First Thread: β˜•πŸ™‚πŸ‘πŸ“– Should the Bible Be the Text Book?

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shittim

Senior Member
Dec 16, 2016
13,605
7,643
113
#21
A neighbor's bride just saw her first robin here, the "honkers" should be moving back north any day. Love His Creation!
 

Joelightening

Active member
Feb 27, 2023
107
93
28
#23
It's ok, some posts can be quite lengthy and require rereading. I understand that. With out finances or resources or support, I feel I have gone as far as I can go in life.
I recommend self study at home. If you are physically able, work a job and do not depend on the Church for money. I plan to soon begin a radio teaching ministry to emphasize the necessity of being baptized in Jesus name and being Trinitarian in doctrine of the Godhead. I am retired, but can't work anyway because of cancer and chemo treatments. I can though at least do some teaching and baptize the believers.
 

tourist

Senior Member
Mar 13, 2014
41,243
16,252
113
69
Tennessee
#24
. I have a pattern that works for me and that's the Bible daily with insight from the Holy Spirit.
Perhaps there are many opinions on this. Mine is to encourage believers to establish a lifelong routine for daily Bible reading.
This is the pattern that I follow also. It is a routine my wife and I share and have done so since the day we were married.
 

I_am_Canadian

Senior Member
Dec 8, 2014
2,169
696
113
#25
I recommend self study at home. If you are physically able, work a job and do not depend on the Church for money. I plan to soon begin a radio teaching ministry to emphasize the necessity of being baptized in Jesus name and being Trinitarian in doctrine of the Godhead. I am retired, but can't work anyway because of cancer and chemo treatments. I can though at least do some teaching and baptize the believers.
Ok,. Well to some extent I am able, but unfortunately I am gaining weight being unemployed on social assistance. I don't get anything from the church. Plus every place I've applied for work has refused to hire me because I don't have a valid G license or a car.

Sounds good, I hope your radio ministry does well. Sorry to hear about the cancer, how are you doing now??
 

Fillan

Well-known member
Oct 25, 2022
349
354
63
45
#26
Ok, yeah.

I am familiar with 1st. Timothy 3.

I hope God blesses you with a wife and children. Every man should have the blessing of having a Godly family.
Hello! I would put a slightly different perspective on this.

Now to the unmarried and widows I say this: It is good for them to remain unmarried, as I am. (1 Corinthians 7:8)

The unmarried man is concerned about the work of the Lord, how he can please the Lord. But the married man is concerned about the affairs of this world, how he can please his wife, and his interests are divided. (1 Corinthians 7: 32)

Paul was unmarried and yet a leader. In my experience of a church, it is the single leaders who have the time and the energy to do the Lord's work, as indeed we see from the above scripture. Practical examples, Sunday morning, those with children to look after are often late, it's the single ones who are available. Midweek, married leaders often disappear for a time to do the school-run or various errands. Again it's the single leaders who are available for the Lord's work. I think a church and a leadership team needs a balance of married and singles, if all are married it can give the impression if not the reality of being cliquey. A man shall cleave to his wife, aim to please his wife, it's hard to be looking inward and outward at the same time. It's hard for a leader after a service to be talking to his wife, chasing the kids and speaking to those who need a word all at the same time.

Indeed why does Paul say this: But those who marry will face troubles in this life, and I want to spare you this. I think the Lord's words here are an answer: β€œDo not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn β€œβ€™a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-lawβ€” a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’ (Matthew 10:34-36).

The gospel cuts across families. So your lovely blessing 'Every man should have the blessing of having a Godly family' is indeed lovely. But unusual to see. I know many Godly persons whose grown children want nothing to do with the gospel. If you look at the statistics for this they're quite grim, the fall away from the church of those raised in it. The pain of believers seeing a child going off, perhaps even to a lost eternity.

2 Timothy 3, talking of the terrible times in the last days states that the increased breakdown in parent/child relations will be a clear sign of the last days 'disobedient to parents'. Indeed it's rare to meet a Christian leader at least one of who's children, be it a child, youth, adolescent or grown, aren't in a state. If you were to prise back the lid on any 'Christian' family you'll see issues lurking there. I would say almost without exception-the troubles the bible refers to.

God Bless You :)
 

I_am_Canadian

Senior Member
Dec 8, 2014
2,169
696
113
#27
Hello! I would put a slightly different perspective on this.

Now to the unmarried and widows I say this: It is good for them to remain unmarried, as I am. (1 Corinthians 7:8)

The unmarried man is concerned about the work of the Lord, how he can please the Lord. But the married man is concerned about the affairs of this world, how he can please his wife, and his interests are divided. (1 Corinthians 7: 32)

Paul was unmarried and yet a leader. In my experience of a church, it is the single leaders who have the time and the energy to do the Lord's work, as indeed we see from the above scripture. Practical examples, Sunday morning, those with children to look after are often late, it's the single ones who are available. Midweek, married leaders often disappear for a time to do the school-run or various errands. Again it's the single leaders who are available for the Lord's work. I think a church and a leadership team needs a balance of married and singles, if all are married it can give the impression if not the reality of being cliquey. A man shall cleave to his wife, aim to please his wife, it's hard to be looking inward and outward at the same time. It's hard for a leader after a service to be talking to his wife, chasing the kids and speaking to those who need a word all at the same time.

