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Birds and Animals · During one tense bullfight, matador Alvaro Munero did the unthinkable. As the crowd cheered, wanting the next dramatic move, he abruptly stepped away from the bull, walked to the edge of the arena, and sat down. The roaring crowd fell into stunned silence. In a post-interview that came from his heart, Alvaro shared this life-altering moment that led to his decision: "In one moment I forgot the existence of the horns. All I could see was his eyes, standing there, not with rage but with something much deeper-innocence. He was not attacking me; he was just looking at me, pleading wordlessly for his life. That is when it came into my mind that this isn't an animal I am fighting; this is a living thing that wanted to live as much as I did.". His eyes had that purity that only animals possess, and in them, I saw that undeniable truth. I felt an overwhelming surge of guilt; it was as if I had become the most heartless creature alive. I couldn't continue. I dropped my sword, left the arena, and made a promise to myself: I would no longer fight bulls; I would fight against a world which makes a game out of the torture of others for amusement. The story of Alvaro Munero is a rare, powerful look into the transformative force of compassion, even in the most unlikely of places. It is a reminder that one moment of connection can change a life, inspire a new purpose.__https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/te2/1/16/270d.png

Yes, sound the alarm, but the Bible provides numerous scriptures that highlight Christ’s role concerning nations, including Israel and beyond. Here are some key passages: Matthew 28:19 – "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." This verse emphasizes Christ’s command to spread His message to all nations, not just Israel. Isaiah 49:6 – "I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth." This prophecy foretells Christ’s role in bringing salvation beyond Israel. Acts 17:26 – "And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place." This verse highlights God’s sovereignty over nations and His plan for humanity. Revelation 7:9 – "After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people, and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb." This passage illustrates Christ’s universal reign and the inclusion of all nations in His kingdom. Psalm 22:28 – "For kingship belongs to the Lord, and he rules over the nations." This verse affirms Christ’s authority over all nations.

We have been in the last days since Pentecost. ;-) “But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: “And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams. And on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; And they shall prophesy. I will show wonders in heaven above And signs in the earth beneath: Blood and fire and vapor of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, And the moon into blood, Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the LORD. And it shall come to pass That whoever calls on the name of the LORD Shall be saved.’” (Acts 2:16-21 NKJV) https://accordance.bible/link/read/NKJVS#Acts_2:16

To say God is not a nationalist is to say we need to make that statement because there are those misguided who think He is. So maybe some see this as a real problem on large scale. And I'll admit that I see statements which are often exclusive in many circles, The us mentality. The clan, the tribe, often seeing themselves in a superior light because of location an/ or citizenship. " We don't do that harumph". We are above that. My tribe is the best tribe, God's tribe. It seems to run down to association by where we are or where we are from which some then take pride in, and pride myust aways be above someone else. Reading the Psalms can even seem to have those connotations because David seen himself as God's warrior literally and was continually proclaiming what God was going to do to his enemies. God had determined to bless Israel as His people, but apparently most of them seldom seen an association with Yahweh as a national association, at least not at the personal God level because they couldn't run away fast enough. Even in the wilderness after witnessing astounding miraculous acts of God to protect them, they decided Moses was taking too long on the mountain and made an idol and got into indecent behavior. Sadly, any country since who has given allegiance to God either in a big way, or in only outward ways, i.e. most of America, is full of rot and lots of the very things He warns against. If a nation truly followed God as a majority, then that nation would be geared nationally to God. Christian nationalism as a superiority complex is bad bad bad. I am reminded of Nineveh. They turned around against all odds. Against the wishes of the very prophet sent there to warn them. Should they as a country have taken pride in having followed God? What kind of sorrow do you think they had and why? It is true that when a country predominately follows the ideas of God in it's laws and when leaders are really working for the people as God's servants, things go well. God blesses that country. And in my opinion, to say my country was spiritually superior or better is a loaded statement because we have always had the bad stuff underneath the good stuff. The apple has always had worms. I can't personally invest a lot of trust in my country or any other. I am part of another kingdom. I'll pay my taxes and obey the laws. I'll respect and love others not because I'm an American but because I'm a believer.

I looked up a quote I read decades ago. I used it back then in a message I was giving and one member of the congregation rejected it, saying that we want the world in the church, and we should behave like worldly people to draw them in. He was a profane and ignorant man under demonic influences, and wouldn't accept Scriptural instruction. He was excluded from meetings for disrupting them with his nonsense. Here’s the quote from D.L. Moody: "Christians should live in the world, but not be filled with it. A ship lives in the water; but if the water gets into the ship, she goes to the bottom. So Christians may live in the world; but if the world gets into them, they sink." It’s a powerful metaphor about staying spiritually grounded despite external influences. Moody had a way of making deep truths simple and memorable.

