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christiancourier.com/articles/anointing-with-oil-james-5-14

I don't know your specific ailment, but I am sorry you are hurting. You may have said this before, but I get lots of comments. If you are looking for a miracle, those don't happen anymore. Miracles were used to confirm the Word of God Mk. 16:20. Once God's Word was fully revealed, the miracles would cease (1 Cor. 13). I know many teach that miracles are still happening, and you hear claims of them happening, but there is no proof. The only miracles you see that are recorded cannot be visibly verified. You never see a withered hand become whole, for example. Not everyone was lucky enough to experience a miracle when they were active. I certainly believe in prayer, and God can use His providence; that is no miraculous way to find a solution for your pain, but sometimes we have to live with what ailment we have. If you want to point the finger at someone to blame, it would be Satan. After Adam and Eve's downfall, we have been going downhill since then. Again, this is because of Satan and not God. While it is wonderful to be a Christian and know that God is there for us, it doesn't mean that we will not continue to suffer or have our illnesses taken away. However, we must look at the big picture because we know that if we are faithful, our eternal resting home, where there is no more pain, etc., is where we will be for eternity. Will that take away the pain and suffering here on earth? No, but it will help you deal with the suffering you are going through because you know what you have to look forward to. 2 Corinthians 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. 8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 9 And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 4:16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, 18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Excellent lesson. Thank you Brother Cougan.

Thank you. I am trying hard to offer a varitety of lessons so I can reach a variety of people. Some like long sermons while others like short ones. So I have both plus some inbetween. It definitinly keeps me busy.

Hello, Thank you for sharing your perspective and your willingness to engage in a cordial discussion. As a Christian, I appreciate the opportunity to respond to your points. While I understand your position, I believe that your criteria for acknowledging the existence of God would also prevent you from accepting many historical and existential realities that you might otherwise consider true. Let's explore some of these points in detail. Observability and Historical Knowledge 1. I personally have never observed a god. 2. I have never encountered any person who has claimed to have observed a god. 3. I know of no accounts of persons claiming to have observed a god that were willing or able to demonstrate or verify their observation for authenticity, accuracy, or validity. If we applied the same standard of personal observation to historical figures or events, we would be compelled to dismiss the existence of many individuals and occurrences that we accept as true. For instance, none of us have observed George Washington, yet we believe he existed based on historical records, testimonies, and artifacts. These are forms of evidence that, while not direct observation, are widely accepted as credible. Logical Arguments and Fallacies 4. I have never been presented any valid logical argument, which also introduced demonstrably true premises that lead deductively to an inevitable conclusion that a god(s) exists in reality. 5. Of the many logical syllogisms I have examined arguing for the reality of a god(s), I have found all to contain a formal or informal logical fallacy or a premise that cannot be demonstrated to be true. Logical arguments for the existence of God, such as the cosmological argument, the teleological argument, and the moral argument, have been debated extensively. While you may find them unsatisfactory, it's important to recognize that these arguments are philosophical in nature and not purely empirical. They aim to provide a rational basis for belief rather than empirical proof, similar to how philosophical arguments are used in other areas of knowledge. Necessary Antecedents and Phenomena 6. I have never observed a phenomenon in which the existence of a god was a necessary antecedent for the known or probable explanation for the causation of that phenomenon. This point assumes that all phenomena must have a natural explanation. However, many people, including scientists and philosophers, see the existence of the universe, the fine-tuning of its constants, and the existence of moral values as pointing toward a transcendent cause, which points to a Creator. 7. Several proposed (and generally accepted) explanations for observable phenomena that were previously based on the agency of a god(s), have subsequently been replaced with rational, natural explanations, each substantiated with evidence that excluded the agency of a god(s). I have never encountered vice versa. While natural explanations have replaced supernatural ones in many cases, this does not rule out the existence of God. Rather, it highlights our growing understanding of natural processes. Many believers see natural laws as mechanisms through which God works rather than as replacements for divine action. Personal Experience and Supernatural Claims 8. I have never knowingly experienced the presence of a god through intercession of angels, divine revelation, the miraculous act of divinity, or any occurrence of a supernatural event. Based on what the Bible teaches, you will not experience such things because the miraculous ended in the first century. Once we received God’s completed Word, miracles and demon possession would end (1 Cor. 13; Zech. 13). As a side note, when these types of miraculous things were happening, only a handful of people experienced them. T 9. Every phenomenon that I have ever observed appears to have emerged from necessary and sufficient antecedents over time without exception. In other words, I have never observed a phenomenon (entity, process, object, event, process, substance, system, or being) that was created ex nihilo - that is instantaneously came into existence by the solitary volition of a deity. The concept of creation ex nihilo (creation out of nothing) is a theological assertion that aligns with the Big Bang theory, which suggests the universe had a beginning. However, it is interesting that you most likely accept evolution as to how we began, yet your list of rules would cause you to deny evolution as well. Not even evolutionists can prove that we came from some alleged cosmic egg, and they certainly didn’t observe it, nor can they reproduce it. Falsifiability and Definitions 10. All claims of a supernatural or divine nature that I have been presented have either been refuted to my satisfaction or do not present as falsifiable. 11. I have never been presented with a functional definition of a god. The falsifiability criterion is essential in science but not always applicable to metaphysical or theological claims. For instance, many aspects of our understanding of consciousness, ethics, and aesthetics are not easily falsifiable yet are considered meaningful areas of inquiry. Additionally, definitions of God vary, but a common one is "the omniscient, omnipotent, and benevolent creator of the universe." Conclusion While I respect your commitment to rational inquiry, it's worth considering that your criteria might exclude many forms of knowledge that we accept as valid. Historical knowledge, philosophical reasoning, and personal experiences are all ways in which humans have understood and interpreted reality. Belief in God, for many, is a synthesis of these forms of knowledge rather than a single empirical proof. I appreciate your openness to discussion and hope this response provides a perspective that bridges some of the gaps between our views. Peace be with you.

