I need some quick, wise and biblical advice

[Emli]

Hi,

I just joined this forum, and I hope that someone might be able to help me out. I need wise answers. I'm in a tough and weird situation. I live in Sweden, and since there aren't a lot of true Christians over here, I don't have anybody to talk to about this.

I just got a new part-time job, as a conductor for a train company. It seems like a great job. The company has good values and seem to treat both the staff and the passengers really well. I'm on day four of the training program, and next week I'll have to start working as a trainee.

This is the problem: The train is cashless, which makes a lot of sense, because of robberies, but the card I will have to use to login to the ticket machine has the number 666 on it, in my personal serial number. Also, when we practiced using the machine, the total sum of purchases after the first exercise was 6660 SEK (Swedish money). This freaks me out, which it should! Yet, I don't feel as alarmed as I think I should be.

God has previously used numbers to talk to me, and to warn me away from situations, especially when I was a new Christian. No numerology or anything, I don't touch anything occult. But He has, and it has always been biblical (like pointing me to the specific Bible verse in a specific circumstance). I know that He is in control of everything. This is obviously not a coincidence. Do you think that God wants me to quit? Or is He just warning me about something? I know I'm not accepting the mark of the beast if I use this card (I've studied Revelation and the old testament prophecies, so I'm not confused about what it means), but it feels waaaaay to close for comfort. I feel like I would be a part of the culture that is leading towards the beast system. And betraying God for money!

The number 42 appears everywhere at work too. I'm NOT looking for signs. And today, my teacher randomly said "train number 1317" right after I had wondered about Rev 13:17.

I became a Christian two years ago, and since, I've lost four jobs because of my faith, for different reasons. (This is NOT a Christian-friendly country). I've been unemployed for six months now, and I'm living off welfare. I get less then I need, and I'm in a lot of debt. If I quit my job or cause them to fire me, I will get no more welfare and no way to pay my bills, at all. I have no one to turn to for money...

I don't mind quitting another job for Christ, and I'm not afraid, not even if it meant I would end up homeless. It would be okay with me, even if it does feel irresponsible. But I don't feel convicted to leave. It might just be my survival instincts taking over, rationalizing, and somehow calming me, because I really need the money, or the enemy is trying to confuse me. I've been under a lot of oppression lately.

I really want to pay off my debts, because it's what the Bible says to do. So quitting a well-paid job seems like sinning. I always trust God will provide though. And it feels really wrong being paid for the days I've been there, without having worked at all.

There are other factors as well. I would indirectly be working for the Swedish government, which is probably one of the most anti-christian governments in the world. And I would have to work both late and early hours, which does go against Psalm 127:2 (I'm not legalistic, but it seems important somehow).
I would also have to wear a really fancy uniform, which I'm not sure is okay, and totally goes against my personality.
It seems really stressful, but I love stressful situations, because I have to rely on God so much (I absolutely cannot handle it on my own, but it always works out).

What should I do? I'm so stressed and confused right now, I've kind of stopped being able to think at all. I feel one thing, yet the signs say the opposite. I need a lot of help. And please pray for me.

Emelie

 

[Goodbook]

Emelie have you read the book of Daniel in the Old Testament he was living in Babylon and taken captive at the time. He went through these sorts of trials. Read this book to encourage yourself to act with integrity in a crooked world.

Philippians 2:14-15

Also remember when Paul was in prison and he had no choice he still praised God and learned to be content whatever the circumstances.

 

[Mark_Ward]

I have visited Sweden a few times, I am surprised to hear you say it is not a Christian friendly country. that was not my experience. I have no advice on your issue with numbers

 

[sdowney717]

My advice don't worry about the numbers.

Philippians 4:5-7 21st Century King James Version (KJ21)
5 Let your moderation be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.

6 Fret not about anything, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God.

7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

 

[Dave-W]

I just got a new part-time job, as a conductor for a train company. It seems like a great job.

So you are a semi-conductor?

Sorry ....

but the card I will have to use to login to the ticket machine has the number 666 on it, in my personal serial number. Also, when we practiced using the machine, the total sum of purchases after the first exercise was 6660 SEK (Swedish money).

I would not worry about that too much. Remember that the text that says 666 is the mark of a MAN - the antichrist. (Rev 13.18)

Do you think YOU are that antichrist? Have you denied the Father and the Son? (1 Jn 2.22)

Another thought - alternate texts of Rev 13 put the number at 616, and I grew up in a house with that number.

