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Turtletwo asked me to post some of my poetry. I also have written some spiritual thoughts and devotionals, so thought I would post some of those, too. I have more of those than of poems. All Things to God, by Debp I cannot be all things to people, I must be all things to God... And God all things to me. Only then can I be What God would have me to be... To others and myself.

Thanks! Those thoughts have led me to this morning's brief look ups and short study and to pondering Paul's message to the church members at Corinth. 1 Corinthians 9 1 Corinthians 15 Thanks again hope you will be led to share more of your personal works.

They absolutely do. First off, by presenting a theory thats absolutely preposterous and contrary to scripture, they ruin not only their credibility, but the credibility of christians as a whole as people often will group all of us into the same group. And second, flat earthers often get militant and defensive any time their false beliefs are called into question, so if the fact they believe such inherently bad doctrine and science isnt bad enough, they totally ruin their witness by talking down to, belittling, and insulting anyone who dares speak up against them.

I'm glad all of you enjoyed the poem! Will add more things slowly. Looking Unto Jesus, by Debp No matter what happens in life...keep trusting and looking to Jesus. He will get us through the trials. If we get our eyes on the trials, then those will be the only type of things we see in life, and our lives can then become quite sad or only negative. The trials will pass...keep looking to Jesus.

Hi, sis. So happy you took my suggestion and posted one of your poems! I love it. It deals with an important truth in a direct and wonderful manner. It comes from the heart. I can see that this is something God revealed to you. It is a truth we all must see (as well as practice) at some point in our Christian walk. Sooner is better. Thanks for sharing it! I look forward to others. Also, the spiritual thoughts and devotionals!

There is a very real and important truth here that once learned by experience is life changing. The “all” of God and the “nothing” of us. A quite real poem. Thanks for sharing it! Much love in Christ, Not me

Greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Alan, your problem is that you go by your own opinions, instead of what the Bible says. All I have given you is the explicit statements of the Word of God. You confuse a system that you have adopted to explain the statements that you find in the Bible, with the text itself. If something doesn't fit into your system, even if it is a quotation from the Bible of explicit nature, you cry "you are making God a liar". Your understanding when it comes to the timing of the catching up of the saints is in conflict with the teaching of Christ, the prophets, and the apostles. Below are statements of truth concerning the timing of Christ's return and the events which surround it. I will gladly provide justification for any that you challenge. It is true that great tribulation (unparalleled persecution of the church and Israel) begins in the middle of the seventieth week. It is true that great tribulation is the persecution of the church (the elect) and Israel by the Beast, False Prophet and their followers; it is not God's tribulation upon those who had persecuted the Church and Israel. It is true that the seven mentions of 3 1/2 years (1260 days; 42 months; time, times, and the dividing of time) and the mention of 1290 and 1335 days all refer roughly to the second half of the seventieth week. It is true that Satan and his angels are cast out of heaven in the middle of the week by Michael and his angels and that Satan's disposition is said to be, "having great wrath" at that time. It is true that the Beast (man of sin) is revealed in the middle of the week after Michael, the restrainer, stands aside permitting his revelation through the dragon (Satan) giving him power. It is true that the Beast after he is revealed in the middle of the week continues 42 months before he is defeated and cast alive into a lake of fire. It is true that the saints are given into the hand of the Beast until those who remain alive are rescued when Christ cuts short the great tribulation by His return. It is true that what John sees when the seven seals are opened comes before the 7 trumpet judgements, and the 7 trumpet judgements come before the 7 vial judgements. It is true that as the seals are opened one by one John sees various events and happenings upon the earth and in heaven which he recorded for us to know. It is true that no described activity of the seventieth week is said to be unprecedented until great tribulation begins in the middle of the week. It is true that at the opening of the fifth seal the vengeance or wrath of God has not yet fallen upon the earth dwellers. It is true that the return of Jesus Christ and therefore the day of the Lord, happens sometime after the sixth seal is opened. It is true that at the opening of the sixth seal John sees the cosmic sign that Joel prophesied would come prior to the great and terrible day of the Lord. It is true that at the opening of the sixth seal John sees the earth-dwellers (unbelieving, Beast worshipers) hiding from the impending wrath of the Lamb as described by Isaiah in chapter two of his prophecy. It is true that Jesus identifies this cosmic sign and says it comes immediately after the great tribulation. It is true that Jesus says that His return in the clouds with glory and the holy angels follows the appearance of the cosmic sign. It is true that at that time there shall be a gathering to Christ of all the saved involving the first resurrection. It is true that the first stroke of God's wrath, upon the day of the Lord, comes after the seventh seal is opened, there is a half hour of silence in heaven, and the first trumpet is blown. It is true that the church will not experience the wrath of God but will be taken from the earth before it is poured out. It is true that God's wrath falls suddenly upon the earthdwellers (unbelieving, Beast worshipers) the very day that the church is raptured. It is true that the church finds rest from persecution the very day that God's wrath falls upon their persecutors. It is true that the church, including the saints who experienced great tribulation, are seen in heaven before the throne of God having been resurrected and raptured in Rev 7:9-17. Each of these statements is supported by the clear declarations of the Prophets, our Lord, and the Apostles. Each is easily defended. There are many ways to demonstrate that the great tribulation starts in the middle of the week and the day of the Lord only begins after those believers who are alive and remain are raptured out at Christ's second coming. Find two below. 1) Jesus states clearly that great tribulation begins when the abomination of desolation takes place, and Daniel tells us that the abomination of desolation happens in the middle of the week. Mat 24:15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) Mat 24:21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. Dan 9:27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate. 2) Paul says that the falling away (a notable departure from the faith) and the revelation of the man of sin in the temple must happen before the day of Christ can come. The day of Christ from verse two and three below is further defined in verse one. It is the coming (parousia) of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together unto Him. It is Christ's singular second coming with emphasis upon His interaction with his Church. The day of the Lord is Christ's singular second coming with emphasis upon His interaction with the world. Both days begin at His singular second coming (parousia = His arrival and continuing presence). 2Th 2:1 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, 2Th 2:2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. 2Th 2:3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; 2Th 2:4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. Before the wrath of God on the day of the Lord can begin, the revelation of the Beast and the apostasia must take place. Praise be to Jesus Christ

Only thing you can really do for them is point them to the Bible and pray. Only Jesus can change a heart. It might also help to point out that the Bible is about God's plan of salvation, not about whether the earth is flat or spherical. That kind of argument just seems to be a useless one to me, and I normally won't bother with it because in the larger picture does it really matter if earth is flat if you die without Christ?

Greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Let's look at this again. Luk 21:34 And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. Luk 21:35 For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Luk 21:36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man. A) Who is Jesus speaking to? "And take heed to yourselves" The Lord is initially speaking to 4 of His disciples. Mar 13:3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives over against the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately, Mar 13:4 Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled? Mar 13:5 And Jesus answering them began to say, However, the divine narrator, the Holy Spirit, who directed Matthew in the writing of his gospel, lets us know that Christ's words were intended for all who would follow Him, all who hear His voice. Mat 24:15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) Jesus is speaking particularly to His followers but is also providing understanding to any who would read what He said. The gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke being Scripture also fall under the truth that Paul declared to Timothy. "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." (2Ti 3:16, 17) Therefore, Christ's words are for every blood bought child of God. B) What is the warning Christ is giving? Much like the warning that Paul gave Timothy (1Ti 4:16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.) Christ warns His followers that if they take their eyes off of Him, off of the heavenly, spiritual, and eternal, and they become focused upon this life with all its pleasures, entertainment, and excitement, they too, like the lost world, will be caught by surprise by the return of Christ and the events which precede it. He says that if believers sleep the long slumber of those who love the world, when the day comes, they will be unprepared for the persecution and deception preceding Christ's coming and they will be ashamed when they meet Christ. Jesus says to believers that if their hearts are overcharged (overfilled, in excess, weighed down) with surfeiting, drunkenness, and the cares of this life, this future time will catch them by surprise. 1) So, what is surfeiting? As with the word overcharged, surfeiting strongly indicates excess, and refers to indulgence to excess in anything. It could refer to food, the seeming insatiable desire of many to have some new dining experience. Or maybe it's the desire to try all the drinks available to mankind. It could also refer to the fixation of many upon fitness, bodybuilding, cross-fit, etc. There is also the multitude of sports that absorb people's lives. And the list goes on and on. Paul said: for me to live is Christ. If you want to know if you are guilty of surfeiting, honestly finish the same statement yourself. For me to live is ______________. What absorbs your time and resources? Jesus said that where your treasure is there your heart will be also. This excess we should carefully guard against, because it is a distraction from attending to watchful, expectant, activity for Christ's return. Surfeiting leaves you distracted. 2) So, what is drunkenness? Drunkenness is a state of intoxication that leaves one without the normal use of his or her faculties. It has both a literal and figurative application. It is one of many prohibitions against intoxicating drinks and substances (drugs) in the Holy Scriptures. It can also refer to the mental fog that one is left in by feeding the mind upon the teachings and philosophies of the humanistic world and false religions. Anything that hinders sound judgement has the capacity to leave one in the state of drunkenness. Drunkenness leaves you asleep. 3) What about the cares of this life? Cares of this life are the concerns that we have for our necessities or our perceived necessities. These concerns span every facet of our existence, from our food, to our health, to those who rule over us (government). Jesus said: "...Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?" (Mat 6:25). Again, He said: "Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof." (Mat 6:34). God knows our needs better than we do and His love for us is greater than any other. Trust Him to provide your needs. "Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Mat 6:31-33). The cares of this life leave you fearful. 4) If believers are distracted, asleep, and fearful they will be caught by surprise by the events that Jesus has described in this discourse and therefore suffer needlessly for it. C) The day of the Lord shall come as a snare upon the earth dwellers "For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth." The day of the Lord will catch the unbelieving world of the Beast worshipers by surprise. These unbelievers are identified over and over as earth-dwellers. Christ's warnings are so that the day doesn't catch us, who are citizens of Heaven, by surprise. In fact, Paul says concerning the watching believer in the context of the day of the Lord (Vs 2): "But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him." (1Th 5:4-10) No believer will experience the wrath of God poured out in the day of the Lord. The church is raptured before the wrath of God is initiated in the day of the Lord. D) Keeping awake and praying all the time will result in you being able to flee from the destruction of Jerusalem (70 AD) and the epicenter of the great tribulation (Jerusalem and Judea), and to be unashamed before Christ at the judgement. "Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man." (Luk 21:36) There are two events that Jesus warns about in the Olivet Discourse that can bring needless suffering to the child of God. The first is long past, it involved the siege upon Jerusalem and the destruction of the Temple in 70 AD. History records that the watching Christians left the city upon seeing the sign of the Roman armies surrounding Jerusalem and were spared the horrible death and suffering that came upon the Christ rejecting Jews that remained there. The second is the unprecedented persecution of the elect (and Israel) that Jesus called great tribulation. Even though the church will go through this period of violent persecution, Christ's warning has left us some direction concerning how we might mitigate some of the suffering. The word translated "escape" refers to fleeing. This is the very thing Jesus told believers in Judea to do when they see the abomination of desolation taking place. Identifying the beginning of the Beast's persecution of the saints will help us to flee from those who would do us harm. The instruction concerning the mark of the Beast that was provided to us by John in the book of Revelation lets us prepare for a time when we will not be able to buy or sell. This means that for a period of time (less than 3 years) we will need to be self-sufficient (that is God dependent) without our present involvement in our local communities and economies. Christ's many warnings about deception also forearm us against apostasy and even false reports about Christ's arrival. Christ makes it very clear that His arrival will be no secret. In fact, He says it will be unmistakable. All the world shall see Him, in all His glory, with the mighty angels when He appears in the clouds of the atmospheric heaven. The last phrase found in verse 36 speaks of the believer standing in Christ's presence. There are a handful of verses which shed light upon this phrase. Rom 14:4 Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand. Psa 1:5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. Psa 130:3 If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand? Rev 6:17 For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand? The only way to stand before the Son of man is to be clothed in the righteousness of Christ. There is also the truth that the apostle John spoke of, that we must be careful to continue in Christ so that we can have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His parousia. 1Jn 2:28 And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. If any of us take our focus off of Christ and get sucked into the world and the cares of this life it won't be fun when we meet Him. In order to not be ashamed when meeting Christ we must maintain close fellowship now. 1Jn 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. In conclusion, the snare is for the Christ rejecting world, not for the saints. Only the believers which are distracted, asleep, and fearful will be caught by surprise and be unprepared when these things begin to take place. By staying awake and praying all the time believers will be prepared and know how to mitigate much of the danger. Please know that it is not our purpose to escape persecution, it is our purpose to be faithful unto Christ, even unto death. It is an honor and a privilege to suffer for Christ. Rev 12:11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. All praise, honour, and glory be unto the Lord Jesus Christ

I Have No Problems With A Democratic Politician Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD. Jeremiah 17:5 When even one American - who has done nothing wrong - is forced by fear to shut his mind and close his mouth - then all Americans are in peril. - Harry S Truman https://www.brainyquote.com/authors/harry_s_truman No Problems That Is If His Name Is Harry Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. Jeremiah 17:7 A leader in the Democratic Party is a boss, in the Republican Party he is a leader. - Harry S Truman https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/harry_s_truman_125610 Love, Your Brother Joe

