Christian Era |OT| W.W.J.D

[Deffers]

I thought I'd give a brief update on the reading list I mentioned a while back. I finished the Bart Ehrman book, and I gotta say, I really appreciated it. I don't really see him as having a major anti-religious vibe at all. To me, it's clear that he cares about the textual tradition of the Bible, and I feel like I came away learning a lot. "Misquoting Jesus," if you're curious.

I also got into the Nag Hammadi scriptures... and I gotta say, wow, Gnosticism is WILD. It's like it's alternate dimension mirror-world Christianity and it acknowledges that from time to time in subtle ways. You can read a summary and think you get it, but the scripture has a really arresting, shocking quality when you read it. So that's a neat dive into early Christian history.

 

[Firefoxprime]

Been a wild month folks.

The world is losing its mind, but this too shall pass. Now's the time for us to pray for and calm our families, neighbors, and co-workers.

People will look back to this time and say, "Where were those stupid christians? Where was their god? They were just as scared as we were!!!"

In a time of crisis, the light of Jesus Christ shines the brightest. What are you doing to encourage those closest (but not too close 😗) to you?

If you're a follower of Jesus, how best are you managing the blend?

(Spiritual Encouragement + Practical Living)

There's nuance to this my friends. Stay blessed.

 

[Auros01]

It's been tough. Staying at home most of the day is making me stir crazy and more irritable than usual.

Trying to balance safety/health precautions with still going out and being social (small gatheringsat a house; not in public) or helping people.

My wife and I have had opportunities this week go grocery shopping for an elderly woman as well as pick up some gifts for some friends that might potentially be going through a miscarriage. We feel like those are the opportunities God has given us to love people in such a difficult time.

It's a difficult balance to strike - social needs versus safety. We need each other, though. People out there need help. We can't leave then behind.

 

[AbsoluteZero0K]

Been a wild month folks.

The world is losing its mind, but this too shall pass. Now's the time for us to pray for and calm our families, neighbors, and co-workers.

People will look back to this time and say, "Where were those stupid christians? Where was their god? They were just as scared as we were!!!"

In a time of crisis, the light of Jesus Christ shines the brightest. What are you doing to encourage those closest (but not too close 😗) to you?

If you're a follower of Jesus, how best are you managing the blend?

(Spiritual Encouragement + Practical Living)

There's nuance to this my friends. Stay blessed.

Click to shrink...

I've been going to work wishing I could stay home.

I'm in a place where I think this isn't God's wrath, but rather, mankind reaping what it has sown. There are so many things that could have been done to mitigate the damage, but men worship money and themselves rather than God, so it feels like God is allowing us to see how money and ego preserves life like He can.

The results are bad, and will be catastrophic.

I'm not sure what to do with that, or how to respond.

 

[Firefoxprime]

I've been going to work wishing I could stay home.

I'm in a place where I think this isn't God's wrath, but rather, mankind reaping what it has sown. There are so many things that could have been done to mitigate the damage, but men worship money and themselves rather than God, so it feels like God is allowing us to see how money and ego preserves life like He can.

The results are bad, and will be catastrophic.

I'm not sure what to do with that, or how to respond.

Click to shrink...

Oh ho. That's a REALLY good point. How do you respond? With the right attitude. We have to be like Peter walking on the water. Eyes fully focused on Jesus.

This is a shake up, make no mistake. The results ARE bad. The situation IS catastrophic. Yet Jesus is still Lord.

You know what? I went to church on Sunday. "Drive In Church". Our pastor and the worship team preaches and plays outside, while most people just roll up in their vehicles like it's a drive-in movie!

It was fantastic, and I was surprised at the fun yet silly experience.

God is good my friend, and we just need to stay focused on his word, listen to more worship music, and seek him in prayer.

Do all those 3 and you will encouraged, empowered, willing to pour into you friends.

Remember, if God is for us, wbo can be against us?

You may also want to look into a blessing onto those you interact with.

 

[ReiGun]

Hey everyone. I'm glad I found this thread
To make a long story somewhat short, I've come to the realization recently that I need Jesus me than I ever thought. Go back 8 months and life was good. I finally had a job I'd prayed for (teacher) and I started a relationship with an amazing woman. And...I screwed both up. I was an awful teacher and my relationship is hanging on by a literal thread. All this caused by my own narcissism, pride, and constantly giving into sin and lies. I've had to really confront the fact that I've been my own worst enemy.

