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Hmmmm. Let me try my phone.😳🙄👋

Very nice! God knew Adam would sin and He designed a plan of that would restore man back with Him in the garden. Throughout the Scriptures He has constantly reminded us of the “do’s and don’ts,” but we continue to “play in the streets,” we continue to “play with matches.” Every prophecy in the Scriptures has been fulfilled exactly as it was given… His Word is true… we are so close to the end! He has revealed all that we need to be saved. He has withheld nothing in His plan of salvation to us.

It is relevant. In the beginning, the Lord created Adam and his race to rule over this Earth. This is our domain. God expected Adam to eat of the tree of life and live forever, but instead, Satan deceived Eve to eat of the wrong tree. The underlying purpose is so that Satan and his minions can control and inherit what was supposed to be mankind's domain - but that part is another topic. And thus we are all familiar with sin, death and so forth in which the entire Bible is about bringing back that which was lost in the garden and to restore everything. So the entire Bible is the Lord, thorough a people and purpose, working to this end and in the meantime mankind gets the lesson that we cannot do it all or rule ourselves (and that's obvious as things are getting worse by the year). It all ends with the end times and a new heaven and earth, but again, God is laying the foundation over time to achieve that end.

Atheists are not pharisees. They knew God existed. They were waiting for Jesus to do a miracle to attack Him. The guy with the sick son though: So Jesus came again to Cana of Galilee where He had made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman whose son was sick at Capernaum. When he heard that Jesus had come out of Judea into Galilee, he went to Him and implored Him to come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death. Then Jesus said to him, “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will by no means believe.” The nobleman said to Him, “Sir, come down before my child dies!” Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your son lives.” So the man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him, and he went his way. And as he was now going down, his servants met him and told him, saying, “Your son lives!” Then he inquired of them the hour when he got better. And they said to him, “Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.” So the father knew that it was at the same hour in which Jesus said to him, “Your son lives.” And he himself believed, and his whole household. John 4:46‭-‬53 NKJV https://bible.com/bible/114/jhn.4.46-53.NKJV John 10 If I do not do the works of My Father, do not believe Me; 38 but if I do, though you do not believe Me, believe the works, that you may know and [f]believe that the Father is in Me, and I in Him.” “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the day of judgment than for you. And you, Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, will be brought down to Hades; for if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I say to you that it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment than for you.” Matthew 11:21‭-‬24 NKJV https://bible.com/bible/114/mat.11.21-24.NKJV I got saved myself by asking God for miracles for a year, saying almost daily: If this does not happen I wont believe in God. It all happened and after a year it was too accidental. My brother saw Jesus while Zen meditating. I would mock kids in my christian school because I got taught that at home. My dad mocked God. He mocked my mom's faith. His dad was far worse. He really tried to pull people from their faith and would really mock. My dad protected us for him. We had no contact when we were young. But the whole bunch got saved, because my mother was christian and just prayed and forgave and blessed and she shared the Gospel with granddad. My dad just died. 2 years before he died he got sick. My mom said: You have to convert now and he did. When she just came back to God in the 80s God told her that he first had to believe in her before he could believe in Him.

It's simple, really. There are organizations that collectively call themselves "church" but are not His Body. However, members of His Body may be found in such places just as some of us were found in this world in diverse locations. Many of us never darkened the door of a church, myself included. Such is the power and purpose of the Lord. That, my friends, is conspicuously absent in those places which are devoid of His Life.

What is to be done about those whose comprehension is not right? Hold an inquisition? Stone them? I'm very wary of the "corrective directive " technique of ministry whereby an assertive person uses the power of suggestion to direct someone to believe they are failing or lacking in some respect and that the asserter's dogma is the correct one to remedy the solution. There are ways of communicating that avoid the discord this stirs up. I could keep closing threads like this started by the same author, but a new one with the same issue will pop up. Another OM wants this thread to stay open, so it is going to.

I believe prayer especially for those that do you harm enable you to maintain a heart of flesh and not of stone. God looks down upon our weak and mortal state and sees the effort put forth in seeking the holiness and righteousness of Jesus our Messiah and are blessed by our sincere efforts.

