(in Christian Women's Facebook Group)
The vitriol I've seen following the murder of Anne Widdecombe is grim. There are some people celebrating because, they say, she was a "bigot". There are some arguing that "the Left" in general are evil because of the aforementioned comments, as though everyone on one side of the political spectrum is the same. Some amongst the latter group are also creating a daft race based argument about the situation.
A crucial issue in our country is the loss of the principle of "love your enemies" as we've shifted away from Christiaity towards secularism.
Fortunately, the broadcaster I've seen doing the most commentary on Anhe Widdecombe, Iain Dale, has been hugely positive about her, understanding that her opposition to gay marriage WASN'T borne of bigotry (he's gay, and agnostic) - but as Christians we need to keep in mind that it's imperative that we make this clear. We believe that a loving and wise , loving God has given guidance for relationships (so we don't celebrate rejection of this), but we need to still have genuine empathy for (and, like Anne Widdecombe, friendships with) people who aren't following that guidance.
It’s
very sad to see some of the comments made by the opposing political
party.
As
I said, it's not rational to generalise, particularly if you're doing
so of everyone who's not Right wing. Most of the people who've written
vile things RE Ann ALSO hate the "opposing political party" (Labour) -
if you aren't aware of that you've only been in isolated space online
and haven't been seeing the population as a whole - and the Labour
leadership have only offered words of respect and sadness following
Ann's death.
It's
the same thing that happened with Charlie Kirk. I don't condone the
killing of anyone but I also didn't like she stood for. Same as happened
with Charlie.
The
problem with saying we have moved away from being a "Christian nation"
is that Jesus never said to become empire. He never said storm the
government in Rome because he was crucified. A secular government is
important so we all flourish. That includes everyone no matter their
sexuality, religion etc.
Often
"Christian nations" are the opposite of love. The opposite of what
Christ taught. My idea of a nation that follows the way of Jesus is
where the poor are fed, the oppressed go free, everyone flourishes,
minorities are free and have the same rights as everyone else.
I can come to that conclusion as a Christian but a Muslim can too as well as an atheist.
Ann W stood for a particular brand of Christianity that I reject and would say does not follow the way of Jesus.
Some
of the most hateful people I know are Christian and "secularists" are
the opposite. I am not sure that particular brand of Christianity is the
answer
I think you've misunderstood me. I wasn't supporting her politics - and
as I'd written on an earlier post, she was rolling her eyes at me a few
weeks ago when I stated that Farage is wrong to claim to be on the side
of "Christian values".
I
wasn't defending the brand of politics labelled "Christian nationalism"
at all. In referring to the decline of Christianity in our country, I
was referencing the reality that, for generations, many people were
Christian and even those who weren't had their formative years shaped by
hearing Jesus' teachings through school etc. Christian influences
impacted - to some extent - people's understanding of right and wrong.
That's been eroded over the last century, and capitalism has overtaken
it.
It is obviously true
that many atheists and Muslims have great values - yet it's just not
necessarily true that Islam or Atheism themselves ultimately have the
same values as Jesus' teachings. There are so many awesome Muslims and
Atheists - but in their totality, the actual ideologies are not having a
positive impact on society. Jesus taught us to love our enemies -
Muhammed fought his, and Atheism ultimately suggests that our enemies
are just masses of molecules and no more so there's ultimately no reason
to care about them.
She
was a wonderful committed Christian woman, the toxic woke left savagery
is appalling and if you have anything other than respect for her
Christian beliefs and compassion for her brutal murder you are not a
true Christian, but good luck to you in whatever awaits you in your next
life.
As
I just wrote, it's erroneous to generalise the "left" (the meaning of
Left in politics is nothing to do with spite), and your doing so
suggests being in an echo chamber. You're doing something similar to
those you criticise.
NB
"woke"is a word that's been used by the African American community for
most of the last century to refer to awareness of injustice - that some
people have chosen to twist its meaning in recent years indicates their
disregard for those who've faced racism, so why join in with them?
India
is busy with cricket, and both countries are more focussed on things
that actually matter (as much as I hate their leaders' politics) than on
kicking balls. Their populations are rapidly developing
technologically, perhaps that leaves less time to obsess over football.