These can be challenging situations. Hang in there. I think the first thing is to discern the real root of their conviction on this. My sense of things is that there are two general reasons a Christian believes FE materials, one primarily intellectual and the other primarily spiritual, and it might be both. I'm going to focus this post assuming that there is a strong spiritual component to this. The first is that they are buying in on an intellectual level of being convinced by the scientific sounding information being presented and the idea the government is hiding something. I would describe these Christians as believing FE as some type of theory to be believed based on facts and evidence. In this case, they would probably be open to discussing various evidence and having a discussion about what best fits the facts. They might see the Bible as possibly teaching either so they would be more open to considering evidence about the actual shape of the earth. If this is the case, a calm discussion of various Bible verses would probably be fruitful. The second is that they are buying in on a spiritual level where they've become convinced that is what the Bible teaches. In this case, it's potentially become a matter of the authority and accuracy of scripture for them. Any attempt to point out fallacies or errors in FE materials then essentially becomes an attack on what scripture teaches. When I first started trying to deal with Christians who believe that the Bible teaches a flat earth, I found that approaching things from a scientific standpoint was ineffective. As far as I can tell, they have rejected standard science and any evidence of a globular world as fabricated and deceptive. The more you mention it, the more they become convinced you are deceived and untrustworthy. Such verses as And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree. Rev 7:1 KJV quite plainly state and thus prove that the earth must have 4 literal corners or it would not be possible for an angel to be standing on them. It thus becomes an issue that God said in scripture that the earth has 4 corners, therefore anyone, any science, anything, that contradicts that is calling God a liar. Try to suggest that a verse like this might be allegorical or reflect common language usage in some manner and not be literal and you will potentially be dismissed as disbelieving scripture. Over the years, I noticed that some Christians seem to have an unhealthy all or nothing approach to the authority of scripture *based on what they believe*. They seem to have a view something like everything I have been taught and convinced that scripture says must be correct or I cannot trust any of it. They'll usually acknowledge their beliefs aren't perfect, but they usually have an extensive list of things they are not willing to compromise on. They have put themselves into a position where they cannot allow any doubt or challenge about those things they are convinced that the Bible teaches. If any one of those things is wrong, their entire faith in scripture is shaken because they honestly are then not sure of what else in the Bible might be wrong. If the earth does not have 4 corners as it clearly says, then what else might be wrong in scripture? My observation is that they often can get quite hostile whenever anyone brings up anything that contradicts something on their list of no-compromise beliefs. Such discussions all too frequently end up with with them pointing out how the other person has rejected scripture and is calling God a liar. Keep pushing too hard and you'll potentially start to be viewed as the enemy and not a Christian. I suppose the main advice I'd give is to be patient and keep focused on the main thing which is that their trust and confidence needs to be in God Himself, not in being right about each and every little detail of belief (such as what shape the earth is). I'd pray for discernment of what to share and when and that God would shine His light into this situation. Sometimes less is more and a single well-timed comment or observation from God's guidance is what it takes.

Michael Heiser would disagree with you... especially in the original Hebrew and Greek..... I have not studied it well enough to intelligently discuss it but if you look at his writings and video's he will explain the details... He has a doctors degree in Hebrew and other degrees in Greek and others. He explains why the wording used tends to make us think that and how to keep others from getting trapped into the madness. I have other issues to deal with so those who care to deal with it need to look up his stuff. Just telling someone who believes in flat earth the Bible really doesn't say the earth is flat will not listen to you at all.

What scripture references? There is no scripture that states the earth is flat. References to the earth and heavens are from the perspective of the individual; If you go outside right now, it can easily appear the earth is flat and the sky a dome, but only from a human perspective at a specific location. Travel anywhere on the earth and it will always look flat from that point, yet the sky changes. You don't see the same stars in the Northern hemisphere as you do in the Southern. If you travel from one hemisphere to the other believing it is flat, why would there be a different sky with completely different star fields? If you go to the highest peaks on earth, the curvature of the earth becomes clearly visible. So according to flat earthers, every ship falls off the earth at the horizon, and every plane crashes on the earth there too! Now obviously this is ridiculous but no less ridiculous than a flat earth. Stop this flat earth none sense already. The Bible is about salvation, not geology. Isaiah 40: 22. It is he that sitteth H3427 upon the circle H2329of the earth, H776 and the inhabitants H3427thereof are as grasshoppers; H2284 that stretcheth out H5186 the heavens H8064 as a curtain, H1852 and spreadeth them out H4969 as a tent H168 to dwell in: H3427 Circle, H2329 Chuwg. Circle, Circuit, Compass, Sphere Cheers!!!

Hmmm, I am actually satisfied, I think. Now I just need to see if it grows on me, I like it less with time. My opinions usually change over time. What you you think, thumbs up, or thumbs down?

