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Luther Part 3
March 1, 2025 DRAFT Version
Luther - Part 3
See the end of the article for the series description.
Emotional Health
Recall personality traits reported by Sproul. Below are paraphrases of the unpleasant descriptions of Luther from the video.
- Luther was so extreme by the use of ’elevated’ (actual word: bombastic) that some thought he was mentally ill.
- Luther was arrogant.
- Modern psychoanalysis suggests Luther may have been emotionally ill.
Predictably, Sproul questions the correctness of psychoanalysis performed 500 years after the subject has died. However, let us list options for how to understand Luther’s issues.
BibleInterp-2Tradition
February 28, 2025
Bible Interp-2 Tradition
ArticleSubTitleHere
Abstract
This article offers a procedure for seeking old, perhaps centuries-old, explanations of Bible verses.
Personal Note
To those experiencing a sense of conflict in the Christian Faith,
First, this website will contain some harsh information. For some, this personal note is one such place.
Ask yourself, what is Christianity? Is it agreeing that God’s Word is true? What is God’s Word? The Bible? Or perhaps it is the well-accepted doctrine and theology you have been taught by men and women who have demonstrably moved the kingdom of God forward? What did you decide to give your life for? We use binary-choice questions to work toward insight.
Bible Interpretation-1, Easy
March 1, 2025 additions, clarifications, edits
Bible Interpretation - 1, Easy
Easy Interpretation
This website has been created to offer ideas to people experiencing difficulties staying in the faith and running the race to completion.
(Mat 24:13 BSB) But the one who perseveres to the end will be saved.
Abstract
This article provides one straightforward approach to interpreting scripture.
Letter to You Who Are Disenchanted with the Church
Your reason for disenchantment with the church is respected. But more importantly, you are loved. You are truly and deeply loved. We are not referring to a commitment family and others may have to you. You are loved by people who, as an emotion or feeling, love you. You may not know their names, but they know of you, perhaps some of what you are doing, and love you. This love is not reasonable; it is not logical. It sees past your deeds and loves you. If we examine this love from the evolutionary perspective of what strategy best supports the survival of the species, or in this case, the survival of Christianity, it is counter-intuitive; it seems self-destructive. You may have heard the following verse quoted.
Luther Part 1
March 1, 2025 edits
DRAFT version
Luther-Part_1
Martin Luther: Fully Surrendered? A Deficit Remains?
See the end of the article for the series description.
Luther’s Extremes
Abstract
Martin Luther wrote and publicly displayed 95 Theses, which opposed some of the church’s teachings. From this, the Reformation was born. Accounts described his emotions as causing problems for those who were around him. Today, a medical professional might prescribe treatment. Yet God used him. How might we understand how Luther’s education, emotions, and one or more authorities worked together for the glory of God? This paper proposes that Martin Luther was the ideal person to bring about a significant change to Christianity.
Luther Part 2
March 1, 2025 edits
DRAFT version
Luther - Part 2
Martin Luther: Fully Surrendered? A Deficit Remains?
See the end of the article for the series description.
Confessions
Goto end for series synopsis.
Abstract
This abstract approaches the topic differently than the abstract in part 1.
This paper, in three parts, offers a reason why God chose Martin Luther. If God’s choosing were equated to God controlling Luther, then for many believers, the outcome would be less impressive. Here is why: most Christians believe that God made people with free will. As beings created in His likeness, with a free will to choose to love our Father or reject His love, we who choose Him are excellent choices for an all knowing God to spend eternity with. Free will to make good choices and bad, learned temperament possibilities, and various inherited characteristics all work together to make a very complicated person; each person that has ever lived is complicated�.
One Divided by Zero
November 12, 2024: Editing needs to be completed. November 19, 2024: added notes at end
1 ÷ 0
Identifying an Experience of God
Abstract
Many believers have testified to an experience of God. The nature of the experience can change over time. There are many reasons for this. One is that the working of the Holy Spirit matures the Christian preparing them for various ministries. The believer being prepared for ministry is a sign of trust; God trusts the believer, but we must also trust Him.
Prayer, the Breath of Life
October 4, 2024
Prayer
The Breath of Life
The following contains parts from another article, plus some additional content. This will likely be copied into a future article in the Conflicted section.
What percent of our day should God be on our mind?
(Act 12:5 NKJV) Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church.
