(Part 2) Best products from r/Christian

I'm so glad to hear you are a Christian now. If you haven't heard of them before, this kid has an amazing testimony, just thought it would bless you since you were raised Mormon.

LInk here

Also, his mom, Lynn Wilder, wrote Unveiling Grace on their journey out of Mormonism. If you look her and Micah up on youtube there are lots of great videos. I enjoyed it! Glad to hear you have some good friends who are believers. I'd love to hear your testimony if you want to share. I pray God continues to bless you <3

So first off, just because someone put a Masons label on that version of the KJV doesn’t reflect on the KJV as a whole. The overwhelming majority of KJV Bibles have zero ties to Freemasonry (in fact it’s going to be a statistically insignificant percentage of KJV Bibles DO have ties to Freemasonry), and are probably the single most commonplace translation in the English speaking world. That being said, KJV would NEVER be my recommendation. We have learned too much about ancient culture and language since 1611 to consider it viable for study. NKJV is significantly better, but there are far better options.

That aside, there is no such thing as the single “true” translation. We are wholly unable to provide such a translation, even if you have complete knowledge of ancient Hebrew and Koine Greek (which is impossible to obtain) due to the context of the written Word spanning over 6000 years itself.

The most accurate English translation for academic theological study across the spectrum (not only by most individual denominational backgrounds but by secular academia as well) is widely accepted to be the New Revised Standard Edition (NRSV). Second most accurate is the most recent version of the New International Version (NIV). I would recommend a good study Bible in either translation (in other words, not a “specialized” study Bible such as the Wesley one that I really like a lot!) over anything else. If I had to pick a third best, I would probably say ESV for ease of understanding, but I would never use it for serious study, and it’s such a distant third for my own use behind the other two in my opinion that it’s hardly worth mentioning.

My personal approach is to use NRSV for academic and personal in depth study as well as sermon preparation and NIV for personal reading and readings during services

Edit to include a link: this is an outstanding NRSV study Bible on Amazon

I think it is important to be a bit more clear. There is a difference between Col 3:2 (Setting your affections on the things above) or Philippians 4:8 (what ever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is... think on these things) and what you are describing. What you are describing is the “power of positive thinking”. In one case, positive thinking tries to make us be or feel better by changing the way we think. In the biblical case, changing our mind transforms us from glory to glory. In positive thinking, it is about what makes us feel or be better, in the biblical case we worship and glorify our God. In positive thinking we narcissistically put the emphasis on us, in the biblical case we focus on our Creator and all glory and honor is his.

This might sound nit picky, but I think it is important to make this distinction that the secular world and its atheistic or even spiritualistic mindset sees as self help. This differs in goal. The secular goal is about me, the Christian goal in changing the way we think is about God.

As a husband who has played his share of video games, I know how it's easy to lose track of time in them. Try to make a compromise with him and his time on them. Tell him you want to spend time with him while he's not distracted. Have something in mind to do. My wife would often say she wanted me off the games, but I would get off and literally sit there with nothing to do.

Right now his priorities are out of order. He needs to be off the couch and making sure the house is taken care of. Let him know in a loving way that you can't be expected to work all day and come home and do all of the household chores also. If he wants to be a home maker he actually has to do the job. It would probably be best of he went out and got a real job, but you need to wait for the end of your enlistment so you can take over at home. Your GI Bill is transferable to your spouse so you may be able to get him to start school when you get out.

Don't give up on him. It may take a long time for him to change. I always was the one with a job but I spent most of my time drinking with friends or playing games. I still do both, but now it's once or twice a month instead of every night. One of the things that helped me was reading a book called Act Like Men. I will post a link. I know when I was at that stage I did not want to read anything, so I will put the authors YouTube on here as well. Don't be surprised if he rejects all of it, I would have. He may need to find all this out on his own. It took me over 10 years of marriage.



Act Like Men: 40 Days to Biblical Manhood https://www.amazon.com/dp/0802457193/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_C11XAbGXT6FGV

https://youtu.be/BkYaV_A7zfA

+1 For John Gottman's 7 Principles for Making Marriage Work. I just read it and was blown away by the solid advice backed by the science of decades of research/observation of couples in Gottman's Love Lab.

