Christian Readers discussion

I am on Good Read. and love it
https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...

I can never think of a resolution that I’m likely to remember beyond the first few days. Failure! But I offer you one which will make you think hard, and three which are easy peasy.

There’s also three more answers from authors to the question ‘Why do you write?’ Drop in to

https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog...

and see what they have to say – what drives them?

No ebooks on sale but



PAPERBACK is on Amazon in the US for $4.29 Makes a good present perhaps? Christian themes throughout.

I wish you a happy and healthy new year.

Hi My main blog can be found at https://achristianthoughtfortoday.wor... I hope you find it an encouragement, an inspiration and a challenge on your Christian journey.

First New Blog for 2022: Restart A Purpose Filled Life With These Five Crucial Connections

https://chiptudor.com/restart-a-purpo...

Are Your Beliefs Bible Based or Bible Justified?

I wrote this article on Medium in response to a discussion on "The Bible, Reincarnation and the Parable of the Lost Son". It turned out to also be about how we correctly handle God's word. I hope you find it helpful:

https://medium.com/pelos-press/the-bi...

Here's the blog post for this week:

Lessons From The Bible Story Of Queen Esther

https://chiptudor.com/lessons-from-th...

Travel from Albania to Istanbul and back across northern Greece as a deadly danger approaches on the ‘Friendship Express’… Watch out for bed-time tweets from this story for the rest of the week.

https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog...

https://twitter.com/paul_alkazraji

Most recent blog post:

God's Amazing Miracle From The Bible Story Of Jonah And The Whale

https://chiptudor.com/gods-amazing-mi...

Check your general knowledge of Albania and Greece. Try this easy quiz on Goodreads drawn from my novel ‘The Migrant’.

https://goodreads.com/author_blog_pos...

A satirical poem of mine typed up and posted to my blog.

Psalm 40-09-19

Praise The Company, my soul!
O Company, how great you are!
You are clothed in glass and steel;
you spread out your buildings
across the cities
and built your home
in the penthouse above...

https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog...

My blog: https://pilgrimsprogress.net

My blog: www.booksbymalinalli.com

There is much content out there about the tragic events in Ukraine, but this is my comment piece, posted to my blog recently, on what I have seen and perceived.

From Russia with Love

A woman plays Chopin one last time on a piano in the rubble of her home near Kyiv. A little girl at the Polish border says a window exploded during her city’s siege, and all the batteries in her toys ran out…

https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog...

Robert wrote: "https://robertrdaviscom.wixsite.com/m...

Check out my blog of the Mark of the Beast and the meaning of the 666."

Robert, I enjoyed your blog post. You gave a convincing argument for your theory.

Read a little thriller fiction.

In this excerpt, Jude Kilburn, the main character in ‘The Silencer’, shares his turning point of faith…

https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog...

I post devotions on my blog, and occasional random thoughts or musings (there's a category for both!)

http://lynnemodranski.com/store/devot...

I have a blog that explains the Mark of the Beast and calculates the number 666, through the scriptures and not current events. Check it out. www.robertrdavis.com

Interesting but farfetched!

According to your own quote of Revelation 13:18: "it is the number of a man," not the 'sum of the number of vices.'

Moreover, according to the biblical scholars of the 'New American Bible':

"Each of the letters of the alphabet in Hebrew as well as in Greek has a numerical value. Many possible combinations of letters will add up to 666, and many candidates have been nominated for this infamous number. The most likely is the emperor Caesar Nero ... the Greek form of whose name in Hebrew letters gives the required sum. (The Latin form of this name equals 616, which is the reading of a few manuscripts.) Nero personifies the emperors who viciously persecuted the church." (NAB, Revelation 13:18 footnote)
Best regards,
Carmel.

Carmel wrote: "Interesting but farfetched!

According to your own quote of Revelation 13:18: "it is the number of a man," not the 'sum of the number of vices.'

Moreover, according to the biblical scholars of the..."

Nero doesn’t explain receiving the mark on your right hand or forehead. However, the works of the flesh does. As far as the number 6 being the number of man, the terms flesh and man are typically interchangeable in the Bible.

