• Starting today August 7th, 2024, in order to post in the Married Couples, Courting Couples, or Singles forums, you will not be allowed to post if you have your Marital status designated as private. Announcements will be made in the respective forums as well but please note that if yours is currently listed as Private, you will need to submit a ticket in the Support Area to have yours changed.

  • CF has always been a site that welcomes people from different backgrounds and beliefs to participate in discussion and even debate. That is the nature of its ministry. In view of recent events emotions are running very high. We need to remind people of some basic principles in debating on this site. We need to be civil when we express differences in opinion. No personal attacks. Avoid you, your statements. Don't characterize an entire political party with comparisons to Fascism or Communism or other extreme movements that committed atrocities. CF is not the place for broad brush or blanket statements about groups and political parties. Put the broad brushes and blankets away when you come to CF, better yet, put them in the incinerator. Debate had no place for them. We need to remember that people that commit acts of violence represent themselves or a small extreme faction.

In Holy Conduct and Godliness

“But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up. Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be destroyed by burning, and the elements will melt with intense heat! But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells.” (2 Peter 3:10-13 NASB1995)

Did you know that a profession of faith in Jesus Christ, by itself, is not sufficient to bring about salvation from sin resulting in eternal life with God? For Jesus taught that not everyone who calls him, “Lord,” will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the ones doing (obeying) the will of God. Therefore, we are no longer to permit sin to reign in our mortal bodies to make us obey its desires. For if sin is what we obey, it results in death. But if obedience to God is what we obey, it results in sanctification, and its end is eternal life with God (see Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 9:23-26; Romans 6:1-23).

And this is why this passage of Scripture in 2 Peter 3 teaches us that we need to be people who live in holy conduct and godliness, because our Lord is going to visit this world we live in with judgment, and all who are living in sin and in disobedience to our Lord, in deliberate and habitual practice, will not enter the kingdom of heaven because of their disobedience. And it won’t matter if they made professions of faith in the Lord, because they did not live the faith that they professed to have. For they loved their sin and not the commands of God. So, love God, forsake your sins, and obey God!

So, what does it look like for us to be in holy conduct and godliness? Well, to be holy is to be separate (unlike, different) from the world, because we are being conformed by God to the likeness of character of Jesus Christ, as we cooperate fully with God’s work of grace in our lives. For his grace, which is bringing us salvation, is training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives while we wait for our Lord’s return. And to live godly lives is to follow after the example of Christ Jesus and how he lived when he lived on this earth, in God’s power.

And then it says here that, according to His promise, we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells. And I find this subject a little difficult to comprehend, but basically when Jesus comes to judge and to destroy the universe, as we have come to know it, he will provide a new dwelling place for us who are his followers, in which righteousness (and not sin) dwells. There will be no more sin, no more evil, no more sickness, no more death, no more sadness, and no more tears. And we will be with our Lord for eternity. And there will be much rejoicing!

[Matthew 7:13-14,21-23; Luke 9:23-26; John 10:27-30; Acts 26:18; Romans 1:18-32; Romans 2:5-10; Romans 3:23; Romans 6:1-23; Romans 8:1-14; 1 Corinthians 10:1-22; Galatians 5:16-24; Ephesians 2:8-10; Ephesians 4:17-32; Ephesians 5:3-6; Titus 2:11-14; Hebrews 3:1-19; Hebrews 4:1-13; Hebrews 10:19-39; Hebrews 12:1-2; 1 Peter 2:24; 1 John 1:1-10; 1 John 2:3-6; 1 John 3:4-10; Revelation 2:1-29; Revelation 3:1-22]

Walking in The Light

Based off 1 John 1-2
An Original Work / November 16, 2011
Christ’s Free Servant, Sue J Love


When I lift up my voice, and
Sing praise unto God,
I will fellowship with my
Lord and Savior, King.
In Him there is no darkness.
He is in the light of truth.
If we walk in His light,
From sin He purifies.

If we repent of our sins,
He’ll forgive us now,
When we humble ourselves, and
Before Jesus bow.
The man who says, “I know Him,”
But does not obey His truth,
There is no truth in him.
In darkness still he’s found.

