#the Bible is profitable for correction

[a-godman]

Being a Man of God with the Breath of God who is Fully Equipped for Every Good Work

 The issue of God’s breathing Himself through the Scripture and our breathing in of God through our praying and reading the Word with the exercise of our spirit is that we become a man of God who is complete, fully equipped for every good work; we become a man of God with the breath of God. Amen! The Scripture, the Word of God, is God-breathed; all Scripture is God-breathed. God didn’t just…

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

People will turn away from God in the last days

1 Let me tell you this. During the last days of this world, there will be times of great trouble. 2 People will love only themselves, and they will want lots of money for themselves. They will be proud and they will say how great they are. They will insult other people. They will not obey their parents. They will not thank anyone who helps them. They will not respect anything that is good. 3 They will not be kind to other people, but they will like to quarrel. They will tell lies to hurt other people. They will be unable to control themselves properly. They will be cruel and they will hate anything that is good. 4 People will turn against their friends. They will do foolish things. They will boast that they are very important. They will not love God, but instead they will only want to enjoy themselves. 5 Those people will seem to be serving God. But really they refuse to accept God's power to help them. You must stay away from people like that.

6 Among those people, there are some men who find a way into people's homes. They get power over silly women who feel very guilty about their sins. Those women want to do wrong things and they cannot stop themselves. 7 They are always trying to learn new things, but they can never really understand God's true message. 8 These are people who speak against God's true message, in the same way that Jannes and Jambres spoke against Moses. Their minds have become confused. The way that they serve God is false. 9 But they will not continue to do many more bad things. Everyone will see clearly that they are fools. That is what happened to Jannes and Jambres.

Timothy must copy Paul's example

10 But you, Timothy, have heard my message and you know it well. You also know the way in which I have lived. You know my purpose in life. You know how I trust God. You know how patient I have been. You know my love for God and for other people. You know that I have been strong during troubles. 11 You also know what happened to me in the cities called Antioch, Iconium and Lystra. People caused me to have a lot of trouble and pain in those places. But I was patient and brave in those bad troubles! And the Lord kept me safe in all those dangerous times.

12 It is not only me. Every Christian who wants to live in a way that pleases God will have trouble from other people. 13 Bad people like that will become even worse. Some of them will teach a false message and people will believe their lies. Those false teachers even believe their own lies!

It is important for us to know the Bible

14 But you must continue to believe the things that you have learned. You know that those things are true. You know the teachers who taught you those things. 15 Even when you were a child, you already knew the message of the Bible. The Bible has taught you how you can be truly wise. You understand that God saves you because you believe in Christ Jesus. 16 Everything that is written in the Bible comes from God's Spirit. It helps us in many ways. The Bible teaches us what is true. It warns us when we are doing wrong things. It shows us what is right. It teaches us how to live good lives. 17 As a result, people who want to serve God can know how to live properly. They will be people who are ready to do all kinds of good things. — 2 Timothy 3 | EasyEnglish Bible (EASY) EasyEnglish Bible Copyright © MissionAssist 2019 - Charitable Incorporated Organisation 1162807. All rights reserved. Cross References: Exodus 7:11-12; Exodus 8:18; Deuteronomy 4:6; Deuteronomy 29:29; Psalm 34:19; Isaiah 44:20; Matthew 4:24; Matthew 7:15; Luke 6:35; Luke 16:14; John 15:20; Acts 7:52; Acts 13:14; Acts 14:22; Acts 19:36; Romans 1:29; Romans 1:31; Philippians 2:20; Philippians 2:22; 1 Timothy 2:4; 1 Timothy 2:25; 1 Timothy 4:1; 1 Timothy 4:7-8; 1 Timothy 5:6; 1 Timothy 6:5; 1 Timothy 6:11; 2 Timothy 4:3; Titus 1:9; Titus 3:3

Complete and Equipped (2 Timothy 3)

[tom4jc]

2 Timothy 3:16 Only Book Needed

All Scripture is given by the inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 2 Timothy 3:16 Bookstores and libraries are packed with books to help a person in nearly everything and anything desired. Rows upon rows of self-help books fill the stores. People are always searching for answers on how to do something or deal with some…

[incorrect-jojolands-quotes]

announcement: please help the people of hawaii

In case you haven't heard yet, the state of hawaii is experiencing wildfires that have displaced several people as well as injured and killed others. Particularly, the island of Maui and the big island are experiencing such fires the most.

Needless to say, it's important to do what we can to help the people of Hawai'i who are suffering as a result of these fires. This may not be an entire list, but here are links I found so far to resources for those on the island who need help and donation options for those off the island.

I encourage those who are more experienced and familiar with how donations work and know about more places to donate for Hawaii to reblog with more resources and correct me if the links I provided are not suitable.

The official website for Lahaina Town has updated to provide resources for locals and news about the fires. Donations links are TBD.

The Maui Mutual Aid Fund is an ahupua’a based citizen disaster response team. They are collecting funds that will be distributed to the vulnerable affected by the fire.

Hawai'i Community Foundation has created the The Maui Strong Fund. This fund has been used to provide resources for disaster preparedness, response, and recovery, and is now used to help those affected by the wildfires in Maui.

New Life Kahuku Inc. is a non-profit Christian Church based in Kahuku that set up a donation fund for the people of Lahaina Town. Proceeds will be used to provide food and other supplies to those in need.

The Maui Humane Society is asking for supplies such as food, kennels, and more to help their current and potential influx of animals that will be displaced as a result of the fires. The website has a donation button, and the organization are asking for foster parents to take in an animal as well.

The Maui Food Bank is working to help provide food for those affected by the wildfires. They are asking for donations to provide for the hungry during these dangerous times.

[xclowniex]

I've had this opinion (as a non-Jewish person) for a while, but I feel like every bigoted Jewish stereotype is just a lot of white people projecting their own actions and desires onto the most vulnerable groups to avoid having to admit they're not exactly saints, or that they're the ones doing what they accuse Jews of doing.

