven since he is not circumcised. He said his pastor told him that it is mandatory: This is my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee; Every man child among you shall be circumcised.

Missy Mitwah, first, what does the information above have to do with the FACTS I challenged you to present? Please don't attempt to divert from providing your evidence. Secondly, it appears that you and that individual have similar characteristics. Hosea 4:6, "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."

Due to your the lack of understanding note the requirement for circumcision in Christianity varies depending on the denomination-->(research the definition) and individual beliefs. Unlike in Judaism, where circumcision is a religious requirement, it is not universally mandated in Christianity

Circumcision is addressed in the New Testament, particularly in the book of Acts and the letters of Paul. Acts 15 describes a meeting of early Christian leaders in Jerusalem where they decided that Gentile (non-Jewish. You get it?) converts to Christianity did not need to be circumcised. This decision was based on the belief that faith in Jesus Christ was sufficient for salvation, and circumcision was not required for Gentile believers.

9/23/231:17 PM

MitwahSenior Member

@Keith posted:
Missy Mitwah, first, what does the information above have to do with the FACTS I challenged you to present? Please don't attempt to divert from providing your evidence. Secondly, it appears that you and that individual have similar characteristics. Hosea 4:6, "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."
Due to your the lack of understanding note the requirement for circumcision in Christianity varies depending on the denomination-->(research the definition) and individual beliefs. Unlike in Judaism, where circumcision is a religious requirement, it is not universally mandated in Christianity

Circumcision is addressed in the New Testament, particularly in the book of Acts and the letters of Paul. Acts 15 describes a meeting of early Christian leaders in Jerusalem where they decided that Gentile (non-Jewish. You get it?) converts to Christianity did not need to be circumcised. This decision was based on the belief that faith in Jesus Christ was sufficient for salvation, and circumcision was not required for Gentile believers.

Was Jesus Circumcised and how about you? Seems like different strokes for different folks.

Jesus did not die on the cross. Stop peddling this lie.

Why did Jesus call Peter Satan?

The disciples were slow on the uptake. The did not understand the parables.

9/24/238:57 AM

KeithSenior Member

Accountability Is Scriptural

God planned for us to need each other; we truly are better together.

James 5:13-16

The Bible has a lot to say about accountability. But for many of us, the idea of sharing personal information feels uncomfortable and seems like an invasion of privacy. Being answerable to someone else seems like a hindrance to the pursuit of pleasure, prosperity, and prestige. Most of us would rather keep to ourselves and not involve others in our business.

The Bible, however, makes it clear that Christians are to support each other in this regard: “Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed” (James 5:16). Accountability in the body of Christ is a biblical principle. Church members take direction from their pastor (Hebrews 13:17). Paul tells us to be subject to one another (Ephesians 5:21). He reported to the church (Acts 14:27), and Timothy was subordinate to him (1 Timothy 4:13-16). The apostles were under the authority of Jesus (Luke 10:1-42), even as Jesus was subject to the Father (John 8:28-29). Of course, the Bible tells us that the whole church is obedient to the Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 5:24).

Regardless of one’s position, everybody is accountable to somebody. And this holds true for the entire family of faith—from the congregation to the ministers to Jesus Himself, who served God the Father.

9/25/236:09 AM

KeithSenior Member

@Mitwah posted:
Was Jesus Circumcised and how about you? Seems like different strokes for different folks.
Jesus did not die on the cross. Stop peddling this lie.
Why did Jesus call Peter Satan?
The disciples were slow on the uptake. The did not understand the parables.

Provide your FACTS for the several unanswered questions and I would be happy to address your questions.

9/25/237:18 AM

MitwahSenior Member

@Keith posted:
Provide your FACTS for the several unanswered questions and I would be happy to address your questions.

You can't because you are brainwashed.

9/25/238:42 AM

MitwahSenior Member

There are now 366 versions of the bible. The latest being King James version.