Indeed why does Paul say this: But those who marry will face troubles in this life, and I want to spare you this. I think the Lord's words here are an answer: β€œDo not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn β€œβ€™a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-lawβ€” a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’ (Matthew 10:34-36).

The gospel cuts across families. So your lovely blessing 'Every man should have the blessing of having a Godly family' is indeed lovely. But unusual to see. I know many Godly persons whose grown children want nothing to do with the gospel. If you look at the statistics for this they're quite grim, the fall away from the church of those raised in it. The pain of believers seeing a child going off, perhaps even to a lost eternity.

2 Timothy 3, talking of the terrible times in the last days states that the increased breakdown in parent/child relations will be a clear sign of the last days 'disobedient to parents'. Indeed it's rare to meet a Christian leader at least one of who's children, be it a child, youth, adolescent or grown, aren't in a state. If you were to prise back the lid on any 'Christian' family you'll see issues lurking there. I would say almost without exception-the troubles the bible refers to.

God Bless You :)
Hey, I've had discussions about singleness and marriage in other forums with other people. I would agree if people are happy being single they should do so, but I've been single so long and living alone that I can't bare the silence and the loneliness anymore.

Which is why I am in favour of marriage. I understand that it comes with issues like many other issues in life, but I feel that the issues with marriage and having a family would still be far better than dealing with single.
 

Joelightening

Active member
Feb 27, 2023
107
93
28
#28
Ok,. Well to some extent I am able, but unfortunately I am gaining weight being unemployed on social assistance. I don't get anything from the church. Plus every place I've applied for work has refused to hire me because I don't have a valid G license or a car.

Sounds good, I hope your radio ministry does well. Sorry to hear about the cancer, how are you doing now??
I have been doing well. Today the pain has started to come back. That is because I had to skip a chemo treatment. The chemo has messed up the blood cells, so they will wait another week and will resume the chemo if the blood cell counts are normal.

Thanks for your concern!
 

Fillan

Well-known member
Oct 25, 2022
349
354
63
45
#29
Hey, I've had discussions about singleness and marriage in other forums with other people. I would agree if people are happy being single they should do so, but I've been single so long and living alone that I can't bare the silence and the loneliness anymore.

Which is why I am in favour of marriage. I understand that it comes with issues like many other issues in life, but I feel that the issues with marriage and having a family would still be far better than dealing with single.
Hello Canadian! Thanks for your reply. Marriage could indeed potentially be a relief to loneliness. And it could potentially lead to a 'Godly' family'. But I know married Christians who are lonely and whose children physically assaulted them. So I think the goal is whether married or single, to serve the Lord. As we serve we have the Fellowship of the Holy Spirit and the Fellowship of believers. I hope and pray that a better season is coming for you. God Bless You :)
 

I_am_Canadian

Senior Member
Dec 8, 2014
2,169
696
113
#30
I have been doing well. Today the pain has started to come back. That is because I had to skip a chemo treatment. The chemo has messed up the blood cells, so they will wait another week and will resume the chemo if the blood cell counts are normal.

Thanks for your concern!
That's good, I'm sorry the pain is returning, oh wow, sounds like a real challenge, I hope thing go better for you next week.

You are very welcome.
 

I_am_Canadian

Senior Member
Dec 8, 2014
2,169
696
113
#31
Hello Canadian! Thanks for your reply. Marriage could indeed potentially be a relief to loneliness. And it could potentially lead to a 'Godly' family'. But I know married Christians who are lonely and whose children physically assaulted them. So I think the goal is whether married or single, to serve the Lord. As we serve we have the Fellowship of the Holy Spirit and the Fellowship of believers. I hope and pray that a better season is coming for you. God Bless You :)
Hey Fillan, you are welcome.
True, really?? I never would have guessed, unless we're talking about wolves in sheep's clothing, or someone who is back slidden and gone the way of the world.

So true,. Thanks I appreciate it.
 

HealthAndHappiness

Well-known member
Jul 7, 2022
7,922
3,312
113
Almost Heaven West Virginia
#32
hi you should make a poll in this thread.

my answer is no.
I have never done that but spent some time looking for a way to provide a poll. Correct me if I'm wrong but it looks like I would have to do that at the very beginning when posting my first opening post. Is there another way?

βœ‚οΈπŸ’ˆI have one of these πŸ’ˆ πŸ˜„
πŸ’‡β€β™‚οΈ
 

HealthAndHappiness

Well-known member
Jul 7, 2022
7,922
3,312
113
Almost Heaven West Virginia
#33
I recommend self study at home. If you are physically able, work a job and do not depend on the Church for money. I plan to soon begin a radio teaching ministry to emphasize the necessity of being baptized in Jesus name and being Trinitarian in doctrine of the Godhead. I am retired, but can't work anyway because of cancer and chemo treatments. I can though at least do some teaching and baptize the believers.
I just got a link from HERE in my email.
I've used this specific tea for my Mom's dog that had a large stomach tumor from exposure to Roundup/ Glyphosate. The inflammation was reduced and she improved noticably every time I saw her. I hadn't seen so much energy for years. I thought she might even recover.
I'm not making any claims or recommendations. I can only speak from experience. My Dad saw benefits. I had a long lasting infection that was knocked out completely in two days. I can't say if you would see results, but there's a phone number for questions if interested.
 