(in Christian Women's Facebook Group)
Sad
to hear about the passing of ann Widdecombe and in such an awful way , I
heard someone describe her today as a remarkable principled Christian
but I know nothing of her faith , only that her brother was once a canon
of a C of E church in Bristol..
A
few weeks ago she was rolling her eyes when I was stating, on Jeremy
Vine's show (on Channel 5, she was on the panel that day) that Farage is
wrong to claim that he's on the side of Christian values. Her political
career was mostly before I was following politics, and I have huge
issues with the party she ultimately joined - but Jesus obviously
transcends all of these things. Unlike much of the media discussing her
today, we can have confidence that there's hope beyond this life
Premier Christian Radio -
What lines should churches and ministries draw when it comes to donations?
Last month, Operation Noah urged churches to think more carefully about who they accept money from after GB News co-owner Sir Paul Marshall donated £28 million to the Church of England.
The Christian climate charity questioned whether churches should accept large gifts from people with significant fossil fuel interests
GBNews
denying climate change is dangerous and evil. Some of the world's most
disadvantaged people are suffering beyond words because of it, and
GBeebies is contributing to its acceleration. But I don't see how
rejecting this donation would help? Isn't it better for this chunk of
Marshall's money to go to the Church (which, to some extent, encourages
good stewardship, as well as evangelising) than somewhere else? Jesus'
parables refer to using what we receive shrewdly, not rejecting it
(in Christian Women's Facebook Group)
I'm curious to understand your feelings on Autism. I stumbled upon a Christian YouTube video today, that said that autism could and should be prayed over in Jesus name for deliverance. Thoughts?
Urgh! Gross. No we don't need "deliverance" from it.
Some
people, in contrast, say things like "it's a super power". In reality,
it IS a cause of various difficulties, depending on the individual, but
there are upsides too. Ultimately it's part of the variety that God has
created, and He has purposes for the differing traits that He's given
people.
Femi "I don't mean white people in general...."[video]
"From
a race of people" is the only slight quibble I'd have (I'm not actually
complaining particularly, just overthinking, apologies). That *does*
lump together"white people in general". And the Right wingers you refer
to argue that Nigerians are "a race that sold their own neighbours to
slave traders", which is daft, but illustrates the irrationality of
connecting people to what other people of the same skin colour have
done. We're all the human *race*. It's also mad that people try to take
credit for the end of the slave trade *at the same time* as refusing to
take the evil of it happening in the first place seriously.
That
anyone would suggest a person should leave Britain because of their
pigmentation is obviously evil lunacy. We need *also* to discuss how
dehumanisation of Black people amongst some of our fellow Westerners is
contributing to injustices faced within Africa itself - IMO our nation's
lack of concern about crises such as modern slavery within supply
chains, violence in Sudan and elsewhere, extreme poverty in certain
areas, etc, is the result of subconscious bias (or worse)
Premier Christian Radio -
Do intrusive thoughts have a spiritual element? Or is that a dangerous way to think about mental health?
According to NHS estimates, around 750,000 people in the UK are living with OCD, a condition often marked by persistent, unwanted intrusive thoughts. So where should the Church draw the line between spiritual struggle and mental health?
In
practice, we should both pray and seek medical expertise. Whether an
affliction is caused by spiritual forces or medical - or both - there
shouldn't be shame, and there should be seeking of God. Often affliction
has been associated with stigma and or fear, but neither of these align
with what we know to be true. EVERYONE has sinned, so we all need to
repent but affliction is not necessarily demonstrative of particular
guilt. Jesus has victory over our sin and won't ultimately concede a
person who is currently experiencing intrusive thoughts.
The struggles of this life may be part of what prompts us to lean further into Him and consequently mature.
"in
order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my
flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me." (2 Corinthians 12:7)
I
was thinking earlier today about how this is the big problem - instead
of seeking to humbly follow God's guidance (which includes loving those
from elsewhere and aiming to be as selfless as possible), some think
that they're favoured by God above the rest of humanity and are entitled
to dominate, Trump epitomises this.
The
Bible recounts people continually becoming arrogant and turning from
following God, presuming that He prefers them, rather than longing to
follow Him.
