My ladies.
How are you? Ready for the weekend or what? So am I. It has been a long week, hasn’t it?
As some of you may know, one of my greatest joys in life is to sit around a table, coffee in hand, discussing biblical and theological issues. This is why my dream job is Research Assistant at Living Proof. Now most of my closest friends are not really into these sort of endless rants and I need them in my life because without them I would drive everyone including myself absolutely crazy. But, I am curious about YOU. So I have two questions to ask you.
What biblical/theological/doctrinal issue(s) do you wish you were more educated about?
What biblical/theological/doctrinal issue(s) are you tired of hearing people bicker about?
Talk to me. Each of you have your own unique voice. And I want to hear it.
Love,
Melissa
P.S. If you were by any chance getting a little prideful about your baking skills and you need a power-packed dose of very sweet humility, check this out.
A lady who loves decorating cakes and who has five children under the age of 8 baked this lemon cake covered with fondant for her Esther study group. She was inspired by the work-book design. Look at the incredible detail. Not to mention the worn out work-book. Absolutely stunning. You are my hero!!!
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1. I would like to know more about true salvation, false conversion, and backsliding (what is backsliding really?). I know that we can never really know someones true spiritual condition, but there seem to be so many people out there believing they are saved but have no evidence, or, they believe Jesus just wants them to be happy (ie. "I can sin and it's okay, I'm forgiven"). How does the Bible say we are to respond to these people, especially if they are people we can't just cut out of our lives?
2. I'm tired of hearing people debate over predestination and free-will. It depresses me 🙂
Katrina
Wilmington, NC
Hi Melissa,
To answer your first question, I wish I were more educated in the Bible as a whole. I've studied for years but can't seem to grasp HIS unconditional love for me. I've said it, taught it and can believe it for others, just not so much for myself.
TO answer the second question, I'm so tired of hearing people bicker about "eternal security" and how we're supposed to be baptized in Jesus name ONLY or Father, Son and Holy Spirit. This list could go on and on but I'll stop here.
Thank you for asking!
1. Would like more study about living the Christian life in today's un-Christian environment. How to apply biblical truths to life without appearing judgmental or prudish. Real life application tips.
2. Sick to death of "end-time" debates! Enough already! I think God will surprise us all when the time comes. Spend more time living this life He gave us today and praising Him for today.
Susan D. from San Antonio, TX
Oh, how I would love to learn about the history of the church – how we got from the apostles meeting together to the churches we sit in on Sundays!
Love this post! That cake is amazing!
I most want to know God. I love studying the Bible and even though it takes books to sometimes help me understand, I want most to know God and not what man or denominations have to say. Denominations are man made and therefore flawed. Don't get me wrong, I have my own, but I know that it has its flaws and I seek to know more.
What I am most tired of is people thinking that they have the subject of worship tied up because they sing a certain type of music (I am talking about both sides here!) DRIVES ME CRAZY! God is so much bigger than anything we can think up. When I feel like I am the closest to worshiping correctly is when I feel the most humbled by who I am and how amazing God is. Music is just a byproduct. Worship is as big as God and we will never get that one figured out on earth, but I can't wait to see it in heaven.
Thanks for all you do!
Tracy
Ozark, MO
1. i'd love to learn more about so many things, but lately hearing the voice of the Lord.
2. enough arguments about the Holy Spirit and His role
Have you ever wondered, "What's up with the yeast?"
OT dietary laws are being proven out in doctors offices all over the world. The Lord knew that eating animals fats, eating bottom feeders (where pollution shows up first in the food chain)etc. was not good for our bodies. Even such things as dealing with mildew are being scientifically validated.
I understand (sort of) when the Lord used the properties of yeast to teach the disciples. However, maybe there is a physical reason that once a year they were to rid their homes of yeast?
Anyone else wonder about such stuff?
I absoulutely LOVE doing a study on an entire book in the bible. I am just finishing the patriarchs with a group from my home church. I would love to know how to study "deep" on my own when I am inbetween studies. How to start?
I dislike the bickering about different denominational differences…Jesus is the only ONE who matters…I like how Beth describes it…spine issues or rib issues…c'mon!