Those who receive the mark are subject to the wrath of God and will not inherit the kingdom, but will be tormented. This is the same fate of those who perform the works of the flesh.

The Bible is a spiritual book and it points to spiritual effects, even when it refers to material things. What is farfetched is someone receiving an external mark and being condemned by God for it.

Hi Robert:

I'm afraid you're reading things that aren't in the biblical text, not to mention a total disregard of the then-current history.
The 'dragon' portrays the power of evil (Satan), the 'first beast' symbolizes the Roman Empire with its emperors, and the 'second beast' represents the ensuing false prophets.
I don't really want to go into a lengthy discussion regarding the then-current history of the Roman Empire (see Revelation 13:3–8; 17:10, 17:12–13), the references to the book of Daniel (see Daniel 7:2–28), and the popular legends of Nero's resurrection (see Revelation 13:2; 13:12; 13:14; 17:8) at the time.

I've added the opinion of a TEAM of biblical scholars with mine.
Can you back up your opinion with that of a biblical scholar?

Best regards.
Carmel.

Carmel wrote: "Hi Robert:

I'm afraid you're reading things that aren't in the biblical text, not to mention a total disregard of the then-current history.
The 'dragon' portrays the power of evil (Satan), the 'fi..."

Hi Carmel:

I do not know if we have any common ground to actually debate anything, TEAM of biblical scholars or not, since you do not believe the scriptures are the infallible Word of God (please correct me if I am wrong on that point).

That being said, in my blog I do not give the identification of the dragon, first beast or second beast, but rather the blog concentrates on the mark of the beast and its number. Just for your edification I do not believe the first beast out of the sea is the Roman Empire. The beast has seven heads and each head is a different empire. Therefore, only the 6th head represents the Roman Empire. The second beast from the earth, does represent the false prophet, we agree on this point.

What ever your TEAM says about Revelation 13, I believe these rules must be followed. When interpreting the vision of the beast from the sea we must realize there are four distinct visions that must agree, otherwise our interpretation is incorrect. Each vision must include all of the components of the previous vision and what they symbolize (the decoded meaning) has to be consistent in each vision. Otherwise, we are twisting things to fit a theory.

The first vision is in Daniel 2. The second is in Daniel 7 and the third is in Revelation 13. The last one is Revelation 17 and 18. In the first vision (Daniel 2), there are no beasts; a statue of four different materials represents four kingdoms, actually empires. Each empire is in succession. The last empire has ten toes and it is divided. In the next vision (Daniel 7), four beasts from the sea replace the statue. The fourth beast has ten horns, instead of ten toes. Horns represent kingdoms or governments. In addition, there is a little horn that displaces three of the other horns. This little horn by definition must also be a kingdom or government. In the third vision (Revelation 13), one beast from the sea replaces the four beasts also from the sea and the ten horns remain. The little horn has become an image created in the likeness of the beast from the sea. It must retain its meaning of a kingdom or government. In addition, the beast has three more heads (empires in succession) and another beast that rises from the earth. Last, in the fourth vision (Revelation 17-18), the beast from the sea changes colors, but retains all other characteristics. The beast itself becomes the eighth head or empire, which replaces the image created back in Revelation 13. The beast from the earth becomes the Woman. In addition, Babylon the Great is introduced, which is a physical territory connected to the Beast.

All four visions must have one consistent interpretation. If not, then we are bending things in order to fit a particular theory. Therefore, we must carefully consider all four visions when interpreting the meaning of the beasts. For instance, one prevalent theory today is that the little horn represents the infamous antichrist. However, horns represent kingdoms or governments, not individuals. Additionally, how can the little horn become the image, if it is an actual person?

