Christian Forum Site - Blogs http://www.christianforumsite.com/blog.php Christian forums and chat, Bible study, Christian blogs, Christian videos, news, contests and more. Friendly community managed by Christian staff. en Sun, 06 Jul 2008 04:04:24 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.christianforumsite.com/images/misc/rss.jpg Christian Forum Site - Blogs http://www.christianforumsite.com/blog.php I no longer war with Windows http://www.christianforumsite.com/blogs/th1bill/176-i-no-longer-war-windows.html Wed, 02 Jul 2008 15:17:20 GMT .. Since the release of Windows Vista I have been busy learning about a number of the Linux releases. The one that I settled on after six months of testing was Ubuntu. Ubuntu has almost all of the luxuries of Windows and it has none of the dangers of the WinX systems.
.. Mary Jo Foley, a Tech with ZD Net recently asked a question of the Windows Team about plugging the holes (known in the computer world as back doors) in the Windows7 release that is now being developed and the MS people gave the craziest answer I have ever heard. Not quoting, they said that they could not do that because then no one would be able to execute a program on that computer from the internet.
.. Excuse me while I become rude. DUH!!!!
.. Having swapped my entire system over to Ubuntu, I have not had to defrag even one of my computers. I no longer spend all of Saturday evening doing virus scans, malware scans nor any of the other weekly required maintenance that must be performed to keep all Windows units running with a reasonable performance level.
.. Over the years I have found a number of computers sitting on the curb beside the trash can and the only thing wrong with them was that they were so full of programs running in the background that they were unable to run the programs the user needed to run. I used to run HDDErase on them and reload them with the Operating system I was given by a donor and then moved them into the hands of young people to do their school work on.
.. Today I still use the NSA approved HDDErase to clear the harddrives but I no longer need operating systems to be purchased to give these young folks legal computers. I load them up with Ubuntu and pass them along, much more quickly. Ubuntu even come with an Office Suite that is one hundred per cent complete and it works with the ever popular MS formats for documents, slide shows and publisher works. All of it is cost free and I do not know of a veteran, disabled or otherwise, nor do I know of a teenager that cannot afford the cost.
.. I subscribe to a number of Tech and IT news feeds that deal with Microsoft and a few that deal with Linux. The most alarming article I have read recently is one from the MS side of the industry. People that follow the "goings on" are predicting the Windows Market to dry up in 2013.
.. Now, what should you do? The first and best thing I can recommend is to get your hands on a Live CD and begin to find out just how easy the transition is going to be. With the Live CD you are given the opportunity to test drive the system with out changing anything on you computer.
.. May God bless and may you learn to enjoy being on the web as much as I do.

]]> th1bill http://www.christianforumsite.com/blogs/th1bill/176-i-no-longer-war-windows.html The 10 Commandments - What Should #11 Be? http://www.christianforumsite.com/blogs/imaginationx/175-10-commandments-what-should-11.html Mon, 30 Jun 2008 20:20:50 GMT Christian)]]> As many of you know, the Ten Commandments are a set of moral guidelines that were believed to be written by God, and given to Moses in the form of two stone tablets. Many Christian and Jewish believers alike have since revered these historic commandments as a compass towards eternal life.

Much has changed in the world since these criteria were established, and many new acts of deviance and evil have risen. There are new habits and addictions that could not have even been imagined in Biblical times. This begs the question, what should the 11th Commandment be?

To recap for those of you who may have missed Church last Sunday:

1. Thou shalt have no other gods before me. 2. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image.
3. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.
4. Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
5. Honour thy father and thy mother.
6. Thou shalt not kill.
7. Thou shalt not commit adultery.
8. Thou shalt not steal.
9. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.
10. Thou shalt not covet.

So here we are, with our Ten Commandments. From where I’m seated, it seems like there may be quite a bit missing from the list. With a list like this, I’d be pardoned for even my College years. So once again the question is before us, what should the 11th commandment be?

Drug Use
Speaking of the college years, our first option is the use of drugs. We’re not talking about sipping the sacred wine, or even puffing on the holy herb here and there. We are talking about drug abuse, the type that is often a precursor to many of the other sins already set in place by the original Ten Commandments. Let’s focus on the actual drug use, and not the events which may follow. Drug abuse is defined by the Treatment Solution Network as “Habitual use of drugs to alter one's mood, emotion, or state of consciousness”. One could argue that an altered perception of earth would not be the way God intends men to live. Others may say that the Lord would not want men to destroy themselves with such fruits of temptation. Still others may argue that drug abuse only affects the person involved, and does not pertain to religion any way whatsoever. Should the compulsive use of drugs to alter ones perception be deemed a sin in the eyes of the Church?