Thankfully, my girlfriend got me to give my life back to Christ months ago. However, I've been so half-hearted in my walk. I pray and read my bible only sometimes. I rely on myself more than Jesus and His grace. I haven't given up some bad habits (like watching porn). These things wrecked havoc in my life to the point that things are actually regressing.

I'm ready to do this for real. I don't want to go back to who I was even last week. I don't want to let God down anymore. I don't want to hurt my fiance anymore. I don't want to live with guilt or hating myself anymore. I'm really working on being free and better.

I came here to ask for prayer and support and to have a place to talk, if yall don't mind. I'm ready to finally win this fight.

 

[AbsoluteZero0K]

Hey everyone. I'm glad I found this thread
To make a long story somewhat short, I've come to the realization recently that I need Jesus me than I ever thought. Go back 8 months and life was good. I finally had a job I'd prayed for (teacher) and I started a relationship with an amazing woman. And...I screwed both up. I was an awful teacher and my relationship is hanging on by a literal thread. All this caused by my own narcissism, pride, and constantly giving into sin and lies. I've had to really confront the fact that I've been my own worst enemy.

Thankfully, my girlfriend got me to give my life back to Christ months ago. However, I've been so half-hearted in my walk. I pray and read my bible only sometimes. I rely on myself more than Jesus and His grace. I haven't given up some bad habits (like watching porn). These things wrecked havoc in my life to the point that things are actually regressing.

I'm ready to do this for real. I don't want to go back to who I was even last week. I don't want to let God down anymore. I don't want to hurt my fiance anymore. I don't want to live with guilt or hating myself anymore. I'm really working on being free and better.

I came here to ask for prayer and support and to have a place to talk, if yall don't mind. I'm ready to finally win this fight.

Click to shrink...

I'll pray for you brotha.

I will straight up tell even the most pious Christians that porn will fuck you up.

I say this because that's what my dad told me when I was a kid. I failed to heed his words. So I've spent the greater part of my adult life struggling with it, at the cost of my marriage.

I was even pissed off being 20 years old being in a sex addict group among men who were 40, 50+++. I had plenty of time to mess up my life; why am I even here?

So yeah I rebelled and it cost me my career, ironically, in teaching.

So yeah, we're already more similar than you would even expect. Praise God you found this place!

 

[AbsoluteZero0K]

Oh ho. That's a REALLY good point. How do you respond? With the right attitude. We have to be like Peter walking on the water. Eyes fully focused on Jesus.

This is a shake up, make no mistake. The results ARE bad. The situation IS catastrophic. Yet Jesus is still Lord.

You know what? I went to church on Sunday. "Drive In Church". Our pastor and the worship team preaches and plays outside, while most people just roll up in their vehicles like it's a drive-in movie!

It was fantastic, and I was surprised at the fun yet silly experience.

God is good my friend, and we just need to stay focused on his word, listen to more worship music, and seek him in prayer.

Do all those 3 and you will encouraged, empowered, willing to pour into you friends.

Remember, if God is for us, wbo can be against up?

You may also want to look into a blessing onto those you interact with.

Click to shrink...

I know that God has my back. I'm not worried about me. I'm worried about other people.

You know how Pharaoh would not let Moses' people go even after nine plagues? I feel like that's what our political climate is right now. We have Pharaoh for president, and a lot of people who'd have nothing to do with that man are out here dying, suffering.

I don't think God takes joy in what is going on, so I grieve in the way that I believe He is grieving. However, I do not have the omniscient perspective of infinity, and so I can only live in this moment (recovering addicts take one day at a time, one moment at a time as per the Serenity Prayer), and under the stress of how long this failed presidency will last.

It would be comforting to have a president who isn't constantly lying and spreading misinformation EVERY SINGLE DAY.



I think the biggest confession I have is that I'm torn between praying that GOd will have mercy on us, and also basking in what I feel is retribution for people rejecting God, explicitly by voting for this man.

Meanwhile, I remember another part of the Serenity prayer: Taking, as Jesus did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it.

Whew, so many mixed emotions.

 

[ReiGun]

I'll pray for you brotha.

I will straight up tell even the most pious Christians that porn will fuck you up.

I say this because that's what my dad told me when I was a kid. I failed to heed his words. So I've spent the greater part of my adult life struggling with it, at the cost of my marriage.

