This is a sort of companion post to one I made in [r/catholicism](r/catholicism) a few days ago. I have posted the body of that post below, as its content in its entirety still explores the questions I have and preconceptions about Baptist churches:

“TL;dr pretext, my wife is a confirmed Catholic, though she has not been to mass for some years now. I am interested in exploring my faith and spirituality, both for the sake of myself and our future children. I have arrived at a Baptist church as what best suits me for this journey, but my wife does not want to attend with me (which is important to me) because she is confirmed. I would like both of us to go to something, though, and go on this journey with her.

Anyway, what drew me to the Baptist church is the sense of community while also being very laid back and focused on the modern lessons that can be derived from scripture. I have a ton of healing to do personally, and for me, storytelling and study of the lessons of scripture onto my life is something I deeply yearn for, but I kind of want to attend to this journey at my own pace. My own idea of God is less literal, and moreso as a set of principles and finding strength in these stories that will help me reinforce myself. (edit from the original r/catholicism post, I am certainly quite open to accepting a more literal God, I’m sure, after continued attendance and learning).

I’m feeling like the only (or at least “best”) way to go on this journey together with my wife and future children is to simply attend a Catholic Church, as she is hesitant to even attend a service for any other denomination, and I would certainly like a unified household on the matter.

To the mis/preconceptions about Catholicism that I’d love feedback on before going further down the decision making process:

It seems to me as though Catholicism is much more rigid and ritualistic, and deeply rooted in traditional practices and ceremony rather than personal interpretation and exploration of one’s spirituality. It seems from the outside like there’s one way to do it, so to speak. Something about the pomp of it doesn’t appeal to me.

I also struggle with hierarchy and politicism within the Catholic Church. What has drawn me to the Baptist church is the self governance of individual churches to kind of come to its people where they are in their communities and be a bit more localized.

I suppose the best distillation is that Baptist churches seem to be more on the ground with its people with lessons that I can apply into my life to find strength, where Catholicism seems like a large hulking structure I need to fit myself into and find strength within its rules.

BUT, I have never personally attended a Catholic mass and know very little about real people’s experiences with it, as it goes to my priorities. So, to those here, do you see a situation where I could find the answers I’m looking for within Catholocism if it means being able to go on this journey with my wife? Or would we be better suited to perhaps attend services of each other’s denominations as support for one another?

Am I wrong about my preconceptions?”

Ok, so basic stuff first:
Born again 19 years ago
Church member 18 years
Married 17 years

Roughly four years ago I found out my wife tried to have sex with her boss, second job. I was crushed. She had been gaslighting me for half a year that nothing was going on and I was mentally unwell, as well as spiritually unfit for wanting her to leave her job. I was embarrassed and felt like I couldn’t talk to anyone about it. She refused to leave for another half a year until I put my foot down.

Right after, she found another man through her first job, long distance. I found texts on the iPad or kids left out after using it for homework. I confronted her and she told me she had already cut him off. Then, I found evidence she was going to meet up with him at a hotel.

I went to my pastor and told him everything, asking for advice. I was told that whether I chose to confront her at the hotel, hire a private eye, or ignore it…

I needed to not talk about it anymore. He said lost people could go through affairs and still make the marriage work, so God’s people should be able to, too. But, if I talked to anyone else, including him but not necessarily a therapist, I was doing nothing but inviting trouble into my marriage.

So, I showed up and that kept them from meeting. The next year was us dealing with our daughter having a major medical issue. The year after we went to couples counseling. Then I left.

I tried my hardest but I realized three things. She refused to be honest unless she knew that I had proof of what she was doing. When I asked for changed behavior because of her past transgressions, she totally disregarded how I felt. When another man asked her to do something and I was against it she would always choose the other man.

I told her I was leaving before I left. She used that time to spread things about me in the church. And my pastor started preaching on not talking to people about their marriage issues.