Pornography
This has been a hot topic now, particularly with the rise of the internet in modern culture. The Ten Commandments read “thou shall not commit adultery”. This certainly leaves a lot of room for interpretation, and much room for debate. It seems that looking at Pornography was never mentioned, probably because there was none at the time. Some will argue that this may already addressed with “thou shall not covet thy neighbor’s wife”. Thy neighbor’s wife however represents a real person, and not a digital or photographic image as is the case with pornography. Should admiring a nude person photo be seen as the next biggest sin in the eyes of the Church?

Masturbation
Not far from Pornography, you’re bound to find a handful of this one. We will treat this separately however, as it does represent a different action. Even the most holy of men must have been tempted on those lonely hot nights in Bethlehem. Many of the churches today will preach that masturbation is wrong, and the modern day equivalent of Adam and Eve tempted by the apple. If it was not intended for by God, how come it was not in the original 10 Commandments? Should having sex with oneself merit the 11th evil on the list of Commandments?

Pedophilia
In the original Ten Commandments, it is said that “thou shall not covet thy neighbor’s wife”. Nowhere however does it state that one should lust after children. It seems like it’s only been the recent past that children can no longer Trick-Or-Treat by themselves on Halloween, or play in the yard without being watched by a parent. The internet combined with Dateline has brought more attention to the evil that lurks behind even the most trustworthy looking individuals. Those predators that lust after children are looked down upon as the dredges of society, and even at the bottom of the food chain in places such as prison. They are the lowest of the low, the real life boogie men of a modern age. Should this be deemed the 11th Commandment in the eyes of the Church? My personal opinion is that we should change the sixth commandment to “Thou shall not kill, unless they touched a child”.

We know there many more that could have been added to this list, but wanted to offer up the blatantly obvious. We felt these would top the list, but look forward to your comments. It will be interesting to see what many of you think would make a good 11th commandment.

Titus Faulk
Christian Gifts ]]> imaginationx http://www.christianforumsite.com/blogs/imaginationx/175-10-commandments-what-should-11.html Praise The Lord. http://www.christianforumsite.com/blogs/daniels/174-praise-lord.html Mon, 30 Jun 2008 03:19:06 GMT I thank the Almigthy leading me in a unique way. Thank you Jesus. :groupray: I thank the Almigthy leading me in a unique way.

Thank you Jesus.

:groupray: ]]> Daniels http://www.christianforumsite.com/blogs/daniels/174-praise-lord.html I will not be posting as much as I used to now as of late http://www.christianforumsite.com/blogs/nearertogod/173-i-will-not-posting-much-i-used-now-late.html Sat, 28 Jun 2008 18:00:53 GMT Hi everyone.
I just want you guys to know I will not be posting as much right now. I do not know when I will be actively joining discussions again; I just haven't been feeling my best with a number of recent losses and personal family problems that have arose.
I also am not posting as much because many of the topics on CFS are not what they used to be.
But, right now, I am not feeling so good. I will probably lurk around watching everything until I feel a little better.
Please keep me in your prayers.
I thank you all for everything you've done.
Thank you for understanding.
God bless
NearertoGod***
 ]]> NearertoGod http://www.christianforumsite.com/blogs/nearertogod/173-i-will-not-posting-much-i-used-now-late.html Martyr Agaphia http://www.christianforumsite.com/blogs/god%2527s_child/172-martyr-agaphia.html Fri, 27 Jun 2008 10:44:24 GMT *The sufferings of martyr Agaphia * It was in the time of Decius’ kingdom who reigned from 249 till 251. When Kintian was a ruler of Sicily (an island in the Mediterranean Sea) everywhere was spread the king’s order to put all Christians to death. A girl named Agaphia lived in a city Panorm (Palermo) in the northern part of the island Sicily. She was a daughter of noble and rich parents who brought her up in Christianity. After their death Agaphia receives large and rich inheritance. When this girl heard the king’s order concerning Christians, she decided to die for Christ whom she loved with all her heart. Kintian the ruler heard about Agaphia’s beauty, nobleness and wealth and had intention to possess her and her inheritance. When he knew that she was a Christian he sent his soldiers to take her. When the soldiers brought Agaphia to the ruler, he ordered to place her in the house of a rich woman who had 5 young daughters. He had ordered them to seduce Agaphia to earthen love and worship idols. But all their efforts were not successful. So Kintian ordered to bring Agaphia to his palace and began to question her. But when he realized that it was impossible to change her mind, he ordered to throw her into a dark and smelly prison. In the morning Kintian called the girl to his judgment seat and asked her if she had thought enough about her health. Agaphia answered: “My health is Christ”. The ruler said: “Deny your Christ and you will not perish in your young age”. The girl said in reply: “You should deny your idols and believe in true God who has created you if you want to avoid eternal torments”. The ruler burned with anger and ordered to hang Agaphia naked on the tree and beat her. When she was beaten, the tormentor said: “Change your mind and worship our gods to stay alive”. The girl answered: “I’m happy in these torments, they are helpful for me and through them I will receive eternal treasures”. The ruler ordered his servants to torture Agaphia harder and then said to them to cut her breasts off and throw her into prison. At midnight Agaphia saw Apostle Paul in a vision. He came to her, comforted and encouraged her and then healed her wounds with a word. Then he became invisible. Agaphia glorified Jesus and for the whole night unusual light was filling the prison so that the prison guards were terrified. On the 5th day the tormentor sat on his judgmental thrown again and Agaphia was brought to him. He said to her: “How long are you going to be disobedient? Make sacrifice to our gods otherwise you will die with a very violent death”. The girl replied: “Who can seek help from wood and stones? I make sacrifice to Him Who has healed me”. Now the ruler saw that she was really healed and he asked in amazement: “Who has healed you?” Agaphia answered: “Jesus Christ, the Son of Truly God”. On this Kintian shouted: “Again you are talking about Christ! I don’t want even to hear about Him”. Then he ordered to strew burning hot tile and live coals all over the ground and to throw Agaphia on them to burn her. But as soon as the ruler’s servants began to fulfill this evil order, a powerful earthquake began in the whole city. The citizens were terrified and ran to Kintian shouting to him to stop tormenting the innocent girl, because they thought the earthquake had happened because of it. Kintian was frightened by the earthquake and people’s rebellion and ordered to put Agaphia to prison again. When the martyr was in prison she raised her hands up and prayed: “I thank You O Lord, that You let me suffer for the sake of Your holy name, that You have destroyed my desire to find delight in this earthen life and have given me patience. Hear me, O Lord, in this hour and let me leave this world and be taken to Your rich and great mercy”. After this prayer she gave her life into God’s hands. That was in 251. When Christians heard about her death they took her body and buried with honor. After Agaphia’s death Kintian the ruler took his soldiers and went to Ponorm to take Agaphia’s wealth and own her inheritance. There was a river on his way which he had to cross. He went up the ferry together with his soldiers and horses and sailed along the river. Suddenly the horses madden and one of them gnawed the ruler’s face with its teeth and made it ugly. The other horse began to beat him with its legs and threw him into the water where he sank. Kintian’s servants spent a lot of time seeking their ruler’s body in that river but without success. After that event no one of the other rulers dared to cause offence to Agaphia’s relatives.
The sufferings of martyr