Are the Jewish High Holy days for all believers? The reason that I have begun this writing with “Jewish” High holy days is because this is what most of Christendom believe when the holy days of Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot are mentioned. But in reality, they are “God’s” Holy days for ALL believers. Why do I say this? Let’s keep on reading. In Genesis 1:14 Elohim says; “and God said, let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs and for seasons” This is not talking about the 4 seasons of Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall. The Hebrew word “seasons” here is “Moedim” which means “appointed times when God instructs man to come to worship” these are special times with special meanings. Elohim originally called his people Israel to celebrate these appointed times, yet when they came out of Egypt, not only did members of the 12 tribes come out but also many Egyptians and probably Nubians as well followed the Israelites out. They became part of Israel by their own choice. God made a covenant with his people, and He also had in mind these peoples who followed the true God, YHVH. In Deuteronomy 29:10-15, Adonai speaks through Moshe stating that everyone that was standing that day, from the most important person down to the lowliest common laborer, standing before Adonai were being made HIS PEOPLE, and he mentions in verse 11; “your little ones, your wives, and thy stranger that is in thy camp” the mention of the word “stranger” usually means one who is not of the 12 tribes, “that thou should enter into covenant with YHVH thy Elohim. He included ALL into his covenant to be HIS people. From that time up til now, the people of the 12 tribes have been spread out over all the earth and from the original 12 tribes, the Ashkenazim, Sephardim, and the Falashim groups have been formed whose roots are in Israel, yet they are from the nations of East Europe, Spain and Middle East, and Africa. Christendom may be divided up into denominations, but we are all still part of the Commonwealth/community of Israel, extended outward into the world. So, we can well say that all the appointed days of Adonai are for ALL believers and followers in Yeshua/Jesus. So, these are not “Jewish” appointed days, but “God’s” appointed days. From September 9th to the end of this month we are celebrating Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot. How do these appointed days point to Yeshua? To be very brief, we could say the following; The sound of the trumpet or shofar which is heard on Rosh Hashanah, or Yom Teruah marks the time of repentance and inner reflection. It reminds us that the “King is coming” and for us to ready our hearts and minds. It is time for us to “Shoov” or “return” to HIM who redeemed us from the curse of sin. If we have fallen short of the mark, we should take better aim and point ourselves back to our relationship with Yeshua. Yes, we all sin and come short, yet God invites all repentant sinners to come home. The father welcomed his wayward son who had gone astray. He was returning home. He was “part” of the family already, he had just gone astray and realized the error of his ways, and returned into the arms of his beloved father. Repentance in the Hebrew is “Teshuvah” which means “a return” or “change of mind and heart.” As we think and ponder upon our relationship with our Savior. We come to “Yom Kippur” or the “Day of Atonement” Under the old covenant, the high priest could come only once a year into the “Holy of Holies” in the Tabernacle and later in the temple. That was where the “Aron HaKodesh” was kept, the “Holy of Holies” in this box were the tablets of the commandments. The high priest sprinkled blood on the mercy seat and when the “Shekinah” or the “Holy Spirit” looked down upon the mercy seat, he saw the blood of innocent animals and not the broken commandments. Yet this was only temporary, as the blood of animals could not really atone for sin, only “cover” sin. The animal blood points us to the blood that really counts, to the blood of Yeshua, whose one time only sacrifice on the cross not only covered our sins but paid the entire price of sin, eternal separation from God. His blood for our salvation. We are now rejoined with God and not separated from God. During Yom Kippur, two goats were brought to the priest. One was sacrificed and the other sent away. A priest placed his hands on the goat’s head, symbolically placing all of our sins onto the goat. The other goat was sacrificed What does this ceremony mean? It means that just as our sins were dealt with on the cross, they are also “driven away from us” never to be remembered, never to return upon our heads. The words “Yom Kippur” mean “day” (Yom) “Kippur” comes from “Kafar” meaning “covering” or also “Yom Hakipurim” (Day of the coverings) because more than one animal was sacrificed at this time. So, it wasn’t a singular “blood” (dam) but “Bloods” (damei) therefore “coverings.” Yet Yeshua’s blood was unique and ONE (one of a kind) Sinless and perfect. Just like Adam had when he was originally made in the image of Elohim. It is also a day of prayer and fasting, when the Word of God says; “afflicting one’s soul” it is a time of taking note of our sinful state, and spend the day in fasting. This year, Yom Kippur starts the evening of Sept 18 and ends the evening of Sept 19th. In mainline Jewish belief, the books that God has concerning people are closed. The state of the soul in written in those books and it will be so for one year. However, we know that the books are “always open” since the line from man to God is open 24-7 for repentance. Yeshua’s death on the cross is for all time. The final appointed day is “Sukkot” or the “Feast of Tabernacles”. This is a time of joy, gladness, rejoicing that the “King is here”. We can look at Rosh Hashanah as saying; the king is coming, get ready, Yom Kippur we could say “the King is at the door, really get ready, if you need to repent, do it now! then Sukkot would mean; “The King is here, he has come, so rejoice!” This festival of “Tabernacles” symbolizes the coming of God to this earth. A “tabernacle” is a dwelling place, usually a temporary dwelling place like a tent. YHVH came down first to his people on Sinai, in a cloud of fire and smoke on top of Mt. Sinai. There he invited Moshe up to commune with him, he gave him the commandments for HIS people. Then he came down all the way to rest on the “Mishkan” (The Tabernacle) in a cloud by day and a column of fire by night. He led his people through the desert for 40 years. Eventually, the tabernacle was replaced by the Temple. Then YHVH came to earth in the form of flesh and blood, as a man, as God-man, as Yeshua. He came around this time towards the end of September or early October. This can be proved mathematically. I am not going into “Christmas bashing” at this time, but December 25th was set aside in ancient times by Rome to commemorate the festival of Saturnalia. It celebrates the birthdate of all the pagan gods of Rome. Sukkot is a seven-day celebration, culminating on the 7th day as “Hoshana Raba” the great day of the feast. This was when Yeshua was in the temple and said; “whoever comes to me from him will flow rivers of living water” The priests at that time poured out near the altar water and wine, as Yeshua poured out his blood mixed with water on the cross, when the Roman soldier stuck a spear in his side. During this festival was when Solomon dedicated the temple. On the 8th day, it is a time to rejoice in the Torah, that we have God’s Word in our midst. The Hanukkah lights are lit for 8 days to remind us of the dedication of the first temple, and also to remind us that today we are the temple of YHVH. Our bodies contain the Holy Spirit as the Spirit of God at one time inhabited the Tabernacle and the temple. The entire chapter of Leviticus 23 speaks of the “appointed days” set aside to worship and to get right with Him. Of course, it is the choice of every believer to either celebrate or not to celebrate these days. Life is all about choices. We can either ignore these days or celebrate these days. We should not judge our brother or sister if he or she chooses not to. We are saved by grace through Yeshua, not through observance of the commandments. However, if we love the LORD we will want to do as He commands in scripture. If you want some detailed info on these Holy Days, you can go to www.hebrew4christians.com. When you go to that site, look to the left and under “home” look for and click on “Holidays” and you can get detailed info under the “Days of Awe” . Shalom Rabbi Ben Avraham

Interesting brief video of one of our mountain lions in Los Angeles....this one posed in front of the Hollywood sign.

The Philippines - in impoverished areas with thousands of malnourished children, native missionaries provide meals to children and their mothers. This includes outreaches where the good news of Christ's salvation is shared. Nepal - A native ministry trained a missionary who went back to his village and planted a church despite persecution. Since then 5 other fellowships have sprouted. The ministry equips workers in evangelism and discipleship in a two month program and sends them back to their villages for one month of field training. Info from Christian Aid Mission