I feel like that is a contributing factor however its not the only reason.

For example, the stereotype surrinding jews being rich came from way back when Christians couldn't give out loans cause that was against the bible so jews did it for them. it was really the only job a lot of jews could get in Christian countries as we were banned or discriminated against with other jobs. Jews then became really good at it, turned a profit and not all, but the major loan places were rich and jewish owned and therefore Christians got mad and it became an antisemitic trope. it is definately perpetuated by white people who are mad that there are a lot of sucessful jews, but it didn't originate as such.

With leftist antisemitism in the modernday, what you said is very much correct. A lot of white people will project their white guilt onto jews so they can be seen as "not the bad guys". Instead of the problem laying with rich people as a whole, it lays with rich jews being the reason for capitalism. Instead of actual white colonisers being labeled as the problem, jews suddenly get labeled as white and told that returning to our homeland is colonialism. And it just goes on and on and on.

And the wider issue it stems from with white guilt, is stuff that black people, especially in the US, have been saying for years. White folk are more comfortable ignoring their own prejudices against minorities and blaming it on another group, usually sub groups of white people, eg instead of working through racism and acknowleding bias they themselves have, they would divide white people into two groups of racist vs not racist and deem themselves to be not racist and never work through any bias they have.

Whilst it's something that all minority groups face and have been facing for centuries and people from all affected minority groups have talked about it, I will credit black activists with really bringing that behviour to light in the main stream.

[thewordfortheday]

"All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness..." (2 Timothy 3:16).

Pause. Let this sink in. There is a book that is unlike every other book, because it is the very Word of God. You have this book. Or you have access to it. Many do not. But if you are reading this, you do. It is astonishing. You can hold in your hand a book whose words are the very words of God.

Yes, God wrote a book... It is the Bible. It is God's word. To obey it is to obey God. To reject it is to reject God. Believing the Bible is God's Word is important, but still inadequate unless coupled with obeying it , living by it every day, and allowing the teachings of His Son to mould us.

In the Bible, we see God — more surely and more clearly than anywhere else. This is what we were made for — to see God, and know Him, and love Him, and be changed by Him into radiant images of Him.

[hiswordsarekisses]

“…The authority, sufficiency, infallibility, and inerrancy of Scripture are doctrines that are absolutely foundational to the ongoing work of God and His church……

The sacred writings … are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

2-Timothy 3:15–17

The Bible is not a human product infused with divinity; it’s a divine gift produced through human instrumentality.

Its every book, chapter, sentence, and syllable was originally given by God’s inspiration.

While it was written down

by more than thirty authors over a period of about fifteen hundred years, all the writers tell the same story, giving the same account of this world, the character of its Creator, and the problem of the human heart, and pointing to the same wonderful way of salvation through the sacrifice of the Lamb of God—all the way from Genesis to Revelation!

The Bible also transcends time, culture, gender, and intellect. Some books may fit a certain person, a certain era, or a certain place, but there is no other book that perfectly stands up to the challenges of every day and every age and to the questions that confront life itself.

The brightest minds cannot exhaust the riches of God’s word, and yet, at the same time, even young girls and boys can read their Bibles and discover its truth transforming their lives.

The authority, sufficiency, infallibility, and inerrancy of Scripture are the grounds on which we must stand; and we have divine help in order to do so.

The same Spirit that inspired the word of God illumines the word of God and convinces us that it is the word of God, given to us so that we may believe in Him Who IS the Word made flesh.

As the Spirit does this work in us, our belief in the divine authorship of Scripture is undergirded and moves from only being an intellectual assent to a doctrine - to an active hunger for more of the word — and more of The One Who is both its Author and its subject.

(Alistair Begg)

[steveezekiel]

UNDERSTANDING WHAT IT IS OR WHAT IS MEANT TO BE POSSESSED 3

43 “WHEN AN UNCLEAN SPIRIT GOES OUT OF A MAN, HE GOES THROUGH DRY PLACES, SEEKING REST, AND FINDS NONE.

44 THEN HE SAYS, ‘I WILL RETURN TO MY HOUSE FROM WHICH I CAME.’ AND WHEN HE COMES, HE FINDS IT EMPTY, SWEPT, AND PUT IN ORDER.

45 THEN HE GOES AND TAKES WITH HIM SEVEN OTHER SPIRITS MORE WICKED THAN HIMSELF, AND THEY ENTER AND DWELL THERE; AND THE LAST STATE OF THAT MAN IS WORSE THAN THE FIRST. So shall it also be with this wicked generation." "

Matthew 12:43-45 (NKJV)

• There are some churches they call spiritual churches, where you see those who prophesy acting As If they are under a mind control. They would say they are being used or moved by the spirit.

- Whatever they are doing or saying at the moment when they are under the influence of the so-called "spirit of God" is not known to them—the visoneer At the moment when they are under the influence of the spirit.

- Now this could not have been by the Holy Spirit of God: "THE SPIRIT OF THE PROPHETS ARE SUBJECT TO THE PROPHETS" (1 Corinthians 14:32 NKJV); the Scripture says.

- If a message is being relayed through your person, you can choose to deliver the message or not. The Holy Spirit would not force or hold you against your Will, which is one of the components of the mind, to deliver a message. You can control whatever prophesy you perceived or believed you had received from the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 14:27-33).

- Apostle Paul in his epistle to the Corinthians said, whoever wants to prophesy can hold on and wait for his or her turn. And If the number of people which the Bible permitted to prophesy in a meeting or gathering are completed, such should keep quiet (1 Corinthians 14:30-32).

- In all these, those who are prophesying would have to engage their minds. You would get to know the number of people who have prophesied, wether they are up to three or not; As stipulated by the Scripture. Thus, you would get to know whether you should go ahead with your prophecy or not.

