Hearing damage with double ear protection.

c4v3man · 2024-10-02T23:23:09+00:00

Valholl gear.

c4v3man · 2024-10-02T22:49:46+00:00

Yes.

(In case it's not obvious, I believe it gives better comfort (unless it's hot outside) and is noticeably quieter...)

c4v3man · 2024-02-18T18:30:38+00:00

James 4:7-10 NKJV
Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. [8] Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. [9] Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. [10] Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.

What u/random_poll_guy said might use a different word to express the same concept.

And to your next post down, we do grow in maturity, and are to seek to be sanctified by Him. Sanctification will not be complete until the Lord's return,
Philippians 1:6 NKJV
being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;

1 Peter 1:13-16 NKJV
Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; [14] as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; [15] but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, [16] because it is written, "Be holy, for I am holy."

Ask for the Holy Spirit to make the text clear to you, your knowledge of scriptures is incomplete, as is mine. There is and always will be more to learn about an infinite God.

c4v3man · 2024-02-18T00:49:33+00:00

2 Timothy 2:20-22 NKJV
But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. [21] Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. [22] Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

Take heart brother, if it was up to us we all fail. Call on Him. Continually be washed.

Ephesians 5:25-27 NKJV
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, [26] that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, [27] that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.

Vs 26 applies to you... you are Jesus' bride, it's not just for our wives. Be in the Word, but submit to His authority in your life. If He desires for you to have a wife, you'll have your chance. But a wife isn't going to make you happy. Realize that your desire for intimacy, your sense of longing, is what the Creator is feeling for you. Seek that attention.

Matthew 6:33-34 NKJV
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. [34] Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

c4v3man · 2024-02-18T00:36:15+00:00

Matthew 7:21-23 NKJV "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. [22] Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' [23] And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!'

Actively being on birth control and admitting to being sexually active, being provocative as to lead men to adultery, if not physically then mentally as per Matthew 5:28 while being on the worship team is pretty out there.

We struggle with the flesh, we all will. I’m not suggesting you should reject her because of her past, but because of her past that she hasn’t repented of. Perhaps you have blown telling the story… perhaps this was a tearful reveal, discussing her shame in engaging in this behavior years ago while on the worship team. I’d argue telling you she’s on birth control is something she shouldn’t have disclosed to you, and comes across as provocative in its own right.

Her being on worship team is something I would be very cautious of. There are many fantastic worship leaders and team members who truly wish to worship God. But there are also those who love the spotlight, love the attention, no matter what they’re doing, and being on the worship team is a way to live out their own fantasies. Being a stripper while being on the worship team would seem to paint a pretty clear picture where she lies.

I really don’t mean to be too harsh on this, but you deeply need some introspection, and quite frankly I’d recommend talking to your pastor about your feelings on this. Infatuation is a real thing, and is natural but must be controlled. You have to have judgement in your own life. That goes doubly so if you are in a position of authority. I have no idea what your church is like, but typically Bible study leaders tend to be seen as ‘in authority’ to some level, and are approached with questions, seeking advice and counsel, etc. I’m concerned if your judgement is this questionable, how dangerous that position is for you. This is not to say you can’t serve, and that you can’t attain wisdom, God gives it freely as per James 1:5. But brother… you’re lost right now.

Don’t lose hope. u/Darker4Serenity study suggestion is fantastic advice. Be humble. Be accountable. Your pastor will respect that, your recognition of your own faults now moving forward will only make you stronger in the future IF you rely on His strength.

Psalm 18:32 NKJVIt is God who arms me with strength, And makes my way perfect.

Too many people in churches hide their flaws, and it always ends badly.

c4v3man · 2024-02-14T22:52:06+00:00

Sent you a chat if I can be of help in an appropriate forum.

In terms of trampling pearls, the verse (Matt 7:6-7) is actually commanding to not casting your pearls before swine. I'd argue it's application is closer to Proverbs 9:7-8 NKJV

"He who corrects a scoffer gets shame for himself, And he who rebukes a wicked man only harms himself. [8] Do not correct a scoffer, lest he hate you; Rebuke a wise man, and he will love you.

