Leaderboard

Hi all, Are not all gifts by definition free? The expression "it is a free gift of God", seems to me to be slightly redundant and also diminishing by the modifying of the word gift to some extent. Why add free to the awesome gift of salvation? The gift was not free of price, the price though has been paid in full so that it can be offered as a gift. It was acquired at great price to our Lord, not free at all. It is a valuable gift, more valuable than any other ever obtained to be gifted to another. To add free makes salvation seem kin to a prize a trinket of some sort as in; hey it's free, really, all you have to do is buy Cracker Jacks to get your "free" gift. Free ""gifts" are never free in this world. They aren't gifts at all! They are premiums offered in addition to something else to be bought, they are offered in addition to something as enticement to buy that something else. That is not what salvation is at all. Salvation is a gift bought at great price to God. And it is not given to just anyone for a unrelated purchase, it is not a trinket added on for buying something. It is the gift of gifts to be cherished.

Bernie voted for infanticide through birth. That alone makes him unacceptable for ANY Christian. For liberal women, though, it doesn't matter, because nothing a Democrat or socialist can do is too awful for them to walk away. There's no bottom to their depravity. And if that causes me to be banned here, so be it.

"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." (2 Chronicles 7:14)

Many Christians are not the bride because they are carnal and lack true understanding. They say they believe but they really don't. When the mark is imposed fear will cause them to deny Christ. This is why Jesus said only those who endure to the end. Those who love their life in this world will lose it, but if any will lose their life for His sake shall find it.

We didn’t have online Christian dating websites when I met my wife. I also met her at church...married over 30 years. Going to a God centered, Word following church is a good thing. Prayer is also a good thing. in conclusion: do both....

Shalom my friend, I didn't meet my wife at church but online and I can't think of many that did meet at church, to be honest. Your right person will come when you don't expect it though, just as many of God's acts happen. Otherwise, we might get it the way of things at mess it up at a crucial moment! That said, stay sociable at church, with friends-of-friends and even online, as much as you can do willingly. I'm sure Yahweh has plans for you, but utter isolation will surely make the process longer. Needless to say, Father's match for us is much better than we can imagine, so try not to have any expectations or criteria. But having to meet at church specifically? No. Don't burden yourself with such limitations. He is capable in many ways and methods. Do you remember how Abraham's servant found Rebekah? Do you remember how Jacob found Rachel? How about how Ruth and Boaz met? Keep your hope in Him. Love & Shalom

I don't think anyone should even attempt to answer that question.... first of all, to answer yes puts God in a box as to choosing for you...… but if we say no, you might get the wrong idea of church attendance not being important, which in fact it is important.... but that's a long story and may not be the same for every person. I would say that you shouldn't marry someone who is not a believer.... While it is possible for God to put him on your door step, but most likely you will pick someone that you have been interfacing with and discover that you like them. As for me, I met my wife at Dairy Queen.... was actually looking for a hot fudge Sunday, not a wife... but I did get the message that she was the one and I hadn't even met her yet... so go figure. Neither of us were going to church at the time though we were both believers. We have over many of our 49 years of marriage attended Church and enjoyed it very much and do now.... I would add though that Church is not just a place to pray, it's a place to worship, learn, make friends and enjoy company.

Yes. This is why my wife and I don't have health insurance even though we are 65. We put our trust in him. We "surrender" to his will in our life and see the acquisition of insurance as a lack of faith in Him. And, regarding the word pisteuo, from biblestudytools: Definition to think to be true, to be persuaded of, to credit, place confidence in of the thing believed to credit, have confidence in a moral or religious reference used in the NT of the conviction and trust to which a man is impelled by a certain inner and higher prerogative and law of soul to trust in Jesus or God as able to aid either in obtaining or in doing something: saving faith 1bc) mere acknowledgment of some fact or event: intellectual faith to entrust a thing to one, i.e. his fidelity to be intrusted with a thing NAS Word Usage - Total: 243 believe 118, believed 73, believers 3, believes 29, believing 10, do 1, entrust 1, entrusted 6, entrusting 1, has faith 1 There are all sorts of works out there that discuss this word. Other than vines, I'm not seeing "surrendered" included in the definition anywhere. It is a greek word, with a definition just like any other. it basically means, believe. I suppose one could see it as "surrender" in as much as one could believe their brakes work, so they drive really fast, trusting that their brakes will work and surrender to the brakes as their only salvation should they need to stop fast. So in that sense I suppose "surrender" could work.