He basically says the Mars/Venus book is bollocks.

2 biggest take aways:

1. You need to be each other's best friend. You need to know your wife deeply and be involved and engaged with her on a daily basis. Care about her life.
   
   
2. Your wife and her needs are more important than you and your wants. There are a hundred different things that annoy her or that she wants a specific way and it wouldn't make any difference to you - so remember those things and do them. Even if you have to spend a little extra energy or time - do them. Happy Wife, Happy Life.

I'm on a similar side, my parent's are not technically atheists, but they just don't care and my dad openly mocks me for going to church. I also don't like going to church, because the Catholic Church is kinda corrupt in my opinion. I'd suggest finding an academic bible-study meetings, I've been invited to one community and I was blown away how warm and intelligent those people were, also very decisive about making a positive change in the world and in themselves.

When it comes to doubts, I get them aswell. What works for me is to look at the theories that don't say - "God exist, therefore His commandments work", but "God's commandments work, therefore there is something transcendent behind them".

Nice fuel for thought on the Old Testament - also the new Shapiro's book seem to be on a similar page. I didn't read it yet, but I've seen a lot of interviews with him where he states that judeo-christian values are what made the Western society far better than it is. Speaking from a Polish perspective, my nation was literally supported by God with overthrowing russian communist rule and becoming independent.

There are a lot of reasons why Matthew Vines' position is not right.

Rather than explaining it myself, here is a review from some theologians:

• Tim Keller
  
• Albert Mohler
  
• Aaron Zubia
  
• Tom Gilson
  
• Various Theologians
  
• Christians With Same-Sex Attractions Weigh in on Homosexuality-Bible Debate
  
  Additionally, Matthew Vines made a response to Kevin De Young's 40 questions to same-sex marriage affirmers who identify as Christians here.
  
  To these 40 questions some theologians responded:
  
  
• Dr. Michael Brown
  
• James White
  
  Further to this, if you want to read a book on homosexuality that is written by a same sex attracted Christian, I heartily recommend Is God Anti-Gay? by Sam Allberry.
  
  This guy has been touring across the western nations talking about the topic. Here are a few of his talks on youtube:
  
  
• Is God Anti-Gay?
  
• Sexuality, Identity and Christianity: Who am I?
  
  I heard him speak when he visited Adelaide and he was well worth listening to.
  
  I know there is a lot of content here, but it is important that you explore what others have to say, both about Matthew Vines and homosexuality from Christian theologians before you make up your mind on the topic.
  
  God bless.

Definitely - here it is:

Neil Anderson - Freedom from Fear

It's a wonderful book. I struggled with anxiety issues for about 15 years and found freedom through this book. The author is a professional counselor and shows how to tangibly get rid of anxiety and trust in Christ. The book starts a bit slowly but ends powerfully on how to trust in God through the thick and thin.

Hmm. There are so many to choose from. Perhaps the following will be enlightening to you.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/0875421849

or

http://www.amazon.com/dp/0380015390

or, if the above aren't enlightening enough, I highly recommend

http://www.the600club.com <---very good Christian spiritual literature.

Hope that helped :)

Yes!
To add to the list of (modern) books that you could look into (because these eloquent writers tell it better than I could ever paraphrase), I'd recommend "The Great Partnership: Science, Religion, and the Search for Meaning" by Jonathan Sacks -- Amazon link here: https://www.amazon.com/Great-Partnership-Science-Religion-Meaning/dp/0805243011

I was leading a Disciple class at my church for a while. As well as helping out with the church middle school youth group when I can. I've had to step back a little from helping out as much as I want to. I had hopes of starting a community game night at one point. Hard to put one together when I'm the only one pushing for it.

I've volunteered with cleaning up during the week, taking care of the prayer path last year. I'm always willing to help out what I can.

There is a book called Single, Gay, Christian that I think will be really helpful for you. Excellent read.