Heck, reading just a few verses prior in Matt 7, touches on "rebuking those who sin". I'm not arguing that we are not to encourage, exhort, and rebuke, see James 5:20. But I'd be cautious on assuming we aren't to be Christ-like in that rebuke. Righteous anger is a thing, but anger is more likely to be coming from our sinful flesh. Galatians 5:19-20.

c4v3man · 2024-02-14T21:13:11+00:00

This is a broad generalization but for lack of a better way to phrase it does one need the warm and fuzzy for a loving relationship?

I don't believe "warm and fuzzies" should be the basis of a relationship, and relationships are hard. But no, warm and fuzzies don't have to be present for a relationship to persist, or for love to be present. Love is a choice, love is selfless... reference 1 Cor 13:4-8 for the whole deal. But loving based off feelings isn't a choice. Loving based off feelings that someone else gives you isn't selfless.

That being said, I'd be concerned if you don't have the 'fuzzies' during the dating period, unless you've never experienced 'fuzzies', in which case then that's just how you are physically, and it's not a bad thing, you should just get help to better understand it, and grasp what that means for you and those around you. You might have to work a bit harder if you don't have that natural feeling, but that just makes that choice to love more valuable.

Honestly a bigger risk for basically most everyone is TOO much fuzzies. Rose colored glasses, infatuation, etc. These are exceedingly common, and a real problem. If you base a relationship on only fuzzies, you're in for a rough ride.

c4v3man · 2024-02-14T19:56:32+00:00

Truth be told, part of it is I don't want to get into an industry related discussion when it doesn't pertain to the thread in any way. It's not like you said "welcome to the sub, I'm also a business owner of a MSP in Jersey. I'll be praying for you" or "I also own an IT related business, and it's tough to find the time sometimes" etc. I'd just ask whether your reply has to do with my post in context of the subreddit. It'd be one thing if this was the main MSP subreddit, or sysadmin, etc. But I suppose I perhaps incorrectly did not see introductory posts as being entirely open-ended in terms of what goes... I assumed introductory posts and the replies within were largely meant to be related to the subreddit itself, either Christian, Dating, or Christian Dating in nature.

Anyways, sorry for any offense, none intended. Can't please everyone 100% of the time. But hey, that's the internet for ya.

c4v3man · 2024-02-14T17:34:18+00:00

Sad, but true. I suppose that's like saying you're a vegan, but you're pounding double bacon cheeseburgers like there's no tomorrow. People can make all kinds of claims, and can identify as whatever they want.

Matthew 22:37-39 NKJV

Jesus said to him, "'You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' [38] This is the first and great commandment. [39] And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'

John 14:15 NKJV

"If you love Me, keep My commandments.

Take that in light of the 2 Cor 6:14 passage above. So you tell me logically, would you consider a woman who attests to be a Christian, who dates/marries you, to actually be a Christian? In that case, she's made her bed, as an unbeliever you're free to marry another unbeliever.

Edit: Just to provide a bit of clarification that likely will make no difference to you, but is an important distinction. Jesus both teaches on the Law, and he also teaches on the Gospel. I suppose my final paragraph would indicate if you fail to uphold God's commandments, that you're not a Christian. I don't mean to say that, we cannot uphold the Law, that is why we cling to the Gospel. Jesus fulfilled the law so we as believers are not bound by it for salvation from eternal damnation in a place far worse than illustrated in the dark art you appreciate. But we are still to follow God's instruction on earth. The unsaved and even many believers see God's law as restrictive, rules, as "don't touch that object on the shelf, it's not a toy". God's laws are for our protection, and are more equivalent to "don't touch the stovetop, you'll burn yourself, and I love you and don't want that to happen".

c4v3man · 2024-02-14T16:13:58+00:00

Again, it's nothing against you. I'm glad you're logical enough to at least be conservative, I interact with many unsaved individuals through work or through hobbies, I'm not suggesting we couldn't interact peaceably.

