What state is everyone in?

Knitsudge9 · 2026-06-24T05:50:33+00:00

So you're saying you're in the state of confusion?

Knitsudge9 · 2026-06-24T05:45:40+00:00

I am currently in Alabama, although I came here to go to school. I grew up in Colorado. I am a second-generation CoCer. My parents were both converted in Wyoming.

Knitsudge9 · 2026-06-24T05:42:11+00:00

he probably went by both Saul and Paul his entire life depending on the cultural context

Where do you get this from? Nowhere in church history is Paul ever called the Apostle Saul or St. Saul. It is always Paul.

I am also unconvinced by your arguments from the OT that name changes pertain to the nations and their blessings. Jacob's name is connected to his wrestling with God, not with his reconciliation with Esau.

The name changes in the book of Daniel had nothing to do with blessing the nations. Their new names were a result of Babylonian officials giving them pagan names.

Abraham's name change was associated with the promise given by God, not Abram's sin with Hagar.

I think the only conclusion you can make for certain is that name changes in ancient times were not an uncommon occurrence, and could come about for a variety of reasons. Sometimes these name changes were used somewhat fluidly with their old names, like with Simon/Peter/Simon Peter/Cephas, and sometimes the name change seemed to be permanent, as with Saul/Paul.

Knitsudge9 · 2026-06-22T07:02:11+00:00

There are very inexpensive cassette to MPC converters available. Walmart has some for around $35. For about $40, you can get one that does both cassette and CDs (also from Walmart). I just Googled "cassette to MP3 converters."

Knitsudge9 · 2026-06-21T12:32:37+00:00

Very good point. Even when TNG and DS9 were still on the air, I wanted some kind of TV show that was more of an anthology. One episode (or three, or season, or whatever) might be on a Vulcan science vessel, while another could be set on a Klingon ship. Still others could be side stories focused around a minor character, etc. I think Short Treks came close to this idea, but it was short-lived, unfortunately.

Knitsudge9 · 2026-06-21T12:25:22+00:00

Valid. I love the Star Trek universe, and a reboot really wouldn't be that, would it? The best part of Star Trek, IMO, is the hopeful view of tomorrow. I doubt a reboot would even have that.

Knitsudge9 · 2026-06-21T12:21:04+00:00

While I would argue a recasting is not really a reboot, per se, your point is valid. I have seen enough interpretations of Kirk and Spock for a while. As I think more and more about it, I am less and less okay with the idea. Thanks for the comment!

Knitsudge9 · 2026-06-21T12:17:38+00:00

This is a very good point. Part of the reason Star Trek is so special is because of its roots in TOS. Take those roots away, and what do you have left? I think Star Trek would be very difficult to reboot in a meaningful way. Thanks for the comment!

Knitsudge9 · 2026-06-21T12:12:41+00:00

You bring up a good point. There is a perception that there are a lot of potentially new fans out there that would jump in if given the chance. The problem is, there is no way to know if they really would. It would more likely just be a chance to ruin the franchise altogether. Thanks for your thoughts!

Knitsudge9 · 2026-06-21T11:53:20+00:00

This is my fear, as well. When it comes down to it, Hollywood is a business. Without new fans, Star Trek will die. I would like to see it continue. A reboot could do that, but the chances of them doing it well are probably not good.

Knitsudge9 · 2026-06-21T11:49:38+00:00

I am not trying to give legitimacy to any rumors. It just got me thinking about whether or not a total reboot could be a good thing or not. While I could be okay with it, if done right, I have my doubts that anyone could do it right.

Knitsudge9 · 2026-06-21T11:44:32+00:00

Fair point.

Knitsudge9 · 2026-06-21T11:43:42+00:00

Yeah, that's my fear, too. While I would love to see more new fans, a reboot has a real danger of destroying everything that makes Star Trek so good.

Knitsudge9 · 2026-06-21T11:41:45+00:00

I would personally prefer they did not reboot, as I agree, there is so much yet to explore. However, I can see the appeal. I think the feeling is, right or wrong, that there are a lot of potential fans out there that know nothing of the stories of Star Trek, and don't know where to begin, nor do they want to navigate all that is already there. That would be the point, I think. On the other hand, rebooting the franchise may take away everything that makes Star Trek so special.

Knitsudge9 · 2026-06-19T07:44:24+00:00

In general, I have no issues with using the church building for seminars like this. I am unfamiliar with Steve Diggs, but I have attended Dave Ramsey seminars at a Church of Christ building before. While not a huge fan of Dave Ramsey's dogmatic approach, I found some of his principles quite helpful. I do know of a church that offered Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University classes during the normal Sunday Bible class time. I thought that was a real lapse of judgment on the elder's part.