I was even pissed off being 20 years old being in a sex addict group among men who were 40, 50+++. I had plenty of time to mess up my life; why am I even here?

So yeah I rebelled and it cost me my career, ironically, in teaching.

So yeah, we're already more similar than you would even expect. Praise God you found this place!

Click to shrink...

Oh wow. Praise God!

Yeah I didn't even realize how much porn and sexual sin was messing me up. It forced me to have to lie and hide things from my fiance. So many times I hurt her because the guilt plagued my heart. It wasn't the only problem we've had, but it was the big one.

Because of the guilt, I would lash out at her. I wouldn't feel like I had a right to say anything because I was doing wrong, so I kept things inside until they exploded. Now I'm just praying to God that I can truly repent so that if she does come back, it'll be to a truly changed man.

 

[Firefoxprime]

Hey everyone. I'm glad I found this thread
To make a long story somewhat short, I've come to the realization recently that I need Jesus me than I ever thought. Go back 8 months and life was good. I finally had a job I'd prayed for (teacher) and I started a relationship with an amazing woman. And...I screwed both up. I was an awful teacher and my relationship is hanging on by a literal thread. All this caused by my own narcissism, pride, and constantly giving into sin and lies. I've had to really confront the fact that I've been my own worst enemy.

Thankfully, my girlfriend got me to give my life back to Christ months ago. However, I've been so half-hearted in my walk. I pray and read my bible only sometimes. I rely on myself more than Jesus and His grace. I haven't given up some bad habits (like watching porn). These things wrecked havoc in my life to the point that things are actually regressing.

I'm ready to do this for real. I don't want to go back to who I was even last week. I don't want to let God down anymore. I don't want to hurt my fiance anymore. I don't want to live with guilt or hating myself anymore. I'm really working on being free and better.

I came here to ask for prayer and support and to have a place to talk, if yall don't mind. I'm ready to finally win this fight.

Click to shrink...

Hey ReiGun, God bless you brother!

It's pretty obvious you're going to have a fantastic testimony and I'm praying for you man. You don't even know.

Congratulations on coming back to Jesus, and remember this a walk, not a sprint.

The beautiful fact is his love for you can cover all those issues you've been struggling with.

Sin is deadly man. It's crazy how it can dip into every part of your life and ruin your goals, job opportunities, relationships, etc!

For full transparency, I'm 5 weeks clean. I haven't been 5 weeks clean in 15 years. We're visual people and you know how easy it is to be sensually triggered, right? Right.

Here's how I'm doing it:

Spoiler: Step 1

Step 1:

- Look at areas where God HAS delivered you from.

Example: I used to be a big Harry Potter fan, and consumed media that included witchcraft. I was saved 15 years ago, and became repulsed by anything with magic/witchcraft.

I reject anything that has heavy magic/witchcraft material. I've been doing it for 15 years. I Do Not entertain it.

Spoiler: Step 2

Step 2:

- Create boundaries

Example: Lust is bad. Brings you to your knees. So what triggers lust? Tv shows, Movies, Social Media, sexual music, ladies in revealing outfits, etc.

You have to get a bit radical. This is how I've been clean from sexual sin/porn for 5 weeks.

It's basically a detox to "renew your mind". Jesus can bring you back to pre-lustful eyes, but YOU have to train your eyes. You trained them to look for specific areas of the body, so you need train them to NOT look for specific areas of the body.

If you're watching something, and you feel that lustful trigger? Drop it. Drop the show. I don't care if it's your fav movie, youtuber, tv show, music video.

I have a graveyard list of youtubers, tv shows, movies, anime, cartoons, etc that I won't watch anymore. Better THEM in the graveyard than ME.

I'll be watching a tv commercial or news reporter, and if the reporter is in a tight outfit/dress? I will look away or at the very least take my hand and cover the triggering part of her body.

How badly do you want this ReiGun? You gotta do whatever it takes. If you're listening to a secular song, and you hear explicit sexual lyrics? Drop it. Cut it off right there. This will build discipline.

You will be literally closing doors the enemy has been pulling you into for years.

If you see a woman in tight clothes? No double take. No lingering eyes. Why?

Her body is the temple of God. Your body is the temple of God, so you gotta honor that.

Spoiler: Step 3

Step 3:

- Power Source

Example: You CAN'T do this alone. You need Jesus! He is your power source.

