Leaderboard

Amen brother......and Jesus anointed for burial. His will be done, amen.

Well frienduff.....I don't think the law would allow us to bury you in our little backyard, there are rules about those sorts of things, bro. But we would do our best for you, I can promise you that. I think it is good in the sight of God to treat the dead properly, since we all are made in the image of God. Not excessive, but just simple with a little care and respect would not be out of order.......we are something a little more than a sack of old meat to toss out like garbage......and the poor we will always have with us. But as you say, we don't always get a say, though God is always watching over us and knows exactly where we will be come resurrection day...thankfully!

This quote is by Dr. Cooper in his study An Exposition of the Book of Revelation "When the plain sense of Scripture makes common sense, seek no other sense; therefore, take every word at its primary, ordinary, usual, literal meaning unless the facts of the immediate context, studied in he light of related passages and axiomatic and fundamental truths, indicate clearly otherwise." "Do you know that much harm has been done by those who study the book of Revelation who do not observe this general, fundamental rule? As it states, we are to take every word at its primary, ordinary, usual, literal meaning unless the acts of the immediate context, studied in the light of related passages, indicate clearly otherwise. We are never to say that a passage is figurative unless the facts of the context indicate that fact. Only when there is positive evidence that a passage is not used in a literal sense are we justified in departing from the ordinary, literal meaning. We should make allowances for figures of speech in the prophetic Word the same as we do in the historical portions of the Scriptures. Also, Whenever the facts of a context indicate that a passage is used in a symbolic sense, we are to interpret the symbol according to God's significance which He attaches to the same." So, it appears that he does not have different rules for studying Prophecy as you suggest. My problem is, and remains to be, is the OP's suggestion that there will be no Rapture. This is clearly a false teaching and is to be ignored and/or challenged for what it is.

Here's an interesting fact from neuroscience we only learned not that long ago. We used to think the brain was done growing at about 21. The latest thinking is the brain keeps growing until 25 to 26. So you may think differently in 2 years but your gf's brain isn't going to change physically. Here in the USA a 30 yr virgin would be hard to find. The problem isn't that she's not a virgin the problem is it bothers you. I had a cousin who married a girl who only had sex with 1 guy before him. I guess it was 1974 and even back then that wasn't so bad. But it bothered him. It bothered him so much he went to a hypnotist. That bothered me. I don't like allowing someone else to control our will. I would have rather seen him go for 5 yrs of psychotherapy if necessary. I don't think the hypnosis worked and my cousin's life didn't go well. If you're going to keep seeing this girl you have to get to a point where her past sexual experiences don't bother you. That's a hard thing to do. But if you can't do it I don't think you should keep seeing her. The other issue is will she ever be happy with just 1 man. I've know both men and women who could never stay with just 1 person. I was once deeply in love with a woman like that. She claimed if Mr. Right came along she'd stop sleeping with other men. But I was friends with her about 10 years and to this day I wonder what became of her. Like your girl she saw nothing wrong with all her sexual partners. But when you deeply love someone you can convince yourself you don't care. At least you're questioning yourself. Considering you're only 24 maybe you should look for a woman with morals like yours. Nowadays many people don't marry until they're 30. IMO it shows you're smart maybe even wise. In my day being single at 30 said there was something wrong with me. Nothing was wrong with me, as I said, it wasn't God's will for me to be married. At 65 I'm convinced of that, otherwise it would have happened.

I have this feeling in my chest as if it's my soul crying out in sadness that touches my heart on a deeper level. Like something is missing from me that's supposed to be there but it feels removed. I feel lost without it and I need guidance. Maybe I have lost my way from the path God has set for me?

Christ, the Worthy Sacrifice. From Heaven to Earth He came, Into the midst of rebellion, conflict and the devastation of this sin-ravaged world, stepped the Son of God. He came from the angelic realm where myriads and myriads of angelic beings bowed before Him and did His bidding. He was King of Heaven. The angels rejoiced at creation when He made all things `good,` and are amazed that He would humble Himself to become a man. `......things which angels desire to look into.` (1 Peter 1: 12) So, did the Son of God, the King of heaven, come with all His power and authority to wield a lash for mankind so they would bow before Him? Did He come to `lord it over,` people, demanding that He is to be obeyed? No! Revealing God`s heart, The Son of God came to reveal the Father`s heart, the character of God, to mankind. `For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son...` (John 3: 16) Christ Jesus is the expressed image of the Father manifest in human form. Thus He came into the world and walked amongst people, showing His compassion, loving-kindness, graciousness, goodness, holiness, faithfulness, and righteousness. (etc) He paid the price of sin. Christ Jesus revealed His authority over nature, over sin, sickness, disease & death. However although He could have called a legion of angels to help Him, He laid down His own life as a sacrifice for the sins of the world. `For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.` (John 3: 16) Satan thought that if he just killed Jesus then that would be the end of Him. (1 Cor. 2: 7 & 8) However He didn`t realise that Christ`s death, would give way to His resurrection and then ascension into heaven, to the right hand of the Father. `...when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.` (Heb. 1: 3)

