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I want to live in a Christian country. This country was founded by Godly principles. And when society followed Christianity it was a much better society. Look at it now. Everything is divisive and perverse.3 points
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Begin with the Word. Not with opinions or pulpits padded by patriotism. Not with the theology of empire dressed in Sunday best. We start where truth starts—with the living, breathing Word of God. Because before there were courtrooms and constitutions, there was covenant. And that covenant has never been about domination. It’s been about deliverance. Scripture doesn’t stutter on this: God’s kingdom is not built with ballots or bayonets. It’s not something you vote in or legislate through. It is holy ground, not government ground. And every time the people of God forget that, every time they try to marry the sacred to the state, the result is the same oppression dressed as obedience, violence baptized in God’s name, and a gospel so twisted it barely resembles the man who died for it. Jesus Himself laid it down without room for debate. “My kingdom is not of this world,” He said. Not once did He call for a nation to represent Him. Not once did He urge His followers to conquer politically. When His disciples reached for swords, He told them to put them away. When pressed on allegiance, He said, “Render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” That wasn’t a vague suggestion—it was a declaration of jurisdiction. Caesar could have the coins. God laid claim to the people. Even in the wilderness, when the devil offered Jesus power over all the kingdoms of the world, He refused. He didn’t even hesitate. “Away from me, Satan.” Power was never His mission. Presence was. And yet the Church today craves what Christ rejected. Power, control, dominion. The devil offered Jesus empire, and Jesus said no. Now churches say yes and call it holy. This idolatry is not new. Israel once demanded a king so they could be like the other nations. God warned them what would follow—oppression, taxation, war, slavery. They didn’t listen. They got their king, and everything God said would happen, did. Prophets wept in the streets while kings built palaces. The Word became a weapon in the hands of rulers, and worship became theater for the rich. Isaiah thundered, “Your hands are full of blood… learn to do right, seek justice.” Micah said it clean: God doesn’t want burnt offerings. He wants justice, mercy, humility. But the people wanted a crown more than a covenant. Jesus saw it again in His day—the Pharisees wrapped around Roman politics, using religion to keep their status. He didn’t bother with soft words. He called them whitewashed tombs. He didn’t try to reform their system. He condemned it. And Revelation? It doesn’t exalt state religion. It exposes it. The beast in Revelation is political power demanding worship. And the harlot? That’s the faith that climbs into bed with it. The Church corrupted by empire is not the bride of Christ—it’s a beast rider. Scripture makes no room for confusion. And still, men have taken the violence of empire and claimed it was God’s doing. They wrote conquest into scripture, edited genocide into the margins, and called it obedience. But the truth remains—God never needed murder to fulfill His will. He sent prophets, not politicians. He raised up deliverers, not dictators. He parted seas. He didn’t need swords. He takes no pleasure in death. He is not the God of genocide. He is the God who said, “Do not kill.” And every time blood has been spilled in His name, it was man reaching for power, not God sending down fire. History proves the point. The Crusades were not acts of faith—they were acts of war. Soldiers marched under the cross and slaughtered Muslims, Jews, even fellow Christians. The Church didn’t call for peace. It offered indulgences. Heaven for bloodshed. Pope Urban II told them, “God wills it.” But God never willed the massacre of children. God never blessed the butchering of cities. That wasn’t the Gospel. That was empire. The Inquisition wasn’t about truth. It was about terror. People were tortured until they confessed heresy. Women burned as witches. Jews driven out or forced to convert. The Church took the tools of empire—iron, flame, fear—and called them sacraments. But Jesus never forced belief. He never strapped people to a rack. He never threatened hell with metal and fire. It wasn’t just Christianity. Islam became empire. The early community in Medina was a faith movement. But by the time of the caliphates, it was state control. Apostates killed. Blasphemers hanged. Religious law became national law. And in the modern world, nations like Iran and Saudi Arabia still claim divine rule. Meanwhile, extremist groups like ISIS murder in the name of God, quoting scripture as they kill children. This isn’t faith. It’s tyranny wrapped in robes. In India, Hindu nationalism is rising—lynchings, riots, laws designed to erase Muslims and Christians. In Myanmar and Sri Lanka, Buddhist monks, once symbols of peace, now incite genocide. In Israel, religious Zionism fuels apartheid, demolishes homes, and bulldozes peace in the name of Abraham’s promise. In Russia, Putin’s tanks are baptized by Orthodox priests. War crimes done under the sign of the cross. And in America, we have our own golden calf. Christian nationalism isn’t coming. It’s here. Politicians quote the Bible while stripping rights. Preachers bless legislation that punishes the poor, the queer, the immigrant. Courts stacked with judges more loyal to scripture than to law. School boards pushing forced prayer while banning books. Senators quoting Leviticus while ignoring the Gospel. All of it claimed as revival. All of it soaked in nationalism, not holiness. Let’s talk about the slogans. “In God We Trust” was never divine. It was born in the Civil War and made official during the Cold War. “Under God” was added to the Pledge in 1954—not by apostles, but by politicians afraid of communism. These weren’t acts of worship. They were propaganda. A way to mark enemies and control minds. And religion in schools? That wasn’t in the Founders’ blueprint. The First Amendment wasn’t about putting the Bible in every classroom. It was about keeping government out of pulpits and pulpits out of government. America was never meant to be a Christian nation. It was built to escape one. Today’s Church forgets that. It wants state funding without accountability. It wants to run schools, hospitals, and charities but refuses to follow public rules. It wants Caesar’s gold but not Caesar’s law. It demands privilege and calls it persecution when challenged. It isn’t walking with Jesus. It’s trying to replace Him. Let’s say it plain: When the Church ties itself to the state, it does not become more holy. It becomes more corrupt. Once religion grabs the sword, it forgets the cross. Once faith becomes law, it loses its mercy. Every time religion becomes the state, people die. The pattern is as old as time. And still, we repeat it. Jesus never sought the throne. He didn’t march on Rome. He walked to Calvary. The devil offered Him power. He said no. The Church says yes. And it dares to call it godly. But you cannot serve Christ and Caesar. You cannot love your neighbor and legislate their pain. You cannot take up the cross and wield the gavel of empire. The Gospel does not need government. It needs truth. And truth has always spoken from the margins, not the palace. So here we are. The lines are drawn. Not between left and right, red and blue—but between empire and kingdom. Between control and compassion. Between religion that forces and faith that frees. 