“Hearing the law does not make people right with God. They will be right before him only if they always do what the law says. Those who are not Jews don’t have the law. But when they naturally do what the law commands without even knowing the law, then they are their own law. This is true even though they don’t have the written law. They show that in their hearts they know what is right and wrong, the same as the law commands, and their consciences agree. Sometimes their thoughts tell them that they have done wrong, and this makes them guilty. And sometimes their thoughts tell them that they have done right, and this makes them not guilty. All this will happen on the day when God will judge people’s secret thoughts through Jesus Christ. This is part of the Good News that I tell everyone.” ‭‭ Romans‬ ‭2‬:‭13‬-‭16‬ ‭

If those people had been working with ICE to carry out our laws, they would not have to do things without informing them. Actually, the OA county Sheriff and LAPD would be pointing out where these people are and would help them. When local people are not doing their jobs, one must not inform them when you are going to do it for them. It's a shameful thing to have to do things this way, but the law is the law and the shame is on the locals.

Yes, and then there is the "much more"

He must have misplaced his heart of stone because the Holy Spirit moved him to compassion. I wonder if he ever came to know the Spirit that moved within him.

Why? So that some liberal can warn them?

Jesus came to earth primarily to save humanity from sin and death through His sacrifice and resurrection.

And yet at the end He said “Father, forgive them…”. That is the Lord I know.

I discuss much of this in ‘Salvation is Relocation’ Its fundamental stuff that prevents much error if understood. It is not taught and emphasized enough.

Toni and I visited the Cherokee Museum in Tahlaqua, OK where the story of the Trail of Tears is told and exposed.

Yes - and then once that perfect sacrifice on our behalf was accomplished, His ultimate purpose was (in resurrection) to get into people, making them children of God with the Spirit of life in them . . . which Spirit (one with our spirit) would become their very source of life for their day to day activities, and would mature them as sons of God and transform them into His image!

Jim Crow laws were a system of racial segregation and discrimination throughout the American South beginning in 1870. These laws, intended to reverse legal protections for former slaves in the South during the Reconstruction period, persisted until the legality of this evil was finally abolished in 1965. Colored people possessed no rights under law under Jim Crow; institutions from the courts to law enforcement were not expected, required, nor compelled to serve colored people. Murders of colored people were committed with impunity. The Tuskegee Syphilis Study was perpetrated against a group of colored men by the United States Public Health Service and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) from 1932 until 1972. At the time, it was believed that syphilis affected people of different "races" in different ways, and this evil was carried out based upon the assumption that these men would never receive care because they were colored anyway. These men were promised treatment but were only given placebo drugs; the study observed untreated syphilis. It is a horrific disease and the evil perpetrated under the sun was truly unspeakable. These are examples which reveal how the United States is no different than any other nation of this earth. The nations of men are wicked and enemies of the Lord. They hated Him before they hated His beloved.

Whitewashing history doesn't accomplish anything worthwhile, my friend. The "old days" were every bit as evil as the present day and in some ways, surpass what we witness today. Over 60,000 native Americans were forced to embark upon death marches by order of the President of the United States from 1830 - 1850; roughly 20,000 died during this era known as the Trail of Tears. The greedy, uncompassionate philosophy of murderers and thieves made massacres and genocide possible long before "Marxism" and the like arose. Manifest Destiny was the ideology and law of the land; their evil knew no bounds. There is no remembrance of earlier things by those who come later on. What was done before will be done again so that there is nothing new under the sun (Ecclesiastes 1).

Read this today in the Supplied Life devotional, which goes along completely with this thread's thought (even our willingness is Christ in us!): June 7th An atmosphere of freedom "I delight to do Your will, O my God, and Your law is within my heart." Psalm 40:8 The very nature of God's move has nothing to do with the realm of coercing. It has everything to do with a group of people participating in the life of another Person who is absolutely willing--"I delight to do Your will, O My God" (Psa. 40:8; cf. Heb. 10:7). Willingness is not merely what is described in a dictionary--wanting to do something. No, that is the shell. The kernel and life- content of willingness is Christ. Just as all the virtues of the fruit of the Spirit are Christ, so also willingness is Christ. So whenever willingness is in you, you have met Christ in your being. You have met Him in the form of His disposition of willingness. That is His life. It is the nature of His life within us. It is the way He feels.

Shabbat shalom, @Alive. Precisely! This is why we NEED the Resurrection! It is the "BLESSED HOPE!" (Titus 2:13). And, it is what we are supposed to be anticipating! Even atheists know Ecclesiastes 9:5 is true, and many of them are COUNTING on it! If there's no resurrection, then they won't have to face God's Judgment and they won't have to stand trial, but ... it SHALL happen as even the unrighteous will stand trial before the Great White Throne! This is the "terror of the Lord" that they will face! Reading on in 2 Corinthians 5, we find ... 2 Corinthians 5:9-11 (KJV) 9 Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. 10 For we must ALL appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that EVERY ONE may receive the things [done] in [his] body, according to that he hath done, whether [it be] good or BAD. 11 Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.