Do not love the world of sin,
For it is hell bound.
If you follow the world, you’ll
Not in Christ be found.
The world and its desires
Will not last; they’ll expire.
The one who does God’s will,
Receives eternal life.

See that what you have heard from
Christ remains in you.
Then, you’ll remain in Christ, and
In His Father, too.
This is what He promised us –
His eternal life with God.
So, continue in Him, and
You’ll receive a crown.

Login to view embedded media
In Holy Conduct and Godliness
An Original Work / November 30, 2025
Christ’s Free Servant, Sue J Love

But for All to Come to Repentance

“But by His word the present heavens and earth are being reserved for fire, kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:7-9 NASB1995)

When Jesus Christ lived on the earth, he told his disciples that he was going to be leaving them, and that he was going to prepare a place for them, but that one day he would come back and he would take all his followers (his faithful bride) to be with him for eternity. And that was nearly 2000 years ago. And so there are people who doubt his words, since he has yet to return and to take his faithful ones to be with him for eternity. But just because it has not yet happened, it does not mean that it will not happen.

One day Jesus will return for his faithful bride, and he will take us to be with him for eternity. And the world as we know it will be destroyed with fire, along with all who are ungodly. And who are the ungodly? They are not just all who make no professions of faith in Jesus Christ, but they are all who are living ungodly lives in deliberate and habitual sin against God and in willful and habitual disobedience to his commands. For not everyone who calls him “Lord” will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the ones DOING the will of God.

But just because our Lord has not yet returned, it is not a sign that he will not do what he said he would do, for his timing is not the same as ours. And the reason for his delay is that he is not wishing (willing, wanting) that anyone should perish in their sins, but that all would come to repentance. And repentance is a change of heart and mind resulting in a change of behavior. For it means we die to our old lives of living in sin so that we can now serve our Lord in walks of obedience to his commands, in his power.

So, this is not just about confessing our sins and asking God for forgiveness, but this is us turning away from our sins to now follow Jesus in obedience. And to confess our sins is not just a verbal acknowledgement of sin, but it is agreeing with God about our sin, not just that we sinned, but that Jesus Christ died on that cross to put our sins to death with him so that, by God-gifted and God-persuaded faith in him, we will now die to sin and walk in obedience to our Lord’s commands (see 1 John 1:5-10; 1 John 2:3-6).

For Jesus Christ taught that to come to him we must deny self, take up our cross daily (die daily to sin), and follow (obey) him. For if we hold on to living in sin and for self, we will lose our lives for eternity. But if we deny self, die daily to sin, by the Spirit, and we walk in obedience to our Lord and to his commands, in his power, then we have eternal life with God. For not everyone who calls him “Lord” will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one DOING (obeying) the will of God (see Luke 9:23-26; Matthew 7:21-23).

For by God-gifted faith in Jesus Christ, which is not of our own doing, we are crucified with Christ in death to sin and raised with Christ to walk in newness of life in him, no longer to live as slaves to sin but as slaves to righteousness in walks of obedience to God’s commands. We are no longer to permit sin to reign in our mortal bodies to make us obey its desires. For if sin is what we obey, it results in death. But if obedience to God is what we obey, it results in sanctification, and its end is eternal life with God (see Romans 6:1-23).

[Matthew 7:13-14,21-23; Luke 9:23-26; John 10:27-30; Acts 26:18; Romans 1:18-32; Romans 2:5-10; Romans 3:23; Romans 6:1-23; Romans 8:1-14; 1 Corinthians 10:1-22; Galatians 5:16-24; Ephesians 2:8-10; Ephesians 4:17-32; Ephesians 5:3-6; Titus 2:11-14; Hebrews 3:1-19; Hebrews 4:1-13; Hebrews 10:19-39; Hebrews 12:1-2; 1 Peter 2:24; 1 John 1:1-10; 1 John 2:3-6; 1 John 3:4-10; Revelation 2:1-29; Revelation 3:1-22]

Send a Revival

An Original Work / June 25, 2011
Christ’s Free Servant, Sue J Love


Send a revival to this nation, Lord, I pray.
Bring us to our knees, Lord, humbly today.
Teach us to daily walk in your footsteps.
Guide us in your truth, and may we find rest.
Send a revival to this nation, Lord, I pray.
Bring us to our knees, Lord, humbly today.