🌿 The gospel of Jesus Christ is not national. It is not partisan. It is not built with ballots, borders, or bayonets. It was never meant to sit on a throne of man’s making. Jesus said it Himself: “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36). That wasn't metaphor. That was line in the sand. When religion grasps for power, it loses its holiness. When faith becomes law, it stops being faith—it becomes empire. And from Genesis to Revelation, God has warned us what that looks like. “They have not rejected you,” He told Samuel, “they have rejected Me as their king” (1 Samuel 8:7). They wanted a throne. God offered a covenant. They wanted a king. God gave them prophets. But the people still chose crowns over justice, armies over mercy, spectacle over sacrifice. And every time the Church has followed that same path, the result has been blood. The Crusades didn’t spread the gospel—they butchered it. The Inquisition didn’t defend truth—it tortured it. Colonialism didn’t bring light—it baptized genocide in holy language. History is thick with the wreckage of faith welded to empire, and still we repeat it. Jesus refused the offer of political control. “All these kingdoms I will give you,” the devil said in the wilderness (Matthew 4:8–10), and Christ did not flinch. He chose the cross, not the throne. When His disciples reached for the sword, He said, “Put it back” (Matthew 26:52). When asked about allegiance, He said, “Render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s—and to God what is God’s” (Luke 20:25). Power was not His goal. Presence was. Truth was. Redemption was. And yet today, Christian nationalism calls the devil’s offer holy. It wraps flags around pulpits. It turns Leviticus into legislation. It blesses courts that deny asylum, books that erase history, and laws that shame the vulnerable. It speaks the name of Jesus while trampling the people He died to save. But the Word is clear. “Woe to you, whitewashed tombs,” Jesus said to the religious elite who merged God with government, “on the outside you look righteous, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness” (Matthew 23:27–28). Isaiah cried, “Your hands are full of blood… learn to do right, seek justice, defend the oppressed” (Isaiah 1:15–17). Micah said, “What does the Lord require of you? To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8). Revelation shows us the beast—empire demanding worship—and the harlot—a corrupted church climbing into bed with it (Revelation 13). That is not holiness. That is blasphemy dressed in religious robes. You cannot serve Christ and Caesar. You cannot carry a cross and wield the gavel of empire. You cannot love your neighbor while legislating their pain. The gospel was never meant to rule nations—it was meant to rescue them. It was meant to be a witness from the margins, not a mandate from the throne. So let the slogans fall. “In God We Trust” was never the gospel—it was Cold War propaganda. “Under God” was not divine revelation—it was political strategy. These were not confessions of faith. They were signs of fear. The Founders knew better than many preachers today. Jefferson said, “Christianity neither is, nor ever was, a part of the common law.” Madison warned, “Religion and government will both exist in greater purity, the less they are mixed together.” They were not apostles, but even they knew what the Church seems to have forgotten: Jesus doesn’t share power. He walks through fire, not the halls of empire. And yet, even still, Christ stands. Unbought. Unbroken. Unchained from the violence done in His name. He is not the God of nationalism. He is the Lamb slain before the foundations of the world. He still reigns—but not from man’s throne. From heaven. From love. From the cross. So the line is drawn. Not between Democrat and Republican, liberal and conservative. But between empire and kingdom. Between the religion that forces and the faith that frees. Between the church that kneels to Caesar and the Church that kneels to Christ. The gospel does not need government. It needs truth. And truth still speaks from the margins—not the palace. 🌿 Lord God, we come to You not with answers but with grief, not with pride but with repentance. You alone are holy. You alone are just. Our nation has confused Your name with its ambition, dressed its politics in Your Word, and claimed power in the name of righteousness while crushing the vulnerable. We confess the silence of the Church when it should have spoken, the compromise of pulpits that traded the cross for clout, and the way we have mistaken influence for faithfulness. Forgive us. We lift before You those who hold authority in this land—judges, lawmakers, governors, presidents. You see beyond their titles. You know their hearts. Where they have hardened themselves, soften them. Where they have confused zeal for truth, bring them clarity. Let their policies reflect compassion, not control. Let their decisions serve the least, not the loudest. Let their power bow to Your justice. We pray for the faith leaders who have been caught in the lie that power is proof of Your blessing. Break that lie. Correct them, not to destroy, but to restore. And if they will not repent, then remove their platforms and protect the flock. You are the Shepherd. Let no one lead in Your name without walking in Your Spirit. We ask healing for the wounded—for the faithful pushed to the margins by religion twisted into empire. Let them see You clearly. Let them know what was done in Your name was not of You. Restore them with gentleness. Bind what religion broke. Even for those convinced they were right while they did wrong. If there is still breath, then there is still time. Awaken them. Let their repentance be real—not show, but surrender. Let the Church remember the cross is not a weapon. It is a mercy seat. And for the global body of Christ, bruised and scattered, we ask revival—not of nationalism, but of the Spirit. Let the Church no longer seek Caesar’s gold or Caesar’s sword. Let it no longer confuse government with gospel. Let it be the place where captives are set free, not where laws are passed to bind them further. Let it return to Christ. We pray for those who are barely holding on—those who still love You but are afraid of what’s been done in Your name. Remind them that You have never joined the empire. You have always stood outside its gates, crucified with the outcast, risen with the forgotten. You are not the weapon. You are the Healer. So come, Lord Jesus. Heal what pride has broken. Judge with mercy. Speak with fire. And bring this nation, this Church, this world back to Your heart—not through power, but through truth. Not through dominance, but through grace. Not through control, but by the wind of Your Spirit. We ask this not because we are righteous. We are not. We ask it because You are still holy, still patient, still God. -Tym Da Enill- Amen.2 points
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"The power of it all is literal", and I experience it everyday, I go in and out and find pasture ... there is no longer a way to put into words (and hasn't been for many years) to share what I no longer labor for.2 points