Do you mean surrender to Christ or surrender to your toxic environment? If you are talking about surrender to Christ, I like to call it walking with the Lord in your daily life. And that is a life of peace... it's a wonderful life in Christ. No matter what happens, just respond in a godly way. Learn to walk in the Spirit. It's a good life!

Thank Marilyn, This subject is very interesting! Requires more study on my part! Thanks for the scriptures!

What about the many versions of the rapture to heaven theory? The ideas that Revelation is past history, it is just a Spiritual fable, it is only for the Jews and when Jesus Returns, its all over for Eternity. I've seen them all, but only on Forums like this one, as the average Christian believer simply says: Whatever Lord, bring it on! Which is a very poor attitude, that ignores the over 1/4 of the Bible, of unfulfilled Prophecy. No commentator that I have read, and that is quite a few, has a scenario which accurately fits with all the Prophetic Word.

Tommy Robinson is a UK journalist who has tried to warn about the threat of Islam for many years. He warned about the Muslim grooming gangs preying on young British girls. He saw his town go from one mosque to 45 mosques. He has even spent time in jail for his views.

Hardly. Rev 12:9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceives the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. Pure fantasy, as is the idea that Nero fulfills Revelation 13. Nero reigned as Roman emperor from October 13, 54 CE, to June 9, 68 CE. He was the last emperor of the Julio-Claudian dynasty and is often remembered for his controversial rule, including the Great Fire of Rome and his persecution of Christians. Constantine I, also known as Constantine the Great, ruled from July 25, 306 CE, to May 22, 337 CE. He is famous for being the first Roman emperor to convert to Christianity and for founding Constantinople, which later became the capital of the Byzantine Empire. Their reigns were separated by more than two centuries, with Nero ruling during the height of the early Roman Empire and Constantine overseeing its transformation into a Christian empire. Quite the contrast in leadership styles and legacies.

I understand what you're saying and of course not the only Nation or group of people that is going to completely follow Christ with all their heart,mind and soul are going to be born again believers in the kingdom of God. Having said that, the United States did a pretty good job of following Christian principles for the longest time. Whether a person wanted to go to a Christian church or not, they still went because everybody did it, which is not necessarily a bad thing. The majority of Americans were heavily influenced by Christians, and our society reflected that. Now we have been infiltrated by cultural Marxism which initially crept into non- Christian liberal organizations In the early twenties. Now everyone and everything is affected by a perverted, greedy incompassionate philosophy by those who seek to ruin our society. The only way to cure the problem ( if the Lord tarries) is to remove those who seek to implement anti- American, anti- Christ policies in our government, in our schools, in our media, in our banking system and in our entertainment industry. It might look like the 50's again.

I am pretty convinced the Lord wasn't asking the rich man to give up everything, but to be willing to give up everything. Since God wants us to enjoy the fruits of our labors, I don't believe He wanted him to become impoverished while making those he helped rich. Being willing means it might happen, but then I go back to Abraham being asked to sacrifice Issac. Seems to me God wants a willing heart and the wealth was of less importance. Job felt the full brunt of what can happen, but then was restored, I guess I don't see God wanting to inflict harm or loss in any way. He wants to restore and bless. The rich young ruler didn't get that. The concept of giving to get is more than a little shallow, but I do think those who give also get and those who withhold have less. I tend to be sort of oblivious to the money stuff until I have to deal with it. Maybe if I valued it more I would be more concerned. People who are overly concerned about money tend to think about money a lot and even be consumed by it. Jesus told us that even the sparrows and flowers have all they need. If I'm obsessing over thinking how I will try and get from point A to point B without praying over it I would be at fault. My God owns the cattle on 1000 hills, and since most of us are not shepherds, maybe that way of seeing it doesn't seen so personal, but cattle was a measure of wealth back then. He owns the stuff men make currency to own. Jesus talked a lot about money, talents and so forth, but He never needed it. It was a measure of heart value.

