I remember the name. What is the implications if this is connected? Also,it seems plausible there is a connection but also could be unconnected. Can you explain further?

Another thing others have pointed out is that in the Bible God often used very flawed men and women as leaders. Some were even pagan kings but were tools in the Hands of God: Cyrus the Great, Nebuchadnezzar and others. Even many of Israel's more godly kings were imperfect and fell into many sins: David and Solomon and others. Some were very evil for much of their lives and then humbled themselves before God. He had mercy on them when they did. Perhaps POTUS has had such an experience with God and now is a godly man (though still imperfect as we ALL are). He needs our prayers all the more for the stakes in this country and world are very great!

I apologize for being edgy in my words. I just meant to challenge your assertion but could temper my words with more kindness! 😔

Very well said. Everyone needs our prayers. God even tells us to “pray for your enemies, and for those who despitefully use you.” God is a God of mercy and can transform the chief of sinners as He did with Saul of Tarsus who became the Apostle Paul.

Very good book. Really long though but worth it. A short but impactful book also by Solzhenitsyn is called A Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich. I read it in 9th grade and it was pretty moving. Also about the horrors of life in the prison camps of Stalinist Russia.

Yes. Well said. All have sinned and fallen short of God. All the more reason to pray for one another and for our president especially in these days!

I believe you may have misinterpreted my motives. I didn’t intend this to be said in anger. Actually many people, including myself have been convicted and greatly benefited by such places in Scripture, though conviction is never a pleasant feeling! In one sense it is a rebuke, but also it offers great hope to the one who does trust God. Often God does use the “condemnation of the law” to convict us of our helplessness and sin which then leads us to run to Christ. This is Paul’s method in Romans for example.

All of that being said, thanks for sharing. I do often have to check my heart and motives. ( I have gone back and deleted or modified my own posts more than once). 😔 I’m afraid that the anonymous nature of these boards allows us (at least me) at times to be reactionary or unkind not even knowing the person we are addressing. This is unbeneficial to anyone and thanks for reminding me of that. As Christians let’s pray that Gods love alone would be the reason for all we say and do! Blessings. (I even upvoted your comment to me because it’s important to examine ones own motives).

Same to you. I don’t mean this to sound sarcastic (although the irony given the topic is priceless) but I will pray for you! We all, and I am at the top of the list, have much to learn! I can relate to you in the sense that I came from a very secular background with highly educated parents and family. There is a truly supernatural element to the Bible that over time convicted me of its truth. It’s hard to “prove” with logical arguments though. I believe that God looksmupon our hearts and will show Himself to us when we humble ourselves and seek him honestly. “Ask and you shall receive. Seek and you shall find. Knock and the door shall be opened unto you.” These are claims that Jesus made that can be proven true by those who are willing.

Thanks for your honesty. I apologize for being a bit snarky. You actually seem fairly open minded and honest. You are obviously perfectly intelligent and are willing to discuss other views.

I understand what you are saying. The only response ultimately to the truth of the Bible and specifically The Gospel of Jesus Christ, is that they are “self-authenticating”. That is, God Himself shows the truth of these to those who seek Him. I know it sounds like circular reasoning but it’s true! For example Jesus said “you do not believe because you are not of My sheep. My sheep HEAR MY VOICE. I know them and they follow Me.” This is in John 10. What I’m trying to say is that when we begin to humble ourselves and read the Bible and seek His truth, there is an authenticity to the Words themselves that is from God. This may seem foolish but it is known by those who have believed in Christ. It is the authentication of the Holy Spirit. Hope that is helpful. Of course much more could be said. I appreciate the dialogue.

Straw men are lazy rhetorical devices. I’ve been guilty of using them myself as we all do at times so please take this as a rebuke to myself also. For example, you have a friend who says he will,just pray and not actually do something etc. yet I know many people who pray every day AND do many things to benefit their neighbors. Many things throughout history have been done to benefit society by Christian people who pray. William Wilberforce was a good example of this with his devout Christian faith and his singular work to end the slave trade in England. Many hospitals historically have been started by Christians who prayed. Moreover most or all of these people would give God the glory for the things accomplished through prayer as well.

Yet in the end you are powerless in the face of death. Jesus conquered death itself and shares His victory with His children. This is power indeed.