Hi Robert:

What I’m trying to tell you is that you’re misinterpreting the biblical text as well as the ‘spirit’ (intention) of the biblical author.
(1) I asked you for a SINGLE biblical author who supports your opinion, and you didn’t even supply ONE.
(2) I told you that even according to your own quote of Revelation 13:18: "it is the number of a man," not the 'sum of the number of vices.'
(3) I also told you that according to the TEAM of biblical authors of the ‘New American Bible,’
“The most likely [candidate for 666] is the emperor Caesar Nero ... the Greek form of whose name in Hebrew letters gives the required sum. (The Latin form of this name equals 616, which is the reading of a few manuscripts.) Nero personifies the emperors who viciously persecuted the church.” (NAB, Revelation 13:18 footnote)
(4) If this is not enough for you, look at the following Wikipedia link, which agrees with the above; it states,
“666 is generally believed to have been the original Number of the Beast in the Book of Revelation in the Christian Bible. In 2005, however, a fragment of papyrus 115 was revealed, containing the earliest known version of that part of the Book of Revelation discussing the Number of the Beast. It gave the number as 616, suggesting that this may have been the original. One possible explanation for the two different numbers is that they reflect two different spellings of Emperor Nero/Neron's name, for which (according to this theory) this number is believed to be a code.” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/616_(nu....
First-century-CE Jews wrote in ‘code form’ to circumvent the watchful eye of the occupying/ruling Romans. For example, the author of Revelation refers to Rome as 'Babylon'—the nation that previously exiled and enslaved the Jews.
(5) Finally, notice also the biblical author’s CAUTION regarding this number:
“Here is wisdom. LET HIM THAT HATH UNDERSTANDING count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man.” (Revelation 13:18, KJV, emphasis mine)
The author of Revelation, John of Patmos, is telling Christians, “I can’t speak clearly, because the Romans are watching me.” Incidentally, he was exiled to the Roman penal colony of the island of Patmos because of his Christian faith.

You obtained the number 666 by adding the ‘vices’ according to your whim—according to your agenda or preconceived notions, rather. How do you explain the number 616 in the EARLIER manuscript according to your hypothesis? Incidentally, which version would be God’s word the former (the original) or the latter (our version)? Did God change his mind about the number of the beast or your list of vices?

What I am suggesting is that before we go into a lengthy discussion about the visions in Daniel and Revelation, answer this last question (explain the number 616) and, please, supply a more scholarly source for your hypothesis first.

I don’t know what else to tell you to convince you that your explanation for 666 is farfetched and doesn’t hold water. But, hey, if you want to persist in your opinion, knock yourself out: it’s your name that's on the line.

Best regards.
Carmel.

Hi Robert:
I thought I’d add the following video to convince you that the number 616 is indeed the ORIGINAL ‘number of the beast.’
The speaker of the following video is the founder and executive director of the ‘Center for the Study of New Testament Manuscripts,’ senior professor for the ‘Research of Studies of the New Testament’ at the ‘Dallas Theological Studies,’ and consultant for several Bible translations.
Between 1:05:15 and 1:08:45, he confirms and discusses the textual difference (666 versus 616) in two manuscripts that he viewed personally.
As you can see in the following video, the number 616 was found UNDERNEATH (overwritten) the number 666: so it must be an OLDER version of the Bible.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZ5cg....
The speaker is a believer in the Bible’s infallibility. I suggest you view the entire video: it shows how reliable the copying of biblical manuscripts has been.
Best regards,
Carmel.

Carmel wrote: "Hi Robert:
I thought I’d add the following video to convince you that the number 616 is indeed the ORIGINAL ‘number of the beast.’
The speaker of the following video is the founder and executive d..."

Carmel,

You seem to be stuck on this one point and ignoring all of the other points in the blog. However, I do enjoy researching and discussing the Bible. So, I guess we will have another round.

The speaker in the video does not seem to believe in the Bible's infallibility. By his own reasoning, it is because of the many translation variations and no two languages map alike. This produces numerous textual variants (approx. 5500), which is why there are so many translations.

In Revelation 13:18 there is a “textual variant” at the number 666. Some manuscripts don’t read the number 666 at all but instead they read 616. In fact, the oldest extant manuscript containing Rev. 13:18 is a papyrus fragment called P115. This fragment reads 616 as the number of the beast, and if you wish to, you can see an image of this fragment for yourself by searching “P115” on Wikipedia.