Be our desire and our hearts’ pure devotion, Lord.
Make us a people who walk close to you.
Change our hearts to conform to your likeness.
May we love others who are in distress.
Be our desire and our hearts’ pure devotion, Lord.
Make us a people who walk close to you.

Teach us to be an example of your love, Lord.
May we serve others as though serving you.
Keep us in fellowship with you, I pray.
May we obey you in all things today.
Teach us to be an example of your love, Lord.
May we serve others as though serving you.

Login to view embedded media
But for All to Come to Repentance
An Original Work / November 30, 2025
Christ’s Free Servant, Sue J Love

And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors...

Peace in Christ.

Why seek the living among the dead….the dead man-based churches where they are continuing to serve the sin and are mortally perishing to the grave?

He is not there among them for He is risen.

He is alive now so that we might have His risen life now in our mortal bodies. Jesus died in our place. He died in the flesh and was resurrected in the flesh so that our mortal flesh is made alive by Him as His life is to be made manifest there.

Don’t believe the man-based preaching of their covenant with death and their agreement with the grave. The Son of God comes to give us an understanding so that their lies and deceptions are swept away as He opens up the Scriptures to our understanding.

The “two men” in shining garments = Moses and Elijah = the Law and the prophets. We are to hear Him (Jesus) as He opens up their words to our hearing ears.

Luk 24:
(3) And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus.
(4) And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments:

(5) And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead?

Jesus IS RISEN. He is not in the dead man-based churches where they are all mortally perishing because they continue to serve the sin. Jesus is alive now so that we might have His life now in our mortal flesh.

(6) He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee,

Yet, no flesh is being saved in the man-based churches where the Son of man is being given up into the hands of sinful men who are actively preventing His life from ever being made manifest in the mortal flesh of their deceived congregations.

(7) Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.

The “princes of this age”….our church rulers….are actively NOW crucifying His life (the Lord of glory) from being made manifest in this earth. The come to nothing as their end is destruction of the flesh. “world” = age.

1Co 2:6-8
(6) Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world (AGE), that come to nought:
(7) But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world (age) unto our glory:

The “Lord of glory” is already RISEN NOW to glory. But, they are actively crucifying the Lord of glory from this earth in their ignorance of the gospel of the glory of Jesus. His manifest glory life is not being made manifest in the mortal flesh of those they are deceiving….who are perishing away mortally to the grave without this manifestation.

(8) Which none of the princes of this world (AGE) knew: for had they known it, they would not crucify the Lord of glory.

The Prince of life is being “killed” from this earth who God has ALREADY RAISED FROM THE DEAD. We are denying the Holy One and the Just when we choose “another jesus” that the princes of this age are preaching to us.

Act 3:14-17 KJV
(14) But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you;
(15) And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.

(16) And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.

In ignorance though do we do this ….as do our church rulers….the princes of this age… which come to nothing as their end is destruction of the flesh.

(17) And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers.

The “princes of this age” are serving only for their own belly (they preach themselves only)…which is the “god of this age” ….and so their minds are blinded to the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ who is the image of God.

This knowledge of the gospel does NOT enlighten them. They have no understanding of it. If they did, they would be preaching it to their congregations so that they may manifest His light to the people of the outside world.

2Co 4:3-7 KJV
(3) But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost (PERISHING):
(4) In whom the god of this world (AGE) 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.

(5) For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.

We are to shine the glory of God to the people of the outside world (who are in deep darkness) in the face of Jesus Christ that we with “open face” reflect and manifest to them so that they may “see” Him through us and be saved. The light within us is to shine forth to the people of the outside world giving them the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ whom we are to reflect to them so that they may "see" Him through us.

(6) 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.

This is not about “dying and going to heaven” (as currently being taught by all man-based churches)…this is about having His life NOW in our mortal flesh…in this “earthen vessel.” We have this treasure in “earthen vessels.”