Loving you all,
Gina Kelley
Wethersfield CT
Hi Beth, my family and I just finished your bible study on Esther. I really enjoyed it, and I especially like the way you explained it in your dvd's and your workbook. It made it very easy for me to make it thru the 9weeks. We are eager to start another one. Can you give any suggestions. I learned a lot about myself during these 9 weeks. Thank you so much. Gwen Lee
Maybe it isn't really a doctrinal issue, but I have wanted to study Kind Hezekiah for some time now.
1. Predestination…While I believe in it, I think, I have a hard time explaining it and "rationalizing" it to non-Christians or new Christians who argue that if one is pre-destined, then they really don't have free will.
2. ALCOHOL!! While we all agree that drunkenness is a sin and that alcoholism is rampant, casual drinking will not send someone to hell.
Thanks for the opportunity!
Kathy in Mansfield, TX
I'd like to study more about the words Jesus actually spoke. I've heard it said that everything Jesus said can be pointed back to Old Testament scripture. Wouldn't that be a fantastic study!?
Hi,
First let me say I just found this blog and I am thrilled. You have no idea what your Mother's Bible studies have meant to me. We have gone through about ten years of almost continual heartache and pain. During that time I could always count on getting a word from Jesus delivered by your Mom.
Second, I would like to say that I would like to hear your Mom talk about pure scripture and how to overcome spiritual battles in the heavenlies. I don't like the theological references. I know they are important but I want to hear pure God's Word!!
I love Beth Moore Bible Studies because your Mother has "chewed" these scriptures for so long and used them to get free in her life.
I would love a study of Isaiah broken into parts. I don't think I could handle the whole book in 10 weeks!
Also I loved the Bride of Christ lesson that your Mom did at the end of Beloved Disciple. I would love a 10 week study of the bride of Christ and her linen dress, jewels, ect.
I am fully confident that I could've finished the complete study on Esther quicker than I could have made/decorated that cake.
Which is why I am leaving a comment to this post, because a good conversation on doctrine/theology is my kind of thing.
1. Eschatology…I have completed the Daniel study offered by your mom, and several other studies. Each time, I find new and exciting information that peaks my interest further.
2. Okay. Now is where I will start to sound like one of the Beverly Hillbillies. Hang in there. I have a love affair with my King James Version. I can not imagine reading another version. Now, before you picture me running out of a log cabin shouting expletives about "The Message", hang on a second. I am spiritually tired of hearing people judging certain versions of the bible. Very few of us have wrapped our hands around the "Textus Receptus" or any other 'original text'. At this point, I trust that those who change the word of God- do so with the calling of the Holy Spirit. Although I do not read the other versions, and have no interest…I would never discourage a new Christian from picking up a newer translation, different than the one the Holy Spirit uses to tug and pull at my heart…Because isn't it true that Jesus Christ is the SAME, yesterday, today and forever?!
Also, I would like to add Isaiah 55:11
"So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it."
I do not publically question the other versions because I do not think for ONE MINUTE that God's word will return to him void- whether it is presented in The Message or the KJV. *THAT IS, if the person/group that decided to write a new translation with God's hand writing the words for them, leading their heart and calling.* And honestly, who are we to question that? I just feel like people should, as they become mature in the word and leave the milk and go onto meat that they find and USE the "Version" that the Holy Spirit pulls the words off the page and plants in their hearts!!
Thanks for this, Melissa. 🙂
Good Q's…
I want to know & learn more about the names of God. I feel that in our English translations of the Bible, they have left out quite the power-packed punch of every awesome facet of Who our God is.
(One reason i love the Amplified version is due to the wealth of info, drawn from correct and detailed translations of the original Hebrew and Greek texts. We see a bigger/clearer picture.)
As far as the predestination vs. free will issue… I only recently became aware of the differing viewpoints. I personally believe in a thing called consequences for our actions – and believe that God will work all to the good of those who love Him; and what our Enemy meant for evil – our Father will use for our good. So… I don't know how it is such a big issue. O,o ?
I am interested in knowing more about tongues and interpretation in the church. Also, I am interested in knowing about the other spiritual gifts and how they operate today.
I am tired of the church being judgmental towards lost people. My brother was gay and delivered and is now serving the Lord. This is despite the damage done by those who were so horrible to him when he was trying to find Jesus.
I am tired of the church not being more open about sexual addiction and helping people. When they are a victim they feel sorry for them but when the victim becomes ashamed, they condemn them.