- Now, for someone to be prophesying As If his or her mind is suspended and would not know what he or she is doing; such could not control himself or herself again, It means the person is not under the influence of the genuine Spirit of God—the Holy Spirit.

• The devil is a counterfeiter, he could mimic, copy or imitate, the Holy Spirit, that is, manifest As the Spirit of God:

14 BUT I AM NOT SURPRISED! EVEN SATAN DISGUISES HIMSELF AS AN ANGEL OF LIGHT. 15 SO IT IS NO WONDER THAT HIS SERVANTS ALSO DISGUISE THEMSELVES AS SERVANTS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. In the end they will get the punishment their wicked deeds deserve" (2 Corinthians 11:14,15 NLT).

- There are religious demons; spirit of divination and the likes, that can pretend or manifest As the genuine Spirit of God. In fact, the prophecy given by such demonic spirit can be accurate and precise, but the source is not of God—the Holy Spirit (Acts 16:16,17).

- Most of these so-called spiritual churches operate with the spirit of divination. This is the reason why a believer should not be gullible and naive and be carried away by the accuracy and precision of any prophecy they heard (Ephesians 4:14; Hebrews 13:9).

- You should be very particular or concerned about the source and the vessel through which the prophecy was delivered. If the vessel does not have the fruit or the attributes of a believer in Christ Jesus, such prophecy should not be accepted. It might be a true prophecy, but the source is not of God:

16 NOW IT HAPPENED, AS WE WENT TO PRAYER, THAT A CERTAIN SLAVE GIRL POSSESSED WITH A SPIRIT OF DIVINATION MET US, WHO BROUGHT HER MASTERS MUCH PROFIT BY FORTUNE-TELLING. 17 THIS GIRL FOLLOWED PAUL AND US, AND CRIED OUT, SAYING, “ THESE MEN ARE THE SERVANTS OF THE MOST HIGH GOD, WHO PROCLAIM TO US THE WAY OF SALVATION” (Acts 16:16–17 (NKJV).

- In the above passage, the prophecy given by the slave girl was accurate and precise and correct, but it was through the spirit of divination; fortune-telling or soothsaying.

- There are many so-called prophetic churches or ministries that are operating through the kind of spirit we see in the above passage of the Bible, that manifested in the slave girl—in the Acts of the Apostles 16:16,17.

• You will not fail in Jesus' name.

- Should there be any ailment in your body, receive your healing now in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.

- If the Affliction you are experiencing is being masterminded by a demon or more, I command their their hold loosed on your life, in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.

Peace!

TO BE CONTINUED

STEPS TO SALVATION

• Take notice of this:

IF you are yet to take the step of salvation, that is, yet to be born-again, do it now, tomorrow might be too late (2 Corinthians 6:1,2; Hebrews 3:7,8,15).

a. Acknowledge that you are a sinner and confess your Sins (1 John 1:9); And ask Jesus Christ to come into your life (Revelation 3:20).

b. Confess that you believe in your heart that Jesus Christ is Lord, and that you confess it with your mouth, Thus, you accept Him As your Lord and Saviour (Romans 10:9,10).

c. Ask that He will write your name in the Book of Life (Philippians 4:3; Revelation 3:8).

- If you took the steps As highlighted above, It means you are saved—born-again. Join a Word based church in your area and Town or city, and be part of whatever they are doing there. Peace!

[dr-lizortecho]

Queerness and the Bible

Okay, before we can dig into the meat of this we have to address what the Bible/Scripture is and is not. Since it is the only source that we will be using during this discussion. These passages aren’t going to be dug into as deeply as the rest, because it’s not what we are here to talk about, but rather the setup to understanding what the Bible says about queerness and queer relationships.

That being said this discussion will keep two main ideas in mind; that Scripture (the Bible) is sanctified and set apart by God, that being his word given to the Christian community, and that it is not to be read or interpreted through the men who penned it and translated it but through the Holy Spirit.

This is something based in Scripture itself, as Paul says in II Timothy 3:16-17 “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” Which isn’t the only claim to Scripture being directly from God, as John claims (John 1:1) that “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” This concept of the Scriptures being inseparable from God and being a tool of God follows in many letters and books of the Bible. Isaiah records that not only is the scripture from God (and his word directly to his people) but that the Spirit would gather the Scriptures together and keep them for all future generations (Isaiah 34:16-17). Furthermore, the New Testament puts a heavy emphasis on the Scriptures being read and understood “only” through the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 2:10-12 saying that “but God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.” Meaning that only the Holy Spirit can know the meaning of the Scriptures. So only a Christian who is using the Spirit to interpret these verses can know God’s intentions and meaning behind them. (Further verses that discuss the Spirit as the means of understanding Scripture; Luke 24:45 and Ephesians 3:16-19)

So in short, Scripture is given by God and set apart for instruction. However, it is not untouched by man’s failings and biases. As Paul says in Romans 3:23 “-all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”. Meaning all those who transcribed, instructed or translated the Bible are as susceptible to biases and sin as anyone interpreting the scriptures today.

Now to address the Scriptures that reference homosexuality or supposedly reference homosexuality (as there are both). To approach these verses one has to take a look at the larger picture of what is being said. By asking a few simple questions about the author of the verses and the time and settings in which they were written.