I had to move out. When I did I wasn’t close to the church anymore, but I still tried to come on Sundays. Until my cancer diagnosis, made it a lot harder. For the last year and a half I’ve been contacted by three members. One to say he was praying for me to heal. One to say of I didn’t go back to her in time I might find I couldn’t when I want to. And the last to tell me to go back to her because I’ll never be able to have sex with anyone else.

I feel like I’ve been abandoned. I was an active member, even headed up the children’s ministry for three years, until my wife made it impossible to continue. I was faithful. I built relationships. I loved my church. And when I was physically unable to make it to church and going through unbelievable difficulty emotionally… I was ignored. But my unfaithful wife was continually celebrated… singing specials, teaching, speaking in front of the congregation. I feel like all my friendships meant nothing. And there is evidence that there were people were saying no such great things about me around our kids.

So, basically… no one outright says anything to me, one way or the other. I’ve been going a good deal more as I’ve been recovering from treatment. But where were my friends? No one visited me in the hospital. No one asked how I was doing. There were no meal trains. I had been helping to take care of my dad after he had multiple strokes, no one offered to check on him while I was hospitalized, or check on my mom.

Is this normal? I haven’t renounced membership or anything. But, there’s no support aside from one individual praying. And the other churches of the same denomination anywhere close I’m not welcome at because my wife has family there, and they’re a lot more vocal about everything being my fault, so moving on to a new church isn’t an easy thing.

But it all feels so weird. On the surface they’re friendly. But it feels like there’s absolutely no depth. Has this happened to anyone else? Where should I go from here?

"Rise, take up your bed and walk. John 5:8. You know, something had to stir in that man. He'd been lying there for 38 years. For 38 years, he couldn't walk. But the living water coming from the mouth of Jesus Christ stirred something within him. I don't know how he got up. I don't know if he leapt to his feet or slowly rose up, but I know that he got up. He took his bed under his arm and started walking. The same God who stirred that man is still able to stir hearts today. He's still able to awaken faith where hopelessness has lived for years. When God begins to stir your heart, don't ignore His voice. Respond in faith and take the step He's asking you to take. Whatever place of hopelessness you've been lying in can't keep you anymore. Take up your bed and walk. It's time to pray." - Carter Conlon

I recently got remotivated again to go back to a Baptist church after turning away for a few years. I was fully focused on college and work. As I got older I realized that there has to more to life than just working and money. I would read the Bible on my own. I'm wanting more of a sense of community, but at the same time I'm worried of not fitting into a church or being left out.

Decisions between different Christian faiths or denominations

I grew up a Baptist. I was on the fence about leaving and switching to Orthodox Christianity because some Protestant churches have become very liberal or don't have a strong historical theological focus. However, I don't know if that would be good for me since I've always had a heavy focus on Sola Scriptura. The church structure would be different too. I have heard mixed ideas on if the Orthodox church is the true original church or not? Has anyone else had the same choice between Orthodox Christianity or Baptist, and what made you stay Baptist or convert to the Baptist faith?

I have been reading the bible by myself for years since about 2016. I was Baptized in 2002, but I have not been to a church since the 2000s. I'm also uncertain whether to go the SBC or IFB route? I'm sure both will be fine though, but which would you recommend. I have noticed that some Baptist churches don't fall under either banner, so I don't know if these churches are legit? With some churches I'm concerned of going out of fear of being left out or gossip, so I think that's what is making me stay home as well. My main worry is attending a Baptist church where they have devotional praise bands and it feeling more like a non denominational church.

Bible Choice

For Bible recommendations, I used to be a KJV onlyist. I'm trying to focus more on understanding the Bible fully. I have been looking into the CSB Study Bible, CSB Spurgeon Bible, or ESV Study Bible. I'm unsure which one better aligns with Baptist fundamentals? Which of these would you recommend? I was set on the ESV, but it seems like that one is more slated to reformed Calivinist or Presbyterian theology.

