Interesting articles for those hook on pokemon games:

http://www.p4rgaming.com/pokemon-creator-a...ards-satanists/

https://carm.org/what-is-pokemon


UM, I will come back to you on Matthew 7:21-23 probably next week as i'm rushing for my papers (late submission) and I'm travelling this Thursday.

Japanese have different worldview but you as a Christian should have one view only.

In any case, sorry...forgot you are into gaming but this is funny though:

https://www.facebook.com/uniladmag/videos/v...?type=2&theater

I have watched LOTR and Narnia. There are many Hollywood movies are based on Bible themes or similar background. Whether fantasy movies are good for viewers or not it all depends on your own foundation or your own personal experience.



This post has been edited by shioks: Jul 24 2016, 05:36 PM

CS Lewis grew up in Christian family and left the church but returned later due to JRR Tolkien. There are many Christians born into a Christian family, left the church and return at a later part of their life.

CS Lewis Anglican versus JRR Tolkien Catholic, very interesting contrast though. Don't really care if he is freemason or he is free from freemason.

Good article to read on Bible Translation:

http://www.gty.org/resources/questions/QA1...slation-is-best


Which Bible translation is best?

Selected Scriptures October 21, 2009 QA167

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The common question of which Bible translation to use is very important—it concerns the most important words ever spoken, the words of God the Creator. It’s crucial to understand at the outset that behind each version is a fundamental philosophy of Bible translation. You want to make sure the version you use reproduces in your own language what God actually said.

Translation Philosophy

You can separate modern Bible translations into two basic groups—formal equivalency and dynamic equivalency. Formal equivalency attempts a word for word rendition, providing as literal a translation as possible. Dynamic equivalency is more like a paraphrase, trying to convey ideas thought by thought.

Since no one language corresponds perfectly to any other language, every translation involves some degree of interpretation. A translation based on formal equivalency has a low degree of interpretation; translators are trying to convey the meaning of each particular word. When faced with a choice between readability and accuracy, formal equivalency translators are willing to sacrifice readability for the sake of accuracy.

By its very nature, a translation based on dynamic equivalency requires a high degree of interpretation. The goal of dynamic equivalency is to make the Bible readable, conveying an idea-for-idea rendering of the original. That means someone must first decide what idea is being communicated, which is the very act of interpretation. How the translators view Scripture becomes extremely important in the final product.

Sadly, there are many in the Bible-translation industry who have a low view of the Scripture. They think the Bible is merely a product of man, replete with mistakes, contradictions, and personal biases. Many translators today have also adopted the postmodern idea of elevating the experience of the reader over the intention of the author. They make the contemporary reader sovereign over the text and demote the intended meaning of the historic human writers who were carried along by one divine author (2 Peter 1:19-21).

Therefore, it’s vital that you find a translation that represents what the Holy Spirit actually said as faithfully as possible. Who’s interested in some contemporary translation committee’s spin on what they think contemporary readers want to read? We want to read what the author intended us to read, which is what the Holy Spirit originally inspired.

Translation Survey

The most popular dynamic-equivalency translations, which dominate the evangelical world, are the New International Version (NIV), Today’s New International Version (TNIV), The Message (MSG), The Living Bible (TLB), the Good News Bible (GNB), and the New Living Translation (NLT). Of those, the NIV is the most reliable.

The NIV was completed in 1978. Its translators did not attempt to translate strictly word for word, but aimed more for equivalent ideas. As a result, the NIV doesn’t follow the exact wording of the original Greek and Hebrew texts as closely as the King James Version and New American Standard Bible versions do. Nevertheless, it can be considered a faithful translation of the original texts, and its lucid readability makes it quite popular, especially for devotional reading.

The four most popular formal equivalency translations in English are the King James Version (KJV), the New King James Version (NKJV), the New American Standard Bible (NASB), and the English Standard Version (ESV).