Agaphia


It was in the time of Decius’ kingdom who reigned from 249 till 251. When Kintian was a ruler of Sicily (an island in the Mediterranean Sea) everywhere was spread the king’s order to put all Christians to death.

A girl named Agaphia lived in a city Panorm (Palermo) in the northern part of the island Sicily. She was a daughter of noble and rich parents who brought her up in Christianity. After their death Agaphia receives large and rich inheritance. When this girl heard the king’s order concerning Christians, she decided to die for Christ whom she loved with all her heart.

Kintian the ruler heard about Agaphia’s beauty, nobleness and wealth and had intention to possess her and her inheritance. When he knew that she was a Christian he sent his soldiers to take her.
When the soldiers brought Agaphia to the ruler, he ordered to place her in the house of a rich woman who had 5 young daughters. He had ordered them to seduce Agaphia to earthen love and worship idols. But all their efforts were not successful.

So Kintian ordered to bring Agaphia to his palace and began to question her. But when he realized that it was impossible to change her mind, he ordered to throw her into a dark and smelly prison.

In the morning Kintian called the girl to his judgment seat and asked her if she had thought enough about her health.
Agaphia answered: “My health is Christ”.
The ruler said: “Deny your Christ and you will not perish in your young age”.
The girl said in reply: “You should deny your idols and believe in true God who has created you if you want to avoid eternal torments”.
The ruler burned with anger and ordered to hang Agaphia naked on the tree and beat her. When she was beaten, the tormentor said: “Change your mind and worship our gods to stay alive”.
The girl answered: “I’m happy in these torments, they are helpful for me and through them I will receive eternal treasures”.
The ruler ordered his servants to torture Agaphia harder and then said to them to cut her breasts off and throw her into prison.

At midnight Agaphia saw Apostle Paul in a vision. He came to her, comforted and encouraged her and then healed her wounds with a word. Then he became invisible. Agaphia glorified Jesus and for the whole night unusual light was filling the prison so that the prison guards were terrified.

On the 5th day the tormentor sat on his judgmental thrown again and Agaphia was brought to him. He said to her: “How long are you going to be disobedient? Make sacrifice to our gods otherwise you will die with a very violent death”.
The girl replied: “Who can seek help from wood and stones? I make sacrifice to Him Who has healed me”.
Now the ruler saw that she was really healed and he asked in amazement: “Who has healed you?”
Agaphia answered: “Jesus Christ, the Son of Truly God”.
On this Kintian shouted: “Again you are talking about Christ! I don’t want even to hear about Him”.
Then he ordered to strew burning hot tile and live coals all over the ground and to throw Agaphia on them to burn her. But as soon as the ruler’s servants began to fulfill this evil order, a powerful earthquake began in the whole city. The citizens were terrified and ran to Kintian shouting to him to stop tormenting the innocent girl, because they thought the earthquake had happened because of it. Kintian was frightened by the earthquake and people’s rebellion and ordered to put Agaphia to prison again.