I feel like you're doing a good thing and in a way you're even blessed. All too common family members will take advantage of each other. It sounds like you've reached out to them and it's not a situation where you're being grossly taken advantage of. With your son saying he doesn't know if he believes anymore it sounds like he's in need of some renewal himself. Maybe you should share your own experience of spiritual drought with him if you haven't already? And maybe have a heart to heart talk about why his girlfriend feels a need to be so mocking?

Thank you and I agree the hundred percent with the words that you have said. I feel that I am in a spiritual renewal in my life right now in spite of everything that's going on. Through difficulties and disappointments and my own lack of communication with significant people in my own life, I feel like I've been in a 15 year drought and wilderness season. I stopped seeking the Lord as I should have been. I still went to church but the real seeking and pressing part of my Christian Life was missing. So there is even some blame that I feel and shame because of the choices my son has been making. I believe it was the Lord's doing but 2019 to this point has been an experience of faith restoration for me. I've struggled the last couple of days because the girlfriend was mocking a praise and worship video I was watching when they came home. She was mocking the people that were you know raising their hands in worship. I feel I should be stronger and that it shouldn't affect me but I'm just being honest and saying that it did and it still is a little bit. My struggle is in that I should not have backed off in my faith over the last 15 years and since in my opinion the damage has been done in my son's life what difference does it make if I renew my faith now. I have missed my relationship with God and I have been so thankful to experience renewal over these last 2 months and I don't want that to stop.

Allow me to restate what I said: "That is not to say we shouldn't forgive, you are right in what you said, but the motivation is that we have been forgiven already. Ephesians 4:32 Colossians 3:13 " Yes we should forgive. Israel is under a covenant relationship in regards to forgiveness. We are forgiven freely, and have eternal life by grace, through faith in the redemption of Jesus Christ.....nothing else.

You've got a tough situation there. My first suggestion is about basic house rules. Do they pay rent, help around the house, pull their weight with house work etc? What rules do you have about alcohoil and drugs in the house? If they are living with you, then they attend church with you on Sunday. Is he in work. or actively looking for work? Can you get her to see a doctor/councelor about her selfharming? Talk to your pastor, he or other church members wil be able to help you negotiate ground rules for them while in your house. What is your bottom line behaviour wise that would cause you to evict them? You need to concider all angels and that includes your personal security, credit cards, bank details etc

Fascinating passage I've wondered over for years An amazing account and amazing it seems to receive so little attention in the rest of Scripture. Here's the only passage I've found so far that seems to refer to it at all: It's intriguing to me to note, that the translators added the punctuation and they had to add that in accord with their best understanding of the meaning. If one more comma were added between "Christ" and "the" in that first half of that first sentence, the meaning totally changes So, I guess we'll have to see. But I see the potential for an understanding that a noteable number of OT saints were raised on that third day, and accounted as part of the "firstfruits" offering given as a type in OT worship. I notice that firstfruit offering is a SHEAF...not a single stalk of grain. The firstfruits are part of a larger "harvest" broken into three parts. Firstfruits, main harvest, and "gleanings" (that left in the corners of a field for the poor). All of which would fit just fine in the Biblical witness of the two resurrections given in much detail in Rev 20. Jesus is obviously the first of the firstfruits, first born of the dead, only BEGOTTEN Son and preeminent in all things. But I think that text leaves room for understanding more than one person was involved in fulfilling the whole picture of the firstfruits offering. interesting topic in any case

taking what is so simple He's made it understandable to a five year old, and making it seem so complex, so mysterious, and couching it in all this drama and exclusivity is not His way. This is not about you. It's about Him and what He HAS FINISHED. I wish you the best.