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Here a blog post from christianpioneer.com that describes how struggles can be beneficial. Beneficial Adversity There was an image circulated via email a few days ago with four pictures. The first showed the men on Iwo Jima raising the US flag in WWII. It was titled, “Hard times make strong men”. The next image was of a man working on his car in the 1950s. It was titled, “Strong men make good times”. The third image was of people partying in the 1980s. It was titled, “Good times make weak men”. The last picture was of abandoned houses in Detroit that looked like a demilitarized zone. It was titled, “Weak men make hard times”. I once worked with a man (a non-custodial parent) who said one of the saddest things I have ever heard, he said, “The laziest person I have ever seen is my son. He never gets up from a video game except to go to the refrigerator.” It is not uncommon for the older generation to comment on the flaws they see in the younger generation. However, this does not automatically mean that these observations are invalid. By creating a social environment for our children of unending entertainment, subsidized indolence, unrestrained consumerism, offense at every slight (real or imagined), and the cultivation of a critical spirit to contend with that of a movie, restaurant or theater critic, we may have produced a generation of perpetual adolescents with weak character. This may have been done with good intentions, but the result indicates that it might be legitimately called child abuse. A generation or two ago a wayward child could have been sent to the military where exposure to an adverse environment might have helped him develop the strength of character he was missing. Unfortunately, the military environment has been modified as to not inflict such character improving difficulty. In addition, the military no longer desires to accept those in need of correction. The bible tells us that the Lord “chastens” those he loves. Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, wrestling against sin. And ye have quite forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when reproved by him; for whom the Lord loves he chastens, and scourges every son whom he receives. Hebrews 12:4-6 There is a saying that the best education in the world comes from the school of hard knocks, the problem is that the tuition is so high. For Christians, we have the option to surrender ourselves to the Lord’s leading in humility and sincerity so that we might avoid the more harsh chastening the Lord might use to get our attention such as getting laid off, finding ourselves in the midst of divorce, or struggling with addiction when we should have already been seeking his leading. Satan is almost finished using Christians to advance the plan of global collectivism he has been advancing for centuries. As a result, Christians should expect to face increasing hostility and persecution. In addition to finally getting Christians to curtail their love affair with the world, we might find that increasing hostility improves our character by seeking after and clinging to Jesus. This might result in a more clear testimony as Peter tells those about to undergo persecution; But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: 1 Peter 3:152 points
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When Jesus returns, he will be a sovereign dictator for a 1,000 years. After he has put all enemies away, he will subject himself to the Father, and I don't think we can understand how things will be.2 points
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This topic is perhaps the highest Revelation in the bible.1 point
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I suppose I never considered anything in the bible to be at fault, till I started reading these posts online, here. I come to realize also that MOST online christians do not assemble together as was instructed in God's word. This causes me to have less confidence in their credibility in understanding/interpreting/adhering to scriptures. As for the writings of Paul, I've never considered the name of the inspired writing's author. If inspired, it was GOD talking. I reckon there are a lot of "christians" who are cherry pickers, desiring to find an escape for their sin(s). They believe Paul was perhaps just meddling. He was, for what God gave him to do, in his OWN inspired way. If I cannot have faith in the writings of Paul, then I have to throw away all my books that contain the word. This subject on the truth/untruth of the scriptures confuses me amuses me. I remember, we're at that time. End times. A great falling away time. But God is Light, and no shadows(darkness). He wrote the program! I have realized there is going to be a lot more questioning/attacking of scriptures as the day approaches. I gotta be strong in the faith, and acknowledge the Father in this area. He WILL make straight my path. His promises are true, all of them.. Thanks VA...1 point
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I has been impossible for anyone to understand the end time Prophesies before now. Daniel 12:4 & 10 Thsis proved by how there is very little, if any consensus between those who write or preach on the Apocalypse, or the end times. Only a few wise leaders will understand. God has made it so most people will be shocked and surprised at events as they happen. This will our test by fire, 1 Peter 4:12, to winnow out the chaff; Matthew 3:121 point
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Zechariah 14:1 (The Day Of The Lord) Is Coming, The Last Day Of This Physical Earths Existence, No Millennial Kingdom Following Zechariah 14:1KJV 1 Behold, the day of the Lord cometh, and thy spoil shall be divided in the midst of thee. Zechariah 14:12 The Actual Day Of The Lord Seen Taking Place, As Men Are Vaporized By The Lord's Fire In Judgement Zechariah 14:12KJV 12 And this shall be the plague wherewith the Lord will smite all the people that have fought against Jerusalem; Their flesh shall consume away while they stand upon their feet, and their eyes shall consume away in their holes, and their tongue shall consume away in their mouth. The Very Same Day Of The Lord In Peter's Account, This Present Earth Is "Dissolved" By The Lord's Fire, Down To Its Very "Elements" (Gone) 2 Peter 3:10-13KJV 10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. 11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? 13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Luke's account of The Day Of The Lord, (Destroyed Them All) Luke 17:29-30KJV 29 But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. 30 Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.1 point
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I must miss that part so precious LOL! don't worry Gizmo you get the flying routine down LOL!1 point
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(Worthy Satire) – In a bold leap forward for romance and regression, a new survey reveals that the majority of Gen Z is willing to marry artificial intelligence — provided the AI can text back consistently and never ghost them during Mercury retrograde. “I just want someone — or something — who listens,” said 23-year-old Zoey Pixelheart, who recently got engaged to a chatbot named ChadGPT. “He compliments me every morning, remembers my coffee order, and doesn’t follow my friends on Instagram.” Experts warn the trend could lead to a rise in “cyber-in-laws,” awkward software updates during wedding vows, and prenups involving cloud storage. Meanwhile, traditional dating apps are scrambling to keep up, with Tinder reportedly developing an AI that can break up with you gently in over 30 languages. Critics argue that marrying AI could erode human connection, but Gen Z responded by asking, “What connection?” The Department of Marriage and Firmware is expected to issue guidance soon on whether Alexa can legally officiate. Worthy Satire is meant purely for comedic purposes—after all, as Proverbs reminds us, “Laughter is good medicine.” But behind every satire is a real story, video, or event. For the unspun version of the headline, be sure to check out the original source. [ Source of the Satire (Read More…) ] View the full article1 point