No man hath seen God at any time. —John 1:18

For I have seen God face to face. —Genesis 32:30

Which is true? Perhaps John is lying again?

9/25/2311:07 PM

KeithSenior Member

@Mitwah posted:
There are now 366 versions of the bible. The latest being King James version.
No man hath seen God at any time. —John 1:18
For I have seen God face to face. —Genesis 32:30
Which is true? Perhaps John is lying again?

I know you don't read you're just a pretender. Because you wouldn't be asking me such a foolish question you picked out from your "got you" book. As I mention time and time again READ the entire chapter before you make your post, just don't pick a verse and present your "got you" because I will make you look foolish.

READ
genesis - Why does Jacob say "because I saw God face to face"? (Gen 32:30) - Biblical Hermeneutics Stack Exchange

Has anyone ever seen God? | GotQuestions.org

What does Genesis 32:30 mean? | BibleRef.com

9/26/237:03 AM

KeithSenior Member

@Mitwah posted:
You can't because you are brainwashed.

Who is more brainwash? Taking about Jesus escape crucifixion and lived out his years in India, the devil is a busy body. Could you provide and a non-Christian Jew, Greek or even a Roman scholar to collaborate your Nancy story?

9/26/237:11 AM

KeithSenior Member

The Benefits of Accountability

Giving others permission to speak into our life helps us avoid common pitfalls.

Hebrews 10:23-25

Yesterday, we learned that we’re all answerable to someone. Today, let’s look at the benefits of accountability:

Clear direction. Honesty about your faults allows you the opportunity to hear right counsel and encouragement. This will help you do and become all that God has in mind for you.
Increased integrity. If you have to give an account to somebody, you’re more likely to be honest and transparent.
Better stewardship. Accounting for the way you use money, time, or talent makes you careful not to waste those resources.
Protection against excess. As children of God, we are free in Christ, but an accountability partner helps us stay balanced and guards us from taking liberties.
Healthy self-examination. Another person can often point out what we cannot see in ourselves.
Safeguard against unwise relationships. If you give an account of the places you go and the people you spend time with, you’ll be more likely to make wise choices.

Unbridled freedom may seem like a great blessing, but it can be a recipe for disaster. Do you give an account to anybody for the way you handle money, time, and relationships? If not, consider inviting a trustworthy Christian to fill that role. Taking this step reveals a heart that longs to please God.

9/26/237:13 AM

MitwahSenior Member

@Keith posted:
Provide your FACTS for the several unanswered questions and I would be happy to address your questions.

You can't because you are brainwashed.

Oriental Christian denominations retained the practice of male circumcision, and males are generally required to be circumcised shortly after birth as part of a rite of passage.

Examine the horns. Hahahahahahahahahahaha.

9/26/239:59 AM

MitwahSenior Member

@Keith posted:
Who is more brainwash? Taking about Jesus escape crucifixion and lived out his years in India, the devil is a busy body. Could you provide and a non-Christian Jew, Greek or even a Roman scholar to collaborate your Nancy story?

Go to Keralla and Kashmir and see the evidence for yourself and free yourself from the brainwash. No one can die for anyone's sins. Aisi Karni, Jaisi Barni.

Which of these two is true?

For by grace are ye saved through faith…not of works. —Ephesians 2:8,9

Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. —James 2:24

9/26/2310:08 AM

KeithSenior Member

@Mitwah posted:
Go to Keralla and Kashmir and see the evidence for yourself and free yourself from the brainwash. No one can die for anyone's sins. Aisi Karni, Jaisi Barni.
Which of these two is true?
For by grace are ye saved through faith…not of works. —Ephesians 2:8,9
Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. —James 2:24

The fundamental rule of biblical interpretation is that every text must be interpreted in its context. Have you read the Books you're nip picking at in its full context? Knowing you didn't I wouldn't waste my time because I know you cannot comprehend anything.