Did Jesus rise on a Sunday? Tradition tells us that Christ was crucified on a Friday, and that He rose from the dead on a Sunday. But is this really the truth? The Pharisees challenged Jesus to prove He was the Messiah. He offered them this proof, His sign that He was true: “ An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and there shall be no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas: For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly, so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth” (Matt 12:39-40) That’s a very specific sign. In 1Thes 5:21, the Apostle Paul tell us to ….”Prove all things; hold fast that which is good” We should also consider Jesus’ warning in Mark 7:7-8…….” In vain do they worship Me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men” Jesus placed His entire identity on the line with His sign that we just looked at in Matt 12:39-40. Since the Old Testament was written in Hebrew, critics and scholars acknowledge that in the Hebrew language, ‘three days and three nights must mean a 72 hour period of time. There is no room for any ‘periods of time’ in the Hebrew. Jonah 1:17 plainly states….”And Jonah was in the belly of the fish ‘three days and three nights’. The Bible does say in several places that Christ rose ‘the third day’. If we look at Genesis 1:4-13, it plainly says that God ‘divided the light from darkness’. He called the light ‘day’ and the darkness He called ‘night’……..”And the evening (darkness) and the morning (light) were the first day……And the evening (darkness) and the morning (light) were the second day…..And the evening (now 3 nights) and the morning (now 3 days) were the third day….” Did Jesus understand the length of a ‘day’, or the length of a ‘night’…...........John 11:9-10…”Are there not TWELVE hours in a day?...but if a man walk in the night, he stumbles” So, according to the Bible, the length of time for the phrase ‘the third day’…….spanned three periods of darkness and three periods of light. That’s six periods of twelve hours…… 6x12= 72 hours. The Crucifixion: All four Gospels tell us that the day Christ was Crucified was the ‘preparation day’. So which preparation day was this? Leviticus 23:4,7,24,27-32 speaks of Annual Sabbaths….HOLY DAYS. John 19:14 explains “it was the preparation of the Passover”….and in verse 31, he continues on “for that Sabbath day was a high day”. A ‘High Day’ is a Feast Day or an ‘Annual Holy Day’, and Israel was commanded to keep these days, year after year. Leviticus refers to all these Sabbaths as ‘Feasts of the Lord”…..and ”Holy Convocations”. The “Passover” was the one feast wherein work was not prohibited. There is little doubt if any that Christ was crucified on the Passover. “Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us”….I Cor 5:7……………”The Lamb of God, which takes away the sin of the world”…..John 1:29 The Passover fell on a Wednesday in AD31, the year of Jesus’ crucifixion, according to the Hebrew calendar. This marks Thursday as an annual Sabbath. The Old Testament Passover always precedes the Annual Sabbath of the Feast of Unleavened Bread. Numbers 28:16-17…..” And in the fourteenth day of the first month is the Passover of the Lord. And in the fifteenth day of this month is the Feast.”….(the Feast of Unleavened Bread) After Jesus was crucified, at the 9th hour, it was after that when the disciples asked for His body so that they could place Him in the tomb. The Sabbath was at hand, so time was of the essence. (Luke 23:53-54, John 19:41-42) The Gospel accounts verify that there were two Sabbaths that week….an annual Holy Day, and a Saturday Sabbath. Look at Mark 16:1… “Now when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, that they might come and anoint Him.”……………. Since they were there at His crucifixion, they wouldn’t have had time to buy spices that day, and the next day was the High Holy Day. Their first chance to buy the spices was on Friday, and with these two events, Jerusalem would have been very busy. Not only did they have to buy the spices, but they also had to prepare them to anoint His body. Luke 23:56 tells us that it was AFTER the women prepared the spices and fragrant oils that they rested on the Sabbath (Saturday) according to the commandment. This alone proves that the women couldn’t have bought and prepared the spices and oils if Christ was crucified on a Friday. It was after the weekly Sabbath (Saturday) that they went to the tomb to embalm the body of Jesus. And this was typically a job for women. They went early, (Luke 24:1; Mark 16:1)) while it was still dark (John 20:1) as it began to dawn,(Matt 28:1) But when they arrived at the tomb, Jesus’ body was not there. He had already risen. Luke 24:6, Mark 16:6, Matt 28:5-6. So, a Wednesday crucifixion on the Passover, buried at the end of the day……”evening and the morning were the first day” (Gen1:5)…….and ‘the evening and the morning were the third day” (Gen 1:13)……..Wednesday evening, Thursday evening, Friday evening. Thursday day, Friday day, Saturday day. Three days and three nights. Jesus was, thus, in the tomb on Wednesday at evening, and rose from the dead Saturday at evening. There is no Sunday morning resurrection. There is no Sunday worship for true Christians. There is no Easter Sunday Resurrection. I truly believe that we, as true Christians, follow the commandments of God. God did not tell us to follow anything but His commandments. He did not institute another ‘day’. God rested on the seventh day. He blessed the seventh day. He sanctified the seventh day. (Gen 2:3) Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath (Mk 2:28, Matt 12:8, Luke 6:5) I think this is a very important debate to be had amongst brothers and sisters. Because in Revelation 14:12, Jesus tells us ….”Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus”. See also John 14:15,21, 14:23, John 15:10-11. 1Jn 5:2, 1Jn 3:22, 1Cor 7:19’ Ps 105:45, Lk 11:28, 1Tim 6:14. “And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ”……Rev 12:17 Please don’t put a label on me. I am not a Seventh Day Adventist, nor anything else. I’m just a humble born again Christian, searching for an answer, searching for the TRUTH. I know of the way of the Catholics. I was an altar boy for 7 years. I was churched for many more in the Catholic Church. Here is their teaching: In the Convert’s Catechism of Catholic Doctrine, we read: Q. Which is the Sabbath day? A. Saturday is the Sabbath day. Q. Why do we observe Sunday instead of Saturday? A. We observe Sunday instead of Saturday because the Catholic Church, in the Council of Laodicea, (AD 336) transferred the solemnity from Saturday to Sunday…. Q. Why did the Catholic Church substitute Sunday for Saturday? A. The Church substituted Sunday for Saturday, because Christ rose from the dead on a Sunday, and the Holy Ghost descended upon the Apostles on a Sunday. Q. By what authority did the Church substitute Sunday for Saturday? A. The Church substituted Sunday for Saturday by the plenitude of that divine power which Jesus Christ bestowed upon her! —Rev. Peter Geiermann, C.SS.R., (1946), p. 50. In Catholic Christian Instructed, Q. Has the [Catholic] church power to make any alterations in the commandments of God? A. ...Instead of the seventh day, and other festivals appointed by the old law, the church has prescribed the Sundays and holy days to be set apart for God’s worship; and these we are now obliged to keep in consequence of God’s commandment, instead of the ancient Sabbath. —The Catholic Christian Instructed in the Sacraments, Sacrifices, Ceremonies, and Observances of the Church By Way of Question and Answer, RT Rev. Dr. Challoner, p. 204. In An Abridgment of the Christian Doctrine, Q. How prove you that the church hath power to command feasts and holy days? A. By the very act of changing the Sabbath into Sunday, which Protestants allow of; and therefore they fondly contradict themselves, by keeping Sunday strictly, and breaking most other feasts commanded by the same church. Q. How prove you that? A. Because by keeping Sunday, they acknowledge the church’s power to ordain feasts, and to command them under sin; and by not keeping the rest [of the feasts] by her commanded, they again deny, in fact, the same power. –Rev. Henry Tuberville, D.D. (R.C.), (1833), page 58. In A Doctrinal Catechism, Q. Have you any other way of proving that the Church has power to institute festivals of precept? A. Had she not such power, she could not have done that in which all modern religionists agree with her. She could not have substituted the observance of Sunday the first day of the week, for the observance of Saturday the seventh day, a change for which there is no Scriptural authority. –Rev. Stephen Keenan, (1851), p. 174. In the Catechism of the Council of Trent, The Church of God has thought it well to transfer the celebration and observance of the Sabbath to Sunday! –p 402, second revised edition (English), 1937. (First published in 1566) In the Augsburg Confession, They [the Catholics] allege the Sabbath changed into Sunday, the Lord’s day, contrary to the decalogue, as it appears; neither is there any example more boasted of than the changing of the Sabbath day. Great, they say, is the power and authority of the church, since it dispensed with one of the ten commandments. —Art. 28.