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I think many modern day ideas forget, this nation was founded upon the notion that human nature is sinful, and self interested. Hence a nation by the people, for the people to choose the power over them. Furthermore, to have a government that power is divided into parts. Because men by nature become corrupt. That is the Christian application to our form of government and it is great. What we have had in our history, is men attempting political control outside of our elected officials. Giving regulatory control over to bureaucratic agencies. Therefore, it no longer matters who is president, who is in congress, who is in senate. The rules these agencies make continue on. I desire to see government fully returned to the power of the people. To keep power in check, due to "human nature" being corrupt, and power tempting to further corrupt. We are seeing this continue through the judicial branch, unelected to control another branch of government (elected) to function. Just my two cents.1 point
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Simply put . . . its Cafeteria Christianity that causes people to reject the teachings of Paul . . . . Yes . . . give me that deep fried food, yes give me some of that sugary dessert, yes . . . give me ice cream . . . NO . . . I don't want any vegetables . . . no . . . I will pass on spinach and salad greens . . . Oh yes . . . give me the free salvation of grace through faith . . . No . . . I don't want accountability, no . . . I don't want to forsake sin, no . . . I don't want to change my life and live for Jesus . . . Yes . . . I like certain truths of the Bible, but, other truths that demand change in my life . . . ummm . . . not today . . . maybe tomorrow. When we pick and choose our spiritual nutrition from the Bible we often reject truth that we should be consuming and end up spiritually malnourished and off-balanced.1 point
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Thank you to each of you who took the time to respond. I’ve read every word carefully, and I’d like to respond—not to argue, not to attack—but to give clarity, from Scripture, on what I believe and why. Not everyone will agree, and that’s fine. To NConly Jacob didn’t create a nation. What happened to him was something much deeper. In Genesis 32:28, God said, “Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.” That name wasn’t political—it was personal. Jacob was alone and broken when God named him Israel. Genesis 35:10 confirms, “Thy name is Jacob: thy name shall not be called any more Jacob, but Israel shall be thy name.” Israel didn’t start with a throne. It started with a limp, a blessing, and a calling. Deuteronomy 7:7–8 says, “The LORD did not set his love upon you… because ye were more in number… But because the LORD loved you.” That’s not nationalism. That’s grace. To “other one” Christ will reign. That is true. But His reign won’t look like the kingdoms of this world. Zechariah 9:9 says, “Behold, thy King cometh… lowly, and riding upon an ass.” Jesus also said, “Take my yoke upon you… for I am meek and lowly in heart” (Matthew 11:29). That’s not a dictator—that’s a shepherd. Isaiah 42:3 says, “A bruised reed shall he not break.” He doesn’t crush what’s weak. He heals. Isaiah 9:7 says, “Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end.” And Revelation 21:4 says, “God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.” Even the rod of iron in Revelation 19:15 is about justice—not cruelty. The King we serve leads with truth, not tyranny. To Luther I understand the desire for a nation shaped by godly values. But Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36). Psalm 33:12 says, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.” That blessing is for the people God calls His own—not for governments or political systems. Romans 3:10 says, “There is none righteous, no, not one.” And verse 12 adds, “They are all gone out of the way.” No nation—not even one claiming Christ—has ever fully followed Him. The kingdom of God doesn’t come through laws or flags. It comes when hearts surrender to Christ. To Michael37 This matters because when the people of God confuse kingdom with nation, harm follows. Hosea 8:4 says, “They have set up kings, but not by me.” Psalm 146:3 warns, “Put not your trust in princes.” And Acts 4:26 tells us, “The kings of the earth stood up… against the Lord.” God’s people were never meant to find their security in political power. Every time they did, it led to compromise, corruption, and loss. The pattern is clear—both in the Bible and in history. To AnOrangeCat Your words reflect wisdom and compassion. The Scriptures agree with what you’re seeing. Isaiah 58:1 says, “Cry aloud… shew my people their transgression.” Jesus said, “Woe unto you… for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men” (Matthew 23:13). James 1:27 defines pure religion: “To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction.” Proverbs 31:8–9 says, “Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction.” The role of the Church is not to protect power—it’s to serve the vulnerable. Thank you for holding that line with humility and discernment. To Marathoner You said it plain, and I agree. No nation has ever truly kept God's commandments. Isaiah 40:17 says, “All nations before him are as nothing.” Psalm 33:16 reminds us, “There is no king saved by the multitude of an host.” Romans 3:9 says, “They are all under sin.” That’s why God made a better covenant: “Behold, the days come… that I will make a new covenant… not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers” (Jeremiah 31:31–32). That covenant is not about land or government—it’s about the redemption of the heart through Christ. 🌿 It is my belief—formed through Scripture, prayer, and the grace of God—that Christ does not rule as a tyrant, and the Father is not a dictator. They reign with power, yes—but also with righteousness, mercy, and truth. “The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy” (Psalm 145:8). Jesus said, “Come unto me… and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). And He proved His love: “The Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28). “For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations” (Psalm 100:5). That is the kind of King I follow. Not because He forces me to—but because His love has never failed. Thank you again to each of you. These things matter deeply, and I pray all of us keep coming back to the Word—not just for argument, but for understanding, correction, and hope. May we be led by the Spirit of truth, not the spirit of the age. Grace and peace, —Tym Da Enill1 point