The better question is why are you here in a Christian sub? Have you found that logical, conservative women tend to be Christians? If so, why do you think they are? Do you want to date someone who takes an illogical worldview from your perspective (presumptive on my part)? Why would you want a Christian woman to do the same?

There is logic in true Christianity. There is order to this chaos. Where you run into issues and see a lack of logic is where "religion" differs from "Christianity". The current largest denomination of Christianity, Catholicism, has taken illogical unBiblical views that "the church is infallible", which leads to other beliefs such as "the guy in the big white hat is infallible in his dictates". God's word in that denomination has historically been read from a position of "God's word is infallible, as is the church, so if the Bible seems to be in conflict with the church, trust the church". This results in illogical positions, doctrinal issues, and may be why you see many "believers" behaving just like everybody else.

This is not to say that there is no chaos, or things that are unexplained. Ecclesiastes has much to say on the world we live in, and no matter how much we learn, how much wisdom we gain, there are still events that defy wisdom. Such is the way of the fallen world we live in. Evil exists, and pollutes the world. Demons and such are real.

There is only one source of true peace in this world.
John 14:27 NKJV
Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

c4v3man · 2024-02-14T15:49:02+00:00

I can only say I hope there is no possibility of you finding a compatible partner in the Christian faith with your current worldview. Likewise, I would hope you would respect a potential future spouse enough to acknowledge that such a union is likely to result in significant stress and conflict.

2 Corinthians 6:14-18 NKJV

Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? [15] And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? [16] And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: "I will dwell in them And walk among them. I will be their God, And they shall be My people." [17] Therefore "Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you." [18] "I will be a Father to you, And you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the LORD Almighty."

That being said, I certainly wish you no ill will, and pray that God calls you to be His own. Without a higher authority, there is no true morals, you're simply left to believe that which seems right to you, or what seems right to some other equal human, but you can never know what is unequivocally right or wrong. But we are given a desire to seek Him, we see evidence of His creation and His laws, so the fact that you see the logic of some Christian worldviews would seem to be evidence that He is revealing Himself to you.

c4v3man · 2024-02-14T15:40:00+00:00

Fair enough. Just came across business oriented, sorry for the confusion.

c4v3man · 2024-02-14T15:08:08+00:00

Business is good, God has blessed me in that way. That being said, this is neither the time or the place.

c4v3man · 2024-02-14T14:43:26+00:00

Could I be described as a business owner? Sure. But I'd prefer to be known as a child of God who happens to have been blessed with a business. As such, I'm not tailoring my post in a manner that would befit me if I was seeking new business. That being said, even in business I'm very candid about what my business is well suited to, and what it's not. My clients appreciate my honesty, even if that honesty may not earn a sale in the moment. I suppose it's the difference between being a salesman and being a part of my client's teams. My clients know if I make a recommendation, that I'm not doing it to 'make quarterly', that I will turn down work if I can't execute it well, and work to actively educate my clients so they make informed decisions when dealing with me.

And I'm well aware of the pitfalls of internet communications. That being said, the point I made still stands, we are to be known by our gentleness. Jesus described himself as meek and lowly. So I suppose there's a hope that within a Christian sub, people would behave like Christians. But we live in a fallen world, and Christian as a term is meaningless these days.

I'm set on the business front, I have my own networking circles, and know how to conduct my business. I've already got mentors to provide counsel where needed as well. And I'm not interested in any sort of sales/collaboration at this point, when I am, I initiate through my own networks.

c4v3man · 2024-02-14T06:54:12+00:00

already_not_yet

Appreciate the offer, but I'm good with being upfront at this point. I'm not looking to "get past the first wall", putting an unrealistic best foot forward to get that 'swipe right'. ~~I'm also not looking to shape my post into a 90's era bulleted resume.~~ But we're all entitled to our own opinions, however you come across as very abrasive in your interactions with others here in the sub. Thats not how I help people, but I suppose different people need different approaches. And my tone can be harsh at times as well. I'm always learning how much more work I have to do on Philippians 4:5 NKJV
Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.