 

[Soyeong]

Hi,

I just joined this forum, and I hope that someone might be able to help me out. I need wise answers. I'm in a tough and weird situation. I live in Sweden, and since there aren't a lot of true Christians over here, I don't have anybody to talk to about this.

I just got a new part-time job, as a conductor for a train company. It seems like a great job. The company has good values and seem to treat both the staff and the passengers really well. I'm on day four of the training program, and next week I'll have to start working as a trainee.

This is the problem: The train is cashless, which makes a lot of sense, because of robberies, but the card I will have to use to login to the ticket machine has the number 666 on it, in my personal serial number. Also, when we practiced using the machine, the total sum of purchases after the first exercise was 6660 SEK (Swedish money). This freaks me out, which it should! Yet, I don't feel as alarmed as I think I should be.

God has previously used numbers to talk to me, and to warn me away from situations, especially when I was a new Christian. No numerology or anything, I don't touch anything occult. But He has, and it has always been biblical (like pointing me to the specific Bible verse in a specific circumstance). I know that He is in control of everything. This is obviously not a coincidence. Do you think that God wants me to quit? Or is He just warning me about something? I know I'm not accepting the mark of the beast if I use this card (I've studied Revelation and the old testament prophecies, so I'm not confused about what it means), but it feels waaaaay to close for comfort. I feel like I would be a part of the culture that is leading towards the beast system. And betraying God for money!

The number 42 appears everywhere at work too. I'm NOT looking for signs. And today, my teacher randomly said "train number 1317" right after I had wondered about Rev 13:17.

I became a Christian two years ago, and since, I've lost four jobs because of my faith, for different reasons. (This is NOT a Christian-friendly country). I've been unemployed for six months now, and I'm living off welfare. I get less then I need, and I'm in a lot of debt. If I quit my job or cause them to fire me, I will get no more welfare and no way to pay my bills, at all. I have no one to turn to for money...

I don't mind quitting another job for Christ, and I'm not afraid, not even if it meant I would end up homeless. It would be okay with me, even if it does feel irresponsible. But I don't feel convicted to leave. It might just be my survival instincts taking over, rationalizing, and somehow calming me, because I really need the money, or the enemy is trying to confuse me. I've been under a lot of oppression lately.

I really want to pay off my debts, because it's what the Bible says to do. So quitting a well-paid job seems like sinning. I always trust God will provide though. And it feels really wrong being paid for the days I've been there, without having worked at all.

There are other factors as well. I would indirectly be working for the Swedish government, which is probably one of the most anti-christian governments in the world. And I would have to work both late and early hours, which does go against Psalm 127:2 (I'm not legalistic, but it seems important somehow).
I would also have to wear a really fancy uniform, which I'm not sure is okay, and totally goes against my personality.
It seems really stressful, but I love stressful situations, because I have to rely on God so much (I absolutely cannot handle it on my own, but it always works out).

What should I do? I'm so stressed and confused right now, I've kind of stopped being able to think at all. I feel one thing, yet the signs say the opposite. I need a lot of help. And please pray for me.

Emelie

I think that the mark of the beast is not a number, but rather it is written in Arabic:

 

[John Hyperspace]

Hi,

I just joined this forum, and I hope that someone might be able to help me out. I need wise answers. I'm in a tough and weird situation. I live in Sweden, and since there aren't a lot of true Christians over here, I don't have anybody to talk to about this.

I just got a new part-time job, as a conductor for a train company. It seems like a great job. The company has good values and seem to treat both the staff and the passengers really well. I'm on day four of the training program, and next week I'll have to start working as a trainee.

This is the problem: The train is cashless, which makes a lot of sense, because of robberies, but the card I will have to use to login to the ticket machine has the number 666 on it, in my personal serial number. Also, when we practiced using the machine, the total sum of purchases after the first exercise was 6660 SEK (Swedish money). This freaks me out, which it should! Yet, I don't feel as alarmed as I think I should be.

