Roamin' Catholic Loc: luxurious exile

Thank you Zemirah. As a heterosexual male I struggle with self discernment and judgement of my femininity. The degree to which my nature is sinful is hidden to me. I do not present myself to the world as a feminine person.

When I pray for help and forgiveness I find solace in thanking God for making me beautiful and putting me in this place and time, and trusting Jesus to acquit me of my hidden faults.

lindajoy Loc: right here with you....

[quote=Zemirah]Hi Liinda, I just noticed your post of outraged indignation. How utterly drama queen-ish!

Having not attacked anyone since 1973, I find the united outcry at this thread after I declined participating both projection and mildly entertaining...

You misunderstand Scripture, not from evil intent, but through dismissal and chosen ignorance.

I have attacked no one. ...nor does being a Christian imply that I am to be a simpering copy of Saturday Night Live's caricature Church Lady...

Having committed sins that would dwarf those of anyone on this thread, and having been forgiven for them, I understand that Christians are no better than anyone else, just forgiven, through repentance, belief and acceptance of Jesus' sacrificial death as atonement.

Realistically, people make judgments all the time. I judge actions, behavior, beliefs, never people, God judges the heart. If one person commits murder, should a Christian look at that action and say, “That was wrong because God’s Word says not to murder,” or should he say, “I’m not supposed to make a judgment”?

I have no interest in medieval Metaphysics, or the Paranormal - attempting to corral and tame "familiar spirits," or the invention of Evolution by Darwin's grandfather, having investigated and understood their sources years ago.

Playing around with what the Bible calls "familiar spirits" is a very dangerous practice as Satan doesn't play fair. It is absolutely forbidden by God, as anyone with Biblical discernment freely acknowledges.

Does the Bible Tell Christians to Judge Not? Hardly. There are significant logical problems with the claim that believers should not make judgments. The first becomes evident when in the context of Matthew 7:1.

"Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, “Let me remove the speck from your eye”; and look, a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye." (Matthew 7:1–5)

Here, Christ is warning believers against making judgments of the type characteristic of the Pharisees during the ministry of Jesus. [b]Many people who quote “"judge not"” from Matthew 7:1 fail to grasp what the following command in Matthew 7:5, means, "Then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye."

The point Jesus emphasizes is to judge yourself, confess your own committed sins to God, by which they are erased, then proceed (Both discernment and judgment are required (Matthew 7:15–16, 20.) Jesus is warning all believers to be discerning of any new extra-Biblical teaching claiming to be from God, for it is false teaching from false prophets; this professed further learning "looks" Christian, but their end goal is to lead Christ's flock astray from the intrinsic t***h of God's Word, thus the Canon of Scripture was closed to any additions in 96 A.D. when John completed writing down the book of Revelation he received from Jesus (Matthew 7:15–20; Luke 6:43–45).

The Bible does tell us to proclaim His gospel t***h - the Great Commission is nothing less.
Those who reject either the notion of God or the credibility of the Bible often misuse God’s Word (e.g., by quoting verses out of context).

I understand your attention span will dissipate at this point, but am including the following explanation for those who are interested.

We live in a world that increasingly pretends to strive toward a new "tolerance," promoting the idea of tolerance, but actually completely intolerant of Christian Biblical absolutes - or any absolutes at all. Especially involving religion, behavior, or human sexuality, there is a ferocious anti-Christian, anti-Bible sentiment in America and other Western nations. Built into this new intolerant “tolerance” is the concept that t***h is determined by each individual, to be selected as "their own selective t***h" - not by God.

The final authority to eternally judge one's soul's, as Scripture makes very clear, belongs to God's Sovereignty. Many Old Testament passages attest to the t***h of God as Judge, Psalm 7:11, Psalm 9:8, Psalm 50:6.

For the Lord is our Judge, the Lord is our Lawgiver, the Lord is our King; He will save us. (Isaiah 33:22)

The Old Testament is rife with passages that establish God as the ultimate Judge. In the New Testament, the Father has committed this authority and judgment solely to the Son, Jesus, who spoke of this authority before He ascended to heaven after His Resurrection (Matthew 28:18).

“For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son.” (John 5:22)

“I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness. And if anyone hears My words and does not believe, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him, the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day.” (John 12:46–48)

He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by Jesus' Words, whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead. (Acts 17:31)

It is made very clear that Jesus will rightly judge all humanity by His Word, based on each individual’s faith in - or rejection of - Him, Who is the Son of God.