“For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing people unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For both He that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause He is not ashamed to call them brethren” (Heb 2:10, 11). This verse tells both how God’s grace has extended to us; and what became this God to do, in bringing many to glory, into His very presence Who dwelleth in light unapproachable? He was to bring them to glory. Therefore, He must go where they were, and become one with them as to their guilt (Not guilty Himself of course or He could not be the Sacrifice—NC), which He must bear; and become sin on their behalf (become like sin but not sin itself, i.e. “likeness of sin” Rom 8:3). So bringing many children unto glory would involve sufferings—the most terrible of all, to be forsaken of His Father—made a curse for us (sacrificed for the curse but without imputed sin - Gal 3:13—NC)! Nothing else could “become” God as regarding our sin and our sinful state (possessing the old man is sin’s source—NC). 1. It became His being, as God. It was into God’s presence we were to be brought (Heb 4:14, 16). 2. It became His holiness: with an infinite abhorrence He hated sin (Psa 97:10; Pro 8:13). 3. It became His righteousness: He must deal righteously in bringing others to glory (Jhn 17:22). 4. It became the God Whose name is Love (1Jo 4:8) to do this amazing thing—bring to glory many people. Only a God of Love would want us There. 5. It became His wisdom, “of Whom are all things and for Whom are all things” (Heb 2:10). He sees the eternities and has planned for them as it became Him. 6. It became His Lordship over all things (Phl 2:9-11). Knowing all things about all creatures, He could place them all where He would. God chose to place first those redeemed by His Son (Christians are second to the Trinity and are more important than the angels, man being the sole creature in God’s image—NC). 7. It became the Father because the Lord Jesus’ obedience unto death revealed God for all ages. He is worthy to be obeyed, said His Son, even into forsaking, anguish and death! Finally, the Father infinitely loves His Son, the “Captain” of these people. Thus it became Him to plan for that Son a path of sufferings untold and unutterable, in walking in which day by day that Son’s fidelity to God His Father became manifest to all eternity; and God will forever remember the Son’s sufferings, as if they were but yesterday. Thus, it became God to make the Leader of our “salvation perfect through sufferings” (Heb 2:10), and remember, if we suffer with Him, it is because we are redeemed by His sufferings and sacrifice. Satan hates redeemed ones, those trusting Christ’s one offering (Heb 10:10). So he makes them suffer, whether by temptation to doubt the Savior’s sacrifice; or be calling attention to their weak faith, or inconsistent walk (1Jo 2:6). The Lord Jesus accepted work on the Cross (accepted of the Father - 2Co 6:18), and not our grasp of it, is the question! We know that the Father has accepted His Son’s sacrifice (Matthew 3:17), because He raised Him from the dead and set Him at His own right hand in glory! It became God . . . “to make Him perfect through sufferings.” It behooved Christ to suffer, and to “rise again from the dead.” The very foundation of the Gospel appears in this word, it became God! It became Him to judge sin; it became Him to give His own Son to bear sin (the Father could have come instead of the Word, but the Father wanted it to be the greatest sacrifice of all—NC). It became Him to lay before that Son a path “even unto death” (Mat 26:38).While we now “behold . . . Jesus crowned with glory and honor” (Psa 8:5; Heb 2:9), let us not only see His present place as God’s reward to Him for His path of obedience, but also regard His path of suffering thereto, as the only path which could become a holy God! —William R Newell (1865-1956) MJS daily devotional excerpt for June 5: Circumstantial Evidence The Spirit convicts us of sins that we may be convinced of God’s cleansing. We do not deserve to be forgiven, but the Lord Jesus deserves to be trusted. –MJS (we deserve God’s forgiveness after rebirth-NC) “We find the greatest difficulty often in bringing our sorrow to God. How can I do so, some may be saying, as my sorrow is the fruit of my sin? How can I take it to God? If it was suffering for righteousness’ sake, then I would, but I am suffering for my sin; and can I, in the integrity of my heart towards God, take my sorrows to Him, knowing I deserve them? “Yes: the Lord Jesus has been to God about them. This, then, is the ground on which I can go. There has been perfect atonement for all my sins; Christ has been judged for them. Will God judge us both? No; I go to Him on the ground of atonement, and God can justly meet me in all my sorrow, because Christ’s work has been so perfectly done. “The guilt which the throne detects, the altar removes. If in the light of the throne one object is seen, namely, ruined, guilty, undone self; then, in the light of the altar, one object is seen, namely, a full, precious, all-sufficient Christ. The remedy reaches to the full extent of the ruin, and the same light that reveals the one reveals the other likewise. This gives settled repose to the conscience. God Himself has provided a remedy for all ruin which the light of His throne has revealed.” - John Nelson Darby (1800-1882) http://www.abideabove.com/hungry-heart/day/2025/06/05/

I agree with your sentiment. Our founding fathers went to great lengths to protect The American citizens from what is going on today in government. The forces of evil learned how to operate within the context of our Constitution. We've been taken over by a foreign entity since the JFK assassination. He was going to stop them from acquiring nuclear weapons. He wasn't going to play by their rules. But lo and behold they had their representative waiting on the wings to fully implement their policies.... That was Lyndon B Johnson. From then on our country began it's downward spiral. That's just a quick comment on the subject without getting too detailed.

