General Chat

Here's an answer for you David, and it's just a suggestion off the top of my head. ( me not being religious in the sense that many here are...I am just 'faint but pursuing' in my own quirky way lol. )

If you were a 'higher being' like Jesus ( as son of God), then rather than just appearing as 'yourself', that is as something so far apart from us mere mortals that we wouldn't be able to comprehend ( we still can't can we!) which would frighten and confuse, you would choose perhaps to come in a form us mere mortals COULD understand ( I am reminded of the angel appearing to the shepherds and they were "sore afraid"...if afraid of an angel how much more afraid would one be of the Son of God/God himself suddenly appearing?)

Coming as a baby, with mortal parents Jesus would grow in the way we all grow, from babe to adult, learn and be able to speak in the language of the common people, be amongst them and understand them and the place he had come to. To have them relate to him and vice versa, before revealing exactly what he was??

"Answers on a postcard" as they say. I do not know, so that is where Faith comes in.

The Trinity has always been a mystery to me (and a great many others)

When I was young some tried to convince me he was in Heaven before

his birth from Mary. If he was born human, why did he have need of his parents

and synagogues education if at about 29 /30 years of age he was able to

convince 12 adult men he was higher and perform miracles ? (only asking)

Good evening

Thank you for your concern Cynthia. I have been managing to read the posts which, as always, are most interesting but I have been struggling to find the time to post much. At the moment I feel as though I am running fast and not moving off the spot but I really shouldn't complain as there are many, many people who are worse off than me, including my poor brother who has recently learnt that he must undergo another couple of major operations.

OH has been making slow progress but has shown a good improvement over the last day or two so we have much to be thankful for. Now we wait for the next assessment on Friday.

David, you do write some interesting posts. At least they make me think and use my brain a bit. Going back to one of your earlier posts I am not convinced about Constantine "inventing" the doctrine of the Trinity. I may well be wrong but I would have thought the concept of the Trinity would have been known before Constantine's time. My understanding is that the issue at the Council of Nicaea was over the nature of the Son of God (partially a Trinity question of course). Was the Son begotten by the Father from his own being, and therefore a part of Him and equally holy, or was he made as a separate entity and therefore a lesser being to the Father? The great majority of the bishops came down on the side of the former and so the Nicene Creed was adopted which refers to "the only begotten Son of God...…...begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father...."

I do find this interesting but I have to admit I am not very knowledgeable so I would be happy to be corrected by anyone with a better understanding than me.

My thoughts tonight are with anyone who is sick and in need of healing and comfort, and with the medical staff and carers who look after them.

Yes, (good morning) it was ALL a long time ago Cynthia. The only ones that KNOW are the clergy, the literate of that time.

We either have to have a think, or have Faith <3

Good morning :-)

I guess there are conflicting views on that David.....it was rather a long time ago :-D

Has anyone heard from Vera latterly? I hope all is well...…..

There are people who are struggling with day to day issues and, maybe, life in general.....


Broken Pieces

If you are broken by life trials
and weary from life's defeats.
If you have been badly battered
and have no joy or peace.
Give God your broken pieces
so He will mold them back in place.
He can make them better than before
with a touch of His sweet grace.

If your dreams have been shattered
after much struggle and pain.
Even if your life seems hopeless
God can restore you again.
God can take broken pieces
and He can make them whole.
It matters not how badly broken
God has the power to restore.

So we are never without hope
no matter the shape we are in.
God can take our fragmented lives
and put them together again.
So if you're broken beyond measure
and you don't know what to do.
God specializes in broken things
so His glory can shine through.
--Lenora McWhorter


Cx :-)

Good morning Cynthia. The site I found that about Constantine said

his "interest" in Christianity was military. He was a sun worshipper

At the time of the Council of NIcea there was a great deal of difference

among the Bishops. Was he a man ? was he God ? So Constantine

devised the Doctrine of The Trinity to unify the Bishops

Good morning... :-)

Oooh! What happened to me yesterday? Thought I had popped in......sorry.

Have not heard that one before David. Mind you, I always try to check how 'sensible' a site is before taking things seriously if you know what I mean. There are a lot of people out there who write an enormous amount of rubbish on the faith. I like tried and trusted :-D


For today:

Father, keep me safe from all danger and harm. Let me start this day with a new attitude and plenty of gratitude. Let me make the best of each and every day and give my best in all that is put before me.

Clear my mind that I can hear from You. Broaden my mind that I can accept all things that are of You. Let me not whine and whimper over things I have no control over.

Let me continue to see sin through Your eyes and acknowledge it as evil. And when I sin, let me repent, and confess with my mouth my wrongdoing, and receive your forgiveness. Amen.


Cx :-)

I obviously can't prove it but I read that the mystery of The Trinity

was invented by Constantine at the Council of Nicaea to stop

all the Bishops disagreeing with one another.

Good morning :-)

Thanks David - only managed a quick read at this time of morning, but seems a reasonable article. A convoluted subject indeed.

Today we think of all those who have been ordained in various cathedrals up and down the country over yesterday and today......I use Twitter and have been amazed at the numbers of men and women who are offering their lives in service to Christ. The pictures are fantastic.