When the martyr was in prison she raised her hands up and prayed: “I thank You O Lord, that You let me suffer for the sake of Your holy name, that You have destroyed my desire to find delight in this earthen life and have given me patience. Hear me, O Lord, in this hour and let me leave this world and be taken to Your rich and great mercy”.
After this prayer she gave her life into God’s hands. That was in 251. When Christians heard about her death they took her body and buried with honor.

After Agaphia’s death Kintian the ruler took his soldiers and went to Ponorm to take Agaphia’s wealth and own her inheritance. There was a river on his way which he had to cross. He went up the ferry together with his soldiers and horses and sailed along the river. Suddenly the horses madden and one of them gnawed the ruler’s face with its teeth and made it ugly. The other horse began to beat him with its legs and threw him into the water where he sank. Kintian’s servants spent a lot of time seeking their ruler’s body in that river but without success. After that event no one of the other rulers dared to cause offence to Agaphia’s relatives.
 ]]> http://www.christianforumsite.com/blogs/god%2527s_child/172-martyr-agaphia.html Fun times... http://www.christianforumsite.com/blogs/richards/171-fun-times.html Wed, 25 Jun 2008 10:39:25 GMT That was fun, Reinstalling the entire operating system on my PC because I had loaded it with so much spyware and other junk that I couldn't even be IDLE without it freaking out on me. :o

So after completly wiping the old drive clean as a dogs mouth ( apparently they're very clean) I then realized that though I had saved my pictures and music, I lost my various documents and AIM chat logs and all of my D&D PDF books. =/ and possibly a lot more I probably forgot I had.

And THEN installing the drivers, but doing it wrong, and ending up with only a 4-bit color scheme and 800-600 size. :mad: <-- Need more frustrated looking smiley.

and so... I do the entire process All. Over. Again. Taking up about 6 hours of my life.

...but YAY NO POPUPS!!!:D:D ]]> RichardS http://www.christianforumsite.com/blogs/richards/171-fun-times.html need prayer please http://www.christianforumsite.com/blogs/texmesquite/170-need-prayer-please.html Tue, 24 Jun 2008 02:43:51 GMT My name is Shad. I live in Amarillo TX. I have a wife and a beutiful 1 year old little daughter. I was raised up going to The First Assembly of God church and currentlly attend a Methodist church. I am a truck driver and times are getting so tuff on the road I can't make a living doing it anymore and besides I miss my family to much. Some of my past mistakes I made as a young man, before I had my family has caught up with me, such as some unpaid traffic tickets. Times are hard for us and I dont know what to do. I am attepting to raise 3000 dollars witch would help us get on our feet alittle to take care of some tickets and pay bills untill I get a job at home. If anyone could please help us that is a sports collector I have a nice collection to sell. I have a huge tub full of sports cards of all kinds. This collection includes things like; barry sanders rookie card, david robinson rookie card, ken griffiy jr. tiffiny bowen rookie card, a nolan ryan signed baseball, PGA hat signed by phil mickilson jim furke and many more. Also has some origanal return of the jedi cards. This is a huge collection. It has tons more than what I've listed. Please if there are any sport collectors interested we really need the money. We are in despart need right away. Thank you and God bless. I can be contacted at horse_farrier@yahoo.com if anyone is interested. I can also take someone on a hunting trip for deer or wild hogs if interested. Please pray for my family and I that God will help us through this hard time and He may open a new carrier for me. God bless ]]> texmesquite http://www.christianforumsite.com/blogs/texmesquite/170-need-prayer-please.html thought for the day http://www.christianforumsite.com/blogs/sapphireangel7/169-thought-day.html Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:18:53 GMT Isaiah 40:31
Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and will not be faint.

Thoughts on today's verse It is easy for us to live victoriously for the Lord when we soar on eagles wings. It can be exciting when we run and don't grow weary in the work of the Lord, buoyed by his power and presence. But it often takes heroes to keep walking and not faint when trying times come. Keep on walking, brother and sister. The Lord is there when you most fear he has forgotten you! ]]> Sapphireangel7 http://www.christianforumsite.com/blogs/sapphireangel7/169-thought-day.html I am so http://www.christianforumsite.com/blogs/sapphireangel7/168-i-am-so.html Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:15:43 GMT happy to finally be able to blog again. I have found a truly Christian site. My heart is thrilled. God thank You for showing me this site and giving me a place to be. happy to finally be able to blog again. I have found a truly Christian site. My heart is thrilled.