One of the most often cited scriptures and biblical stories used to condemn homosexuality is that of Sodom and Gomorrah. Which is at its core a story of a group of people who committed many sins, brazenly and unrepentant. It chronicles two angels who visit Sodom to test the inhabitants, for if they find even ten righteous people it will be spared God’s wrath. Upon entering Sodom the angels are only met with the hospitality of one man, Lot, who welcomes them into his home so they don’t sleep on the streets. Then the rest of the town shows outside his door to demand he hand them over so they can rape them. Which in itself is a sin, fornication. This story incorrectly claims the city’s sin as homosexuality, because Lot is seen as “righteous” and spared from the destruction of Sodom, because he offered his daughters to be raped instead of the masculine presenting angels. But this is challenged by Ezekiel 16:49-50 which says “-this was the iniquity of your sister Sodom: She and her daughter had pride, fullness of food, and abundance of idleness; neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. And they were haughty and committed abomination before Me; therefore I took them away as I saw fit.” Which lays the claim of inhospitality being Sodom’s major sin, not actually the fact they would prefer to commit violence against strange men than Lot’s daughters. While Jude 1:7 is also cited as anti-homosexual it says “Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities around them in a similar manner to these, having given themselves over to sexual immorality and gone after strange flesh, are set forth as an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire”. Sexual immorality includes all the sexual sins, that being any sexual relations that defy the laws of God. Since Sodom attempted to gang rape strangers they were not married to they were meeting a lot of biblical requirements for sexual immorality. As for “strange flesh” it is discussing the lust they felt for angels, which is warned against in Genesis 6:1-4, human and Angel relations remove man from God’s favor and it is considered evil in his eyes. Meaning that there is no direct claim to homosexuality being a sin in these verses, only an interpretation taken by readers and then passed down and taught throughout the years. Which of course impacted a lot of the writings of later prophets and disciples.

The next passage that shows up in the Old Testament is Leviticus 18:22 “You shall not lie with a male as with a woman. It is an abomination”. Now at first glance this is very straightforward, it is a direct statement that paints a clear picture of homosexuality and marks it as a sin. But this can quickly change with a look at the entire book of Leviticus, its intended purpose and an understanding of the culture and historical setting in which this particular book of laws was written down. Now to understand Leviticus, as with a lot of the Old Testament scriptures, it has to be acknowledged that they were in part passed down orally for generations. Though Leviticus was written down in part, most of it spent hundreds of years being passed down orally, and undoubtedly shifting with the culture and time. The laws in Leviticus are the old covenant that the coming of the Messiah dissolved in place of the new covenant, now this doesn’t necessarily wipe away all the importance of the old covenant or make it insubstantial. What it does say though is that the old covenant was designed specifically for a separate people group with different stumbling blocks laid at their feet as a lot of these laws can be traced back to being protections for the Israelites.

Leviticus 18:22 specifically addresses pagan practices or religious practices of non-Jewish people groups in the surrounding area. This is in part because Leviticus is written for the tribe of Levi, the priestly tribe. This passage is specifically designed to set God’s priests apart from priests of different religions, which is something the scriptures take very seriously. Furthermore, this rule book lays out many laws that are not upheld today, or even truly held as sins. Amongst them wearing fabrics with multiple fibers, having sex while menstruating or with a menstruating person, cross breeding livestock, sowing fields with multiple seeds, or cutting the hair off the sides of the head. These are all held as being part of the old covenant, meaning that any laws in this book not repeated in the new covenant should be held to the same standard. Leviticus also brings up same sex relations in 20:13 “If a man lies with a male as he lies with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination. They shall surely be put to death. Their blood shall be upon them.” This verse isn’t specifically addressed to the priesthood, however it is a part of the covenant made for the Israelites who were fleeing persecution on their way to a new land. These laws were devised to create their best survival and strength, which in part relied on procreation. Which could attribute to all the discussions in this passage about incest and not sleeping with a menstrating woman (as that is when a woman is usually least fertile). Also, it’s worth a note that this passage reflects and is in almost the exact order of Leviticus 18:22, which could be a sign of oral repetition as well as the cultural impact of the views of Sodom and Gomorrah.

Which leads us into the New Testament and the new covenant with God. Now some verses from the gospels are used in arguments to claim homosexuality is unnatural, but these verses are specifically addressing marriage and more importantly are discussing the first marriage. That being Adam and Eve, who were created male and female for procreation purposes. These scriptures can be found in Matthew 19:4-6 and Mark 10:6-9. These are less consequential in the discussion of homosexuality being a sin as they are verbal quotations of Genesis in the discussion of biblical marriage. It’s worth noting that Genesis 1:27 says that “-God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” Meaning that both man and woman are in his image, therefore He has neither sex and His image is less about physical form then spirit. Furthermore, Adam and Eve were created with procreation in mind, Genesis 1:28a “then God blessed them, and God said to them, Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it.” Leaving the first marriage as a means of procreation rather than a specific role model of all future marriages. Neither is Jesus referencing the Torah in a conversation about divorce him condemning homosexuality.

Every reference to homosexuality in the New Testament was penned by Paul and (possibly) his followers. Which in respect to him and his apprentices having assumed authorship of nearly half of the New Testament isn’t too much of a shock. Though it brings into question who Paul was and his personal biases and contradictions throughout his works, as well as his intended meaning behind these verses. Paul the apostle originally studied as a Pharisee and was one of the most active against the early Christian church, persecuting followers of Jesus. Acts 22:3-4 Paul says that “I am indeed a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, taught according to the strictness of our fathers’ law, and was zealous toward God as you all are today. I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women.” This reflects both his early strong convictions to the Torah and oral Jewish teachings, as well as his strong convictions in what he believes. These qualities aren’t depicted as having shifted with his conversion to Christianity outside of his view of outsiders softening (which can be seen through his work to carve space for the gentile Christian in the church). Which left Paul as not only well educated on the Jewish teachings of the time but very familiar with the pentateuch and the oral teachings that surrounded it.

Now, a quick look at Paul’s contemporary Jewish philosopher's teachings and translations of the Torah can help inform how Paul’s steadfastness could have viewed homosexual relations. The teachings of Philo, that echoes the passages in Leviticus on homosexuality being an abomination, and asserting that the death penalty should be enforced. This reflects the understanding of the Torah at this time, something Paul would have been familiar with as he studied the Torah and other Jewish teachings. Which leaves the conversation of what Paul’s stance would have been on homosexuality based on the culture of the time, since his peers all viewed homosexuality as sin deserving of death. Which arguably Paul agrees with in Romans 1:26-28 “For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting”. At first glance this passage condemns homosexuality in clear and certain terms. However, Paul’s letter continues to the Romans and explains that these sins and judgements are from man. He further asserts that “-you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things” (Romans 2:1). He informs the church at Rome, and specifically the Jewish Christian’s, that they are in fact as accountable for their sin as the gentiles. Then he informs them God is the one who decides final judgment and not them. Which leaves a few separate ideas to be examined, the first being that Paul references a sin that the Jewish community holds as particularly detestable and the second being his references to pagan worship and practices.

