I agree, but we can't let anyone tell us that we must, as Christians, worship on Saturday. To me, that is flirting with falling back into the law as a way to please God. One thing leads to another, so to speak.
God bless, friends.

               Didymus

I posted this in another thread for a brother who seems to be depressed, but I think it would apply here here as well. Here it is:

Depression isn't always spiritual in nature. Living in this fallen world, we are subject to many illnesses, mental and physical. It could be a chemical imbalance. Sometimes depression is associated with life events, like the death of a loved one, or a breakup, etc. I think you should see a psychiatrist and let him/her know all that you're feeling, how long you've felt that way, problems in your life, etc. It is no sin to seek medical help when we feel emotionally ill, just like it's no sin to have hypertension or diabetes. Too many people (especially Christians) suffer in silence because they think they lack faith, or have committed some sin that God is angry about. Unfounded guilt is a huge part of depression.
You don't have to suffer like this, sister. With God's help you can be happy again. Sometimes God works through doctors if it's something physical affecting our mood. I know that untreated depression will only get worse. Whatever you do, don't let another day go by with an illness that can be helped.
God bless, friend.

              Didymus

Your description look like depression,which robs people of spirituality,might be your problem.This problem will not rob you of salvation if you have received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit but you should promptly seek counseling help if you are being burdened with depression. 

Depression isn't always spiritual in nature. Living in this fallen world, we are subject to many illnesses, mental and physical. It could be a chemical imbalance. Sometimes depression is associated with life events, like the death of a loved one, or a breakup, etc. I think you should see a psychiatrist and let him/her know all that you're feeling, how long you've felt that way, problems in your life, etc. It is no sin to seek medical help when we feel emotionally ill, just like it's no sin to have hypertension or diabetes. Too many people (especially Christians) suffer in silence because they think they lack faith, or have committed some sin that God is angry about. Unfounded guilt is a huge part of depression.
You don't have to suffer like this, brother. With God's help you can be happy again. Sometimes God works through doctors if it's something physical affecting our mood. I know that untreated depression will only get worse. Whatever you do, don't let another day go by with an illness that can be helped.


               Didymus

Your brother is in my prayers today, sir. I have been under the knife myself a couple of times (not for my heart), so I know how frightening it can be. But when we know that we are in the hands of the great Physician, all will be well.
God bless.

            Didymus

I did write more on the subject of the democratic party, but I decided to delete it. I know it will only lead to political debate and arguments. I'd much rather stick to biblical things that are profitable to all.
God bless, friend.

               Didymus

I think this post would be better placed in the politics forum.
God bless, friend.

               Didymus

The bible is clear (as shown above) that Iudas was the son of perdition. The word perdition literally means destruction. The fact that he killed himself instead of repenting is proof that he was not saved. God restored Peter after his betrayal of Jesus, and Peter gave abundant evidence of his restoration. We see the exact opposite with Judas.


                 Didymus

Hello sonofHilkiah, welcome from another newb . Maybe we'll get a chance to interact on the forums.
God bless, brother.

           Didymus

I would also like to point out something interesting, something that is not found in any bible translation except Young's Literal Translation. If we look at the endings of each gospel account, it speaks of another Sabbath rest. Please read these verses:

Matthew 28:1 "And on the eve of the sabbaths, at the dawn, toward the first of the sabbaths, came Mary the magdalene...."
Mark 16:1-2 "And the sabbath having passed, Mary the Magdalene, and Mary of James and Salome, brought spices, that having
come, they may annoint Him, and early in the morning of the first fo the sabbaths, they come unto the sepulchre...."
Mark 16:9 "And He, having risen in the morning of the first of the sabbaths, did appear first to Mary the Magdalene...."
Luke 24:1 "And on the first of the sabbaths, at early dawn, they came to the tomb, bearing the spices...."
John 20:1 "And on the first of the sabbaths, Mary the magdalene doth come early...."
John 20:19 "It being, therefore, evening on that day, the first of the sabbaths, and the doors having being shut where the disciples
were assmebled, through fear of the Jews...."

