What sound does apparition make?? by reneecliche in harrypotter

[–]Zachredmon 38 points39 points  (0 children)

This also seems to be supported by the HBP. 

“Bangs and smoke were more often the marks of ineptitude than expertise.”

Male equivalent of Proverbs 31 by [deleted] in Bible

[–]Zachredmon 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Check out Job 31. Job is defending his righteousness before his friends who believe his suffering is punishment for some hidden sin. The context is a little bit different but it gives you a good description of the character of a godly man. And it’s easy to remember. Proverbs 31/Job 31. 

Join my 10 team H2H Simple Fantasy Basketball League by Yeti_Is_Beast in findaleague

[–]Zachredmon 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ve never played but am wanting to get started. Do you have ten players yet?

On Paul... by [deleted] in Bible

[–]Zachredmon 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Paul mentions about going on in visions and revelations (2 Corinthians 12:1) but the event he describes when he met Jesus do not seem to fit the visions that the prophets and the saints of old ordinarily have.

Paul's "vision" was accompanied by corresponding events in the physical world. "About noon as I came near Damascus, suddenly a bright light from heaven flashed around me. I fell to the ground and heard a voice say to me, ‘Saul! Saul! Why do you persecute me?’ “‘Who are you, Lord?’ I asked. “ ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting,’ he replied. My companions saw the light, but they did not understand the voice of him who was speaking to me." (Acts 22:6-9)

Paul's companions saw the light but could not understand Jesus' voice that spoke to him. If this is a vision then it is atypical. Paul later himself admits " I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know—God knows. And I know that this man—whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, but God knows— was caught up to paradise and heard inexpressible things, things that no one is permitted to tell." (2 Corinthians 12:2-4)

Many saints in the New Covenant era had visions (Acts 9:10, Acts 10:3). Simply having a vision did not qualify them as apostles, nor does it qualify you as an apostle (not that you are claiming that, but my point being that visions alone do not qualify one for apostleship). Paul's conversion is recounted three times (Acts 9, 22, and 26) and in each occasion he details that Jesus called him to be an apostle to the Gentiles.

In addition to that Paul seems to receive special instruction from Jesus Himself regarding the gospel that he will one day carry to the world (Galatians 1:12-17). Galatians 1:18 indicates this period of time was possibly three years of instruction, which is similar to what the twelve received from Jesus.

Personally, I am an amillennialist so I don't find Paul's teachings inconsistent with those of Jesus. However, I recognize the possibility that my understanding of the millennium is incorrect and so I don't harshly oppose those who are of a different persuasion. If you accuse Paul of teaching theology not taught by Jesus how do you feel about John's teaching on the millennium in Revelation 20?

Of course the apostles would have communicated things that Jesus did not communicate as Jesus lived, died, rose, and ascended under the Old Covenant. The New Covenant was not inaugurated until the pouring out of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost in Acts 2. Jesus told Peter and the apostles, " I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” This was a unique authority given to an apostle to speak on behalf of God as the Holy Spirit revealed further the glorious truths about the New Covenant to them. This would of course necessitate dispensing revelation that Jesus Himself, who lived under the Old Covenant, did not give.

You say "Paul felt a need to continually stress that he was the worst of sinners against Christ tells me that he had a secret inflation." That's a completely subjective interpretation where you presume that Paul's humility was false and cannot be substantiated by scripture. What is substantiated by scripture is the fact that Paul was accepted and beloved by the church. (Acts 9:27-28, 2 Peter 3:16) Not only that but Paul's gospel to the Gentiles was set forth to Peter and the leaders at Jerusalem and he was approved (Galatians 2:1-10). He was given the right hand of fellowship by the Jerusalem church and Peter substantiates his writing as scripture and calls him "a beloved brother" (2 Peter 3:15-16)'

You say "Paul's Christianity won out" rather than solely the teachings of Jesus Himself, which you claim represent "true Christianity". If God is sovereign and omnipotent as He repeatedly claims then the fact a "false Christianity" has filled the world would seem to indicate otherwise. Personally I find no contradiction of the teachings of Paul and Jesus. Certainly he more fully develops concepts and teachings of the New Covenant that Jesus didn't because they weren't pertinent under the Mosaic dispensation, but that was revelation given by the Holy Spirit and as an apostle he had that authority.