For a world filled with people who believe in moral relativism - and for many professing Christians who practice morality in an attempt to earn their own righteousness - this day will be filled with fear and trepidation. The Judge of the universe has made a judgment about salvation, echoed by the Apostle Peter in Acts 4:12: "Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."

There will then be no time to debate whether the judgment is right or wrong because the ultimate Judge has decreed His justice through the Words of His Son.

Consider judging as it relates to believers and unbelievers. The methods are different when dealing with these two groups, but the goal is reconciliation. Unbelievers need to believe Christ and be reconciled to Him, and believers need to grow in Christ through His Word, and to become reconciled to each other.

The claim that Christians are not to judge is often made when dealing with issues such as a******n, adultery, homosexual behavior, and same-sex marriage. When a Christian says, for example, that homosexual behavior is a sin and that same-sex marriage is wrong, he or she is often met with objections (if not expletives):

“Who are you to judge two people who love each other?”
“Who do you think you are, telling someone who they can and cannot love? You’re a sinner, too!”
“Someone’s private life is none of your business. Don’t judge them.”

Some people will even quote Matthew 7:1 "Judge not, that you be not judged."” When they quote this verse in regard to such situations, they take it out of context to support their fallacious claims. When we consider the concept of judging, especially as it relates to the Sermon on the Mount, Christ tells us to be discerning, not condemning.

Claims are often made that we are not to make judgments about other professing believers, especially to their erroneous teachings on Genesis. Again, the Matthew 7:1 passage is used as a justification for this type of attitude.

All people fall into error without God's rule of measure, His written Bible.

The core message is one of defending biblical authority and proclaiming the gospel, which brings controversy when it comes to the topic of judging. For instance, in addition to dealing with the issues above from a biblical perspective, is adding evolution and/or millions of years to Scripture, an inconsistency undermining God’s Word and its authority.

Some take offense saying that as believers, we should focus on just loving others and not be d******e. We are, however, d******e if we compromise God’s Word by adopting the world’s “wisdom,” i.e., philosophy, psychology, which is condemned by God as foolishness. The verse most commonly misused is Romans 16:17 "Now I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who create divisions and obstacles that are contrary to the teaching you have learned.

That highlighted section is neglected or ignored, for it refers it is the New Testament in its totality, handed down "once for all to the saints - that are to be defended" (Jude 3).

Believers are all part of “"one faith"” (Ephesians 4:5), their foundation in the t***h of God’s Word and not their own philosophies. The need for t***h and the d******e nature of lies in explained in the following passage:

"That we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the t***h in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head - Christ... (Ephesians 4:14–16)

Are we being loving if we do not uphold the t***h over error and even deceive others? Loving others requires t***h telling. (Matthew 18; 1st Corinthians 1:11; Galatians 6:1). Using discernment (judging between right and wrong) is required if we are to obey 1st Corinthians 5:11–13; 6:4; 2nd Thessalonians 3:6; 1st Timothy 6:20; and Titus 3:9, and others.

All fallible human beings can make mistakes in judgment. Find out the whole story and not base your judgment on emotional appeal. Jesus stated, “"Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment" (John 7:24). Notice the Lord’s command to judge. But before we make that judgment, we must make sure we are judging righteously from God’s Word and not relying on our own opinion. Not everything is “black and white,” which is why it is so important to know and apply the t***h of Scripture.

When two people do not believe that God’s Word is the foundation for their worldview, then it is clear why they disagree. - We have two different starting points (or foundations), and thus two different worldviews that conflict.[/quote]

Thank You for your reply~~ Glad to see you agree with whom has the rightful ownership of judgement where you correctly point out :
In the New Testament, the Father has committed this authority and judgment solely to the Son, Jesus, who spoke of this authority before He ascended to heaven after His Resurrection (Matthew 28:18).

Also nice to see your interpretation of scripture as you believe it to be and appreciate the attempt to justify your actions by citing it all.. I trust a learned experience over artificial victimization purveys a greater appreciation as well..

Much of what you address here I thoroughly agree with as to what Gods’ word is that is… Interpretation has been the major maker of much deception throughout all the sprung denominations that seek to behold their belief as if it is Gods himself~~We know this is not true…

“Believers are all part of “"one faith"” (Ephesians 4:5), their foundation in the t***h of God’s Word and not their own philosophies.” Amen sister~~

Finally, while you deny “ attacking others” obviously from reading different peoples opinions you do just that, intended or not.. I’m sure you’ve heard this enough to perhaps delve into a bit of self reflection?