George, just wondering if some topics could be saved if members were all given a warning in the thread about keeping things civil? This, of course, only when the insults start. It seems we have lost (deleted) a good many threads lately due to insults flying.

The Sacrifice, The Highest Price (A Prayer To The Lamb Of God) Oh Lamb of God, so perfect Who deserved man's adoration Instead you received mockery And cruel degradation They stripped You of all clothing They whipped You violently They put You on a splintered cross To die for such as me I marvel at Your anguish Your beyond words agony I'm grateful for Your Blood that flowed Upon that wretched tree Without it, there would be no hope No way I could atone The sacrifice, the highest price Was paid by You alone

Hi Pogi! How are things going with getting your wife to see the truth? Something else came to mind thinking about this "Jesus is not God but just a man" heresy. Since, according to this Iglesia Ni Cristo fiction, that Jesus was just a man, then they should be able to show other men capable of Christ's deeds right? What one man can do, certainly there must be others who can do the same. So, who do they have that can claim being God's ONLY begotten Son, was immaculately conceived, knows the Will of God and has God's Authority, walks on water, commands storms to cease, feeds thousands with a few fish and loaves of bread, heals the sick with a word, casts out demons, raises the dead back to life, can be killed and resurrected on the third day for all to see, hear and converse with and every other deed of Christ? Certainly, if their doctrine is true, they have to have members capable of these things, right? Again, if Jesus was just a man, where are the men in their organization that does what Jesus does? Ask you wife who these members are. They do not exist, not even the Beast of Revelation can do all that Christ does. She has to agree with this. Cheers Pogi!!!

According to scripture, the rapture happens at the last trumpet, on the last day. Any understanding of the timing of the rapture has to account for those aspects. In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 1 Corinthians 15:52 For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day. John 6:40 Those who approach the subject honestly will give precedence to these two clearly stated scriptural timings. What is the last trumpet that Paul was referencing? What is the last day that Jesus was speaking of? It only makes sense to start with the "known" when trying to figure out the "unknown." Last trumpet, last day. That's when the rapture takes place.

The scriptures you quote give a clear indication that the sin unto death is a sin.. A particular sin.. That sin was revealed by Jesus when the scribes accused him of doing his miracles by the power of a demon.. The scribes had committed the sin of blasphemy of the Holy Spirit a sin which never has forgiveness .. it is the sin unto death.. (1 John 5:13-16) "These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. {14} And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: {15} And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him. {16} If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it." I context I believe the passage is talking about one Christian interceding /praying for another to be forgiven for their sin.. As far as the sin of blasphemy of the Holy Spirit it is pointless to pray for the forgiveness of a person who has committed the unforgivable sin.. That's why we should not even bother praying for someone who has committed it..

For this reason God will send upon them a deluding influence so that they will believe what is false, in order that they all may be judged who did not believe the truth, but took pleasure in wickedness. 2 Thessalonians 2:11-12 This passage directly contradicts the idea of a "great revival." People who believe what is false do not become martyrs for the truth.

Shabbat shalom, turtletwo. "A sin which is not unto death" is a crime that is not a capital crime. It's an infraction of God's Law that is not punishable by death. This means to pray for the person that God not hold him guilty for that sin - that crime - give him or her space to repent. The "sin which is unto death" is a capital crime, one that IS punishable by death, such as murder or disobediece to parents under the Mosaic Law. If one has committed a crime, such as murder, that is punishable by death, then the person will die according to the Law, even when it's the laws of the state. No amount of prayer to God, who is holier and more righteous than the laws of the state, will be able to undo the physical sentence that the perpetrator rightly receives. This has nothing, however, to do with crying out to God for His forgiveness. It's whether a person can intervene with God for another to have that person's sentence reduced.

On a commercial level ( done by a mold remediating company ) dry ice is also a way to take care of mold on rafters sheathing hard to get to places etc. See https://afestlouis.org/Mold_Remediation.htm

Hi, Well the other company's info came in with the medical traits based upon dna. I'd say it is totally useless, a real disappointment. Plus their ancestry traits are a bit of a sales job for life beginning with one Central Africa woman 180,000 years ago with there being a blend of modern man with neanderthal ancient mankind traits. Seems I am 260 times less neanderthal than the average person - ah okay. Medically I have no genes that carry any propensity toward any condition except two. I lack the gene that will make me capable of being an elite weight lifter, and I will tend to drink less coffee than most people- yeah sure. I used to be located by the trail of empty coffeee cups. I'd drink 10 to 14 cups a day. Course I don't know what a n average consumption is. And I was not elite not even close, never ws even a competitor, but I worked out lifting weights for some 22 years. So I evidently enjoyed it. I have surprisingly gained an interest in the begets, census taking, and in better visualizing populations more numerous than the grains sands and other similar Bible themes. So that is good. Ha, I wonder is the foreknowledge and the predestination by God to be found in DNA, fleshly or otherwise?