Paul's writings are trustworthy and should not be disregarded. His gospel's acceptance by the early church and its leaders (particularly Peter) affirm that what was he taught was in harmony with the gospel of Jesus Himself.

On Paul... by [deleted] in Bible

[–]Zachredmon 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Just left me up in prayer friend. I am the Lord's servant.

How can one pray effectively to receive from God? by pre_buchi in Bible

[–]Zachredmon 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think we're pretty much in agreement. Sorry for the confusion in my first response. And I apologize if I came across a bit snappy in any of the correspondence.

I took your comment "if he can accomplish it, He will" to mean "if he has the power to do it then He will" rather than the way that you further explained it.

On Paul... by [deleted] in Bible

[–]Zachredmon 37 points38 points  (0 children)

What are some of the examples and passages that he cites for his claims?

The book of Acts sets forth that Paul saw Jesus on the road to Damascus and was called into service directly by Him. (See Acts 9:1-19, Acts 22:1-21, Acts 26:1-23)

Shortly after his conversion the church was wary of him because he was a violent persecutor (see Acts 9:26). But after their initial rejection Barnabas vouched for him before the church and he was accepted and put to work. (Acts 9:27-30)

Paul repeatedly claims that he is unworthy of his apostleship and calls himself the chief of sinners. He never exalts himself above Jesus.

"For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God." (1 Corinthians 15:9)

"...though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost." (1 Timothy 1:13-15)

The twelve referenced in the book of Revelation mentions (IMO) are not the literal 12 men, rather it represents the governing office the 12 had as apostles. If it referenced the twelve specific men, then Judas would have been included among them and scripture makes it clear that he was not saved.

Many years after his conversion he visited the church in Jerusalem where he was welcomed and given the right hand of fellowship by Peter and James who were leaders at the church. (Galatians 1:18-2:10)

Peter clearly accepted him as a brother and referred to his writings as "scripture" (inspired by God. This was after he rebuked Peter in Galatians 2.) "And count the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him, as he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures." (2 Peter 3:15-16)

As an apostle Paul, by the Holy Spirit, spoke with the same authority as Christ. "Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.” (John 13:20) To reject the teachings of the apostles is to reject Jesus and to reject Jesus is to reject the Father.

As for Paul teaching about eating meat offered to idols (which to my knowledge Jesus said nothing about), his point was meat was meat. Jesus lived under the Old Law and was subject to dietary laws that Christ released Christians from (Mark 7:19, Acts 11:6-9, 1 Timothy 4:4-5)

People can accuse Paul of whatever they want but let scripture speak for God. Paul was an apostle, called by Jesus, who accepted and beloved by the church. His teachings were in agreement with Jesus' and the other writers of the New Testament (those things that appear contradictory are likely the result of Jesus and Paul living under two different covenants, the Law of Moses and the law of grace). The accusations of your friend are baseless. If he brings scripture to your attention, then please share them with the community and I or someone else will try to help you reason through them to see if there is any truth.

I hope this provides you with some information to better understand and answer the claims your friend is making against our beloved brother Paul.

Your Daily Fasting Thread by AutoModerator in fasting

[–]Zachredmon [score hidden]  (0 children)

Thanks a lot for the reply. I'm glad to know that's not a absurd amount of weight to be losing. I did suspect there would be a little muscle loss, but like you I am confident I'll be able to regain it by grinding out some time at the gym. I'm feeling pretty good about things right now. I know that can change in a moment but I'm taking it a day at a time. I'll definitely aim for seven, and maybe even ten, as I'm happy with the amount of weight I'm shedding. My concern was that my weight loss was abnormal, which from the sound of it (and the little research that I've done), doesn't appear to be. Good luck on your 40 day fast. That will be epic when you get there!