Paul uses the interpretation of the Torah on homosexuality to paint a picture of sin that is deserving of death to then claim that the church itself has committed the same crimes. Leaving Paul with the claim that all sin is the same in God’s eyes and that even something they the community held as so detestable is capable of forgiveness. In this he repeats that there is none righteous among mankind, which echoes the story of Sodom itself in the infliction of God’s wrath, while preaching hope through the new covenant made through Jesus’s death and resurrection. Now, this can be viewed as the claim that homosexuality is a sin that is forgivable (as with all sin) or rather the current views on homosexuality being used to make a stark contrast to drive home his point. In addition, there is reason to believe this reference to perceived homosexuality was in fact discussing pagan rituals. These rituals were common in Corinth (the city in which Paul wrote the letter to Rome from) as well as throughout the Greek world. The verses before the “condemnation” of homosexuality paint the picture of what specifically Paul is addressing, Romans 1:23-25 “{they} changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things. Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.” These pagan rituals would have included temple prostitution as well as pederasty (sexual relationship between an adult man and a young boy). So instead of Paul asserting that homosexuality is a sin, he is addressing the idolatry that surrounded him and the church. A warning that reappears throughout the New Testament. So if his words here are to be taken as any sort of moral judgment (which he himself warns against in the passage) it is against pagan practices and not homosexual orientation.

Paul writes to the church in Corinth that “do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God (1 Corinthians 6:9-11)”. Which has sparked many debates about translations and intended meanings. It’s argued the best translation reflects the above mentioned temple prostitution and pederasty. However, even if this is not the case any list of sins being compiled by a man will hold biases from their lived experiences and fears. And what we know about Paul suggests he would hold homophobic views, that would include the idea of being on the receiving end of homosexual sex as demasculinizing. From all his writings it’s easy to see that he viewed women as lesser (possibly why some translations translate effeminate in place of homosexual/sodomite) so anything that compromised his ideas of masculinity would make those men fall into a lesser social class. This is something that would compromise his ability to make a truly detached analysis of homosexuality. This same translation discussion applies to the use of the same words in 1 Timothy 1:8-11 “but we know that the law is good if one uses it lawfully, knowing this: that the law is not made for a righteous person, but for the lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and for sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, for fornicators, for sodomites, for kidnappers, for liars, for perjurers, and if there is any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine”. In addition, these translations are based on a word that Paul seemingly created, that being arsenokoitai. Which translates most accurately as pertaining to the previously discussed pederasty. Also, of note, 1 Timothy is considered to be possibly written by followers of Paul after his death. Which would explain the word being used out of the same context found in Romans and Corinthians, as it relies on not only Paul’s interpretations of the Torah but on his followers interpretations of his letters.

This leaves to question whether this analysis falls under the concept of the Spirit revealing God’s intent or the bending of scriptures to follow sinful desires. Which leaves another concept to be explored, that being scripture that shows support of homosexuality and queerness. This won’t be any verse that specifies homosexuality since the concept of sexual orientation wasn’t something that would have been mainstream during the periods in which these letters and accounts were written. Instead they will be verses that discuss sexual otherness and love.

The Bible puts a heavy emphasis on love and its importance to Christianity. 1 John 4:7 “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God”. Meaning that all love is from God and a mirror of his image. Some people will falsely claim that queer love would not be real love, that it is lustful and sinful desire instead. However, the scriptures defines love in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 “love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things”. This definition supports homosexual and heterosexual relationships, because it gives criteria that are met in a lot of long lasting and forgiving relationships. Furthermore, the couples who had to stick out for so long in a world where their relationships would never be acknowledged or the marriages legally allowed have shown more long suffering than most.

In addition to homosexual love being from God there has always been a place for the sexually other inside of the church. During the times in which the church was first being founded one of the most prominent sexually othered members of society were eunuchs (men who have been castrated) as they were viewed as having a lesser social status. This being in part because of their removal of their sexual organs and in part the absence of sexual desire. Not all of these men became eunuchs willingly or for religious reasons. As Jesus says in Matthew 19:11-12 (in response to the disciples saying celibacy was better than marriage) “All cannot accept this saying, but only those to whom it has been given: For there are eunuchs who were born thus from their mother’s womb, and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake. He who is able to accept it, let him accept it”. Reflecting the differences between eunuchs who did not (or did not want) sexuality or desire, court eunuchs and intersex individuals. These people were decidedly queer in their day and age, from reception socially to their experiences of sexuality and sexual desire. Furthermore, the scriptures take similar contradictions on their existence. Deuteronomy 23:1 says that “he who is emasculated by crushing or mutilation shall not enter the assembly of the Lord”, meaning that eunuchs weren’t allowed near the presence of God (or the physically deformed, see Leviticus 21:20). While other scriptures say the opposite, Isaiah 56:4-5 “for thus says the Lord: ‘to the eunuchs who keep My Sabbaths, and choose what pleases Me, and hold fast My covenant, even to them I will give in My house and within My walls a place and a name better than that of sons and daughters; I will give them an everlasting name that shall not be cut off”. Which not only offers them a place in heaven but a highly revered place. This is the sentiment that is continued by Jesus and his disciples, and part of the foundations of the Christian church. This can be seen in Acts 8 when Philip preaches the gospel to an Ethiopian eunuch who converts to Christianity, professing Jesus as his savior. The eunuch is then baptized in Acts 8:38 “so he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him”. This baptism officially making the eunuch part of the Christian church as it symbolized the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Furthermore, the old covenant has gone away as depicted in Acts 10:15 “then he said to them, You know how unlawful it is for a Jewish man to keep company with or go to one of another nation. But God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean”. This is the final conclusion that Peter has about his vision of God telling him to break the old covenant by eating meat that was considered unclean by the Torah. He asserts that there is no man inherently unclean by the nature of creation, that the old laws built to protect the Israelites do not apply the same way to the Christian church or the world they live in after Christ. In addition, Paul says in Galatians 3:26-29 “for you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” Meaning that in God’s eyes there is no distinction between mankind, because we are all made in his image (Genesis 1:27) and further made whole through our unity in Christ. Therefore sexual orientation isn’t something that God would use against his children, since he doesn’t perceive human gender or distinction, only his spirit in them.

