#theBible

[justanotherbuggysimp]

Oh okay so that man fucks

[discoveringthebible]

2024 Presidential Election

For people who know me, they know my life is an open book. I will freely talk or discuss anything--except politics, unless someone asks me a direct question.

Over the years my politics have changed, as I have learned and grown, not just as a person, but as a Christian.

Yesterday's presidential campaign, no matter who you voted for, was shocking to say the least.

I purposefully have kept Facebook to a minimum today because I don't want to continue the hatred and riff among my friends. They have strong opinions, and I do as well. However, it seems that my Christian friends are the loudest--and maybe not for the best.

In a post-COVID world, patience has been lost; civility has died, and everyone seems to believe in an "us vs. them" mentality, forgetting that we are all human.

We, at least in the United States, don't see people as people. If they don't act like us, if they don't vote like us, if they don't have our religion or if they have a difference in theology or in the Bible, they are less-than.

This mentality breaks my heart.

As a Christian, I try very hard, and pray for God to reveal to me how He sees humanity.

And what has God shown me?

Love.

And what is love?

The Bible speaks much on love, but Jesus summed it up in this way:

This is from Matthew 22 (NRSV)

34: When the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together, 35: and one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. 36: "Teacher, which commandments in the law is the greatest?"

37: He said to him, "'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' 38: This is the greatest and first commandment. 39: And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' 40: On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."

In everything we do as Christians, we must be others-minded, not self-minded. And this includes our politics and to whom we vote for.

For a lot of people, these next four years are going to be scary and anxiety-filled. It will be a time of uncertainty. And there are already people laughing at those whose lives are now at risk. This is a legitimate fear and concern.

As a former Nazarene pastor, and a hopeful Episcopalian Deacon, I am going to continue to pursue love and do my best to pursue love in everything that I do. And to see people as people, regardless of anything that makes us different.

To the Christians who voted for Harris, I am heartbroken with you and I am praying with you. Keep looking toward the Lord. Have faith. Continue in love and equality for all. Continue in kindness. God has not failed you.

To the Christians who voted for Trump, I also pray with you and for you. Remember the marginalized, the orphan, the widow, the disabled, the immigrant, the Queer Community, and the poor, they are people too, who deserve the same rights and privileges you now possess as January comes and the Government turns Republican. Remember God has not exalted Trump, the American voters did. Don't turn Trump into an idol.

Also, to the Trump supporters, remember Micah 6:8 (NRSV) : He has told you, O mortal, what is good, and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God?

Peace, Love and Blessings,

Cody Marie

[asian63]

Can’t cross over till you let whatever hinders you from God go.

I’m guilty with this one.

John 12:24-25 MSG

[mrmossmichael]

It's been 10 years passed since The Bible TV miniseries on The History Channel came out in March-3-2013 and let me tell ya: that was AWESOME, inspiring and life-changing! This TV miniseries tells us about Noah's ark, the Exodus and the life and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth are some of the best-known stories that are in the Bible ever since we've read the Holy Bible and that could change our lives forever. God is GOOD all the time, y'all. 🙏✝⛪

[bwycbic]

@bwycbic So often, we judge others by our own alleged standards!! What nonsense it is only our Lord who sees what is on the inside. It's time to stop judging others forc the time of judgement is near. 1 Samuel 16:7. But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” #bibletime #jesusistheway #biblestudy #dailybible #joy #oldtestament #thebible #christ #jesuschrist #holybible #faith #christian #christianity #god #christianblog #jesus #wisdom #verses #bible #bibleinspiration #serve #repent #repentance #scripture #amazinggrace #trustgod #praise #prayer #heaven #life https://www.instagram.com/p/Cn1PQj9r-3R/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[letspraynow]

Greetings. Did you know that stones and concrete objects have a voice? Jesus illustrated this fact in Luke 19:40. Learn how prophetic this was and how it applies to our modern day and time. Be blessed.  For our teaching on Coniah, check out this link....https://youtu.be/fNM6lYdZTAQ

[alandemoss]