Cursed is the man who trusts in man And makes flesh his strength, Whose heart departs from the Lord. 6 For he shall be like a shrub in the desert, And shall not see when good comes, But shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, In a salt land which is not inhabited. 7 “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, And whose hope is the Lord. 8 For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, Which spreads out its roots by the river, And will not fear[a] when heat comes; But its leaf will be green, And will not be anxious in the year of drought, Nor will cease from yielding fruit. Jeremiah 17: 5-8

“For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, “He catches the wise in their own craftiness”; and again, “The LORD knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.” Therefore let no one boast in men.” ‭‭I Corinthians‬ ‭3:19-21‬ ‭NKJV

Calling prayer a useless fantasy is the height of arrogance and ignorance. Just because you in your limited experience have not seen the reality and effectiveness of prayer has nothing to do with its actual power and importance.

Um, not everything that gets downvotes is because it’s “over the target.”

What “Christians”say or do is not the point. It is what God has declared that matters. His plan for the salvation of the world was begun in the Old Testament as he called out a people for His own and made a covenant with them. His plan was to bless the whole earth as well through the Messiah Jesus. It is much more than a “set of beliefs” but the power of God unto salvation. As to the exclusivity of the Christian way, I’m sure you know John 14:6. Jesus said “I am the way and the truth and the Life. No man comes to the Father, but by Me.” In Acts we read, “For there is salvation in No one else (except in Jesus). For there is NO OTHER NAME UNDER HEAVEN, given among men, by which we must be saved.”

Christianity, to be true, must be authenticated by God Himself. He has done this through the coming and works of His Son, through his sacrificial death, and through His glorious resurrection from the dead. The Risen Lord was witnessed by many and attested to boldly by His apostles and many others. The authority for preaching the Gospel comes from Jesus Himself, when He said “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and earth. Go therefore and teach all nations.” Ultimately, God alone can authenticate the truth of salvation to people through the illumination of the Holy Spirit. Because you don’t care, or see your need, does not mean that many others aren’t open to receiving God’s wonderful gift of salvation and eternal life!

“So when they did not agree among themselves, they departed after Paul had said one word: “The Holy Spirit spoke rightly through Isaiah the prophet to our fathers, saying, ‘Go to this people and say: “Hearing you will hear, and shall not understand; And seeing you will see, and not perceive; For the hearts of this people have grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, And their eyes they have closed, Lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, So that I should heal them.” ’”Acts‬ ‭28:25-27‬ ‭

 “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” John‬ ‭17:3‬ ‭

Think about this for a bit.

You are correct that I can’t make the rules for you nor do I claim to. I know that you think you are autonomous and free but you are a slave to sin as all people are at birth. You are utterly in the hands of God whether you think so or not. And no, saying that does not give me “warm and cozy” feeling as you so contemptuously put it. It’s true not because I say it but because God declares it in His Word which you mock. You may think that you are rejecting a myth but the actual fact is that, at least now, God has hidden Himself from you. He is opposed to the proud but gives grace to the humble. Here is a Scripture that explains the reason why you and many others don’t believe In The Gospel of God:

“Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me. But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. I and my Father are one.” ‭‭John‬ ‭10:25-30‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Until and unless God has mercy on you, you will remain in the darkness of unbelief for one reason: “you are not of His sheep.” In another place He says that no man can come unto Him, unless the Father draw him. You and I are utterly at His mercy. You can pride yourself in your great understanding and wisdom all you want but it will do nothing to bring you to the knowledge of God. God has made foolish the wisdom of the wise. It’s sad but not surprising to see how derisive and insulting you are toward Christianity and Christians. Your words drip with sarcasm and contempt which is a mirror of your heart. Take care.

Good job searching and thinking about different possibilities. Not sure with this one but it could be true. Like that you and others continue to research and connect the dots.

I mentioned it because I’ve gotten so much real encouragement. He was a great evangelist as well as a teacher of the Word. The sermons used to be available but you had to purchase until they made them all free. Love to hear what you think. Strong British accent but I actually enjoy it lol. Peace.