Additionally while I very much appreciate your “learned knowledge of scripture” it equates to simply “your understanding” and may not be exactly the same in interpretation by others, nor does their interpretaion mean they are wrong…All being “ opinion of as we individually see and accept it.”

lindajoy Loc: right here with you....

I can apply your example here to “ sin” itself.. Mindful of it every day I still faulter in that sin and find the need to ask for forgiveness almost daily.. We are not perfect and the constant recognition of our errors (sin) serves to heighten our awareness to try and do better by laying it before God who knows our heart better than we..Not that I am insinuating your concern is of worrying in sin at all..

Candidly your “struggle with self discernment and judgement of my femininity” is curious unless what you are really concerned with is a tendency of wondered if you are gay ?? You need not answer, it is more a question towards the root of rather than anything more..

Zemirah Loc: Sojourner En Route...

Hi Roamin',

I have always believed that within the constraints of a normal daily routine, anyone who rises in the morning, takes a shower, grabs a towel, and while in the process of drying, glances in a mirror -

And is unable to determine whether God created them male or female, has the world's greatest Identity Crisis!

You clearly, do not suffer from that dilemma.

You know who you are, and presumably, as a long term confessor within your faith, you know who God wants you to be...

Unless or until you acknowledge your faults, as God knows them to be, and in looking into your heart, He knows you know them to be, you will continue in your struggle.

Like all of God's redeemed, I struggle daily with temptations, as do we all, and as Paul (that would be the Apostle Paul), forthrightly admitted, the only recourse is to hide yourself in Jesus Christ, under His wing, "that His strength might be perfected in your weakness."

There are many verses that apply, but what God judges to be sin, one must be willing to forego.

Paul's Thorn and God's Grace:

"Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.
But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me.
That is why, for the sake of Christ, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." (2nd Corinthians 12:8-10)

Zemirah Loc: Sojourner En Route...

Please By all means, post what you please when you please, for in so doing, you reveal only your own priorities, values and assumptions, not mine.

Being attacked, for any Bible believing Christian, is a routine occurrence, and is to be worn as a badge of honor.

There is nothing you could post that would surprise or even interest me.

Why would you possibly presume that I would care what others (identified or unidentified) have to say about me?

Today's high school students have more sophistication than to choose to so squander their time.

"Do not go about spreading slander among your people." ~ Leviticus 19:16

Zemirah Loc: Sojourner En Route...

You were not seeing correctly. I have attempted to justify nothing, to defend nothing, Linda, having said nothing necessitating that I do so.

You failed to complete who Jesus said would judge us each and everyone:

“He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him, the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day.” (John 12:48)

"He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by Jesus' Words, whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead." (Acts 17:31)

Jesus' Written Words comprise All of Written Scripture.

With God's Word is how we are told to defend God's Word, as Jesus did when tempted by Satan during His forty days of fasting in the wilderness. (Luke 4:1-13)

He answered Satan's three temptations three times, each time using God's written Scriptures, with the preface of "It is written..."

Every Christian also has a clear Biblical command, NOT a suggestion, to defend God's Words (New Testament and Old Testament) that were handed down once for all, to God's saints, - a title given every living believer, not an elitist monopoly.

How and what each individual accepts and what they reject, is indeed between them and Almighty God, for only the final destination of their eternal soul is in question.

manning5 Loc: Richmond, VA

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After looking at the responses here so very filled with Biblical commands, judgements, and interpretations, as well as rather original philosophical opinions, it confirms to me our approach to begin with is the correct one. There is time enough later to open up with the deeper and diverse theological aspects, so long as our path is blessed. My voice says it is. The range of subjects we need to discover and define alone will absorb us for quite a while, and discussions and analyses of our experiences will extend the time even further. I trust our group believes this also!

Parky60 Loc: People's Republic of Illinois

You’ve mentioned that you are “quite certain that your internal voice is not coming from [your] subconscious mind but from the Holy Spirit,” and that “‘your voice’ says your path is blessed.” This would mean that you are indwelt by the Holy Spirit. How are you “quite certain” that you are indwelt by the Holy Spirit and are not just erroneously “feeling” this? Are you immersed in word, prayer and fellowship?

Canuckus Deploracus Loc: North of the wall

As he's not a condescending ass I can see why you might doubt him...