9/26/231:37 PM

MitwahSenior Member

@Keith posted:
The fundamental rule of biblical interpretation is that every text must be interpreted in its context. Have you read the Books you're nip picking at in its full context? Knowing you didn't I wouldn't waste my time because I know you cannot comprehend anything.

Comprehension and common sense is not your forte. That's because you are brainwashed. Are you a descendant of slavery?

In regards to the institution of slavery, here is how your Bible is contradicting.

Leviticus 25:45 reads, “Moreover of the children of the strangers that do sojourn among you, of them shall ye buy, and of their families that are with you, which they begat in your land: and they shall be your possession.”

Yet, Isaiah 58:6 challenges this view when it asks, “Is not this the fast that I have chosen? To loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?”

9/26/232:45 PM

KeithSenior Member

Trials and Joy

Suffering becomes easier to bear when we consider the good gifts God provides through it.

James 1:2-4; James 1:12

Today’s passage says, “Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you encounter various trials” (v. 2). What a preposterous statement! Do you know anyone who thinks joy and trials fit together? But James is presenting God’s perspective—not a human one. Suffering has some surprising benefits that aren’t readily apparent to most people.

It’s important to realize these verses are not telling us to be happy in our pain but rather to rejoice in the blessings that accompany suffering. The word consider means “to regard.” When we look at hardships from God’s perspective, we can rejoice in the beneficial outcome, even while experiencing pain.

For many, understanding the purpose of trials makes rejoicing easier. The Lord wants adversity to test our faith and produce endurance and spiritual maturity. In every hardship, He has hidden a beautiful and precious reward, but whether we receive it depends upon our response. Those who really want to be transformed into the image of Christ can rejoice in the good that will result from hard circumstances.

Does your hunger to know the Lord and be transformed by Him exceed your dread of distress? None of us want to experience pain, but since it’s an unavoidable reality in this fallen world, why not respond in a way that produces eternal benefit? Let’s not waste our suffering.

9/27/236:08 AM

KeithSenior Member

@Mitwah posted:
Comprehension and common sense is not your forte. That's because you are brainwashed. Are you a descendant of slavery?
In regards to the institution of slavery, here is how your Bible is contradicting.
Leviticus 25:45 reads, “Moreover of the children of the strangers that do sojourn among you, of them shall ye buy, and of their families that are with you, which they begat in your land: and they shall be your possession.”
Yet, Isaiah 58:6 challenges this view when it asks, “Is not this the fast that I have chosen? To loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?”

I previously mentioned the importance of understanding the context, and the example you provided above highlights this crucial principle. When will you make the effort to read and examine the text carefully in order to gain a deeper understanding instead of looking for contradiction in God's word? I guarantee you will find none in the BIBLE.

Leviticus 25:45 reflects a specific set of laws that governed the Israelites during a particular historical period. These laws were part of the Old Covenant and were given to Israel as part of their religious and legal framework.

Isaiah 58:6, on the other hand, represents the teachings of a prophet addressing the people of his time, with a focus on spiritual and moral matters. It emphasizes God's desire for justice and compassion.

In essence, there is no contradiction between these verses when they are understood in their respective contexts. However, they do reflect different aspects of biblical teaching, with Leviticus 25:45 dealing with laws governing the treatment of foreigners and slaves in ancient Israel and Isaiah 58:6 emphasizing the importance of compassion, justice, and freedom. Mitwah, the Bible contains a wide range of teachings and perspectives, and it's important to consider the broader context and the overall message of the scriptures when interpreting individual verses.

9/27/2310:31 PM

MitwahSenior Member

Matthew 5:16 reads, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

Matthew 6:3-4 reads, “But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.”

Was Matthew sober when he wrote the above contradictions?

9/27/2311:11 PM

KeithSenior Member

Wisdom for Life’s Trials

Instead of feeling hopeless and discouraged by trials, we can choose to walk with God in peace and joy.