(in Christian Women's Facebook Group)
Who am I to judge someone else when I’m not perfect myself?
We shouldn't harbour judgemental feelings, self-righteousness or hatred in our hearts - that doesn't mean that we shouldn't assess what is and isn't aligned with God's guidance.
Look at John 7:24 - "Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.” Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.” - Jesus tells us to judge correctly, not to never judge anything at all.
Look at John 7:24 - "Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.” Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.” - Jesus tells us to judge correctly, not to never judge anything at all.
(in Christian Women's Facebook Group)
...what's going on further in this world and especially in our country, i'm feeling despair, anger and sorrow! I pray. I am so scared for our children's future, for women. For the vulnerable. For our faith around the world that are persecuted. Just had to put it out there, wondering if other people are feeling the same.
The
thing is, here in the West life is usually pretty cushy as compared to
most of the world/history.- and most people ignore God. In places where
there's suffering, more people turn to God, and they'll find eternal
joy. Of course that doesn't mean at all that we shouldn't be heartbroken
over suffering - we're called to help (and today we can give to help
those far away from us, for whom each £ can make far more impact than it
could here)
"Therefore
we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, yet our
inner self is being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary
affliction is producing for us an eternal glory that is far beyond
comparison."2 Corinthians 4:16-17
The BBC is creating a series about Jesus
'The television programmes will draw on historical research, archaeological discoveries and technological innovation to “expand and sharpen our understanding of one the most influential people in history”'
Can we all pray about it?
My instinct is that it'll suggest He was essentially just a nice guy (particularly as Muslim voices are going to be included). At least that's a better sentiment than the idea He didn't even exist, which I see espoused by plenty of misinformed people (including on an episode of Mock The Week on the BBC a few years ago), but obviously it's still worse than fatally wrong.
Though some BBC content really annoys me (such as the ubiquitous Drag queens, who are mocking women), I generally appreciate it for the good it does (particularly with kids/educational content), and some of its faith content is great. But I can't help feeling anxious about this forthcoming show.
I was surprised recently to see that Jeremy Vine recently asserted that he's Christian but feels inhibited in being open about this in the work environment of the BBC - surprised because when I've segued into referencing God in on-air phone-ins*, I've felt more resistance from him than from other BBC presenters (who openly aren't Christian). But it's a behemoth of an organisation, and it's impossible to know how the producers working on this show will address the history.
Of course, God is in control, but He nevertheless calls us to pray and act (that will mean contacting the BBC with comments/concerns - perhaps pre-emptively? - and using the show to spark conversations with acquaintances about Jesus)
*Please try this!!! There are far more opportunities on LBC, TalkTV and Channel 5 than on BBC Radio these days, but one way or another phone-ins are an awesome evangelistic opportunity.
PS - no need to comment about hating the entire BBC and not paying the licence fee, that debate is not the purpose of this post, this post is about the general population hearing about Jesus.
Red Card overturned
Trump's disregard for rules, and ignorance about them, is a perfect and devastating microcosm of the dangerous reality of his presidency. I don't normally follow football, but even I was outraged by what he did and subsequently glad that the US was eliminated. As Trump showed in his July 4th speech, he thinks himself and his country superior to the rest of humanity, and this has ramifications far beyond football.
You relay that a report for the C of E urges patience with those of us who are neurodivergent. I remember feeling guilty that I could not concentrate for long during worship - but realised that God is not impeded by my frailty. Many years later I was diagnosed with ADHD. Autism (with which I'd earlier been diagnosed) does not necessarily render us reserved. We can be effusive about our favourite subjects in certain settings, I habitually speak about God on phone in radio (apologies to anyone who's heard me for my lack of eloquence). Having been agnostic, my characteristic interest in science precipitated my concluding that there must be a Designer - evidently He has elected that humanity be diverse.
It’s convenient for MAGA to propagate lies about Britain having been captured by simultaneous Sharia and Communism. They’re burnishing the egotistical Nationalism of their voters (who want to think their nation superior), whilst insinuating that their politics is requisite for averting the erasure of Western civilisation. But the individual who imparted so many of our shared values - such as loving one’s neighbour and caring for the vulnerable - also implored us to address the log in our own eye so that we can advise on the spec in someone else’s.