You need to report it! I DON'T have nearly enough time to read every thread. We will not tolerate any personal attacks and when you don't report it -- and let it go unreported -- you cause the entire community harm. We are pretty simplistic here -- no personal attacks and discuss the topic. My motto is the motto out of the Moravian Revival -- In ESSENTIALS -- UNITY -- in Non-Essentials -- LIBERTY -- in all things LOVE! Prophecy is in the realm of non-essentials -- and if we can't discuss something in LOVE then you need to report it because our goal is to GROW TOGETHER in LOVE! Personal attacks NEVER helps someone come to a DEEPER UNDERSTANDING of God's Word! If anything -- it ONLY causes harm in the body of MESSIAH! Proverbs 18:19 A brother offended is like a strong city; and their disagreements are like the bars of a fortress.

So it looks like the majority here are in favor of cremation. I was raised to believe that a dead body should be respectfully buried and not burned. And so i am more personally inclined to desire to be buried where my parents and grandparents are buried in the same cemetery plot that my late father purchased for our family. About embalming procedures. Yes as O.o mentioned they are quite gross. and yes, if i can help it, I will make a mention that I do not desire my body further toyed around with or cut up so to place those embalming materials into me and to just close my casket and have me buried, as quickly as possible. A couple of years back , in the winter of December 25 2009, I had to care for the arrangements of a Jewish man I had befriended for a couple of years. This person i do believe God placed in my life for a certain time and purpose. That purpose was all about HIM. In any event this person -Eddy- 73 yres of age, had no family anymore. He was born Jewish. When he fell ill he had no family to care for him and so i took it upon myself to see be there for him and see that he get a proper burial. Because this person did not have a lot of money, I was thinking of having Eddy cremated for around $600.00 dollars and his ashes buried in the country place where i live. However because this man was Jewish, the Jewish social services were alerted from hospital staff , got hold that i was planning on having my Jewish friend cremated and went out of their way to contact me and meet with me to tell me that a Jewish person is never cremated and that the Jewish people have certain protocols of burial for their own. They told me that even though this man was basically poor when he died,that they look after their own and that they would even cover the cost of the burial and to just give them the governments $2500.00 dollars coverage that every person here in the country where i live, is allocated upon death for the coverage of their funeral expense. So Eddy got a proper funeral and also a beautiful stone where he is buried. I was even able to dedicate the burial stone as Eddy would have wished with the scripture verse found in Hosea 6:6 For I delight in Mercy rather than sacrifice, And in the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings. In the end of things, I believe Gods hands were involved in how Eddy got his final resting place on earth as in heaven. Eddyreceived a proper Jewish funeral, and got to be buried in the same Jewish cemetery as his parents and had a proper dignified place of burial. I believe God placed Eddy in my life for a specific time and purpose. in the time that i had met Eddy, it all worked out so well that I was able to take the time to spend with him reading the bible and torah and re-aquainting him with his Jewish roots and also brought him to having faith & believing Christ Jesus as our personal Messiah and savior. My faith also strengthened in having met Eddy. So to conclude, the Jewish protocol of burial is taken very seriously and they certainly to not think it is a good idea to cremate. I think the Catholic also have the same regards as the Jews do towards burial protocol. In any event, there needs to be a respectful way for the burial of the deceased , that I find in today's society, it is becoming something regarded as less important than it once was. I am grateful that my father, mother , grand-parents are buried in the same family burial plot. Many times I have gone to the cemetery as a place of silent reflection. I am grateful that this opportunity of burial was available. Its unfortunate that in many countries they are making even the burial of loved ones such a business that most people look to the most economical means of disposing of their loved ones. there was a time when burring a body whole and complete in a wooden casket in a allocated cemetery for the dead was a very respectful way of laying to rest a body. I am one that feels this way was one of the more respectful ways of burial. When I have a dead animal here in the country where i live. my first instinct has always been to bury them in a respectful way under the earth. The thought was never to burn them but to just to quietly bury them back in the earth and letting nature take its proper course, in nourishing back the earth . Just to say for me its seams as a more respectful and natural cycle of life to bury a deceased body instead of having it incinerated.