The KJV is the oldest of the four and continues to be the favorite of many. It is known as the Authorized Version of 1611 because King James I approved the project to create an authoritative English Bible. Although it contains many obsolete words (some of which have changed in meaning), many people appreciate its dignity and majesty. The NKJV is a similar translation, taken from the same group of ancient manuscripts, that simply updates the archaic language of the KJV.

The NASB, completed in 1971 and updated in 1995, is a revision of the American Standard Version of 1901. It is a literal translation from the Hebrew and Greek languages that incorporates the scholarship of several centuries of textual criticism conducted since the original KJV. It quickly became a favorite translation for serious Bible study.

The ESV is the most recent translation, which stands firmly in the formal equivalency tradition. It is a very solid translation in updated language that aims to reproduce the beauty of the KJV. The result is one of the most poetic and beautifully structured versions that maintains a high degree of accuracy and faithfulness to the original languages.

Translation Choice

Which version is the best to use? Ultimately, that choice is up to you. Each of the formal-equivalency versions has strengths and weaknesses, but they are all reliable translations of the Bible. If you want to read a dynamic-equivalency translation, the NIV is the most reliable.

Ideally, as a serious student of Scripture, you should become familiar enough with concordances, word-study aids, and conservative commentaries so that even without a thorough knowledge of the original languages, you can explore the nuances of meaning that arise out of the original texts.

For more study on Bible translations, the following resources provide reliable overviews and analyses:

The Canon of Scripture, F. F. Bruce

How to Choose a Bible Translation, Robert L. Thomas

The King James Only Controversy, James White

The King James Version Debate: A Plea for Realism, D. A. Carson

Words of Delight: A Literary Introduction to the Bible, Leland Ryken

The Word of God in English: Criteria for Excellence in Bible Translation, Leland Ryken

It is good if one can read the Bible in the original text such as Greek, Hebrew and Aramaic but is still insufficient.

Bible is NOT in English, it is IN Greek, Hebrew and Aramaic. You are probably using a modern English Greek dictionary to come up with that word, which is NOT correct. The NT is in Koine Greek.

Merely using the online translation tools give you some helps but do not give you the full picture. You need to understand the culture and historical background and/or master the language to really know the choice of words or be able to interpret. You cannot use half truth to preach or share half truth as the gospel truth.

I would like to use Matthew 19:5 (KJV): "And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?" as an example as I just completed my paper on this topic.

This is what biblehub.com came up:

proskollaó: to glue to, fig. to cleave to
Original Word: προσκολλάω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: proskollaó
Phonetic Spelling: (pros-kol-lah'-o)
Short Definition: I join closely, cleave to
Definition: (lit: I glue one thing to another), I join (unite) closely, cleave (to), follow as an adherent.

The word cleave means to "cling" or or "Keep close". While retaining the idea of physical proximity, it is used in the OT as a figure of loyalty and affection. The word is used by Joshua of a military alliance (Joshua 23:12), by Ruth of her commitment to Naomi (Ruth 1:14) and of the men of Judah who remained faithful to David during Sheba's rebellion (2 Samuell 20:2). The noun form of the word is used of joining metal by soldering (Isaiah 41:7).

The biblical concept of "cleaving" suggests the idea of being "superglued" together - bound inseparably by a commitment to a life-long relationship. You or I might have used the word love in place of cleave. God used a word which would be less affected by changes in feelings and emotions. Cleaving includes love - agape - a sacrificial commitment patterned after Christ's own example of personal sacrifice.

I personally believe @TheAccountant has rightly pointed out certain issues especially knowing the original text i.e. Greek.

You also need to know the discovery of Dead Sea Scrolls in 1947. You may want to explore more on this area. Take a look of these links based on quick google:

http://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/b...ad-sea-scrolls/
http://www.deadseascrolls.org.il/?locale=en_US
http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsourc...ry/deadsea.html
http://www.christiananswers.net/q-abr/abr-a023.html

Also, on Bible translation again:

https://carm.org/which-bible-version-is-best
https://carm.org/illustration-bible-text-ma...ariant-readings

@unknown warrior, if I don't remember wrongly, you had earlier said your church asked you to be a pastor? If so, I strongly suggest you to attend seminary prior to take up the position. As I have observed during my short participation in this particular thread, you certainly do not qualified to be a pastor yet.