Actually, God is omnipresent. In the Spiritual dimension. Heaven is God’s Spiritual home. Earth is our physical home. The Lord Jesus, as the Son of God and the Son of man will eventually make Heaven and Earth as one. Ephesians 1:10…everything in heaven and earth will be brought together under one Head; Jesus Christ. Just as the separation between heaven and earth will be forever demolished through Jesus, so too will the separation between God and mankind be removed. Revelation 21:3 Now: the dwelling of God is with men and He will live with them. Zechariah 9:10 The Lord will banish all the things of war, He will proclaim peace to the nations and His rule will extend to the ends of the earth. God’s plan is to make all things as one, to remove the separation between the spiritual and the physical worlds. This is the ultimate plan of God and the finale of secular history. When God walked with Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden, it was then a part of heaven, but when they sinned, angels with flaming swords kept mankind out and we await its re-establishment on the renewed earth. Revelation 21 to 22 Will those who will live with Jesus during His Millennial reign, have spiritual bodies? No, because there will be many still alive at His Return, Matthew 24:31 and when He was resurrected, He still ate and drank in a body suited for earthly living. John 21:12 Revelation 20:4-6…the souls of those who were killed for their faith in God, were resurrected and they will reign with Christ for 1000 years… On earth! People who think there is a rapture to heaven, where they believe they will have heavenly, spiritual bodies have failed to understand that God’s purpose from the beginning of humankind, was to establish a place and a people who would display His glory and to share eternal life with Christ. Hebrews 2:14-15, Revelation 22:14 For now, we face daily challenges in our lives and on the world scene, but the knowledge that a regenerated earth is coming should reassure us and give us the right perspective. There is a purpose in all that happens, the injustices and suffering will not last, they are part of the testing process we all must go through. God will make everything right, rewarding those who stood firm and trusted Him in all the trials and temptations of this world. 1 Corinthians 16:13 The people who will live with Jesus in the Millennium period, are being prepared now. Remember, it may not be the proud and self-promoting people who will be chosen, it’s the meek who will inherit the earth. Matthew 5:5 Those people will then be under the benevolent government of the resurrected martyrs, with Jesus as King. Will it be boring to be good all the time? It is wrong to assume sin is exciting and righteousness isn’t. That is the Devil’s lie, his basic strategy, but the reality is that sin robs us of fulfilment, sin doesn’t expand life, it shrinks it and sin’s emptiness inevitably leads to boredom. Where there’s fulfilment, where there’s beauty, where we won’t have to struggle for existence and as God’s mysteries unfold to us, that is the ultimate human utopia: ON EARTH.

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.

"Practice makes perfect." All the time, we can be prayerful to choose and do what God has us doing in His peace. And then - - - after we have been doing all the little things in submission to how God guides us in this peace . . . if a big thing comes, just keep on submitting to God in His peace and see what He does with us. And yes God will use His word, plus God will use us to share as family helping each other, so we grow in loving and sharing and helping as Jesus' family. After all, Colossians 3:15 says we are called "in one body" to be ruled by His peace. So, yes God in ruling us in His peace will have us coordinated with one another. So, this is not an isolated thing, with you on your own. And you will need to use sense, indeed, in relating with other family members and other Christians in working things out. And yes as Deborah has indicated, there are things to discover > you will not know what you are choosing, really, that God will be getting you into. He will bring us to more and better than we could plan ahead of time. And it will be for all the loving of different people who will be included in the process. And as we mature in this, then we will be able to handle more which God will bring . . . like how you had a small bicycle ready for your little child when your child was ready; but then comes the adjusting and correction and sharing with others.