[scribeforchrist-blog]

The Cross Isn’t Foolish

MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK

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+ Galatians 3:26 For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith.

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VERSE OF THE DAY

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+ 1 Corinthians 1:18  For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God.

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SUBJECT: The Cross Isn’t Foolish

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** SAY THIS BEFORE YOU READ; HERE’S SOME CHRISTIAN TRUTHS **

I AM FOLLOWING JESUS

I AM LOVED

I AM UNDERSTANDING THE TRUTH

I AM HOLY

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THOUGHTS:

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   The things of the lord are foolish to the world. They don’t care to believe it, and they don’t think it exists. A lot of people feel it’s a fairy tale. You'll hear them say they feel this way because they had something to happen, and God didn’t stop it; he didn’t prevent it, so by moving the way God does, they don’t understand he moves according to his will. They see it as he must hate them, and that’s not true, so they develop this since the lord can't be real. He must be fake or not all-loving when he is.

   Still, everyone believes in heaven, and they believe it’s a place one can go to if you are a good person, and that if that person love God or a god, but then there are some that believe all you have be is GOOD, and everything else in the bible about holiness and about Christ dying sounds unbelievable.

  But those of you who believe in God, that truly believe in the GREAT I AM, we believe that this is his power and that we can be saved through his power and grace and mercy; we believe what is written is from God, and it even says it in his word.

•2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and training in righteousness,

 •2 Peter 1:20-21 Knowing this, first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

These two verses that clarify all the speculation that man wrote this with their knowledge, but it was done through the Holy Spirit. But as we witness to people, you hear them say they don’t believe in God and they think it is all foolish because there's no way one man saved the world, but we know in our word it says that Jesus was crucified because he loved us so much,

  Verse 19 For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise;  the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.

  The world counts degrees, and going to college, and intelligent people understand everything. Still, to their sad dismay, the wisdom of this world won't help anyone get into heaven, nor will it help them understand God. We often think things here will help us understand the bible or God, but they won't.

   The only way to understand God is to read our word and allow God to shine a light on his word so we can understand it and become better. If it just took a lot of wisdom and education, that means we didn’t need Jesus and that we could’ve saved ourselves, and to be honest, we can't save ourselves; we are only saved through believing that Jesus is lord.

 Isaiah 55:8-9 For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways, says the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.

   It says here that our thoughts aren’t his, and our ways aren’t either. Nothing on earth tramples God at all, the world will always think they know the lord and his words, and they don’t. That’s why it all seems foolish: because they have a blocker or veil over their eyes, they won't understand the word of God until they submit; until they realize they need God, they won't understand the word of God.

 2 Corinthians 4:3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing.

    It even says here the gospel is veiled to those who are perishing because what people of the world like to do a lot of times is break down and explain everything in a worldly way that everything is accepted and  It's not; they don’t understand that only holiness and righteousness will be accepted in the kingdom, and the word of God will never change. 

  Don’t get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with having an education, but here are the fact the education of the world can never give you enough clarity to understand the Word of God, Only God can. That’s why we must apply ourselves daily to the Word and allow the Holy Spirit to reveal what we need to know. When we go based on an earthly spin on things of the word of God, we won’t ever understand. The spirit must lead us to understand things about the spirit; if not, it will sound foolish to our ears.

  1 John 5:20 And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life

  Jesus came to give us the understanding to give us the truth. If he never came, we would’ve been aimlessly wandering around in the dark, but the word says he came so that we have light, and he is the light of the world, and if we follow him, we won’t be walking in darkness, he is the true light, he brings light to our dark lives because we don’t know the way but knowing him, allow us to see the way, I didn’t know the way; at one time, I was truly lost, relying on what I thought was right, believing that what I was doing was okay because I was behind a veil. Still, now that I have experienced Christ for me, for Lui, I know he is what I need and that he is the TRUTH.

  ***Today, we learned that the world sees the word of God as being foolish they think he’s unfair, they think he’s mean and cruel but what they must understand is we send ourselves to hell when we don’t believe in THE TRUTH, we send our self to hell when we don’t follow him. We must lean on God and allow him to lead us.

 Another thing we learned is that God inspired the men who wrote the Bible, that they did nothing of their own accord, and that when we read his word, we are reading it from God. We learned that we must follow the light of God if we aren’t living the way we should and believe in the truth of God. We are in the dark, and sometimes, things and situations can make us feel that we are in the dark, but we can’t allow those situations to stir us from God and on the road to the straight and narrow. Things will come but rely on God and HIS word to help you through it. ©Seer~ Prophetess Lee

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PRAYER

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Heavenly Father, we thank you for your word; we ask you to help us to hear you and to follow the light, lord; a lot of times, we are lost because we are allowing emotion to lead us, but we want to be led by you and your desires please continue to help us through our pain, through our confusion lord we love you so much and we thank you for everything. Lord, please help us to apply this word to our lives and to see you and only you in Jesus' Name Amen

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REFERENCES

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+ 2 Corinthians 11:31 The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, he who is blessed forever, knows that I am not lying.

 

+ Revelation 3:7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: ‘The words of the holy one, the true one, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, who shuts and no one opens.