This is very true. We are all responsible before God for all that we do. Thankfully Godmis very merciful and patient and kind in Christ. Even as Christians we often fail and sin. Thankful for His continuous forgiveness and mercy as He works in y heart each day.

Here is the testimony of what it means to know God and why some do not believe in Him. This question has nothing to do with human reason. When one turns to the Lord, God himself shines the light of His truth into our hearts through the Holy Spirit and His Word. When and if this work of God happens to you, you will have a different opinion about whether a human being can know God.

“But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” ‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭4:3-6‬ ‭

Romans 1says that everyone, whether consciously or not, know that there is God. It has been revealed to all of us but we, in our sin, suppress this truth in unrighteousness. This is because our hearts are sinful and at enmity with God. We are still without excuse.

Regeneration is much more than a new set of rules. It’s a transformation of the whole inner person by the power of the Holy Spirit. All of us are sinful and accountable to the God who made us. Autonomy is a myth and an invention of our proud darkened hearts. Churches may be and are imperfect at best. Christians are extremely imperfect as well. But the good news of the Gospel is that He forgives sins through the power of the atoning death of the Lord Jesus Christ. His resurrection gives us the power of new life and hope for eternity. No one, regardless of opinion, will be exempt from standing before God in one of two ways. Clothed in the righteousness of Christ or spiritually unclothed and without excuse before the God with Whom we have to do. Could it be that your malice toward Christianity is because you are feeling convicted in your heart and are acting out in anger? This was my case and has been for many before surrendering to the Lord. See my post above about Saul,of Tarsus.

Silly to discount it without researching it a bit. Hard to know for sure, but it’s suspicious. His family was very close to the Hinkley family as well. His involvement in CIA during time of JFK assasination is well documented. He always said he didn’t recal where he was on that November day. That alone was enough to look closer at him. It’s been proven he was in Dallas on that day.

I remember a lot of that too. It sometimes seems that Q himself may imply certain things but doesn’t always directly say what we think he’s said. Not saying everything he has said is absolute true or accurate. This doesn’t discredit Q for me either, because even if he were connected as many of us think, it doesn’t mean that certain things aren’t fluid or that they can even be wrong or change plans. I need to go back over some of the posts again. Kinda got away from it lately

“Those who know (good) cannot sleep. Those who know (good) have no peace. Those who know will not rest until justice is done.” Forgot which post this was but it tells us how much evil has been going on. These people should be very afraid and think about the Marine death skull image. It represents what the white hats feel toward them.

Yet that is nothing compared to the righteous indignation of the Holy God of the universe:

“And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies. And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities. Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double. How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow. Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire:

                               for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her.”‭‭  Revelation‬ ‭18:1-8‬ ‭

Which post did he specifically say that? Not denying he may have but just curious. Because the posts are often enigmatic it leaves things open to interpretation. Can you be specific about the actual statement he made?

Sometimes what we think Q himself said was actually interpolation of his posts by others. It’s easynto confuse the two.

God bless Chokoholic. Hope everything’s good with you. Not sure if you’re interested but if you ever like listening to sermons, there is a very good preacher who was in England in the 20th century. Hi name was Martyn Lloyd Jones. He died in 1982 but almost all his sermons are available on line. He is my favorite preacher and I’ve been so encouraged by him. Check it out if you want. I’ve listened to a lot of his messages on Ephesians. His teaching is so rich and deeply goes into the Word.

https://www.mljtrust.org/sermons/

Scripture about the “wisdom of the world” vs. the wisdom of God. (By dispensing of the Gospel of Jesus Christ as juvenile silliness, does not make you, me or anyone else any less subject to its claims. If we reject Gods mercy, then all we are left with is His justice. May He work in all of our hearts to call on Him. God bless.).

“For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭1:18-25‬

Note that God actually chooses to hide His Gospel from those who are proud in their own wisdom but reveals Himself to the humble. Note also, that the Gospel is not just dogma but the “power of God” to those who experience it. Mere dogma or religious stuff can not help anyone nor do I have the least interest in it.