How comforting to know He will fix us when we`re broke.

"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful." (Colossians 3:15)

1 Corinthians 15:3-8 (KJV) 3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: 5 And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: 6 After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. 7 After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. 8 And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time. "the above five hundred brethren" you might think it was a special selection of people who got to see Jesus after the resurrection. It doesn't mention the women who saw him after his resurrection. So there could have been women with the above five hundred brethren. They weren't with the special 120 in the upper room. But most likely in the 3,000 that received the holy spirit. Sooo could the above five hundred be the Matthew 27 OT worthies resurrection group ? The OT saints did look for a resurrection, they lacked in coming short of the promise.Heb.11 Everybody has to have Jesus to make to heaven including the OT saints, so they would have to hear and except him, so when would that be ? Just a thought

she just needs a really big wedding wring.... I'm not sure how old you are or how long you have been married, but saying that your wife's body belongs to you isn't a very good idea..... I understand where you are coming from, but that's not a good thing to say to anyone but her. As for your problem, I personally consider leggings to be kind of thick underwear and should always have something over them in most settings. More or less heavy duty panty hose. I go to the Y most mornings and exercise and there are many ladies running around wearing those things and I don't noticing any of us paying much attention to them and they actually do cover more than most swim suits.... Leggings, tight shorts, skimpy swimsuits and the like seems to be the societal norm these days... Maybe Muslims do have a good idea and we should just put them all in a burka outside the bedroom. As for you being jealous, don't know... My wife had that brushed look most of her wife and I went from jealous to proud to whatever through the years.... and it depended on my trust for her as our marriage solidified and grew... but she never ran around in leggings without something covering her.... but we spent a lot of time around the lake, pool in swimsuits and shorts. I think I stopped the jealous thing right after we were married. should they wear those things at all in public is another question Personally I liked it better before Eve ate that fruit and messed everything up where we all ran around in the buff and no one really paid that much attention to it. Maybe it will get back to that some day.

Hi, I guess I understand the question, but perhaps not the situation. Is there one? A wife may be pretty of bodily form, in most any attire or lack of it I suppose. So to be jealous of someone admiring the fact of a female's beauty, I don't think so. But spandex tucked into bodily crevasses leaves much to be desired, if not so much to the imagination, as most bodies have not been airbrushed to visual perfection. Such attire probably does more to discourage any interest than it does to stimulate. Mostly I think; oh pleeez, really? I could have gone all day without that visual. Am I in Walmart hell?

I agree totally.

Hi, I saw "the Prince of Egypt" on Crossflix. This movie recommended by one friend. Fantastic movie. Amazing characters and music, emotional dear to characters, realistic, and let alone a great story line inspired by a true Bible story.

With all due respect......if you have something of value that needs to be shared—- spit it out.This “Mr.Possessor of Something Magical That I Know and You Don’t” act is getting tiresome.Thank you.

I was down wind of Mt. Saint Helens when she blew. In early afternoon it became dark as night. Nothing could be seen in the sky. God can easily douse the lights with a big volcano.

Apparently I completely misread a post and thought it was un approved as in united nations approved instead of unapproved. I just wanted to clear this up in the thread. Guess Im not as "perfect" as I thought I was lol,

Thank you for praying for me. Im still doing some treatments (infusion of immunotherapy every 3 weeks plus a daily pill for 5 yrs) but the hard parts are done and Im just in resting and recovering atm. Some neuropahty in my hands and feet but hopefully that will clear up. And my hair is growing back lol. What I wanted the link to was that the un approved the message bible. The message version I already know is awful.