The meaning behind baptism was certainly new, but not the act itself

Over 1200 Israelis have died as a result of the Hamas attack on Oct 7. I condemn it on the strongest grounds. But as a result of this action over 32,000 Palestinians have died. And predictions are that widespread starvation and death is inevitable for many Palestinians.

🎎📫

I had something to share God had showed me to a man in my church. It was an image with a meaning. Then later in the service we had a person there with prophetic words for my church. The exact same thing was relayed, and I mean exact. Only one other person was aware of what I had said. They turned around and looked at me in church. Only myself, the man and another friend were aware of it since I didn’t make it public. I am “small fry” at the prophetic. It does seem to be occurring.

@NConly What a great chapter! many a funeral of faithful saints of God has been crowned with reading from 1 Corinthians 15.

These are warning to help save lives.

Yes. This could be. The Jews were flattened by the accuracy of Isaiah concerning Christ's first coming. And history scholars are astounded at Daniel. But no one was aghast more than Cyrus when he occupied Babylon and found a foreign people there with a book written 150 years before with his name, spelt correctly, written as conqueror.

Who thought we would see this day in our lifetime except for a few visionaries? Think of the life-altering implications for good and evil and prophetic scripture for the terminal generation, a second revolution. The Industrial Revolution gave us fossil fuel to mechanize machinery to feed the world, and where would we be without electricity? It is said, “AI is the world’s new electricity.” Governments and their militaries always get the first use of any new technology for war. I understand AI has been used and adapted for battlefield use to replace Generals. The public only gets a glimpse of what DARPA programs have developed. Case in point: Google Sophie the Robot on YouTube, and following its development and progression is astonishing. AI reminds me of GIGO (garbage in – garbage out) and: Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? (Genesis 3:1) AI is now in every aspect of our life. Even my Bible software program (LOGOS 10) has introduced AI in its platform. But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased. (Daniel 12:4) Unlike previous generations, we now see the ways and means of instantly controlling all buying, selling, and surveillance. The apostle Paul addressed the philosophers on Mars Hill (Areopagus) in Athens on worshiping knowledge (idolatry). Years ago, I checked, and there was a church(s) of Artificial Intelligence. I would suspect it is growing in leaps and bounds. This is an interesting analogy for AI: And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen. (John 21:25)

Completely agreed. It creates ripples that can go across hundreds or even thousands of years. Unbelievers can look at it and stop to consider that maybe the Bible shouldn't be dismissed, and Christians can be encouraged in it.

Taking a bit of a break before deciding on some morning coffee I am relaxing to the Times Of Israel and have found the image out of Iran shown below. As a USA resident I cannot imagine living under billboards with such messaging. Can't even begin to comprehend how that would favorably influence anyone. But obvoiusly it must. Somehow the lyrics of a Paul Simon tune are coming rumbling into my mind. "A man walks down the street It's a street in a strange world Maybe it's the third world Maybe it's his first time around He doesn't speak the language He holds no currency He is a foreign man He is surrounded by the sound, "... "It's a cartoon grave yard" begins to make sense.

Downhill slide in the last three years. What are our chances of survival when the majority of people make a judgmental error of this magnitude and many still say they'll do it again?

I'll buy a pound of that one, medium grind please.

The Pharisees personally witnesses many miracles and even resurrections that Jesus performed, but they resolutely refused to believe in Jesus. So how much more so will atheists see what we see (the abundance of proof of creation that surrounds us) and still deny Christian reality and then go another step: condemn and ridicule us.

...With a progressive as V.P. What could go wrong?

"The Efficacy of Water Baptism" Starting with a definition of efficacy, if the one below is acceptable, then I end up wondering what was the need or desired effect that Yeshua required from John The Baptist for himself? efficacy /ĕf′ĭ-kə-sē/ noun Power or capacity to produce a desired effect; effectiveness. Power to produce effects; operation or energy of an agent or force; production of the effect intended. "the efficacy of medicine in counteracting disease; the efficacy of prayer." Similar: efficacy Ability to produce a desired amount of a desired effect. The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition Jesus came to be baptized by John did he not? Matthew 3:13-14. It is recorded that he said it is fitting for him to be so baptized. So if it was fitting, and efficacy is for a desired effective change, what change did Jesus desire or need for himself that he insisted on John's water baptism for repentance for himself? p.s. BTW the thread is a good one, one for all of little or much understanding. May many gain useful insight for themselves that leads to further reading the word of God. Reading with prayer, thinking, and yes much questioning. For questions lead to more prayer and reading perhaps with gaining insight through the Holy Spirit's guidance.

