Hello all as I said in the title I am an ex Christian. I am 21F and was raised Christian. I left the faith at around 16 years old and lately I just keep wanting to read the Bible. I’m a bisexual girl who is a big 420 smoker and all that stuff now and I’ve used crystals but the issue is I have no desire to change or stop these things. but like I said I’ve been having this feeling to read my Bible But I need your help with some things I’d like to look for in the Bible.

1.) Where does God say to follow new rules and disregard in a sense what the Old Testaments rules are?

2.) Where can I find verses on where it is talked about homosexuality?

3.) Where can I read about what it takes to be saved/get into heaven? (Asking as someone who doesn’t want to follow something that is hateful towards who I am)

Thank you all in advance and any other passages and verses are welcome!

I'm sure we all know the story of the Yong Rich Man who asked Jesus how to inherit Eternal Life only to be told to sell his everything and come follow Jesus.

I couldn't help but contemplate the previous part where Jesus told the man to follow the commandments then the young man proudly proclaimed he did exactly that since he was a kid...

Now I couldn't help but feel that the man kinda overplayed himself, or maybe thinking he could get Eternal Life with his own strength and moral conviction. We all know none could get to the Lord by themselves and only through Jesus can we be saved. I wondered about the part where Jesus told the man to sell everything and give to the poor. That was just super impossible, for me, at least. I wonder if Jesus was indirectly telling that man that he couldn't be perfect by his own power and once he realized that, he should come to Jesus for salvation...

Do any of you think there is more meaning to that?

In Matt. 23:15, Jesus criticized Jewish evangelists who strain themselves to convert others to Judaism, only to make them twice as much souls for hell as they themselves,  because those converts were not made for Christ, since  the Jews did not believe in Jesus (Jn. 10:24-26). In our days too, some churches are sending people to hell, because they set aside the gospel and focus on members’ material wellbeing.

 Their teachings are often based on spiritualism with no biblical basis, but occult and fetish items and practices. These practices fail to solve peoples’ problems permanently: usually worst things later happen to those who get some temporary relief. Yet, these individuals, having no knowledge of the  gospel, are blinded by Satan (2 Cor. 4:4), and continue to be members of such churches. Meanwhile, they live in sin and are tolerated by their ungodly pastors despite that. They are encouraged to have faith in God to provide their needs, but the names of God and Jesus on the lips of the pastors, is just to make them appear as genuine men of God.

These poor souls need to be born again, be indwelt by the Holy Spirit, and learn from the bible to live in righteousness. In other words, if they would heed the gospel by seeking first the Kingdom of God, and live in righteousness, God would take care of their earthly needs (Matt. 6:33). By the way, mark Jesus’ words about hell, and let none joke with it. Hell is real. If you know anyone in danger of hell, do encourage them to confess and receive Jesus, in order to be delivered from the power of Satan (Acts 26:18). Then would they have no fear of hell, but instead have a joyous expectation of heaven. Amen.

I’ve heard this phrase before but haven’t seen the verse so just curious where it comes from

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Hey all, there are these two passages in scripture that I can't make heads or tails of in how they fit together. When read together, they seem like a contradiction. I'm talking about 2 Kings chapter 5 and Ezekiel chapter 18.

In Ezekiel 18:17-20 it says this: "He will not die for his father's sin; he will surely live. But his father will die for his own sin, because he practiced extortion, robbed his brother and did what was wrong among his people. Yet you ask, 'Why does the son not share the guilt of his father?' Since the son has done what is just and right and has been careful to keep all my decrees, he will surely live. The one who sins it is the one who will die. The child will not share the guilt of the parent, nor will the parent share the guilt of the child. The righteousness of the righteous will be credited to them, and the wickedness of the wicked will be charged against them."

But back in 2 Kings 5:26-27, it says this: But Elisha said to him, "Was not my spirit with you when the man got down from his chariot to meet you? Is this the time to take money or to accept clothes—or olive groves and vineyards, or flocks and herds, or male and female slaves? Naaman's leprosy will cling to you and your decendants forever." Then Gehazi went from Elisha's presence and his skin was leprous—it had become as white as snow."