(7) But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

Now if we are dead with Christ (dying to the sin…being freed from the sin), we believe we shall also live with Him…for He is RISEN NOW so that we might have His life NOW in this mortal body.

Rom 6:4-11
(4) Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
(5) For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:

(6) Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of THE (definite article) sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve THE sin.

He that is “dead” is freed from the sin. This is our “death” now.

(7) For he that is dead is freed from THE sin.

Now if we are dead (from serving the sin) with Christ, we believe also that we shall LIVE with Him.

Christ gives our mortal flesh His life so that we do NOT mortally die for He is ALIVE NOW…He is risen. He has already tasted mortal death for us so that we do not die. He has ALREADY mortally died in our place so that we do not have to die.

(8) Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:

Christ is already raised from the dead and dies no more. Death has no more dominion over Him.

We also are to reckon ourselves to be “dead” unto THE sin but ALIVE mortally unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Death has no more dominion over our mortal bodies because Christ does not die any more. Remember that Jesus died in the mortal flesh and was also resurrected in the mortal flesh in this earth.

(9) Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.
(10) For in that he died, he died unto the sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.

(11) Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto THE sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

His life is not being found among the man-based churches where they are crucifying the Lord of glory as His life and glory is not being seen among them. Yet, MANY are thinking that He is there among the transgressors. He is not there.

He was reckoned among the transgressors 2000 years ago. What was written was accomplished in Him at that time. He is no longer among the transgressors as this prophecy was COMPLETELY fulfilled at that time.

Luk 22:37-38 KJV
(37) For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end.

The two swords show us that this prophecy had a definite beginning and a definite end. He is NO LONGER among the transgressors....the man-based churches. You will not find Him among them for He is RISEN now. If He is alive now, we are to have His life now in our mortal flesh. We do not see His life being made manifest in any man-based churches. So He is not there among the dead man-based churches where they are actively crucifying the Lord of glory who is already risen to glory and sits at the right hand of God.

(38) And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough.

The Scripture was completely fulfilled 2000 years ago. We should not be numbering/estimating/reckoning that He is among the transgressors today. He is not among the man-based churches.

Mar 15:27-28 KJV
(27) And with him they crucify two thieves; the one on his right hand, and the other on his left.

(28) And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors.

But in the minds of many (a place called "Golgotha"....the place of a skull...where the mind is located) they do crucify the Lord of glory for they are reckoning that He is among the transgressors to this day .

Mat 27:33-35 KJV
(33) And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull,
(34) They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink.
(35) And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots.

Nigerian pres. declares national security emergency amid rash of kidnappings, priest dying in captivity

The Nigerian government is scrambling to respond following a wave of abductions and attacks, including one in which more than 300 schoolchildren were seized. This, along with the announcement that a priest who was kidnapped along with his wife was confirmed dead, has led President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to declare a national emergency.

In a statement issued this week, Tinubu ordered the recruitment of 20,000 new police officers, in addition to the 30,000 previously approved, and called for their rapid deployment to areas plagued by armed violence, the U.K.-based group Christian Solidarity Worldwide reported.

He also approved the recruitment of forest guards under the Department of State Services and said state-run security outfits would receive federal support.

The president instructed police personnel to be withdrawn from VIP duties and reassigned to operational roles. He also called for a ban on open cattle grazing and said herders must surrender illegal arms.

Places of worship were urged to seek security protection, and state governments were advised against placing boarding schools in remote, unsecured areas.

Continued below.

Christian documentarian banned from filming at historic site over 'religious affiliation'

Christian human rights organization Voice for Justice UK has raised serious concerns about the National Trust after a Catholic filmmaker was denied filming permission at a Christian site.

Tensions arose after Christian Holden requested permission to film at St Cuthbert’s Cave near Belford, Northumberland. St Cuthbert is the patron saint of Northumbria and is traditionally believed to have been laid to rest in the cave in 875 AD. The National Trust, a heritage organization, manages the site.

Holden was producing a film titled "The Way of St Cuthbert," a historic path that follows St Cuthbert’s journey from Melrose Abbey in Scotland to Lindisfarne, off the coast of Northumberland, England.