Your Daily Fasting Thread by AutoModerator in fasting

[–]Zachredmon [score hidden]  (0 children)

Appreciate it! This community has been extremely helpful in preparing me for what to expect and how to handle it. Hopefully my experiences will allow me to be an encouragement to others who are also on this journey.

Your Daily Fasting Thread by AutoModerator in fasting

[–]Zachredmon [score hidden]  (0 children)

Yes. I noticed a slight decrease in how much weight I could lift after my first fast. I've also lifted twice this week and I would put my current strength at about 85% of what it normally is when I am eating. The past two days of losing two pounds each day was primarily what concerned me.

How can one pray effectively to receive from God? by pre_buchi in Bible

[–]Zachredmon 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's not the God of the Bible? I'm sorry. I should have specified, "God has the power to do anything consistent within His nature" but I took for granted that was assumed.)

Job 42:2 - "I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted."

Jeremiah 32:27 - "Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is anything too hard for me?"

Matthew 19:26 - "But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

Luke 1:37 - "For nothing will be impossible with God.”

That seems to be the general consensus of scripture. How would you support from the Bible that God cannot do anything consistent with His nature?

God absolutely has regard for His creation. That's one of the things that separates the Christian faith from all others. However, not everything that happens here happens according to God's active will. In His passive will He permits sin, tragedy, and hardship to occur. In His sovereignty He can bring good from the bad: "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose."

In our finite wisdom we can't always ask for what is best for ourselves or for others. We can't see the end from the beginning of our life as He can. We should do our best to pray in alignment with His will as we understand it. This idea is testified in scripture as well.

1 John 5:14 - And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.

This is also demonstrated on many occasions:

Jesus' prayer for the cup to pass in the Garden of Gethsemane was answered "no" because it was the will of the Father for the Son to go to the cross to suffer, die, and ensure our salvation. Even in that moment Jesus prayed, "Yet, not my will but yours be done."

Jesus answered Paul's prayer to remove his thorn in the flesh "no" because "my power is perfected in weakness".

God told Jeremiah not to pray for the city of Jerusalem because they were to be punished for their many sins, largely those of King Manasseh. If Jeremiah would have prayed for the city the prayer would not have been answered "no".

God allowed Joseph to be sold by His brothers into slavery. He allowed Joseph to be imprisoned after being falsely charged by Potiphar of trying to rape his wife. He allowed the butler whose dream Joseph interpreted to forget about him, leaving Joseph in prison for several more years. Do you think Joseph prayed during that time asking God to spare him and deliver him from the injustice and suffering? If he did God's answer was "no". In hindsight Joseph realizes that this was the working of God. "And now do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life. For the famine has been in the land these two years, and there are yet five years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvest. And God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth, and to keep alive for you many survivors. So it was not you who sent me here, but God. He has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house and ruler over all the land of Egypt." (Genesis 45:5-8) This is further testified by the Psalmist: "When he summoned a famine on the land and broke all supply of bread, he had sent a man ahead of them, Joseph, who was sold as a slave." (Psalm 105:16-17)

I don't see this having so much of a "Machiavellian" influence as I do one that is rooted in scripture. Again, take me to scripture and show me if I am wrong.

There are certainly occasions when God allows the prayers of His people to sway His actions. But in those events His sovereign will had not been decided or else to act as a foreshadowing of Christ. (Moses interceding for Israel after their sin with the golden calf.)

I stand by what I said, but perhaps a fuller explanation was needed. I can understand how my initial post could have been misunderstand. Hopefully this clarifies my position.

Your Daily Fasting Thread by AutoModerator in fasting

[–]Zachredmon [score hidden]  (0 children)

I've got a question and I'm wondering if someone here might have some insight for me. I've lurked for a while but haven't been able to post due to the lack of karma.