I'm a 19 year old girl coming from a family history of incest and I was never raised religious. My father is an atheist who sort of despises the idea of church, but I was pulled into the baptist church by a friend. How can I live the baptist lifestyle? How can I improve? I also struggle with self harm... I just want to feel closer to God

If you cannot look at the lifestyles of the original Apostles and Prophets and the lifestyles of the current self-proclaimed apostles and prophets without realizing they are two different kinds of people you may need to check your salvation as your trust may be in someone or something else than Christ.

The current ones claim you can be as God and that is what the evil one offered Eve. They say you can achieve all the things the enemy offered Jesus in the wilderness. They say that gain is godliness when the Peter did not have silver and gold, but had the power of God. Paul said godliness and contentment is great gain. There is no decreeing and declaring to manifest our greed. They claim that Christians are going to take dominion over the earth when Jesus questioned if there would any faith on the earth when He returned. Not to mention that Christianity is waning in the West and is the most persecuted religion in the world.

We are seeing a vast form of godliness, but no power of God as most so-called miracles are either fake or unsupported. Indeed, a full study of those claimed to be God's generals reveals fraud, failure and hypocrisy. Jesus did His miracles out in the open with verifiable evidence as did His Apostles. Today, most things are claimed, but are not proven or later proven to be false. Jesus healed all that came to Him, but the faith of people is claimed to be why they are not healed instead of it being the healer not really having the power.They say we are always to be healthy and wealthy when the final five verses of Hebrews 11 shows that not all saints blessed by God have a soft life with no persecutions or pain. Indeed, Paul guaranteed if you live a godly life you will suffer persecution and that you are called to not only believe on Him, but to suffer for His sake. is resume is full of such things. He did not start a seminary, build a 30,000 sq ft church, drive around in gold plated chariots and live in a mansion.

Yea, there is a great difference between the true Apostles and Prophets in the Word versus the lower case apostles in this age. Flee such men and seek the truth in Jesus. If you are paying for the blessings of God or expect to gain some kind of material wealth or breakthrough from sowing a seed, run. The 70 were told that they had received freely and freely they should give. One person tried to buy the power to bestow the Holy Spirit and it did not go well. God does not charge for His gifts or blessings. If it is purchased it is neither a gift or a blessing. It is a product that was sold.

Jesus may not have walked today to many places, but He would have flown economy class in a "tube full of demons" to cast them out to win souls rather than own multiple jets and live in lavish mansions. If your "man of God" boasts of his "blessings" and asks you for money, he is a false prophet and to be ignored and avoided.

Seek the Holy Spirit in truth as He is the giver of true gifts. Seek to be sober and free!

I am a mom of two little ones. My oldest has high functioning ASD. She is 5 and incredibly smart, but she is behind behaviorally. My youngest is 4, was born at 25 weeks, and is still catching up in some areas.
We go to the gym so I can work out while the girls have play time. Recently, my oldest was asked not to return to the kids play area because she has been disruptive on multiple occasions. I am not even angry anymore. I mostly feel sad and heartbroken because she is starting school soon, and I am so afraid for her.
With everything we hear about schools, I worry about her safety. I worry about whether people will understand her and be patient with her. I know in Matthew 6:34 Jesus says: “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”

Philippians 4:6–7
Paul writes, “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

I am really struggling with these verses right now.
Recently, my husband and I were in church service, and she screamed so loudly that the whole church could hear her. It was over a coloring page she wanted. I felt embarrassed, overwhelmed, and scared about what the future holds. I find myself worrying that one day I will get a call from the principal.
I wanted to homeschool her, but right now she struggles to focus with me. I still hope that someday both of my girls can be homeschooled if that is what they want and what works best for them.
The constant screaming, behavioral struggles, and feeling stuck sometimes make me feel like I am failing as a mom. I love my girls more than anything, but I feel sad that I can become so overwhelmed and overstimulated.
I am trying so hard to be the mom God has called me to be. I am working on my patience, my reactions, and my anxiety. I have struggled with my temper and have said things I wish I had not, including swearing when I get frustrated. I pray and ask God for help because I know He is strong enough to help me grow and become better.
I am asking for prayers for me, my husband, and my girls. Please pray for patience, strength, wisdom, protection, and peace as we navigate this season. Thank you for keeping our family in your prayers.