(Jos 1:8 NRSV) This book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth; you shall meditate on it day and night, … For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall be successful.
Theology and Doctrine
October 3, 2024
Doctrine and Theology
Website Purpose
This website is intended for those who are struggling with the faith. As such, the hope is that by describing the Christian faith somewhat differently, people may find a reason to stay in the faith and the church. One way is to clarify what is actual versus metaphor. Literal or figurative.
This Article is Intended to be a Work in Progress (WIP)
Some people leave an organization due to being conflicted about what it teaches. This article will be developed over time to cover various church teachings from mainstream viewpoints. Some content below also appears in other areas on this website. The release date of this part had been intended for a later date. The wording of our expressions regarding the website needed clarification.
Judgement: Right? Wrong?
September 14, 2024 DRAFT
Judgment, Right or Wrong
Are We Held Responsible for All Shortcomings?
Abstract
This short article describes a method for determining innocence or guilt when out of compliance with God.
This Website
This website is a safe space for all, no matter where you are on your spiritual journey. You may have a healthy, robust spirituality or starting to doubt Christian teachings. We’re here to provide ideas that are perhaps alternative to the ones you are beginning to doubt.
Spirituality Changes
August 30, 2024 DRAFT 2b
Spirituality Changes
Many people start life with no sense that God is real. Although occasional testimonies can be found proclaiming something different. Let’s look at a few ways many people have changed perspectives on what an experience of God is like.
Non-Christian, No knowledge About God
Person: There is no triune God.
- Interpretation: No revelation, inspiration, or teaching leading to understanding.
Non-Christian Raised in the Church
Christian Revival
August 10, 2024 November 6, 2024, Edited
Christian Revival
Christians Awake!
I have heard increasing talk about revival. At a recent service, the speaker said the country’s revival would not come until Christians have a personal renewal, which includes repentance. After brief contemplation, many would agree. Some believe the sins a Christian commits pose no spiritual risk to their standing before God. This belief is a comfort to many. An alternative perspective is that knowingly opposing God’s will creates a sense of guilt in the believer, and as with Adam and Eve, they perceive a rift. The rift is in a relationship that only exists through the Spirit, between God and a person. Whatever rift may exist, God’s nature has not changed; the person chose to disobey.
Journaling
July 11, 2024
Journals
- Definitions
- Types
- Facts
- Archival
- Summary
- Additional Information, Resources
- Additional Information, Electronic
- Additional Information, Speculation
Introduction
There are several reasons to journal, and one of the most inspiring is how it may be used in the future. Future uses could be a review of your experiences, or perhaps a descendant will find inspiration through it. Whether you record your thoughts with a small voice recorder, pen and paper, or a computer, journaling can lead to a new understanding of oneself and perhaps something about God. It can also serve as a record of a business transaction or a scientific experiment, but the real magic lies in the journey of self-discovery.
Burdened
June 27, 2024
Burdened
We all have burdens from time to time. Sometimes, the burden is heavy and overwhelming; we cannot foresee a good way out. This is where a friend or prayer partner is helpful. The Bible speaks highly of good friends.
(Pro 18:24 GNB) Some friendships do not last, but some friends are more loyal than brothers.
Some believers regularly schedule time in prayer. Nearly all believers turn to God when their burden is too heavy for them to carry. Mr. Berdind Beleever, hereafter Mr. B, has heavy burdens. He has accepted tasks in several areas of life with the best of intentions, although he has yet to learn how he could accomplish some. Additionally, Mr. B has felt confident in his ability to make things better in other areas. But his belief and sincere intention only sometimes coincide, falling short of his hoped-for outcome. So Mr. B struggles to cope with the burdens, which seem to grow heavier. Mr. B needs help. One afternoon, he goes to a place of prayer. He knows God can help, and with a tear or two, he cries out to Jesus for help. He has chosen to trust in God and act on the following verse to the best of his ability.
In the Garden - 2
JUNE 8, 2024
In the Garden 2
The Garden of Eden Articles One and Two
About the Eden Articles
- In the Garden-1: Being Adam, this informal article offers an idea about what it may have felt like to be Adam before the first sin was committed.
- In The Garden-2a, Loving Adam introduces a method of reasoning that may be useful for anybody, but in particular for anyone feeling conflicted about the faith.