Already at the time of the church father Iranaeus (a.d. 130–202), the church was aware of this “variation” between 666 and 616 in biblical manuscripts. Irenaeus writes about it at some length in Against Heresies 05.30.1.[1] Irenaeus defends 666 as the correct number (as do most scholars today), and dismisses 616 as being the error of a copyist, which very well may be the case.

But how could such a variation arrive? It could be a slip of the pen. For example, in English numbers can be designated in multiple ways. For example, someone could use numerals to indicate the number (i.e. 666) or they could write it out with words (i.e., six-hundred-sixty-six). So it is with Greek. They could write out the number with words, or they could indicate the number using numerals. Except, in Greek, they didn’t use Arabic numerals like we do in English, they used letters of the Greek alphabet, and each letter was assigned a value (e.g., α = 1, β = 2, γ = 3, etc.). Thus, the Greek copyist could write χξϛ (with a horizontal line over all the letters indicating that they are to be reckoned as numbers) to indicate the number 666, or by changing the ξ with an ι they would have χιϛ or 616 (as is found in P115). A slip of the pen between a ξ and an ι is not an unreasonable thing to imagine to have happened. So…this is one way in which the variation could have occurred.

By the speakers own admission, there are no original manuscripts, at best we have copies of copies. This by it's very nature introduces the possibility of errors. So, although the oldest manuscript may say 616, it is just a copy and may contain errors. There is no agreement between the ancient manuscripts on the 666 or 616. However, the majority of text say 666, not 616. Besides this Revelation states, it is the number of man (created on the 6th day). This would argue for three 666, not 616. How would 616 relate to man?

The fact that the Seal of God correlates to the Mark of the Beast should answer the debate. Both are written on the forehead. But, only the Mark is written on the right hand. Both determine your final destination. Both indicate ownership. Both can be counted to find their ultimate meaning. By finding the number of the Seal of God. It will lead you to the number of the Mark, which is 666.

Carmel wrote: "Hi Robert:

What I’m trying to tell you is that you’re misinterpreting the biblical text as well as the ‘spirit’ (intention) of the biblical author.
(1) I asked you for a SINGLE biblical author who..."

Carmel,

There was a time when most learned people believed the earth was flat. In fact, you would have been hard pressed to find people that thought differently, but time has proved them wrong.

If all of the scholars agreed with my interpretation of Revelation, I would have never bothered to write about it. Scholars have written about this book many times, but sadly with little real understanding. I would put forth maybe this is because scholars attempt to discern things from a purely human (intellectual) perspective. I try to be lead by the Spirit of God, as well as employing logic and reasoning.

6 Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: 7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: 8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. 10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. 11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. 16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.
1 Cor 2:6-16 (KJV)

If the scholars could have figured it out, then I believe they would have done so already. Most books on Revelation are simply rehashing traditional interpretations with slight variations. There are four basic schools of interpretation the Preterist, Historic, Futurist, and Idealist. Each camp leaves far too many questions unanswered. The Holy Scriptures are the barometer to determine whether my findings are fact or fiction, not the words of scholars.

I will end as I began, the people who did not believe the earth was flat seemed farfetched and their theory didn't hold water, so to speak, but in the long run they were right.

Hi Robert:

I’m glad you are now convinced that a few older manuscripts have ‘616’ (not ‘666’) at Revelation 13:18: which is what the ‘New American Bible’ says.
You make a good point regarding Church Father Irenaeus of Smyrna (c .130–202 CE), in particular, his defense of 666, but you weren’t completely honest: you’ve ‘cherry-picked’ what he says.
In the introduction to 5.30 of his ‘Against Heretics,’ Irenaeus writes,
“Although CERTAIN AS TO THE NUMBER OF THE NAME OF THE ANTICHRIST, yet we should come to no rash conclusions as to the NAME itself, because this number is capable of being fitted to many NAMES” (emphasis mine): https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/010....
Notice that Irenaeus is CERTAIN it is the number corresponding to the NAME of a person whom he identifies as the “Antichrist”—not to a sum of a number of vices, as you propose. Again, this confirms what the ‘New American Bible’ suggests: it is the sum of the letters constituting someone’s name.
On the other hand, Irenaeus graciously admits that he is not sure why SOME (per Irenaeus) manuscripts have 616; he writes, “I do not know how it is that SOME have erred following the ordinary mode of speech, and have vitiated the middle number in the NAME, deducting the amount of fifty from it, so that instead of six decads they will have it that there is but one. [I am inclined to think that this occurred through the fault of the copyists, as is wont to happen, since numbers also are expressed by letters; so that the Greek letter which expresses the number sixty was easily expanded into the letter Iota of the Greeks.]” (5.30.1, emphasis mine)
However, the Greek letter ‘xi,’ ( ξ ) representing the number 60, looks like a 3 facing the other way; it’s a far cry from an ‘iota,’( ι ) which looks like an ‘i.’ In my opinion this explanation is farfetched: especially when one considers the fact that the SAME ‘error’ (never a different/random letter) is made on several (“SOME,” per Irenaeus) manuscripts.
You cite Irenaeus's CONJECTURE to prove that 666 is the ‘God-inspired’ number of the beast, yet you reject his AFFIRMATION that it represents the letters of the NAME of a human being. It seems you pretend to know better than the Church Fathers, not to mention biblical scholars. I suppose it doesn’t matter to you that you might be misinterpreting the word of God (as you believe) and misleading Christians. Nothing seems to deter you as long as you are ‘original’ in your writings.

I disagree with you regarding the number 6 referring to mankind simply because according to Genesis humans were created on the sixth day of creation. ALL land animals were created on the sixth day of creation (Genesis 1:24–31), so I don’t see its relevance.
Besides, ‘six hundred’ or ‘sixty’ are not the same thing as ‘six’: contrary to Arabic numerals, Greek numerals don’t even use the same symbols. Everything is so murky and stretched in your explanation of the number 666: as I mentioned before, it’s farfetched.
You ask, “How would 616 relate to man?” You tell me! The ‘New American Bible’ suggests it corresponds to Nero’s name written in Latin, which was the common language in the first-century-CE Roman Empire.

I read the last paragraph of your message 597 several times, but I can’t understand what you’re trying to convey. I would appreciate if you elaborate since you seem to emphasize it.

Now, in your message 598, you wrote: “There was a time when most learned people believed the earth was flat. In fact, you would have been hard pressed to find people that thought differently, but time has proved them wrong.” This argument seems to have got to your head because you repeated it at the end: “I will end as I began, the people who did not believe the earth was flat seemed farfetched and their theory didn't hold water, so to speak, but in the long run they were right.”
Do you ever listen to yourself to realize how foolish this sounds? I’d want to cover my face with a paper-bag had I written something like that. You probably think you’re the modern-day Copernicus or Einstein: geniuses are few and far between, Robert. It’s OK to express your opinion, but you also have to admit the possibility that you might be totally wrong. Normally, one doesn’t believe one made the discovery of the millennium!

The bottom line is you were unable to find a SINGLE biblical scholar (or Church Father) who supports your view.
If you needed heart surgery, wouldn’t you go to a cardiac surgeon? So if you want to find the meaning of a scriptural passage, wouldn’t it be wise to consult a biblical scholar who has a vaster knowledge than you? What you’re saying is that knowledge counts for nothing; it’s closeness with the Holy Spirit that is most important. As you probably know, Paul of Tarsus, whose passage you quote, was also a VERY educated and knowledgeable person.
The ‘New American Bible’ is a Catholic Bible; Catholics constitute around half of Christianity, and Catholics also believe in the infallibility of the Bible. If you don’t like Catholics, I’m sure you can find Protestant or Evangelical biblical scholars.
While, theoretically, you could be right and everybody else wrong, the odds are astronomically high against you. For example, I could propose that it is possible, at sunset, to touch the sun at the 'end’ of the horizon; nobody would agree with me, of course; but I could make the same ‘flat-earth’ argument you are resorting to. However, it doesn’t mean people are going to pay any attention to me, and chances are I will be proved wrong, anyway. Moreover, it doesn’t follow that my idea is original, either: people might have thought if it and rejected it because they realized they could never get to the 'end' of the horizon. Besides, for what it’s worth, I don’t think that it was only ONE person who first suspected that the earth wasn’t flat; I’m sure that SEVERAL stumbled on the same concept at that time: because of observations like the convexity of the horizon, the hull of a ship disappearing before the mast as it distanced, and so on.
I find your EXCLUSIVE claim to inspiration by the Holy Spirit pride and conceit, which are NOT gifts of the Holy Spirit. What makes you think biblical scholars cannot be inspired by the Holy Spirit as well? Maybe they haven’t ‘found’ what you claim to have ‘found’ because they ruled it out already.