May all read the above statement I gave . While you do , remember this too . Our heart , our joy , our hope cannot BE on BOTH the things of this world and Christ . THAT is a delusion that many have been under . they praise GOD all right , WHEN they got it easy and are getting that money but let one hardship hit them and they play the GOD don't love me blame game . We cant serve God and mammon, ITS A DELUSION FROM HELL and I mean HELL . Most folks , sadly even here , have no idea what I speak of when I speak of the TRUE abundant life . IT has nothing to do with circumstances , gains or losses in this world or life . ITS JUST THE JOY and PEACE OF KNOWING THE LORD . And when things get worse , AND THEY WILL , my hope , my peace , my joy will only abound . Because ITS IN THE LORD , not in or on the things of this world . TO lose all for HIS NAME sake , IS A BLESSING and its one that some will soon enter . Lots of folks want those blessings , BUT FORGET who JESUS calls BLESSED . Its the hated , the mocked , the beaten , the suffering ones FOR HIS NAME SAKE . YEAH I SAY , BLESSED are you WHEN men will hate you , persecute you , do ALLLLLLLLLL manner of evil unto you , FOR HIS NAME SAKE . I SAY BLESSED are you and LEAP FOR JOY when it does happen . For great is your reward in heaven . And all this evil they did also unto the true prophets . Blessed are , I say BLESSED are those who hunger and thirst FOR RIGHTEOUNESS , OH for THEY SHALL BE FILLED . BLESSED are the pure In HEART for they shall See the LORD . BLESSED are those whose hope IS THE LORD and HE IS THE ONLY HOPE they have and desire . For they are under grace and have learned and are learning OF HIM . BLESSED are those who fill up the sufferings of CHRIST , and console others who suffer as well. THE LORD is with them . BLESSED are those who FLEE the false pulpits of men and have the LOVE for TRUTH alone on their hearts , FOR THEY are under grace and the LORD has put this In their heart . Blessed are those who hate not their brethren In their heart , who correct them In any way and don't just sit and allow sin upon them . These love and know the LOVE of GOD and are born of HIM in SPIRIT and IN TRUTH . AND THE WORLD and most churches will hate them . BUT BLESSED they are .

Hi Ayin Jade! 1st of all, rejoicing with you on your last run for those cancer treatments, we had you in prayer! Seems you were in a pretty rough spot more than a few times. Hey, I saw you said you were searching/Googling, That was my "own" input on the "Message bible." I'm not sure if I made that clear? I have a (messy) Message on my bookshelf, and I gotta tell ya, it's bad. The author Dr. Eugene Peterson did the Beatitudes in like 10 minutes, oh the depth of study on his part! E. Peterson (who recently passed away) was also heavily involved in some facets of the Emerging church, endorsed "The Shack" and was to make a video with Bono of U2. (The same Bono in U2 who told Ireland to legalize abortion, and believes in homosexual "marriage.") We occasionally read the Message around here for a chuckle, as it is so poorly written. Dry humor, I know. I do have several good links of a number of other godly people that have looked into that "version" that found it to be just as lacking. Here is one that is in a "PDF." Depending on your device, some view it automatically, others automatically download PDFs. https://justinpeters.org/images/TheMessage2.pdf This summary has a few verses from these four versions side by side: NASB, KJV, NIV, & The Message "A Brief Summary of Passages Contained Within “The Message” by Eugene Peterson Which Directly Compromise Fundamental Tenets of Orthodox Christianity" by J. Peters Conclusion from this PDF: Pick up a copy of The Message and you will see on its front cover “The Bible in Contemporary Language.” The Message is NOT the Bible. It is one man’s commentary on the Bible, and an extraordinarily poor one at that. Some object to criticism of Peterson’s work by saying The Message is not a literal translation but rather a paraphrase. True. But even paraphrases should be an accurate thought for thought rendering of the original biblical text. We are not talking here about a paraphrase of “Green Eggs and Ham.” We are talking about the Word of God. God holds His name and His word above all things (Psalm 138:2). His Word must be rendered and handled accurately. What we believe about God is derived from what we read in His Word. If one reads an erroneous Bible, then it logically follows that what one believes about God will also be in error."