For reasons that remain unclear, Voice for Justice UK said the National Trust refused to give Holden permission to film in the historic cave.

Continued below.

Hello!

Hello! My name is Emily. I am twenty years old and I'm new the forum!

My life thus far has been defined by isolation, rejection, and mental suffering. I never felt like I could connect with anyone, and I saw how many others in the world were suffering too. It destroyed my trust in God for years and I stopped calling myself a Christian. One night when I was seventeen, I wanted to take my own life, but I had the urge to pray for the first time in years. Then the Holy Spirit told me to read my untouched New Testament. That's where my story began - at what seemed like the end.

Right now, I'm enduring another period of complete isolation and even heartbreak, but I am also more strengthened than ever in Christ. Although I'm very shy, I am also glad to be on this forum among fellow believers. :) Thank you for having me!

Please pray for my father in law and my wifes family.

My father in law had a stroke that paralyzed him 3-4 months ago since he wasn't going to get any better they placed him in hospice care. Then this afternoon came. His oxygen dropped to dangerous levels his blood sugar spiked to over 400 (432) and now he's fighting for his life and now hospice is telling my mother in law he's going to take a turn for the worse. My father in law is dying and my wife's family is grieving. My wife and I are ok. My wife is trying to figure out how she can get time off from Walmart with just two days of pto to go to the funeral and my mother in law is beyond hysterical. She afterall was married to him for 36 years and doesn't want to let go. She's in need of prayers. We're in need of prayers while we grieve during this trying time of our lives.

And honestly? I'm sad too. I barely knew the man and it feels like I lost one of my grandparents it's just sad and such a sad time of my life as I watch my wife grieve the loss of her father. I will never understand because I've never lost my father I still have him. I can still talk to him I can still tell him I love him I can still hug him. I can't understand what she's going through. It's just... sad...

Frankenstein

I watched Guillermo del Toro’s production and appreciated it. But I knew it took liberties. I read Mary Shelley’s novel a few years ago. So I am reading it again slowly. It begins with the letters from the ship captain to his sister. He is out to find the North Pole.

His one lament is that he does not have a friend to share his quest. He struggles with loneliness. The movie portrays him as a gruff old seaman.

I welcome others who would like to share their thoughts about the movie and/or novel.
  • Like
Reactions: Vambram

Struggling with scrupulosity.

Hello brothers and sisters. I have followed Christ for many years I have struggled with OCD since I was a young teen. At first it was having to say things a certain amount of times for it to feel right. That abated and it did not rear its ugly head it I was 35. Sitt at home with my wife, all of a sudden, I started having blasph thoughts about the Holy Spirit. It scared me to death. We didny know what was going on and didn’t go to the hospital For an evaluation. After about a yea, I agreed to go into an inpatient psychiatric hospital. at that point, they didn’t really know what was going on and treated me for simple anxiety. The medication helped and was able come off a lot of it after a while. At the beginning of this year it returned exce on steroids this time. I have never had these kinds of thoughts in my entire life. Along with it was an urge or an anger or hate towards God. I don’t understand any of this even though I have known about scrupulosity for a while now. I don’t want these thoughts and feelings but at times it feels as if I am an apostate or have committed the unpardonable sin. I feel lost, God doesn’t talk to me anymore. I can’t read the Bible without having the worst thought. I am on prozac an one other medication. It slows the thoughts do but it makes you not care about anything. I feel like someone has switched my brain with an unbeliever . I feel hopeless. It’s been 11 months and my faith is waning. The thoughts may have slowed but these urges are just not going away. I know John Bunyan had issues like this. I know that scrupulosity can flip your beliefs and make you question everything I am in counseling but they are having me try to do things that are scary. Only God knows about my soul but I want God to heal me and restore my soul. I believe in miracles as I have witnessed them before. I grew up in a very strict denomination which really was more about works than faith. Couple that with a an austere father I really hated as a teenager. I refuse to give up though. I covet your prayers.

Hello everybody

My name is just plain old Dave. I used to post on Christian forums for about eight years when they first became popular in the early two thousands, and then stopped for about ten plus years, until recently when I started posting again. It seems that the character of many of the main forums has changed. I'm guessing that many were sold, which I always thought was inevitable since these were kind of a last stand where Christians could still talk without the 'modern thinking' (to put in mildly) policing us. So I'm looking for a new home.