Kudos for searching for truth.

https://www.amazon.com/Single-Gay-Christian-Personal-Identity/dp/0830845127&ved=2ahUKEwiOqNr3uqvdAhULC6wKHZp9CIcQ5OUBMAh6BAgIEAE&usg=AOvVaw1crMNJeltEBE0vHvJgEp9f

First of all, I want to say that I do not believe that logic is superior to emotion. They are equal from my point of view, and I think God endowed humans with both of them so that we can use them together to better discern our world. One of the most powerful verses in the Bible is John 11:35 - "Jesus wept." Even though Jesus logically knew that He could heal Lazarus, He was still overcome with emotion with the humanity in the grief of Lazarus' friends. If Jesus cries and gets emotional, then we sure can too.

Moving on, I should say that I'm a feminist, and while I can appreciate and respect other theologies that have different roles for women, I oftentimes find them to be incompatible with my personal beliefs.
I believe that women and men are spiritually equivalent. In our physical reality, there are differences in what we can do. Men tend to be stronger, and women can give birth. But our spiritual souls transcend our physical reality, and our souls are equal in the eyes of the Lord. We are spiritually equivalent. Rebecca Groothuis has a great discussion of this in her book, found here: https://www.amazon.com/Good-News-Women-Biblical-Equality/dp/0801057205

Some Christians will disagree with the following, but I believe that because women are spiritually equal to men, we are also equal in our capabilities of spiritual leadership. (The Apostle Paul seems to disagree with this notion... not sure if this is the place to get into that, but I can discuss it if needed).

Another interesting discussion of women in Christianity can be found in Sally McFague's book here: https://www.amazon.com/Models-God-Sallie-McFague/dp/0800620518/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1521686251&sr=1-1&keywords=models+of+god

Basically, being a woman is just as fine and dandy as being a man from my point of view.

I can recommend some very good books that show scientific proof and some with historical proof.

The Language of God is written by Dr Francis Collins. Dr Collins is the head of the human genome project aka the project that mapped the whole human genome. His book reconciles faith and science and shows why the do not have to be exclusive. He is a world renowned and recognized scientist. https://www.amazon.com/Language-God-Scientist-Presents-Evidence/dp/1416542744

The Case for Christ is written by Lee Strobel. Strobel is an award winning journalist. He was an atheist and set out to prove that Christ was not the son of God nor did he really exist. The book shows all the historic evidence that he found. https://www.amazon.com/Case-Christ-Journalists-Personal-Investigation/dp/0310209307

If you are searching for proof than I recommend reading both of these books.

I also challenge you to critically read the Bible and think of what it is saying and meaning. When the gospel was being spread and Christianity was taking root many people were still alive who witnessed the things recorded.l, but seriously don't take my word for it investigate it yourself.

You were bullied. Have you let go of the trauma? Have you forgiven your bullies? Have you blessed them? Thanked them? The spirit of fear, resentment, depression, timidity can follow you for decades unless you take care of these issues. I know from personal experience. It took me 20 years to process it fully. But bad experiences can also be turned into a strength as you help others.

I see you have the desire to grow, so I’m gonna link you to my favorite book on spiritual growth. It’s free on Kindle. It’s so powerful that it completely turned my life upside down as God started refining me for his service. This method of praying will dig up and process every roadblock that stands in your way.

I'm teaching a class on Screwtape at my church this summer! Right now I'm reading Letters to Malcolm: Chiefly on Prayer, which acts as a good companion piece to Screwtape, though it's not a proper sequel.

I also recommend Pilgrim's Progress. If you're not a brave reader of 17th-19th century lit, find a modern English version. Either way it's a bit of a wade, but definitely worth it.

This is pretty much exactly what you're asking for. But it's a bit weird since it is a Catholic translation with all of the books you would expect in it but with a study guide written by protestants that doesn't exactly match Catholic teachings. You might be better off looking for a genuinely fully Catholic bible.

https://www.amazon.com/GNT-Student-Bible-Philip-Yancey/dp/031092720X

Maybe something like this might help you decide:
https://douglasbeaumont.com/2017/06/23/choosing-a-catholic-study-bible/

there is a book about this by david pawson here https://www.amazon.com/Once-Saved-Always-Perseverance-Inheritance/dp/0340610662

his summary is this

unless you wilfully reject God you are saved

since in this quotation one thing is missing:

>38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

>39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

from the King james version

we ourselves are missing from this list so if we reject God then we are lost if we do NOT reject God and stay faithful unto the end then we are saved