Christian Readers discussion

I'm game.

I, too, am your Huckleberry.

Do you give a structured plan, such as what chapters/books to read each day?

I have an added challenge: look for 3 to 5 themes or issues as you read. Unless it's your first ever read through.

I'm looking for:
Angels and demons natures and restrictions
Does God love everyone
Is Jesus GOD
Hints at the millennium (or advice for those who will be in it)
5 points of Calvinism in the Old Testament

Thanks. I have my answers... I'm just looking for more verses to support my research.

Nephilim are simply very Old people before God shortened the age limit fully. Sorry, I couldn't find any demon human babies throughout existence. Just mighty old folk.
(I seldom get any theology "never" from deliverance ministries. Just entertainment).

Thanks. Always a fun topic.

Thanks for the challenge! I've done this other years and feel stirred to do it again. God bless everyone, praying Psalm 73:28 over all my brothers and sisters here.

Rod, as the father of a 9-month old, I can assure you that human demon babies do in fact exist. ;P But that’s another discussion.

I started a read-thru about a month ago and just wanted to share the format that’s been working for me. I’m using this Bible: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6...

I still use the NASB, NKJV, ESV, and KJV for reference and deeper study, but I’ve found the NLT to be very good as far as dynamic translations go, and have been able to digest the larger narrative of portions of the OT that have hither-to been very tedious. For the first time, I can say that the OT has been “can’t-put-down” reading. Each day’s reading starts with a larger portion of the OT, a smaller portion of the NT, then a small section from both the Psalms and Proverbs. I’ve found this format to really keep it fresh and offer enough variety to leave me with plenty to think about. Anyhow, just wanted to offer that as an option. I tried to find an online list of the actual plan but couldn’t, but I think that particular bible can be had for around $5.

Good luck with that Fathering Adam. I had a teenage daughter... hmmm.

I too love the NLT. (I usually check it against the NIV and ESV). The KJV is getting a little too abstract and culturally lost for modern linguistic theology. But some phrases are amazingly clear from it. Lately I find myself often disagreeing with the NIV. The amplified Bible is way out there as is the Good News Bible.

I haven't made up my mind about the NKJV yet.

For fun and devotion I always read the NLT. (The reformed Calvinist in me loves it)

Lol. Thanks, bro. From my own research...which must defer to the expertise of more learned people than myself, the NASB is technically the most literal English translation, but I like to have a KJV or NKJV in the mix just so both textual traditions have fair representation. As far as I know, the NKJV shows slightly less doctrinal bias in some verses than the ESV or NIV, though I don’t think any of the concerned scripture is altered in a critical way. Really, though, I think people often make too much of this issue. The Creator needs a yielding heart more than an impeccable translation, so the best version is the one you read, right?

Any version is better than no version. Indeed

I am not a KJV only person, but one thing I have observed...

...there appears to be a lot LESS Scripture memorization since the influx of so many English translations.

Or is this just me?

Tina wrote: "Most, if not all the memory verses that I know, are from the King James version. ..."

Me too. When I was first saved, it seems to me that people knew more Scripture and most quoted the KJV.

I guess it makes sense...
...but it does seem that fewer people are memorizing passages.

The KJV was wonderful for memorizing.

Was reading in Exodus yesterday and came to the...odd...passage at 4:24. There are some strange portions in the OT, but this was definitely the most confusing thing I’d seen up to this point. Anyhow, found an illuminating article that was both helpful and also made me lol a bit. I was reading in the NLT, but I’d have to say this is one of those passages Rod mentioned where the KJV is much more clear
http://www.kjvtoday.com/home/is-the-k....

Hope everyone is doing well :)

To Adam,

24 At a lodging place on the way the LORD met him and sought to put him to death.

Yep, that verse made me accept Calvinism. For a few different reasons.

I was just reading about the Holy Utensils in 1 Chronicles.
My wife and I now have endless Kitchen jokes.

Rod wrote: "Yep, that verse made me accept Calvinism. For a few different reasons."

My response: Really???? Pretty flimsy support for Calvinism. Especially in light of the hundreds of crystal clear verses that teach free will and choice.

Leviticus 22:18

Speak unto Aaron, and to his sons, and unto all the children of Israel, and say unto them, Whatsoever he be of the house of Israel, or of the strangers in Israel, that will offer his oblation for all his vows, and for all his freewill offerings, which they will offer unto the Lord for a burnt offering;

How can God give instructions for freewill offerings... if there is no such thing? (note: did you look up the Hebrew definition of "freewill"?)

I'm not convinced by that article.

26 So he let him alone. It was then that she said, "A bridegroom of blood," because of the circumcision.

He let Pharaoh alone (or his son)? Hmmm. Huge stretch. Later God kills Pharoah's son of course. So...