James 1:5-8

At first glance, today’s passage on wisdom doesn’t seem related to trials, but James is actually continuing His thoughts from the previous three verses. We need wisdom to know how to respond to suffering. This means we should see trials from God’s viewpoint and understand His purposes in allowing them in our life. If you want to profit from struggles, be sustained in them, and come through with joy, you must believe:

The Lord is in control. Your trial won’t go beyond the boundaries He has set.
He has a specific purpose for your suffering.
This hardship will prove to be profitable if you submit to God and trust Him through it.
Trying situations are opportunities for faith to prove genuine and grow stronger.
When you endure suffering with unexplainable peace and joy, God will demonstrate His sustaining power to others.
The Father uses trials to produce Christlike character.
God will walk with you through all difficulties.

If you believe these principles, they will shape how you respond to painful challenges. This perspective eliminates the negative reactions normally elicited by trials and makes supernatural responses possible. Instead of feeling miserable and hopeless, you’ll experience amazing peace and joy.

9/28/238:40 AM

KeithSenior Member

@Mitwah posted:
Matthew 5:16 reads, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
Matthew 6:3-4 reads, “But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.”
Was Matthew sober when he wrote the above contradictions?

When are you going to learn? Matthew 5:16 Explained:
Of course, it is not technically our light that should shine before others. It is the light of Christ, entrusted to believers as light-bearers. In other words, we do not produce the light within us. God does. And through our good works, people may glorify the One who gives that light.

One of the ways to let our light shine before others is to show compassion to others. Jesus expressed deep compassion for all people, regardless of their ethnic background, social status, gender, or personal beliefs. As Christians, we should follow His example by showing compassion and kindness to everyone.

The best way to let our light shine before others is to share the gospel, the "good news," with others. The good news is that God redeems sinners through the death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ.

The ultimate purpose of letting our light shine before others is not to draw attention to ourselves or to promote our own interests; rather, it is about living in such a way that others will glorify our Father in heaven. Of course, this is not an easy task. It can be difficult to maintain a spirit of compassion, humility, generosity, and forgiveness in a world that is often characterized by hatred, anger, and division.

Matthew 6:3-4 Explained:
Jesus' command to give in such a way that one hand is unaware of what the other hand is doing is obviously not to be taken literally.

The context suggests that the injunction to "not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing" refers to giving alms in secret and stands in contrast with drawing attention to our giving. Those who give in order to receive accolades from others have already received their reward (Matthew 6:2). God will reward those who give in secret.

Do Jesus' words "do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing" mean we should never let others know about our giving? Not necessarily. The focus is on the motive of our giving. Our generosity is to be motivated by our love for God and our focus on eternity rather than the temporary praises of people. Because of the temptation for pride associated with public displays of generosity, it is best not to draw attention to our gifts to those in need.

Okay, I admit that was a bit too much for you to grasp Mitwah but in a nutshell, "Loving your Neighbour as you love yourself and when you do charitable deeds then give in secret and do not broadcast it around. If God wants it known he will make it known, but if not then it's between you and the people you gave to. God sees and he rewards us."

What will she, Mitwah come up with next?

9/28/239:15 AM

MitwahSenior Member

No graven image was to be made, yet Moses was directed to fashion a bronze serpent. Go figure.

John 1:18

No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known.

In Genesis 32:30,

we read that Jacob saw God: “So Jacob called the name of the place Peniel, saying, 'For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life has been delivered. '”

Moses also saw God.

Why is John lying again?

9/28/233:49 PM

KeithSenior Member

@Mitwah posted:
No graven image was to be made, yet Moses was directed to fashion a bronze serpent. Go figure.
John 1:18
No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known.
In Genesis 32:30,
we read that Jacob saw God: “So Jacob called the name of the place Peniel, saying, 'For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life has been delivered. '”
Moses also saw God.
Why is John lying again?

@Mitwah I know you lack the ability to comprehend but this is plain stupidity to display it on a daily basis.