Joelightening

Active member
Feb 27, 2023
107
93
28
#34
I just got a link from HERE in my email.
I've used this specific tea for my Mom's dog that had a large stomach tumor from exposure to Roundup/ Glyphosate. The inflammation was reduced and she improved noticably every time I saw her. I hadn't seen so much energy for years. I thought she might even recover.
I'm not making any claims or recommendations. I can only speak from experience. My Dad saw benefits. I had a long lasting infection that was knocked out completely in two days. I can't say if you would see results, but there's a phone number for questions if interested.
I checked out the tea and would like to get some. Thanks!
 

HealthAndHappiness

Well-known member
Jul 7, 2022
7,922
3,312
113
Almost Heaven West Virginia
#35
I checked out the tea and would like to get some. Thanks!
πŸ™‚
My experience is limited to my family, a friend with MS and personal experience.
I also heard testimonials over the years. Please let me know what you think after trying it out. I'm trying to learn whatever I can so others may benefit.
 

I_am_Canadian

Senior Member
Dec 8, 2014
2,169
696
113
#36
I have never done that but spent some time looking for a way to provide a poll. Correct me if I'm wrong but it looks like I would have to do that at the very beginning when posting my first opening post. Is there another way?

βœ‚οΈπŸ’ˆI have one of these πŸ’ˆ πŸ˜„
πŸ’‡β€β™‚οΈ
I don't know, I've never done a poll.
 

HealthAndHappiness

Well-known member
Jul 7, 2022
7,922
3,312
113
Almost Heaven West Virginia
#37
I don't know, I've never done a poll.
Maybe next time then.

In the meantime we'll all just have to settle for a barber πŸ’ˆ

There are a lot of customers waiting.
😁 πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸπŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸπŸ‘πŸ
 

SilverFox7

Well-known member
Dec 24, 2022
493
352
63
Grand Rapids, Michigan
#38
I attended an Evangelical mega church for a good while. There also happened to be folks leading who were from various backgrounds.
I noticed that there were many more opinions on the tools for ministry. They included software, daily devotional books and various guides. Pastors might want consistency and proper doctrine by establishing his own preference. I see a place for various media tools, but with that was a tendency to substitute the devotionals for the raw Word of God. I have a pattern that works for me and that's the Bible daily with insight from the Holy Spirit.
Perhaps there are many opinions on this. Mine is to encourage believers to establish a lifelong routine for daily Bible reading.
The Bible is the foundation for robust small group discussions.

Sure, other resources are helpful to weave in, yet Scripture is the best primary source.

Yes, we have to wrestle our way through some challenging concepts, but we have the Holy Spirit to guide us into a deeper relationship with Jesus, the ultimate Word of God!
 

Lanolin

Well-known member
Dec 15, 2018
23,460
7,173
113
#39
Yes. That is why I am not eligible to be nominated in my Church. No hermits allowed into the ministry. :cry:
pastoral care is quite a different job to teaching. People tend to lump them in the same category.

Pastors (shepherds, shepherdesses) look after the sheep. Its a caregiving role, not necessarily a teaching one. I know many teachers who just want to impart knowledge and actually dont care about their students (disciples) wellbeing and safety.
 

I_am_Canadian

Senior Member
Dec 8, 2014
2,169
696
113
#40
pastoral care is quite a different job to teaching. People tend to lump them in the same category.

Pastors (shepherds, shepherdesses) look after the sheep. Its a caregiving role, not necessarily a teaching one. I know many teachers who just want to impart knowledge and actually dont care about their students (disciples) wellbeing and safety.
Actually Teaching is a different job from Pastoring altogether, As a teacher you would prepare lesson plans and develop a ciriculum for what you your teaching your students. While that is also a part of the duty of the pastor, the Pastor is also responcible for doing services, your sunday service, mid week bible studies, weddings, funerals, Baptisms and ordination services. On top of Doing home visitations, visitor visitations, hospital or nursing home visistations. Plus there are 2 entirely different qualifications as a teacher the position can be filled by a man or woman. The pastor has to be a man, married to a woman in accordance to scripture.

Ephesians 4:10-14
10. He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above the heavens, that he might fill all things.)
11. And he gave some, apostles; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
12. For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
13. Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of stature of the fullness of Christ.
14. That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lay in wait to deceive;

1st Timothy 3:1-7
1. This is a true saying. If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.
2. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
3. Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;
4. One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravety;
5. (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God) (cant make question mark work on this keyboard)
6. Not a novice, lest being filled up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.
7. Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

hope this helps.