God has previously used numbers to talk to me, and to warn me away from situations, especially when I was a new Christian. No numerology or anything, I don't touch anything occult. But He has, and it has always been biblical (like pointing me to the specific Bible verse in a specific circumstance). I know that He is in control of everything. This is obviously not a coincidence. Do you think that God wants me to quit? Or is He just warning me about something? I know I'm not accepting the mark of the beast if I use this card (I've studied Revelation and the old testament prophecies, so I'm not confused about what it means), but it feels waaaaay to close for comfort. I feel like I would be a part of the culture that is leading towards the beast system. And betraying God for money!

The number 42 appears everywhere at work too. I'm NOT looking for signs. And today, my teacher randomly said "train number 1317" right after I had wondered about Rev 13:17.

I became a Christian two years ago, and since, I've lost four jobs because of my faith, for different reasons. (This is NOT a Christian-friendly country). I've been unemployed for six months now, and I'm living off welfare. I get less then I need, and I'm in a lot of debt. If I quit my job or cause them to fire me, I will get no more welfare and no way to pay my bills, at all. I have no one to turn to for money...

I don't mind quitting another job for Christ, and I'm not afraid, not even if it meant I would end up homeless. It would be okay with me, even if it does feel irresponsible. But I don't feel convicted to leave. It might just be my survival instincts taking over, rationalizing, and somehow calming me, because I really need the money, or the enemy is trying to confuse me. I've been under a lot of oppression lately.

I really want to pay off my debts, because it's what the Bible says to do. So quitting a well-paid job seems like sinning. I always trust God will provide though. And it feels really wrong being paid for the days I've been there, without having worked at all.

There are other factors as well. I would indirectly be working for the Swedish government, which is probably one of the most anti-christian governments in the world. And I would have to work both late and early hours, which does go against Psalm 127:2 (I'm not legalistic, but it seems important somehow).
I would also have to wear a really fancy uniform, which I'm not sure is okay, and totally goes against my personality.
It seems really stressful, but I love stressful situations, because I have to rely on God so much (I absolutely cannot handle it on my own, but it always works out).

What should I do? I'm so stressed and confused right now, I've kind of stopped being able to think at all. I feel one thing, yet the signs say the opposite. I need a lot of help. And please pray for me.

Emelie

If I were interpreting the situation in application to my self: you say you like stressful situations because you have to rely on God so much (which is brilliant, by the way)- that seems central to the situation. Now, you've fixed on a number that represents something to you, yet you feel no immediate need to evade the situation, though it has a parallel to prophecy in your immediate understanding of the occurrence.

Okay, so, putting it all together, I would interpret this as a precursor situation in which God is showing you the number, but not wishing you to avoid the situation, but to take on the responsibility and the stress that comes with it in order to strengthen your reliance on Him to keep you during the situation. Do you understand what I'm saying?

In other words, God wants you in the situation in order to increase your focus of reliance on Him; he is symbolizing a dangerous situation that He is leading you into, in order to have you be in the middle of the threatening situation, and to rely on Him to get you through it unscathed. Make sense?

Goodbook mentioned the book of Daniel, and if nothing is coincidence, that isn't either: the three children and the fiery furnace, and Daniel in the lion's den seem apt to the situation.

 

[rockytopva]

16 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:
17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
18 Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six. - Revelation 13

As long as you do not get this mark on your body you are alright. The problem is if you are offered to get identification placed on your body with the 666 number on it, which you have not. You are alright.

 

[Albion]

What should I do? I'm so stressed and confused right now, I've kind of stopped being able to think at all. I feel one thing, yet the signs say the opposite. I need a lot of help. And please pray for me.
Emelie

I think I'm a committed Christian, so if my opinion matters, I'd say to put all that stuff about numbers out of your mind before it drives you crazy. It is widely understood that when scripture refers to 666 it means a falling short of righteousness--in spades. The number 7 is the Biblical number signifying perfection, so 6 is failing to make that grade. And making it three times over emphasizes the point. You're not holding a satanic amulet when you use the ticket machine.

As for working for the government, I appreciate the point, but until the job actually requires you to commit a sin--to do something dishonest, for example--I'd say not to be unnecessarily concerned.

 

[Greg J.]

Hi,

I just joined this forum, and I hope that someone might be able to help me out. I need wise answers. I'm in a tough and weird situation. I live in Sweden, and since there aren't a lot of true Christians over here, I don't have anybody to talk to about this.

