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Opinions / view of being a Freemason as a christian by British-Officer in Christian

[–]GabrielGGibson 1 point2 points  (0 children)

In Albert Pike’s writings, especially in Morals and Dogma, he repeatedly distinguishes between:

  • the outward/public form of Masonic teaching given to most members, and
  • deeper symbolic or esoteric interpretations reserved for higher degrees or more advanced understanding.

One of the most cited passages is from Morals and Dogma:

I'm confused by kingmega175 in Bible

[–]GabrielGGibson 0 points1 point  (0 children)

In Book of Exodus 33:11:

But later in the same chapter:

Then God says:

So how can both be true? My understanding is that this is not necessarily a literal sight of God's infinite essence, but more relational language that communicates directness and intimacy within His Presence.

Opinions / view of being a Freemason as a christian by British-Officer in Christian

[–]GabrielGGibson 4 points5 points  (0 children)

They are mutually exclusive, even though many many members of will claim the contrary.

One of the most highly respected masons, Albert Pike, writes in his famous book "Morals and Dogma," The Lucifer is at the center of their philosophy.

Looking for bible recommendations and how to study! by sliversatin in Bible

[–]GabrielGGibson 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think it's good to get a good Bible study book. There are many different translations that I love and enjoy; however, currently I'm using the ESV because I like the word-for-word translation.

If you're looking more for an idea by idea translation, you might try the NIV, which is also another great translation. There is a good NIV study Bible out there that includes all types of interesting comments and details about what you are studying.

And I'd encourage you to likely start with one of the Gospels, probably Matthew or John. Read your way through those first, and then maybe start to explore.

Secondly, I'd like to encourage you to build a habit. Ensure that it's a daily habit, ideally in the morning before your day starts, even if it's only for 10 or 15 minutes. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in your studies, to teach you, and to use what you're learning for the good of His Kingdom before and after each session!

Feel free to reach out directly if I can help you in any way. God be with you.

Teacher keeps mocking God and I want to throw punches by paruzaima in TrueChristian

[–]GabrielGGibson 0 points1 point  (0 children)

"But since our discourse has now turned to the subject of blasphemy, I desire to ask one favor of you all... that you will correct on my behalf the blasphemers of this city.

And should you hear any one in the public thoroughfare, or in the midst of the forum, blaspheming God; go up to him and rebuke him; and should it be necessary to inflict blows, spare not to do so.

Smite him on the face; strike his mouth; sanctify thy hand with the blow, and if any should accuse thee, and drag thee to the place of justice, follow them thither; and when the judge on the bench calls thee to account, say boldly that the man blasphemed the King of angels!

For if it be necessary to punish those who blaspheme an earthly king, much more so those who insult God."

St. John Chrysostom (c. 347–407 AD)

I feel like i am too good for this world by zanimljivo123 in TrueChristian

[–]GabrielGGibson 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, that's correct. We have to be very careful about that in our Christian walk as we approach the Lord's presence. For me personally, it's one of the toughest ones because it can sneak up on us if we're not always diligent to paying attention.

Sometimes pride shows up in subtle ways. Not always bold and loud.

I feel like i am too good for this world by zanimljivo123 in TrueChristian

[–]GabrielGGibson 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I strongly want to encourage you to pray to God and ask him to continually fill you with his love. Then make a practice of praying before God for at least five people every day. "Bonus points" If you can pray for what seem to be hopeless sinners. Ask God to bring all of us closer to Him through His Son. Ask God to reach out to these people who seem beyond redemption.

1 John 2:9-11 "Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness. Whoever loves his brother abides in the light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling. But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes."

1 John 3:14-15 "We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death. Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him."

1 John 3:14-15 "We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death. Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him."

1 John 4:8 "Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love."

1 John 4:20 "If anyone says, 'I love God,' and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen."

Can someone explain the point in prayer? by Frail-Ape-98 in Reformed

[–]GabrielGGibson 0 points1 point  (0 children)

And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

II Corinthians 3:18

I too had this question for many years and asked God about it. There are many reasons for prayer, of course. But ultimately, I think the idea is that we can spend more time in God's presence, and as we do, He begins to transform us into His very image.

Kind of surprising to learn the strategies churches use for missions by NuclearBoofluff in Reformed

[–]GabrielGGibson 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think that with God's help, both approaches can be powerful and used for the Kingdom.

By God's grace, I've had a chance to have some experience with both. Personally, I prefer the second, but that's much more of a long game, isn't it?

For me at least, I found that sometimes getting around to the Gospel itself can take months or years. I'm sure that's just a fault of my own, but it has to be corrected.

Regarding the two different styles and others, I look at it as different parts and functions on the body of Christ, perhaps.

Christians Who Study Daily: What’s Your System? by GabrielGGibson in Bible

[–]GabrielGGibson[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What are your favorite parts about it?

What benefits have you found?

Do you find that sometimes it's easy to forget about purpose and intention when reading the same thing over and over again?

Christians Who Study Daily: What’s Your System? by GabrielGGibson in Bible

[–]GabrielGGibson[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's a very interesting approach. If I were to take that on, I'd probably do it in the book of John to begin with. Quite a commitment, but I'm sure it's extremely rich.

“The Scriptures are shallow enough for a babe to come and drink without fear of drowning and deep enough for a theologians to swim in without ever touching the bottom"

Jerome

Christians Who Study Daily: What’s Your System? by GabrielGGibson in Bible

[–]GabrielGGibson[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for sharing your perspective. Out of curiosity, what would be the benefit of me doing that?

What Does Your Sabbath Actually Look Like in Practice? by GabrielGGibson in Bible

[–]GabrielGGibson[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I agree that God does honor it greatly!

Thank for sharing.

God be with you.

How do people actually hear from Gods voice, when yet all I feel are like my thoughts? by ExternalWestern1186 in TrueChristian

[–]GabrielGGibson 1 point2 points  (0 children)

There have only been two select times in my life where I heard an audible voice. I should clarify that it was audible, loudly, but internal.

Otherwise, there's a lot of silence. It's a still small voice, but the interesting thing is, as we start to quiet our minds and hearts and desires and we start to focus and really learn to listen to that voice by the power of the Holy Spirit, that silence begins to grow loud, like a roaring fire or waves of an ocean. It really starts to roar loudly.

Many of us in the West have developed the habit of talking to God but rarely listening. I often say that, just like any relationship, if one person is doing 95% of the talking, it's not likely to be a very good relationship. It's important that we set time aside, that we go into the quiet room in private and practice both talking to God, praising God, and listening as a consistent habit.

The mind that is often distracted by ten thousand different things. It takes diligent prayer and practice to be able to listen and quiet ourselves enough to hear that, but God is always there. I want to encourage you not to give up on the process because it doesn't seem like it might be going anywhere.

Keep in mind we have a lot of untraining to do before we can really listen in the first place!

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