God thank You for showing me this site and giving me a place to be. ]]> Sapphireangel7 http://www.christianforumsite.com/blogs/sapphireangel7/168-i-am-so.html Do we get the whole `Father` bit http://www.christianforumsite.com/blogs/bradm/167-do-we-get-whole-father-bit.html Mon, 23 Jun 2008 13:18:27 GMT Something just floated into this thick head of mine.. better get it down (& quick, Im at work).

Just think about what it really means to call God `Father`.... we seem to take it so glibly, but the gravity of it just hit me.

We are sinful - OK got that, but wait a minute. Our righteousness is like filthy rags. Before we came to Christ we are full of sin, sickness, filth, LOVING (get that L-O-V-I-N-G) every foul & horrid thing, sculpting a godlessness into pieces of fine art. But then, we look to our Saviour, cling to Him and cry woe is me, I am undone. Now NOW we have a spirit that God Himself says we have full right to call `Father`.

Now imagine this, the most wayward, destructive, violent, foul mouthed, irreverent, disrespectful, manipulating, bullying teenage boy you can think of.... I mean the type that is always in trouble with the police, known by the local courts, therapists don't want to touch him, no school would have him, always in fights, brags about how trouble he has caused, face in the local newspapers... you get the point.
Now with this image in mind, he sees you down the street, you as an upright individual and you don't know this guy, you only know OF him...he calls out `Hello father`.
You would recoil in disgust as he comes over to you. Then he starts to badger you to give him money, help him out the latest charges the police have him on, all the while saying how it is not his fault, and maybe going on to blame you for not being there when HE did get in trouble.

You'd throw your hands up and say "Get lost you degenerate, I don't know you!" Rightly so you are better than this, and how DARE he have the nerve to call you his father.

THAT is like most people (in & out of the church) run around with all their sin, all the love that have of everything offensive to God, BLAMING GOD for not endorsing your love of sin and how He didn't jump to your command to give you this-and-that. No wonder He refers to them as Children of Wrath ()

But, so were some of you, but NOW has He reconciled.

How dare we used to call God our father in such a rebellious state, how dare anyone call God the Father of sin. But then, read again Romans 8, 1John 2,Phil 2:15, 1John3:1, Eph5:1 and others.

Think about this rebellious child in your town, think about him calling you sir as his father. The think of how wonderful it is to call God our Father AFTER Jesus has saved us. ]]> bradm http://www.christianforumsite.com/blogs/bradm/167-do-we-get-whole-father-bit.html Support http://www.christianforumsite.com/blogs/larry/166-support.html Sun, 22 Jun 2008 15:20:11 GMT *Hello Family,* *Not a good day for me today as my wife has separated from me. It was an 8 year second marriage for us but her 2 adult sons have abused us from the start, culminating in her having to choose her family or me. So here I am alone again. * *It am so heartbroken but I know that The Lord will never forsake me. I would value and thank you for your support.* *Bless you, :groupray:* *Larry (Australia)*
Hello Family,

Not a good day for me today as my wife has separated from me. It was an 8 year second marriage for us but her 2 adult sons have abused us from the start, culminating in her having to choose her family or me. So here I am alone again.

It am so heartbroken but I know that The Lord will never forsake me. I would value and thank you for your support.

Bless you, :groupray:

Larry (Australia)
]]> Larry http://www.christianforumsite.com/blogs/larry/166-support.html Whats on the outside, shows the inside http://www.christianforumsite.com/blogs/bradm/165-whats-outside-shows-inside.html Sun, 22 Jun 2008 08:19:56 GMT It's race season in the UK, with everyone donning overpriced rags and take to the horse tracks in the name of fashion and high society. Of course it is imperative that gallons of equally overpriced wine and alcohol to ensure they embrace their debauchery with all their strength. The men drown their blood in beer and testosterone to guarantee they act like juvenile primates. Spurned on of course by the women (and I can only refer to them to distinguish the species), dress like cheap harlots, all the time flattering themselves that they radiate true femininity. Hardly, they were spoon-fed that by magazines and TV to promote a `better more confident you`. Just as there is a gaping chasm between fine dining in the palace of the Queen, and what is served at a greasy roadside burger van, so is the difference between a real women and these harlots.