5 Disturbing Reasons Your Pastor Isn’t Preaching the True Gospel (And How It’s Hurting Your Faith)

In today’s world, many churches have strayed far from the true Gospel of Jesus. Instead of focusing on the message of grace and salvation, some preachers have turned their sermons into lessons on rule-following, fear, and control. As a result, many believers are left feeling burdened and spiritually exhausted. The true Gospel is about love, mercy, and freedom—but if your preacher is more…

[theformulaforsuccess]

Join Douglas Vandergraph as he takes you through a detailed review of The Gospel according to Matthew Chapter 1 from the New Testament. In this insightful video, Douglas explores the significance of Jesus' genealogy, the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, and the profound meaning behind the birth of Christ. Discover the key themes that Matthew uses to introduce Jesus as the Messiah and how these lessons can guide our own lives today. Watch now and dive deeper into this powerful chapter that marks the beginning of the greatest story ever told!

#MatthewChapter1 #GospelofMatthew #BibleStudy #NewTestament #JesusGenealogy #EmmanuelGodWithUs #ChristianFaith #BibleInsights #FaithJourney #BibleReview

[shihabahmed09]

Where Are Dinosaurs Mentioned in the Bible? 📖🦖

#where #dinosuars #mentioned #thebible

Watch Now

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[discoveringthebible]

Advent 1 Year C 2024

In the Episcopal Church, we use a lectionary. Essentially, it is a Bible reading plan than covers the span of 3 years. We read 4 passages of Scripture every Sunday: Old Testament, a Psalm, a New Testament and a Gospel Passage. (I should mention that this does not quite cover the entire Bible, but covers most of the Bible if you participate weekly in church services over the course of 3 years. It even includes a bit of the Apocrypha.)

Beginning this Sunday, December 1st 2024, we start a new Church year. For our lectionary, we are beginning Year 3 (Also known as Year C) in our Lectionary plan.

While I still have a long way to go to become an ordained Deacon in the Episcopal Church, my previous experience within the Church of the Nazarene has helped lay a foundation for writing sermons. And while there are some differences between the Church of the Nazarene and the Episcopal Church in their styles and lengths of their messages, (and their theology) this is my first real 'crack' at writing an Episcopal Homily (the proper Episcopalian term for sermon).

I thought as a new church year starts, I will try to get back into regular writing and sermon preparation that I used to do (mostly before COVID) to get back into the habit and continuing to build my skills so that when I do attend Seminary, I will feel more confident.

To make this a little bit more appropriate, I will start by listing all 4 Lectionary passages from Avent 1 Year C (and the prayer) for those who are not familiar with them. My message is based upon the Gospel passage.

The Collect (pronounced call-ecked)

AKA the Morning Prayer

Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit; one God, now and for ever. Amen.

(All Scriptures passages are from the NRSV: The New Revised Standard Version)

Old Testament: Jeremiah 33:14-16:

The days are surely coming, says the LORD, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. In those days at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David, and he shall execute justice which it will be called: "The LORD is our righteousness."

The Psalm: Psalm 25:1-9

[When reading the Psalm in the Church, a person starts, then the congregation joins in after the asterisk *]

Ad te, Domine, levavi

1: To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul; my God, I put my trust in you;*

let me not be humiliated, nor let my enemies triumph over me.

2: Let none who look to you be put to shame;*

let the treacherous be disappointed in their schemes.

3: Show me your ways, O LORD, *

and teach me your paths.

4: Lead me in your truth and teach me,*

for you are the God of my salvation; in you have I trusted all the day long.

5: Remember, O LORD, your compassion and love,*

for they are from everlasting.

6: Remember not the sins of my youth and my transgressions;*

remember me according to your love and for the sake of your goodness, O LORD.

7: Gracious and upright is the LORD;*

therefore he teaches sinners in his way.

8: He guides the humble in doing right*

and teaches his way to the lowly.

9: All the paths of the LORD are love and faithfulness*

to those who keep his covenant and his testimonies.

The New Testament: 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13

How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before our God because of you? Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you face to face and restore whatever is lacking in your faith.

Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you. And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for you. And may he so strengthen your hearts in holiness that you may be blameless before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.

The Gospel: Luke 21:25-36:

25: Jesus said, "There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth: distress among the nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves.

26: People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.