Shabbat shalom, Sojourner414. Excuse me, but can you show me the verse that gives YOU the authority to remove an organization's "lampstand?" As far as reducing one's post to the "level of a three-year old," it's not a bad idea. "Out of the mouths of babes ... ." As far as when the Lord Messiah Yeshua` comes before/within/after the Tribulation, have you noticed that one's position is determined by how one defines the "Tribulation?" Perhaps, since movement to or away from a point is described by either the movement of the observer or the movement of the point (or the movement of both), then perhaps the Time when the Messiah comes back will be based more on where you place the Tribulation than when the Lord comes. And, there are MANY assumptions that are made by any camp to which one belongs. For instance, why does the "Tribulation" have to be 7 years long? Why is the "Tribulation" so often associated with the 70th Week of Daniel when there's no Scriptural proof for such an association? Where's the Scripture verses that prove that? That's the most FUNDAMENTAL assumption that is made about the "Tribulation" on which those who hold pretrib, midtrib ("pre-wrath"), partial trib, or posttrib have hung their belief-systems. The problem, as I see it, is making a simple noun into a LABEL for something. What IS a "tribulation" anyway? Can there be more than one of them? How long can they be? When one realizes that the word "tribulation" is a translation of the Greek word "thlipsis" and that this one Greek word was translated in the KJV as "tribulation," "afflicted," "affliction," "anguish," "burdened," "persecution," and "trouble," then perhaps we should be looking at the verses containing these words, as well, before coming to any rash, sudden conclusions. I have no intention of "silencing you" (not that I could), but I do feel that you need to take your emotions down a notch. We're family here, and we're trying to work through these questions together. We should be in an attitude of cooperation, not of competition or controversy. If we come to the point when we are at loggerheads, then we need simply and gently (gentlemanly) to agree to disagree. State your points clearly and with Scripture to back up what you say, and I'll have no problem with what you say or how you say it. There are some groups that are under such urgency, that they don't think they have the time to analyze a position. They just need to latch onto that position which they've been taught, and go full steam ahead! But, if "each one wins one a year," did you know that we could evangelize the whole world in much less than a single lifetime? Remember the story about the inventor of chess? It's mostly just a legend now, but the story goes that the ruler of his country so loved the game that he gave its inventor the right to choose how he would be paid for it. He said simply to have all the wheat that one would get if one placed a single grain of wheat on the first square of the chessboard and double that number for each successive square on the board. So, the ruler agreed and the doubling began: 1+2+4+8+16+32+64+128+256 (first row)+ 512+1024+2048+4096+8192+16,384+32,768+65,536 (second row, only six more rows to go)+ 131,072+262,144+524,288 (over a bushel of wheat now)+... . It wasn't long before the ruler discovered that all the granaries and coffers of the kingdom couldn't supply the wheat the man had asked for! Instead, so the legend goes, the inventor was beheaded for his impudence! The same is true for evangelization, and we're not starting with just one individual, but if "each one won one a year," we would be doubling our numbers each year! And that is not even taking into consideration the power of the Holy Spirit of God, or the fact that we can certainly win more than one person a year! Just consider the Billy Graham crusades, for instance! So, urgency is not a valid excuse for laziness in making sure we're teaching others the right things. Let's all work together on these topics.

The third act by the kitties...

God will alter your perception if you ask for it, even though you may not know what exactly you are asking for. For instance, you may ask God for patience. Then you may start perceiving all sorts of trials and tribulations to practice patience in. After all, one simply does not become patient without first learning how to become patient. This happened to me long time ago, where I thought my friends were giving me a hard time, but in fact they weren't any different to how they normally are. What happened was that my perceptions were altered to see 'a hard time'. I know, that at this moment, my perceptions are not necessarily my own. However, whatever they are, they are for my benefit. So, I simple accept everything and be grateful for whatever lessons I need to experience and learn. Another example. I have asked God to put me into His service. So now I get led to all sorts of people and places, including this forum, right this moment, typing a post to your thread. It's no coincidence. As a famous Christian said as a mantra "My God, my all".

Yep, just like I suspected. https://www.yahoo.com/news/northern-california-authorities-arrest-alleged-serial-rapist-231530055.html Not a bad thing for catching criminals, but I can see the abuse of it and how it will play in a one world scenario.

It's an excellent attempt. Surely enough to convince. If some need to believe every dire consequence is God's wrath there might not be any way to change their mind; until these notions are put to rest by actual events. I get that it's appealing to have a pretrib rapture and escape; I can understand why some believe this even though it's wrong. How far can we get with those who conflate inaccurately, change definitions, ignore concepts, segregate, elevate without cause, and advance arguments rife with emotional appeals and reliance on group think and consensus? None so blind as those refuse to see. Don't stop. Lots of people listening that are open to the truth.

Sojourner414 my dear brother, my the loving kindness of God be yours.

Hi Heleadethme, I`m glad you are led to think concerning `God`s throne.` The word `throne,` means `authority. Thus we realise that God`s authority is centred in Himself and beyond his created order. No one gave God His authority and all other rule and authority comes from God. Some use it wisely and other are rebellious. So we have the Godhead (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) as the source. They are of the exact substance of entity in mind, will and heart (John 10: 30). Their entire oneness of being, expressed by omnipotence, omnipresence and omniscience. These capacities obviously we will never have. The Godhead is the source, - the 3 persons are equal, in unity and of one mind. Then in function we see there is a hierarchy - The Father - initiates, The Son - administers, The Holy Spirit - is the energizing power. So in relation to rule and authority we see the Son will put down `all rule, and all authority and all power. ......Now when all things are made subject to Him, then the Son Himself will also be subject to Him who puts all things under Him, that God (the Father) may be all in all.` (1 Cor. 15: 24 & 28) We tend to think of these that are `rulers, authorities and powers,` as just on earth, however rebellion has gone throughout God`s great kingdom and every throne from the third heaven, through Principalities and Powers to the earth have been in rebellion. All these `thrones,` authorities to rule, have been ordained and created by the Lord. `For by Him all things were created, that are in heaven, and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or Principalities or Powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.` (Col. 1: 16) Thus, the Lord will occupy every throne/authority in every created realm! And where will that be from? Leave that for our next discussion as you may want to comment on what I have written. regards, Marilyn.

I don't see a discrepancy here. Jewish days began in the evening of what we'd call the previous day. Sabbath began on Friday evening and ended on Saturday evening. Practicing Orthodox Jews and Seventh Day Adventists still use this idea. With that same schedule, the first day of the week, Sunday, actually began on a Saturday evening.

Thank you, Turtletwo, Yes, this brings back memories to me, of my years growing-up in Christ in a Christian mission hall, surrounded by love. Of times of quiet contemplation and prayer; of tears flowing in gratitude at the grace which had saved me. With love in Christ Jesus Chris

Not into researching the family tree but a second cousin of mine went crazy doing it (not literally). Do know I have Eastern European ancestry...mainly Polish as my dad was Polish ancestry. On my mom's side, it was German and Czech and thereabouts.

You are a good servant of our Lord, and a concerned one thinking of the well being of others. Posting of this concern is very valuable. One should not ignore nor wait to treat mold especialy black mold! It can become a real expensive issue and can permanently damage the value of a property if not make it so undesirable that it might as well be abandoned and bulldozed. It can and does cause very serious and even fatal illness. Yet black mold can be treated and should be. One of the things home owner insurance might cover is damage from sudden water pipe leaks and the mold removal and replacement of all affected walls floors cabinets furniture. But if it is a neglected leak they are not going to cover damage due to negligent home maintenance. To know there is damage occurring and not tend to it immediately is to suffer pretty serious adverse consequence.

“It’s the heighth of ignorance”......Big Foot

I don't know if you are trying to make this about sinless perfection, I may be wrong. I don't believe in sinless perfection. It should be the goal, but in this body on this earth it will neve be attained. He tells her this after he has forgiven her. I don't know why Jesus would tell someone that he has forgiven to never, even commit another sin when he knows that's impossible. Jesus was not only concerned with her adulterous lifestyle, but that was what landed her in the place of near death here. If this were generic, he would have said, "Go and pursue holiness," or "Go and obey the commands of God," or "Go and rebuke sinful behavior." Of course, Jesus didn't want her to sin in any capacity again, but that's impossible in this coat of flesh. I don't think he is giving her an ultimatum of ,"Go and never sin in anyway again," because there is always an "or else" following an ultimatum. This does not affect eternity nor is it a hill on which I am willing to die. In other words, I can't argue about it.