2. I am tired over the argument of Calvinist/5 point tulip etc… versus Armenian versus Reformed yadadada…I know a few people not going to church at all (and we live in Scottsdale/Phoenix – a large metropolitan area with many wonderful churches)because they can't find a church that meets their expectations (boy has Satan got the blinders on them!). I respond politely (I hope!) that I believe in God's word when they seem to be looking to criticize etc… They can't believe we haven't left our Bible church because they did etc…. my voice is that we shouldn't join the "perfect" church if they find it anyway as I/we would be the first to ruin it.
HELP!
Love reading all of the responses… you can tell a lot about the life experiences had by the women who meet here, and it's fascinating! I wasn't going to respond but there is something I feel like God has really been speaking about to me quite a lot in the last few years and I would LOVE to get some good insight: the topics of denominations and local church membership. I would really love to see this discussed/taught with points made using scripture alone. Thank you so much for asking!
Melissa
Reno, NV
Hi Melissa
I thought of something else I read and do not understand. Matthew 9:14-17. I read it and pray for understanding. It's where Jesus was questioned about fasting. He responds with "how can the guests of the bridegroom mourn when He is with them" then he goes on to talk about sewing unshrunk cloth on an old garment and putting new wine into new wineskins. I always feel like I'm almost getting it but just don't get the deeper meaning.
Thanks for this post
Jackie
Melissa,
Thank you so much for including my cake on this blog… I am so thrilled… I am so blown away, by all of the wonderful wonderful comments! I found myself almost in tears reading all of the things people were saying about my cake. I was so inspired to make this cake, the Esther study moved me! I cant wait for the simulcast!
Oh and to answer one of the questions… yep we ate it… it was delicious! We started cutting on the crown, I think one person ended up with Esther's hand… lol!
Thank you so much again for including my cake and thank you to everyone who complimented it! You have no idea how much it means to me!! Thank you thank you thank you!
Christina Sluyter
Bentonville AR
Women in the church and women in the church – I would like to know more about this and I would love for people to stop telling women what they can and cannot do in churches, ministry, etc. Ok, I'll quit now…
The Truth Project – a DVD series from Focus on the Family – is a terrific series that addresses a number of the theological topics and questions on this post. I highly recommend it.
http://www.thetruthproject.org
Janet
Enid, OK
So many great topics in the comments – I want to know more about them all! Right now I am trying to learn about fasting, as also mentioned, so that is a topic for me. It also leads to the issue of "break-throughs" & "hearing" from the Lord & "answer to prayer" so how to know what I'm really seeking & keep it from tipping over into the prosperity gospel thing (I can turn anything into a diet & a way to convince myself God probably wants me to have a better car!).
I want to know more about armenianism versus humanism.
I am now Baptist but grew up Catholic and I am sick and tired of hearing about Mary.
Hi darlins'! Perhaps we need a controlling interest in a coffee company. Starbucks maybe? 😉
I have lots of questions about prosperity/faith/the manifestation of spiritual gifts/biblical authority/blessing. It seems that a lot of our church leadership and members talk a lot about being tried and tested and all of their struggles, with an emphasis on the negative! In fairness, they do give praise when something good happens.
So where does having faith and not fearing come in? When do we "trust in the Lord and lean not on our own understanding, and in all of our ways acknowledge Him?" He said He would make our paths straight if we do this. Why would Jesus say that we could tell a mountain to move from here to there and it would be done if we had sufficient faith, if all we're doing is asking why HE isn't doing this or that? Why are we not speaking and praying the power of God's Word into our lives?
As to "sick ofs," I've been laying low in my church because I believe that spiritual gifts are manifested in this day and age, among other things (we do not have enough time here for all of that!). I wish this wasn't such a divisive subject.
. . . and dearest Beth, I give thanks and praise to Jesus for the wonderful work He has done for us through you and your precious daughters. I am a mom of two daughters, too, and it was because of a LPL conference that I "caught fire" and began studying God's Word deeply. I give thanks that your love for Jesus is so evident, and that you are so willing to pass it on!
1. I would like to be more instructed on apologetics. Especially in ways that can keep my children from following the herd. I'd like to take the class of FOTF's Truth Project and then bring it into our church somehow.