I just got a new part-time job, as a conductor for a train company. It seems like a great job. The company has good values and seem to treat both the staff and the passengers really well. I'm on day four of the training program, and next week I'll have to start working as a trainee.

This is the problem: The train is cashless, which makes a lot of sense, because of robberies, but the card I will have to use to login to the ticket machine has the number 666 on it, in my personal serial number. Also, when we practiced using the machine, the total sum of purchases after the first exercise was 6660 SEK (Swedish money). This freaks me out, which it should! Yet, I don't feel as alarmed as I think I should be.

God has previously used numbers to talk to me, and to warn me away from situations, especially when I was a new Christian. No numerology or anything, I don't touch anything occult. But He has, and it has always been biblical (like pointing me to the specific Bible verse in a specific circumstance). I know that He is in control of everything. This is obviously not a coincidence. Do you think that God wants me to quit? Or is He just warning me about something? I know I'm not accepting the mark of the beast if I use this card (I've studied Revelation and the old testament prophecies, so I'm not confused about what it means), but it feels waaaaay to close for comfort. I feel like I would be a part of the culture that is leading towards the beast system. And betraying God for money!

The number 42 appears everywhere at work too. I'm NOT looking for signs. And today, my teacher randomly said "train number 1317" right after I had wondered about Rev 13:17.

I became a Christian two years ago, and since, I've lost four jobs because of my faith, for different reasons. (This is NOT a Christian-friendly country). I've been unemployed for six months now, and I'm living off welfare. I get less then I need, and I'm in a lot of debt. If I quit my job or cause them to fire me, I will get no more welfare and no way to pay my bills, at all. I have no one to turn to for money...

I don't mind quitting another job for Christ, and I'm not afraid, not even if it meant I would end up homeless. It would be okay with me, even if it does feel irresponsible. But I don't feel convicted to leave. It might just be my survival instincts taking over, rationalizing, and somehow calming me, because I really need the money, or the enemy is trying to confuse me. I've been under a lot of oppression lately.

I really want to pay off my debts, because it's what the Bible says to do. So quitting a well-paid job seems like sinning. I always trust God will provide though. And it feels really wrong being paid for the days I've been there, without having worked at all.

There are other factors as well. I would indirectly be working for the Swedish government, which is probably one of the most anti-christian governments in the world. And I would have to work both late and early hours, which does go against Psalm 127:2 (I'm not legalistic, but it seems important somehow).
I would also have to wear a really fancy uniform, which I'm not sure is okay, and totally goes against my personality.
It seems really stressful, but I love stressful situations, because I have to rely on God so much (I absolutely cannot handle it on my own, but it always works out).

What should I do? I'm so stressed and confused right now, I've kind of stopped being able to think at all. I feel one thing, yet the signs say the opposite. I need a lot of help. And please pray for me.

Emelie

IMO, you are looking to God for things he has not promised. It is NOT his goal to get you to hear him so that you can be his robot. He wants you to use your knowledge of him to be more like him. Trying to get you to objectify signs from God is a scheme of Satan. Study the Bible and pray to know God better personally. You can ignore or reject everything that gets in the way of that as long as you do not sin. Whenever something like this happens, ask yourself how it affects your relationship with God in your heart. God is concerned with your relationship with him, not guiding you with minutiae. God can speak to you plainly if he wants to. In fact, he can transform you or speak to you without you even noticing you've been spoken to.

for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. (Philippians 2:13, 1984 NIV)

Please post again what you conclude from all this.

 

[musicalpilgrim]

What should I do? I'm so stressed and confused right now, I've kind of stopped being able to think at all. I feel one thing, yet the signs say the opposite. I need a lot of help. And please pray for me.

Hi Emli,
Welcome to the forum in Jesus name, it is a great place to be, with lots of advice and help.

I pray for you, that you will be filled with the Lord's Holy Spirit and feel his presence with you, giving you peace and courage to live for Jesus.

I reject all the signs that are from that old man Satan who is trying to confuse you. Live in the joy of the Lord and enjoy what appears to be a wonderful opportunity.

May the Lord bless you richly with his presence today.