Premier Christian Radio - Has King Charles betrayed his oath?
We don't need a monarch to "defend" nor "protect" our faith. It's a fatal mistake to think of Christianity primarily as feature of national heritage, doing so contributes to swathes of the population mistakenly thinking themselves Christian by dint of birth and missing the imperative to decide for themselves to repentantly commit to Jesus. God does not see status as our world does, He lifts the humble - He wants to have relationships with us and no royalty is required.
We are called to live for Jesus - both in caring for others and sharing The Gospel - no "defending" or "protecting" by a leader is relevant.
PS - I was heartbroken to hear it said earlier this week that our government HAD to cut Overseas Aid. Perhaps I read too much into this, but it seemed to imply there was no option. In reality, it was a choice - one which dooms many millions of people to unimaginable suffering. Premier is connected to many ministries working in the world's most disadvantaged places, so we know well the poverty some people face and how much impact, £ for £, Aid can make. Our Government's cuts are antithetical to our love of neighbour. Apologies for ranting.
We are called to live for Jesus - both in caring for others and sharing The Gospel - no "defending" or "protecting" by a leader is relevant.
PS - I was heartbroken to hear it said earlier this week that our government HAD to cut Overseas Aid. Perhaps I read too much into this, but it seemed to imply there was no option. In reality, it was a choice - one which dooms many millions of people to unimaginable suffering. Premier is connected to many ministries working in the world's most disadvantaged places, so we know well the poverty some people face and how much impact, £ for £, Aid can make. Our Government's cuts are antithetical to our love of neighbour. Apologies for ranting.
Premier Christian Radio - Raised in the Christian faith, could Burnham be God's man for the job?
That Burnham has a Christianity adjacent background fundamentally does not mean that he is following Jesus, that's decision each individual must make for themselves. Simultaneously though, whilst no person attains salvation by dint of upbringing (nor by dint of politics), it's likely that the values imparted will have a positive impact.
That his Catholic background is being discussed in mainstream media presents us with opportunities to bring God into conversations.
God's plan is not simply about installing a Godly leader, God's plan is that those of us blessed to know The Gospel utilise facets of the situation to relay His Good News of salvation as well as that we demonstrate His love through our words and actions.
That Burnham has a Christianity adjacent background fundamentally does not mean that he is following Jesus, that's decision each individual must make for themselves. Simultaneously though, whilst no person attains salvation by dint of upbringing (nor by dint of politics), it's likely that the values imparted will have a positive impact.
That his Catholic background is being discussed in mainstream media presents us with opportunities to bring God into conversations.
God's plan is not simply about installing a Godly leader, God's plan is that those of us blessed to know The Gospel utilise facets of the situation to relay His Good News of salvation as well as that we demonstrate His love through our words and actions.
In his speech Starmer bragged of lifting children out of poverty, but the opposite is true.
Some of our world's very poorest people will suffer and die because HE cut Aid.
Money
spent helping humanity's most disadvantaged people can make money times
the impact, £ for £, of money spent here (which means that we can make
an exciting difference). Because of programmes ended due to Starmer's
Aid cuts, more people will lose out on the most basic healthcare, more
people will starve, and more little girls will suffer FGM.
I
find this fascinating - because when I speak to him on air (bringing up
Jesus), he really seems to want to shut me down - more so than other
presenters. Even Nicky Campbell, who's an Atheist, thanked me last week
for brining a "Jesus perspective" to the 5Live morning phone in (though
I'm sure I did it very badly) - Jeremy Vine is the presenter who seems
most hostile.
Sidenote, I urge anyone reading this to try radio phone-ins to talk about God
It's
horrible - yet we're relatively fortunate as compared to many in hotter
and less privileged parts of our world. Climate change is devastating
lives in parts of the Global South, where some people don't even have
access to clean drinking water (in spite of little it costs us to
provide it for them)
Reddit
I’ve
recently been reading apologetics ...the notion that) the nature of the
universe is logical therefore there must have been a logical creator
(teleological argument). I question this. The erratic and unreliable
nature of human rationality (imo) may support theories of evolution
favouring the conditions for survival, Human rationality can be
explained as an evolved adaptation.
