Reformed Protestant Christianity. Relying on God's Word as the source of truth.

@@thefortkentbiblechurch where did you get your bible

@@oliversumagpao21 Amazon.com

Amen, thank you.

Amen, so happy to hear that!

Yes, I find it always makes such a big difference too. If I'm busy in the morning, I try to spend at least 1-2 minutes reading and praying as soon as I wake up. Even with that short amount of time, it really helps.

Amen, very well said!

Amen, wonderful to hear that! God is good :)

Praise God! He and His word are such a blessing.

There are three or four thoughts that first come to mind. The first has to do with God being love. He is love but He is not love exclusively. He is the source of love but not only defined as love. He is also just and wise. Because He is just, there must be judgement and accountability for sin. Also, the book doesn't actually need justification. Providing reason or explanation is a means to communicate consistency within the Bible. The primary reason to believe the Bible is not that it is what I would like it to be but rather it is what is true. I would like to know what your thoughts are on the prophecies held in the Bible, specifically passages like Psalm 22 and Isaiah 53. These show a credible consistency with what was written up to and over 700 years previous to historical events. These are powerful testimonies to the validity of the entire work. The next point on division is that we have been given a choice. The are just two paths on which we can travel, the narrow and the broad. While Christ clearly identified that He came to bring division as His sheep would be separated from those around Him the Lord also clearly calls to everyone and desires that none perish. All are one in Christ. It is a most unifying action as all that come to Him are indivisible... "For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus." And of course, you are not swine. Christ Himself suffered and died that you may know Him, the power of His resurrection and the fullness of joy in God's presence forever. This is the offer to every single person in humanity. That is why He commanded His disciples to go and preach to all of creation. There is no fear or offense over your opposition as God doesn't need to be defended. He merely needs to be known in all truth. I just want you to know Him as I know Him. I still totally understand the reasons why you and others may reject the Bible as His word. I am very grateful that we have the freedom and opportunity to have the discussion in the first place. The last question about the sending of an evil spirit needs to be viewed in the totality of time. We need to understand the perspective that the Lord exclusively holds above all of humanity. If He were just like us we could reason in the same fashion as Him. If He really is God in all truth, He is a mighty, all-knowing, just, true and good God. Approaching Him and His word and all of His actions from the understanding that He is good is essential to realizing His wisdom in the totality of time as well. If I make Him out to be a bad guy in my heart and mind, the cohesion of all of His work of love fails.

I understand your conviction as I was a Christian 14 years, and believed as fervently as you, I even experienced a genuine miracle, (I'll elaborate if you'd like) I also experienced some weird coincidences with bears, after calling a guy in my church "baldy" he was defending the mauling of the 42 children. Anyways, I was so brainwashed I was going door to door, for the lord, I thought I was living the true Christian life , and everything was great until I started studying the bible for real, and discovered all these horrific things that do not align with a loving god, so I prayed for god to show me the truth, that was a bad idea, because over the next few months I learned about all the ugly things in the bible, and left it behind, the church, my friends, even my home, at first it was a bit scary but God assumed me it would be alright, now I'm happier than I've ever been because I stopped trying to defend the horrible things in the bible, now I am sure the bible is not the word of God, and I've never been more blessed, because of it.

@@Grayraven777 Thank you for sharing that. I would like to hear about the miracle as well when you have time. Yes, I'm not surprised by the bears as the Lord keeps account of everything that proceeds from our heart. In the end, faith, the Bible and Christianity is about a relationship between us and God. And knowing Him is the chief pleasure and focus of everything. I count everything as loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ. He does all things in order that we might know Him and experience His everlasting love. I am very grateful to hear that you are happier now and feel peace in your life. I hope that continues and grows everyday. My prayer is also that you experience the fullness of joy from your personal relationship with Him on a daily basis as well!

@@thefortkentbiblechurch OK you want me to explain how Jesus fulfilled all these so called prophecies, no problem Josephus was a Jewish historian who was captured by the Roman's during the siege of the Temple and because of his knowledge of the scriptures the Flavians not only employed him but adopted him into their family, because he was writing a story about the war for them, trying to make them out to be the good guys so that both jew and gentile could get along under the rule of Ceasar and not revolt against them, but instead Josephus wrote about the jews and Roman's being both the bad guys and the good guys, it was supposed to be the transferring of God's authority from the jews over to the Roman's and the best was to unite everyone, was to introduce the Messiah that the jews were waiting for, but making him into a Roman god, that had a little bit of everything to satisfy all the various cults that were in Rome at that time. Now I know you're going to object saying Jesus came before Josephus and was a real person who prophecied the destruction of the temple and on and on, but if you compare the battle campaign of Titus and the ministry of Jesus you'll see they both begin at the sea of Galilee with "the fishers of men" and follow the same path on down to the temple. Anyways if you want the full documentary it's called Ceasar's Messiah by Joseph Atwell. It is the proof that the NT is historical fiction. And Jesus won't be coming back soon, like the bible promised, hate to break it to ya, but you and I and every other Christian who has ever lived and died, has believed in the greatest lie ever told, and the catholic church has known all along, pope Leo the tenth admitted that " it has served us well, this myth of christ " So there you go my explanation for Jesus prophecies.

@@Grayraven777 What then? If some did not believe, their unbelief will not nullify the faithfulness of God, will it? 4 May it never be! Rather, let God be found true, though every man be found a liar, as it is written, “THAT YOU MAY BE JUSTIFIED IN YOUR WORDS, AND PREVAIL WHEN YOU ARE JUDGED.” Thank you, I will look into this. I don't see anything that would be credible historical or personal evidence contrary to the validity of the old or new testament. But, I would like to familiarize myself with it more.