 

[aiki]

Frankly, you sound like you're trying to talk yourself out of a perfectly good job. And your preoccupation with numbers borders on the superstitious. Look, you don't need weird convergences of numbers to direct you in this situation. Scripture commands us very plainly to work, so work. And unless you get a job with a Christian organization, you're going to have to settle for working for a godless, maybe even anti-theistic, employer like the vast majority of Christians must do. There is no reason you can't work as a train conductor "as unto the Lord" whatever the political/ideological character of your employer. Your employer hasn't told you to renounce Christ or do something immoral, so stop fussing and get to work!

Selah.

 

[LoricaLady]

First how wonderful to hear someone from Sweden who is seriously seeking the Lord and wanting to be Biblically right!

As for the 6660 number, well, I would just pray for protection. Our American money has some pretty occultic stuff on it, like a pagan all seeing eye on our dollar bill. But...I still use cash. If you can avoid pagan things, great. If not, again, just pray for protection.

As for other number concerns, honestly I think you are maybe over doing it. The Bible does tell us to not get into omens. Once again, pray for protection.

I will also speak on your being a Christian in a non Christian environemtn. I personally thiinnk you should not feel you have to make a big deal about your faith. I'm not saying hide it. if it comes up, answer honestly but maybe with brevity.

The Bible says to be discrete in evil times. These are evil times! Our Savior tells us to not cast our pearsl (like of spiritual truth) before the pigs lest they turn and trample you. Now, sometimes we are called to be martyrs. If the Holy Spirit, for sure, guides you in that area, okay. But usually that is not the case.

Your best wittness will alaays be how you live your life. People may listen to your words, but mostly they will be watching your actions. Praying for you...

 

[LoricaLady]

IMO, you are looking to God for things he has not promised. It is NOT his goal to get you to hear him so that you can be his robot. He wants you to use your knowledge of him to be more like him. Trying to get you to objectify signs from God is a scheme of Satan. Study the Bible and pray to know God better personally. You can ignore or reject everything that gets in the way of that as long as you do not sin. Whenever something like this happens, ask yourself how it affects your relationship with God in your heart. God is concerned with your relationship with him, not guiding you with minutiae. God can speak to you plainly if he wants to. In fact, he can transform you or speak to you without you even noticing you've been spoken to.

for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. (Philippians 2:13, 1984 NIV)

Please post again what you conclude from all this.

We are really not to ask ourselves, but the Almighty. No, he does not want us to be robots, as robots have no will. But He wants us to willingly obey Him and He says "Trust in YHWH" aka God "with all your heart an lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths."

 

[Hospes]

2 Thessalonians 3:10-12
For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living. (ESV)

Colossians 3:23-24
[23] Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. (ESV)

1 Thessalonians 2:9
For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil: we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God.

Ephesians 4:28
Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. (ESV)

1 Thessalonians 4:10-12
... But we urge you, brothers, to do this more and more, and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one. (ESV)

The scriptures give clear direction on how we should work so that we are not to burden others and so that we can share with those in need. I suggest you not let "signs" distract you from clear commands.

Hope this helps.

 

[Greg J.]

We are really not to ask ourselves, but the Almighty. No, he does not want us to be robots, as robots have no will. But He wants us to willingly obey Him and He says "Trust in YHWH" aka God "with all your heart an lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths."

Yes, but the OP didn't seem to me to be talking about that. We shouldn't be trusting the Lord to direct our steps by waiting for guidance by the Holy Spirit for us to lift our foot, move it forward, shift our weight, then lift the other foot, etc. What the OP is writing about is a hurtful perspective and focus that can arise (for example) from wanting to avoid being hurt by not doing something right and so looking to the Lord for guidance. It can take a long time and be difficult to be free of to the point that I want to just tell people that taken as a whole, the Lord doesn't communicate to us that way. When someone gets like this, common sense should become the rule to live by, not trying to hear from God.

Personally, I got free of it by leaning on the verse I quoted (Philippians 2:13). Through it I came to trust the Holy Spirit to guide me that way. Knowing that God is not "out to get you" helps. He loves us and we can count of him to meet us at our point of need—at a place we can understand that is sensible. (We aren't able to adjust to meet him at his level.)

Paul's general statement revealing a facet of God's nature was also part of what helped me:

For God is not a God of disorder but of peace. ... (1 Corinthians 14:33a, 1984 NIV)

The Lord doesn't cause us to be confused or disturbed. Those are consequences of sin. However, he does say and do things to give us peace and clarity of understanding.