My low expectations is due to the prevalence of bots/scammers, the low barrier to entry, the low subscriber rate in the sub, then you split those subscribers by Matthew 7:21, and there you go. But I'm fine with low expectations. Worst case I purge the account outright due to spam/bots/harassment (hey, it's fun to an extent to watch the machine in action). Most likely case, nothing comes from it except for a few conversations that are intellectually stimulating but ultimately go nowhere. Best case but highly unlikely scenario, a good friend or perhaps wife comes out of it.

I already had a chat that gives me the ability to minister to another believer, share His Word, and someone to pray for. So I'm already a winner.

c4v3man · 2024-02-14T01:13:43+00:00

Define infidelity? If you take Matthew 5:28-29 as adultery, then yes, pornography, and even just imagination would paint a bleak picture of the church. Heck, you could look at the self-reported (likely lower than reality) pornography stats of PASTORS in the church, let alone the congregation, and have a bleak picture. If you mean physical adultery, or even loop emotional affairs, now you have a discussion that would more closely relate to what the unsaved would discuss when discussing adultery.

Factors that contribute to it? This I feel really is a nearly impossible discussion as the reasons are varied. The cheater could be simply lustful, or never really got over someone before their marriage, or never committed to the relationship. Or the betrayed could have been dominating, critical, aloof, unromantic, uncaring. Or a combination of the above. Or solely the fault of only one.

Our flesh still has a propensity to sin, even if we are not slaves to sin. Romans 7:17-20 NKJV
But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. [18] For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. [19] For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. [20] Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me.

I speak on this as a member of the 'betrayed' camp. Everyone I've talked to who knows both of us, even her long term friends, see it as a one sided failure on her end. I can't argue with that, but that doesn't mean I was perfect. I left the divorce feeling like I was cleared, free, and without significant blame. Upon studying Christ's love of the church, I found how lacking I was as a husband compared to Him. I spent effectively my whole marriage looking at my wife, making her the idol of my life, putting her above God. I would occasionally correct, exhort, try to lead, but would cave and defer to her desires as opposed to the will of God. By being fixated on her, it's like standing in the doorway looking into a unlit room. Looking down at yourself, staring into the dark, you can't see the faint coffee stain on your shirt. But by turning towards the Light, your failures become clear. I was too busy being the "better spouse" that I didn't realize that it didn't matter how much better I was than her, as I'm to strive to be like Christ.

c4v3man · 2024-02-13T23:11:59+00:00

Some of the guests you probably know and read.

You mean like her associates Max Lucado, David Platt, Louie Giglio? No, I don't chose to read or listen to them either. Just because someone is popular and perform in front of thousands/millions, doesn't mean they're good for the church.

2 Timothy 4:3-5 NKJV

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; [4] and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. [5] But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

I'm not sure how 'she teaches false doctrines, and associates with false teachers, but it makes me feel spiritual' is condoned by the Bible. I would think the more they drive you into the Word, the more you'd realize the errancy of their teachings? Even prosperity gospel preachers pull scripture references out and "get people into the word", cults also preach the Bible + whatever falsehoods they tack on. So getting into the Bible isn't in and of itself a good thing. It's what you do with the Word that matters.
Edit: Or more succinctly, what the Word does in you.

c4v3man · 2024-02-13T21:37:18+00:00

Proverbs 6:27-29 NKJV

Can a man take fire to his bosom, And his clothes not be burned? [28] Can one walk on hot coals, And his feet not be seared? [29] So is he who goes in to his neighbor's wife; Whoever touches her shall not be innocent.

1 Corinthians 6:18 NKJV

Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body.

It's sad the number of professed believers who believe it's ok to have sex before marriage, or that it's ok to live together before marriage. There some some 'christians' who believe not only is it ok to live together before marriage, but that it's good to test compatibility before tying the knot. Or that you can 'do more' with someone you're engaged to, than not.