 

+ 1 Corinthians 1:9 God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

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FURTHER READINGS

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Proverbs 11

Revelation 18

Psalm 58

2 Kings 14

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[a-godman]

The Bible is Profitable for Teaching, Conviction, Correction, Instruction in Righteousness

 On God’s side, the Bible is God’s breathing; on our side, the Bible is for us to receive the breath of God as our profit in teaching, conviction, correction, and instruction in righteousness; the Bible is profitable for teaching, conviction, correction, and instruction in righteousness, so that we may be men of God fully equipped for every good work. Amen! The majority of believers in Christ…

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart

1 My son, do not forget my law, But let your heart keep my commands; 2 For length of days and long life And peace they will add to you. 3 Let not mercy and truth forsake you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart, 4 And so find favor and high esteem In the sight of God and man. 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. 7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil. 8 It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones. 9 Honor the Lord with your possessions, And with the firstfruits of all your increase; 10 So your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wine. 11 My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor detest His correction; 12 For whom the Lord loves He corrects, Just as a father the son in whom he delights.

Blessed Is the One Who Finds Wisdom

13 Happy is the man who finds wisdom, And the man who gains understanding; 14 For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, And her gain than fine gold. 15 She is more precious than rubies, And all the things you may desire cannot compare with her. 16 Length of days is in her right hand, In her left hand riches and honor. 17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness, And all her paths are peace. 18 She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, And happy are all who retain her. 19 The Lord by wisdom founded the earth; By understanding He established the heavens; 20 By His knowledge the depths were broken up, And clouds drop down the dew. 21 My son, let them not depart from your eyes-- Keep sound wisdom and discretion; 22 So they will be life to your soul And grace to your neck. 23 Then you will walk safely in your way, And your foot will not stumble. 24 When you lie down, you will not be afraid; Yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet. 25 Do not be afraid of sudden terror, Nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes; 26 For the Lord will be your confidence, And will keep your foot from being caught. 27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, When it is in the power of your hand to do so. 28 Do not say to your neighbor, "Go, and come back, And tomorrow I will give it," When you have it with you. 29 Do not devise evil against your neighbor, For he dwells by you for safety's sake. 30 Do not strive with a man without cause, If he has done you no harm. 31 Do not envy the oppressor, And choose none of his ways; 32 For the perverse person is an abomination to the Lord, But His secret counsel is with the upright. 33 The curse of the Lord is on the house of the wicked, But He blesses the home of the just. 34 Surely He scorns the scornful, But gives grace to the humble. 35 The wise shall inherit glory, But shame shall be the legacy of fools. — Proverbs 3 | New King James Version (NKJV) The Holy Bible; New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. All rights reserved. Cross References: Genesis 7:11; Exodus 20:6; Exodus 22:29; Leviticus 19:13; Leviticus 26:14; Numbers 9:20; Deuteronomy 11:21; Job 4:6; Job 11:19; Job 21:24; Job 28:15; Psalm 37:1; Proverbs 1:9; Proverbs 2:4; Proverbs 6:14; Proverbs 8:10-11; Proverbs 8:27-28; Proverbs 9:11; Isaiah 5:27; Daniel 12:3; Joel 2:24; Micah 2:1; Matthew 11:29; Luke 2:52; John 7:17; Romans 12:16; Romans 12:18; 2 Corinthians 3:3; Philippians 4:6; Hebrews 2:1; Hebrews 12:5-6; 1 Peter 3:14; 1 Peter 5:5; Revelation 2:7; Revelation 3:19

[christianotome]

Take everything or drop it all

You may believe in the Bible, or you may not, but what you can’t do is take the parts that you find agreeable and exclude the ones you don’t like.

2 Peter 1:20-21 says “Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” That means either the Bible is wholly and completely the word of a perfect and inerrant God or it is not.

Of course that doesn’t mean we like everything that’s written there as following God’s commandments is like cleaning an infected wound: it hurts in the beginning, but you feel better after, but following our own desires, on the contrary, it’s initially easier, but the wound will only get worse, hurt more and we might die in the end.

Remember that “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 ‭Timothy 3:16-17). When our nature goes against what’s written in the Bible, this shows us the things that need the most changes.

[stephenjaymorrisblog]

A Flower That’s Never Been Seen

Stephen Jay Morris

7/21/2024

©Scientific Morality

            Can you imagine a world without celebrities and fans? Okay. How about where Ego is not the reason for existence? How about a world that is sensitive or compassionate? Where violence is not an expression of strength or courage? A world without people telling you on how to act and be? Developing one’s own self-creation will never be achieved by conforming to another’s idea of conduct and nationalism.

            People are meant to be whatever their brain chemistry propels them to be. Some are meant to be lawyers, doctors, or even politicians. That is why those in authority are never correct. They are always forcing square pegs into round holes to fit their agenda of conformity. Now, individualism and collectivism are symbiotic and never separated. For example: An army general can be an individual, but that general’s army is a collective. Second example: a surgeon can be an individual conducting a surgery, but it takes a collective of assistants to make that surgery a success. One more example: A business owner can be individualistic all he/she wants to be, but that business owner cannot achieve anything without a collective work force. So, Karl Marx and Ayn Rand are wrong!

            What’s it mean to the plebeian or petty bourgeois like me, or maybe to any other bohemian on this planet? What if they are painters or writers? They don’t work for wages or earn a profit unless they are appointed by wealthy patrons. Or, perhaps, they get financed by movie companies or entities of the entertainment industry. The Disney corporation used to employ an assembly line of artists. When creating a cartoon like “Mickey Mouse,” one artist would draw Mickey’s hand, another his feet, and others would draw other parts of the cartoon, such as the landscape or additional cartoon characters. These types of artists could be referred to as the “industrial proletariats.” Otherwise, there are the solo artists who possess the Right Brain mind set. They have no concept of the monetary system, or are simply indifferent to money. They are peaceful sorts who only want to create because they have a compulsion to do so. They are not motivated by any profit motive; they are beholden to the mythical muse. Most non-artists do not understand this mindset. So, because they lack the personality of the normal commoner, they judge artists as degenerates or weirdos.