 

[Dr Bruce Atkinson]

Hi,

I just joined this forum, and I hope that someone might be able to help me out. I need wise answers. I'm in a tough and weird situation. I live in Sweden, and since there aren't a lot of true Christians over here, I don't have anybody to talk to about this.

I just got a new part-time job, as a conductor for a train company. It seems like a great job. The company has good values and seem to treat both the staff and the passengers really well. I'm on day four of the training program, and next week I'll have to start working as a trainee.

This is the problem: The train is cashless, which makes a lot of sense, because of robberies, but the card I will have to use to login to the ticket machine has the number 666 on it, in my personal serial number. Also, when we practiced using the machine, the total sum of purchases after the first exercise was 6660 SEK (Swedish money). This freaks me out, which it should! Yet, I don't feel as alarmed as I think I should be.

God has previously used numbers to talk to me, and to warn me away from situations, especially when I was a new Christian. No numerology or anything, I don't touch anything occult. But He has, and it has always been biblical (like pointing me to the specific Bible verse in a specific circumstance). I know that He is in control of everything. This is obviously not a coincidence. Do you think that God wants me to quit? Or is He just warning me about something? I know I'm not accepting the mark of the beast if I use this card (I've studied Revelation and the old testament prophecies, so I'm not confused about what it means), but it feels waaaaay to close for comfort. I feel like I would be a part of the culture that is leading towards the beast system. And betraying God for money!

The number 42 appears everywhere at work too. I'm NOT looking for signs. And today, my teacher randomly said "train number 1317" right after I had wondered about Rev 13:17.

I became a Christian two years ago, and since, I've lost four jobs because of my faith, for different reasons. (This is NOT a Christian-friendly country). I've been unemployed for six months now, and I'm living off welfare. I get less then I need, and I'm in a lot of debt. If I quit my job or cause them to fire me, I will get no more welfare and no way to pay my bills, at all. I have no one to turn to for money...

I don't mind quitting another job for Christ, and I'm not afraid, not even if it meant I would end up homeless. It would be okay with me, even if it does feel irresponsible. But I don't feel convicted to leave. It might just be my survival instincts taking over, rationalizing, and somehow calming me, because I really need the money, or the enemy is trying to confuse me. I've been under a lot of oppression lately.

I really want to pay off my debts, because it's what the Bible says to do. So quitting a well-paid job seems like sinning. I always trust God will provide though. And it feels really wrong being paid for the days I've been there, without having worked at all.

There are other factors as well. I would indirectly be working for the Swedish government, which is probably one of the most anti-christian governments in the world. And I would have to work both late and early hours, which does go against Psalm 127:2 (I'm not legalistic, but it seems important somehow).
I would also have to wear a really fancy uniform, which I'm not sure is okay, and totally goes against my personality.
It seems really stressful, but I love stressful situations, because I have to rely on God so much (I absolutely cannot handle it on my own, but it always works out).

What should I do? I'm so stressed and confused right now, I've kind of stopped being able to think at all. I feel one thing, yet the signs say the opposite. I need a lot of help. And please pray for me.

Emelie

I think God allowed you to receive this 666 number to motivate you to contact Christian Forums, to read these responses, and to teach you to ignore silly superstitions. This symbolic number in the Book of Revelation was absolutely not about you. It is just a number for you, like 7, 8, or 9.

Either God is all-powerful, all-wise, and loves you or you might as well give up your faith. Remember that your faith is about a personal relationship with the almighty Father through His Son Jesus Christ. He will protect you, and He certainly will not curse you through some number! It has no power. Trust God. The only power the number has is what you give it by your own fear, and even then all it can do is cause you to be anxious and disturbed.

As others recommend: Meditate upon Philippians 4:4-13.
Also:
"God does not give us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power, love, and self-control." -- 2 Timothy 1:17 (see also 1 Thes. 5:23, 1 John 4:18)

Carry your 666 card in peace and safety, it will be your "badge of courage", the mark of your faith in a loving God (not numbers).

 

[Dr Bruce Atkinson]

I think God allowed you to receive this 666 number to motivate you to contact Christian Forums, to read these responses, and to teach you to ignore silly superstitions. This symbolic number in the Book of Revelation was absolutely not about you. It is just a number for you, like 7, 8, or 9.