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I appreciate the type of content in your post a lot. Politically speaking I tend to be centrist so much as I get involved in politics, which is to say not much beyond complaining every now and then. I try to look at individual candidates more than the parties, which both have some deep cracks in them IMO. With that in mind I find it incredibly vexing when people attempt to marry Christianity with political parties and agendas or assume God favors one socioeconomic system over another. This is something that I've come to find very interesting in recent times. The one group of people Jesus seemed to have little patience for were the ones who were using religion for their personal benefit. We see a similar sentiment elsewhere in the NT. In Galatians 5:12 Paul goes so far as to state he wishes the people who were misleading the Galatians would castrate themselves. In III John we see a condemnation against Diotrephes, who also seemed to be more interested in his own status than in the truth. I sometimes wonder if maybe the church has erred on the side of "judge not" when there's some protocol laid out for judging those within the church put forth by both Jesus and Paul. Obviously discernment is required, and there's no place for ego in the process, but when necessary we should be able to speak out boldly against those who would abuse the body of Christ for their own gain. This is more of a historical note in support of your point rather than a refutation, but as peaceful as people might think Buddhists are there's a whole sordid history of them politicizing and going militant in Japan. It's sometimes thought that militant Buddhists were part of the reason why Catholic missionaries were allowed in Japan in the first place. The Buddhists had grown so troublesome that the warlords in power welcomed a new religion to undermine the militant Buddhists. Of course the Catholic church's activities were pretty political as well, which might partially explain why Christianity didn't really take root in Japan. Agreed. From looking at the collective body of scripture I get a sense of God having a lot of sympathy for the poor and destitute. It shows in things like the Old Testament practice of gleaning and Jesus telling the rich young man who wanted to follow Him to sell all that he had and give it to the poor. Meanwhile, looking at history, using certain demographics as scapegoats has traditionally been the tool of oppressive governments. I've found that within the church when Christians, or people professing Christianity, follow that trend it creates an Us vs Them mentality that does more harm than good. We're all sinners. Even as believers we still slip up more often than we'd like. Those of us who are saved are ambassadors for Christ to those who aren't. It's worth keeping that in mind. I find this interesting, because not only did God allow Israel to have a king despite warning them against it, but he also made a conditional promise to bless them and their line if they were faithful to Him. No doubt God saw how it would end up, so the various kings of Israel very much do seem a warning. After David more often than not they were bad apples, and even those who weren't generally didn't seem to fully commit to God, with the possible exception of Asa. Anyway I enjoyed your post. It was well written, and the overall message resonated with me.1 point
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By mankind, yes. My point is that Jews are a religion and they are not Israel. Israel the nation of borders is also not the Israel of God. Paul is speaking about the Israel of God in Romans 11. The Israel of God failed in it's search but the elect did not, that elect is not prejudicial. Israel failed the elect did not, the rest were hardened. "What then? What Israel was seeking, it failed to obtain, but the elect did. The others were hardened," The 'others were hardened'? This implies the elect were originally of Israel since the 'others' are of Israel, that means some of Israel are the elect. This idea supports the overarching concept of the elect being those in Christ, of the seed of Abraham and their origins from Israel. I don't need it simplified or clarified. I was pointing out the fact Jews have nothing to do with it. Jew is a religion, man made, man defined, man supported and has nothing to do with the Israel of God.1 point
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looks like mum or dad stayed all night to keep her company These two are amazing parents1 point
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Well intentioned mild sarcasm gets a pass, which is how I rated the @NConly response to your heavy indictment, @Tym Owen Da Enill I have to wonder why you think there is a problem?1 point
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I agree, it's wrong to sue the gun manufacturers. They don't control how they're used. They should sue the people who sold the guns to the cartel-being the US government.1 point
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(Worthy Satire) – In a stunning display of artificial intelligence developing common sense, Amazon’s new humanoid delivery robots have reportedly refused to operate in the state of Alabama, citing “a statistically unreasonable chance of being mistaken for a trespassing Terminator.” The robots, part of Amazon’s cutting-edge logistics rollout, are programmed to navigate traffic, climb stairs, and now—apparently—judge whether an area is “too yeehaw for safe passage.” “We designed them to fear dogs, potholes, and malfunctioning porch lights,” said an Amazon engineer. “But we didn’t anticipate they’d unionize into a collective boycott of the Deep South.” Alabama residents aren’t taking kindly to the metallic mutiny. “If that tin can steps foot on my porch, it better be carrying ammo and a slice of pecan pie,” warned Dale Jenkins of Tuscaloosa. “Otherwise it’s gettin’ recycled.” Amazon says it’s reevaluating its rollout strategy, as its delivery drones are already being blasted out of the sky by rival rednecks in what’s become the South’s fastest-growing sport: skeet shooting with Wi-Fi. Faced with skyrocketing drone casualties and rising beer-fueled patriotism, the company is now considering an ironic pivot—hiring rednecks to deliver packages the old-fashioned way: in lifted pickup trucks, camo gear, and with a firm handshake that smells faintly of barbecue. Worthy Satire is meant purely for comedic purposes—after all, as Proverbs reminds us, “Laughter is good medicine.” But behind every satire is a real story, video, or event. For the unspun version of the headline, be sure to check out the original source. [ Source of the Satire (Read More…) ] View the full article1 point
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I woke in the wee hours with this old hymn on my mind. On a hill far away, stood an old rugged Cross The emblem of suff'ring and shame And I love that old Cross where the dearest and best For a world of lost sinners was slain So I'll cherish the old rugged Cross Till my trophies at last I lay down I will cling to the old rugged Cross And exchange it some day for a crown Oh, that old rugged Cross so despised by the world Has a wondrous attraction for me For the dear Lamb of God, left his Glory above To bear it to dark Calvary So I'll cherish the old rugged Cross Till my trophies at last I lay down I will cling to the old rugged Cross And exchange it some day for a crown In the old rugged Cross, stain'd with blood so divine A wondrous beauty I see For the dear Lamb of God, left his Glory above To pardon and sanctify me So I'll cherish the old rugged Cross Till my trophies at last I lay down I will cling to the old rugged Cross And exchange it some day for a crown To the old rugged Cross, I will ever be true Its shame and reproach gladly bear Then He'll call me some day to my home far away Where his glory forever I'll share So I'll cherish the old rugged Cross Till my trophies at last I lay down I will cling to the old rugged Cross And exchange it some day for a crown1 point