You can pray effectively for a husband in your laundry room. You don't have to go to church to pray for a husband. However, do not abandon church attendance and working together with other Christians in exalting God and doing his work. Church is for believers to gather together for worship of Almighty God. It's a place for believers before or after the Bible classes and worship services to plan/carry out the work of the Lord in honor of the Lord of the work. Finding a husband for a woman or a wife for a man is not the responsibility of the church. It can happen there just like it can happen at the grocery store, the shopping mall, or anywhere on the planet. The ONLY thing I would do in terms of the church and finding a husband is to let my Christian married friends who attend my church know that I am looking for a husband. The Bible says to not forsake getting together with other Christians [live and in person]. The church has many functions and responsibilities. Match-making is not one of them.

Jesus says: "Fear not, in the world you will have persecution (painful), but BE OF GOOD CHEER, I HAVE OVERCOME THE WORLD"

Praying worked for me......George Strait had a great take on this subject.... “ Out of the Clear, Blue Sky”..... it’s as good as anything else I have heard on the subject of finding love......

If you pray for God's plan for your life and if He has the person for you according to His will then God will bring that person to you. Not everyone can attend a Church. Although I do not recommend on-line dating.

Well, ...28 years ago I was living in Nevada and the Lord sent me to Tahiti where I met my wife, ...she had been praying for an American husband for 12 years. Yes you need to go to church because we are told in the Word to: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. Heb 10:25 As born again child of God you have a gift given to you by the Holy Spirit that a local body needs, ...in fellowshipping with them the Lord will use you to serve others and in so doing your focus will be on the needs of others and change from thinking about your own needs. Lord bless

Shalom GerdaHannah, I understand your thinking here and the conclusion you got to. However, can I offer another interpretation of that scripture? I think the lesson in the "Martha, Martha" story was directed to show that Mary's concerns and mind were set on the Lord and Martha's were over matters of the flesh (times, work and food). I think Jesus was saying to her that when your priorities are right, you won't hunger for things of the flesh. For it seems Mary didn't seem famished or even click that Mary MIGHT need help. She was "full" on the Messiah. Compare this to when Jesus told His disciples that he was no longer hungry after speaking with the Samaritan woman at the well, in John. So, maybe another way to apply this to your situation could be like this... Don't be like Martha - who was concerned with big challenges, stresses, worries and hard work. Because what was it that she was actually trying to achieve and for who? Be like Mary - Fill your heart and mind with thoughts of Yahweh. Put the Word in your heart. And everything else will fall into place. As the Messiah said "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you". It sounds like your in a difficult situation there. I can't fully appreciate it. But, if you don't let thoughts of frustration, anger and replays fill your mind and instead replace with thoughts of Him, love for Him and for His ways, the situation will probably lose power over you. Love & Shalom

Shalom Turtle I hope you are well my friend. Good question! I recommend Romans 12-15:13 to all believers as a weekly digest. It really puts into focus the conduct, attitude and directives of a disciple's walk. With regards to 12:2, I believe Paul is telling US to do something practical here. He doesn't advise to pray about this and neither does he say the Holy Spirit will do this FOR us. No, I think what Paul is saying is that WE need to declutter our thoughts of worldly and sinful things and fill it with the Word and the Father's Will as the Messiah taught us. Our minds are very powerful and the more we soak in His Word the more the Spirit can help us make links throughout Scripture and reveal it's wisdom. The Spirit will explain all things as we digest the Word daily, like a sheep chewing the cud... "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God" So, conversely, if we soak in worldly matters and "worldy wisdom", we are effectively giving the Spirit a "muddy" chalkboard to teach us with. It's a great question because I think it reminds us of the responsibilities we have as a disciple. But His burden is light! Love & Shalom