Read His Word Every Morning.
(I recommend downloading the YouVersion Bible app) They have a daily scriptures and you can build that discipline.

YouVersion Bible App - YouVersion

www.youversion.com

Here are some scriptures I use to fight the temptation. Also remember, this is spiritual warfare. Only the holy spirit + the word of God can help you win.


- "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."
James 4:7 (ESV)

Bible Gateway passage: James 4:7 - English Standard Version

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

www.biblegateway.com

- "God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him."
James 1:12 (NLT)

Bible Gateway passage: James 1:12 - New Living Translation

God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

www.biblegateway.com

-"Treat older women as you would your mother, and treat younger women with all purity as you would your own sisters."
1 Timothy 5:2 (NLT)

Bible Gateway passage: 1 Timothy 5:2 - New Living Translation

Treat older women as you would your mother, and treat younger women with all purity as you would your own sisters.

www.biblegateway.com

- "But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord"
Joshua 24:15 (NIV)

Bible Gateway passage: Joshua 24:15 - New International Version

But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”

www.biblegateway.com

Listen to worship music and praise him. YouTube has plenty of videos.

Pray to him, and ask for strength to fight the temptation.

Why? Because you're nurturing your relationship with him.

Spoiler: Step 4

Step 4:

- Who Knows?

Example: You need christian people you can TRUST to pray for you. Your pastor is a best bet. You don't want to confide in just anybody.

Also, falling into porn and sexual sin blocks your blessings. God has opened up some fantastic doors in my life in these last 5 weeks and I'm excited to see what else he will do for me and through me.

Spoiler: Step 5

Step 5:

- Tools

Example: I discovered (over God sent it to me) a youtube channel about relationships. ReiGun. I think I've watched 60+ videos already. The truth is REAL.

I've been challenged. Gut-punched. Healed. Educated. Encouraged. Empowered. The channel is called "RedefinedTV". I'll post some videos on here today.

Moody Radio: It's a christian radio station from Chicago (moody is the name of the founder, nothing about emotions), and they talk about EVERYTHING. Relationships, finances, families, character, politics, marriage, etc. They preach, have open panel discussions, and play a wide range of music. From country to RnB to rock to Gospel.

You can download the app, or listen to the online stream. I listen to the Florida 90.9FM stream and here's the link:

Moody Radio - Player

www.moodyradio.org

WKES Florida | Moody Radio

Moody Radio Florida is a leading source of Christian talk, featuring a dynamic mix of programming including Bible teaching, news, call-in shows and music.

www.moodyradio.org

Spoiler: Redefined TV videos

God Kill My Lust - Redefined TV



The Most Important Type Of Love



Qualities of A Good Man



Qualities of A Kingdom Man

 

[AbsoluteZero0K]

I wake up to Firefoxprime's post and he's banned before I can even see it.

That made me go back through this tread and wow, it's a graveyard. Goodness gracious. And the people still up don't actively post.

Well yall keep hope alive, lol.

 

[Auros01]

I wake up to Firefoxprime's post and he's banned before I can even see it.

That made me go back through this tread and wow, it's a graveyard. Goodness gracious. And the people still up don't actively post.

Well yall keep hope alive, lol.

Click to shrink...

Yeah - it's a bizarre trend that so many in this thread end up banned, lol.

I'm in and out of this site as I'm always conflicted on its effect on my life. I like the community and discussion but I usually walk away more angry or depressed.

Hope all is well with everyone in this uncertain time. Definitely a good time to be (remotely) checking in on others, letting them know you are there, and praying for our world.

 

[DarkDetective]

I avoid the non-gaming side of the board because I don't need more negativity in my life.

 

[Aly]

Hey guys I don't post in here and mostly just lurk but I'm asking you guys to keep my family in your prayers. My dad and his family tested positive and I'm praying for his health and safety.

 

[ReiGun]

Hey guys I don't post in here and mostly just lurk but I'm asking you guys to keep my family in your prayers. My dad and his family tested positive and I'm praying for his health and safety.

Click to shrink...

Will definitely keep you in prayer.

Lord Jesus, we come to you right now in prayer. Please keep this family. Cover them in your grace. I pray that they will be well. I pray for their health. I pray for their safety. Amen.

 

[AbsoluteZero0K]

Yeah - it's a bizarre trend that so many in this thread end up banned, lol.