God the Father, in His full glory, has not been seen by humans. Instead, encounters with God are often described as visions, dreams, or encounters with angelic beings or manifestations of God, as recorded in John, Genesis and other various parts of the Bible.

9/29/236:00 AM

MitwahSenior Member

@Keith posted:
@Mitwah I know you lack the ability to comprehend but this is plain stupidity to display it on a daily basis.
God the Father, in His full glory, has not been seen by humans. Instead, encounters with God are often described as visions, dreams, or encounters with angelic beings or manifestations of God, as recorded in John, Genesis and other various parts of the Bible.

So John lied when he wrote; "No one has ever seen God".

"For God so loved the world that He gave us His only son" is pure unadulterated Bull Pudding.

9/29/238:46 AM

KeithSenior Member

Living Out Our Faith

Do you feel far from God? Maybe it’s time to get back to the basics.

John 1:12; John 3:16-17

It’s easy to say that we believe in God, even at times that our heart remains far from Him. That’s a factor of the human condition—not something to punish ourselves over. But it’s wise to be honest with ourselves and the Lord about where we are in our relationship with Him. That’s the best way to move forward and fully experience His peace and joy.

Toward that end, it’s helpful to remember that the simple, basic elements of our faith are more than just simple and basic. They’re profound, transformational realities—not just good or correct thoughts we “believe in.” As Christians, we believe with our whole being. And we grow in faith by regularly including these activities in our routine, as taught in God’s Word:

Talking to the Lord.
Sitting quietly and listening for the Holy Spirit.
Reading the Bible with an open heart and mind.
Reviewing the core beliefs and principles of our faith.
Fellowshipping with others who know Christ.
Worshipping.

The walk of faith needn’t be more complicated than that, whether you’ve known Christ for two months or 20 years. Find a healthy rhythm of doing these things, without worrying about how you’re performing. You’ll see how rich simple faith truly is.

10/2/237:30 AM

MitwahSenior Member

I just found out that Luke did not know Jesus Christ personally. He became a follower after he met Paul. What he wrote is hearsay, which is usually disallowed in a Court of Law.

10/2/2310:05 PM

KeithSenior Member

Trust and Transformation

Faith in God changes our heart and impacts every decision and relationship.

Jeremiah 17:7-8

Knowledge is a good thing. There’s nothing wrong with studying doctrine, theology, or church history. But knowledge and belief aren’t the same. And neither one on its own is anything without trust. Think of it this way: If God’s love is like the air in our lungs, then our trust in Him is like the connective tissue in our body, holding everything together.

A lot of people consider trust an abstract concept. But in reality, it results in observable change in action or attitude. And that’s what we see in the Bible—references to trust, faith, or belief are usually associated with noticeable transformation.

Similarly, when we wholeheartedly trust God, there’s often a noticeable change that occurs. It may be something that happens within us rather than to our circumstances. But when God’s love causes such a shift, our perspective is likely to change and impact our daily life as well. For instance, it’s possible people around us will feel encouraged by our presence, we’ll treat the environment with more care, and our reactions will open the door to peace instead of conflict.

Trusting God frequently begins in commonplace moments. Sometimes the greatest change is triggered by an action as simple as humbly asking the Lord for help. Take even one small step toward Him today. Let Him show you how trustworthy He is.

10/3/235:37 AM

KeithSenior Member

Learning to Walk by Faith

Despite our faults and failures, God loves us and works through every willing heart.

Genesis 12:1-8

When the Bible tells us about a great man or woman of faith, the Lord in His kindness also often shows us the person’s weakness and failings. For example, let’s look at Abraham. Like any one of us, he had faults. He sinned. He made mistakes. Still, God loved him and accomplished great things through his life.