Christ’s ascension is our gateway to the Father in glory. Christ had to ascend to send His omnipresent Spirit to indwell us giving us the wisdom and revelation of His earthly ministry and the fullness of being in Christ, the Hope of Glory in ascension (Eph 1:17-20, Col 1:26-27). He left the earthly realm ending His earthly ministry and transformed to began His heavenly -omnipresent Spirit reign. His has and is creating a new man (2Co 5:16-17) for a new creation (Rev 21:1) in a Spirit realm which encompasses both heaven and earth. Christ’s transformation from terrestrial to celestial (1 Co 15:45-49) displayed His divinity as The Creator God Who is now one with the Father in one Spirit. His resurrection defeated death and we are now in the likeness and a witness of His resurrection but His ascension made an eternal victory in His Spirit Body. The death and resurrection of Christ was glorious for we died with Him and were raised to walk in newness of life yet still in resurrected flesh ( Rom 6:4-11). But we need more than just resurrection because flesh and our natural desire to please it causes us to sin and the flesh wars against Christ’s Spirit in us (Rom 8:3) (Gal 5: 16-17). The ascension is the launching pad to the heavenly realm, it is a literal and spiritual transfiguring event which removes the body of sin (1Co 15:44) and is for all believers that continue to follow Christ by faith after being spiritually resurrected in a natural body of flesh (Rom 6:4). This transformation or metamorphosis (Mat 17:2) occurs at death or rapture when we leave our natural body (2Co 5:1-9) that will eventually return to dust from which it came (Gen 3:19). God’s eternal plan was to make man in His express image (Heb 1:3) (2Co 3: 16-18). He created the earthly realm and formed man from the dust. God told Adam… “for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return“. Christ was born in the flesh, born of a women, yet He was the only begotten of the Father’s seed Who became The Spirit when He ascended… “Now the Lord is that Spirit“...the express image of God. God’s plan to make man in the image of God was fulfilled in the glorious transfiguration of Christ when He ascended to the Father and returned as “that Spirit“ that indwells us (Col 1:27). The resurrected Christ could not physically indwell believers thus the transfiguration of Christ from flesh to the omnipresent Spirit was extremely important. Gen 1:26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness What is the express image of God the Father? Is He not light and Spirit? He certainly is not flesh, not man or woman. Seed when fully matured produces likeness after it’s kind and the seed of God is Spirit which will produce a spirit body in the image of God not of flesh from the earth. Man was not created or born in the image of God and that is why we must be born again of the Spirit… That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit (Joh 3:6). Image is a visual representation not just a set of attributes, we have our morals but they stem from the flesh (Rom 8:8), we can only express God’s attributes by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:16-17), Paul spoke of this when he said..For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not (Rom 7:18). There is an assumption that Adam was created not only in God’s image which is glorious but was also created immortal in the flesh, why then was the tree of life needed in the garden? Resurrected or reconstituted flesh will not be glorified (1 Co 1:29) and it is not the glorious Spirit image of God. After Christ was resurrected in the flesh He said …Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have (Luk 24:39), yet Paul writes after the ascension…“the vail which is His flesh shall be taken away (Heb 10-20), " now " the Lord is that Spirit, But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord” (2Co 3:16-18). Gen 1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. Adam was created in man’s own image an earthly creature formed from the dust of the earth with a sinful nature that desired to please his flesh (Rom 8:8). It was desire of the flesh that caused Adam to disobey God. Man’s image was in the likeness of God but it was an “illusion, resemblance; hence a representative figure, especially an idol: - image, vain shew“ -H5764. Jesus was born in the flesh but had power over sin being the only begotten of the Father via the Father’s Holy seed, a supernatural birth. We can only overcome sin by His seed in our body of dirt, He is the Conqueror yet we wait for His Seed in us (Eph 1:13) to reach maturity with a literal transfiguring rebirth as we rise from the earth and follow Christ. Christ transfigured and ascended to the Father in glory, by faith if we continue to follow Him we will receive our spirit’s desire and be with our Father face to face in glory. Heb 2:10 For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. The ascension is often overlooked leaving the resurrection as the ultimate completion of God’s plan to make man in His own image. Christ incarnate descended from His glory in heaven (Joh 6:51) where He was One Spirit with God. He became flesh so that His flesh body could be sacrificed to give us eternal life (Heb 10:5, 20). We pass through the veil, that is His flesh, into the presence of God who is a consuming fire. The glorious image of God was hidden behind the flesh image of the man Jesus. What does it mean to be in the Spirit body of Christ? It is an operation of God by the Spirit of Christ (1Co 12:13) wherein we become one with Him in one Spirit body (Joh 17:21). Flesh must be removed to become a member of the one Spirit body of Christ, Paul explained it…In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ (Col 2:11). God counts this operation as a done deal yet we wait for it’s literal manifestation as a son of God transformed into His Spirit image (Rom 8) (Gen 1:26). As a member of His body all Christ achieved is credited to us, His death, burial, resurrection, ascension and literal transfiguration into the Image of the ascended Christ. We, as members of His body are not of this earth. We are sealed by the Spirit (Eph 1:13-14) and will ascend to the Father’s right hand (Eph 2:6, Col 3:2-4, Heb 1:3).

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 Enill

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 3:15

Dear Lord, We pray your Holy Spirit upon us Lord that: We would open our hearts to every word from you. We would focus on your will Lord in every situation. We would hear your voice clearly when you speak. We pray without ceasing! We praise your Holy Name continuously! All these things in Jesus Nane!

I thank God for His remnant For those good saints truly helping by sharing Gods Word, by warning others of the dangers at hand. May God through His Only begotten Son Christ Jesus bless you ! Thank you to those who are not afraid to speak up to a world and churches in the world that in many cases have become: Comfortably numb. The song by Pink Floyd - Comfortably Numb (Lyrics) comes to mind. Hello? (Hello, hello, hello) Is there anybody in there? Just nod if you can hear me Is there anyone home? Come on (Come on, come on), now I hear you're feeling down Well, I can ease your pain And get you on your feet again Relax (Relax, relax, relax) I'll need some information first Just the basic facts Can you show me where it hurts? There is no pain,you are receding A distant ship, smoke on the horizon You are only coming through in waves Your lips move, but I can't hear what you're saying When I was a child, I had a fever My hands felt just like two balloons Now I've got that feeling once again I can't explain, you would not understand This is not how I am I have become comfortably numb I have become comfortably numb OK Ok Ok Just a little pinprick There'll be no more But you may feel a little sick Can you stand up? (Stand up, stand up) I do believe it's working, good That'll keep you going through the show Come on, it's time to go There is no pain, you are receding A distant ship, smoke on the horizon You are only coming through in waves Your lips move, but I can't hear what you're saying When I was a child, I caught a fleeting glimpse Out of the corner of my eye I turned to look, but it was gone I cannot put my finger on it now The child is grown, the dream is gone I have become comfortably numb --------------------------- Lets pray to not let us or others become so comfortably numb that we can no longer find help or help others through Gods plan of Mercy & Grace through His only begotten Son Christ Jesus.