Furthermore, you’re quoting 1 Corinthians 2:6–16 out of context. In fact you completely left out the context. Just prior to it we read, “I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.” (1 Corinthians 2:2, KJV) Even more clearly, just prior to that, Paul writes, “We preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the WISDOM OF GOD.” (1 Corinthians 1:23–24, KJV, emphasis mine) Notice he uses the same phrase “wisdom of God” as in 1 Corinthians 1:7. Paul, clearly, had Jesus’s crucifixion at the back of his mind when he wrote the passage you quoted: he even mentions it again in 1 Corinthians 1:8.
Paul is talking about Jesus’s crucifixion which was equivalent to today’s electric chair: it’s not nice to have on one’s résumé. But God had to allow Jesus to undergo a PUBLIC death, so that after resurrecting him, nobody could dispute his resurrection. That’s the “wisdom of God” Paul is talking about, here; he’s not talking about the inspiration of the Holy Spirit or the interpretation of the Bible. (That’s YOUR interpretation of the text.) Had not God resurrected Jesus, Christianity would never have taken root: that’s the “wisdom of God.”

You also stated, “Each camp leaves far too many questions unanswered.” Well, your interpretation of the number of the beast leaves far more questions.

I see this is not going anywhere. Please forgive me, Robert, but I shall not be replying any longer on this subject (the number of the beast): of course, I’ll let you have the last word on it if you like. Let’s just agree to disagree, for now, and we’ll wait and see where your attitude will take you.

Best regards.
Carmel.

Carmel wrote: "Hi Robert:

I’m glad you are now convinced that a few older manuscripts have ‘616’ (not ‘666’) at Revelation 13:18: which is what the ‘New American Bible’ says.
You make a good point regarding Chur..."

Carmel,

I thought it would be good to debate with someone who has a vastly different opinion than mine. I like to do that so I can see all sides of topic. It think it makes me more informed and keeps me on an even keel. I thought you felt the same, but I was wrong. You seem to be more interested in attacking me and grandstanding, than looking at both sides of an argument. Your attitude is a little too toxic for me. I am a Christian, first and foremost, which to me means, I must walk in love with all people. For this reason, I think it is best that we not engage with each other anymore.

Carmel, I wish you all the best. Be blessed my brother.

Hi Robert:
I apologize for whatever it is that hurt your feelings: I assure you it wasn't intentional; I was simply arguing the point. I guess somewhere along the line I must have overstepped the limit of courtesy.
I suggested we stop the discussion because I realized we can never agree: we simply disagree, period. I did not not intend to shut you up; in fact, if you look back, I invited you to have the last say.
Sorry, again.
God bless you.
Carmel.

No hurt feelings on my part. Be blessed.

Hi. Have you driven up the motorway from Thessaloniki to Kastoria in Greece? You may recognise certain points on the journey in this excerpt from chapter 19 of ‘The Silencer’ novel set in this summer heat.

https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog...

I am currently working through the book of Philippians on my blog. I invite you to join me.

https://chiptudor.com/philippians-112...

What to make of the new Leonard Cohen documentary ‘Hallelujah’… ?
‘I heard there was a secret chord, that David played and it pleased the Lord,’ begins Leonard Cohen’s much-loved song ‘Hallelujah’…

https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog...