- In the Garden-2b. If parts of Genesis contain strong proof of God’s love of Adam, then what is one way we should understand the love of God? This is a “work in progress” (WIP) and may be split off as a standalone article in Conflicted.
- In the Garden-3, Sin in the Garden. This is in the Conflicted part of the website but since it is a WIP (Work in Progress) it may be reworked.
God’s Affection for Adam
How we treat our children will influence what they are like as adults.
When It Absolutely Must be Done Overnight
June 28, 2024 various changes
2nd DRAFT, will be updated with editing results.
Several edits, an addition to free will in the context of divine encounters.
When it Absolutely Must Be Done Overnight
Dreams, Trances, and Visions
Why does God use trances, dreams, and visions?
God uses trances, dreams, and visions for several reasons.
Visions, often described as mental images God bestows during wakefulness, and trances, a state of mind akin to wakefulness, are two distinct yet interconnected divine experiences. This paper tends toward dreams and trances. Most of the dreams, visions, and trances recorded in the Bible are inspired by God[^1].
Discussion About God
February 27, 2024 Edit
Version 0.1
Special Discussion Protocol
(Exo 33:20 NKJV) But He said, “You cannot see My face; for no man shall see Me, and live.”
Deep Respect
Thoughtful attention to God’s character and capabilities gives us a sense of awe. This naturally inspires a deep respect for God. We believe that respect is the foundation for what some would describe as a beautiful relationship between the creator and the created. This website is committed to a deep respect for God at all times.
In the Garden - 1
February 19, 2024
Version 1.01
In the Garden 1
The Garden of Eden Articles One and Two
About the Eden Articles
- In the Garden-1, Being Adam: this informal article offers an idea about what it may have felt like being Adam before the first sin was committed.
- In the Garden-2, Loving Adam: a few clues in Genesis may be used as evidence that God loved Adam.
Being Adam
What did it feel like to Adam when he was together with God?
Sometimes, we see something in the Bible that appears extraordinary and important, but we do not understand it. Whatever it means, we can’t make use of it.
Blog - Various Topics
February 22, 2025
Below, you’ll find diverse ideas, commentary, editorial opinions, and other content. While these may explore topics that do not directly relate to the website’s core purpose, they all align with our mission to provide helpful content in other areas of life, how they may or may not relate to religion.
This website primarily focuses on religious topics, which could help Christians wishing to return to a life where God is at the center. This blog page contains posts that may relate to Christianity but are outside the website’s core purpose. Areas will probably include laws, rules, regulations, ethics, morality, truth, reality, etc.
About-4 Error
January 23b, 2024
Version 1.1
About 4 - Erroneous Beliefs
The About series is an optional website position statement. For a description of the About series, go to the end of the article.
World Religions and Cults
Introduction
This article is not core content and does not meet the purpose for why this website was created. This article describes the relationship between website content and other beliefs, including those some would say are erroneous.
About 2 - Intersection
January 6, 2024
January 30, 2025 Conditions clarifications
About No. 2 - Intersection
The About series is an optional website position statement. For a description of the About series, go to the end of the article.
Introduction
Listed below are some of the factors that have intersected spawning this website. Some factors are a condition or spiritual state, while others are an event.
Conditions
Recent Events
The Need
The published stories of highly successful Christians can be encouraging or a source of jealousy. If anyone is jealous, remember that success costs something; you may want to look for verses that teach that we serve a God of abundance. In addition to evidence of success, there are reported cases where a well-known Christian has dropped into obscurity, perhaps out of the faith. Whether a Christian is famous or not or earns a living from a ministry, we can all enter into faith challenges that stymie our Christian experience and diminish our support of the church. This website offers ideas that may help anyone undergoing challenges in the faith.
About 1 - Strategy
January 28, 2024 (various word edits)
About - 1 Strategy
The About series is an optional website position statement. For a description of the About series, go to the end of the article.
Introduction
Many factors shape the content of websites, including this one. God inspires people; people do works, people consecrate the works, and we trust that God will work through them. The Holy Ghost’s presence can empower each believer and the church. Without His presence, Christianity would be weak. All world religions continue because humankind has an innate capability for the supernatural, the spiritual, the eternal part of us. When people exercise their capacity for the supernatural, they don’t always comply with the best that can be found. Largely, we look where our parents did. This website offers distinctly Christian ideas that the reader may find helpful for resolving challenges in the Christian faith. Challenges that defy resolution from one perspective - - may not from another.
