Recent content by tonemonkey

Truly, any of the major translations are going to be just fine for your study. I've noticed that a lot of folks here are suggesting you get either a KJV or NKJV. I'm not saying that this is true about those here who are suggesting these translations, but a lot of people suggest those because...

You're so welcome! I'm glad it helped. Check out my blog on Christian theology

If the god of Islam and the God of Israel don't act the same way, do the same things, and relate the same way to humanity then they are not the same. That's like saying, "I call Ba'al God, so that makes him the same as the God of Israel. I say God, you say God, so they're both the same."

I should be more clear, because I can see how it would be confusing. Satan's voice in these situations is condemnation. I'll fix the original post. Thanks! And, done!

Be at peace and not depressed about what you've done in the past. If you're carrying terrible secrets then confess them to someone you love and trust. Maybe see a Christian counselor to talk about those things. Remember that you've been washed white as snow. Your filthy rags have been taken...

Agreed. Don't forget, though, that when Peter asked Jesus how many times we should forgive someone Jesus said seventy times seven. This indicates that we should always forgive anybody for anything if they really mean it. Forgiveness isn't conditional on change - Jesus died for all of us...

Hey there! I've been a Christian for 25 years, and have learned a few things along the way. I am by no means an expert and would never claim that the knowledge/wisdom I have came from me - it's straight from the Bible and revelation of the Holy Spirit. This will be my first mini-essay on...

True, and maybe not necessary for a first read of the Bible. Feel free to skip Mark and Luke for now. You could probably do John, Matthew, and then Acts through Hebrews. You'll get enough of Jesus and the Gospel writings to get a pretty full understanding. One more thing I thought of...

Actually, given that this will be your first time through reading the Bible I would suggest starting at the Gospels in the New Testament. I'd start with John, which focuses on the divinity of Jesus. Then I'd hit Matthew, which starts with the story of Jesus' birth and the miracles involved in...

I completely agree. Simply saying "trust God" doesn't do much for someone in emotional turmoil. Definitely seek out a Christian counselor to talk to. You could even google "Christian Counseling" to find Bible believing counselors in your area.

I am so sorry to hear you so upset and tormented about this! Take a deep breath and rest. You are being lied to by the enemy of our souls. The Devil has a number of predictable tricks up his sleeve, and the first one he tries out on every new believer is legalism. If he can get you wrapped...

Sounds like you're definitely on the right path! I can understand having trouble with parts of the Bible from a rational standpoint. Many people struggle with things like Adam and Eve, Noah, and parting of the Red Sea, etc. The miracles of Christ throw people off as well. As a rational...

My friend, you are in no danger of hell. I will be praying for freedom from your anxiety, which sounds like it grips you something awful and is definitely causing these concerns. If you believe that Jesus is God incarnate and that he died for your sins. If you believe that Jesus' sacrifice...

If you believe the words of Jesus then you have to believe in hell. It's a dangerous thing to believe the parts of the Bible that fit with your feelings, and not to believe the things that you don't want to believe are true. The thing about hell is that God doesn't send anybody there. If...

Here's that passage and surrounding verses in the New Living Translation: 2 Corinthians 12:14-19 NLT Now I am coming to you for the third time, and I will not be a burden to you. I don't want what you have-I want you. After all, children don't provide for their parents. Rather, parents provide...