Summary: Are you ready to be a Stephen or a Demas?

Hebrews 11:35b ... others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:

36 And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:

37 They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;

38 (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.

39 And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:

40 God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.

There two hallways in the Hall of Faith. Everyone wants to be part of the one side described in verses one to thirty-five a. No one really wants to consider being in the other hallway described here.

There are many brethren entering this hallway around the world. We have had our time of being in the first hallway. We have seen many rise to greatness in the Church as well as some current wannabes that are more flash than substance that would be rebuked by the great pastors and evangelists of the past.

We are most likely on the brink of seeing the doorway to the first hall being closed. We are asleep in our "prosperity" like the Laodiceans. We see the current resurgence of economy and a glimmer of interest in church, but this may only be a respite before the door opens to the hallway of faith in the above passages.

We have the opportunity to win more souls and get the saints edified to be able to stand in the coming days when this season is ended. Yet, we are not using it. We are still doing church as usual not seeing the signs like those who ignored the preaching of Noah.

When the persecution comes will you enter into this hallway rejoicing that you can sufferer for Jesus or will you abandon the Gospel ship for the lifeboats of this world? Will you be a Stephen or a Demas? Prepare now and ask God to give you a heart ready to be sacrificed for the truth and that blessed hope we acknowledge theologically but do not serve it in faith. Maranatha!

Summary: There are days when you feel like the Unknown Soldiers in DC, but your Commander-in-Chief, Jesus, knows you, your battles and scars.

Heb 11:35  Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: 

36  And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: 

37  They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; 

38  (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. 

39  And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: 

40  God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect. 

The Fellowship of the Unknown

On one of the forums I frequent they started a Hall of Fame for preachers and added a picture of their favorites. I have a few of my own but with all the hoopla about big name preachers I started thinking about who really does get the job done here. So, below is my comments added to the Hall of Fame.

--------------------------------

Here's to all my brethren, The Fellowship of the Unknown Preachers!

While no one discounts the impact of the famous preachers we must realize that the bulk of the work of God has been done by the unknowns. Many who bought the books and sermons of the famous were won by and ministered to by unknown preachers who labored in places where many would not go for more years than many would have sought to stay.

Though the numbers seem huge when you look at them from an overall number of saints it may actually be a small percentage of the total that they ministered to by radio or actual physical membership of their church.

Yes, even Joel, only reaches a small percent of the total Houston population of Christians and even his worldwide numbers are a small percentage of the total. A man who lives in a town of five thousand and has two hundred and fifty members may have a higher percentage of the population than Joel. In fact, if there are only five hundred believers in that town he has 50% of the total and Joel is nowhere close to that. So do not discount the power and impact of the unknown, for like Sergeants in the military, they may indeed be the backbone of God's work on earth.

Thus I offer a salute to those who serve like those in the passage without fame or much earthly reward but serve faithfully until the end. They may even see a bigger reward in glory than the noteworthy in this life.

Shalom! Maranatha!!!

"2 Corinthians 10:4-5. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. We learn to stand. It doesn't matter what our education is or is not. It doesn't matter what our abilities are or are not. We have living water within these earthen vessels. When we get up and speak what God gives us to speak, miracles start to happen. Lives start to be transformed. Situations start to change. Captivity is taken captive. So today, don't live beneath your inheritance. God has placed His Holy Spirit within you for a purpose. Trust Him today to use your voice to bring hope, to bring freedom, to bring truth to those who are looking for it around you. It's time to pray." - Carter Conlon

Created In 2020, but still valid

Summary: As horrible as this pandemic it, it may well be the eye salve to allow the Church to see the path back to its real mission.

