Cath'rine

- any compromise is destructive but w/trade guilds I would imagine there would be a monetary gain as well. Today's compromises include lying, stealing, back biting - and it's not necessarily big things but small compromises like office supplies (nobody will miss them) -or- embellishing on a time sheet (the company can afford it) -or- gossiping to anyone who will listen about anyone or anything. These types of compromises occur w/o even realizing it and those are vital in the dilution of Christian witness. If we are not set apart (different) from the rest of the world we are part of the world and not partners with Christ.

-- loosening sexual standards is = to loosing self control it is very destructive to Christian witness and our faith in Christ who is the source of our strength. I come from a non-Christian background where the only moral rule where sex was concerned, was don't get pregnant and don't date married men. So for me being a Christian since 1985, I've adopted the biblical view that is contrary to my upbringing.

- a local congregation can loose it's 'first love' for Jesus by 1) being too interested in fund raising for the sake of money as compared to the Kingdom of Christ; or by being too busy doing and not enough time being -the signs of genuine love for Jesus are to name a few: love for others (Christians), love for the lost, praise, worship, witnessing. -Lack of love is evident by a 'false front,' only when you look behind it you see it for what it is and what it is not. I think the only way to regain this love is by the Grace of God, through repentance and prayer. I also think it would be very hard.

The vision of Christ among the lampstands, brings to mind God of the old testament - possessive, overseeing, active. As for why? - I'm not sure, yet. I do know that the vision of Jesus among the lampstands is one of assurance; lampstands=church church=people people=me - God with us (me) That's assurance! This understanding of Jesus confirms that the Father and Jesus are one. God of the old testament and Jesus of the New Testament are the same - yesterday, today and forever. This knowledge strengthens (my) faith. I am a little behind in my postings due to hurricane Isabel, my thoughts and prayers go out to all who suffered this natural disaster.

China/ Korea/ Sudan/ Philippines are a few of the countries presently experiencing tribulation and persecution for their faith. The Book of Revelation can be a comfort and encouragement to them in that by reading it they will know these are not alone, that there are other brothers and sisters in Christ who suffer and pray along with them. It also tells the outcome of this battle

It tells us He is the Alpha and Omega

1. Testimony and witness is important to those being persecuted it gives hope and strength to continue. 2. Jesus as the faithful witness is the very core of our belief. 3. Sad to say, but I too believe it's because we are not living right; guilt and self-condimnation are powerful tools of the evil one. -Cath'rine

Hello Pastor Ralph! First, thank you for you ministry! I've been greatly blessed by it. I am a wife of 17 yrs, a mother of 3 lovely daughters, work full time for the airline industry, a member of our church choir, and last but certainly not least - I am a child of God. I desire a better knowledge of the book of Revelations even though I've heard talks about it, and I've read through it several times - it never ceases to amaze me how much I missed the time before. Don't want to ramble too much - so I will end my intro here. May our time together be blessed, Cath'rine

To honor father and mother does not mean we must obey their every command; we are not required to agree with their every viewpoint. If our parents views opinions, commands are not in alignment with the word of God then honoring God is our and Gideon

God tells Gideon to tear down the Baal alter and the Asherah pole, because they are an insult to him the one true God. In its place God tells Gideon to build an alter to the LORD his God and make a burnt offering upon it, yes and by the way use the asherah pole wood to feed the flames. (smile) The risks involved in this were many I imagine among them: outrage and dissatisfaction from his fellow citizens and family, possibly Gideon

God

God saw Gideon as a

According to the prophet Israel oppression was due to their fear or reverence for the gods of the Amorites. They broke the 1st commandment (Exodus 34:14 For thou shalt worship no other god; for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God, ) The Israelites hadn't listened to the prophet they 'feared' and 'worshiped' the gods of the Amorites. Christians today are affected the same way as the Israelites of old, we tend to fear what we can 'see, hear, touch' rather than trust our in God whom we cannot. We are (I am) often blinded by the business of this world.

Gideon does not understand how it can be that if the Lord is with them then how can all these bad things happen to them. He does not take into consideration what his people have done to deserve God

Hello, I'm from Waynesboro, Pa USA, extremely new to internet posting and although I've participated in Bible studies in the past this is my first time doing so online. I'm alittle nervous. I look forward to the blessings I will receive from God's word and your fellowship. Cat