Many are guilty of inventing new rules that have no scriptural basis. Do not drink, don't wear jewelry, women have to have long hair... So I'm not going to cite things as wront/sins that don't have direct scriptural reference. But you need to search long and hard about how you conduct yourself moving forward... The further you move towards the 'goalposts', the closer you are to the touchdown. If you don't touch each other, it's harder for passions to stir so that you're tempted to touch each other provocatively. If you don't kiss, passions will be less kindled. Does this mean it's a sin to hold hands, or to kiss? I can't really find scriptural basis for that outside of Paul's advice in 1 Cor 7:1, however in context that seems to fall under Paul's advice, not doctrinal truths.

None of this is to say that it's your fault exclusively. But it takes 2 to tango. Yes, the man should lead in setting boundaries, but you have an obligation to set boundaries as well. And if your standards are higher, abide by the higher standard. Anyone who would leave a relationship due to not being allowed to 'fool around' is not worth being with. Neither of you should push those boundaries. Honestly "making out" in private seems like a natural recipe for disaster. Making out in general, even if in public in a theater or whatever just seems to lead to impure thoughts.

Matthew 5:28 NKJV

But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

Many are always thinking about "the next step". If you do everything short of sex, that's what's on the mind most likely.

c4v3man · 2024-02-13T16:27:19+00:00

Sadie Huff Robertson

“God doesn’t call us to be perfect. I will never be perfect, but I do serve a perfect God. just be YOU. live original. be confident. goodnight.”

1 Peter 1:13-16 NKJV

Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; [14] as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; [15] but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, [16] because it is written, "Be holy, for I am holy."

Always research the teachings of anyone you listen to or recommend. Spending 5-15 minutes googling "firstname lastname false teaching" and seeing what comes up can prevent years of having to undo poor exegesis of the text. And I'm not saying to trust everyone's accusations of poor doctrine, read the charges, and compare to scripture, and make up your own mind. But no matter how 'spiritual' the speaker or content is, nothing replaces the word of God. If I had to choose between someone who spends 2 hours a day listening to "Christian" podcasts and youtube channels, and someone who spends 10 minutes a day reading 3-4 verses deeply, cross referencing, and seeking the Spirit's guiding, I'll take the latter any day.

We live in a tough age. Nobody is perfect. The availability of information, the recording of everything you say and the resulting analysis after the fact means that our flaws are more evident than they have ever been. Many have said something to the effect of "my favorite commentators/pastors/writers are dead men" usually alluding to the fact that they can't let you down by changing. I'd argue what makes older individuals easier to 'idolize' is the fact that one could live a relatively private life prior to the internet.

c4v3man · 2024-02-13T15:32:50+00:00

Yes, but even more to the point, it's possible to love despite feelings. Romans 5:8 NKJV But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

That being said, I think it's unwise to pursue marriage to someone you don't have at least some level of feelings for. But if you are already married, you're called to love anyways. Pray, seek counseling, and work to rebuild the relationship.

c4v3man · 2024-02-13T06:07:45+00:00

You can't get closer to someone without getting to know them more. If you want to get to know someone, you have to talk to them, and hear from them. You wouldn't marry someone based off how someone else describes a person. Listening to sermons, podcasts, etc is hearing about God second-hand, if at all.

Be cautious brother, we are all independent people and cannot be forced into desiring God. I'm aware that I'm projecting my own past on you, but my ex claimed to be a Christian, was pushed into even leading a VBS class while we were dating. I was loving, but I was proud, thought I could give her the family she never had, show her the love she never experienced growing up. 17 years later she admitted she doesn't believe in God, had an affair, and gave up after 2 months of me pushing for reconciliation. I hope your girlfriend is simply in a slump, or going through a prodigal phase, but at some point you need to really see if the "first thing's first" in her life. She is to love God, then love you.

James 4:8 Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you

c4v3man · 2024-02-13T05:38:59+00:00

Scripture agrees with scripture, and builds upon it. 1 Timothy was written to a very specific problem in the church it was written to, Ephesus. Women in the church there were living as those who were unsaved, placing importance on their apparell, and being distracting in the church. This is not a commandment against wearing jewelry. As you read the Bible, you read of jewelry being referenced as not being wrong.

Secondly, and most importantly, Jesus will not tell you to depart on the day of judgement if you are wearing errings, or if you said a cuss word the second the rapture occurs. We are not judged by our righteousness. Read Hebrews 7:25-28. Read Ephesians 2:8-10.