Some news I've seen lately that is promising: Around 2,000 people were baptized in Jacksonville in the Atlantic Ocean the other week. There is also a 22% increase in the sale of Bibles since October of 2024. Many are younger first-time buyers. I also notice so many more famous and powerful people talking about being Christian. Even Joe Rogan has made some recent comments about Jesus. He used to be more of a higher power kind of guy. Things have changed quite a bit since January, and I think towards God. At least in the USA.

@irs68 said: " We have truly reached a point where good is seen as evil and evil as good." "As a person that studied Religion and especially ancient Religions the following of witchcraft is more common today than at any other point in history. " "The Last Days are connected to people that are selfish and no lo.nger desire to help those in need. It's not just the average person in the USA but sadly many Churches have fallen into this category." "The Bible is very clear that there will be Church but it will only be a form of Godliness and no longer the real thing." "I haven't seen a preacher, Deacon, Lay person heal a cough in 20 years. But there are true Churches where God is moving and lives are changing and miracles are normal to see but it used to be in many Churches but today they are just a form of Godliness." "I could go on and on here but the truth be told we are not only mirroring the Days of Noah and Lot but have made them appear less evil when compared to the Days of Today right now." @grumix8 said: "I assure you family is worth it and God wants you to do. It is hard I pray for you to make it. God will help ya. Please pray for others ! God will help ! " @tatwo said: "what more is there to say when we once again find ourselves at the same impasse? I can assure you of this...that behavior is not likely what the Lord is leading His family through here in these “last days.”" @Starisesaid: I totally get your jist here. When we get that truth should we share it? I am of the opinion this is not always wise. Since God gives truth directly maybe because we asked for it, it could be for us, or He could be telling us to share it. "If you are completely convinced through the Spirit in your own heart, then there is no reason to ever see an impasse except as it concerns relaying such thoughts to others who may not be so receptive. All kinds of people here. Young believers, older believers, people who signed in here who might not even have a firm grasp of anything yet. And yet I can summarize by saying I see the birth pangs. Many who read end times, if not most will agree with that. Now the level of care there might vary all the way from none at all to vague concern. Some even worry about it. Some deal with what they see as impending trouble with diversion or denial. Comfortable denial. " "No matter what you share here and no matter how correct it is, My expectation would never be 100% agreement although it happens. This is a place where anyone can come. I know, I don’t think that this is really what any of us wants to hear. "We can say we have scripture A and B and it correlates with current or impending events. Skeptics are going to rake over it. Those in agreement might say nothing or you might get an emo. Facts don’t necessarily ever require agreement although that would be the goal." "Whatever God wants you to do. Reaching the lost is important. " Toggle Members Info Author Posted 1 hour ago Whatever God wants you to do. Reaching the lost is important. Not everyone is on the same page. I tend to like subjects that bore others. For some people it might be better for them to just go about their day for mental health. It isn’t a subject that bodes well for day to day activity. As believers we will be protected, unless called on as martyrs, and we wouldn’t be the first. If the receptiveness isn’t there what’s the point? The Bible says a lot of things about the progression into the new kingdom. One of the things it says is that the world is under the great deceiver. By default I think we know what that means and we can see it in real time, not that people haven’t always been deceived. If you dig to any depth in that rabbit hole a person will see it isn’t only deceptive but pure evil. The good news in this case is we are not under that. We are liberated, free. We have the eyes to see praise God. We are part of the new kingdom coming. We won’t suffer anything intended for them. They say the present doesn’t exist. It’s either looking to the next second or looking back. When you say you’re in the now you really aren’t. We are in a progressing system where God inevitably determines the final outcomes. Gods hardens hearts for His purposes ie Pharoah. So he allows it to progress something He planned eons ago." Things I picked up from this thread...

The chips are cloneable with a tool that costs about $45. Chips are really not needed for total control. Just switching to all digital (cashless) currency. It won't matter if you use a chip or card or as I do today, my phone to pay for stuff. But, whatever happens to my credit cards or banking account, I get a page a few seconds after it gets charged. We even have a deal with our local County Records place that pages and calls me if someone is messing with our property titles.

We in the Body Christian love to think we have the corner on all truth, but along comes a cultist and turns most believers into a doctrinal pretzel without having half tried. Because we incorporated the untruth of human traditions into "the truth" and that makes the real truth indefensible. Because you are defending untruth along with truth as if both were truth. So cultists can come along and pick off ignorant sheep (not meaning derogatorily but rather as simply uninformed) with the way they point out the actual flaws in the unbiblical traditions that the Organized Church teaches... casting doubt overall and opening them up to the even worse untruths of the cults.

Yes, I agree and it is indeed important to bring this understanding to our studies. Amen.

If we use the yardstick of what was supposed to happen for each Christian (grow into Christ-likeness), it is difficult to see in most Christian practice any "Success"; Eph 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; Eph 4:12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Eph 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: Eph 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; Eph 4:15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: Eph 4:16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. Some of the major mistakes we have made might be viewed as; 1. Administering Christianity as an organizational system. This tends to reduce Christianity to a mechanical series of event, programs, classes, rituals, and activities. 2. Presenting Christianity as agreement with doctrinal bullet points rather than the transformative power of trusting in Jesus. 3. Seeing Christianity as divorced from real life such as something only relevant for a couple of hours on Sunday mornings.