I'm in and out of this site as I'm always conflicted on its effect on my life. I like the community and discussion but I usually walk away more angry or depressed.

Hope all is well with everyone in this uncertain time. Definitely a good time to be (remotely) checking in on others, letting them know you are there, and praying for our world.

Click to shrink...

Understood. Just glad to see people come through every now and then.

Hey guys I don't post in here and mostly just lurk but I'm asking you guys to keep my family in your prayers. My dad and his family tested positive and I'm praying for his health and safety.

Click to shrink...

It's been two weeks since you posted, so I pray that everything went well.

I avoid the non-gaming side of the board because I don't need more negativity in my life.

Click to shrink...

I am past my days of getting emotionally-invested in things, though I have noticed how criticism of Islam might be categorized as xenophobic, but in another context, it's open season on Christianity.

At any rate, that's why Jesus died and is risen. Happy Easter yall!

 

[Aly]

It's been two weeks since you posted, so I pray that everything went well.

Click to shrink...

Yes. He and his family are doing pretty well with only mild symptoms. Thank ya'll for praying for me! And Happy Easter!

 

[Bomblord]

Came across this thread and am legitimately surprised it exists.

Just wanted to say hello to everyone and meet fellow Christians on this forum I'm Apostolic Pentecostal.

 

[Kinggroin]

Don't know what I am. I love Jesus. Hi.

 

[Deffers]

Welcome, welcome! Another really nondenominational person saying hi too.

 

[shnurgleton]

I attend a church that is progressive and very service oriented, hi

 

[DarkDetective]

I'm also nondenominational, but my church is heavily inspired by evangelism (the European kind, not sure how much it differs from American evangelism).

 

[Hattoto]

Is Christian-Era active on this thread or any Discord?
I'm a lapsed-Catholic who's become more interested in topics like the historical Jesus and older Jewish-Christian sects like the Ebionites. Wondering if anyone has any deep knowledge on those.

I personally believe the original form of Christianity was a sect indistinguishable from other Jewish schools of thought at the time differing only in the belief that Jesus was the Messiah and that his followers embraced poverty and awaited the literal coming of the Kingdom of Heaven as preached by both John the Baptist and Jesus.

 

[Kinggroin]

Is Christian-Era active on this thread or any Discord?
I'm a lapsed-Catholic who's become more interested in topics like the historical Jesus and older Jewish-Christian sects like the Ebionites. Wondering if anyone has any deep knowledge on those.

I personally believe the original form of Christianity was a sect indistinguishable from other Jewish schools of thought at the time differing only in the belief that Jesus was the Messiah and that his followers embraced poverty and awaited the literal coming of the Kingdom of Heaven as preached by both John the Baptist and Jesus.

Click to shrink...

Have you seen Patterns of Evidence? It's a documentary that follows the work of an anthropologist and archaeologist as they attempt to discover the historical truths (if any) of events depicted in Exodus. Some cool findings there.

 

[Glimlocker]

I personally believe the original form of Christianity was a sect indistinguishable from other Jewish schools of thought at the time differing only in the belief that Jesus was the Messiah and that his followers embraced poverty and awaited the literal coming of the Kingdom of Heaven as preached by both John the Baptist and Jesus.

Click to shrink...

I definitely believe this as well. It's fairly clear to me that early followers of Jesus very much lived out a form of communal wealth and sharing amongst each other.

As interesting as those topics are, though, I certainly don't have deep knowledge about any of it. Those are some very in-depth studies that scholars STILL are very much divided over.

 

[Deleted member 37143]

I definitely believe this as well. It's fairly clear to me that early followers of Jesus very much lived out a form of communal wealth and sharing amongst each other.

Click to shrink...

Which is totally no different to how monastic communities operate now.

 

[Hattoto]

Have you seen Patterns of Evidence? It's a documentary that follows the work of an anthropologist and archaeologist as they attempt to discover the historical truths (if any) of events depicted in Exodus. Some cool findings there.

Click to shrink...

This documentary is also good. It goes into how the oral traditions in the Bible are rooted in a specific group of Canaanite people who transitioned to monotheism and became the Israelites.

As interesting as those topics are, though, I certainly don't have deep knowledge about any of it. Those are some very in-depth studies that scholars STILL are very much divided over.

Click to shrink...