@LGministry Thank you for your detailed and heartfelt response. May I ask, do you agree these 111 items are _factual?_

@@Theo_Skeptomai What 12 items? You gave 11 points and responded to those 11 points. So, I am not sure what you are specifically asking about.

@@LGministry Sorry, that was a typo. I meant 11. I am blind and typing on a blindshell android device. I corrected the question.

I am glad you are able to communicate online using such tools. If you are asking if I think the 11 items you have listed are factual, the answer is, no. As, I pointed out, you couldn't even know if George Washington was a real peson or first president using your list. I always find it helpful if I am making an argument that I apply it across the board not just to religion or the Bible.

What's so funny?

Sorry you are having a rough time.

Sorry you are having a rough time.

You comment is too vague for me to understand what you are trying to say.

@@LGministry This video makes comments about other documents being quoted in the New Testament. I'm adding one to the list.

There is only one God, but God consist of three persons. That is what the triune nature of God is about. John 1:1 make it clear that the Word is Jesus and that He was WITH God the Father, for one example out of many.

@@LGministry Greetings, the moment you say: There is only one God, BUT... You are no longer talking about one but about multiple! John 1:1 teaches nothing about no trinity. What happend to my question?

Here are a few noted contradictions between the Apocrypha and the Bible or historical facts: 1. Doctrinal Inconsistencies Prayer for the Dead (2 Maccabees 12:45-46): 2 Maccabees promotes the idea of praying for the dead, suggesting that prayers can help the souls of the departed. Contradiction: The canonical books of the Bible do not support the concept of praying for the dead. For example, Hebrews 9:27 states, "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment," implying that judgment follows death immediately and that the state of the soul cannot be altered posthumously. 2. **Historical Errors King Nebuchadnezzar and Nineveh (Judith 1:1): The book of Judith claims that Nebuchadnezzar was the king of the Assyrians and reigned in Nineveh. Contradiction: Historically, Nebuchadnezzar was the king of Babylon, not Assyria, and he reigned from Babylon. Nineveh was the capital of the Assyrian Empire and was destroyed before Nebuchadnezzar's time. 3. Contradictory Teachings on Salvation Works and Almsgiving (Tobit 12:9): Tobit suggests that almsgiving can deliver from death and purge away sins: "For almsgiving delivers from death and keeps you from going into the darkness." Contradiction: The Bible teaches that salvation is by faith and not by works. Ephesians 2:8-9 states, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast." 4. Inconsistent Chronology Chronology in Baruch: The book of Baruch claims to be written by Baruch, the scribe of Jeremiah, in Babylon. However, it describes events and contains references that suggest a later composition, inconsistent with the timeline of Baruch’s life. Contradiction: Jeremiah and Baruch lived in the 6th century B.C., during the Babylonian exile, but the historical details and language suggest that Baruch was written much later, possibly in the 2nd century B.C. 5. Angels and Magic Raphael’s Instructions (Tobit 6:5-7): In the book of Tobit, the angel Raphael instructs Tobias to use a fish’s heart and liver to drive away demons and heal blindness. Contradiction: The Bible does not endorse the use of magical practices or charms for healing or exorcism. Instead, healing and exorcism are attributed to the power of God. Acts 19:19 records how converts in Ephesus renounced magical practices, burning their books of spells. 