Yes, but it does not mean that just because one is not able to dedicate to God he is automatically not able to dedicate to wife. As I said some non-christians can be more dedicated to each other than some christians. But where can i see this? I cant see it. It's just something that is written in the Bible and that's all. I just have to believe that if Bible says so then it is so. There is no way I could see that myself. Yes, Jesus alone can give us eternal life but it doesnt mean that there is no other gods. True, the other gods (demons) cant give you the eternal life but they can help you with things in this life if they choose to. The assumption that all prayer answers come from Jesus is wrong. People go to spell casters with their problems and they still get their prayers answered. This was bit unclear actually. So is God's will that I do find wife or that I do not find one? Good to know. Now that I know I am not born again and therefore would go to hell anyway I wont bother praying Lord anymore but instead take wife from this world because what's the point for waiting someone suitable to appear in church if at the end of my life I would go to hell anyway. I have heard this. However could you point out verse that says this? But how can I if I am not convinced of His goodness or to whom shall I turn if I am not convinced that He exists? Well, let Him show me who He is that I may know who he is. Btw I have one personal question to you: Are you married? If yes then why did you get married and not dedicate your life to God? If no then it explains why you pour so much bitterness in this topic. Btw you basically told me I am unsaved and would go to hell. Are you saved? If you died now where would you go? Can you name 10 things that make you better than I am? How often does God reward you for you holiness? And finally I would ask you: is your faith tested by trials to do you only believe because your friends/family believe? To me it looks like you have never faced trials and therefore you dont know by experience what it feels like. I'll pray that your faith gets tested if hasnt been yet. Wrong, I have done this but it has faded away in time. That's wrong. Let's see what later part says. It says he who does not believe will not be saved. It does not say he who is not baptised is not saved. Yep, that's what bible says. It's not water baptism, nor Torben's witchcraft that will save you. I am sorry to tell you that you are one of them. But the good news is that there is plenty of room in hell for false prophets (including you). No you are in error. Jesus means that your righteousness must come from God (Jesus). Your righteousness will never be enough. Even if you do get baptised. But when you put your faith in Jesus, your righteousness does not come from your deeds or baptism anymore but from Jesus. And that's whats makes your righteousness greater that one of Pharisees, not baptism.

Wow. Why didn't she marry Hitler? It reads like something Der Fuhrer would have written.

This book of hers is vile. Im now reading a part where the bible is used to justify eugenics. Ug. Here are some quotes so far. I hope ladykay appreciates this effort Im going to on her behalf. I feel quite tainted by this. The lack of balance between the birth rate of the :unfit" and the "fit," admittedly the greatest present menace to civilization, can never be rectified by the inauguration of a cradle competition between these two classes. The example of the inferior classes, the fertility of the feeble-minded, the mentally defective, the poverty-stricken, should not be held up for emulation to the mentally and physically fit, and therefore less fertile, parents of the educated and well-to-do classes. On the contrary, the most urgent problem to-day is how to limit and discourage the over-fertility of the mentally and physically defective. Possibly drastic and Spartan methods may be forced upon American society if it continues complacently to encourage the chance and chaotic breeding that has resulted from our stupid, cruel sentimentalism. p25 There is but one practical and feasible program in handling the great problem of the feeble-minded. That is, as the best authorities are agreed, to prevent the birth of those who would transmit imbecility to their descendants. Feeble-mindedness as investigations and statistics from every country indicate, is invariably associated with an abnormally high rate of fertility. p 80 The philosophy of Birth Control points out that as long as civilized communities encourage unrestrained fecundity in the "normal" members of the population - always of course under the cloak of decency and morality - and penalize every attempt to introduce the principle of discrimination and responsibility in parenthood, they will be faced with the ever increasing problem of feeble-mindedness, that fertile parent of degeneracy, crime, and pauperism. p 81 Modern studies indicate that insanity, epilepsy, criminality, prostitution, pauperism, and mental defect, are all organically bound up together and that the least intelligent and the thoroughly degenerate classes in every community are the most prolific. Feeble-mindedness in one generation becomes pauperism or insanity in the next. There is every indication that feeble-mindedness in its protean forms is on the increase, that it has leaped the barriers, and that there is truly, as some of the scientific eugenists have pointed out, a feeble-minded peril to future generations - unless the feeble-minded are prevented from reproducing their kind. To meet this emergency is the immediate and peremptory duty of every State and of all communities. p 82 The curious situation has come about that while our statesmen are busy upon their propaganda of "repopulation," and are encouraging the production of large families, they are ignoring the exigent problem of the elimination of the feeble-minded. In this, however, the politicians are at one with the traditions of a civilization which, with its charities and philanthropies, has propped up the defective and degenerate and relieved them of the burdens borne by the healthy sections of the community, thus enabling them more easily and more numerously to propagate their kind. pp 82.83 Feeble-minded women "constitute a permanent menace to the race" p 87 confronted with these shocking truths about the menace of feeble-mindedness to the race, a menace acute because of the unceasing and unrestrained fertility of such defectives, we are apt to become victims of a "wild panic for instant action." There is no occasion for hysterical, ill-considered action, specialists tell us. They direct our attention to another phase of the problem, that of the so-called "good feeble-minded." pp 89,90 We do not object to feeble-mindedness simply because it leads to immorality and criminality; nor can we approve of it when it expresses itself in docility, submissiveness and obedience. We object because both are burdens and dangers to the community. As a matter of fact, there is sufficient evidence to lead us to believe that the so-called "borderline cases" are a greater menace than the out-and-out "defective delinquents" who can be supervised, controlled and prevented from procreating their kind. p 91 Eugenics seems to me to be valuable in its critical and diagnostic aspects, in emphasizing the danger of irresponsible and uncontrolled fertility of the "unfit" and the feeble-minded establishing a progressive unbalance in human society and lowering the birth-rate among the "fit." p 104 These dangers inherent in the very idea of humanitarianism and altruism, dangers which have to-day produced their full harvest of human waste, of inequality and inefficiency, were recognized in the last century at the moment when such ideas were first put into practice. pp 108,109 our eyes should be opened to the terrific cost to the community of this dead weight of human waste. p 112 But there is a special type of philanthropy or benevolence, now widely advertised and advocated, both as a federal program and as worthy of private endowment, which strikes me as being more insidiously injurious than any other. This concerns itself directly with the function of maternity and aims to supply gratis medical and nursing facilities to slum mothers. Such women are to be visited by nurses and to receive instruction in the "hygiene of pregnancy"; to be guided in making arrangements for confinements; to be invited to come to the doctor's clinics for examination and supervision. They are, we are informed, to "receive adequate care during pregnancy, at confinement, and for one month afterward." Thus are mothers and babies to be saved. pp 113,114 Now, as the findings of Tredgold and Karl Pearson and the British Eugenists so conclusively show, and as the infant mortality reports so thoroughly substantiate, a high rate of fecunditiy is always associated with the direct poverty, irresponsibility, mental defect, feeble-mindedness, and other transmissible taints. The effect of maternity endowments and maternity centers supported by private philanthropy would have , perhaps already have had, exactly the most dysgenic tendency. The new government program would facilitate the function of maternity among the very classes in which the absolute necessity is to discourage it. p115 Such philanthropy, as Dean Inge has so unanswerably pointed out, is kind only to be cruel, and unwittingly promotes precisely the results most deprecated. It encourages the healthier and more normal sections of the world to shoulder the burden of unthinking and indiscriminate fecundity of others; which brings with it, as I think the reader must agree, a dead weight of human waste. p 116 The danger of recruiting our numbers from the most "fertile stocks" is further emphasized when we recall that in a democracy like that of the UNited States every man and woman is permitted a vote in the government, and that it is the representatives of this grade of intelligence who may destroy our liberties, and who may thus be the most far-reaching peril to the future of civilization. p 177 Equality of political power has thus been bestowed upon the lowest elements of our population. p178 The grosser, the more obvious, the undeniably feeble-minded should, indeed, not only be discouraged but prevented from propagating their kind. p181 Birth Control which has been criticized as negative and destructive, is really the gretest and most truly eugenic method, and its adoption as part of the program of Eugenics would immediately give a concrete and realistic power to that science. As a matter of fact, Birth Control has been accepted by the most clear thinking and far seeing of the Eugenists themselves as the most constructive and necessary of the means to racial health. p 189