My views on Scripture have grown, and they they have always been unique in a lot of ways and continue to be so. I've always considered myself reformed, but at the same time, I've always questioned some of the traditional reformed views of Scripture. Recently, many of those questions are being answered and I'm finding myself moving further away from traditional reformed views. Though, foundationally, I still hold to God's sovereignty over all things and continue in those core Biblical beliefs. I'm anxious to bring my understanding of Scripture to productive discussions and see what happens.

Sorry in advance for my dyslexia crippled posts. Sometimes it makes my already hard to understand posts even more difficult to read. I have good days and bad. Looking forward to talking....

Dave

Long Slow Journey

1764433252794.png


A Long Slow Journey

Tenderness has the power to melt the most hardened hearts steeped in pride. As we receive God’s love in our hearts, our identity as His beloved sons and daughters is restored. The tenderness of God heals. The caress of God disinfects and cleanses our wounds. The tenderness of God brings peace, serenity, and rest to the

The Love Crucified Community. The Simple Path to Union with God (pp. 279-280). Kindle Edition.

++++++++++

It has been a long journey learning to trust in God. Many of our deepest wounds are formed in childhood, hidden in memory yet still shaping our lives in ways we may not see. What others notice in us can remain invisible to ourselves.

In my youth, I had no words for my inner struggles. This led to seasons of chaos, much of which I managed to conceal—though not all. One day, while reading from the First Letter of John (3:20): “If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything,” the words pierced me. I fell to my knees in tears, realizing that my lack of self-love had blocked my growth in self-knowledge. That moment began the slow process of trusting in God’s love for me.

The inner journey requires persistence. Setbacks, failures, even great sins must not keep us down. I have learned to rise again and again, for failure is often part of the path to faith. I am a slow learner, but perhaps that is why I welcome old age—it has brought me a deeper, though still limited, understanding of God’s love for me and for all. We must remember: we are made in His image and likeness; He is not made in ours.

—Br. MD
  • Like
Reactions: mourningdove~

Today I learned...

This is a thread for sharing what you've learned from your reading.

Examples of things to share:
- New words
- Information / facts
- Perspectives you hadn't previously considered

I'll go first: Today, while reading A Separate Peace, I discovered the word "cupola." It refers to those decorative structures that sit on top of buildings.

Simple cupola:
cupola-and-weathervane.jpg


Fancy cupola:
brunelleschi-dome-closeup.jpeg

Ancient Egyptian Political Cancellations

Today, cancelling others is all the rage. But back in the day of the 2nd millennia BCE Egypt, some Pharaohs already figured out that rubbing other people out of history could be good for the propaganda machine they were pushing, such as is seen in the two 'fun' videos below.

In fact, two of the candidates for the Exodus pharaoh were known for cancelling those aspects of written history that didn't quite reflect the popular reading which they preferred.

Login to view embedded media
Login to view embedded media

Release International prayers for the Philipines, Sri Lanka.

November 29, 2025 – Philippines

ph.svg


Pray for the growing number of former Muslims who have come to faith in Christ and are sharing the Good News in their communities. Pray for wisdom, protection and a boldness as they share God’s love.

28 November 2025 – Sri Lanka

lk.svg


Thank God for pastor ‘Alan’, who has expressed his deep gratitude for our partner’s programme which helps church leaders affected by persecution.

27 November 2025 – Sri Lanka

lk.svg


Pray for our partners as they support many pastors who have experienced persecution. Pray that these pastors would know healing, encouragement and growing resilience to remain faithful in this challenging environment.

26 November 2025 – Sri Lanka

lk.svg


Thank God for training seminars that equip pastors and other church leaders serving in contexts of persecution to know how to respond to violations of religious rights.

25 November 2025 – Sri Lanka

lk.svg


Many Christian teachers, and their students, experience significant rejection. They are often marginalised and opposed, even by other teachers in their schools. Pray that they would have resilience to persevere, and love for those who mistreat them.