Wow, I am SO neglectful. I posted that it was too hot, and that was part of my excuse for procrastinating. That was 7 months ago, and now it is too cold, lol. I missed the fall, when I could have done something outside. However, since our spring and fall last a week or two Each here, I do not feel too bad about that part. I think the membership in this club is at 70 now, one would think that with that many people expressing interest that a few war would be willing to post something about what they have made or are planning to make. As it is, I apologize again for not contributing anything here but I hope to be doing something perhaps in a few more weeks though I am not confident in that knowing what a procrastinator I am. However, on the other hand if I and you do not become more active in this club then I see little reason for keeping it so I may just remove it, we shall see. Thanks to those of you, who have taken the time to contribute.

I tried googling that out of curiousity but I couldnt find that. How did you hear this and do you have a link please? Personally I do not like the message bible so Im not asking in order to defend that version.

'For Moses had said, .. "Consecrate yourselves to day to the LORD, .... even every man upon his son, ...... and upon his brother; ........ that He may bestow upon you a blessing this day." And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses said unto the people, .. "Ye have sinned a great sin: .... and now I will go up unto the LORD; ...... peradventure I shall make an atonement for your sin." And Moses returned unto the LORD, and said, .. "Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, .... and have made them gods of gold. ...... Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin; ........ and if not, blot me, I pray thee, ..........out of Thy book which Thou hast written." And the LORD said unto Moses, .. "Whosoever hath sinned against me, .... him will I blot out of My book. ...... Therefore now go, ........ lead the people unto the place .......... of which I have spoken unto thee: ............ behold, mine Angel shall go before thee: .............. nevertheless in the day when I visit ................ I will visit their sin upon them." And the LORD plagued the people, because they made the calf, which Aaron made.' (Exodus 32:29-35) Praise God! For He is a Holy God

'And when Moses saw that the people were naked; (for Aaron had made them naked unto their shame among their enemies:) Then Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said, "Who is on the LORD'S side? .. let him come unto me. " .... And all the sons of Levi gathered themselves together unto him. And he said unto them, "Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, .. Put every man his sword by his side, .... and go in and out from gate to gate ...... throughout the camp, ........ and slay every man his brother, .......... and every man his companion, ............ and every man his neighbour." And the children of Levi did according to the word of Moses: .. and there fell of the people that day .... about three thousand men.' (Exodus 32:25-28) Praise God!

The Lord graciously brought this video down my path yesterday. It is such a comfort to know that when we are hurting (I lost my mom this Wednesday, Feb 27th) He understands. One of my favorite verses about this has always been Psalm 103:13-14 "As a father pities his children,So the Lord pities those who fear Him. For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust." I hope this song is an encouragement to someone out there who is undergoing loss... Please know God is kinder and more understanding than some might think. "O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endures forever." (Psalm 118:29)

.... it is included in the verse: ".... be transformed by the renewing of your mind...." Even if with men this is impossible, with God all things are possible - ongoing trusting, relying on the Father - as Jesus told the disciples: trust your heavenly Father to accomplish your salvation and everything concerning salvation in this life and in the next, and it is already done.

