Monday 2nd of December

Thessalonians chapter 5 verse 6-23, I had to read this a few times as I was trying to think about the input I will put on here....Its reminding us about ours life's, and what we do as Christians. To remind us to do good things.....and not to do things that will affect us in a way. Like going to parties everyday and get drunk for the fun of it. And also not to have sex in a wrong way.....as people tend to do that, and not think of the consequences. It is reminding me also....to continue to love god everyday, pray to god and also read the bible as well. We must always be ready for anything that can happen. That could affect our spirit in a way....if we have truly done something at fault then. We must pray for any sins that we committed. In order to for god to forgive us for such thoughts.

Tuesday 3rd of December

Psalms chapter 2 verse 1-3, I am not so sure about this one. But I will try my best to explain what I saw in this verse....I am sure it is saying that we shouldn't rage over such things. And because the kings didn't like what god was doing. They decided among themselves of what they would about it. I am sure they wanted to get rid of what god was doing. And his preaching, that affect the people to believe and more.

Romans chapter 8 verse 26-27, It says that...when in prayer we must, remember or try to channel being one with the spirit while praying. And feeling it as well when it connects to us.

Um....I'll do the rest later I'm stuck on some verses...

Eniitan :  Don't ever hesitate to provide your input... it's totally awesome and means a lot to me!  Also, don't be afraid to admit something might be confusing. Part of the intention of these studies... is for us to learn.    None of us will ever fully understand the bible, so new perspectives and ideas are always good.  If we grow in Christ, then the studies are productive, and good in God's sight.  

What verses maybe caused you some confusion?  Maybe some of us can provide some input?

By the way, I really did love what you had to say.  I'm going to re-read the verses with what you said in mind once Jason turns off the TV later tonight, so I can concentrate on what it is I'm reading and thinking about.  

Would love to join the discussions.  I'm just having an ultra busy end of year spurt and I'm shattered at the moment (from tiredness ).  I hope to join in later.  

I think Wednesdays one....and thank you sing for what you said. I do try and think of....how to come out to say things when I didn't understand them. As you said we don't all understand it. I am happy you like what I said, it makes me want to work hard even more. ^-^

Singelli :

In Isaiah 43:1-2, it is basically saying God is with you, and when things happen, he won't make them unbearable.
1 Corinthians 10:13 says that when you're tempted, God won't allow more than you can bear. He will also provide a way out. So when you're addicted, and being tempted to do it again, don't worry. Just pray and ask God for help. He will provide a way out for you.
Matthew 6:13 is part of Jesus's sermon on the mountain. "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one." That is pretty much saying that the devil tempts you with things, which again, is very addiction related.

Eniitan : I can try to help if you need help with understanding some of the verses. Well, at least to the best I can. ^-^

I'd like to summon those who seem to have been reading at least some of the scriptures outlined here.

A user of this :
Eniitan :
SoL@R :
RetroSteve :

And the people that said they'd participate but I haven't heard from:

sonic23 :
BluemageKyle :
supernerd117 :
mrfe :
play4fun :
Sidewinder :
Surgiac :

Are any of you planning to join the hangout at 4pm server time?

I've been a little absent due to being behind on grading when I was sick. (I'm 11 days behind!     )  However, I'm about to go catch up on some of the days I missed and what my thoughts are for the scriptures.

Singelli : There is a small chance I'll make it. I have something I need to do around that time. I'll try though! ^-^

Singelli : I will try to be there

I can't join big sis remember what I told you... about trying to.

I think there's a lot to be said about addictions and the adverse effects they can have on a Christian's life. I myself learned something about an addiction or two this very week. See.... satan isn't always obvious. If he was, people wouldn't get caught up so easily, and they'd likely run away screaming. No.... most of the time... satan is subtle. He's like a gentle breeze that tickles your ears and makes suggestions which seem to have little to no consequence.

However.... we as Christians should know how wrong he is. While it is true that addictions can bring a sense of happiness..... that happiness is fleeting, faulty, and insecure. Even though we might not witness it... it harms us spiritually, and sometimes even physically and emotionally. This is how an addiction works.

As mentioned earlier, an addiction doesn't have to be what mainstream society has taught us that it is. It's just as easy to be addicted to alcohol, as it is to television or even... an emotion. Look at the story of David and his addiction to lust. (2 Samuel 11:1-26) David was so enthralled by a woman named Bathsheba, that he had her taken into his home so that he could have intimate relations with her. When she had a child as a result of this, David couldn't possibly let the matter go. Afraid of the consequences for his actions, he had Bathsheba's husband sent into the front lines of the battlefield so that he would be killed. He only did so after preventing Uriah from seeing his wife by getting him drunk at a feast. Once news of Uriah's death came back to him, he fetched Bathsheba into his home once more, and made her his wife.

Talk about an addiction! This was certainly a more obvious instance, and one that led to unfaithfulness, theft (of a wife), and murder. Samson was another example of a victim of this addiction. He himself was so addicted to a woman who hated God, that he lost the blessing God had given him. He knew his lust for Delilah was wrong, and yet he could not tear himself away from her despite her hatred for God.