24 November 2025 – Sri Lanka

lk.svg


Praise the Lord for an annual camp of Christian teachers run by our partners. Pray that the camp continues to offer an enriching time of fellowship and encouragement, and that those attending leave better equipped to serve.

23 November 2025 – Sri Lanka

lk.svg


Pray for ‘Joyce’, a Christian teacher who, along with her husband, is reaching and encouraging young people with the gospel. Pray that the couple would be encouraged, despite the opposition they face.

GOP lawmaker faces backlash after linking Orthodox churches to Russian 'intelligence operation'

A Republican congressman from South Carolina is facing backlash from his colleagues and some Orthodox Christian leaders after he accused Russia-aligned Orthodox churches of functioning as "intelligence operations" for Russia.

The controversy began after U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson, R-S.C., reacted to an invitation for a "Legislative Day of Action" organized by the Russian Orthodox Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in a Nov. 18 post on X.

Characterizing the event as a ploy by the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC), which he called "not a separate religious organization but an extension of the Russian state," Wilson urged lawmakers not to "entertain this intelligence operation," citing Russia's suppression of evangelism and attacks on Christians in Ukraine.

Continued below.
  • Informative
Reactions: Pioneer3mm

Hail storms

We've had a few storms in the SE Queensland area lately which have produced giant hail.

While isolated incidents are not rare, there have been several storms lately which have done this.

We had big hail ourselves in October 2020 which smashed about 14 of our roof tiles, and damaged the carport and patio roofs. One of the hail stones was about four inches across and smashed three tiles by itself.

But it's rare to have several storms which produce big hail.


For at least the sixth time in as many weeks, parts of south-east Queensland have been lashed by hailstones causing widespread destruction to property and vehicles.

On Monday, giant 14-centimetre hailstones were recorded in Chandler, in Brisbane's south-east, while 11-centimetre stones fell on the city's bayside.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) classifies giant hail as stones with a diameter larger than 5 centimetres.

And while residents of the country's most natural disaster-prone state are no strangers to wild weather, the spate of hailstorms has many questioning if it's going to become a more regular occurrence.
  • Prayers
Reactions: Michie

Feeling down

Please may I ask for a prayer, feeling down. I work two jobs but recently lost a source of income so things are very stretched at the moment. I've applied for and inquired about a couple of jobs recently but haven't heard anything. Please pray for another job thank you

#38 in Christian persecution, Kazakhistan.

In Kazakhstan, religious freedom is heavily restricted by the country's Religion Law, dating back to 2011. The government continually tightens its control over society, leading to increased surveillance, raids on meetings and arrests. They use the threat of militant Islam to justify these restrictions.

Russian Orthodox churches face fewer issues since they typically don’t engage with the Kazakhstani population.

Indigenous Christians with a Muslim background suffer the most. They face persecution from both the state and their own families, friends and communities. Some converts are locked up by their families, beaten and eventually expelled from their communities. Local imams also preach against them, further isolating these converts.

Who is most vulnerable to persecution?

In Kazakhstan, all Christian communities can face rights violations by government officials, regardless of location. However, converts to Christianity experience the most intense pressure from family, friends and the community, especially in rural areas. This pressure is less severe in urban
settings, where they may have more anonymity and support networks.

Meet 'Ailin'

[My family] started to force me to say [the Islamic statement of faith], to renounce my faith, my Christianity. But I said: ‘No, I know my God—it's Jesus. I believe He is God. I’m a Christian; I’m not a Muslim.”

AILIN, A BELIEVER IN CENTRAL ASIA

What as changed this year?

Kazakhstan has jumped nine places on the 2025 World Watch List since last year. This is primarily caused by a higher violence score. Across the board, pressure on followers of Jesus remains very high.

Religious freedom is restricted by legislation dating back to September 2011. The Kazakhstan government has been increasing its control over the whole of society, which has led to heightened surveillance, raids on meetings and arrests.

What does Open Doors do to help Christians in Kazakhstan?

Open Doors helps Christians in Central Asia* who face persecution for their faith. They provide immediate aid and support by distributing literature, prayer, training and various social and economic projects such as rehabilitation centres.

