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.

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.

April 11, 2025

No Way Out

Fight, Freeze, or Flight

Abstract

Christians are in the world but not part of it. As such, there are many possible sources of stress. This article offers an idea to trust God indirectly. This non-intuitive technique does not focus on the stress factor but on God.

Introduction

Sometimes, there seem to be more reasons to live in fear and worry than to be relaxed, doing what we can, and trusting that the rest will work out.

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.

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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.

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.

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�.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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].

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.

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.

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.

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 Ghosts 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 dont 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.

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.

March 31, 2026

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.

March 31, 2026

Scroll down for updates.

When…
- 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
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.

March 31, 2026

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.

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.

July 6, 2026b

Updates Listed Below.

Various Website News
One of an Upcoming Topic and Some Technical

Early June
Presently, all seems to be working on the website but there are areas yet to be tested. Content creation is mostly in Scrivener, sometimes LaTeX for PDFs. Articles are converted to Markdown, then uploaded to a Google Firestorm server configured for a Hugo Static website. Backups are handled by a PowerShell script. Web server articles are posted using command lines. Website content meeting the purpose for which it was created is coming.
Later June and early July
Internet changes interrupted tasks. Computer system drive became unusable. Booting would take two hours, one final backup was completed but it took days. Hard drive replaced. Continuing to make minor corrections in the code as July 5, 2026.
July 6
There are Christians who know they have been called by God to one task or another. Some are wondering how God’s plan will play out for them because they are not seeing it now. The commentaries I have seen and the teachers I have sat under may be correctly explaining Jeremiah 1.5 for some Christians, but not for all. There is a deeper, more potent meaning that I suspect will be briefly touched on in the next article (which is why the Garden series completion is on hold).

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Context + Perspective = CONSPECTIVE

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Recent Updates

Changes
- Garden 3 edited with parts added, in Distant section
- Glossary additions and grammar corrections
- Garden series moved to Distant
- Blog-Devotional, #430d, Get Ready edits
- Water, in More section, preliminary
- Blog-Devotional, #430, Get Ready
- Blog-Devotional, #420, Church (short)
- Blog-Devotional, #410c, God disciplines; edits, additions
- Blog-Devotional, #400, Jesus, communion, flesh and blood
- Blog-Devotional, #380, Jesus
- Blog-Devotional, #370, Sparrow
- Blog, landing page editorial
- About landing page changes, website maintenance complete
- More, Glossary article, parts moved to Units - Materials article, 7/16

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Contact Information

You may have questions, comments, and ideas for this site.

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.

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.

July 6, 2026b

See the About section for recent website changes and other information.

Questions?!
— 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?

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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:
— 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 youre not getting the answers you seek, whether its searching the Bible, attending church services, or roaming the internet. This section addresses the topic of seeking God and hearing His voice.

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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).

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.

• What do we want? We want to be able to testify as an expression of what we have experienced, God is near.

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.

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.

• Weird etymology (pdf)

Sign, God is for you

Je 29.11, this sign has decorative corners. It only fills part of the letter-sized paper.

June 20, 2026 Edition

GLOSSARY

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. This glossary is formatted as a standalone article. Do not consider definitions here as authoritative; they are provided as a convenient way for consistency throughout[1] the website, as well as to clarify meaning.

June 20, 2026

Note area is at the bottom of the page.

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430d

Get Ready

Suppose you were invited to speak to a group of Christians as a teacher, preacher, or evangelist. What would you do to prepare? Christian concepts you have been researching can be an appropriate topic. Jesus faced major spiritual battles, and He was always prepared. HE was without sin, and yet He prepared.

(Joh 17:19 NRSV) And for their sakes I sanctify myself, so that they also may be sanctified in truth.

June 20, 2026

For how to have peace with God, read the article
A Good First Prayer. (below)

More

This area of the website is for articles and downloads.

The subject of most articles in this section indirectly supports the purpose of this website. The article, Journaling, promotes an idea outside of direct spiritual encouragement. Journaling may be thought of as an administrative task or paperwork.

The downloads include signs, diagrams, forms, and art. administrative ideas for living as a Christian, and art. An example could be a sign or art, meaningful to some people but not all people.

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.

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)