and THIS IS WHY THE LOVE OF GOD HAS ME WARN OUT AGAINST THE DEMON INTERFAITH, CAUSE IT SAVES NONE.

The most important thing in godliness is devotion to God. Enoch walk with God and he please God. Devotion has three things the fear of God the love of God and the desire for God. To be Godly you have to focus on God. The three things of fear love desire is necessary to be devoted to God.

OF course that is true , IT IS HE IN US. but by HIM we do have the POWER to overcome. plus the gifts of the spirit , however he gives them that is. its the NEW INNER MAN , WHICH as pual said.................CHRIST NOW LIVES IN ME................... so , reinitin I have one question I want us all to ponder on. IF CHRIST truly is IN the believer..............why do so many who claim him NOT WALK as HE DID................by all means its an answer I have long known. I think you do too. Another good question is.................IF CHRIST is in US...............and as pual said IF we have NOT the SPIRIT we are NONE OF HIS so again.............if CHRIST is in us.............why do so many claim gay marriage is LOVE ...................when GOD would never say that or why are so many going under an all inclusive path and some are saying that GOD is in all religions...........JESUS WOULD NOT DENY HIMSELF as the ONLY WAY NOR would he be telling other religions........hey I am not the way , BUT GOD is still in YOU ................this POPE and many others lie to the people. and this can only mean without a doubt.................these leaders and many who walk not as Christ ..............IS BECAUSE THEY DONT KNOW HIM AT ALL and are still in darkness.

Just for ladykay. Im reading a book by margaret sanger called the pivot of civilization. https://openlibrary.org/works/OL99582W/The_Pivot_of_Civilization You can read it for yourself when I am done. I will be posting quotes directly from the book as I come across them. You can see for yourself how evil this woman is, not only for abortion, but for her racism itself. Not an opinion from someone else but her own words.

Amen, He does not grant us powers. He grant's us Himself to walk with us and to bring to life a new spirit with in us.

hi all I'm still here. I have been dealing with sciatica and a head cold. I'm going to be here more when I feel better. In Christ, Steve

Sing it yowm sing it....................cause in the deepest chamber of my heart................I truly know the ONLY GOODNESS I have IS CHRIST ............. But I had better continue in this goodness.................or I too be cut off. THE GOSPLE IS REAL , GOD IS REAL and JESUS IS THE ONLY WAY to be saved. But if a man is TRULY and I say TRULY OF HIM................HE LOVES AND DOES JESUS SAYINGS with JOY in his heart. THE POWER of the SPIRIT is real.