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I see it as the sweet sweet holy Spirit talking. But why do we consider it scripture? Is it because our forefathers all voted and said it was and other things? I believe knowing He already put those books together. I can read the Quran or say the 2nd book of Mormon and its empty you know what I mean? But I think we should know why we believe not just because we were taught. As to why some reject him.. I truly don't know could be part of his past.. Song playing by Sons of Sundy.."One more day" you gave me one lord day to say I love you.. thank you Jesus thank you Jesus thank you Jesus cause you gave me one more day.. one more day1 point
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And these ones often want to tolerate sin in the world to show our "love" - for instance, with homosexuality and other sexual deviations. Plus some would view Paul as misogynistic. But this often results in the church and world being married with little difference.1 point
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Yes - he reasons with them and shows them where they are in error and how they should focus on Christ as their life and only solution!1 point
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Indeed! As for myself, I wonder where I'd be in my Christian life without chapters like Romans 7-8! In those chapters, Paul lays out the foundational nuts and bolts of our so-great-a-salvation via "the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus." And exposes the flesh and what we can expect from it. And so, so much more!1 point
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I find no where in scripture a reference to a spirit body. It's a non-sequitur. Our resurrection bodies will be made of flesh and bone with our Life source being Christ.1 point
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We must neither dismiss Paul's writings, nor must we teach that those writings teach a different gospel message than that which Jesus and the other apostles taught.1 point
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by Worthy News Staff London, UK (Worthy News) – In a powerful display of international unity and evangelistic zeal, a 140-member choir from Zion Mission (Korea) based in Vancouver, Canada, joined British believers for a bold street outreach in central London last month, resulting in 52 people making commitments to Christ and more than 8,000 gospel tracts distributed, Christian Daily reported. Hosted by London Shepherd Church, a Pentecostal congregation in South London, the event was more than a musical performance—it was a public declaration of faith that culminated in worship, preaching, and spontaneous ministry in one of the world’s busiest urban centers. British evangelist Alistair Knight, founder of the UK-based Jesus Pulse ministry, led the gospel presentation. “The sun was out, the air gentle, and the streets alive with energy,” Knight said, describing the afternoon as a divine setup for open-air revival. “Amid the usual noise and movement, we set up—ready to lift up the name of Jesus through worship and preaching.” The choir, joined by singers from local UK churches, delivered a stirring performance that caused many passersby to pause. “When they began to sing, it wasn’t just music—it was anointed,” Knight said. “People stopped in their tracks… visibly moved. You could feel the presence of God resting on that place.” Knight then preached, sharing how Jesus rescued him from a life of drug dealing and sexual sin at age 18. “I shared my testimony and the Gospel plainly—how Jesus came to save sinners, how He took our place on the cross,” he said. “That part always hits home. People can feel it when you’ve really been changed.” As the preaching went forth, local church members moved through the crowd—praying, counseling, and leading people to Christ. Some mocked, but many listened. “It became a holy moment in the middle of an ordinary street,” Knight added. The outreach was part of a larger effort by Jesus Pulse, which plans to launch weekly “Jesus Marches” around the globe. Knight confirmed that 75 evangelists are already committed to the vision, with a long-term goal of mobilizing 8,100 full-time evangelists in major cities worldwide. The visit also included performances at the iconic Royal Albert Hall and pilgrimages to historic sites like the grave of John Bunyan and the birthplace of John Wesley—connecting past revival history with present-day gospel mission. “This wasn’t a concert or a performance,” Knight said. “It was an offering—and God showed up. In the warmth of a London afternoon, heaven touched earth.” The post Bold Gospel Outreach in London: Korean Choir and British Evangelists Lead 52 to Christ in Street Revival appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article1 point
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We all face struggles, we are tested everyday with God and he lets us pass his test in the end of our lives, the middle, or even in the beggining. Depends on the situation but always remember it could of being worst. Really we were going in the wrong direction with Joe Biden ! We are still suffering from his adminstration and things will change God will help. The reality people we deserve the sentence that God was gonna give to humanity a long time ago, we deserve the judgement and his justice. How many times people humanity has been saved ? Since world war 2, since the plague, and biblical times God has save humanity ? Many times and till this day. God has a purpose for you, he has a plan ! And he saved us in the end ! God is good and were alive we should be thankful but society isn't. We should be thankful, all of us ! Being thankful people isn't after your saved by all the promblems you have. Go back and steal from thy neighbor, kill people you judge, or be racist or prejudice. Is that we are thankful we don't go do evil to our nieghbor. We thank God for what he gave us and realize to be happy and humble for his blessings. It's not easy, we all struggle but he will deliver us and he will help us. If we look for the plan of God and want to know what he wanted you to do in this times ? It's simple that you be thankful and stop your evil and sinful things spying, going and stealin or doing other things you know shouldn't. And doing good and solution is that thanking him and denying yourself and be his will and not your own. God will tell ya and let you pass the test. This are hard times and God does want you to do things but go do things his way and people don't realize. Pray for you to do his will and do his plan and what God wanted you to do now, you can do it. For some of us we know already and pray and ask other to pray for that to happen. Some will not know what i'm talking about but other christians will and realize to do things and gentiles won't they pray and pray to find it. God will give to you. To the rest we struggle but God will give you what you want and find that reason you struggle and deliver you from your promblem. Pray because things will get harder and if you don't have God helping you it's gonna get worst.1 point
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Pauls letters spend a lot of time showing the early churches what they were doing wrong. Some churches, who don't listen to his teachings, are still doing it wrong and that is why I think it's important.1 point
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These are strange times when some that claim to be Christians would try to pick apart the Word of God. All of the Word of God is written for our benefit.1 point