6. Ethical Issues **Deception and Assassination (Judith 9:2-4; 13:8):** The story of Judith involves her deceiving and assassinating Holofernes, which is portrayed as a heroic act. Contradiction: The Bible, while recording historical accounts that include deception and killing, generally promotes truthfulness and condemns murder. Proverbs 12:22 states, "Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who deal truthfully are His delight." Conclusion While some traditions regard the Apocrypha as valuable for historical or moral lessons, these texts are not considered inspired Scripture by many Christian denominations due to the contradictions and inconsistencies with the canonical Bible. These contradictions include doctrinal differences, historical inaccuracies, and ethical concerns that do not align with the teachings and standards found in the accepted books of the Bible.

@@LGministry Thank you!

Thanks for listening

Thanks! You too!

The whole series is on my channel.

Yes, I can. If you are interested, I can direct you to lots videos that cover tons of information showing it to be the Word of God. czcams.com/video/jQz-DuZWJb4/video.html&pp=iAQB czcams.com/video/2Jh421Gmafo/video.html&pp=iAQB If the Bible didn't contain information about God or miracles, it would be deemed as one of the most well-preserved and most accurate documents that man has ever seen because there is no other book like it. It was written by some 40 authors on three different continents over a 1600-year time frame, yet it is spot-on regarding archaeology, history, and even scientific principles. The internal and external evidence is vast and enough to convince an honest person that the Bible is different from any other book out there.

@@LGministrysee, you're asserting truth, not demonstrating it. Most theists don't know the difference. The Bible is the collection of claims, not the evidence. Otherwise you're literally making a circular argument of, the Bible is right because the Bible says so. A terrible argument, I think you'd agree. Let me help you out with an analogy since you are struggling with the concept of demonstration vs assertion. Say I'm born on a deserted island with no concept of religion. A Christian comes to me and says, I have a book with all of the answers to life's greatest questions and problems. It's called the Bible. Then, a Muslim comes to me and says the exact same thing. Only this time, he says the correct book is the Koran. Then, a Jew tells me the exact same, but it's the Torah. Then, a Hindu comes and says the same, only the book is the Vedas. A scientologist tells me I need an audit, and that is the pathway to salvation. How do I, someone who isn't familiar with any of them, determine who is correct? Is there some sort of test, process, or experiment I can perform that would consistently yield the correct answer? If you say pray, don't you think that's the same answer all of them will give? So, say my prayer is answered. Now, how do I know which God answered it? It's impossible. Maybe this would be better in a live format? I'm more than happy to debate you on this topic. We know the Bible is full of historical problems. First, there are clear historical inaccuracies in the New Testament. One such example is that of Acts 5, where Luke writes of the Pharisee Gamaliel's speech (vv. 34-39). This speech would have taken place around AD 35-40, yet it refers to Theudas' revolt of AD 46-47 as a past event. That's literally impossible to be true. Second, the Bible is a collection of 66 books written by more than 40 authors over a period of more than 1,500 years. How can you be so sure that, say, the Roman empire didn't change a bunch of stuff around to maintain power? We know they did this as they wrote about it. But again, I think a live format where you don't gish gallop would be a more appropriate forum for a discussion such as this. Please try to answer the analogy and give me the process to demonstrate that you have picked the right God out of the tens of thousands people have claimed to exist. Even within Christianity, they can't decide who's right. That's why there's so many different sects, all saying the way to salvation is their way, or the highway. You can't all be right. You can, however, all be wrong...