Parky60 Loc: People's Republic of Illinois

I might lean towards doubting him if he suggests that he "feels" he knows something without mentioning anything biblical to prove it.

manning5 Loc: Richmond, VA

Sounds crazy doesn't it? This wee Voice started up and I paid it no serious attention for a long time. Obviously, I thought it was simply me playing back the thoughts from my subconscious. As time went on, I realized that it was very accurate in its brevity, and worth listening to. As years went by the voice persisted, I became used to its advice and counsel. It came out of nowhere and offered directions that turned out to be the right ones, or the beneficial ones in areas I knew very little about but needed guidance. So, I simply used it.

There was no hint of religiosity, no commands to do things religious, just straightforward comments that were worth listening to. Then I read somewhere that the Voice of the Holy Spirit was such a one as I have, and so I asked it who it was. All He said was "You know."

I had a few choices then: 1) it was me, with very significant knowledge and wisdom deeply buried in me to pop out when needed, which is rather improbable on the face of it; 2) A connection to some source I had no knowledge of at all; or 3) the Holy Spirit or one of His Helpers which I had no idea was talking to me. As I grew in my own religiosity, the Voice became clearer, and tells me when I am on the right track. When I asked if our section plan was on the right track, I got back a Yes! When I asked if it violated any of God's restrictions, He said No! But be aware! That is all I know. There was no "feel" to it, just soft words. He has urged me to go back to church again when I am well. He also said He liked all of my Worldview/Belief System, that only two other people have ever read in its 300-page entirety. I should have said one person went at it thoroughly, and the other person did a skim job.

I have not opened up about this till now, and I am not sure it was a good idea, although the Voice said "what is the problem with opening up?" implying that He thought it to be just fine. I believe in the Trinity, and what little I know about the Holy Spirit centers on: you had best be on your guard while addressing Him, and do not blaspheme Him, it is the one unforgivable sin! Thus, I am very cautious about the whole thing. I did not know what indwelt meant until you brought it up. All I have at the moment is the Voice and I do not want to lose it! I would personally be cautious in challenging the Voice, too.

Long words, but it is the exact t***h as I know it. I am convinced my Voice is from the Holy Spirit or an Entity very close to Him. The Voice knows things that I have never encountered in any way, but there has to be a context around which He addresses me, such as our plans. He does not lecture me, just says enough, and only enough.

You tell me! Which of the above choices and beliefs would you have come up with? Would it have compelled you to become far more emersed in the Bible and Church? It has me.

RobertV2

"Having committed sins that would dwarf those of anyone on this thread, and having been forgiven for them..."! I bet there's an interesting story in that.

Zemirah Loc: Sojourner En Route...

The natural instinct of a media newsman, Robert?

Luke 7:40-47 "But Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.”

“Tell me, Teacher,” he said.

“Two men were debtors to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty.
When they were unable to repay him, he forgave both of them. Which one, then, will love him more?”

“I suppose the one who was forgiven more,” Simon replied.

“You have judged correctly,” Jesus said. "Therefore I tell you, because her many sins have been forgiven, she has loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little.”

John 3:30 "He must increase; I must decrease."

Psalm 73:17: "May His name endure forever; may His name continue as long as the sun shines. In Him may all nations be blessed; may they call Him blessed."

Parky60 Loc: People's Republic of Illinois

Have you heard of the term familiar spirits? Some people are known to have familiar spirits or some sort of spirit guide who communicates with them. The Bible forbids being involved with them, as they are an a*********n to the Lord.

Familiar spirits and spirit guides are under the control of their master, Satan. The fact that your spirit would answer you with “you know” when you asked it who it was immediately raises red f**gs because if it was the Holy Spirit, He would not be “coy”.

Just based on that alone, I doubt that this spirit is who you think it is, also considering the simple fact that Satan himself t***sforms himself into an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14).

You may very well, and I strongly suspect, be being deceived.

Zemirah Loc: Sojourner En Route...

You are right.

The Holy Spirit Is actually speaking when you are being shown how to Exalt Jesus.

Many are led astray when they think they are following the Holy Spirit but in actuality they are simply following their own desires, some other person’s desire for them, or a false spirit. 1st John 4:1-3 states:

"Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God.”

Knowledge of Scripture is the only antidote: Jesus Never depersonalized the Holy Spirit by referring to Him as "it."

Source: https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Jesus-Statements-About-The-Spirit

John 14:16
"I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever."

John 16:7
"But I tell you the t***h, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you."

John 15:26
“When the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, that is the Spirit of t***h who proceeds from the Father, He will testify about Me,"

John 14:26
But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you."