I really appreciate the point that you have shared, thank you. I know that many others share the same sentiment. I would like to address some of these thoughts in a video today. I'll do my best to present them and answer them with my very limited knowledge and capacity. I appreciate that you already have a familiarity with Scripture. I'll look to a few of those examples as I speak. I also hope that you have a good day!

@@thefortkentbiblechurch you sir are as close to a Saint, that I've encountered, no anger, no condemnation, just wanting to share the love of God. That is what it's really all about, thank you for your patience and understanding of my position. ♥

@@Grayraven777 Thanks again for the comments. As it's a big topic, I took a big initial look at it here kzbin.info/www/bejne/g6LbpGBnr5VpaLs I know that it may be way more info than interests most but I found it a good topic to dive into completely. I appreciate how your thoughts led me to being exploring this. I've found it really stimulating and challenging. I'd like to continue looking at it throughout the week, even being able to pull in a number of the incidences you referenced, like the man collecting sticks on the Sabbath for example. Happy to hear any further thoughts you have in response. Thanks.

Fear of God is the beginning of wisdom

@@bycracky22 and figuring out it's mostly lies is the end of it.

No offense taken :)

I would also like to hear your colorful commentary on part 2 of this video as well! It is always interesting to hear thoughts from a variety of perspectives kzbin.info/www/bejne/omTFq3eVo8t1iqs

I think that would answer the question 'can God do anything?'... But since He doesn't desire to lie, I would propose that the answer to the question 'can God do anything that He wants?' ...would be Yes. What do you think?

@@thefortkentbiblechurch of course... i was merely exploring a puzzling conundrum. If God is almighty ( ie) he can do anything. But if - in his nature he is limited to only working goodness and not evil- then he is in fact somewhat limited. How can he then be almighty? Almighty would suggest an unlimited power to do EVERYthing ( good and evil) ...your thoughts?

@@lexzenis2544 ...I like that question. 'Almighty' is a reflection of power. God's power is unlimited. What He choses to do with that power is determined by his moral goodness rather than any limitation of might and therefore would not detract from His title of being Almighty. He does all that is in His good pleasure without any exception. I think it is fair to say that we know that the possibilities of any of His actions are limited to things that are good, just, right, etc. rather than immoral, corrupt or wrong. How do we label that though? It makes me think of mankind that has this type of 'choice'. It is more of an inconsistency of moral character, the opportunity to sin. Some would view that as freedom however I don't believe that is the case. I see it more as a vulnerability to deception due to limits in my own goodness, power and knowledge. If I had all knowledge for instance and knew the outcome of everything that I did I would always chose not to sin, wanting the best possible outcome for myself and others. I am also limited in my power to overcome temptation. I lose patience and chose to sin even though I don't really want to because I lack power.

@@thefortkentbiblechurch it is an acceptable answer. thx for taking time to reply.

Amen!

This is actually a very interesting subject, to consider if God is narcissistic. Would you be ok we me addressing this viewpoint in a video?

Amen. Thank you!

Amen

Amen...The sooner the better! :)

You need Jesus my friend.

@@thefortkentbiblechurch read the scriptures I posted. The devil fooled the whole world. I'm trying to help you. You are leading your whole congregation into tribulation.

@@HouseOfJacobWAKEUP Hello, I read the Scriptures you posted. The problem is that you don't have a sufficient familiarity with the entire Bible. Please read these Scriptural references and explain to me your position... (Romans 3:20-24) For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it- the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, (Romans 3:27-28) Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith. For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law. (Romans 4:2-8) 2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. 3 For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” 4 Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. 5 And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness, 6 just as David also speaks of the blessing of the one to whom God counts righteousness apart from works: 7 “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; 8 blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin.” (Romans 9:30-33) 30 What shall we say, then? That Gentiles who did not pursue righteousness have attained it, that is, a righteousness that is by faith; 31 but that Israel who pursued a law that would lead to righteousness did not succeed in reaching that law. 32 Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as if it were based on works. They have stumbled over the stumbling stone, 33 as it is written, “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense; and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.” (Romans 11:5-6) So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace. But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace. (Galatians 2:16) yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified. (Galatians 3: 10-14) 10 For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.” 11 Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith.” 12 But the law is not of faith, rather “The one who does them shall live by them.” 13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us-for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”- 14 so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith. (Ephesians 2:8) For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (1 Corinthians 6:20) for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

@@thefortkentbiblechurch the 10 commandments are not the sacrafical law. There was a covent put on the side of the ark written in handwriting and ordinances. The 10 commandments were put inside the ark. Keep reading in Ephesians 2.... The good works.... The holy covenants.... Take a peak at different translations too. They really try to obscure that chapter. KJV puts it plainly.

@@HouseOfJacobWAKEUP Gen 15:5-6 And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be. And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness. Rom 4:1-7 What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Rom 3:21-28 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.

Thank YOU so much for the encouragement. It really means a lot, especially today. I greatly appreciate it!

Thanks Linda!

Thank you brother! Have a blessed day there!

Thank you! I was in Prague around 15 years ago, a beautiful city. I pray that the Lord is blessing you there and filling you with the knowledge of His will!

Thank you!

❤​@@thefortkentbiblechurch

Thanks brother!