Success Under God's Plan
Most recent edit June 1, 2023
Success Under God’s Plan
Let’s Learn from Others and Avoid a Pitfall
Pray that all Achieve God’s Amazing Plan for Them
Preface
A previous weblog (blog), “messiah,” became an article. After carefully considering the article, it coalesced into two subjects: advice to all Christians active in the faith and cult error. This website is intended for Christians eager to move forward. This website is not intended to comment on cult errors.
Bread-Breath
March 1, 2025
BnB
The Bread and Breath of Life
Bible + Prayer + Fellowship + Worship = Spiritual Health
Spiritual Health + Time = Growth enabling ministry
The basics of the Christian life are prayer, Bible, worship, and fellowship.
A senior Christian (spiritual maturity) said on a Tuesday night in the early months of 2023 that there was a lot to learn by studying Jesus. I thought she was right then, and I continue to discover lessons to be learned in Jesus’ life. For example, Jesus prayer.
Distant
February 7, 2025
Scroll down for updates.
When… |
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- God is silent… |
- God seems distant… |
- divine inspirations become rare or cease… |
- love becomes a commitment and not the expression of an emotion… |
Many will testify to having an experience of God. Most say that our sense of God being near is not continuous. This will be addressed later.
Love |
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Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 1 Co 13:1 |
Many will testify to having an experience of God. Most say that our sense of God being near is not continuous. This will be addressed later.
Conflicted
March 1, 2025
This website is being constructed. As such, various parts will be changing, mostly to add new material but also with edits to posted content.
The Types of Conflicts that Fit this Site’s Purpose
There are many sources of feeling conflicted. This website is limited to a few of these. This website focuses on beliefs contradicting what we can see and touch and all other life observations. Although belief may conflict with life observations, those sources build each of our beliefs.
About 3 - Analytical Perspective
December 13, 2023
February 14, 2025 edits
About 3 - Analytical Perspective
The About series is an optional website position statement. For a description of the About series, go to the end of the article.
Is this Website Right for me?
This website approaches spirituality from an analytical perspective.
The formal areas, Distant and Conflicted, are a primary focus of this site. They are a response to people’s expressed needs. Other parts of this website are generalized and intended for all readers.
About
March 8, 2025
Various Website News
Verses and their concepts in one part of the Bible connect to other parts of the Bible. This website seeks to offer ideas to reinvigorate Christians who would like to change. With this in mind, we will provide Christian testimony and some rational belief statements about our faith.
Contact Information
You may have questions, comments, and ideas for this site.
To contact us send email to: contextperspective3@gmail.com
1 - Preparing for Conflicted Beliefs Discussion
February 7, 2024 Rewrite
Version 0.1
1-Preparing for Resolution of Conflicts
This website is intended for believers dealing with one of two challenges. One, God seems silent or distant. Two, a feeling of conflict regarding the faith.
Introduction
Some believers are wrestling with contradictions in the faith. Some believe their spirituality could be better or have been better if not for the sense of contradiction. We will present some ideas for dealing with those later through a series of tests. Before getting started, let’s make sure we are practicing good spiritual habits: Spiritual Nourishment.
CAUTION: Power
WIP (Work in Progress) Pre-DRAFT
SEPTEMBER 08, 2023 Edit
From him the whole body grows, fitted and held together through every supporting ligament. As each one does its part, the body builds itself up in love. (Eph 4:16) The NET Bible
Realization: We Need the Holy Spirit
1. Many Christians have testified to God making a difference in their lives. |
2. Some Christians have testified to performing a task, or having an inspired thought that would not have been possible without the Holy Spirit (H.S.). |
3. As you shift from a defensive Christianity (focus on resisting temptation) and begin to participate with God in furthering the Kingdom of God, you will undoubtedly receive help from the Holy Ghost. Consider it a gift from God when you realize He (H.S.) is making it possible for you to do whatever it is. |
4. As you become aware of how the H.S., you must remember that we each have a different role in the body of Christ, our local church congregation, clergy, and staff. |
Conflicted? God is Silent?
March 8, 2025
This site is under construction.
See the About section for the updates list and other information.