* For security reasons, the name Open Doors cannot be associated with certain activities in this country. When communicating about projects in this country do not use the country name, instead use the region name: Central Asia.

How can you pray for Kazakhstan?

  • Pray for Christians who can be targeted for violations of Kazakhstan’s Religion Law. Ask God to protect churches from misuse of these regulations.
  • The government of Kazakhstan regularly monitors church leaders. Ask God to protect His servants.
  • Many believers in Kazakhstan have trouble getting regular access to Bibles and Christian literature. Pray that God’s Word will find its way to every believer in the country.

A look at Malachi 1:1-2:7 and Matt 10:1-11:30

MAL 1:1-2:7

The prophet speaks and writes through the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit), “Jacob have I loved, but Esau I have hated”. You ask, “Isn't God love?” Isn't God all about love? Why does he “hate poor Esau?” The word “hate” has the same meaning as “reject”. YHVH, who is “all knowing,” knew even before Esau was born that he would reject HIM, so YHVH rejected Esau! Even in Hebrews 12:16 speaks about "the godless Esau, who, for a single morsel of food, gave up and despised his birthright."

Polluted offerings, corrupt priests. No wonder God is fed up with Israel, they have gone “the way of Esau” offering God the “left-overs” and not offering with “pure hearts”. It is like today, if we serve the LORD with less than our best, or only with “half a heart” or just because we feel we “have to” then, we are offering “polluted offerings”. We should serve GOD with all we have, with the best we have, or not at all!

He has given all believers the gifts of the Spirit, the abilities to serve God while we are on Earth. Are we using those to serve, or, are we like the servant who buried the master's talent in the ground? Let's use our "talents of spiritual gifts" wholeheartedly as faithful sons and daughters of the Most High.

MATT 10:1-11:30

Yeshua sends out the twelve talmidim (disciples) to teach the Torah and to share the word that Yeshua is the Mashiach, who has fulfilled all the prophecies of the Torah. First, to the “lost sheep of Israel,” remember that Israel has been scattered to many different countries, many being absorbed by the nations, yet still remember their identity, but even in Israel, there are those who need to know the truth about Yeshua as Messiah, prophesied by Moshe and the prophets

The work and ministry of sharing/teaching the WORD of God is not a lone undertaking; it is to be shared by many, and ALL who have that calling. Even Yeshua, God in human form, could not be in all places at the same time, so he sent out his followers to fulfill the “Great Commission”.

Today, we are equipped with the “gifts of the Spirit” to fulfill this great task, and today we have the internet to help spread the “Good News,” whereas hundreds of years ago, only papers and books were available to those who took up that task. We are living in exciting times; let's take advantage of everything that is available to us today. Use all things to the glory of God.

ROM 9:6-13

Very interesting verses; “For not everyone from Israel is truly part of Israel. Indeed, not all descendants are from the seed of Abraham. From the Hebrew New Covenant, it says, “Lo kol asher heim mi-Yisrael gam Yisrael” (not all of them who are from Israel also Israel).

As we recall, Abraham had two sons from Sarah's womb, Ishmael and Yitzchak. Although both were his sons, the promise was given to Yitzchak. The descendants of Ishmael are now the Arab countries. Can we say that they also have the same interests that all believers have? Are they not following another religion? Even though quite a few are born-again believers.

In Israel today, we see quite a few cultures and people groups, not all are direct descendants of Abraham. But let’s go a step further and say, “Not all have the faith of our father, Israel,” and many in “Israel” have little or no faith at all, so how can we have the faith of “Israel” and thus be part of “Am Yisrael?”

It is through the “Yeshua Connection” that we are connected to the “Truth.” "I am the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE" (John 14:6)

So, to be a real part of “Am Yisrael” to be part of the “Covenant of Abraham” it doesn’t depend on blood relation, but “Spirit” relation. One can be a physical descendant of Abraham and be lost and going to hell. Still, one can turn that relationship around and be “heaven-bound” through a personal relationship with Messiah Yeshua, the hope of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
  • Like
Reactions: Richard T

Filter

Forum statistics

Threads
5,878,905
Messages
65,426,410
Members
276,409
Latest member
BasedLutheran