27: Then they will see 'the Son of Man coming in a cloud' with power and great glory.

28: Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."

29: Then he told them a parable: "Look at the fig tree and all the trees, 30: as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. 31: So also, when you see these things take place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. 32: Truly, I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. 33: Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. 34: Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life and that day does not catch you unexpectedly, 35: like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. 36: Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man."

Homily:

Happy Advent! Happy New Year!!

I realize we are only on December 1st, but in the Christian calendar, it is the beginning of a new year!

Advent is the preparation season for Christmas and Christ's coming to Earth. It begins the Sunday closest to November 30th, and lasts through Christmas Eve on December 24th.

Each week we light a candle on the Advent wreath, and each candle represents something. On Advent 1, which is today, it symbolizes hope.

Advent 2, next week, symbolizes love.

Advent 3 symbolizes joy and Advent 4 symbolizes peace.

Our Gospel message, Luke 21: 25-36, on the surface seems to be a weirdly uncomfortable and unrelated message to Advent: 'fear and foreboding'; 'the powers of heaven will be shaken'; 'heaven and earth passing away'; and 'pray that you may have the strength to escape all the things that will take place.'

I mean, it sounds like doom and gloom to me!

Taking the context of this passage, along with the message of the rest of the Bible, we see from the very beginning that God had a glorious and wonderful vision of humanity in the Garden of Eden. No sin, no shame, walking, physically, with God. When sin entered the world, God could no longer be with us, as our perfect and sinless God, could not be near sin. At the end of the Bible, we see the restoration of humanity, earth and God, being reconciled and united again, restoring that perfect life from the Garden.

And right now, we are stuck somewhere in the middle. And while it will be absolutely devastating on humanity's part, there will be a time when everything will be restored back to God's original plan.

And herein lies the hope.

Not only to hope in this year's season of Advent as we await Christmas Day, but also our hope in waiting for Christ's second coming.

Many people believe we are in the End Times right now. Global warming, the Israeli conflict, the war in Ukraine, the droughts, floods, earthquakes, volcanoes, etc.

Just in my lifetime (I was born in 1988), I have lived through several events that people claimed would be the end of the world: Y2K (For those who don't know, it was believed computers would not be able to process the century change and that we would experience a global collapse because technology would stop working. Best Buy ran an ad that advised everyone to turn off all electrical devices before 11:59pm on December 31st 1999 to prevent that. Funnily enough, on January 1st 2000, we turned on our family computer, and it read January 1st 1900. And the world did not collapse.

Next, we had 12/12/12. At this point I was in college. The fear was that after 12/12/12, the Mayan calendar expired and thus, it was believed that was when the Mayan's predicted the end of the world. It ended up just being a normal Wednesday.

After that, we had 09/23/2017, when a televangelist convinced many people around the world that he cracked the code in the 12th Chapter of Revelation and that the world was going to end. While that turned out to be false, there did happen to be a devastating earthquake in Mexico that day, killing over 300 people. It also was the day when the Antilles Islands were devastated by Hurricane Maria, a category 5 hurricane that killed 37.

And of course, we had the worldwide shut down due to the COVID-SARS virus beginning March 15th 2020. It lasted for 10 months, ending on January 25th 2021. I heard many conservative Christians say that the COVID virus was because of humanity's sin and that God was "thinning out humanity." To date, over 7 million people died around the world from the virus and over 704 million people have been confirmed to have had the virus. I personally know this number to be higher as I never recorded my covid case in February 2022, I self-diagnosed and self-treated at home.

Since Jesus' ministry on earth, 2,000 years ago, people have been saying that the earth is ending. And most likely, we will continue to be saying so in the future.

Our Gospel message gives us instructions for what we are to do when the end of the world does come. I believe we should be focusing on these instructions, NOT on the signs. For it is in these instructions that we find hope. As humans, we tend to focus on everything that goes wrong--I encourage us, myself included, that we need to look for the hope, the healing, the restoration, the reunion that we are going to have with God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit.

I believe verse 34, from our Gospel passage, is extremely important: "Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life and that day does not catch you unexpectedly."