I don't see how it can be presumed rationality results from evolutionary adaptation (particularly at the molecular level). But note too that many theists believe evolution with God's guidance Why would varying ideas around the world count against God? Some people are not seeking God - and our hearts are stubborn.
I don't see how it can be presumed rationality results from evolutionary adaptation (particularly at the molecular level). But note too that many theists believe evolution with God's guidance Why would varying ideas around the world count against God? Some people are not seeking God - and our hearts are stubborn.
The
problem isn't with people who aren't seeking God. The problem is that
when people do seek God, they overwhelmingingly find the God that is
local to them. People don't generally seek God and find Jesus; they seek
God and find whatever religion happens to be local to them. This isn't
because they're more stubborn; it's not like someone born in Saudi
Arabia is inherently more stubborn than a western Christian is.
The reason this is evidence against classical theism is because it undermines the universality of God. If the prime determinant of someone's salvation isn't whether or not they seek God, but instead where they happened to be born, then that's a pretty big problem for the concept of a God who wants all to be saved equally. If someone genuinely wants to seek God as they understand God, but find another religion, then their seeking was meaningless. They're still damned just as if they never cared to seek.
This is a somewhat different quandary. But there are various possible solutions, including - He could, hypothetically - as He knows what a person will freely decide - have those who are going to choose Him be born into circumstances that will facilitate that. Another possibility is that God supernaturally presents such a person with a choice to accept salvation through Jesus in their dying moments. ....but theologians and philosophers could answer this better than me. I'm more drawn by how science indicates God's existence and history supports Jesus ' resurrection (than by arguments like those in the original post), if we don't comprehend His plans for the world it doesn't change the reality of Him.
The reason this is evidence against classical theism is because it undermines the universality of God. If the prime determinant of someone's salvation isn't whether or not they seek God, but instead where they happened to be born, then that's a pretty big problem for the concept of a God who wants all to be saved equally. If someone genuinely wants to seek God as they understand God, but find another religion, then their seeking was meaningless. They're still damned just as if they never cared to seek.
This is a somewhat different quandary. But there are various possible solutions, including - He could, hypothetically - as He knows what a person will freely decide - have those who are going to choose Him be born into circumstances that will facilitate that. Another possibility is that God supernaturally presents such a person with a choice to accept salvation through Jesus in their dying moments. ....but theologians and philosophers could answer this better than me. I'm more drawn by how science indicates God's existence and history supports Jesus ' resurrection (than by arguments like those in the original post), if we don't comprehend His plans for the world it doesn't change the reality of Him.
Nope.
Language is knowledge/skill, racism is a primitive, animal like
instinct. The amygdala in the brain is a contributing factor. We
shouldn't presume ourselves immune if we're born into progressive
families, each person should address their subconscious biases.
(in Christian Women's Facebook Group)
How can I be at peace knowing that 2 of my family members who I love are likely in hell and eternal torture?
Huge condolences.
PLEASE
DON'T PRESUME THAT HELL IS ETERNAL TORTURE. This is a common
misconception in Christian circles, but it' doesn't appear to be what
the Bible actually says. Instead, Scripture seems more likely to be
indicating that it entails annihilation, not *ongoing* torture
*forever*. Sites like ReThinking Hell explore this in more detail.
Of
course, it's also possible that, in their dying moments, they were
presented with a final opportunity to choose to repentantly turn to
Jesus. There's no way of knowing this side of Heaven, and I'm so sorry
that that uncertainty must be painful. Remember that "The Lord is ...not
wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance" (2 Peter
3:9). So Hell is people *choosing* to reject Him and therefore to be
separated from Him and the life He has given us rather than entering
Eternity in His presence.
See i dont really know what to believe when it comes to this topic.
If
im being honest, its generally because when someone speaks about it, I
know what they are saying cant be true. So I just nod and move on
without really thinking about what I believe.
But to unpick the things you say, this is why it wouldn't make sense that what you are saying is true:
(I will use mum as an eg)
-
she could have been a law abiding, hard working citizen with a good
heart and someone that generally lived by christian values without the
'actual term' being used. So because she never announced it out loud,
she goes to hell?