You know Paul gave some instruction to his disciple, Timothy in 2 Tim 4: 1I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: 2preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. 3For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, 4and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths. 5But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. Now this was Paul writing near the end of his ministry, near the end of his life and he knew it. Often a person, knowing that their end is near, says things that they think are important - their last words. In this case, what was on Paul's mind? In that quote above, there is a lot to note. He charges Timothy, in the presence of God and Christ. The word here is enōpion, he is basically saying, with God as my witness, or under the watchful eye of God. It is not presence, like we see so often about the presence of Christ when He comes after the great tribulation, the parousia. I think that observation should let us see, that Paul here, is a serious as Paul gets, and Paul is often serious anyway. While the presence he spoke of was not the second coming of Christ, he then went on to mention that as well. This is where he said "by His appearing". Regarding Corrie Ten Boon, it is best that we get our doctrine from the Bible, not from personalities. However, as a Christian who has been used of God and seen and experienced tribulation first hand, it can be good to ponder what she has said, and see if it is not worth considering. To that end, here is something she wrote about that topic and how it applies to the church in her view: Betsy and I, in the concentration camp, prayed that God would heal Betsy who was so weak and sick. "Yes, the Lord will heal me,", Betsy said with confidence. She died the next day and I could not understand it. They laid her thin body on the concrete floor along with all the other corpses of the women who died that day. It was hard for me to understand, to believe that God had a purpose for all that. Yet because of Betsy's death, today I am traveling all over the world telling people about Jesus. There are some among us teaching there will be no tribulation, that the Christians will be able to escape all this. These are the false teachers that Jesus was warning us to expect in the latter days. Most of them have little knowledge of what is already going on across the world. I have been in countries where the saints are already suffering terrible persecution. In China, the Christians were told, "Don't worry, before the tribulation comes you will be translated – raptured." Then came a terrible persecution. Millions of Christians were tortured to death. Later I heard a Bishop from China say, sadly, I feel I have a divine mandate to go and tell the people of this world that it is possible to be strong in the Lord Jesus Christ. We are in training for the tribulation, but more than sixty percent of the Body of Christ across the world has already entered into the tribulation. There is no way to escape it. We are next. Since I have already gone through prison for Jesus' sake, and since I met the Bishop in China, now every time I read a good Bible text I think, "Hey, I can use that in the time of tribulation." Then I write it down and learn it by heart. Take it for what it's worth! Now, this thread is about the failure of pretrib logic, and it is a good one, I think. Logic has it's place, but revelation, the words of God to man, is much more important than logic. That is what I am trying to call attention to in this post. The concern is (or should be) not so much if there is a pre-trib rapture or not, but what should we, the saints, the church, the body of Christ, be doing here with our time, and in our lives. Whether or not the Lord returns before the tribulation to rapture His church, we can debate. However, there should be no debate that He is coming again after the tribulation, as the righteous Judge. We all know, or have contact with, people who do not know Jesus. They are our friends, our relatives, our associates, our neighbors, and even strangers. The need to hear the gospel, they need to understand it, and that is our job, no matter what our eschatological position is. I spoke of Paul last words before. Jesus also had some last words for His disciples in Matthew 28: 19“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” That is our job, those are our marching orders, this is what we are to be doing, until He comes. Go, make disciples, and teach them all that Jesus commanded His disciples. Why not do that even this day? Someone's eternity is at stake!

'By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.' (Hebrews 11:4) Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God, so Abel along with Cain his brother would have both heard God's words regarding the means of approach to Him. Abel is included among those in Hebrews 11, who have acted in obedience to God's known will, and thereby have an abiding testimony, testified of God, and recorded in His Word, for those, like ourselves to read about and learn from. Cain, though having heard, like Abel, chose to come his own way, and not God's way. For without the shedding of blood there could be no remission of sins. In Christ Jesus Chris

Does it matter? Are you in the Service? Of draft age? If fighting is not in your conscience and you're drafted in America, serve in the medical core. But if you don't believe in just war, imagine if America and Russia had stayed out of WW II!

John 6: 40 For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day." This verse is Jesus speaking "everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life" Does not say … only this person or that person....but “everyone who looks to the Son” to save them through faith in him will have eternal life. Whether they are Jews or Gentiles. Both are saved in the same way. If, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about—but not before God. What does Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” Now to the one who works, wages are not credited as a gift but as an obligation. However, to the one who does not work but trusts God who justifies the ungodly, their faith is credited as righteousness. Anyone that tries to be justified by the law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace.

Say No... If they opt for the Social Service option then you can at lest say you did all you could do.. So before God you can stand with your conscience clear..