There are so many worries and stresses of this life, and when we begin to focus on the past and/or the future, that just increases our worries, and raises our blood pressure. Jesus tells us in Matthew chapter 6: "So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today's trouble is enough for today."

Instead of looking toward the future in dissipation, let us look with hope and anticipation. Let us continue in learning and growing in our relationship with Jesus. Let us become more open and loving toward our neighbors, being Jesus' hands and feet on earth.

The world is presently suffering, and it is easy for us, who have the eternal hope of Christ to join them. Instead of us joining them in their grief and trouble, let us share the hope they so desperately need.

As we begin a new Church year, I encourage all of us to help bring hope, love, joy and peace to our neighbors who so desperately need it. We cannot change the world, but we can change a person's perspective to it.

There is an inspirational story I want to share with you. You probably have heard it before, but I think it bears repeating:

Once upon a time, there was an elderly man who used to go to the ocean. He had a habit of walking along the beach every morning.

One morning, after a large storm had passed, he saw that the beach was littered with starfish--as far as the eye could see.

Off in the distance, the man noticed a young boy approaching. As the boy walked, he paused every so often and as he grew closer, the man could see that the boy was throwing objects into the sea.

The man called out, "Good morning! May I ask what it is you are doing?" The boy paused, looked up and said, "Throwing starfish into the ocean. The tide has washed them ashore. They cannot return to the sea by themselves. When the sun gets high, they will die, unless I throw them back into the water."

The man replied, "But there must be tens of thousands of starfish on this beach. I'm afraid you won't be able to make much of a difference."

The boy bent down, picked up yet another starfish, and threw it as far as he could into the sea. He turned to the man and smiled, and replied, "It made a difference for that one!"

Maybe we cannot go to a homeless shelter and feed the 100 people there, but we can feed 1 person. Let us feed that 1 person.

Maybe we cannot foster 50 children who need homes, but we can for 1. Let us foster that 1 child.

Maybe we cannot pay school lunch debts of 25 children, but we can for 2 or 3. Let us pay the debts of the 2 or 3.

Maybe we cannot open our homes to the 10 who are fighting to stay sober from drugs and alcohol, but we can for 1. Let us come alongside that 1 for love and encouragement.

Or, what about the single mother at the grocery store who doesn't have enough to pay for all her items?

What about the teenager who was kicked out of their home for coming out as gay?

What about the homeless family living in a tent and they don't have enough blankets to keep warm?

Or what about befriending and checking in on an elderly neighbor?

What about the tiny, wet and hungry stray kitten you found on your porch?

What is something tangible that you can do to make a world of difference for someone who doesn't see the point and has no hope?

This Advent season, let us aid in whatever ways we can to show someone God's great mercy.

Amen.

[asian63]

Luke 9 : 23-27 MSG

John 12 : 26 MSG

God loves you ❤️

[mansworldmansrules]

Discover the beauty and magic of a journey through the Holy Quran! Join us in exploring the depths of Islam and learn about the amazing facts and wonderful stories contained in God’s book, the Holy Quran. Discover how stories of prophets and divine miracles have inspired entire societies throughout the ages. Subscribe now to be part of this fun and exciting spiritual journey Download Free From Here: https://mega4upload.com/i8vw6xxq68zs

[honestnewsoaoer]

Upcoming force Gurkha is launching date in India

न्यू 5-डोर force Gurkha तैयार है लांच होने को 2024 में हाल ही में फोर्स की तरफ से 5-डोर force Gurkha इसका टीजर लॉन्च किया गया है लंबे समय से force Gurkha इस गाड़ी का ट्रायल भारत में शुरू था. क्योंकि भारत में अलग-अलग जगह इसका ट्रायल देखा गया  था आखिरकार फोर्स गुरखा 5 डोर 2024 को अंत में लॉन्च किया जाएगा टेस्ट म्यूल्स सूत्रों से पता चला है कि फोर्स गुरखा में 5- डोर और 3-डोर कुछ डिजाइन चेंज देखने…

[jimfostercoc]

Karen Armstrong, author of "The Bible: A Biography," talks about how the story of The Exodus was written deliberately as a myth.  The full interview from a 2008 episode of "Conversations On The Coast with Jim Foster" can be heard now wherever you get your podcasts.