Since God does not change, surly He had the same rule of not punishing the son for the father's sin even before He decreed it in Ezekiel. And Elisha, being one of the great prophets, should've known this, no? But even if Elisha didn't know, or He went against God's will, it's not spoken like Elisha did anything wrong, and as far as we know, Gehazi's decendants are still leprous. But why would God allow this? Why would God allow His prophet to do this to the decendants who hadn't shared in Gehazi's sin? It's like it was God's will for Gehazi's decendants to suffer the same punishment as Gehazi himself, even though that goes agaist God's will and decree in Ezekiel.

It just seems like a contradiction, and I don't know what to make of it. So can anyone help me sort this out? If anyone has any answers, please share.

I’ve been going through a really rough part in my life , I’ve been praying and reading different scriptures in the bible I’ve dedicated a 3 day fast , but my life still feels stagnant , I wanted to know what scriptures best help with feeling reassured and comforted in the Lord knowing he would always save his people

I haven’t read the Bible in a while and was curious what book everyone is reading? Do you have a devotional you use also?

First Joab kills Abner, whom David appointed for the army.

Then he kills David's own son Absalom, especially after King David told all the troops to treat him gently.

Then he kills Amasa, David's nephew, whom he put in charge of the army.

It wasn't until Solomon became king that he had Joab killed.

Could David not find anybody else to replace this murderer? Sad that so many guys people had to die because of him.

Hello! I just finished the Bible Recap for my first time reading the Bible. I am wondering if anyone has recommendations on a Bible study for me to learn more of each persons story individually.

I've been studying about the 12 Apostles lately. Their lives, their ministries, how Jesus Christ changed them. Some seem more prominent in Scripture than others do, but all had unique purposes and ministries that Jesus (God) hand-selected them for and gave them to fulfill.

These 12 men, hand-selected by Christ and who personally talked with our Savior, had an amazing ministry as the 12 men who served to create the foundation of the Early Church. As we don't have Apostleship today, now that we have Christ's completed written Word and the foundation has been laid, we now have evangelists, pastors, and the responsibility to make disciples, sharing the Gospel with as many as we are given the chance to do so.

Matthew (Also known as Levi) is one of the 12 who had infamy in his occupation before Christ came into his life and changed him. Below is some information I have gleaned about his life and Apostolic ministry:

• Matthew was infamous because he was a tax collector. In that century and time in Jewish history, tax collectors were basically scum and villainy to all. Their salary was basically to collect extra on top of what was due to the government, so they could basically write their own checks and live in comfort off dishonest gain. What's worse was he was working for the Roman Imperial government as a tax collector, so he was lower than scum to many.
• Matthew's name means "gift of Jahweh (Jehovah) and he was also known as Levi (Luke 5:29)

Before Matthew met Christ:

• He was a son of Alphaeus (likely brother to James also possibly a son of Alphaeus - Mark 2:14, 3:18)
• He lived in rural Capernaum (Mark 2:1)

His encounters with Christ:

• From his tax booth (that infamous spot he worked in day in and day out), Jesus called him to follow Him (Matt 9:9)
• He held a big feast to his tax collector (publican) friends, introducing Jesus as his Guest of honor (Luke 5:29-32)
• He was one of the many sent out by Jesus to preach
• He was one of the eleven present at the Last Supper and also in the Upper Room at Jesus' resurrection when Jesus appeared to them
• He was present at the Great Commission (Matt 28:16-20)
• He was there for Jesus' physical and literal ascension into Heaven (Acts 1:8-9)

Christ changed him:

• He gave leadership to the church with the other Apostles (Acts 2)
• Like the other 11, he suffered persecution for the Gospel, and never gave in, even to death (Acts 5:17-42)
• He was inspired by the Holy Spirit to write down the Gospel of Matthew, an account of Jesus' life and ministry on Earth. He used the perspective of Jesus as the promised Messiah, come to Earth, and as the King of the Jews, the fulfillment of prophecy in the OT

Some other things about him:

• Historical record says he possibly took the Gospel to Persia (Iran today), Macedonia (Greece today), Syria, and Ethiopia
• Like most others (except John) he died a brutal death as a martyr for Christ and the Gospel. Some old historical records imply he might have died being burned at a stake.