It seems strange to me that all English bible translations translate the phrase "the first of the sabbaths" as first day of the week. And when
we look especially at John 20:19, it seems to be saying that the old sabbath has passed and the new Sabbath (Sunday) is now to be honored
because Jesus is our Sabbath rest and rose from the dead on that day.
I am not a greek scholar, so maybe I'm missing something. I would be interested to hear the input form others here. What think ye???
God bless, friends.

BTW, you can look up an online version of Young's translation to check this out.

                 Didymus

The Mark 16:9 question is typically a "gotcha" question used by militant atheists to show contradiction in the Holy Bible. This is why Soldier4Christ had questions.

We aren't Jews under the Laws of Moses so it's a moot issue. Jesus Christ is our rest every day. Those who think that they keep the Sabbath according to the Law don't know what all is involved and they fall far short.

Colossians 2:13-17 (KJV)  13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;   14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;   15 [And] having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.    16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath [days]:   17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body [is] of Christ.

Excelent point. Everytime people get caught on the Saturday Sabbath question, they don't realize that it was a shadow of our true rest, Jesus Christ. I feel that since Jesus finished the work (just as God did in creation) required for us to be saved, it is entirely proprer to worship Him on the first day of the week (the day He was raised form the dead), commemorating the spiritual rest He has provided for us. I often use the Colossians verses to point people to the reality that the "shadows" of the Old Testament pointed to.
God bless, friends.

               Didymus

I think the ESV provides a good balance of easy readability and accuracy. It's said to be an "essentially literal" translation, and I find that to be true. The KJV, NKJV, NASB, are very literal, accurate translations, and are good to consult during bible study. In fact, the NKJV is an excellent all around translation, IMO, especially for those used to the KJV. I'm not crazy about the "dynamic equivalent" translations, like the NIV. They took too many liberties and made it more of a commentary than a translation in some areas.
But I do think it's a good idea to use several translations along with your main version of choice, to compare difficult verses.
What ever version we choose, read...read...read it!!!!
God bless.

                     Didymus

The question about reliable biblical manuscripts is not as cut and dry as you might think. There are literally thousands of ancient manuscripts to compare, not only the original greek, but many of the neighboring countries made copies that are ancient. Bible translators have an abundance of manuscripts to sift through in order to arrive at what they believe is the closest to the original autographs.
I used to think that the manuscripts that the KJV is based on were the only ones to be trusted, but after searching it out, I believe the modern Bible versions are based on the best manuscripts. I would like to recommend a book called, "The Text of the New Testament__From Maunuscript to Modern Edition." It is authored by J. Harold Greenlee. It is only 120 pages long, but it packs a lot of information aimed at laymen. You don't need to be a scholar to understand it.
I think the real problem isn't the manuscripts (since the differences are very, very minor), but it's the non-stop production of English Bibles. It seems like every year or two a new English translation comes out. We have more than enough translations! Now, having said that, I use several translations when studying the Bible. I use the ESV as my main text, and also use a parallel Bible that contains several translations. I also use the KJV and Young's Literal translation of the Bible. I think that by comparing various translations, you can get a better grip on what's being said.
When you get down to it, there are no points of doctrine changed by any of the manuscripts used in the newer translations.
I am not against those who prefer to use the KJV, but I also do not support those who say that it is the only translation to be trusted.
God bless, brothers.

                          Didymus

Father, bless that young man and baby boy. They are in your hands, the hands of the great physician. I ask in Jesus' name, Amen.

Thank you, friend .

            Didymus

Hi guys and gals, I just wanted to stop in and say hello. I'm was just looking for a good Christian forum to discuss and share things about the Bible, and life in general.
This place has many forums that cover just about everything, so I hope to learn some new things, and possibly be of help to others.
God bless.

            Didymus