            Successful artists have connections to the Ruling Class. Others die and have their work recognized posthumously. A creator’s death is more profitable to the art collector because, in that case, they don’t have to pay them shit. On the other hand, that would depend on who owns the artist’s intellectual property. Then there are the other artists, those who create without reason and never show anybody their work. They never get discovered. Like my mother, for example. She painted countless abstract paintings only to store them away in a closet to collect dust! That is the fate of the artist in America! The Working Class is tolerated, and the artists are ignored.

            You see, I am totally useless in America. I can’t make money for the rich or for myself. I refuse to die for my country. And so, being useless for the Ruling Class is the most treasonous act I can do for this country. I refuse to be a slave to the rich pigs of America! Or a slave to God, if he exists.

            There are so many conflicting axioms in America that the population doesn’t know which “golden rule” to follow. Ayan Rand told the world that selfishness is good. A lot of people found that shocking. In the Christian bible, selfishness is discouraged and, yet, conservatives call it acceptable. However, if you are a worker, you are preached to about teamwork, which translates to the dreaded, “collectivism,” otherwise known as the evil, “communism.”

So, in America, only the wealthy can afford to be individualistic. The truly poor individual is on skid row, a mentally ill bum behaving like he is an oil baron. Sadly, he believes it. If Trump was a homeless drunk who told everyone he met how rich he was, they would all laugh in his face. But, with lots of money and power, and countless churches supporting him, all of his minions believe everything he says!

Stupid people!

[creativewaygrace]

Bible Verses For Mental Health

Matthew 11:28-30- Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take up my yoke and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

Philippians 4:13- I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me.

Romans 12:2- Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.

1 Peter 5:7- Casting all your cares on him, because he cares about you.

Philippians 4:6-7- Don't worry about anything, but in everything through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

2 Timothy 1:7- For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.

Romans 15:13- Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

1 John 4:8- The one who does not love does not know God, because God is love.

Romans 8:28- We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.

2 Timothy 3:16-17- All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work!

1 Peter 5:10- The God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, establish, strengthen, and support you after you have suffered a little while.

Philippians 1:6- I am sure of this that who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Psalm 34:17- The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears and rescues them from all their troubles.

Hebrews 12:1- Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every hindrance and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us.

Philippians 4:8- Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there's any moral excellence and if there's anything praiseworthy dwell on these things.

Ephesians 5:18- And don't get drunk with wine, which leads to reckless living, but be filled by the Spirit.

Romans 8:18- For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us.

1 Peter 3:14- But even if you should suffer for righteousness, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear or be intimidated.

Isaiah 35:4- Say to the cowardly "Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God, vengeance is coming, he will save you".

Isaiah 40:31- But those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength, they will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not become weary, they will walk and not faint.

Isaiah 41:10- Do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid for I am your God, I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will hold on to you with my righteous right hand.

Joshua 1:9- Haven't I commanded you to be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

Psalm 34:4- I sought the Lord, and he answered me and rescued me from all my fears.

Psalm 94:19- When I am filled with cares, your comfort brings me joy.

Romans 8:38-39- For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels, nor rulers nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Proverbs 3:5-6- Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding, in all your ways know him and he will make your paths straight.

Jeremiah 17:7-8- The person who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence indeed is the Lord, is blessed. He will be like a tree planted by water, it sends its roots out toward a stream, and it doesn't fear when heat comes, and its foliage remains green. It will not worry in a year of drought or cease producing fruit.

John 14:27- Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Don't let your heart be troubled or fearful.

2 Thessalonians 3:16- May the Lord of peace himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with all of you.

Romans 12:15- In the same way, we who are many are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.

[walkswithmyfather]

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” —2 Timothy 2:15 (ESV)

“My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment.” —James 3:1 (NKJV)

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” —2 Timothy 3:16‭-‬17 (ESV)

“How To Study The Bible” (Foundations) Devotional By Faithspring.

Day 3 - “Great Bible Study is Supported By Tools:”

“A man is only as good as his tools.” - Emmert Wolf

“One of my favorite things to do on my days off from work is to sit down with a warm mug of ginger-lemon tea and binge on cooking shows. It’s hypnotizing to watch a master chef at work. Everything they do is purposeful from the seasonings they use, to the temperature they set, down to the type of dish-ware they plate their creations on.

If you ask these world-class chefs what the most important element for cooking is, 99% of them will provide the same answer: ingredients. The fresher or rarer the ingredients, the more amazing the final dish is going to be.

For students of the Bible, our ingredients are the tools we use to help us understand Scripture. If we use good tools, we will develop a rich understanding of the Biblical world and learn how to apply the timeless truths found inside God’s Word. But if we turn to incomplete or inaccurate “ingredients”, our grasp of the Bible will come up short and possibly even lead us down dangerous paths.

2 Timothy urges us to become workers who are able to “rightly” handle the “word of truth.” The best way I know how to do this is:

Discover the tools available to you to help you understand the Bible.

Pray that God will lead you to a godly mentor to help you use these tools.

Now, it can be easy to become overwhelmed by the sheer number of tools out there. There are commentaries, dictionaries, concordances, maps, language software, and more. The #1 tool I always encourage my students to begin with is simple: a good translation.

Thankfully, tools like the YouVersion Bible app make it easy to access dozens of useful translations. This is where I encourage you to start.

There is treasure in the Word of God just waiting for those who are willing to go after it.

Pro-Tip: Do you want to take your Bible study to the next level but aren’t sure where to start? Choose one of your favorite verses and write out 5 different translations of that verse on a piece of paper. What differences/similarities do you notice? Your awareness as a reader is one of the best tools there is.”

https://bible.com/reading-plans/13388/day/3?segment=0