We raise a child up in they way he or she should go . I can offer frienduffs health class One o One if we need those reminders . Its real simple . GOD made you as you are . If you born with male parts you grow up to become a man . If you born with female parts you grow up to be a woman . When you are grown a man marries a woman or remains single according to his call. Same with a woman , she marries a man or remains single according to her call . Now how simple is that . Oh and no fornication . Marriage only . For purpose of marriage please refer to the above said statement of frienduffs BC health class . Biblically correct health class. IN the end we stand before GOD , not men , not govts , not trends . GOD . Thus let it be said , it is written we shall not live by bread alone , but by every Word of GOD . By the power of HIS SPIRIT given us IN CHRIST . Know and understand this message will not be politcallly accepted . BUT IT IS BIBLCALLY CORRECT . And we KNOW OUR LORD .

Shalom That's only part of the problem. The sad truth is that you would be blasted across the news and social media and even risk losing your child if you tried to encourage them to stay true to there God-given body. In some matters, the world dictates the way to raise your child and you will be quickly vilified if you disagree. Christians were once seen as the moral anchor in the west, always there in times of trouble. Now, we're seen as out-of-touch, old fashioned and bigoted. Lord come back soon and save us from this madness and our children from this confusion! My heart goes out to all parents in this situation. And as for those parents who encourage it, what if your grandmother advised your father to do the same thing as a child? Would you happily forfeit your life so that your father could have grown up more comfortable with his sexuality?

And now in these last days , and EVEN NOW , HE raises up his few and they warn , repent , repent for why will you die O house of Churches . YE who make an image of an all inclusive God and have trampled the SON under foot for unity and peace , REPENT , REPENT lest ye go under the strong delusion I think folks forget near the end A strong delusion is PURPOSEFULLY SENT . And its sent to those who rejected the love of the truth . Their is only ONE reason GOD sends THIS delusion , SO they will believe a lie and be damned . Do notice their is no repentance , on that delusion. God don't send it so they can repent , HE SENDS it so all who rejected the love of the truth and chose pleasure in unrighteouness will believe a lie and be damned. AND that is in new testmant writings . LET all flee the false unity which is , has been and shall only increase . AND SEEK CHRIST and fellowship with those who call on the LORD from a pure heart , not feigned faith , PURE HEART . All others must be warned repent , repent before its too late forever . Cause for all who go under the strong delusion , IT IS TOO LATE . GOD sends it for one reason , so they believe the lie and are damned . Not the image of GOD that gets preached today . But as paul once said , we better behold BOTH the GOODNESS and SEVERITY of GOD . BOTH . And I warn us all , time is running out . The same God of old test , is the same GOD forever . WHILE HE does desire men to repent HE WILL NOT acquit the wicked who reject HIM . IT WONT HAPPEN . And if we trod JESUS sayings under foot , WE have trod him under foot and he will trod all under HIS FOOT who does so . GOD will share His glory with NONE and the LAMB is the GLORY OF GOD . THIER is no reocognition of willfull sin , other religions . THIER IS ONLY CHRIST . and the flesh profits nothing . BETTER RUN TO JESUS with all that heart and remain in HIM . He gives us all we need , FOR HE ALONE IS , IS , IS ALL WE NEED .

On the other end of the speed settings. This is a 30 second or so exposure playing around with a new camera. I was trying to get a picture of the coals in a fireplace in a cabin we were renting at Beavers Bend State Park in Southeast Oklahoma. During the exposure it did one of those spit things that fires do now and then and the results were pretty cool. One of those blind luck things that you couldn't do again if you tried for years.

It helps when you are stopped but many of my best pictures are snapped with me not even looking in the viewfinder and moving at sometimes highway speeds. Here is a d example of practising in point and shoot. Standing in the rain with a 15mph wind and a boat moving around. Its taken me tens of thousands of practice snaps to do that. When we start on vacation I practice off and on for several days to calibrate my hands to my eyes. Camera was about belt level. No time to look in the viewfinder.