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My personal conviction is that if something is mentionned in the Bible, as are the Nephillim, without much explanation and no further details, it is most likely because God does not want us point our little noggins into it...for GOOD reason. Yes, some believe they walk among us...I certainly do not. I do however believe they were exactly what scripture states they were...the product of ungodly union that God forbids. There are some strange theories here on the boards and I have personally researched a few of them...checking out people that have been mentionned and ministries that propose to know more than the rest of us about Nephillim, aliens and the bogeyman....my conclusion was that these people are orbiting earth in an atmosphere just a little rarer in oxygen than the rest of us. Of course now I am inviting arguement or at the very least debate that includes how unlearned and unhelpful I am. I would not put faith in the book of Enoch any more than I would pray to Mary or any other dead human being whether in heaven or not (sorry if that offends someone...I'm quite serious and not being sarcastic) People will manage to get themselves tangled up in all kinds of spurious things that produce no good and actually may, in the end, further the kingdom of darkness. I have enough experience with that particular kingdom, to know they do not tell the truth ever and will always disappear like the rabbit in 'Alice in Wonderland' just at the moment you thought you knew it all. Sometimes, the person does not know the rabbit is gone and they keep going anyway. Ok, Well, that's enough meandering around...my only advice would be to NOT become involved with the cult of Enoch or any other spurious and dangerous reading that purports to explain the mysteries of the Bible that God has decided we do not need to know more about other than a passing nod. Is it ok to read about these things? I really have no problem with that...the problem, IMO, occurs when people become involved to the point they try to convince others that the these books are as valid as the 66 books bound as one and called the Bible. That's all.

I think that while many good people believe that God used evolution to create the universe billions of years ago, I personally do not believe that it is either wise or possible to bring evolution and creation into some kind of agreement. Evolution, whether it is defined as a process that happens by "natural selection" or by "random chance" is a material process by definition that has no need of God, the Director of all things, as evolution is a process that has no direction. And I don't see how a person could logically say that God used evolution in His creation without contradicting Jesus. In referring to Genesis 1:26-27, Jesus says, "But from the beginning of the creation, God made them male and female" (Mark 10:6) - and not "But from several billion years after creation, death, and destruction, God made them male and female."

I don't see it as an unknown time. Its unknown only for unbelievers, the rest can know the approximate month but not the day or the hour. Quite often that day is described as a thief for unbelievers, but not a thief for believers: 1 Thess 5: Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief.

the question isnt about morality, but religious freedom-a private business should have the right, to refuse service with anyone they choose for any reason. Forcing them to do service with anyone they don't want to, is a sign of tyranny, and a hypocritical one-if the roles were switched, if a gay couple refused service to a christian couple, nothing would be said. Religious freedom is just that-freedom, and so is free enterprise. If a store refuses to do service with someone because it would violate their religious beliefs they should have the right to refuse it, and that person being refused can and should go elsewhere. Heck, even tell all their friends how poorly they were treated. My point is, morality shouldn't be legislated-if you think the store owner is morally wrong, then don't spend your hard earned dollars there, but don't force them to do things your way.

We are told it is easier to recognize counterfeit by becoming very familiar with the real thing. Personally, I prefer to stay clear of people who are preoccupied with evil. Godly people hunger for the things of God and find evil to be repulsive.

Well said brother! Very well done!

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That inner transformation is only possible is Jesus is submitted to as Lord. I wasn't denying this. But is salvation about what you do or what Jesus does? Yes, we have to walk in agreement with him. But if my obedience depends on me and my effort, I'm screwed. Conversely, those who play around with "cheap grace" are not putting their old nature to death, which means they haven't really put their faith in Jesus to begin with.

Regarding the highlighted text, the point is that some people don't want to surrender at all. There is no complication, the way I see it. Either Jesus is Lord or He isn't. Well, He is, and He Himself chose to also be our Saviour. But many people want to call Him Saviour without regard for His Lordship. That's all. Okay... still don't get the content of this. If someone doesn't really 'surrender' they haven't really been saved it would seem to me. Either you are out or in right? And if you are in, the Spirit *will* work on you correct?

Sorry, I am not a Calvinist, but I wish to simply point out that the verse you quoted does NOT say that Jesus "has saved" all men. It says that He is "the Savior of all men." These are not the same thing. Jesus is the Savior in the sense that He is the only one who ever paid the price of atonement as a substitutionary sacrifice. Jesus is the Savior of all men because He is the only one ABLE to save anyone. There is no other to whom a man can turn in order to receive salvation, therefore He is certainly the Savior. The end of the verse emphasizes that He is "specially", or in particular of those who believe. This obviously implies that those who do not believe are not in this class or particularity. May I add that one cannot proof text a doctrine such as soteriology (how one is saved). What it means that Christ is Savior of all men is borne out by many passages of scripture, and not boiled down to one or two verses. Scripture always interprets scripture, and the meaning of any one particular verse is first understood by its immediate context (the surrounding verses, likely at least the whole chapter it is in, as well as how it fits with the entire letter or book, as well as how it is understood with every other verse and passage on the same subject, as well as underlying foundational truths. I do know that Calvinists are not universalists, so would not interpret your verse as meaning that all men are personally saved just because Christ has made the way for them to potentially be saved. Calvinists believe that God chooses whom to save and the saved person has basically nothing to do with the process because it is all God's work. I heartily disagree, as freewill is what makes man who he is and not an angel or a robotic slave. God chooses, predestines, and foreordains because He is eternal by nature. God's eternality puts him outside of time, above it and the maker and ruler over it. God is present at all places and times at the same time. Therefore, He knows all things past present and future because He is literally already there. God chooses whom to save because He is there in the moment of their surrender to Him already, no matter when that is going to be. God simply knows who belongs to Him in His eternal omniscience. This being said, God does not violate our freewill. We still live in time, and we still have to repent and surrender to Him in order to be saved. God does not make this happen, He allows us to choose or not choose. He already knows ahead of time, but we do NOT! As far as the total depravity of man, I believe that all men are sinners by nature, having a sinful tendency from conception, but also retaining a God-given conscience which gives them an ability to recognize his own problem with sin, and decide what to do about it. If depravity were as Calvinists describe, then not one person could ever do anything of any moral fortitude or character. We would be like demons, only killing, stealing, and destroying. God gives everyone conscience or freewill is not real at all but entirely contrived and humans are merely highly intelligent beasts and devils who God randomly changes into righteous people. LUDICROUS!

Blessings Maui God bless you,,,,,Seems like you are having a good time here with us all,,,,glad you are here,feels like you have always been here!!!! I think maybe you have not gone all the way South,,,,,,here in South Florida all of our traffic is very nicely garnished with Lamborghinis,Ferraris,Bentleys,Mazzratis,Lotus,Jags.....need I go on...............problem is the owner/drivers are 157 years old & they really don;t care because they have the best insurance>>>>> Lots of Love....Kwik