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I don't know if this belongs here because I did not see an evangelism forum. Back in 1969 after coming home from Vietnam, a woman gave me a chick tract entitled "This Was Your Life." After reading this tract I felt conviction of sin right away. I would like to say that I came to the Lord shortly thereafter, but it took 5 years before I actually repented of my sin and received Christ as my Savior. The sad thing is, that I experienced this conviction of sin off and on (mostly on) for the next 5 years. I can only guess as to why I waited so long, but I am very thankful to this woman who gave me this tract. The link below will tell of a man who passed out tracts everyday for over 40 year. It is only 9 minutes long, but in my opinion very inspiring. I'm sure you know why. I hope all who listen to this will also be inspired also. I don't think you were able to listen to the link on the effectiveness of tracts, because it was removed from here by admin. My fault. I moved it to the Video Forum under the title "Do Gospel Tracts Really Work?" in BIBLICAL TOPICS It is only 9 minutes long, but well worth the time. Please let me know what you think. Gary

* I too have benefited from the instruction of such, to whom I will be eternally grateful, '@In Him'. * These are useful verses that you have provided, and refer to those who have received a 'trust', which they are called upon to faithfully administer to others. Which brings to my mind another passage of Scripture: words spoken by Paul to Timothy:- 'Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.' (2 Timothy 1:13-14) * I believe that the content of the epistle to the Ephesians, along with that of Philippians, Colossians, 1&2 Timothy and Titus, contain a trust, a deposit of truth, for which faithfulness in Christ Jesus was, and is still, a vital requirement. It was not the gospel of salvation, or of justification by faith, vital though those are, but the knowledge of the administration of the church which is the Body of Christ, of which Christ Himself is the Head. The content of which I believe was the substance of the 'form of sound words' which had been heard and entrusted to Timothy by Paul: and was so vehemently opposed: prompting the following words of Paul, in 2 Timothy 1:15:- ' This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.' * These epistles were written to believers, to whom God would make known the truth that is, ' Christ in (or among) us', which is, 'our hope of glory, as members of the Church which is the Body of Christ. This was unique at the time of writing, as was the hope and sphere of blessing spoken of in these pages. A unique unity, in which the Jew had no prior place, a unique calling, and a sphere of blessings which are spiritual, and all ours in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. A completeness and acceptance in Christ, a standing of holiness in which there is no blame to be found; and a spirit of Sonship which could call the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 'Father'. Forgive me for getting carried away with the glory of this, @In Him.. With love in Christ Jesus Chris

This brought a smile to my face. I haven't heard his name mentioned in years. Wonderful bible teacher. Used to listen to him on the radio back in the 70's. Amen. I agree 100%. I do remember the date of mine. As for John 3:3, 5-Even as our earthly life has a beginning...a birthday that we remember and celebrate annually, our 'born again birth day' is such a significant one. Really, even more so than our biological one in that we became a new creation that will live forever with Jesus.

Well , you are loved . REJOICE in this , WE got the durable white robes of righteous FOUND only IN CHRIST . That will make you sing .

What a false gospel . What a false hope . Every man woman , donkey or dog that let anyone feel saved in any other religion will answer to THE ONLY ONE who COULD save on the day of JUDGMENT . budda and hindus can be as kind as they want and give ten trillion dollars to the poor , this goes for anyone , Oprah too , YET they DENY JESUS , HE WILL DENY THEM . Takoda, lets not sing that song . THEY DONT LOVE GOD . Want proof . IF YE LOVED GOD , YE WOULD LOVE ME . Exactly . This inclusive lie that rome and many sing is straight from hell itself . And if any Lets folks believe they can follow any other religion or mindset , THEY lie to them and all the blood of all will be required at the hand of those who sung this sorry lie . I pray , I beg and I plead , YOU don't believe that stuff . Billy graham nor the pope nor any , IS GOD or CHRIST . we follow CHRIST or we perish . I guess it will have to be me warning against this stuff , Sure I look like the hater BUT I GOT MY LORD and HIS EVERY WORD is what I believe and will teach .

Lord I come to you today to ask forgiveness we humble ourselves Lord and ask you to heal our nation. We ask your forgiveness for the murder of millions of babies Lord please forgive us. We ask Lord that you forgive us for being Luke Warm and please bring us to our knees Lord so that we may once again allow your Holy Spirit to work in our lives. Lord we ask you to take the bitterness of our nation and bring us together again. Lord we are sorry for taking you out of our Government our Schools our Colleges and our Churches and we ask you to forgive us for the Prosperity messages yes we Lord are guilty for thinking of only ourselves. We humble ourselves and ask you to forgive us for not praying enough and talking to you Lord. Please forgive us for not reading your word and learning more about you and your ways. We have sinned greatly as a nation against the Lord our God in the words of Charles Spurgeon, Prayer pulls the rope below and the great bell rings above in the ears of God. Some scarcely stir the bell, for they pray so languidly. Others give but an occasional pluck at the rope. But he who wins with heaven is the man who grasps the rope boldly and pulls continuously, with all his might.