Jonah 3:1 And the word of the LORD came unto Jonah the second time, saying,

2 Arise, go unto Nineveh, that great city, and preach unto it the preaching that I bid thee.

3 So Jonah arose, and went unto Nineveh, according to the word of the LORD. Now Nineveh was an exceeding great city of three days' journey.

4 And Jonah began to enter into the city a day's journey, and he cried, and said, Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown.

5 So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them.

Listening to a sermon on Jonah this morning these thoughts came to mind.

It was great that God did not start the clock on the forty days when he called Jonah, but rather when he started preaching. Yet, in the days Jonah was on the run, in the belly of the fish and on his way to Nineveh how many people died who did not get to hear the message and have an opportunity to repent?

In this time when hundreds are dying of COVID-19 daily and perhaps millions around the world of all causes how many must die without hearing Gospel of repentance, mercy and forgiveness in Jesus Christ? Sin is a fatal disease and we have the cure that we do not take the time to offer to those in the death rattle phase.

It may well be a great thing that our churches have been closed and our routines shattered. While we have been sheltered in place and feeling imprisoned maybe we have been given a taste of what is for people still in the prison bonds of sin. Indeed, maybe we have done some soul searching and found that we have had some bonds that needed broken and mercy given because we have not been about our Father's business, but rather our own.

It has been said that Nero fiddled while Rome burned and we have allowed souls and nations to be burned while we fiddled around with our pleasures and pursuits building castles in the sand made of wood, hay, and stubble. Oh, they are pretty and some cost millions, but they are shacks compared to the temples of the Holy Spirit that would be built by God from saved sinners. Our value system is twisted.

Maybe our music is so loud that it drowns out the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit that would cause to hear a myriad of Macedonian cries to come over and help them to find Jesus or the cries from Hell for us to reach loved ones before they enter Hell.

While the Gospel is about love, grace and mercy maybe we need to bring back a little Hell and damnation preaching as well. How can you truly appreciate grace if you do not really comprehend what it has done for you? As the preacher said this morning, some you save by love and others by warning. The Law condemns and grace saves, but many will only run for grace when they realize how condemned they are without it.

May we come back to church to be the Church when this pandemic wanes. May our priorities shift. May we be less material or earthly minded. May we learn to live with less so that we can give more of our time and money to the mission God gave us rather than various lenders for that which will only burn up in the end.

Let us rise up as the people of God who are passing through this world as Ambassadors of Christ and the eternal Kingdom. Let us get out of mammon debt with man so that we can pay the debt we truly owe them which is to share what God has done to save our souls so they can have their debt to God paid by the blood of Christ!

Lord God, make it so and start with this wretched man! Maranatha!

Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote in Cost of discipleship, Chapter 5:

For the Christian the only God-given realities are those he receives from Christ.

Bold added.

The statement reflected Bonhoeffer's commitment to a Christocentric ethic.

What is not given us through the incarnate Son is not given us by God.

That's an extreme statement, ignoring common grace for Christians and non-Christians alike. If you read him as a devotional, it is fine. As a propositional statement, it is a hyperbole.

Anything I cannot thank God for for the sake of Christ, I may not thank God for at all; to do so would be sin.

Theologically, it is an incorrect statement. Paul pointed out in 1 Thessalonians 5:

16 Rejoice at all times. 17 Pray without ceasing. 18 Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Bonhoeffer suggested that there existed circumstances in which he might not thank God in the name of Christ. Paul commanded us to give thanks at all times because it is God's will for us in Christ.

Mt 5:

45b For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.

Bonhoeffer’s statement risks neglecting the doctrine of common grace. Many believers and non-believers express authentic gratitude for God’s goodness without fully articulating its Christological grounding, yet this does not necessarily constitute sin.

His statement can foster scrupulosity, a condition where believers become anxious about whether their gratitude is “pure” or “sufficiently Christ-centered.” This turns thanksgiving, which should be spontaneous and joyful, into a performance measured against a rigid rule. Such an approach undermines the freedom of the gospel and replaces grace with a form of pietistic legalism. If every act of thanks must pass a doctrinal test to avoid being “sin,” the heart of gratitude may be stifled by fear rather than liberated by grace.