So how does one combat addiction? The obvious answer is to seek God, seek to obey His law, and accept His strength in our lives. Although the chapter of Titus does not directly approach the topic of addiction, it does give us some pretty sound advice on how to 'fight the good fight'. In the first chapter of this letter, Paul writes to Titus with the intent of giving advice for picking strong leaders. Among his advice is verse 16, which says "They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate." When we get involved in something , we need to carefully examine our actions. Would God be pleased? Is this something God would encourage us to do? Does it take away from our time with God or prevent us from seeing to our daily obligations? Do we find ourselves setting something down in order to participate in this activity? If so, there's a good chance that this activity will bring harm into our lives. While it's great to have fun, and God certainly does not tell us to avoid entertaining things.... we need to make sure our 'fun' has God's stamp or approval. As verse 10 says about deceivers, there will be many who will tell us that our addictions are acceptable. We need to have a mind so focused on God, that we are not fooled by the sayings of men.

Perhaps my favorite chapter with sound advice on this topic, however, has to be 1 Thessalonians 5. If I could advise someone with an addiction to read just one chapter.... it would be this one. The chapter talks about how we as Christians are children of the light. Comparing how we -should- behave without we shouldn't, Paul discusses those who revel in the night and commit foul deeds. I do not believe he is literally talking about daytime and night time, but about those who live for pleasing God, and those who live for pleasing themselves. It's all too easy to go out and do things which bring our minds and bodies pleasure. We may even lie to ourselves and say that we are harming no one, and so our fun activities are okay with (or perhaps even sanctioned by) God. After all... God wants us to enjoy our lives here on earth, right? Rushing out of church to catch the latest football game is just a one time thing a year, so surely God would understand? Work obligations have accumulated, so skipping out on that morning prayer will bring no harm, correct? And what about that one last beer when we already know we're over our limit? Worth the risk of getting drunk?

The truth is, we make WAY too many compromises, and we take too many risks in the wrong areas of our lives. This is what creates an addiction. If I need something so badly that I am willing to compromise my spirituality or risk any form of health... I am addicted to something. Addictions can be SO subtle, too! I, for one, thing nearly everyone is addicted to 'instant gratification'. When was the last time you sat for a few hours and happily waited on something without complaint? We always need to be somewhere, do something, or talk to somebody.

"Therefore, let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober." The bible here is not telling us to refrain from sleeping. It is telling us to keep a vigilant eye. We must keep a distance from those things that would 'hook' us into a sinful lifestyle. God doesn't want to watch us destroy ourselves. We are, after all, His creations and He creates all things beautiful.

Another good piece of advice that stems from this chapter is the advice to edify each other and ourselves. (verse 11) As brothers and sisters in Christ, it is our obligation (and should be an honor), to watch each other's backs. Sometimes an addiction can have such a grip on us, that we might fail to see it, or refuse to. It is at that time that we need someone to step in and care about us enough.... that they are willing to admit our faults to us. I would never want a friend to see me fall into an addiction and say nothing about it. One of the pinnacles of Christianly love, is to keep each other in tune with God. "But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation."

We should love those that help us keep on this path. I can't say it better than Paul did. Verse 12 and 13 read "And we beseech you brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And to be at peace among yourselves." Helping each other stay in tune with God can be a very trying task. It takes patience.

Although the last few verses of this chapter don't directly talk about addictions, they make a powerful and happy ending to the topic. "Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the spirit.. Despite not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good." (verses 16 -21)

I was gonna comment on the other verses, but now I feel like I've said too much....

Guys, it's starting! Come, quick!

A user of this :
sonic23 :
SoL@R :
RetroSteve :
play4fun :
Surgiac :
Sidewinder :

I'm here and ready

sonic23 : Yay, awesome! Do you have a Google Plus account? If so, get online there and give me your email if you haven't given it to Singelli already and we'll set you up with an invite.

mrfe : I can't my mom won't let me that's  why I would like to have the session here

sonic23 : Oh, I see. We can't do video calls via Vizzed, currently, so the only other ways I can think of are Skype and Facebook. Can you do either of those? :s

Otherwise, we'll just discuss our thoughts here.

mrfe : I don't have a face book or skype that's why I said we need to discuss it here 

sonic23 : Ah, I misunderstood. My bad! :s We can certainly discuss it here.

Singelli :
mrfe :

Aww, thanks for the summon guys, but as always, I won't be able to take part in "live chats" or any "live" thing.  I'll be able to contribute to the thread and try and answer questions about scriptures if I can  

SoL@R : Aw, nards. That stinks. :/ Oh well, I definitely value your input however we can get it!

Hey, I wanted to let you guys know I haven't forgotten about this thread. I've just had a really busy and crazy week, and I haven't had any time to do some research into my next topic yet.  Feel free to continue the current one. I'd love to have more people participate. I will try and put a new topic up on Sunday.