The Collect (special prayer) for today

Lord, you have taught us
that all our doings without love are nothing worth:
send your Holy Spirit
and pour into our hearts that most excellent gift of love,
the true bond of peace and of all virtues,
without which whoever lives is counted dead before you.
Grant this for your only Son Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen


The gospel tells of the cost of following Christ.


Cx :-)

https://www.christianity.com/god/trinity/god-in-three-persons-a-doctrine-we-barely-understand-11634405.html

Good morning... :-)

Love the replies :-) :-) :-)


Our journey of faith

As I adventure with you today
be the compass that guides me,
the light that shines on my path,
the only one I follow.

As I adventure with you today
be the word that encourages,
the hand that reaches out,
each time I stumble.

As I adventure with you today
let me glimpse our destination,
and appreciate the places,
through which you lead me .

As I adventure with you today
be the strength I need to follow,
and as the day draws to a close,
let me rest in your embrace.


Cx :-)

Thank you Rose and Cynthia <3

Those photos of earth sent from the moon, it didn't look dark in fact

on some of the photos you could see the shadow of the moon.

The earth rotates on it's axis every 24 hours. It orbits the sun every

365 days giving seasons. The mathematics of the Universe is such that

it is not by chance. Carl Sagan https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QnRZjPweBE

:-) Emma

Nana did God make dinosaurs.

Yes he did.

It doesn't say so in the bible.

That's because God hadn't made people yet
so no one could write about it. :-)

For David https://starchild.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/StarChild/questions/question52.html

Or: God knew we would need sleep for renewal and to dream so turns off the lights when we don't need them. :-D

Good morning :-)


Oh David, if only we had the answers :-D Mind you, the first thing I thought of with the not being able to look at the sun question, was......God created the world but yet, we cannot look at Him......I will cease musing and move on.... :-D

Our Journey of Faith with God...reminding us that He is always with us...

Friday’s Stepping Stone

Father, In my journeying with you,
may I never lose my sense of direction,
never lose sight of the landmark
towards which I travel.
And should cloud or rain obscure my vision,
may I draw closer to you,
so that my feet may tread
in your footsteps,
your words be my encouragement,
and your love my protection
against the storms that assail me.


Cx :-)

Morning Cynthia, isn't life full of mystery ?

How is it that the Sun we orbit, that gives us necessary heat and light, that we

cannot look directly at; how is it that when we get through the atmosphere

space is black ?

I apologise if that's a silly question.

Good morning :-)

It's set to get very hot - please take care in the sun. I tend to admire the sun - from the shade! :-D

Hoping that all is well with Vera and her OH.

Thursday's Stepping Stone.

The Stepping Stone of love and service in the name of Christ

It is not by doing good works that we find our salvation, many people do good works but do not acknowledge Jesus. However, when we have put our trust in Him we now have a desire to share the love we have found, through our words and actions, and that naturally leads to a life directed toward service and mission.

Be the Life I live
Be the Love I give
May this voice
bring words of comfort,
may these hands
be there when needed,
may these feet
walk that extra mile,
may this life
be always centred
on service, Lord, for you.
Amen.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


Scooting across the Stepping Stones of on our journey of faith.. Today’s Stepping Stone….
When feeling a little unsteady…..

We have a God who loves us and has a plan and purpose for all our lives. It is understandable therefore that at times we feel the need to seek reassurance that we are following the right path on our journey of faith, as we seek to do God's will.
God listens. God answers.

Guide us, gracious Lord,
as we make our way
through this week,
your feet revealing
safe paths to follow,
your calming voice
giving confidence
to continue, through
unfamiliar, challenging
and often beautiful places.

As we journey together
in the footsteps of faith
may we never lose
our sense of direction,
keep eyes focussed
upon our destination,
drink from the well
and eat of the bread
that will bring us life,
and hold out our hand
to any who may falter
or stumble along the way.
Amen.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


Thanks David.

Our Stepping Stone on our journey of faith today :


TEMPTATION
Temptation is something that we are all face at some time or other. Even Jesus was not immune to being tempted, from the very start of his ministry to the day when he hung upon the Cross, he was being tempted. Not just in the desert but by being asked to perform miracles to prove who he was etc. – all sorts of things liable to distract him away from his tasks.

Our temptations can often seem trivial, but if they impact on the lives of others then they can be very damaging. God gives us strength to resist and shows us through his Word that although this can be tough at times, it is ultimately rewarding.

“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
(Matthew 26:41)

I vaguely remember this old hymn - one of my grandmother's I think! You can find it on YouTube. Says it all really...

Yield not to temptation, for yielding is sin;
Each vict’ry will help you some other to win;
Fight manfully onward, dark passions subdue;
Look ever to Jesus, He’ll carry you through.
Refrain:
Ask the Saviour to help you,
Comfort, strengthen, and keep you;
He is willing to aid you,
He will carry you through.


Shun evil companions, bad language disdain,
God’s name hold in rev’rence, nor take it in vain;
Be thoughtful and earnest, kindhearted and true;
Look ever to Jesus, He will carry you through.
Refrain: Ask the Saviour

To him that o’ercometh, God giveth a crown,
Through faith we will conquer, though often cast down;
He who is our Saviour, our strength will renew;
Look ever to Jesus, He’ll carry you through.
Refrain: Ask the Saviour

Cx :-)