@@LGministry bro... Your links are all pure confirmation bias of people who have an interest in spreading that specific message. Show me an objective historian, without a dog in the fight, who agrees the Bible is a reliable historical source of information. Take your time, I'll wait... It gets some stuff right, and some stuff wrong.

@@LGministry I watched them. They're all asserting truth, not demonstrating it in any way. It's circular and fallacious for that reason. It's more, the Bible is right because the Bible says so, nonsense. No one demonstrated anything at any point. You need to go look that word up, and the try again.

@@kenaultman7499 I can tell you didn't watch them, nor did you have time to. If you did watch them, you were not paying attention because I nor the speakers in the video ever made a claim that we should believe the Bible. After all, it said so. There is internal and external evidence given. You said nothing against the factual claim that if the Bible wasn't about God or didn't contain miracles, it would be considered the most well-preserved historical document that has ever existed. Many have tried to disprove the Bible is the Word of God, and some have become Christians, while others have failed miserably.

Thank you for your comment. Let's look at the scriptures you mentioned. In 1 Corinthians 7:8-9, Paul states: "To the unmarried and the widows I say that it is good for them to remain single as I am. But if they cannot exercise self-control, they should marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion." Paul is addressing the "unmarried" and "widows." It is important to note that Paul uses the term "unmarried" rather than "virgins," which he specifically addresses later in the chapter (1 Corinthians 7:25). This distinction indicates that Paul recognizes different categories of unmarried individuals, including those who have never married and those who were previously married (widows and possibly the divorced). Understanding "Unmarried" in Context The Greek word used for "unmarried" in verse 8 is "agamos," which generally refers to those not currently married, irrespective of their past marital status. This term can encompass widows, widowers, and potentially divorced people. However, to interpret this passage as specifically addressing divorced individuals requires careful consideration of the broader biblical context on marriage, divorce, and remarriage. 1 Timothy 4:1-3 In 1 Timothy 4:1-3, Paul warns against false teachings: "Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared, who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth." Paul’s condemnation of forbidding marriage is directed at ascetic practices that reject the institution of marriage altogether, which is contrary to God's creation and intention for humanity. This passage does not specifically address remarriage after divorce but rather the general principle that marriage is a good and godly institution. Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage in Scripture As outlined in my sermon, the consistent biblical teaching is that marriage is intended to be a lifelong covenant. Jesus emphasizes this in Matthew 19:3-9 and Mark 10:2-12, stating that divorce is permitted only in the case of sexual immorality. Any remarriage after an unscriptural divorce is considered adultery. Interpretation of 1 Corinthians 7 Paul's instruction in 1 Corinthians 7:8-9 should be viewed within the context of his broader teachings on marriage in the chapter. Paul acknowledges different marital statuses and provides guidance for each. He advises the unmarried and widows to remain single, but if they struggle with self-control, they should marry. It is crucial to remember that while Paul provides practical advice for dealing with sexual desire, this does not override the foundational teachings of Jesus on the permanence of marriage and the conditions for divorce and remarriage. Addressing the Concern The question of whether the "unmarried" includes the divorced is complex and requires us to interpret Paul's advice in light of Jesus' explicit teachings on divorce and remarriage. Jesus’ teachings in Matthew 19:9 make it clear that remarriage after divorce is permissible only in the case of sexual immorality. Thus, while Paul encourages marriage for those who cannot control their passions, it must be understood within the boundaries set by Jesus. In summary, Paul’s counsel in 1 Corinthians 7:8-9 and his condemnation of forbidding marriage in 1 Timothy 4:1-3 must be interpreted within the broader biblical framework that upholds the sanctity and permanence of marriage. While Paul addresses the needs of those who are unmarried, his advice does not contradict Jesus' explicit teachings on divorce and remarriage. Therefore, those who are divorced must consider Jesus' teachings in Matthew 19:9 before contemplating remarriage. This interpretation ensures that we remain faithful to the whole counsel of Scripture on this important issue. Let’s continue with the other things you brought up regarding "Living in Adultery" and "Adulterous Marriage." You are correct that the specific phrases "living in adultery" and "adulterous marriage" do not appear verbatim in Scripture. However, the concepts they convey are derived from biblical teachings on marriage, divorce, and adultery. The Concept of Continuous Sin In Matthew 19:9, Jesus states: "And I say to you: whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery." The phrase "commits adultery" (Greek: moichatai) is in the present indicative tense, which in this context means continuous or repeated action in Greek. This means that as long as the second marriage continues, the state of adultery continues. This is further supported by Romans 7:2-3: "For the woman who has a husband is bound by the law to her husband as long as he lives. But if the husband dies, she is released from the law of her husband. So then if, while her husband lives, she marries another man, she will be called an adulteress; but if her husband dies, she is free from that law, so that she is no adulteress, though she has married another man." The Act vs. State Debate It is important to distinguish between the act of adultery and living in a state that the Bible identifies as sinful. While any sin can be forgiven with genuine repentance (1 John 1:9), repentance involves a change of behavior and turning away from sin (Acts 3:19). In the case of a marriage that is considered adulterous according to Scripture, repentance would logically involve ending the adulterous relationship, similar to how a thief must stop stealing to truly repent. This principle is seen in other areas of life where ongoing sinful behavior must cease for repentance to be genuine. Addressing Long-Term Marriages with Children The situation becomes even more complex and emotionally challenging when considering long-term marriages, especially those with children. It is indeed a difficult and painful reality to confront. However, one must put God and His way first, no matter the situation. The children of Israel during Ezra’s day also had to do this (Ezra 10). As a gospel preacher, I am responsible for teaching and upholding biblical truth, even when it is difficult. However, this must be done with great compassion and sensitivity. Encouraging individuals to examine their lives and make choices that align with God's will is part of proclaiming the truth. Addressing Concerns about God's Judgment Worrying about the consequences of advising people in such difficult situations is natural. However, relying on God's Word as the ultimate guide is crucial. When we faithfully teach and uphold Scripture, we can trust that we are honoring God, even when the teachings are hard to accept. James 3:1 reminds us of the serious responsibility of teachers: "Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly." I have studied this issue inside and out. If there were loopholes or some way to purify an unholy marriage, I would have found it. I take no pleasure in telling those who don’t fit the exception that they are living in sin, but that is what the Scriptures teach. I would love to be wrong about this because there are many Christian couples living in adultery. I hope I have answered your questions.