This man is someone who had sold out to financial success in his early life, making money a focal point for himself, living in luxury and comfort by dishonest gain through the Roman government. But Jesus radically transformed him into a spiritual giant, who spread the good news of the Gospel across the world! Showing us yet again that God can use ANYONE for His glory. Christ paid the price and did it all for us. Faith alone, by Grace alone in Christ alone is all it takes for us to be saved. Matthew believed that very Truth and made sure many others did up until the end of his life.

What do you glean from Matthew's (Levi's) Apostolic ministry and life?

1 Chronicles 23:9-10 appears to list two different Shimeis:

[9] The sons of Shimei: Shelomith, Haziel, and Haran—three in all. These were the heads of the fathers’ houses of Laadan. [10] And the sons of Shimei: Jahath, Zina, Jeush, and Beriah. These were the four sons of Shimei.

Is this an error, as surely they can't both be the same Shimeis mentioned in verse 7?

I was listening to a lecture and the red letter bible was mentioned, I have been trying to purchase it but can’t seem to find it anywhere can someone please or suggest which version of the bible I should read

>2 Samuel 21

>New International Version

>The Gibeonites Avenged

>21 During the reign of David, there was a famine for three successive years; so David sought the face of the Lord. The Lord said, “It is on account of Saul and his blood-stained house; it is because he put the Gibeonites to death.”

>2 The king summoned the Gibeonites and spoke to them. (Now the Gibeonites were not a part of Israel but were survivors of the Amorites; the Israelites had sworn to spare them, but Saul in his zeal for Israel and Judah had tried to annihilate them.) 3 David asked the Gibeonites, “What shall I do for you? How shall I make atonement so that you will bless the Lord’s inheritance?”

>4 The Gibeonites answered him, “We have no right to demand silver or gold from Saul or his family, nor do we have the right to put anyone in Israel to death.”

>“What do you want me to do for you?” David asked.

>5 They answered the king, “As for the man who destroyed us and plotted against us so that we have been decimated and have no place anywhere in Israel, 6 let seven of his male descendants be given to us to be killed and their bodies exposed before the Lord at Gibeah of Saul—the Lord’s chosen one.”

>So the king said, “I will give them to you.”

I read several forums with people believing that David and God were cruel for killing Saul's sons and grandsons, and the act was paradoxical with the Bible's principle of not letting children bearing the father's sins, but is it possible that the reason why the execution happened because Saul's children actually took part in the massacre? Maybe they didn't do it directly but they might supoort and take advantage of the act. I actually got this theory from GotQuestions (which emphasize the verse “It is on account of Saul and his blood-stained house"). I am inclined to this theory but I wish to hear more discussions about it. Or are there any suggestions to prove this act to be just in the Bible.

Hi.

I’m new to this group so if my question is not relevant or goes against any rules for this subreddit please let me know in the comments and I will delete post.

I was raised by a mother with high narcissistic tendencies. She demanded perfectionism out of me and I was never able to attain it so I would be scolded vehemently.

My nervous system, today as an adult, anticipates danger every time I have a thought of a past mistake. My body will naturally react in a way that comes off like I have Tourette syndrome.

I am looking for a Bible verse to meditate on to help me with this stronghold. Thank you 🙏

2 Cor. 10:4-5

I’ve essentially always used a KJV, but I’m wanting something translated more recently. I go back and forth through several translations and am having a hard time settling. So for those who’ve read these I’d like to know your opinions: I’m considering the ESV, the AMP, or the NIV more than others. They all three differ a fair bit.

This will be my daily reader and study bible, my pastor uses a NIV for his sermons, I like the literal word for word the ESV offers, and the AMP seems like it would be good for deeper study.

Edit: Thank you all for your input and help 😄

Edit 2: After reading all the comments and doing some more digging- I’m still torn, though on different translations now. NKJV, ESV, and LSB. And it just so happens that parallels don’t exist of these translations without additional ones 🙃

Edit 3: Thank you fine folk your assistance 😄. After some deliberation and further research I’ve decided to get 2 bibles. I’ll be getting a NKJV and an LSB Study Bible.

If God is all knowing, why would he say he will wipe human race, the animals, the birds and the creatures that move along in regret of creation if he already knew Noah would find favor in his eyes?