29 Robert that is one denomination I don't know much about. All I know is I believe a Harold Camping was one of them, that predicted the end of time a few years ago, and a lot of people believed him. They gave all the money they had to save as many as they could, and he died in a nursing home. How much money did you give him?

Check out new ebook - My Child Molestor by Christian Clergy
available at Amazon Kindle Store

Exciting, Full of Suspense, and Interesting!

https://www.amazon.com/My-Child-Moles...

Sounds disturbing. It might be a bad joke. Wayne has no other books listed.

Mickey wrote: "Robert that is one denomination I don't know much about. All I know is I believe a Harold Camping was one of them, that predicted the end of time a few years ago, and a lot of people believed him. They gave all the money they had to save as many as they could, and he died in a nursing home. How much money did you give him? ..."

My response: I have NO IDEA what you are talking about... but then again neither do you!

Referring back to an earlier post about structured Bible reading plans, there are several, of course.
However, one that I have found helpful is 'Bible in One Year', which I have used for a couple of years. It is a free app for Apple or Android devices (I have it on an Amazon Kindle Fire and, unlike many Google Play apps, it works fine) or delivered as a daily email. See bibleinoneyear.org.
Each day has three readings, from Psalms/Proverbs, NT and OT, with commentary by Nicky and Pippa Gumbel of Holy Trinity Brompton, London (the Alpha Course people). It also includes audio of the portions and commentaries. It starts on 1st January with Genesis 1.1, but you can start at any point.
The beauty of the app is that it monitors progress automatically. I sometimes miss a day or several, particularly if I'm travelling, but I just cover two each day until I catch up. Keeps me honest!

I’m nearing the end of Matthew in the NT and just finished the portion of Exodus where the tabernacle and priestly accoutrements where all described in detail. In googling pictures of the tabernacle, I came across this website. Can’t speak to the veracity of the claims, but it’s certainly interesting.
http://project314.org/

Mickey wrote: "36-37 Paul was a false prophet. St John 5:43 "I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not (Jesus -receive=Ezekiel 36:26-27) if another shall come in his own name, him (Paul) ye will receiv..."

Mickey is a FALSE PROPHET... he claims to be Elijah... but Jesus CLEARLY stated that John the Baptist was Elijah!

Jesus says Mickey is a FALSE PROPHET...
Mikey says Paul is...

Who you gonna believe? DELUSIONAL Mickey? or Jesus!

Mickey's comment was so ludicrous, it's almost unbelievable.

I warned Mickey that I'd delete any rant he has about Paul being a false prophet. It's just silly!

Go Rod, go. I'm only interested in conversations with adults, not delusional haughty spirits.

Wade wrote: "Go Rod, go. I'm only interested in conversations with adults, not delusional haughty spirits."

Amen!

39 Wade, didn't Jesus speak allegorically or parables. He did that because He had to get to the cross. It also reads that only those that become saved will know the mysteries. 'Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them (unsaved) it is not given." St Matthew 13:11

But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. St Matthew 13:16

But verily I say unto you, That many (false) prophets and righteous men (believe they are righteous) have desired to see those things which (Mickey) see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them."

The false preachers will tell you that God can do anything, like make dinosaurs bigger then your car, Put the planets in place, and make the planets. Make a mosquito, and eventually destroy the earth. But He is incapable of removing a person's heart, and replacing it with a heart from God. Ezekiel 36:26 Is the explanation of what it means to be born again.

I have found out the chances of changing a persons mind, it is impossible unless you lie to them. There are only two kinds of people those that are of the devil and those that become saved. Few will find the way. St Matthew 7:14

Then I hope you get saved, Mickey.

I am on Deuteronomy 12 chapter, but can't read as much as I like, because of job. I will be joining in this reading as much as I can. Thanks.

Yayyy keep it up. I'm reading 1st and 2nd chronicles for the first time in 20 years.

Rod Doesn't it seem strange to you that there is not one prophecy in the Old Testament that Paul or his disciples would write half of the New Testament? Why would all the prophecy be written about Jesus, and none about Paul? There is such a thing as common sense, or ordinary good sense.

I asked a man one time on the earth who would you trust your soul with on the earth today? He said nobody, but a man that lived 2019 years ago there seems to be no problem with it. Lucifer said he wanted to be like God, could he be like God without a representative such as Paul? Isaiah 14:14 "I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High." St John 14:30 "For the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me. (Lucifer and Paul)

It seems strange to me that someone named Mickey is complaining about an unprophesied prophet and HE is an unprophesied prophet himself.

More-over, Paul never preached to his own glory. Christ was at the very center of all he taught.

There's no doubt about that, Adam. When you read 1 John 4, we see the apostle warning about the spirit of the antichrist. Commentators believe he was directly speaking against the gnostics of his time, who believed in special, esoteric knowledge. The spirit of the gnostic continues today, unfortunately.