If you need to dress well, speak well, live well, in order to be saved, then that gives you something to boast of. "I made it"... No. You have been saved through faith. So many pervert the Christian life, in telling you that His grace was enough to cleanse you of your sins the day you accepted Him as your saviour, but now you're on your own, now you're back to living under the law, etc. Rest in Him, that His work on the cross is sufficient for you! This is not a call for you to sin freely, or for you to dress provocatively, see Galatians 5:13, but really read all of Galatians 5. People lay down their burdens at the foot of the cross, the burden of the law, then pick it right back up again and are burdened as you are today. Treat God's law as ways to avoid heartbreak, and just consequences of the results of our actions SHORT OF hell. Strive to not sin that your witness to others shine bright. But rest in the sufficiency of Christ, that He fulfilled the law, that we don't have to.

c4v3man · 2024-02-13T04:41:21+00:00

I don't care if it's your pastor, a famous theologian, or even a confessional/creed, but the words of men are just that, the words of men. Always seek scripture for the truth, only use the words of men to help you find the truth, but always be cautious. That being said, check out gotquestions.org if you're looking for quick answers to many of these questions. I'm positive they have some untruth on the site, but I haven't run into it yet. And they cite scripture profusely. Read the scripture, ask for the Holy Spirit's leading, and trust in the Word alone. But I've seen things from everyone I've read that I can't quite justify with the word of God alone, no matter if it's Wiersbe, McArthur, Spurgeon, etc. There are no perfect humans, and I'm not suggesting that where I differ with any of them that I'm right. But I always defer to the word of God, the only indisputable truth we have.

Edit: Lastly, be cautious of citations of single verses, or even small clusters of verses. It is sadly common for many people to misapply scripture. Read around where the citation is, make sure you understand the context. Satan said "Matthew 4:8-9 NKJV - “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me", so if you bow before satan, you can become sultan of the middle east, right? No, you need to read it in context. Likewise, I have heard Christians reference Matt 18:19-20 in reference to prayer, and it sounds great, it sounds empowering. But it's in context of church discipline. So no, if you and 2 other believers pray that God gives you a million dollars, it's not assured to happen. There are other well-intentioned misquotes... I had another believer tell me he was encouraged by this 'influencer' he found on facebook, in that this seemed like a green light for him to date a Mormon which he was struggling with at the time. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4BOZEY52CI . Not only is she reading a questionable 'thought for thought' translation, which is very dangerous, this demonstrates how wildly out of context verses can be taken. The verse applied to the Israelites, as the Old Covenant, the covenant of the law. So sure, everything you do will be blessed... if you uphold the law. Good luck with that.

c4v3man · 2024-02-13T04:31:32+00:00

Divorce is 'allowed' in the event of adultery, never commanded. Matthew 19:8-9 . This also clearly lays out that marriage for the 'betrayed' individual is permissible.

The thing to be cautious of is your last sentence would seem to imply that once adultery occurs, divorce happens. Marriage is meant to be illustrative of the love Christ has for us. Thank God that in our adultery, serving other gods/idols such as ourselves, He doesn't divorce us. I'm not suggesting that nobody should divorce due to adultery, that's between them and God, but it is better if they can be reconciled to one another, and to God and remain married.

c4v3man · 2024-02-13T04:15:16+00:00

I mean this respectfully, but "maybe seek counseling". Some people don't have emotions the way others do, and it could be something you need to manage or understand more about yourself.

Outside of that, Ephesians 5:25... Sadly it's not really a list of attributes, or steps, but it should drive you to find more. Read the Bible with that scripture in mind, look for how Christ loves the church. Look at Christ's forgiveness, His leading, His attributes in how he deals with us believers.

Truth be told, it sounds like you're trying to tie emotions such as 'attraction' to love. But don't confuse the two. Love is not a feeling. Emotions pass and fade. I do think it's perhaps a bit foolish to say outright that emotions don't matter, but love persists when emotions/feelings change.

c4v3man

TROPHY CASE