Hi Melodyfire, Is there any coincidences in the Bible? No, I think not. What about the first 10 patriarchs listed, Adam - Noah, you notice anything? Depending whose Hebrew name translation you use it can vary slightly. Take the first ten generations from Adam to Noah and make a grammar correct sentence with their translated names. I come out with... Man (is) appointed mortal sorrow, (but) the Blessed God shall come down teaching (that) His death shall bring (the) despairing rest (and) comfort. Credit to the late Dr. Chuck Missler for this discovery. Fascinating isn't it, that's why I'm paying particular attention with names and genealogies listed. What else might be hidden in the Bible in plain sight?

for some time now if I try to post a URL, the first time I try nothing happens and it empties my clip board.... then I have to copy it again and the second time it will paste....

Flat Earth is a lie. Lies are from Satan. How can those who believe or perpetuate a lie not be damaged? It is a matter of life and death. Just saying. Cheers!!!

The whole conversation about her and to her was about adultery. Jesus meets us where we are. She was in an adulterous condition. Jesus is telling her to forsake the lifestyle of adultery. Forever. No more.

Dennis, you are so right. And I am excited you posted this because it gives me a chance to share something amazing about the names found in the OT. This is the genealogy of Jesus. As you said, names have specific meanings. As one reads the meaning of each name in Christ's lineage, the prophecy of our Salvation unfolds. It is a bit long as it goes past Abraham and all the way back to Adam. God God Adam Man Seth is appointed Enosh a mortal man of Kenan sorrow is born. Mahalalel The glory of God Jared shall come down Enoch instructing that Methuselah his death shall bring Lamech those in despair Noah comfort and rest. Shem The fame of Arphaxad Babylon's fortress Cainan and sorrow Shelah extend like a plant Eber beyond the place of Peleg division (at the tower of Babel). Reu A friend Serug also branches out Nahor enraged Terah with fury. Abram A glorious father, (Abraham) the father of a multitude Isaac laughs Jacob as he outwits his enemy. (Israel) A mighty prince sees God Levi (then) joins himself to Kohath an assembly, Amram a glorious people Moses (whom) he rescued Gershom stranger(s) in a strange land, Shebuel captives delivered by God. Judah One who praises the Lord Perez breaks open a way (into) Hezron an area surrounded by a wall Ram of great height. Amminadab O, my people who belong to the Prince, Nahshon a prophet Salmon clothed Boaz with strength Obed who serves (the Lord), Jesse is here! David One well loved, Solomon peaceful, Rehoboam and who sets the people free. Abijah My father is the Lord, Asa the healer of Jehoshaphat him whom the Lord judged Jehoram and whom the Lord raised up. Ahaziah The Lord took hold (of me) Joash and the Lord is strong! Amaziah Mighty is the Lord! Uzziah/Azariah My strength and help are in the Lord! Jotham The Lord is perfect. Ahaz I took hold of Hezekiah the strength of the Lord. Mannaseh It made me forget (my misery). Amon Truly (I am) the master builder Josiah whom the Lord healed, Jehoiakim/Eliakim whom the Lord God raised up, Jeconiah whom the Lord upholds, Coniah did uphold Jehoiachin and will uphold! Shealtiel I have asked God about Pedaiah the ransomed of the Lord, Zerubbabel the exiles who are in Babylon. Abiud My Father is glorious! Eliakim My Father will raise up Azor a helper, Zadok the just One Akim will the Lord raise up! Eliud My God is my praise! Eleazar God will help! Matthan May the gift of Jacob Jacob (the one who grasped the heel) Joseph increase (in greatness)! Emmanuel For God is with us! Jesus Christ The Messiah and Savior of Church those called out of Babylon.

Ah ha the hook and the bait is dangled before me now- My cousin has gone hog wild on this ancestry tree thing. Wow what a visual of how humans have been prolific in repopulating this earth! The tree is now like a plant gone wild covering a whole forest all with one tree. Man did the generations just ahead of us have huge families! I hadn't done much of anything with my own family tree. I have been the outsider of the family in part I guess by choice I don't know, But I put in the very few names I knew. Well today I looked and there was added a portrait of my fraternal side grandmother, and it was contributed by a person with the same family name as mine that I never heard of before. I can't contact him nor he me as I haven't anted up for the "services of the ancestry company . Ha clever these people dangle the hook try to get me to use that "free" 30 day trial period with them automatically dinging my credit card monthly from then on unless I cancel out. No thanks, hate that kind of presentation. But the picture? And who is this person from my home land town area that has my grandmother's portrait to contribute to the tree information? He posted it on his tree and it linked to mine the photo but not him other than to say who contributed the picture. Plus just seeing how fast one family tree grows has me visualizing the very small tribes in the various nations described in the Bible, and how they grew; also the taking of census of by the Romans must have been a real event and a half. Hey maybe I'll set up a family tree of the Bible begots and see if it will take that info. and link it to my tree, well maybe not. Might be fun to try anyway. I can see it coming they are going to get me into this thing after all. just because I was a nice guy and spit in a tube. -

Plus -Who knows maybe it will lead to a witnessing opportunity or two, least some relative might find they have one of those born again nuts in the family.

Firstly, Jesus forgave her up to that point. Secondly, Jesus did not say "go, and you won't sin no more". It's a gift to start afresh. But now she is aware, and needs to stay aware (keep her oil lamp lit) to sin no more.

It really doesn't have to be complicated. It is understanding what the great tribulation / time of Jacob's trouble is all about and who is the main focus of that events of that period. When one gets a grip on that, then a pre-trib idea is not that far fetched. The alternative positions risk bordering on some sort of idea like a "protestant purgatory".

Oh beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ; We serve such a awesome and glorious God, who is filled with love for all His children. He loves all of them equally and has just an ocean of love to pour forth on His people. That we would all press in to Him that He would manifest His love for us in and through the other individual. That love for your fellow believers would be the the rule in all our hearts. That people, all people, would see Christ written in our hearts, that the abundance of love we show for one another would be that which brings a smile on the face of Him we have given our lives to. That Christ would be made alive in our hearts so that love for all would be manifested. That righteousness would be the thing sought after, for righteousness does no wrong. For righteousness is alone that thing that is right. It is righteousness in the life of the believer that God is after. So that one believer can manifest love to another. For God is love and can only be manifested in righteousness. “Let all things be done with love perfering your brothers over yourself” Much love in Christ, Not me