Questions?! |
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— Do you have questions about the Christian faith? Do they arise out of your church experience, conversations with friends, or perhaps how was it lived out by your parents? In your current situation, are you experiencing doubts? |
— Perhaps you’re looking for resources to help friends, co-workers, or family members who are unsure and uncertain, maybe taking steps towards disbelief? |
This site contains a number of articles and blog posts designed to assist you navigate this landscape of doubt and uncertainty. You will find them organized into different topics, with a central emphasis on two themes: |
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— Are you “conflicted”? Perhaps you love Jesus but dislike church. Maybe you like some Christians you know, but disagree with their politics. This section contains articles related to themes of frustration that occur when the practice of following Jesus runs headlong into the realities of a broken world. |
— Do you feel that God is “silent”? Perhaps you recognize some of the conflicts mentioned, and you’re not getting the answers you seek, whether it’s searching the Bible, attending church services, or roaming the internet. This section addresses the topic of seeking God and hearing His voice. |
At this point you should ask about the validity of the viewpoints expressed here. Is this a church website? A ministry? What do they believe and where are they coming from? We’ve put a page together to address the faith background of the author(s), and we welcome questions from readers. You can find it here under the About section (see menu at top of this page).
God Seems Distant, Silent
SEPTERMBER 07, 2023 Edited (text edits, added links to verses)
Keep doing what you know you are supposed to be doing. If you have stopped the daily practices the Church teaches, then schedule a date (today) and time to start.
Blessed is the believer whom the master finds at work when he comes. (paraphrase) Matthew 24.46 (NKJV)
Stay involved. Keep your eyes open, be looking for the Lord at work.
Consider asking for prayer. But do not be disappointed if you are unable to detect a change.
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What do we want? We want to be able to testify as an expression of what we have experienced, God is near.
Jericho, Light, and You
October 5, 2023: Edit (Original Post: September 2023)
My advice to everyone, believers and unbelievers, is to find a good church and attend their main service each week. If God is involved, and I think He is, you really do not know what can happen - when He moves.
On a Sunday morning early in 2023, I sit in the audience enjoying the worship music. Regardless of how you explain worship music, it can direct our hearts and minds toward God, - - and - - lead to an authentic experience of God that is best described as worship.
Downloads
August 10, 2024
Weird and Time Interplay Chart
The diagram is based on notes from Words for Granted - An etymology and Linguistics podcast, Episode 3: Weird, by Ray Belli
Our understanding of science shapes our worldview. Our worldview is also shaped by religious beliefs, teachers, observations, and more. Sometimes our worldview shapes ideas we are willing to consider.
Sign, God is for you
Je 29.11, this sign has decorative corners. It only fills part of the letter-sized paper.
Tag: Definitions,meanings
About Words - Site Glossary
March 1, 2025 Edition
About Words
Introduction
There are many sources of confusion, compounding exhortations to one another and attempts to explain the faith. It is always good to define terms, although not necessarily where they are used. So, this glossary is formatted as a stand-alone article. Do not consider definitions here as authoritative, they are provided as a convenient way for website authors to clarify meaning.
Jesus’ teachings included cryptic content and clearly understood content. Examples of cryptic or secret teaching were the times Jesus would explain something to His disciples after the crowds had left. For this website, we intend to share everything that could encourage others to advance in the faith. For now, we trust God to cloak any website content a reader is unprepared to receive.
Tag: Blog,weblog,devotional
Blog - Devotional
March 8, 2025
Note area is at the bottom of the page.
350b
The Mind
I heard a sermon where the presenter was released from being enslaved to bitterness. The release occurred during worship music at a church service. It reminded me of how vital worship of God is, and that for no other reason than He is God. Which reminds us of the importance of choosing what we fill our minds with.
Tag: Prayer, Meetings
Prayer Meeting Preparation
AUGUST 31, 2023 Last Edit
2nd DRAFT Editing in progress.
Do you have a prayer time with others scheduled?
“…your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.” Mtt 6.8 (NKJV)
Why do we pray?
One answer is that holy scripture supports prayer.
…in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; Philippians 4.6 (NKJV)
There is another reason we bring our concerns to God. To request a favor from a superior requires humility.
Tag: Salvation, Heaven, Peace, Forgiveness
A Good First Prayer
Salvation
How to Go to Heaven
Why do People Need a Savior, to receive forgiveness for all their wrongdoing (there’s-no-other-way).
Sins “. . . all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” Romans 3.23 (NKJV)
God Calling “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.” Revelation 3.20 (NKJV)