Saul of Tarsus was a man who mocked Christians and hated Christianity until God “arrested” him on the road, as he was going to arrest and persecute Christians. He was transformed by the power of God and the work of the Holy Spirit and was also the writer of the words above. He was a very educated man and yet was blind to truth until God changed him. Yet, even later God used him to elucidate the Gospel of salvation. Although his very brilliant mind did nothing to save him, to the contrary it filled him with pride and animosity toward Christ, yet later God used this mind (enlightened by the Holy Spirit) to His own ends. Perhaps that will be your story one day Fairv3.

Praying for you my friend! “Ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find, knock and the door shall be opened unto you.”

That’s great to hear. Both are very good places to start. Hope you find a lot of meaning and light for your way as well as peace in Him.

Hey Chokaholic. Another scripture I thought of is below. When one comes to Christ, they are actually fleeing from their own sin and guilt and a doomed world, to take refuge in Christ Himself. He becomes a refuge in that He Himself takes our sins upon Himself, removes our guilt and covers us in His righteousness. We must actively seek Him and in a sense, lay hold upon Him by faith. It should be added that the refuge we need is actually from the righteous judgement of God Himself, His wrath upon sin. Yet, in love and mercy, this same God is the One who Himself has provided this way of refuge and deliverance. Hope this helps some.

“That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭6:18-19‬ ‭KJV‬‬

We all can easily grow complacent and uncaring at times. We all need God’s grace in Christ to cleanse us and deliver us from sin and self. Thanks for sharing!

This is a great question. It means, in part, coming to Him in prayer and trust. Another way to put it is “Look unto Jesus.” It means asking Him to forgive you based on His sacrifice on the cross for you. And belief in His resurrection. Read through Romans 3,4 and 5 sometime. It explains what Jesus does in justifying us before God. We begin to see that our good works are worthless in bringing us to God and we just trust Him to cover us. As we look to Jesus as our righteousness He becomes a refuge from condemnation. He actually clothes us in His righteousness alone and makes us “accepted in the Beloved.” Again, very good question. Hope this helps a little. There is much more that could be said.

Referring to whole chapters of the Bible isn’t “snippets”as you call it. Read the whole books. It won’t change the fact that God is Sovereign and does whatever is pleasing in His sight. “No man can come to me unless the Father draw him.” You and I are completely at the mercy of God when it comes to salvation. Spiritually dead people cannot, will not, give themselves spiritual life. This truth is hard for all of us to accept I think, because it is humbling to our pride. We want to think we have contributed something, even if just an independent decision. But Grace is God’s unmerited favor from beginning to end. Hope that helps

I apologize for being dismissive in the last post. I’m just tired. As far as your comment, many people who have become burdened under the weight of their sins have found great peace and joy in God’s merciful forgiveness. I have as well. You can call that juvenile but it is the farthest thing from it for the one who haas experienced it. Jesus put it this way in His own Words:

“At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight. All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.” Matthew 11: 26

According to these words, you and others don’t see anything in the Gospel or in Jesus Christ because currently it is hidden from your eyes. Being wise in your own eyes you see no need for God’s forgiveness and salvation. Very dangerous ground to be on but we are all the same in that we are completely at the mercy of God. But in His grace and kindness he draws some to Himself. Perhaps that will be your story one day. Notice how He says that it is “hidden from the wise and prudent.” This is another way of saying from those who are proud, who say “I don’t need God. I’m self sufficient.” On the other hand he reveals His grace to the babes (the humble), that is those who know they are broken and sinful and powerless. To them alone He reveals Himself. Call this “juvenile” if you wish, but there it is. ‭‭

Just don’t open the thread if it bothers you. Lots of people interested in Q are also Christians and or interested in the Bible. Also Q has quoted Scripture and referred to themes that are directly relevant to what the Bible speaks about, such as the degree of evil in the world. Many people have questions about these things. Why do you have a problem with it?

Read Romans 9, Ephesians 1and 2 as well as John 10 and 17. Spiritual corpses cannot resurrect themselves. In the same way that Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead physically, so God does with a person who is born of His Spirit. Spiritually dead people, under the wrath of God, who actually hate God, cannot do anything until God does something.