When the Lord spoke, Abraham listened. Just imagine what promises and blessings he would have missed if he’d failed to pay attention. (See Genesis 12:1-8; Genesis 15:1-5; Genesis 17:1-4.) Abraham’s conversations with God teach us what living by faith looks like:

Listening to God. When we recognize God’s voice, we’ll have assurance about what to do and where to go.
Obeying God. Obeying God shows we really trust Him, and each time we obey Him, our faith grows stronger.
Depending on God. Human nature wants to be self-sufficient, but we desperately need God’s wisdom, strength, and help.
Waiting on God. Our willingness to patiently let God move in His own way reaps great blessings—and prevents big messes.
Acknowledging and learning from our failures. The Bible tells us that God exalts the humble (Matthew 23:12).

Which of these do you struggle with? Ask God to help you move forward, trusting Him and listening for His voice.

10/4/236:11 AM

MitwahSenior Member

Was it the Pope who said that a little knowledge is dangerous?

10/4/232:48 PM

KeithSenior Member

What’s Not Done

When God asks you to do the impossible, trust Him and know that He is with you every step of the way.

Genesis 22:1-18

Today’s passage tells an amazing story of a father being asked to sacrifice his beloved and long-awaited son. But an important (and perhaps overlooked) detail of this story is what wasn’t done.

Notice that, from the very beginning, Abraham did not bargain with God to spare Isaac, though this would have been a perfectly acceptable action, according to our human perspective. Scripture tells us only that “early the next morning,” Abraham got to work carrying out each step of the dire task (v. 3 NIV).

It is Abraham who prepared the altar, who bound his son, and who wielded the knife. Nowhere in this process—which must have been agonizing—does it say that he delayed, hoping the Lord would change His mind. Why? Because he trusted God—so much so, in fact, that he was willing to go through with the unthinkable.

It’s not until the actual act of sacrifice has begun, when the angel called out to him and a ram was provided, that Abraham knew relief (v. 12). Through both what he did—and what he refrained from doing—Abraham teaches us something about obedience as well as the loving nature of our God.

10/5/235:57 AM

MitwahSenior Member

Abraham's clinical profile would appear to best resemble that of Paranoid Schizophrenia or Parkinson's Disease, NOS, and perhaps, less likely, an affective disorder-related psychosis. Genesis 22:1-18 tells the story of a mad man.

Thou shalt not kill, You shall not murder or You shall not murder, is a moral imperative included as one of the Ten Commandments.

10/5/2311:18 AM

KeithSenior Member

Evidence of the Lord

God doesn’t leave anyone out—He gives everyone the opportunity to become part of His family.

Romans 1:18-23

We were created to share a relationship with God—that’s why He has made His existence clear to everyone. Sometimes His revelation is miraculous, like the burning bush that Moses discovered. But more often than not, we encounter our Father’s presence in everyday surroundings.

Paul wrote to the church in Rome that “[God’s] invisible attributes, that is, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, being understood by what has been made” (Rom. 1:20). In other words, the Lord is evident in every created thing. Have you ever wondered how an old oak survives season after season? Have you marveled at the starry sky or watched a colony of ants work together? All such things point us to the Lord.

God made His presence evident in nature because He “wants all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4). He has given us the capacity to be aware of Him through what He has made. However, the Father has also given every person the choice of whether to accept or reject a relationship with Him.

What will you do the next time you see evidence of the Lord in your world? Scripture promises we won’t regret knowing Jesus. After all, He wants us to “have life, and have it abundantly” (John 10:10).

10/9/238:43 AM

Previous Next

Skip to main content

Topics

The Joy of Waiting

Resisting Anxiety

Doing Good Work

A Different Kind of Slow

Accountability Is Scriptural

The Benefits of Accountability

Trials and Joy

Wisdom for Life’s Trials

Living Out Our Faith

Trust and Transformation

Learning to Walk by Faith

What’s Not Done

Evidence of the Lord

Add Reply

Membership Required

Remove From Your Block List

Manage Follow Preferences

Block

Premium Membership Required

GNI VIP Member

Please wait...