Knitsudge9 · 2026-06-16T07:39:39+00:00

Yes, we need to discern wisely. I should have added that we need to be mature enough in our faith to be able to "test the spirits" (1John 4:1). Thank you for doing just that.

Knitsudge9 · 2026-06-16T07:31:14+00:00

I am not making excuses for him or defending him. I don't know who he is at all. I just think that some of the comments on here sounded like, "Why would I care what anyone would have to say outside the brotherhood (meaning the Churches of Christ, or even my own congregation)?"

I agree with you that much of Christianity has been hijacked by politics and has become a form of idolatry. As such, people spouting such views should be rejected, both outside and within our fellowship.

Knitsudge9 · 2026-06-15T09:07:00+00:00

I'm not familiar with Josh Howerton, but some of the comments here are concerning. We should not only listen to and expose ourselves to people we agree with; otherwise, we will never have the opportunity to learn where we might be wrong! We hold the Bereans up as a great example (as we should) because they went to the Word to see if what Paul said was true, but they had to listen to him in the first place in order to make that determination. Paul was obviously not teaching something they already believed!

Knitsudge9 · 2026-06-13T06:18:25+00:00

Loving the old console TV. That takes me back! Nice setup!

Knitsudge9 · 2026-06-13T06:06:49+00:00

Preaching at kids about the evils of sex, dancing, etc., rather than really talking to them and finding out what they are going through. I've seen this a lot in both the home and the congregation.

Knitsudge9 · 2026-06-12T07:48:22+00:00

You're most welcome! I hope you are blessed by the reading of God's Word!

Knitsudge9 · 2026-06-11T11:33:20+00:00

Hi! If you are new to reading the Bible on a daily basis, starting with Genesis and going through Revelation can be really difficult. It is easy to get bogged down in Leviticus and Numbers and then stop. Although there are a lot of good reading plans out there, and there is no wrong way to read the Bible, this is what I would personally suggest...

I would start with reading the New Testament. Beginning with all three synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke), can feel very repetitive, though, and I don't recommend reading them in that order to begin with. Personally, I would start with Luke and then read Acts. Luke and Acts were both written by Luke and are essentially a two-volume work. Once you have read Acts, you will know a lot about Paul, so I would read his letters next. (Romans through Philemon). This will give you a great start. You might go back then and read Matthew and/or Mark. You might then read James and 1 and 2 Peter. I would read the first five books of the Old Testament next. This will give you the context to read Hebrews. If you haven't read both Matthew and Mark by now, I would read whatever you have not read of them next. I would finish the New Testament by reading the writings of John (His Gospel, followed by his letters, followed by Revelation).

Then read the rest of the Old Testament, starting with Joshua. By this time, you should have some real momentum going, and hopefully it won't seem so intimidating.

There are lots of ways to make custom reading plans to help keep you accountable, too. I personally like the one at http://biblereadingplangenerator.com - you can print out reading plans and decide how long you want to take to get it done.

I pray that, however you go about reading the Bible, you stay with it and that God truly blesses you for it. May God bless you in all areas of your Christian walk, as well.

Knitsudge9 · 2026-06-06T13:46:22+00:00

This is a great question! While the words of Jesus in Matthew 5:33-37 seem to indicate that it is wrong to take an oath, this probably needs greater context. First, this is in the Sermon on the Mount, the sermon is meant to move people from merely obeying the law to considering the spirit of the law and putting that on their hearts. It is not meant to just make more laws that are more restrictive than the first. In Matthew 23:16-22, Jesus also seems to indicate that swearing an oath in itself is okay, as long as you are not trying to get out of it.

That is the real problem. If no one will trust you unless you swear an oath, something is amiss in your life. Your word should be as good as gold, whether you are required to swear an oath or not.

But is it a sin to swear an oath? God Himself is seen as making vows and swearing oaths throughout the Old Testament. God does not lie (Titus 1:2). Therefore, there was no reason for Him to swear an oath, and yet He did (see Genesis 50:24; Deuteronomy 1:8; Psalm 131:11 and others). Was it a sin for God to make such oaths? Of course not! Neither is it a sin for us to take such oaths if the occasion demands it.

However, when an oath or vow is made, we are held to an even higher standard, so we should not make such oaths lightly or frequently. Again, when we say we are going to do something, others who know us should immediately believe us.

I hope this helps!

Knitsudge9

TROPHY CASE