When Christ ascended, the statement that He "led captivity captive" in Ephesians 4:8 shows His ultimate victory and authority over all forms of bondage. This signifies God's historical victories for Israel and highlights His unparalleled triumph in Christ's resurrection and ascension. The victories of Israel were just a preview compared to the victory over sin and death accomplished by Christ, as described in 1 Corinthians 15:50-57. Christ has liberated humanity from the greatest captivity-sin and death. Without Christ, humanity would be in profound bondage, lacking purpose, direction, hope, and forgiveness. Christ's intervention brings freedom from moral shame and the finality of death. His victory captures everything that holds us captive. Jesus proclaimed in John 8:31-36 that true freedom comes through Him. This freedom from sin's bondage is affirmed in other scriptures such as Romans 5:18, 6:18, 22, 8:2, Galatians 4:26, and 5:1. Christ's victory provides ultimate liberty, making us free indeed. It doesn’t say He received gifts, but that He gave gifts to men. Now, the gifts are not specified, so they could include everything Christ made possible for us through His grace, which is certainly a gift. But we also know thanks to Jesus that we can receive all spiritual blessings Eph. 1:3. In the context of that chapter, we can also see the gift including those things needed to make the church thrive: Ephesians 4:11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,

Much appreciated. NOW l get it!

That's a misunderstanding on your part. This article explains why christiancourier.com/articles/should-christians-keep-the-sabbath

Any time

If the man and the woman make the commitment to have a marriage based on the principles of the Bible, then no one is going to cheat. However, one person can choose to cheat, but that person doesn't have to. Nor has it been my experience that it is the norm for a mate to cheat.

Yes, the concept comes from Tartarus in Greek mythology, which is depicted as a deep abyss used as a dungeon of torment and suffering for the wicked, including rebellious humans and fallen angels, prior to the final judgment day.

Very welcome 🤗