Sister its as you said..................JESUS said if your don't forgive men their trespasses against you. FROM THE HEART...................... MY FATHER will N O T forive you. and here is understanding. I will use myself as an example.....................all I was , was the upmost wicked thing you all would have ever seen. I did more sin against God and man...........than most of You ALL combinded.................YET while as an ENEMEY OF GOD instead of the death I dserved...........he sent grace to draw me to the SON to FAITH in the SON and HE changed me . I can tell you all , THAT if we cant forgive others who sin against us..................ITS BEACUSE WE DO NOT KNOW the LOVE OF GOD NOR WE DO APPRECIATE one bit...........that we were forgiven...........................the prosperity gospel of man has killed many dead.

I don't think it can be argued, that whatever Sanger's motives were, supporting abortion is a horrendous thing to do. If we could but see all the bodies of all the helpless, unborn babies who have been mercilessly slaughtered, perhaps we'd think differently. It has indeed been a "Holocaust" and one which continues. It's simply not as visible as all those atrocities committed by Nazi Germany, but it is no less real. I do also believe, that if one does some careful research, one will realize that Margaret Sanger is not the hero and champion of women's rights that she is so often made out to be.

I wasnt' sure if I should mention it at first, but yesterday as I was leaving the house to go somewhere, I saw a huge hawk carrying away a little creature, probably a squirrel and I felt sad for the creature. It just seem similar to some of your dream.......but please don't let that discourage you......the Lord might also be preparing you for some sifting you are to go through personally, for your own refining and strengthening. If some attacks or shakings start to happen in your life, be encouraged you are in the hand of God and He will never leave you or forsake you, and He is working all things together for your GOOD. Be not surprised at the painful trial........you are precious to Him, Zoltan, and I will pray for you, as I am sure will others, and I just encourage you to seek the Lord about the dreams and bring any burdens to Him.

Totally agree. There will be NO RAPTURE!

And maybe more questions ... I am familiar with authors Tom Horn, Cris Putnam, Stephen Qualye, et al. trying to lift the veil of secrecy about what's going on in Sonoma and elsewhere.

The Hebrew calendar month of Elul begins next Tuesday. Each day during the month of Elul, a shofar blast is sounded to announce the coming month of Tishrei – wherein the festival of Yom Teruah – the feast of trumpets-- takes place, calling for all people to repent. Elul, therefore, is identified as a month during which a serious emphasis is placed on personal self-examination and repentance, an end-of-the year opportunity to set our lives in order before Yom Teruah (Rosh Hashana), the days of Awe, and finally, Yom Kippur. Chronologically, Elul begins 40 days before Yom Kippur. The post Approach the Season for Repentance! appeared first on Worthy Christian Devotional - Daily Devotions. Read the entire devotional.

You are correct, of course. But the Roman Catholic Church is spending a lot of money tracking certain objects in space. Catholic Astronomy: Why is this a Roman Catholic Priority?

You hit the nail on the head. It's all about "Grace" and the lack of understanding by the vast majority of believers. It's not once saved always saved, and then go about your sinful life. In my youth, I attended parochial school for 12 years getting A's and B's in my religious instruction. I never knew what grace was until I experienced it as a "Seeker" outside the RCC. But this is not to give the Protestant denominations a pass, or even the non-denominational Evangelical Churches. God's grace warrants more than a 5 minute wrap-up before the altar call.

Yeah, I am on the side of post tribulation rapture as the Bible teaches. ?

we should know by the end of the year one way or the other... but I will say that if ET's are disclosed in the later part of the year, I would hope Bible readers would put things together and not fall for any deception we are expected to accept.

I've not spoken to you in any condescending manner & I do not appreciate yours" how can you in good conscience put a pacifier in his mouth " I'm not judging this persons heart either way,I do not know his heart,,,,first he claims he is a Believer & wants to know if Baptism is requited & it sounded to me as though he was taught that by his works he can prompt God to answer his prayers,I honestly don't know what to make of it...the more he replies the more I believe he does not Believe Jesus Finished work on the cross was ENOUGH or as he says "not a big deal" Well,I'll let you all take it from here because I will be gone awhile..... I certainly do not say he is Saved or unSaved......doubt can have a good foothold,the Blessed Assurance comes from Holy Spirit......he is carnal minded,many Christians are....... I do hope you will all understand,I've lost someone dear and also have a friend who needs immediate help....God Bless,Kwik

GINOLJC to all. water baptism is the first act of SALVATION, meaning, Obedience to the FAITH. John baptized with water, and his baptism was of repentance. repentance is a change of one's mind. the apostle peter tell us clearly what water baptism is. 1 Peter 3:21 "The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ". man's conscience is in his MIND, hence a good conscience toward God, it's called "REPENTANCE", a change of mind. so water baptism is not a work, but an act of Obedience to the FAITH. water baptism is simply an act of Obedience. if one Love God, obey him. it is the first step in SALVATION, again Obedience. water baptism is about Obedience, and have nothing to do with the washing of any flesh, or any works. as for the name of the father, the son, and the Holy Spirit, it is Yeshua, in Hebrew, JESUS in English. God have only one NAME. father, son, and Holy Spirit are only titles of the SAME ONE PERSON. hope this help, be blessed.