Yep. That’s always a red flag....when someone has a “special” understanding of scripture.

The Old Testament is about Jesus Christ, not Paul. Jesus said so Himself (Luke 24:27). Why would Paul be mentioned in it?

48 Wade Jesus spoke either allegorically or in parables. Would it be fair for mankind when Jesus comes back without the parables being interpreted? "Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord." Malachi 4:5

49 Adam, Yes he never let those around him forget it, that he said he came from God. Paul said a lot, Like in 2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: (If you don't like God's way, just make something up) But go by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of Jesus. St Matthew 4:4 Luke 4:4 said go by all the Bible, now you have your choice. Again forget about the Gospels go buy into a fairy tail.

Have either one of you heard that a person has no chance of changing what a person has established in their brain. That is why Jesus never even tried to change the mind of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

50 Wade, For a moment lets forget about if i'm Elijah. Would that help Elijah or do harm when Elijah is to come in the last days? 1 John 4:1 Acording to the preachers Elijah came at the same time as Jesus, and would that make any common sense? (So just make something up I'm sure it will be the righteousness of God, that is what is needed.) St Matthew 6:33

Mickey wrote: "48 Wade Jesus spoke either allegorically or in parables. Would it be fair for mankind when Jesus comes back without the parables being interpreted? "Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet befor..."

Jesus spoke TRUTHFULLY and clearly said that John the Baptist was Elijah who was to come...

...NOT YOU!

What Robert said.

Mickey ... your delusion is sad.

BTW, I believe Elijah will be one of the two unnamed witnesses in Revelation, along with Enoch. Heb 9:27 says it's appointed for a man to die once, then be judged. Since those two are the only ones who haven't died in the conventional sense, it seems to fit.

Either way, Mickey. I pray that you repent of your egregious sin.

Wade wrote: "What Robert said.

Mickey ... your delusion is sad.

BTW, I believe Elijah will be one of the two unnamed witnesses in Revelation, along with Enoch. Heb 9:27 says it's appointed for a man to die ..."

I know some preachers say that about the (two) witnesses, but Elijah is only one, does God have trouble with math? At this time which country is preaching a false Gospel? Some Bibles have Elias but in Malachi it reads in 4:5 Elijah, and the Old Testament Elijahwould have nothing to do with the Elijah for this dispensation. Even the King James Bible of 1611 is a mess, God couldn't control what went into it entirely. St John 3:16 is a disaster or false verse, that 99.99% of the churches go by. That is why I don't go to any church, and was saved at a gas station after I had went to an alter of a protestant church.

You do know you're nuts, don't you?

OK, i'm in the best of company they said Jesus was nuts. " And when his friends heard of it, they went out to lay hold on him: for they said, He is beside himself." St Mark 3:21

I hate to stick it to the preachers, there is no money if they speak the truth. "---Ye cannot serve God and mammon." (money) St Matthew 6:24

"And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved" St Matthw 10:22

"Reparing the shack" the author said he sold 20 million copies, and I don't think he used one verse out of the Gospels. (And you say I'm nute)

This overcometh that is all over TBN (like a bad Job) That is not the same thing as the OVERCOMETH in Revelation, it means overcometh from all the false doctrine in the churches, and all seven churches failed. The church of Ephesus those that overcometh will I give to eat of THE TREE OF LIFE, and I was given the tree of life, that is how crazy I am. Genesis 3:22 It reads I will live forever. Did Billy Graham ever receive the tree of life? Most all the preachers try and emulate him.

Last night Perry said angels will warn of JUDGEMENT COMING.
In a Sunday School class I saw an ANGEL in San Pedro , California at about 11 am Jan 11/1970, and I blurted out "THE DAY OF JUDGMENT IS COMING" How do you like those apples?
if you write to Elijah I will try and get you a nonfiction book P O Box 1344 Casper, Wyoming 82601 Time is running out.

Good luck Wade.

LOL, Rod. I'll stick with the REAL Jesus.

Indeed, Mickey. Time is running out. In all seriousness, it grieves me to see this. No man knows when he’ll draw his last breath, but you’re no spring pony. Get your mind right, my man. Eternity is not a joke. I suspect that will be the deepest sting for those who find themselves on the wrong side of grace. In this life, there is always hope...hope for course-correction. When we’ve exhausted our days and when God has exhausted His efforts to reach us, it’s sealed. I suggest you retrace your steps and figure out where you went off track.

Adam wrote: "Indeed, Mickey. Time is running out. In all seriousness, it grieves me to see this. No man knows when he’ll draw his last breath, but you’re no spring pony. Get your mind right, my man. Eternity is..."

Amen! And Amen! Adam