Feel free to exercise your authority by deleting this post and label as Troll if you feel threaten by what I wrote.

I don't have much time to spend on this forum as I have to attend classes every weekend and they are quite heavy loads.

I had earlier pointed out on prosperity gospels and urge you to take a step back, do more research on this area and pray over it.

This post has been edited by shioks: Jul 24 2016, 10:06 PM

Perhaps, Ryannate is right that I do not know what I'm talking especially after those postings have been deleted. But, for your information, I read them before you exercise your power. I didn't want to comment based on knee jerk reaction, which would be my old style. I rather wait for at least 1 day to think through before I provide comments for certain issues which warrant me doing so.

In any case, why amended two to three times and deleted the additions in your reply? I read each of the amendments before this final version. My comments hurts your ego/pride? Personally, pride kills and God gave me dozens of lessons to mellow me down. For this, I give you two verses and this will be the 2nd time I do so in your thread:

1. James 1:19
2. Proverbs 16:18-19

By the way, I got to apologize to you that I didn't know you agreed with yeeck in worshiping Mary. You can take it as I'm hypocrite for "attacking" Mary Worshiping and others. I think you are also "hypocrite" like me. You had earlier in this thread claimed you do not bother reading the postings there but, in actual fact, you and yeeck both diligently reading each other's thread and quickly provide comments / counters in each own thread. And, I'm the hypocrite to point out worshiping Mary and the Catholic rituals, doctrines and etc errors.

I will give credit to yeeck for not deleting any postings except postings related to Freemasonary, which he is not able to defend. Right @tinarhian? He has been consistent in defending his belief through brainwashed Catholic teachings. And, again, credit is given to Catholic for having systematic apologetic training. You took the easy way out. (Uncle yeeck, please tied yourself to a table or chair. Don't fly too high. )

Also, for someone who has been "Christian" for years and claimed now all of sudden doesn't believe anymore and using other religions to compare with what he "had" believed for years. A few here such as pehkay have attempted to show him the way but he continued going in circle. I find this is either absurd or just trouble maker (bear in mind it is a new nick just for this thread), especially he has been able to quote Bible verses. I believe you have also seen my comments in the other thread on this nick. Frankly speaking, I can be cruel and said (based on bible teaching) he is blasphemy or may be he doesn't really know the Lord all these years. You or he can take it as we are stepping on him or condemned him. It is up to you guys.

Heed my advice. Ask your pastors to recommend you to a seminary college. Calvary Church is a Pentecostal church. I think Bible College of Malaysia is affiliated to Assemblies of God, which is also Pentecostal church. I think BCM is in PJ. The other may be Malaysia Theological Seminary, which is a bit far in Seremban. If you don't mind, there are other seminary colleges that are non-Pentecostal in Kuang, Gombak District.

For those who like to see more active discussions, disagreements and/or learning from different denominations theology/doctrines, you can go to ChristianForums.com or CARM.org.

This post has been edited by shioks: Jul 25 2016, 06:27 PM

Moving from cg to cg is creepy?

You don't tell we don't know.

I used to move around a few CGs due to CG member categories such as young adults, or married couples or with kids and also due to location of stays.

But if move around CGs to find beautiful girls , then the CG leader ought to speak to him in private.

Anyway, UW or others may be a better person to share their thoughts in this area especially in M'sia context. I'm more involved in local China context and also CG with members from all over the world.

This post has been edited by shioks: Jul 25 2016, 06:30 PM

You may want to do more research/readings on Judas Iscariot.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judas_Iscariot

You don't have to amend your comments again and again. Like I said b4, I read your first posting before amendment as it is all in email alerts. You can call me hypocrite. I don't mind. I have my reasons of doing what I'm doing over there. But for you to tell me not to tag you as a hypocrite but you calling others hypocrite, isn't this a bit hypocrite?