2. I shy away from predestination and from the issue of alcohol. Although, I think Mamma Beth addressed predestination very well… I just need to listen to that message again. :o)
These are just a couple anyway… Oh… I also am finishing reading "At the Feet of the Rabbi Jesus" and it's wonderful. I'd like to learn more about Jewish life during Jesus time and learn to read the New Testament from that point of view. :o)
Thanks!
Anna in MO
1a. Predestination
1b. How prayer changes things (if God already knows what's going to happen….?)
2. Homosexuality and whether God deemed it as a "sin". And, along with it, chastity.
I'm from California (the San Francisco Bay Area to be specific!) and I've heard a LOT, LOT, LOT about the latter. And, even in my own denomination there seems to be trouble with this issue. Sigh.
Laura P
Pleasant Hill, CA
I loved the Daniel study & John the Beloved, cause it spoke alot of Bible prophecy. Alot I still don't understand. A study on Ezekial would be very interesting.
Monica
Hey Melissa,
I saw this article today and thought of you.
http://www.mnnonline.org/article/12774
It briefly describes the President of India's objective to see the country slum-free in five years. What a great hope!
Blessings,
Katie
Tulsa, OK
There should be more study on who God really is. Numbers 23 says that God is not a man….so, I don't believe God = Jesus. Jesus, the MAN, is our mediator between mankind and our one God. I don't believe God is a 3 in 1 deal…just ONE God, who miraculously begot a SON, who is a MAN, in Mary. God, then resurrected and exalted this man, Jesus, to Lord and Messiah, who will come back someday to set up His Father's Kingdom…then turn the kingdom over to GOD (I Cor. 15 tells it well)… not equality between 3 persons at all. Jesus is totally submissive & obedient to His God and My God, our Heavenly Father.
Not enough debate about this, because churches will silence this discussion and ask you to leave, labeling you a heretic faster than you can say, "Hear O Israel, the LORD is one!" The question is, will my comment be approved or carefully deleted by the blog author? I'll be curious to see if real discussion will be permitted on this forum, or silenced, because the trinity is somehow threatened?
1. I would like to learn more about how we (Christians) are identified by our fruits. (i.e.- is a bad Christian still a christian?)
2. I am SICK SICK SICK of people bickering over women in ministry. As a female pastor that one really burns me up! Wonder if Mary had to deal with that one when she ran to spread the good news- Jesus has Risen!
Theological question:
Can we, as gentiles, take and own the promises given to the Jews?
For example; in the Old Testament, written for and to the Jews, the LORD said:
Out of all the people on the face of the earth, the LORD has chosen you to be his treasured possessions. Deut. 14:2b
We have been 'grafted' in and are joint-heirs with Christ, but we are not His chosen people.
(this is NOT a calvanism/arminianism question(
1. I'm not sure… I love the history contained with the Bible and I'd love to know a lot of the whys and the more about the silence in between the old and the new. Or maybe, which did God create the chicken or the egg…JUST kidding!
2. I'm tired of hearing uninformed people bicker or debate Calvanism (3, 4, 5 pointer… etc.) In my opinion it's just kinda silly to debate in a church setting… seminary sure, church no because it doesn't change the great commission… yes, it can change the amount of gratitude and humility a person feels towards our great Savior however, when it's so mis-spoken about we just need to hush… that is all. Can you tell I have a sensitive spot on it…
I just wanted to share that God answered my prayer about what I posted here! I wanted to know more about worship and He led me to a sermon about worship this coming weekend! "Why we Sing" 1 Chronicles 16:29 Can't Wait. God is Good!
Love,
Michele Denman
1. Anything and everything. Can't get enough of it, but I've found that the more I know the more confused I am and the less sure of myself. Maybe the latter is a good thing. I know some people who could use a good dose of it. Which brings me to the second question.
2. Don't get me started! The gift of tongues, whether or not dancing is okay, not to mention, clapping, raising of hands, etc. styles of music. All that sort of stuff. End time events. Is it really that important if you're wrong? If you know Christ as savior you're on the winning team. That's all that matters. I'm a panmillenialist. What is that you ask. It'll all pan out in the end! Whether or not women should teach! Get over it and let them use their gifts! I'm sure there are plenty of others, but those are the main ones that drive me crazy!