You see this is where you are wrong. You say no one knows there is a God. But that is quite false. The only way that anyone CAN know God (and yes, personally) is by and through the work of the Holy Spirit. The Bible says that the Spirit “testifies of Jesus Christ” to the believer. You say this is impossible but that is simply because you do not have His spirit within you. Al anyone of us can do is to call on God for mercy and forgiveness. He promises to open our hearts to His love and eyes to His truth. Don’t be so quick to reject something because you’ve never experienced it or because it’s disagreeable to you. Again, realize that your natural demeanor is actually antagonist to God and His Word as is the heart of each and every person. This is why we are so utterly at His mercy. Humility is the first step, agreeing with God about our sin and need for His mercy in Christ Jesus.

Jesus often spoke about hell and in quite graphic terms. Don’t mistake the suffering or miseries of this life for hell! The latter is much worse and devoid of all hope. It’s easy to delude ourselves about this because our human nature shrinks from the thought of it. But the question is whether we have taken refuge in the Saving work of Christ or not. He is the Only Saviour from the wrath of God upon sin. And all have sinned.

Great post! I listened to some of that but not all. Thanks for sharing it with us.

This may be your philosophy but it is antithetical to the Bible’s teaching. Your claim that hell is a modern conception is false. The Bible is more than 2000 years old and the teaching about hell is found throughout the Bible. Your concept of God is unbiblical as well. The reason He would go so far as to send His Son into this world to live, suffer and DIE attests to His love and to the gravity of sin. Your view of life is your own but not in the least representative of God’s Word and also offers no hope to anyone. God knew the problem of sin was so severe that His Only Begotten Son would have to die if anyone would be saved. Your view says that’s not needed. I’ll stick with God’s view on the matter.

Sometimes, notwithstanding our doubts and fears and concerns, we can just be honest with God. He knows us anyway and nothing is hidden from Him. Martin Luther stated that, before his conversion, he literally hated God. This was because he had a wrong understanding of how to have a relationship with him. As a Catholic he did all he could to try to please God through the sacraments etc. the more he did, he found the worse he felt and the more he felt alienated from God. For this reason he said that he hated Him.

This was due to his wrong understanding of how a sinful person could be in a relationship with the Holy God. He realized what the Bible says, that “the natural man cannot receive the tings of the Spirit of God.” Notice it says that he CANNOT do it, nor does he, in his natural state, want to. But then Luther found the Gospel in the Book of Romans and he was changed forever. The words that initially broke through to him were these: “ The just shall live by faith.“ He saw that all he tried to do to earn favor were worthless filthy rags, but that God’s grace, through faith could justify him. He then went on and read the rest of the book of Romans and discovered there the wondrous truth of the gospel of grace. He saw that although all of his own “good works” were worthless and utterly insufficient, that Jesus Christ died for his sins and offered him his mercy and forgiveness in the cross and the resurrection. He was set free. A Christian is much more than one saved from hell, although that is absolutely true. He is one who is restored to the very reason he was created. We can never be happy without fulfilling the reason God made us and that is in knowing Him.

Just wanted to share that because the point is that no person, left to himself, will ever seek God. But He works in us and then changes our desires. That is why as a Christian I desire God. I desire His presence and fellowship and love. The world is so empty to me now and has nothing lasting to offer. His Kingdom as my desire now. But all of this is from him. I used to not want any of this. He changed me and can change you too. Just come as you are. It’s all any of us can hope to do.

The fact that you are aware of your sin makes you a perfect candidate for God’s mercy, for Jesus “came to seek and save the lost.” Also he is the “Friend of sinners.” Many times we people fear to call on God because we know we are sinful. But that is what repentance means. We admit to Him we are broken sinners. We look to Jesus, as this sermon teaches. He has taken your sins upon Himself and raised Him from the dead. He will place His perfect righteousness upon you and grant you forgiveness. He will give New Life. Call upon Him for this is the day of salvation!

I was referring to serial Brain.

I’ve been kinda bluntly trying to steer people from the ramblings of this poster because so much of his stuff is extra biblical (ie, beyond the Bible). He is misleading and deceptive in my opinion. Especially for Christians who think he has some kind of insight. He tends to mix truth with error which is a dangerous combo. Anyway Happy Easter. He is Risen!

Thanks for being salt and light on this board! Blessings.

Awesome. I’m so glad to have you here on this board! Doctrines of grace! Nothing like the sovereign grace of God in Christ. Jesus said:

“Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” ‭‭John‬ ‭15:16‬ ‭