And, for goodness sake, going seminary doesn't mean has to become a pastor. I suggested you to enroll into seminary to better equip yourself. Seminary college is not about reading and interpreting bibles. It is much more than that. In fact, some of there are courses for counseling, apologetic, Christian Ethics, biblical leadership, theology and etc..

I know quite a number of President, Regional CEO, GM and etc of MNCs attended seminary. In any case, it is up to you to continue with your way and if not following your way is the highway.

Had you attended the seminary, I would think your response and handling of critics would be very different. So, do spend sometimes exploring seminary college.

Also, while I was suggesting you to attend seminary but there is one chap telling you otherwise. I couldn't help it but this passage just pop into my mind when I read his comment:

Matthew 16:23 "But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men."

In any case, this is your thread, you can do whatever you want.

Probably you want to study The Lord's Prayer in details.

Luke 11King James Version (KJV)

11 And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.

2 And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.

3 Give us day by day our daily bread.

4 And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.

Also, look at 1 Corinthians 10:13:

"No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it."

Psalms are quite useful when we are in "some bad times".

Just saw this article after my replied. So just insert this link:

http://www.christiantoday.com/article/3.re....good/91732.htm


This post has been edited by shioks: Aug 2 2016, 09:31 PM

Interesting article:

http://www.christiantoday.com/article/bibl...hores/91895.htm

I'm not trying to imply anything. I'm asking you to do more research/readings.

Oh..Judas wasn't the one? Suit yourself then.

Seems like weather is too HOT for you until you get very agitated by me asking you to do more reading/research. This thread has become a thread of can't making comments/suggestions/views, and especially knee jerk reactions/comments.

I suggested you to do more reading/research as there are different theological interpretations on Judas betrayal. Free Will or something else. I personally find it would be very interesting to read and learn of the different theological interpretations. But, somehow this is a thread of "if you are not with me you are against me fellowship", "prosperity burgers oops! gospels" and "grace".

I'm wasting my precious time in this thread.

Anyway, you win.

one liner for you --> you knee jerk reaction.

Jesus teaches us to seek his Kingdom first before giving us our daily bread.

Abraham, Jacob and Joseph all have trials. Abraham needed God to show him the way. Jacob was shrewd and bargained with God. Joseph was the only faithful servant in all difficult circumstances but he was put through trials and temptation. Also, God allowed Satan to put Job through trials without taking Job's life. All were rewarded handsomely.

Even Jesus was tested 40 days in the wilderness.

There is another passage in New Testament where Peter walked on water. He turned his head on the storms instead of focusing on Jesus and began to sink. So, when we are in trials or bad times, our focus should be on Jesus instead of the storms.

I once read an article on Abraham Lincoln whereby during the Presidential nomination, his team members asked to pray for God to be on their side. Instead, Abraham said to his team members that they should pray that they are on God's side. That's the difference.

I'm sure most Christ followers have at one point in time has gone through difficulties and came out alright.

Personally, at times of adversity, I always remind myself the passage on Peter walked on water and Footprints in the Sand.

One night I dreamed a dream.
As I was walking along the beach with my Lord.
Across the dark sky flashed scenes from my life.
For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand,
One belonging to me and one to my Lord.

After the last scene of my life flashed before me,
I looked back at the footprints in the sand.
I noticed that at many times along the path of my life,
especially at the very lowest and saddest times,
there was only one set of footprints.

This really troubled me, so I asked the Lord about it.
"Lord, you said once I decided to follow you,
You'd walk with me all the way.
But I noticed that during the saddest and most troublesome times of my life,
there was only one set of footprints.
I don't understand why, when I needed You the most, You would leave me."

He whispered, "My precious child, I love you and will never leave you
Never, ever, during your trials and testings.
When you saw only one set of footprints,
It was then that I carried you."

- by Mary Stevenson