Jesus says something very important in Matthew that seems to fly over some people head like a bullet..."For I say unto you, that except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, Ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5: 20). The pharisees and scribes had a problem with the Baptism as well, they didn't agree with Jesus just like some people day. "And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John. But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him." (Luke 7:29-30). So if some one is caring this same attitude or spirit as the pharisees and lawyers today, what do you think they chances are concerning getting into the kingdom of heaven. Let go into Hebrews 10:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

The disciples baptize with the spirit of God on them and the instruction from our lord Jesus Christ...I'll elaborate on how this according to the Bible....And Jesus came and spake unto them saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the son, and of the Holy Ghost;" (Matthew 28:18-19). These two verses have been mistakenly taught for generations. One mistake religious leaders make is baptizing people without teaching them about Jesus and His doctrine (teaching). Romans 10: verse 17, informs us that faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Therefore, how can you baptize someone in a belief (faith), when the person being baptized, has no knowledge about faith? Contrary to popular beliefs, faith in Jesus is more than calling his name. It’s about knowing the name you are calling on. "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!" (Romans10:13-15). Only a bible preacher can instruct out of the bible. Jesus warned us that many false prophets have gone out into the world; so, please, make sure that your preacher has been sent by God. You can tell the false prophets by their fruit (deeds); if they are not reading and living the entire bible then do not take heed (listen) to them. They (religious leaders) will submerge (bring under water) the same person three times, to uphold the commandment to baptize in the name of the Father, son, and Holy Ghost. However, "Father", and "Son" are not names, but are a status to describe one's position in life; and the Holy Ghost is slang for the Holy Spirit. Jesus said to be baptized "in the name of the Father, son, and Holy Ghost", so, let's find someone with a name that relates to all three. Jesus Christ said, "I am come in my father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive." (John 5:43). This scripture informs us that both the father and the son's name is Jesus, because Jesus said that he came in his father's name. Jesus also, said; "But the comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." (John 14:26). The Lord has spoken! We are to baptize, and be baptized in the name of Jesus. There are no exceptions! "Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, "repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts1:36-38).

GINOLJC, not saying any is right or wrong, May I ask a question? the Lord Jesus did say be baptized, and he did instruct his disciple to baptize, now my question is this, "What was his disciple to baptize with?". I hope you don't use Eph 5:26 as the baptism which our Lord instructed his disciple to do only.

We are to baptize, and be baptized in the name of Jesus. There are no exceptions! "Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, "repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts1:36-38).

All of what I quoted from the word of God actually needs no interpretation. Out of the mouth of Jesus its written in (Mark 16:15-16) "And he said unto them, go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." This is a clean verse from Jesus that needs no interpretation, says exactly what it says. If a person do not want to be save or want to be damned, then don't get Baptized. If a person wants to be save and do not want to be damned, then get Baptize. The choice is yours. Lets look at a situation where as someone who do not wants to be Baptized..."And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John. But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him." (Luke 7:29-30). People, if you are in a position to be baptized, why reject the counsel of God? Needs no interpretation. Rejecting God's counsel will get you eternal life in the burning flames (lake of fire) with the scribes and Pharisees. "For I say unto you, that except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, Ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5: 20). Lets take a look at something very important that the Baptism does..."And it came to pass, that, while Apollo was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, he said unto them, Have ye received the Holy ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, "We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.” And he said unto them, "unto what then were ye baptized?" And they said unto John's baptism. Then Paul said, “John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him who should come after him, that is, Jesus Christ.” When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul had laid hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. And all the men were about twelve." (Acts 19:1-7). Woe be unto anyone, who takes the Lord's name in vain! He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses. How much of a sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the spirit of the grace? For we know him that hath said, "Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense," saith the Lord. And again, the Lord shall judge his people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. (Hebrews 10:28-31). So, by all means do the right thing, and come be ye baptized. Don't hesitate; the very life you save will be your own. Remember, the Pharisees, and that, because they rejected the counsel of God, they will be tossed into the burning flames; at the "Great White Throne Judgment,” where they will be tormented forever. Therefore, don't be a modern day Pharisee; get smart, come ye to the water and wash away your sins.

Blue eyes of the jewel..............you right on. JESUS PARABLES explains it.................either the lusts , cares and pleasures in life have CHOKED the word. many people who go under the prosperity gospel..........all they do is blame God for not getting something WORDLY their heart desires. ME.................if I lose it all.............so be it...........I HAVE MY PROSPERITY ...........HIS NAME IS JESUS and this man REJOICES IN THE SIMPLE TRUTH that such a vile wicked dung filled sin filled man, was given grace in CHRIST ...................they focusing on the WRONG PROSPERITY. the prosperity gospel that so many teach ...................I am going to say it like it is........ITS OF SATAN and feeds the flesh of mans lustful heart. BUT MY PROSPERITY GOSPLE ...........well THAT IS CHRIST AND HIM ALONE.