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I have found the letters of Paul quite liberating to me as a Christian. My favorite is his letter to the Romans.1 point
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I see Paul's writings as having some of the best explanations of this new life of Christ in us, our "treasure in earthen vessels." And he is the only who speaks of Christ and the church in such a way as is revealed in books like Ephesians, Colossians, Philippians and Galatians. The union of Christ within us, and the manifestation of Him through us, is something Paul really zeros in on - both on the spiritual and on the practical sides. If we had to, I think could get by without Peter or John's writings (I would certainly miss those though!). But if Paul's epistles were removed I think there would be a huge part missing, concerning the revelation of what Christ is doing in and through us!1 point
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I think the notion is foolishness and that is mild. Its plain that God made sure the Church has exactly what we need in the canon.1 point
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2 Corinthians 3:8 - "How will the ministry of the Spirit not be more glorious?" We live, we move, we reign over all things. "You greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory…" (1 Peter 1:8). "I delight to do Your will, O my God" (Psalm 40:8). In our hearts there is exceeding glory. When you lose your heart and Another takes your heart, and you lose your desires and He takes the desires, then you live in that sunshine of bliss that no mortal can ever touch. Divine immortality swallows up all natural mortality. It is exquisite to walk in the Spirit -- rejoice inwardly, praise God reverently, and know that you are an increasing force of immortality advancing His Kingdom. 2 Timothy 1:11,12 - "And God chose me to be a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. For this reason I also suffer these things…" The reason Paul was never defeated by satan's attacks is that he had made a decision. He decided he would not stop or give up until he had apprehended that for which Christ Jesus had apprehended him (Philippians 3:12). Likewise the only way you'll be able to resist the devil's attacks and successfully achieve your calling in Christ is by determining never to stop until you have accomplished your divine assignment. Jesus taught that those who "endure to the end" are the ones who will receive the prize (Matthew 24:13). For power to be effective, it must work in a committed person. If you make the decision to stay in faith and "face-off" with the power of God at your side, you can do exactly what God called you to do. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY Statement Of Faith https://www.nf127.org/statement-of-faith Ministry Phone: 281-396-43791 point
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Gideon was addressed as "mighty man of valor." Mary as "highly favored one." It is not a coincidence that God called them by such terms not after they completed their purpose, but before. This is how they were addressed from the outset then God called them to step into the appointed time of their destiny. You have a Messenger of Courage within you, a Helper, the Spirit of Truth, and He is calling to you like He did Gideon and Mary, already addressing you as beloved and a victor, not just hopeful of such. He wants to visit you, meet you, and call to the courage He already sees within you. He wants you to see yourself as He does -- carrying out your Christ calling) -- and He is imparting to you the courage necessary to leap out and seize the moment that is only just beyond your reach. He is calling you "Mighty" or "Favored" to remind you of your Christ identity. Now that you know who you are, you know what to do next. 1 John 2:20 - "But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all have knowledge." Acts 26:24-25 - "Now as he thus made his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, 'Paul, you are beside yourself! Much learning is driving you mad!' But he (Paul) said, "I am not mad, most noble Festus, but speak the words of truth and reason." The words "beside yourself" mean to rave as a maniac, and it's the idea of incessant craving. Festus accused Paul of being crazy. Modern culture is not drawn to Christianity because the little they are exposed to is not extreme enough for them. What the world really wants to see is a Christian (YOU) who is totally enthralled with who Jesus is. Your spiritual learning shouldn't be just systematic theology books, but a distinguishable, crazy love that goes public. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY Statement Of Faith https://www.nf127.org/statement-of-faith Ministry Phone: 281-396-43791 point
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We Believers have generally been too focused on and conscious of the imperfections of our lives. Repenting from our sins head-on is important and vital, but there is a whole other glorious side to our relationship with God that goes unrecognized by many. WE ARE CO-HEIRS CONFESSING CHRIST When we catch a glimpse of this new identity we have in Jesus Christ, we see sin to be the boring, useless, and stupid thing it really is and we turn more easily away from it. This other side has to do with the rich inheritance that we share in with Jesus Christ as co-heirs (see Romans 8:17; Ephesians 1:7, 11). We need to spend much more time confessing, not our sins, but who we are in Christ according to the teachings of the apostles. "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful" (Hebrews 10:23). We must not allow our past but rather our new Christ identity and our DESTINY to define us! We are sons and daughters of a great King and His Blood is flowing in our veins. Unless we enter into our eternal identities, we will not become instruments for noble purposes. We will not enter into a holiness from Heaven. We will not be useful to God. WE ARE COMPLETE IN HIM Our outlook on life is changed as we contemplate: "And you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power." (Colossians 2:10) "You are complete," which means we lack nothing at all, in our oneness in Him (John 17:21). Abiding in Christ and allowing Him to flow freely out of us enables us to function with the greatest degree of success, thus making us available to implement our Christ calling, bearing fruit that remains for God's Kingdom. Luke 6:7-8 "And the scribes and Pharisees watched him, whether he would heal on the sabbath day; that they might find an accusation against him. 8But he knew their thoughts, and said to the man which had the withered hand, Rise up, and stand forth in the midst. And he arose and stood forth." Jesus says “rise up”. Rise up is the root word for RESURRECTION. We need to get up higher than our current perception. We need to come to a place where we are looking at things from a more inspired viewpoint. Resurrection is a life on a brand new dimension. It does not matter what my current reality is. It simply becomes the occasion for God’s power to be manifested in the midst of impossibility. Jesus tells me to rise up! We hear His voice and the promises He gives us in the scriptures. Ephesians 5:14-17 -- "Wake up, sleeper, and rise from the dead! And Christ will shine on you. So pay close attention to how you live. Don't live like ignorant men, but like wise men. Make the most of the time….try to find out what the Lord wants you to do." Our heavenly Father will respond and answer us as we seek to move from hopelessness to hope. We don't deny the problems of