I'd rather..... pray the same request 10,000 times to God - in brokenness and tears and earnestness..... than to be silent..... and have the devil bask in that silence.

Luke 18:1-8 And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth? Keep praying. God does not tire of your requests like worldly men. He wants to have an ongoing conversation with you. And he doesn't answer prayers because he hopes you will then leave him alone. He listens to, and answers, prayers because he loves you.

The following was derived from a search using Brave web browser; Types of Christian prayer Christian prayer can be categorized into different types, varying by denomination and tradition. Over time, theologians have studied these types of prayer. Here are some of the common categories: Vocal Prayer: This type of prayer involves using words, either spoken or sung, to communicate with God. Examples include the Lord’s Prayer, Psalms, and prayers of intercession. Meditation (Inward Prayer): This type of prayer involves reflecting on God’s word and presence in silence. It’s a form of mental prayer that helps deepen one’s relationship with God. Contemplative Prayer: This is a deeper form of prayer where one seeks to have a closer relationship with God. It often involves focusing on a single word or phrase, or simply being in God’s presence without words. ACTS Prayer: This is an acronym that stands for Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication. These are the four major types of prayer found in the Bible. Lament Prayer: This type of prayer involves expressing one’s sorrow, grief, or despair to God. It’s a way to bring our fears and doubts to God and seek His comfort and guidance. Prayer of Thanksgiving: This type of prayer involves expressing gratitude to God for His blessings and goodness. It’s a way to acknowledge God’s provision and faithfulness in our lives. Prayer of Worship: This type of prayer involves praising and adoring God for who He is. It’s a way to express our love and reverence for God and to acknowledge His sovereignty. Intercessory Prayer: This type of prayer involves praying for others, asking God to meet their needs and answer their requests. Fellowship Prayer: This type of prayer involves praying together with other believers, either in a group or as a congregation. It’s a way to strengthen our bonds with one another and with God. Prayers of Petition: This type of prayer involves asking God for specific things, such as healing, guidance, or provision. Remember, these categories are not exhaustive, and different Christian traditions may have different ways of classifying prayer. The most important thing is to cultivate a personal relationship with God through prayer, regardless of the specific type or category. https://search.brave.com/search?q=types+of+christian+prayer&source=desktop

Romans ch 1 1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, 2 (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,) 3 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; 4 And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: 5 By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name: 6 Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ: 7 To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. 8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. 9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers; 10 Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you. 11 For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; 12 That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me. 13 Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles. 14 I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. 15 So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. 17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: 21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. 24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: 25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. 26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: 27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. 28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; 29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, 30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: 32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. Jesus Christ came for the Jew, the Greek, the Muslim, the Buddhist, , all people , gentiles of the worldé Salvation in Christ Jesus is possible to ALL. Here is a testimony of this from a Muslim who finds Christ Jesus as his personal Savior. Let us remember we are ALL sinners falling short of HIs Grace. What Ge has done for others, he can do for you and you and you. Here is the title of the testimony that can be found on you tube A Muslim's Encounter with Jesus (Powerful Testimony)

It's crazy that the liberals often use the courts to get things done instead of letting the people decide. Sometimes the simply enforce their will without even telling anyone. It's hilarious that now that we have a conservative SCOTUS, they claim the court is corrupt and biased. Just a couple things that amuse me every day.

Well one side promotes mutilating children (trans agenda) and killing babies in the womb, as well as pushes the LGBTQ+ agenda. Pretty easy to vote for Trump that considered, which is what I will do.

I see both! It's like a couple years ago when I was complaining to a brother about the shape of the church - so many divisions and poor things happening, a low level of Christ's life being manifested, legalism and dead letter is the order of the day, etc. He then said to me, "The church is wonderful in God's eyes! Do you think He didn't know what He was getting into when he said, 'I will build my church'?! Yes, outwardly (by sight) it's pretty much an impossible mess! Man's flesh has run rampant with much of it . . . Only two of the seven ekklesias in Revelation go without a rebuke (because He loves them and wants to promote correction). The only way to reconcile these two things is by faith - faith that He is able and He will present a glorious gathering to Himself without any of the mess we humans have created with it.