I'm currently going through Psalms on my blog... Please check it out!

https://www.booksbymalinalli.com

A comment piece on events high up the news agenda

Albanians risk the choppy waters of the Channel
Comment by Paul Alkazraji.

As I viewed the modern glass towers and the bare-bricked communist era apartments of the Albanian town where I live this summer, my son showed me a TikTok advert popping up on his phone. It was for dinghy crossings to England over the Channel for £5500…
https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog...

This week's blog post is a look at Philippians 4:6-7. Feedback is welcome.

https://chiptudor.com/a-study-of-phil...

Chip wrote: "This week's blog post is a look at Philippians 4:6-7. Feedback is welcome.

https://chiptudor.com/a-study-of-phil..."

Hi Chip, I liked your blog post, thanks for sharing it.
I see you are a member of the Bible Gateway Blogger Grid. I was wondering:
- How does that work?
- What benefit / impact have you seen from it?

Thanks
David

David,

Basically you agree to link to their site with your blog articles, which I was already doing. And they link to your site which gives you a back link. I thought I might also get some traffic from their site too, but that hasn't happened so far that I can tell. So I'm not sure I've gained any noticeable benefit other than, perhaps, a certain amount of credibility from blog grid membership. I guess, however, when you're one voice among so many voices, every little bit helps.

Chip

Chip wrote: "David,

Basically you agree to link to their site with your blog articles, which I was already doing. And they link to your site which gives you a back link. I thought I might also get some traffic..."

Thanks Chip, that's really helpful. I'll look into it.

https://thewilders.substack.com/

Thank you for your kind offer to share our blogs. Mine is https://theamericanfaithandfreedomblo.... When America loses its faith, it will lose its freedom. There is no need to subscribe unless you want to.

Latest blog post:

A study of Colossians 3:9-13 identifies a new self renewed after the image of its creator, finds unity and belonging in Christ, demonstrates Godly traits, and encourages a heart of forgiveness.

https://chiptudor.com/a-study-of-colo...

Not really a blog but my website, which might be described as a series of blog posts :)

www.finaldraftministries.com

This week's blog post:

A study of Colossians 3:14-17 reveals a binding and harmonious love, hearts ruled by Christ, the word's dwelling place, and thankful hearts.

https://chiptudor.com/a-study-of-colo...

My review of 'The Last Battle' by C.S. Lewis.

'a story of adventure, danger, suspense and hope with insightful parallels to the times in which we live in our world'

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

www.finaldraftministries.com

This week's blog post:

A study of Colossians 4:1-5 teaches the importance of steadfast prayer in balanced relationships, for effective Gospel sharing, and walking in wisdom towards unbelievers.

https://chiptudor.com/a-study-of-colo...

My article, "Atheism is Based on a Mathematical Impossibility", has generated a lot of discussion and has been picked up and republished by Biblical Christian Worldview Media Missionaries.
So I hope it might be an encouragement to you.
https://medium.com/pelos-press/atheis...
(https://www.bcworldview.org/atheism-i...)

I share Bible discussions and introductions to Christian authors on my blog at: https://keonlindsey.com/blog/
I also host periodic giveaways and specials that you can see on the main menu.

Hi,

I am David from Faithful Intellect (https://faithfulintellect.com).

You can read our blog here:
https://faithfulintellect.com/engagin...

Mission Statement: We believe that God is the source of all truth and wisdom, and that He calls us to use our minds to glorify Him and serve His purposes. We also strive to explore the reality of creation and culture with humility and curiosity, recognizing our limitations and biases. Our readers are invited to join us in this journey of critical thinking and open-minded inquiry, as we seek to follow Jesus with our intellect by engaging culture with faith and reason.

You can learn more about us here:
faithfulintellect.com/engaging-cultur...

Faithful Intellect wrote: "Hi,

I am David from Faithful Intellect ..."

Hi David, this looks amazing. Congratulations and may the Lord cause your ministry to bear much fruit.

I try to engage Christians and non-Christians on the Medium platform. My article that is generating the most dialogue, expecially with non-Chirstians at the moment is, "Atheism is Based on a Mathematical Impossibility"
https://medium.com/pelos-press/atheis...