GINOLJC, I haven't read all the replies, but to a point true, but on some thing no. I suggest one put their priorities in order first. meaning, all prayers are heard, God hears everything, but there are thing we don't know what to pray for, or even our desires are sometime not answered, thank God. because I had to thank God for NOT answering something I had previous asked (prayed) for, and did not receive, and it save me some headaches.. . but back to priorities, I'm sure someone have already gave these scripture. A. the Cornelius story in Acts chapter 10. he prayed and was not baptized neither of water or the Holy Ghost. Acts 10:1-6 "There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band, 2 A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway. 3 He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius. 4 And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God. 5 And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is 6 He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do". of course this was foretold to come (God answering prayers before any type baptism) because sin was taken away by our Lord Jesus who is not only the propitiation of our sins only (the saved) but the world also, (see 1 John 2:2). God foreseen the day, by speaking of it by his prophet Malachi. Malachi 3:16 & 17 "Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name. 17 And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him". this book of remembrance that was written before him for them that feared the LORD is just what state Cornelius was in, "verse 2 A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house". that word "memorial" in verse 4 of Acts chapter 10 is the same word for "remembrance" in Malachi, which is the Hebrew word, H2146 זִכרוֹן zikrown (zik-rone') n-m. a memento (or memorable thing, day or writing). KJV: memorial, record. so we see from God prospective, once sin is paid for all men have the right to seek God.

how did you enter covenant? you dont confess him before man? you dont desire baptism? you dont know he loves you? you dont see his taking Gods Wrath for your sin upon him self as love? you say other Gods answer prayers? What other Gods? there is no other God. Jesus alone brought us eternal life, we have no where else to go. Is God not answering my prayer for a wife because i havent got baptized? what? John 17. This is eternal life to know the One True God and His Son Jesus Christ. Jesus said he doesnt pray for the world only for those God gives him out of the world. Jesus prayed that he would be in those who believe his diciples. He is in us making our father known to us. He wants us to be where he is and he wants us to see him with the Glory he had before the world began. If you dont have a Spirit that crys abba Father then i would say you should keep knocking on his door to be right in him before you start complaining. I would make sure i had a Spirit in me crying out Abba Father if about 95% of prayers are unanswered cause thats kinda a tale sign your 95% of your prayers and want are outside of Jesus will for you. it's so outside of Gods Character to even think baptism is a work that God will with hold his blessing if you dont and reward you (payment of a wife) if you get baptised. if God wants you to know him I image he says "no" to prayers that do not represent his charactor and purpose in man. exspecially when he has mad it clear in his word finding a wife is a mans purpose, will and work.

Not discussing other people just yourself for we are all different. I do agree continuing the conversation would be fruitless, just more than just that idea. It is to the point that maybe God just doesn't want you to have a wife..

I agree with you about the cost of burial. Funeral Homes provide a needed service and everyone has used them for some family member. When my dad passed away the funeral home was terrific about caring and preparing him for burial. They were extremely gracious to my mother, sister and I, paying close attention to every detail. I know they have to treat everyone with respect but they get paid a lot of money to do this. Even when the funeral home came to pick up my dad, the men were all wearing their 3 piece suits. To some this shows their respect but it did not appeal to me. Like you, I had rather the money that would be spent on my funeral be given to some type of charity.

In God's Word, only the enemies of God were burned after death, or in dying... God's People were never cremated in Scripture, except by the enemy.

Personally no cremation. The body burns the bones do not and are disposed of in the landfill. When dead it probably does not matter. The question also is ...is it really you and all you who is in the urn? ???? Jesus was buried or entombed. I prefer the burial method.