I would be petrified to find out what is REALLY inside these people.... but I reflect and think, if it wasn't for my Saviour, there go I as well. ]]> bradm http://www.christianforumsite.com/blogs/bradm/165-whats-outside-shows-inside.html For He knows our frame, He remembers we are but dust http://www.christianforumsite.com/blogs/bradm/164-he-knows-our-frame-he-remembers-we-but-dust.html Sat, 21 Jun 2008 22:26:52 GMT I spend time (maybe too much time) reading forums about what people think about God. Some people are fully deluded and comfortable for the same. Some have made a convenient idea of God that can be ring-fenced to a harmless section of their mind, brought up when some depth of character is required. Some hang Him around their neck like a lucky charm, hoping for good in this life and to meet Him (maybe) in the life to come if it works out He was all they thought he should be. Some deny His very being, either by grasping straws of science and stupid philosophy But here are others that secrete a disgusting arrogance saying that they will defy God to His face for not complying with their world view. “IF there is a God, when I meet Him, I will defy Him to His face”, or as Bertrand Russell said he would retort to God “Not enough evidence God, not enough evidence!”.


Fools – defy God Almighty will they?? They can't even defy a cancer cell. ]]> bradm http://www.christianforumsite.com/blogs/bradm/164-he-knows-our-frame-he-remembers-we-but-dust.html Martyr Theodor http://www.christianforumsite.com/blogs/god%2527s_child/163-martyr-theodor.html Sat, 21 Jun 2008 15:25:02 GMT The sufferings of martyr * Theodor* In the reign of emperor Antoninus Pius (139-161), commander (military leader) Feodot was a ruler of Pergia. In those days all handsome and strong young men were gathered to serve in the army. Together with other young noble men, a young and very handsome man Theodor was taken and brought to commander Feodot. The commander wanted to put a soldier’s sign on him (like on others), but Theodor refused to accept it, saying: “From my childhood I belong to the Heavenly King my Lord Jesus Christ and I don’t want to be a soldier for any other king”. The commander understood that he was a Christian, so he asked him: “Will you make a sacrifice to our gods?” “I will never make a sacrifice to idols” – the young man answered. Then the commander ordered to beat him violently. After that he asked him again: “Have you changed your mind? Will you be obedient to me and bring sacrifice to our gods?” Theodor answered: “If you have known your Creator, you would have a desire to worship Him yourself”. The commander ordered to make a fire, bring a large iron frying pan, melt a lot of tar, sulfur and wax, put Theodor naked on that frying pan and pour boiled tar upon him. But during the preparations God made a wonderful miracle: a stunning noise came and a great earthquake happened on that same place where the fire and the frying pan were. Then the earth at that place cracked and steams of water came out of the earth, quenching the fire and the frying pan. The martyr stood up harmless and said to the commander: “You can see now this deed which was made not by me, but by Christ, my God, whom I serve. If you want to learn the power of your gods, then prepare another fire and a frying pan, and order to put on it one of your soldiers in the name of your gods and you will see their weakness and will realize all the power and might of my God”. When the soldiers heard it they said to the ruler: “No, our lord, don’t do so with us. But do it with priests of our gods. A frying pan will obey a priest as well as it obeyed Theodor and didn’t burn him”. The commander invited a pagan priest and asked him: “What is your name?” The pries answered: “My name is Dioskor”. Then the commander asked him: “What magic herbs do Christians use to apply an ointment to their body when they go into the fire without any fear and nothing harms them, like it was with Theodor today?” “Christians are not magicians” – answered Dioskor. “But the name of Jesus is so mighty that where it is called with faith, there all witchcrafts are destroyed and demons tremble”. The ruler asked: “Is Christ greater than our Zeus?” “Zeus and all our gods are insensible and deaf idols” – answered Dioskor. “And I beg you not to put me on the frying pan, but if you want to learn Zeus’ power, then put him into the fire himself”. “But who can do it?” – said the commander. – “Who will dare to put a god into the fire?” “Order me to do it” – answered Dioskor, - “and I will do it. If Zeus resists me, then I will believe him that he is a god and can deliver himself from fire”. “Truly you are not a priest now after all your words against our gods” – the ruler said. Dioskor answered: “Like you, I had this wicked faith, but when I saw how this blessed Theodor stayed invincible in all your tortures, and how he was saved from fire, I have learned Christ’s power and realized the weakness of our false gods. Now I have strengthened myself in Christian faith and have a desire to follow Theodor”. “If you say so” – the commander said, - “then go into the frying pan”. At this Dioskor fell to Theodor’s feet and asked him: “Servant of True God, Theodor, pray for me”. And Theodor prayed for him. When Dioskor was bared and put on the burning hot frying pan, he cried in a loud voice: “Lord Jesus Christ, I thank You for joining me to Your servants! Get in peace my soul!” Saying this he died, receiving salvation in such a short time like the robber on the cross”. After Dioskor’s death Theodor was thrown into the prison again. Then he was taken from it for a new torment: his feet were tied together and he was bound tight to the wild horses which dragged him along the city streets being ridden hard. But then the horses fell down near the city wall and crushed, and the martyr was saved by God’s strength. He was untied and stayed harmless to everyone’s surprise. Two soldiers Socrat and Dionicy (who tied the martyr to the horses) told everyone the amazing vision they saw: when the horses were ridden hard, they saw a fire chariot which came down from heaven, took the martyr and then put him safe on the ground. Then they began to proclaim: “Great is God of Christians!” When the commander heard their words he ordered to put them into the prison together with Theodor. Then the ruler ordered to burn a stove for three days and put Theodor and two soldiers Socrat and Dionicy into that burning stove. When this order was fulfilled some heavenly dew fell down on the martyrs in the stove and the fire was quenched. So they were inside the stove like in a fresh and cool place and talked with each other. Here Theodor remembered his mother who was captured by foreigners 3 years ago and brought to Ethiopia together with other captives. He opened God his desire to see her now so that the two soldiers could praise God with him and strengthen their faith. At night an angel appeared to Theodor in a dream and said to him that his prayer was heard. Theodor woke up and retold his dream to the soldiers. And suddenly Theodor’s mother Filippia appeared in the stove with them. She saw her son, embraced him and kissed him with joy. Then she greeted the soldiers and told them how the angel brought her here. Theodor raised his hands up and thanked God. In the morning the commander said to his servants: “I think even a bone hasn’t been left from Theodor and the soldiers who were put to the stove with him. While he was saying this, a guard came to the commander with a message that the fire was quenched yesterday evening and Theodor’s mother came from captivity suddenly and was sitting in the stove and talking with her son and soldiers about God. Hearing this, the commander was horrified. He went to the stove himself and cried to Filippia: “Are you Theodor’s mother?” “Yes, I am”, she answered. Then the commander said: “Give advice to your son to worship our gods otherwise he will perish and make you childless”. She answered: “It was revealed me by my God before Theodor’s birth that my son would be crucified and would praise God with his death”. “So you yourself have assigned death to your son”, said the commander. “Let it be so”. Then the commander ordered to crucify Theodor and to cut off heads of Theodor’s mother Filippia and two soldiers Socrat and Dionicy. Thus the martyrs got their crowns. Theodor was hanging at the cross for 3 days and then he came to the Lord too. Christians took their bodies, wrapped them in expensive cloth, applied fragrances on their bodies and buried them in a special place, praising God.
The sufferings of martyr