Melinda … regarding the sister living in a gay lifestyle…
The best reference I can think of in the bible…is the woman at the well that Jesus met, He neither condoned her, nor condemned her…He inspired her…
And Prayer…Sometimes just by praying the Lord can and will move in a situation a whole lot more than our words can or will…I am reminded of this scripture.."Not by might, nor by power but by HiS spirit" Zechariah 4:6
And when you are lead to speak by God; you will know what to do.
May you and your sister be blessed.
Spiritual gifts. I have the gift of mercy, boy do I have the gift of mercy. I do not like my gift. I feel too much. I need to know how to balance my gift in my life. Why do we have certain gifts? Can we change gifts? How to embrace our gifts.
thanks for asking
I love to hear any spiritual debate. I don't like bickering period, no matter what the topic.
I would like to learn about the true word! I find every Bible study I go to someone has a different "interpretation" of the word. I consider myself a Christian and am a member of a Methodist church. I know I need to continue to study as to not get confused. Thanks for all you do to guide us!
I highly recommend the book "How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth" by Gordon D. Fee and Douglas Stuart. I'm reading it right now and am finding it so helpful in studying God's Word and understanding it.
I would like to know more about the power of god in lives- reall lives. How we can really live following him and raise our children.
I am sick of hearing people debate end times, predestination- I am learning that if there isn't a cut and dry answer then only God knows for sure and maybe we should spend less time debating about it. This was an interesting post. Thanks!
Holy Spirit issues – speaking in tongues, healing, prophesy – are all issues I would like to learn more about.
Style of music is what I get tired of hearing Christians bicker about in the church. Hymns vs. praise & worship vs. tradtional vs. contemporary . . . .get really tired of this constant fight.
Chris K
Humboldt, Iowa
Hi Melissa,
My church teaches tithing 10% is required and if you don't you are robbing the Lord. The scripture reference they use is in Malachi. I listen to sermons at work on the internet (while working :)) and I have heard that we are no longer under the law and through the blood of Jesus Christ we are freed. We are free to give what our heart desires whether it be more or less than 10%. The New Testament teaches that the Lord loves a cheerful giver. Help. I struggle with this because I do not give 10% of my income but do serve each Sunday at church for the Lord and give to Missions. It's hard to know God's will in this when you hear 2 different views from teachers who claim that what they are saying is TRUTH.
1. I wish I knew and could more articulately discuss covenental theology. (Seconded by my desire to understand the different opinions on election, but who will ever nail that one down! 🙂 haha)
2. I get sick of discussions surrounding eschatology. We can't figure it out, there are many positions on it (and intelligent/godly people in every camp) and it should not directly affect our communion with fellow believers. But it does. Grrr….
WOW…What incredible insight!!
This Blog/Question is very intriguing and very cool!!
What I would like to learn more about…
I am truly enraptured with the life and callings of Ezekiel and Jeremiah. I would like to know how to really dig deep and exhume the life and times of these two great prophets. To really understand their callings, tasks and relationships to GOD…this resonates to the very core of me…Isn't God's word so Inspiring!!
I would like to really know the times we are living in…NOT end times philosophy, as I am not concerend about that. I trust that Jesus knows what He is doing. I want to really recognize and know the Lord's voice so well in this time, that my ears are so "tuned into HIM" and I will know exactly the task the Lord is calling me too..like in Jeremiah. Jeremiah recognized the time he was in and knew what to do, specifically.
To Drink Or Not to Drink, is the the argument that boggles my mind the most. Have you noticed that according to scripture; wine makes you a mocker and strong drink/ (kJv) beer (NIV) a brawler (or ragin in KJV), and have you noticed how we mock and brawl and rage over this debate. The debate just about proves that scripture and nobody even took a drink yet.
Tired of people arguing period about the word of God and thus turning young Christians, non-Christians off, which by the way we are instructed not to do.
2 Timothy 2:16-18.
One last thought, I would like to learn more about this one; I find it very interesting that Deborah was a Judge and leader of an army when that was unheard of in those days and yet there she be.
And through Esther's submission to God, she was offerd half of the kingdom making her an equal to the King. I mean half the king's kingdom, it was unheard of.
Then we head into the new testament and hear the teaching on Paul and Timothy and about the roles of woman and … it's as if THE Two shall never meet. Why is that? (I truly am seeking to divide the word correctly on this…)
D – Y.T.