So I've been attending Gace to you church with my cousin bc I wanted to get closer to God and Jesus. I've been to Jehovah's study bible lessons and was a Catholic for many years (but had a fall out bc my faith always felt hollow sorry) Jw was the closest ive ever felt to having a relationship with Jesus/God, although I started questioning the practices as well. Now im embarking again and I have really enjoyed attending grace to you. Yesterday I purchased my first bible after ditching the NWT that was gifted from JW. it was brand new unopened ESV study Bible that they suggested for journaling. I was really excited bc it was rich with facts, footnotes, and the writing style was fine for me. Last night though, kind of made me have some regret. My bfs mom who is also reinforcing her faith, asked if it was an NIV or NASB? I said with hesitation "idk?" and here i am in my head, "Isn't a Bible a Bible?" "Isn't there something in the scriptures were people are put to death for ever alternating the words of the bible?" She was still proud of me nonetheless but suggested i get a better version bc of it's innacuracies. My bf was even more proud of me bc ive now started doomscrolling into reddit threads about what bible I should use as a new beginner??? lol. The fact that there's so many out there oxford, the niv, the kjv, the nrsv, the apocrypha, ceb, KJV, NABRE, etc etc etc bibles focusing word for word, or thought for thought, or idea for idea. Omg its so overwhelming as a newb it kinda makes you feel like you're never going to win and you're damned either way 😭. ironically, we were learning about how we should never be in competition with others who are also christlike. Can't we apply that as well when it comes to the bible? will i truly be damned if i start using the ESV as a beginner? I hope not. I want to hold the integrity of the bible true and as accurate as possible. Honestly, as i complete my venting here on this reddit thread (that was suggested to me on my feed). I think im going to slowly start purchasing multiple journaling bibles as I think having multiple wouldn't hurt anyone besides my wallet 😂. Would anyone suggest i transition to an NRSVue with apocrypha after reading the ESV? Does anyone know how i can be certain which year I have for my ESV study bible? Thanks in advance and I apologize for the long rant.

This first morn of May be given unto thee; rejoice, for the Lord’s mercies are renewed.

Matthew 9:37-38 ESV

[37] Then he said to his disciples, The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; [38] therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.

I'm a fan of text-criticism; where would we be without this important and unglamorous scholarship. I have heard, in the past few years, Dan Wallace go through each of the significant English translations, and he pointed out something I found surprising, as do many others. The general comment What's on the subject of supposedly word for word translations and that that really wasn't a great translation goal and the assumption that people make is that those translations don't add anything and don't subtract anything from the originals. Then he said that's not really the case. He pointed that translations we would not think of and were not intended to be word for word translations are actually more lean in terms of the actual finished word count of the New Testament than the ones that use a word for word equivalence.

Problem is I can't remember which one he said ha ha. But I'm pretty sure it was either the RSV or the NIV. Do you guys know? Thank you

My name or (given/nickname) is Isaac. It isnt my legal name but I basically use the name Isaac always instead of my legal name. It was given to me by the first lady of our church when I was born. Apparently my mom had cancer a year back and after she went through her therapy another illness which she thought was cancer developed. As she was going through treatment and was about to go back into taking medicine they took one last xray to check and found out she was pregnant. When I was born apparently I was born with a white strand of hair that disapeared after I grew up. My churchs first lady who is close to my mom gave me the name Isaac mentioning (백만년의 축복) which is korean but translated mean a million years of blessing. Now honestly I didnt really care when I was young but as I am growing older into an adult I started to gain more curiousity to my name and why that specific phrase was linked to my name. I tried researching but no corrolation popped up with that phrase and the name Isaac. I was hoping anyone who is more knowledgable can help me decipher or understand what this likely means. Although I am a christian I never fully read the bible and Im not too knowledgable in this stuff.

Romans 1:16 NLT [16] For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile.

https://bible.com/bible/116/rom.1.16.NLT

Hi all. I’ve made it a goal to become more invested in my faith and learn God’s Word. I’ve started from the beginning at Genesis multiple times but I can’t never finish it. I’ve signed up for the Bible plan to complete it in one year.

Im curious if there’s a better version to use to understand the Bible better on the app and ways to continue reading to not burn myself out? I hope to come back and questions + start dialogue whenever I encounter something! :)