Theodor

In the reign of emperor Antoninus Pius (139-161), commander (military leader) Feodot was a ruler of Pergia. In those days all handsome and strong young men were gathered to serve in the army.
Together with other young noble men, a young and very handsome man Theodor was taken and brought to commander Feodot. The commander wanted to put a soldier’s sign on him (like on others), but Theodor refused to accept it, saying: “From my childhood I belong to the Heavenly King my Lord Jesus Christ and I don’t want to be a soldier for any other king”.
The commander understood that he was a Christian, so he asked him: “Will you make a sacrifice to our gods?”
“I will never make a sacrifice to idols” – the young man answered.

Then the commander ordered to beat him violently. After that he asked him again: “Have you changed your mind? Will you be obedient to me and bring sacrifice to our gods?”
Theodor answered: “If you have known your Creator, you would have a desire to worship Him yourself”.
The commander ordered to make a fire, bring a large iron frying pan, melt a lot of tar, sulfur and wax, put Theodor naked on that frying pan and pour boiled tar upon him. But during the preparations God made a wonderful miracle: a stunning noise came and a great earthquake happened on that same place where the fire and the frying pan were. Then the earth at that place cracked and steams of water came out of the earth, quenching the fire and the frying pan.
The martyr stood up harmless and said to the commander: “You can see now this deed which was made not by me, but by Christ, my God, whom I serve. If you want to learn the power of your gods, then prepare another fire and a frying pan, and order to put on it one of your soldiers in the name of your gods and you will see their weakness and will realize all the power and might of my God”.
When the soldiers heard it they said to the ruler: “No, our lord, don’t do so with us. But do it with priests of our gods. A frying pan will obey a priest as well as it obeyed Theodor and didn’t burn him”.
The commander invited a pagan priest and asked him: “What is your name?”
The pries answered: “My name is Dioskor”.
Then the commander asked him: “What magic herbs do Christians use to apply an ointment to their body when they go into the fire without any fear and nothing harms them, like it was with Theodor today?”
“Christians are not magicians” – answered Dioskor. “But the name of Jesus is so mighty that where it is called with faith, there all witchcrafts are destroyed and demons tremble”.
The ruler asked: “Is Christ greater than our Zeus?”
“Zeus and all our gods are insensible and deaf idols” – answered Dioskor. “And I beg you not to put me on the frying pan, but if you want to learn Zeus’ power, then put him into the fire himself”.
“But who can do it?” – said the commander. – “Who will dare to put a god into the fire?”
“Order me to do it” – answered Dioskor, - “and I will do it. If Zeus resists me, then I will believe him that he is a god and can deliver himself from fire”.
“Truly you are not a priest now after all your words against our gods” – the ruler said.
Dioskor answered: “Like you, I had this wicked faith, but when I saw how this blessed Theodor stayed invincible in all your tortures, and how he was saved from fire, I have learned Christ’s power and realized the weakness of our false gods. Now I have strengthened myself in Christian faith and have a desire to follow Theodor”.
“If you say so” – the commander said, - “then go into the frying pan”.
At this Dioskor fell to Theodor’s feet and asked him: “Servant of True God, Theodor, pray for me”.
And Theodor prayed for him. When Dioskor was bared and put on the burning hot frying pan, he cried in a loud voice: “Lord Jesus Christ, I thank You for joining me to Your servants! Get in peace my soul!”
Saying this he died, receiving salvation in such a short time like the robber on the cross”.