Thankyou @other one . I've split Debp's video to a new thread and let it stay up as it does serve a purpose other than mockery. I have heard a Christian speaker who converted from Islam tell how he gets death threats from Moslems for preaching that Islam is not a religion of peace . . . enough said.

Hi Ad Hoc, God`s word tells us that the church, the Body of Christ is a `spiritual body.` `For by one Spirit we were all baptised into one body ...` (1 Cor. 12: 13) The different denominations or non-denominations are a result of man encamping around a truth that the Holy Spirit had revealed to them. God is NOT concerned about the outward scaffolding of man`s denominations but of the inward, man`s heart. And that is what is growing more like the Lord by His Holy Spirit. Not all believers will come to understand all the truths the Holy Spirit has revealed over the years. However, if they are standing for a truth of Christ, then they are part of the Body that will be caught away to glory.

You all are arguing over something silly, and your both right, and wrong. Ita true that baptism is not part of levitical law. But it was practiced culturally at the time. What John the Baptist was doing wasn't really "new"

Why is there so much about the end times throughout the bible? Because prophecy is one proof of the Eternal speaking truth! So that there would be unfulfilled prophecies throughout the church era for Christians to look back and see prophecies fulfilled and be encouraged to know other unfulfilled prophecies will come to pass. 2Pet. 1: 20-21 (ESV) knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. Edit: This one especially: Rev.19:10 Then I fell down at his feet to worship him, but he said to me, “You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God.” For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

The reality is we are all open books to Him. I try not to avoid the sticky, hard topics and admit my rubbish openly to seek His mercy. Jer. 9: 23-24

Somewhere along the way I picked up the teaching that prayer is our means of aligning with God's Will. Works for me.

I appreciate your humble attitude and your demeanor of personal growth through deep honesty with God. It is hard sometimes to have this free will of openness toward God.

1 Cor 15 25 For he (Jesus) must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. 27 For he (God) hath put all things under his (Jesus) feet. But when he (God) saith all things are put under him(Jesus), it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. 28 And when all things shall be subdued unto him (Jesus) then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him (God) that put all things under him(Jesus), that God may be all in all. 29 Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?

Approaching God in prayer especially about a topic I would rather brush under the rug, namely, my shortcomings and sins are subjects that I make certain I do pray about, to clear my conscience and remain an open book before Him.

Two years ago, the Lord declared that I would work as a peer support counselor. I couldn't fathom it, but He said that when the time came, I would know. What happened? A colleague where I work left one day and never returned. He abandoned his job as our peer support counselor, and I remembered the words of the Lord regarding this. I submitted a resume for the vacant position and then immediately regretted doing it. "I hope they don't call upon me, Lord," I said to Him. "They won't select me. I'm needed right where I am." They did indeed call upon me, and I was offered the position. Whatever the Lord declares comes to pass.

You don't seem to grasp that they are forcing their "doctrines, morality and religious obligations" on us. Without the voice of the people having spoken to permit them to do so in many cases. Rather, too often unelected officials are forcing their beliefs and values on others who don't agree with them, and condemning them with all kinds of hateful names (often ending in -phobic) if they raise an objection. And accusing anyone who disagrees with them of "hate speech." While all the while, expecting to be treated by a double standard, because they say all manner of hateful things against Christians and proponents of simple common law; which common law has been established over centuries and is attested to in the US Constitution. I hear their views all the time on NPR, Democracy Now, and multiple other media sources. Sometimes I agree with them, but generally not. Sounds just like the current administration. True, but only by the accounting gimmick of putting the Social Security trust fund into the Treasury, where it was then spent on other federal programs. He can and did open the borders to allow many, many millions of poor people into the country, thereby driving up the price of scarce low-income housing, increasing the price of medical service (by getting free health care at hospitals, thus requiring citizens to pay higher prices to cover those costs), and requiring municipalities to cut social services and policing for American citizens in order to pay for the care of the migrants. So Biden's policy just in this area alone most certainly did effect prices and inflation, and for years to come.

Canada shares this history. The country has been acknowledging and working towards reconciliation for this as well as other matters. It will take time. Many of the indigenous population are Christian, or very open to it, still but understandably a bit skeptical of the institutional church.