I am not in agreement with some of the things you said in the above quoted statement. In your statement is not mentioned that as children we have the mind of our family for our quidance even the mind of every one who took part and influence our upbringing. And at the same time we have our own mind. For this reason your statement is incorrect. We do not have only the Holy Spirit to quide us in Life. Many Spirit are competing for this position and we end up to be quided by many Spirits at the same time. This is why we should test and give the preeminence to the Spirit of Truth. We must learn to discern the quidance of the Holy Spirit. The quidance of the Holy Spirit is the same quidance Jesus will give us. As adults we speak and often we are wondering what we are talking about. And that can go either ways. We often correct ourselves along the way. Or we misguide our self without being conscious. What we read in the bible and it is possible and it's good to want it it's one thing and the reality in us is another reality. This is why we have to learn to discern. The truth is that the Holy Spirit is not the only one that quiding us in life. This is why we our being corrected day in and day out. We need to be careful. That's all.

Luke 18: 1-8 - Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart saying: "There was in a certain city a judge who did not fear God nor regard man. Now there was a widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, 'Get justice for me from my adversary.' And he would not for a while, but afterward he said within himself, 'Though I do not fear God nor regard man, yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.'" Then the Lord said, "Hear what the unjust judge said. And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily, nevertheless,when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?" Jesus challenges our modern traditions. He asks, "When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?" His question is a warning to Christians who would limit the power of God at the end of the age. Jesus is calling us to resist the downward pull of our traditions; He is asking us individually, "Will I find faith in you? Jesus associates faith with "day and night" prayer (Luke 18:7). He is not asking, "Will I find correct doctrines in you?" The Lord's question does not so much concern itself with our head as with our heart. What we believe is important, but how we believe is vital in securing the help of God. Indeed, procuring the SUPERNATURAL HELP OF GOD is exactly the point of Jesus' parable in Luke 18. His intent was to show that "at all times" we "ought to pray and not to lose heart" (verse 1). To illustrate the quality of faith He seeks, He followed His admonition with a parable about a certain widow who petitioned a hardened judge for "legal protection" (verse 3). Although the judge was initially unwilling, yet by her "continually coming" (verse 5) she gained what was legally hers. Jesus concluded by asking, if an unrighteous judge will respond to a widow's persistence, "will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry to Him day and night, and will He delay long over them?" Jesus said, "I tell you that He will bring about justice for them quickly" (verses 7-8). DESPERATION PRODUCES CHANGE It is significant that Jesus compared His elect to a widow harassed by an enemy. The image is actually liberating, for we tend to conceptualize the heroes of the faith as David or Joshua types – individuals whose successes obscure their humble beginnings. But each of God's servants has, like the widow, a former life that is brimming with excuses and occasions to waver. Look at the widow: She has legitimate reasons to quit, but instead she prevails. Indeed, she refuses to exempt herself from her high potential simply because of her low estate. She makes no apologies for her lack of finances, knowledge, or charm. Giving herself no reason to fail, she unashamedly plants her case before the judge where she pleads for and receives what is hers: legal protection from her opponent. DESPERATION - GOD'S HAMMER How did a common widow gain such strength of character? We can imagine that there must have been a time when, under the relentless pressure of her adversary, she became desperate, and desperation worked to her advantage. DESPERATION is God's hammer: it demolishes the stronghold of fear and shatters the chains of our excuses. When our desperation exceeds our fears, progress begins. We can stay the course because of the enabling of the strength of the Lord in us! We are strengthened deep within so that we stand firm for the promises of the Lord for our life. We lean into the Lord with deep courage to believe for the impossible to be possible. Hebrews 10:23 - "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is FAITHFUL;" Once we have endured the fire and have received the passion, we must persevere. Jesus didn't quit at Gethsemane. He went all the way to crucifixion! Once we've sustained the fiery furnace we can't give up. We must set our heart like flint, ready to go all the way with God in what He is CALLING us to do (God's PURPOSE for our life). Affirmations: GOD HAS A GREAT DEAL FOR ME TO POSSESS. MY TAKING POSSESSION WILL CONFRONT MY GREAT FAITH AND PERSEVERANCE. GOD IS CONTINUALLY PUTTING NEW CHALLENGES BEFORE ME TO DEVELOP MY FAITH AND PERSEVERANCE AT A DEEPER LEVEL. I REFUSE TO BURY THE INVESTMENT GOD HAS MADE IN ME. I PRESS TOWARDS THE MARK FOR THE PRIZE OF THE HIGH CALLING OF GOD IN CHRIST JESUS. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY Statement Of Faith https://www.nf127.org/statement-of-faith Ministry Phone: 281-396-4379