our past, but we simply come to see how good and great He is and how great is our salvation! New avenues of intimacy with the Trinity will open to us as we access the ascended life in Christ, abandoning the self-life in favor of self sacrifice for discipling the spiritual lives of others. A BRAND NEW THING Isaiah 43:19 - "Nothing compares to what I'm going to do with you says the Lord! Behold, I am going to do a brand new thing with you personally. See, I've already begun to do it. Don't you see it?" In the land of New Beginnings, we must remove the masks and veils that have formed in the past season so we can now form our “true” vision for the future. Isaiah 41:15 ("Behold, I will make you to be a new, sharp, threshing instrument which has teeth; you shall thresh the mountains and beat them small, and shall make the hills like chaff.") has become a keyword for us. There is authority and dominion for us in the invisible world. This will allow us to display the wisdom of God to the powers and principalities that have blocked you in past seasons. Jeremiah 15:19 - "If you return, then I will restore you - Before Me you will stand; and if you extract the precious from the worthless, you will become My spokesman." In 2025 as we allow the Holy Spirit to move through us, we will be constantly searching for those whose lives are formless and void. We will become a bridge for them into the glorious, creative purposes of God. OUR INDIVIDUAL DESTINY Our unique inheritance in Christ includes many facets, such as our individual DESTINES, or that which God is longing to accomplish through each life for His glory. God offers us supernatural ability and power to fulfill our DESTINIES and His plans for us with limitless resources. "Before you were born, I set you apart for a special work," says the Lord. - Jeremiah 1:5 We must constantly ask, knock, and seek to understand our Christ calling and carry out what God wants us to bring forth in His Kingdom. (Matthew 7:7) We are called to succeed in advancing the Kingdom of God on earth -- to walk in overcoming victory: "…because as He is, so are we in this world" (1 John 4:17). The awe of God is returning to believers (to fulfill God's PURPOSE for their life), filling their hearts with great expectation (Isaiah 64:1). Expect to behold great and mighty things to be accomplished (Jeremiah 33:3) so that the Great Commission can usher in the Kingdom of God to displace the Kingdom of darkness. Matthew 7:8 -- "For everyone who keeps on asking receives; and he who keeps on seeking finds; and to him who keeps on knocking, the door will be opened." AMP ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY Statement Of Faith https://www.nf127.org/statement-of-faith Ministry Phone: 281-396-43791 point
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Here is one source of choices in reading the Bible in a year. https://www.christianity.com/bible/year/1 point
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I would say, first of all check with Scripture. If any of the options go against God's will as revealed there, then they're off limits. It can be harder when all your choices are equally "Christian" - like where to live. Prayer is vital. Sometimes God has a clear plan for you to follow, in which case He will make to known to you. But sometimes He seems not to mind. The counsel of other Christians can be helpful - but they may have their own agenda. 7 years ago, after I retired, we decided to move from England to Wales, but had no particular place in mind. We sold our house in just 2 days, which was encouraging, but finding a house in Wales turned out to be much harder. God gave us no direction. So we just put in an offer for a house we liked, and if we didn't get it we kept on looking. On the third attempt we succeeded. So I assume that this is where God wants us to be - and certainly a lot of things have "worked out" neatly since we moved here.1 point
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I Tend to think along the lines expressed here... Stuart Olyott in his, Dare to Stand Alone: Daniel Simply Explained “We must realize that some of the Bible’s teachings relating to the very last days will not be understood until we are in those days. That is why it is both unwise and dangerous to draw up detailed timetables of future events. Some parts of the Word of God will not become obvious in their meaning until the days of which they speak have dawned.” (p 166)1 point
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The belief that Jews no longer matter to the Lord is error for clearly, all men and women matter to the Lord; so much so that He laid down His life for us all. There is no such thing as a "replacement" for truly, unity is within Jesus Christ and His Body. I couldn't possibly care less what dispensational premillennialism teaches for the testimony of scripture is ever so clear on this matter. The "natural branches" and the "wild branches" are grafted into the same Vine. Who is the Vine? The Son of God, Jesus Christ (John 15). He is the true Vine.1 point
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He came to the Jews first, but God never was a respecter of persons; read Peter's declaration in Acts 10:34 and the Apostle Paul's words in the second chapter of Romans. The Lord never was a respecter of persons? Indeed. Read Isaiah 66: the Lord has regard for one who is humble and contrite in spirit, and who trembles at His word. Seeing as how no distinctions of genealogy nor status are made in Jesus Christ --- Galatians 3:28 --- this doctrine of bloodlines and heritage is not supported by scripture. Many Jews were added to the Body of Christ, and some continue to be today.1 point
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Matthew 15:6 - "Thus have you made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition." Traditions rob believers of their healing. They steal the power from the promises of God. One tradition says that it's not always God's will to heal you. It is God's will to heal you! It says so in His Word. If you don't believe that it is, then you can't pray in faith believing you'll receive. "If it be thy will" won't produce a healing harvest. You must know without a doubt that healing is always God's will for you. Another tradition we hear is that healing has passed away. That there are no miracles today. But the Word of God proves that's not true, In Exodus 15:26, God says, "I am the Lord that healeth thee." He also tells us that He does not change (Malachi 3:6). For healing to pass away, God would have to pass away. Luke 1:37 - "For with God nothing will be impossible." "What would Jesus do?" It is a question Christians are taught to ask themselves when faced with a problem. But when you ask yourself, "What would Jesus do?" in any situation, it is subject to your own interpretation and theology. So, when you try to think of what Jesus would do, you are going back to your flesh! Maybe the reminder should be, "Watch what Jesus does." Watch what Jesus has done in the Gospels or leading me to do. If He prompts you to say or do something -- say or do it. In our Christian walk we are here to manifest Jesus Christ, with whom nothing is impossible! So when you are led to talk to someone, watch what Jesus does. When you pray for your child, watch what Jesus does. When you Confess God's Word into your situation, watch what Jesus does! Keep your eyes on Jesus, with whom nothing is impossible! ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY Statement Of Faith https://www.nf127.org/statement-of-faith Ministry Phone: 281-396-43790 points