Either God is all-powerful, all-wise, and loves you or you might as well give up your faith. Remember that your faith is about a personal relationship with the almighty Father through His Son Jesus Christ. He will protect you, and He certainly will not curse you through some number! It has no power. Trust God. The only power the number has is what you give it by your own fear, and even then all it can do is cause you to be anxious and disturbed.

As others recommend: Meditate upon Philippians 4:4-13.
Also:
"God does not give us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power, love, and self-control." -- 2 Timothy 1:17 (see also 1 Thes. 5:23, 1 John 4:18)

Carry your 666 card in peace and safety, it will be your "badge of courage", the mark of your faith in a loving God (not numbers).

 

[D2wing]

I agree with Dr. Atkinson. Jesus said he did not come to add to our burdens but to take them upon himself. The Devil likes to scare us and add to our concerns. I think you should ignore any fear this number invokes and trust Jesus. Perhaps it is a reminder that we live in the world but are not of this world. I think that if you are not supposed to work there God will arrange the circumstances for you. Proverbs says , " In all thy ways acknowledge the Lord and he will direct thy paths" . Bless you brother and be of good cheer. God will not forsake you.

 

[paul becke]

Hi,

I just joined this forum, and I hope that someone might be able to help me out. I need wise answers. I'm in a tough and weird situation. I live in Sweden, and since there aren't a lot of true Christians over here, I don't have anybody to talk to about this.

I just got a new part-time job, as a conductor for a train company. It seems like a great job. The company has good values and seem to treat both the staff and the passengers really well. I'm on day four of the training program, and next week I'll have to start working as a trainee.

This is the problem: The train is cashless, which makes a lot of sense, because of robberies, but the card I will have to use to login to the ticket machine has the number 666 on it, in my personal serial number. Also, when we practiced using the machine, the total sum of purchases after the first exercise was 6660 SEK (Swedish money). This freaks me out, which it should! Yet, I don't feel as alarmed as I think I should be.

God has previously used numbers to talk to me, and to warn me away from situations, especially when I was a new Christian. No numerology or anything, I don't touch anything occult. But He has, and it has always been biblical (like pointing me to the specific Bible verse in a specific circumstance). I know that He is in control of everything. This is obviously not a coincidence. Do you think that God wants me to quit? Or is He just warning me about something? I know I'm not accepting the mark of the beast if I use this card (I've studied Revelation and the old testament prophecies, so I'm not confused about what it means), but it feels waaaaay to close for comfort. I feel like I would be a part of the culture that is leading towards the beast system. And betraying God for money!

The number 42 appears everywhere at work too. I'm NOT looking for signs. And today, my teacher randomly said "train number 1317" right after I had wondered about Rev 13:17.

I became a Christian two years ago, and since, I've lost four jobs because of my faith, for different reasons. (This is NOT a Christian-friendly country). I've been unemployed for six months now, and I'm living off welfare. I get less then I need, and I'm in a lot of debt. If I quit my job or cause them to fire me, I will get no more welfare and no way to pay my bills, at all. I have no one to turn to for money...

I don't mind quitting another job for Christ, and I'm not afraid, not even if it meant I would end up homeless. It would be okay with me, even if it does feel irresponsible. But I don't feel convicted to leave. It might just be my survival instincts taking over, rationalizing, and somehow calming me, because I really need the money, or the enemy is trying to confuse me. I've been under a lot of oppression lately.

I really want to pay off my debts, because it's what the Bible says to do. So quitting a well-paid job seems like sinning. I always trust God will provide though. And it feels really wrong being paid for the days I've been there, without having worked at all.

There are other factors as well. I would indirectly be working for the Swedish government, which is probably one of the most anti-christian governments in the world. And I would have to work both late and early hours, which does go against Psalm 127:2 (I'm not legalistic, but it seems important somehow).
I would also have to wear a really fancy uniform, which I'm not sure is okay, and totally goes against my personality.
It seems really stressful, but I love stressful situations, because I have to rely on God so much (I absolutely cannot handle it on my own, but it always works out).

What should I do? I'm so stressed and confused right now, I've kind of stopped being able to think at all. I feel one thing, yet the signs say the opposite. I need a lot of help. And please pray for me.

Emelie

First of all, it might be helpful to ask if you could be given another number. Perhaps the person will be sympathetic and get it fixed. Still, I would simply say an extra Our Father each day before you set off.