After Dioskor’s death Theodor was thrown into the prison again. Then he was taken from it for a new torment: his feet were tied together and he was bound tight to the wild horses which dragged him along the city streets being ridden hard. But then the horses fell down near the city wall and crushed, and the martyr was saved by God’s strength. He was untied and stayed harmless to everyone’s surprise. Two soldiers Socrat and Dionicy (who tied the martyr to the horses) told everyone the amazing vision they saw: when the horses were ridden hard, they saw a fire chariot which came down from heaven, took the martyr and then put him safe on the ground. Then they began to proclaim: “Great is God of Christians!”
When the commander heard their words he ordered to put them into the prison together with Theodor.

Then the ruler ordered to burn a stove for three days and put Theodor and two soldiers Socrat and Dionicy into that burning stove. When this order was fulfilled some heavenly dew fell down on the martyrs in the stove and the fire was quenched. So they were inside the stove like in a fresh and cool place and talked with each other.
Here Theodor remembered his mother who was captured by foreigners 3 years ago and brought to Ethiopia together with other captives. He opened God his desire to see her now so that the two soldiers could praise God with him and strengthen their faith.
At night an angel appeared to Theodor in a dream and said to him that his prayer was heard. Theodor woke up and retold his dream to the soldiers. And suddenly Theodor’s mother Filippia appeared in the stove with them. She saw her son, embraced him and kissed him with joy. Then she greeted the soldiers and told them how the angel brought her here. Theodor raised his hands up and thanked God.

In the morning the commander said to his servants: “I think even a bone hasn’t been left from Theodor and the soldiers who were put to the stove with him. While he was saying this, a guard came to the commander with a message that the fire was quenched yesterday evening and Theodor’s mother came from captivity suddenly and was sitting in the stove and talking with her son and soldiers about God. Hearing this, the commander was horrified. He went to the stove himself and cried to Filippia: “Are you Theodor’s mother?”
“Yes, I am”, she answered.
Then the commander said: “Give advice to your son to worship our gods otherwise he will perish and make you childless”.
She answered: “It was revealed me by my God before Theodor’s birth that my son would be crucified and would praise God with his death”.
“So you yourself have assigned death to your son”, said the commander. “Let it be so”.

Then the commander ordered to crucify Theodor and to cut off heads of Theodor’s mother Filippia and two soldiers Socrat and Dionicy. Thus the martyrs got their crowns.
Theodor was hanging at the cross for 3 days and then he came to the Lord too.
Christians took their bodies, wrapped them in expensive cloth, applied fragrances on their bodies and buried them in a special place, praising God.
 ]]> http://www.christianforumsite.com/blogs/god%2527s_child/163-martyr-theodor.html <![CDATA[Bible study isn't as frightening as it seems!]]> http://www.christianforumsite.com/blogs/billy-bible/162-bible-study-isnt-frightening-seems.html Fri, 20 Jun 2008 14:53:04 GMT Some people feel a great deal of anxiety when it come to Bible study. They say to themselves, "The Bible seems so big. How can I understand it?"


A legitimate question. But the fact remains...


Bible study is a must for the Christian. So it seems the average Christian is stuck between the proverbial rock and hard place. So what's the answer?


Bible study isn't as hard as it looks. I've listed three simple principles to consider when studying God's Word...


1. Have a plan. Don't haphazardly read your Bible. Plan a time, place and book that you'll study. And be consistent!


2. Study, don't just read. Reading through the Bible in one year can be a benefit. But unfortunately most people just read when they try this. My recommendation is, for the New Testament, choose a book and read through it several times.


The Old Testament tends to read more like a story. (After all it is His story!) So read through it book by book. The key is...


...don't rush. Take your time and find out what God is saying.


He put it all there for a reason!

And...


3. Pray, pray, pray! You will understand nothing unless the Holy Spirit aids you. Always, always, always ask His help before you begin. And thank Him when you have learned something through His help.


There's more where this came from! We have these principles and more on our Understanding the Bible page at Bible-Student-Online.org.

God bless! ]]> Billy-Bible http://www.christianforumsite.com/blogs/billy-bible/162-bible-study-isnt-frightening-seems.html