I would like to learn about the parables of Jesus.We are not the same type of audience the parables were told to so we are possibly missing some undertones that His audiences understood.For instance in the missing talent- I found out the 10 talents referred to the 10 talents a married woman wore.She noticed when one went missing.They were more than money they represented something to her.
Cool Cake! My Sis-In-Law has mad baking skills and baked me a cake this weekend for my birthday (last weekend). We were half way into it when someone realized no one had taken a picture of the beautiful chocolate cake! It was good, I had three pieces – oh and Ice Cream. Confession is good for the soul so I will tell my 5,000 Siesta friends here… but,SHHHH! Don't tell my doctor. I drank a glass of grape juice, took the dog for a walk and ate plenty of fruit to make up for any cholesterol that might have been in that cake. NOW! To answer your questions:
1.) End Times… Oh how escatology gets my juices flowing… Even if I don't spell it correctly. But, I get so juiced about it that I have to take it in doses. I love it!
2.) Denominational preferences and ordinances. For heaven's sake – If we are in Christ, we are one body… the lines are man-made not Bible mandated. I want diversity and to learn from one another – but I get so tired of the bickering about who is right and who is wrong… Who knows? God that's who… Let's get on with it! 🙂
Hi Melissa, I hope you're still reading comments 'cause mine is a bit late. The area of theology/Bible study I would most like to know about is how to discern whether something that is in the Bible is for us, today, and meant to be taken literally or is historical/cultural/previous covenant/figurative. This is to answer those who say Adam and Eve were "types" and not real, for example. Also how do we read the Bible to apply to us today: e.g., why do say it was cultural to require women to wear something on our heads during prayer? Others try to say just about everything is cultural and they needn't follow it. Then there are the promises: The best most recent example about wealth–Beth on scripture verse 11 said "3 Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness endures forever. (Note: from a New Testament or Covenant point of view, I think of wealth and riches in spiritual terms like 1 Cor. 1:4-9 describes.)" So how do we know when to read them literally and when not?
I'm looking forward to your answers to everyone's questions!
Ruth
I would love to see a study that showed all the places the gosple/ plan of salvation has left a mark in God's Word from Gen. to Rev.. Everytime I see another evidence of God's awesome wisdome and design I get goose bumps! It just thrills my soul to see the precision with which man's history has been played out according God's will. And oh how I laugh when leading scientist try to explain it otherwise! (re. movie Expelled)
Endtime issues are also quite interesting as well as we are to be watchful and wise.
What I would like to here less of are things that divide. Doctrines that are not concrete, and lend to man's interpretation.
Thanks for asking. Mary
I so badly want there to be more discussions around Calvinist view of salvation vs. Arminian view. I love reformed theology and the men who changed the world with it but I think the Arminian view is often overlooked. I'm reading a book by Dietrich Bonhoeffer right now "The Cost of Discipleship". He was a great reformed theologian and man who loved Jesus and was martyred for him. I love this man and his life's devotion. He does use two terms that can often be seen in the Calvinist view – cheap grace and costly grace. I think we have to be really careful to not put a word in front of grace. Grace is and always will be free. It has to be. Now, grace was paid at a price by Christ but once. Christ was sufficient to pay it and now it is offered free. For new believers and even believers digging deeper into theology we have to be very very careful to not associated a cost or work based view that would then give us "grace". I'm still working this one out in my mind. I cling to Romans 14 for some many other things. Let every man be convinced in his own mind — Except — for anything that would hinder or change the gospel. That cannot be interpreted or changed. Blessings!
Melissa
I also love studing ever since I was a teen, I love getting out the concordence and Naves Topical Bible and learning,learning learning! I went on to marry a man who became a pastor and had the joy of attending and speaking at ministerial classes with him. We now have a nice library at home and at the church, I believe every one should have these resources available to them. So…
1.I would love to study the pagan influences that have effected our own christian celebrations, however I know this is a touchy subject, I feel so convicted about it because our Lord asks us to worshipHimin spirit and truth.He was so angry with Israel for allowing other religions toinflunce their own worship of Him. I fear we have carelessly allowed the worship of the pagan religions of old to influence our celebrations of Christ. And I would love to see a study done on this topic.
2. Topics that discourage me are those that divide. Things that deal with topics the Bible is not clear on and so men try to assume more then what is written. I believe that there are some issues God just wants us to believe in faith, instead men try to add their own ideas as if they are facts.
Mary