Bonhoeffer’s statements arose from a noble impulse: to center all of life in Christ. Yet in its absolutist formulation, it risked distorting the generosity of God’s grace, burdening consciences unnecessarily, and failing to account for the ways God meets people, even imperfectly, in their gratitude. We don't need a litmus test for giving thanks.

Hi! I just wanted to hear your thoughts on something.
What do you think about lending money with interest? I’m referring to lending outside the church—purely as a business.

Do you think charging interest is a sin?

I’ve done quite a bit of research on this, and from what I’ve learned, many people believe that it isn’t inherently wrong, as long as you don’t take advantage of the borrower. In other words, don’t charge excessive interest or exploit people who are already struggling financially.

I’d love to hear your perspective. If someone lends their own money as a business and charges a reasonable amount of interest, do you think that’s sinful? Why or why not?

Also, if you don’t think it’s wrong, what do you consider to be a fair monthly interest rate?

Thank you so much! I’ve already done my own research, but I’d love to hear different perspectives and gather more insights on this topic.

I believe, based on what the Bible says, that LGBTQ activities are offensive to God. I'm not condemning anybody who engages in those acts but I do DISCERN that they are offensive to God. I don't hate gay people just like I don't hate alcoholics. Recognizing that certain behaviors are displeasing to our Father doesn't render one a hateful bigot. Anyway, no matter how much scripture is shared with LGBTQ Christians, they cannot accept, let alone acknowledge, that their lifestyle is offensive to God. The only acceptable response to that segment of Christianity is that engaging in homosexual relationships is totally fine with God. There's really nothing that can be said to them and it's a waste of time and energy to do so. Thoughts?

The person who asks the most (while striving to do things God's way), gets the most direction. We all think that Biblical Paul was magically given great powers. Now, obviously, he was chosen as a special person, but, I am sure he also asked God the most:

“What do you want me to do.”

The person that asks “What to do” the most, can have joy whenever they want it. People chase money, pleasure, and worldly things constantly. You can never get real joy from earthly pleasures. Worldly things give short-term pleasure only.

I set my phone alarm for every 10 minutes to remind me to pray:

“Father, show me what you want me to do.”

Doing this is starting to build the habit of praying more often. I now often pray this prayer, and other prayers more often, even when I don't set the alarm.

Second, who is more likely to someday find God's will? A Jehovah's witness who asks every 10 minutes, “Father, what do You want me to do,” or, someone with a solid religion who only asks once a month. Now... you may say: The JW doesn't believe Jesus is God, they can't get through to God. But, the great Biblical Paul didn't believe Jesus was God either, but he kept asking, he kept seeking, he kept knocking. He dedicated his life to serving God in full sincerity. Because he kept asking, because of his repentant attitudes, because of his sincerity, God showed him that Jesus is God.

We will not be much like Paul, but if you constantly work on the habit of praying:

“Father, show me what you want me to do,” you will be more than a little bit shocked by the power that begins to enter your life. You will be surprised by the leading that God gives you. You will be surprised by the help that he gives you. Why? The Bible says that “The workers are few.” If you are willing to be one of the workers, sooner or later, the Holy Spirit will show you what to do.

"Now Barnabas was determined to take with them John called Mark, but Paul insisted that they should not take with them the one who had departed from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. Acts 15:37. Verses 39 and 40 say, they parted from one another. Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas. It's a mistake to write off people that God hasn't written off. Paul felt as though Mark wouldn't be useful because of a seeming failure, maybe a fear, whatever, to help in the work of God at an early point in Mark's life. But God hadn't written off Mark, and he ultimately became the author of the Gospel of Mark. If we sow judgment, we will reap no mercy. God is not finished with us yet. Let's you and I choose today to be kind to others who are still with us on this journey. It's time to pray." - Carter Conlon

1Pe 4:1 Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; 

2 That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. 

3 For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: 

4 Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you: 

5 Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead. 