No. Do they not say actions speak louder than words?
-
what about people that die around the world that havent been educated
or didnt know? Or someone born into a different faith who learns based
on what their loved ones teach? They go to hell? Despite it not being
their fault?
- what
about a mass murderer that has done awful things for years, and was
never religious but all of a sudden turned to Jesus on his death bed? So
he gets a ticket to heaven and your mum doesnt?
- what about when it states that people could go to church all their life and do all the right things and not end up there?
Sorry but I dont believe that at all.
If
there is heaven, then good people will go. There cant be a rule that
some good people do and some amazing people dont. Some good people will
go to hell but some evil people will go to heaven.
If there is a heaven and your mum and aunt were good, then there is no reason why they wouldn't be anywhere else.
"If
there is heaven, then good people will go." is simply a common cultural
presumption, it's not what the Bible says. Being a "law abiding, hard
working citizen with a good heart and someone that generally lived by
christian values" is not the determining factor. It's choosing to
repentantly turn to Jesus that leads to a person entering Heaven (ie,
God's presence).
If a
mass murderer turned to God on his deathbed then YES, he would enter
Heaven - but only if his repentance was genuine, and this may rarely be
the case for those evil enough to be mass murders. You know of the thief
on the cross, surely?
"no
reason"? The reason for any of us is that our sin, even if seemingly
small, has separated us from God, since He is perfectly HOLY. But each
person if offered salvation through Jesus - so the reason for not
entering God's presence ("Heaven") is choosing to reject Him.
i struggle to believe it.
As i said before, wasnt it said that some people who believe and attend church every week may not enter.
Therefore it cannot be the only defining factor.
Also
there are good people out there who have followed christ but may lose
themselves temporarily, say, for example, if they lost all their family
in a tragic accident and was angry.
If
that person lost their faith, but in hindsight would have found their
way back in a year or two, but something happened where that person died
before this time ... then by definition, they wouldn't enter heaven.
The logic doesnt make sense. Not to me anyway
When
you write "Therefore it cannot be the only defining factor", what do
you mean by "it"? I never said that Church was the defining factor - it
looks as though you're deeming what I've referred to and Church
attendance to be one and the same, but that's not the case at all.
The
defining factor is Jesus - what He has done, and whether we choose to
truly turn to Him in repentance - not what we ourselves do (in terms of
"hard work", since you mention it, nor being "good" etc - though a
person who genuinely has turned to Him will *want* to do good).
It
may not feel like it "makes sense", see for instance "The natural man
does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God. For they
are foolishness to him" (1 Corinthians 2:14). We instinctively want to
think that going to Heaven is about being "good", partly so that we can
feel proud that we earn it and that we're in control. But we actually
don't earn it, we're offered forgiveness and Eternal life that we don't
deserve. The "logic" is that we can choose to accept this offer by
repentantly and seeking Jesus, or we can reject it - and if we reject
Him, why would God have us enter His presence for eternity, which is
what Heaven is?
Good point
Apologies
if I seemed very argumentative! I do, of course, totally understand
your instinct and how it seems to make sense. The weird thing about
Christianity is that we're offered "Heaven" irrespective of our effort
or goodness (though again, choosing to genuinely take up Jesus' offer
will very much cause us to want to do good). This is hopeful news for
all of us - it also means that it's possible that, in a person's dying
moments, hypothetically they might make that choice (like you say, even
if they hadn't been going to Church etc), we'll never know this side of
Heaven. God does want all to be saved, and He's both loving and just.
(Also,
as I've written elsewhere, the common idea of Hell as "ETERNAL torture"
doesn't seem to be Biblical - those who choose to reject God eventually
cease to exist)
Premier Christian Radio - Migrants
Some people come here without good reasons. But some have very good reasons. We instinctively want to overgeneralise, but in reality humanity is endlessly complicated.
And it's convenient, when we may instinctively want to avoid confronting our own sin, to imagine that there are good people and bad people. Ie if people can convince themselves that we (native Brits) are inherently more civilised, whilst folk from elsewhere are simply opportunistic and the cause of the country's problems, it enables us to derogate from the reality of our personal imperfections.
Of course, the Bible repeatedly tells us to have compassion for strangers, but everyone knows this and yet some seek to deny it.