Searching for the historical Jesus is like searching for a sand castle that stood before several tides washed it away. I'm of the belief that after the Fall of Jerusalem in the A.D 70s, the Jesus movement influenced by Paul deliberately wanted to distance itself from Jewish nationalism which opposed Rome, as well as blur out any political implications Jesus' message may have had. That's evident in how the Gospels show a more sympathetic Pontius Pilate while promoting the blame of Jesus' death on the Jews. But Jesus might likely have been a non-violent rebel against the Roman occupation and may have certainly criticized his fellow Jews who profited from the occupation and Rome's imperialism. He ultimately died a death of a revolutionary with the political charge attached to his cross.

I kinda wish we could see more clearly into Jesus' views of the socio-political climate during his time. Those views might be relevant 2000 years later.

 

[Kinggroin]

This documentary is also good. It goes into how the oral traditions in the Bible are rooted in a specific group of Canaanite people who transitioned to monotheism and became the Israelites.






Searching for the historical Jesus is like searching for a sand castle that stood before several tides washed it away. I'm of the belief that after the Fall of Jerusalem in the A.D 70s, the Jesus movement influenced by Paul deliberately wanted to distance itself from Jewish nationalism which opposed Rome, as well as blur out any political implications Jesus' message may have had. That's evident in how the Gospels show a more sympathetic Pontius Pilate while promoting the blame of Jesus' death on the Jews. But Jesus might likely have been a non-violent rebel against the Roman occupation and may have certainly criticized his fellow Jews who profited from the occupation and Rome's imperialism. He ultimately died a death of a revolutionary with the political charge attached to his cross.

I kinda wish we could see more clearly into Jesus' views of the socio-political climate during his time. Those views might be relevant 2000 years later.

Click to shrink...

Thanks for the advice, I'll definitely check it out.

 

[DarkDetective]

I kinda wish we could see more clearly into Jesus' views of the socio-political climate during his time. Those views might be relevant 2000 years later.

Click to shrink...

There's a Bible full of it.

 

[Deleted member 37143]

There's a Bible full of it.

Click to shrink...

Right. One of the reasons Christ spoke through parables was so the universality of appeal of his message through all ages

 

[sphagnum]

Is Christian-Era active on this thread or any Discord?
I'm a lapsed-Catholic who's become more interested in topics like the historical Jesus and older Jewish-Christian sects like the Ebionites. Wondering if anyone has any deep knowledge on those.

I personally believe the original form of Christianity was a sect indistinguishable from other Jewish schools of thought at the time differing only in the belief that Jesus was the Messiah and that his followers embraced poverty and awaited the literal coming of the Kingdom of Heaven as preached by both John the Baptist and Jesus.

Click to shrink...

r/AcademicBiblical has a discord: https://www.reddit.com/r/AcademicBi...m/there_are_more_academic_biblical_resources/

 

[BasilZero]

Hello

I didn't know this thread/OT existed - don't really visit the etc OT as I usually check these forums for news and discussions on video games and movies/anime

I am a member of the Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Christian Church - also known as one of the many groups that fall under "St Thomas Christians".

Nice to know that there are fellow Christians on this site

 

[Deleted member 37143]

Hello

I didn't know this thread/OT existed - don't really visit the etc OT as I usually check these forums for news and discussions on video games and movies/anime

I am a member of the Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Christian Church - also known as one of the many groups that fall under "St Thomas Christians".

Nice to know that there are fellow Christians on this site

Click to shrink...

Wow such a rare denomination. Welcome. What are the fasting practices like in your church?

I am OG Orthodox, btw.

 

[BasilZero]

Wow such a rare denomination. Welcome. What are the fasting practices like in your church?

I am OG Orthodox, btw.

Click to shrink...

Hello, thanks

We typically fast during wed and fri - we end the fast in the afternoon on those days

On days we go for service which is every Sunday here in the US - service starts at 8am and ends at 12pm

Whenever we visit India during the summer (1 month long visits) - we would go to church everyday since the churches in India are open everyday from 7am to 7pm.

Though in those cases once we get ready for church - we wait till the first service ends which in this case would be a 2-3 hour service

There is no limit or restriction on the amount or type of food - just when we can eat , skip breakfast and go straight to lunch on service days

Anyways this is my home church - Mar Thoma Cheria Pally -https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Thomas_Church,_Kothamangalam

I am named after the saint that was entombed over 500 years ago Yeldho Mar Baselios- Eldhose/Basil

Eldhose meaning Christmas

 

[Deleted member 37143]

On days we go for service which is every Sunday here in the US - service starts at 8am and ends at 12pm

Click to shrink...