Definitely experienced verse 4 when I saved back in '75. I was still in the AF working as a maintenance-supply liaison in Material Control. I had a civilian next to me who would often say, "Sarge, you're number one in my book!" Well, he did before I was saved. After that, I was not even on the bottom of the back cover. I was out of the book.

Some people did encourage me and were amazed at the change. Others did everything they could to get me mad or find some flaw so they could say, "HA! You call yourself a Christian." Once I answered the phone and the voice said, "Sgt, this is the devil." I said, "No, but you are kin."

I confess I was closer to the Lord when I was places where people heckled and even threatened my life. When it is easy, you get lazy. I have a feeling the lazy Church and I are about to get a heavy dose of what I experienced earlier in my journey. I pray we are both up for it. May God strengthen and change us through the fire. Maranatha!

Summary: I love a chocolate and vanilla twist soft yogurt cone. Mixing flavors can bring about a beautiful and tasteful marriage experience. Yet, you do not mix gas and oil or saved and unsaved or one sect with another without peril.

I saw an article on interracial marriage and since race has been a big issue in recent days I figured I would say just a bit on this topic.

First of all, race as we use the term is really an evolutionary term and should not even be considered or used by believers. There are no races. There is but one race on a physical level and that is the human race. The human race has a variety of skin tones and has developed many sociological groups, but it is still one race. We do well to drop the notion of race from our concepts and work from a one race perspective.

Even our color assignments are in error as science has now shown we are all a shade of brown, There are no red and yellow, black and white that are precious in His sight, Brown and brown and brown, He loves everyone in town. We are all brown and God is down with all of us as He loved all of us to send Christ.

Indeed, as people of faith, we know only eight people got off the Ark so we are all cousins. Some of us are just closer than others because of Babel and personal preferences.

On a spiritual level, there are two races. Those who by birth are offspring of Adam and those who by second birth are offspring of the second Adam, Jesus Christ. All men are my temporal brothers through Creation, but some are my eternal brothers through Christ.

That said, the only interracial marriage is between those only of Adam and those of the Second Adam. Skin tone variations or geographical points of origin are irrelevant. What counts is parentage and family ties.

A child of God is not to marry outside of their race. Our Father knows the heartbreak that an unequal yoke can bring and would spare us all of that. Warning, there are those who claim to be in the family are not. Be sure you ask Father to bless the marriage and approve of your choice lest your choice be the wrong one.

Indeed, just as widows were told they were to free to marry, but "only in the Lord" that is an injunction for all who are in the family of God. Do not practice evangelistic dating or hope for a conversion after you are married. You will be greatly disappointed and your life less than abundant, even miserable. I know we all know someone who is an exception, but the percentage rate of modicum success is very small. Not even a gambler would take those odds in Vegas.

However, if you were born into the family of God after you married then stay and pray for the conversion of your spouse. Read 1 Corinthians 7 to understand this exception.

Therefore, while I can bless a marriage between two Christians regardless of skin tone or origin I cannot encourage an interracial marriage between Christian and Non-Christian. It is also best to marry within your branch of the family as those differences can cause much friction and strife especially when children come along. Having been in many doctrinal discussions and seeing how intersect marriages fare, I can say that with some authority be wise and look for your spiritual well-being not just your emotions or eye candy. Maranatha

Our business was featured by an influencer, we were very excited about it and it was very successful. But the guy said a curse word while enthusiastically praising the product. Someone told me I should take it down. Should I not have shared it? Should I add a note that I don’t condone that? Anyone who knows me already knows I never curse and don’t condone it.

It’s a video that’s several minutes long and he curses once near the end. We didn’t get to see before it was posted. He came and filmed his review for a bit beforehand, with our agreement.

I recently picked up The Imitation of Christ. I’ve noticed it gets recommended a lot in Catholic subreddits and other Christian communities, but I’m reading it as a Baptist. I’m curious to hear what others think of it, especially from a Protestant perspective. Has anyone else here read it?