And it's convenient, when we may instinctively want to avoid confronting our own sin, to imagine that there are good people and bad people. Ie if people can convince themselves that we (native Brits) are inherently more civilised, whilst folk from elsewhere are simply opportunistic and the cause of the country's problems, it enables us to derogate from the reality of our personal imperfections.
Of course, the Bible repeatedly tells us to have compassion for strangers, but everyone knows this and yet some seek to deny it.
Reddit -How can Christians deal with health issues due to sin and somewhat a regret towards the life that could have been?
Life is a struggle. The flesh is weak. We can feel as though our problems will be resolved immediately, but in reality we need to daily ask God's help. Consider how Paul refers to disciplining his body and to his thorn in the flesh.
The difficulties we have can *simultaneously* be the result of our sin nature *and* illness - we may be suffering as victims of sickness whilst *also* being guilty of sin, yet even when the latter is true God offers us undeserved salvation, and our flesh's weakness can serve as a necessary reminder of our continual need of Him. Keep on repenting and humbly seeking His help, over and over, every day.
"No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." (Hebrews 12:11)
The difficulties we have can *simultaneously* be the result of our sin nature *and* illness - we may be suffering as victims of sickness whilst *also* being guilty of sin, yet even when the latter is true God offers us undeserved salvation, and our flesh's weakness can serve as a necessary reminder of our continual need of Him. Keep on repenting and humbly seeking His help, over and over, every day.
"No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." (Hebrews 12:11)
Premier Christian Radio - Aliens
Listening to Michel-Yves Bolloré - who wrote "God, the Science, the Evidence" about how science indicates God's existence - I was struck by his comment that there are many people who are keen to believe in aliens but no in God. Yet God, he said, is like an alien in some respects (though not others!) - He's beyond our immediate Earthly experience. But people are far more willing to believe in aliens because believing in God renders us accountable to a moral arbiter.
Amazing Grace
I remember the occasion on which my days explained grace to me. I'm grateful to have been given the name Grace - though it's often wrongly imagined to refer to grace fulness. I had the actual meaning tattooed on my arm. As I say when I speak to Dotun Adebayo (on BBC Radio 5/local), who jokingly calls me "Amazing Grace" when I call in, I myself am the opposite of amazing, but the concept that my dad named me after is amazing.
The song is, of course about the lament of a man who had previously been involved in the indescribable evil of the slave trade, and his joy that undeserved forgiveness is possible through Jesus. That the song has been adopted (with such great skill) by some Black artists is demonstrative of they themselves offering grace. Our world needs more of it.
The song is, of course about the lament of a man who had previously been involved in the indescribable evil of the slave trade, and his joy that undeserved forgiveness is possible through Jesus. That the song has been adopted (with such great skill) by some Black artists is demonstrative of they themselves offering grace. Our world needs more of it.
But what about the Bible verses that seem to outlaw homosexuality?
Christianity
IS about following Christ. The Bible is a complex collection of texts,
in fact there *are* answers to queries like these but first and foremost
we should seek to follow Jesus.
Why
were you trying to do what you describe in the first place? Believe and
turn to Jesus because He actually died and rose to life, defeating
death - our morality doesn't change that.
Oh for frick's sake, you really don't understand our country at all. The killer was NO a migrant, he was born and bred here.
Migration
has been coming *down* under the current, *Labour* government - it's
the former *Conservative* governments that have had the highest
migration policies - but migration is NOT our country's main issue. And
if it weren't for migration, YOUR country wouldn't exit.
And FTR, Kemi's surname is pronounced "BADE-enoch", not "BAD-enoch".
Do you find it odd when some people say, "be quiet you don't know the Bible"?
I've never seen this comment.
If you're writing things, you *are* being quiet. If you want to be loud, phone in to radio stations (I highly recommend it)
Major
life tip (sorry this will seem patronising, but it took me a while to
realise it and I wish that I had done sooner) - avoid pointless online
arguments with strangers. (which isn't to say that I don't sympathise
with you RE having received the disrespectful comment)
In reality the Bible knowledge of whoever wrote that is lacking, since the Bible teaches us to have humility and patience.