That's pretty solid by even by Orthodox standards.

How does your Church give Holy Communion? Common cup and spoon?

 

[BasilZero]

That's pretty solid by even by Orthodox standards.

How does your Church give Holy Communion? Common cup and spoon?

Click to shrink...

In the past it would be in a common cup here in the US but now they use small plastic cups (disposable) and the priests give the bread like this

 

[Deleted member 37143]

In the past it would be in a common cup here in the US but now they use small plastic cups (disposable) and the priests give the bread like this

Click to shrink...

Is that because of COVID?

 

[BasilZero]

Is that because of COVID?

Click to shrink...

No , the church I go to started that pre-COVID last year.

 

[Deleted member 37143]

Hey guys just checking in to see how everybody is doing?

It has been a while since anybody has posted in this thread.

 

[Aly]

I'm doing well! Should really post in here more.

 

[BasilZero]

Hey guys just checking in to see how everybody is doing?

It has been a while since anybody has posted in this thread.

Click to shrink...

Doing good.

@OT - So I never really read through the whole Bible, mainly read the Gospels and Psalms whenever I prayed.

Earlier this year I started reading a chapter a day at least from the beginning - currently on the Book of Nehemiah.

 

[Deleted member 37143]

I'm doing well! Should really post in here more.

Click to shrink...

Did your family get over their health issues, okay?

Doing good.

@OT - So I never really read through the whole Bible, mainly read the Gospels and Psalms whenever I prayed.

Earlier this year I started reading a chapter a day at least from the beginning - currently on the Book of Nehemiah.

Click to shrink...

That's something I will endeavor to when I complete my PhD. Does your church read the Gospels on a yearly cycle, like we do?

 

[Aly]

Did your family get over their health issues, okay?

Click to shrink...

My dad and the people I told you guys about have been doing great and recovered just fine. Unfortunately, we did have few other Covid related deaths during that time. Just praying that everyone else stays safe.

Doing good.

@OT - So I never really read through the whole Bible, mainly read the Gospels and Psalms whenever I prayed.

Earlier this year I started reading a chapter a day at least from the beginning - currently on the Book of Nehemiah.

Click to shrink...

I'm wanting to start over myself, however I'm thinking of just doing the New Testament for the rest of the year.

 

[BasilZero]

That's something I will endeavor to when I complete my PhD. Does your church read the Gospels on a yearly cycle, like we do?

Click to shrink...

Yep we do that in our Church too.

I'm wanting to start over myself, however I'm thinking of just doing the New Testament for the rest of the year.

Click to shrink...

Excited to get into the New Testament though I probably wont be able to make it to the beginning of the NT for Dec but that is fine, I'm likely gonna end up reading some verses closer to Christmas time alongside my daily readings.



Christmas this year is gonna be quite different....our service for Easter this year was all virtual.


Gonna be weird.

 

[Marano]

Has any of you watched the bible project channel on youtube, I really recommend everyone ITT check that channel out.

 

[BasilZero]

Has any of you watched the bible project channel on youtube, I really recommend everyone ITT check that channel out.

Click to shrink...

Never heard of it - will check it out.

Looks like they do animation version of stories.

I've always wished/hoped one day that there would be a TV series/animated/live action of the whole Bible story.

I know there's some but those only contain the more popular and well known stories, I mean stories like about the other books and stuff.

 

[Marano]

Never heard of it - will check it out.

Looks like they do animation version of stories.

I've always wished/hoped one day that there would be a TV series/animated/live action of the whole Bible story.

I know there's some but those only contain the more popular and well known stories, I mean stories like about the other books and stuff.

Click to shrink...

They cover biblical themes and have a playlist with an overview of every book in the bible, they are an animation study in portland with many employees, all community funded, I really like their videos.

Come back here and give us some feedback after youve watched some of the videos.

 

[DarkDetective]

Wow nice, I'll check them out!

 

[Deleted member 6263]

Oh dang, I didn't know this was an OT.

Has any of you watched the bible project channel on youtube, I really recommend everyone ITT check that channel out.

Click to shrink...

I've been watching a few of these. Those guys do such a great job of explaining stuff, I really enjoyed the angels one.

 

[Auros01]

So, as Christians, how do interpret and process yesterday's events at the US Capitol?