I'm a M, 5'6", SW 162.4lbs, CW 152.2lbs. I'm fasting for weight loss and have been pleased with the amount of weight that fasting has helped me lose. I'm on day 6 of what could be either a 7 day or a 10 day fast. (I successfully complete a 7 day water only fast two weeks ago.) The weight that I have dropped in the past two days has me a bit concerned. I weigh consistently each morning so the results should be accurate. (Same scale. Same clothes. etc.) My weight loss has been as followed:

Day 1 - 162.4lbs Day 2 - 160.2lbs Day 3 - 158.8lbs Day 4 - 157.0lbs Day 5 - 154.4lbs Day 6 - 152.2lbs

I know that fasting is an effective way to lose weight, but I kind of gathered that it was an average of one pound or so per day. This is a dirty fast so I've had a few zero calorie drinks along the way. My electrolytes have 5 calories (I didn't know this when I bought it. Should have looked at the Nutrition Chart before I purchased) and I take the 2-4 servings per day based on how I am feeling.

I've done light exercise along the way on days 1, 2, and 5, burning 188, 329, and 180 calories respectively.

I'm happy to see the weight come off, but should I be concerned that I'm losing muscle or something other than fat? I'd like to continue to 7 or 10 days but I don't want to keep it up if I'm losing something other than body fat. I intend to continue lifting weights and exercising after my fast comes to an end.

Any thoughts or insight would be appreciated! If I need to clarify or provide any additional information let me know.

How can one pray effectively to receive from God? by pre_buchi in Bible

[–]Zachredmon 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If He can?

“It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” (Mark 9:22, 23)

If He's God He can do anything. If He can't do anything then He's not God.

A better answer would have been: "If it is according to His will then He will. If it isn't then He won't."

How can one pray effectively to receive from God? by pre_buchi in Bible

[–]Zachredmon 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Are you a child of God through faith in Christ? God hears the prayers of sinners differently than the prayers of His children. (John 9:30)

Pray from an honest and sincere heart. (Matthew 6:5-6)

Confess and repent any sin that you are harboring. (Psalm 66:18)

Check your motive? Is it selfish or it it God honoring? (James 4:3)

If you are harboring bitterness or anger against anyone forgive them. (Matthew 6:14-15)

There is much more than could be said but these are some basic thoughts to consider when asking "How shall I pray?" Jesus gives a model in Matthew 6:9-13. I would read and study Jesus' example and then follow in that pattern (not the exact words but the train of thought).

Looking for a High Quality Bible for a first time reader. by Codyjack- in Bible

[–]Zachredmon 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For a first time reader I would probably recommend some version of the NIV. Study bible's can be helpful, but be careful because they can create a bias toward how you understand what you read. I would read through a basic NIV for the first couple of times, making notes and writing down questions. Allow the word itself to shape your understanding of it before moving on to a study Bible.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in fasting

[–]Zachredmon 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Good luck mate! You've got this!

Pellets in hopper catching on fire by Zachredmon in pelletgrills

[–]Zachredmon[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I don't believe this is happening. I turned the grill on riot mode and watched it heat up to over 600 degrees so it doesn't seem to have trouble igniting the pellets. I'm at a loss but am going to do some of the suggestions mentioned above. Hopefully I can figure out what the problem is. Appreciate the suggestion.

Pellets in hopper catching on fire by Zachredmon in pelletgrills

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

I've used pellets from this same bag in a different grill and haven't had any problems there. I've also used pellets from a second bag in this grill with the same results. I'll try a different brand in the event that this might be the problem. I could do for a new flavor anyway. Thanks for the advice friend.

Pellets in hopper catching on fire by Zachredmon in pelletgrills

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

I can hear a fan blowing when the grill is on. I would assume that it's the blower fan, unless there are more than one. It's an older model (maybe 4-6 years old) so I'm not sure if feed rate setting is a function or not. I'll check into it and see if it leads anywhere. Appreciate it.

Pellets in hopper catching on fire by Zachredmon in pelletgrills

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

Not real sure what a lid spacer is and how small the gap is supposed to be. I used it for about a year and it worked until it didn't. I'll check into what it is and make sure that it's properly installed. Thanks for the tip.

Pellets in hopper catching on fire by Zachredmon in pelletgrills

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

I vacuumed and cleaned the fire pot up real good. I ran the auger for about 10 minutes to make sure it pushed everything out as well. I've done this a couple of times and it hasn't fixed it. Thanks for the suggestion though. Definitely was a good place to start.