I've been looking at the book of Malachi because of the similarities of that time period and today. For a bit of background, the Israelites had returned to Jerusalem after their Babylonian captivity. They had completed the rebuilding of the temple and the walls around the city. Times were hard. They were struggling to build up a city of independant people. And to make matters worse, since they were under Persian rule they had to pay taxes. Time went on and the people murmured. The priests, who were suposed to be the voice of God, who were supposed to warn the people when they disobeyed God, were themselves being disobediant. Worse, they were teaching falsehoods to the people. Sorta like some do now. They were in the business for themselves, to pad their own pockets. The people turned from God's ways, and questioned Him. God, why do you allow this to happen? Why do you not hear our prayers? Why have you abandoned us? A lot like today, I think. Well, in Malachi He answers the people, loud and clear, and that answer holds true for today. Malachi is actually a love letter from God to an unrepentant nation. It begins with with the Lord answering the unrecorded question of "Why don't you love us?" He begins with "I have loved you." Apparently they balked at that because God went on to explain how it was that He did, in fact, love them. This is the famous "I have loved Jacob, but Esau I have hated." The way I interpret this, is that Esau thought little of what God gave him, which was his birthright. He casually threw it away as if it meant nothing and was of less value than a bowl of soup. What exactly is a birthright? Back then it was everything. It meant authority and leadership. It meant your future. For lack of a better word, it meant your destiny. Spiritually speaking, it is all that the Lord Jesus offers us, when we are born again, and this, I think, is why God said that he hated Esau. He was tossing out the spiritual offering for one of flesh. He goes on to address the priests who apparently have questioned God's treatment of them. God answers with, "A son honors his father and a servant his master. If I am a father where is the honor due me? If I am a master, where is the respect due me? It is you, priests, who show contempt for Me." wow - powerful words. He goes on to uncover the mess they have made of worship. They offered blemished sacrifices to God and kept the best for themselves, then wondered why God ignored their prayers. But you know, the thing is, God wanted their love. Their sacrifices showed what was in their hearts. They were performing their functions out of duty, not love. He wanted them to want to be with Him. It's what He wants today. How can man turn cold toward the Creator of the universe? How can we let our fires grow dim? We do - and always have. Even 400 years before Christ came men were shaking their fists at God, asking why He was so unfair to them. And all that time, and this, God is waiting, waiting for us to return to Him. In chapter 2, verse 17 He says, "You have wearied the Lord with your words, by saying all who do evil are good in the eyes of the Lord and He is pleased with them." or, "Where is the justice?" Sounds like today with all those that claim that God is to blame for everything. What a decadent time we live in. All the atrocities that happen on a daily basis, the immorality, the accpetance of filth and smut in our homes via televion and magazines and books and entertainment venues. We sit back and say that it must be ok because Joe down the street does the same thing and he goes to the same church I do, so if it's ok for him, then it's ok for me. We rationalize our sins and lifestyle. All the while, God is wanting us to return to Him. You know, in this book God says to return to the wife of your youth. Ever wonder what that means? Remember how it was when you first fell in love and that person was the whole world to you? How she/he stared intently into your eyes when you spoke and laughed at all your jokes and held your hand at all the right moments. Remember how they were the center of your universe and all decisions were made with that one person in mind because you didn't want them left out of anything? Of course He is talking here about hating divorce but it is becasue of what divorce means. It is the breaking of a covenant, which is abhorrent to God. But God's word has layered meanings as well. He does not want us to break from Him. He wants us to return to Him, as to the love of our youth, full of passion and fire and loyalty. The book of Malachi is a prophetic book, announcing the coming Savior, and the second coming. It is a warning of judgement. It is a book of love, proclaiming God's love for us, and His desire for his people.

The only experience I have had with demons has come in the form of people following the Devil and doing super bad things. Not fun, but God is still good all the time.

If I have seen them, I do not recognize them as such. Tell the difference? How do we know that it isn't demons that truely cause chemical imbalances in the brain and such? Our current medications could be no more than modern witchcraft to wart away such evil beings. I do not claim to know but rather wonder for the words for sorcery and drugs are the words we get pharmacy from. It is a study I have worked on for some time.

Oh, wow. You definitely had way more scary experiences than me! The sleep paralysis thing I've experienced but not since I was in my teens. It's awful but I didn't know then that it could be demonic. I figured out that they didn't come after me until I was saved. It's my belief that many more people experience these things than tell about them. My son in law was visiting a friend and they were sitting on the couch watching t.v. They were alone in the house. My SIL noticed a movement in the hallway and a shadow man, as he called him, walked from one bedroom across the hall to another one. He was too scared to get up and see who it was and didn't tell anyone for years. He was afraid people would think he was crazy.

Raphael the Archangel of healing. Was he big and scary? (scary in a good "I don't want to make him mad" way). I'm guessing Michael is bigger and more intimidating? You have a real gift for seeing the supernatural! Wish I had that

We share something so common. Several years ago, I had a similar experience when I was going through severe depression in my life after losing someone precious. Every night when I went to bed I would experience sleep paralysis. You feel a weight on your chest, pressing you down and preventing you from sitting up. But it’s worse than that, you can’t move your arms or legs. You can’t even move your lips to call out for help. You’re not sure who or what is pushing on your chest.But you just know there’s a presence there. Something strange. Something uninvited. You can feel awake and your mind is running and at that moment I remembered to say in the "Name of Jesus Christ" and it would stop immediately. The sleep paralysis went on for a year. And, one day when I went to bed after an hour or so someone punch me on my head so hard that I got up scared. When I opened my eyes, I saw the devil wearing black and his face was fully covered and he was holding pitchfork, I was terrified, but off course I said in the name of Jesus Christ and he disappeared. I thought I was going crazy and that's when i turned to the bible day and night, offering daily incense to the lord. After one year, I started seeing visions of me in the the middle of church altar preaching and to my left was the Christ standing beside me and telling me to continue reading the scriptures. At times, I would see Abraham, Issac and Joseph. And, when my soul was troubled, I would always see the archangel Rafael & Michael around me hence my profile picture is of Raphael. Even now, when I am troubled I always see the archangel Raphael. People can only be saved through prayers and fasting 1 Thessalonians 5:17 Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. The Demoniac Cured "Mark 9:29 When He came into the house, His disciples began questioning Him privately, "Why could we not drive it out?" And He said to them, "This kind cannot come out by anything but prayer."

Yes, they can't stay in His presence. And you have to be careful who you tell about such experiences too. An unbeliever, oh and some believers too, might think you're a psycho. Truthfully, I didn't believe until I experienced them for myself.

i have found that the most effective way to deal with them on a personal level where they are bothering you is to simply ask the Holy Spirit to send them away.