You must not have read the research that Dr. Norman Geisler did on the issue. The link for that is posted above. Geisler laid out the criteria both internally and externally regarding the text and determined that the event was historical, literal, and accurate. No mystical / spiritual event. Just like Yeshua's resurrection was a physical one.

I am quite familiar with the crucial importance of being born again.....what I am NOT accustomed to is knowing the exact date of Salvation as proof that it happened or using it as a way to separate the Believer from the non- Believer .There is where chapter and verse is needed, in my opinion.I still think you are on to something. Oliver Greene, the late, great man of God always claimed if you were saved you would absolutely know it and remember when it happened- no question about it.When is was savedit was the most dramatic time of my life.....it took my life and divided it like B.C. Is clearly divided with A.D. It was that powerful.

Hi all Here in Australia many of our regional towns are losing their stores, and have to fight to stay viable. Many are getting together and finding ways to survive the closure of shops and banks. We are seeing the closure of yet another bank here within the next couple of months. These ways include Folk, Blues, Country and Western weekends festivals, country fairs and quaint shops to attract passers through and advertising local attractions. Many of our shops are now empty. I actually prefer shopping locally as I do not have to put my card details on the internet. I also find it fun to go shopping; sometimes it's a way to get out and about. Frienduff is right. The global one world government is on the way. They want to hem everyone in to shopping on the internet. I don't think Christians are the only people seeing this all happen before their eyes. There are many people in the world against globalisation.

Thank you, sugarbear, for being honest - many of us can identify with your poem. God bless you sister.

It is quite a story of faithfulness to the work of the Lord in which his labor was not in vain. Gary

A huge END TIME SIGN that CHRIST told them . HE may as well said many so called christains will come in my name , YET DECIEVE . And guess what , LOOK AROUND . Just look around the churches and world is full of them . WE MUST make our stand now . DEFEND the true gospel . Do it and do it now .

I live in the city. Within a few miles of us are several walmarts, a couple of targets, safeway, albertsons, frys, winco, costco, sams club, sprouts, trader joes, and natural grocers.

That's not far enough!

Years back we also had our one blinking light town lose the family run half century old grocery store/feed store and closed it's doors. But now we have a mega grocery store. That's because all the city dwellers are moving out to the boonies to be our neighbors. I understand why they come, as our family has owned our land for almost seventy years and we enjoy privacy and quiet. No more. The problem is, they bring the city with them, and all the problems. New roads, new homes, new schools, new county ordinances, neighborhood inter fighting, more roads, traffic, sirens at all times, and developers signs everywhere, and plenty of new taxes. Most mom and pop businesses have disappeared. Progress/regress. I still preferred the long drives on the tiny country roads to go shopping in the city. Because. When we finished shopping, we left, and we could drove back to our quiet home.

I guess Save a lot needs to change its name to , Save a lot LESS.

@Christine I found this in an article and thought I would share it: A solid slab of pure gold formed the lid on top of the Ark, and it was called the Mercy Seat orkapporeth. It was the cover, or lid placed on the Ark and signified the covering or removal of sins by means of expiatory sacrifice. The Mercy Seat signifies the place of propitiation. It received its name from the blood of propitiation which was sprinkled on it on the Day of Atonement (Lev. 16). It is the place where justice and mercy meet. The blood of the innocent victim on the Mercy Seat met the holy demands of God's Law. *The Old Testament throne of grace was the place where God exhibited His presence, and met man in His grace. So many wonderful scriptures about Jesus being the propitiation. But one scripture that came to mind for me when reading this comment was one I've often thought of in relation to prayer...Hebrews 4:16: *"Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." The throne of grace makes me think of the mercy seat.

LadyKay i'm so sorry to hear that you're loseing a grocery store in your town it seems to me that online shopping is getting very popular I noticed that Sears, Kmart, & shopko have closed recently over the years, i hope we don't lose any grocery stores in Eastern OR

I feel for you. A town 3 miles away lost it's last store 10 years ago and has a Dollar General. Seven miles the other way still has a family run place with great meats and deli. The selections aren't much elswhere but they have tried with produce and other shelves. I keep shopping there for most of my supplies to keep the place in business. It's like walking into the past for a moment. People know your name and conversations happen. The owner is usually around doing something and says hi. Nice to go where everyone knows your name.

My daughter recently passed away. I think of her often. I talk to her all the time in my head. I sometimes talk out loud to her. Can she hear me?

The beast will make war with the tribulation saints and over come them : Rev 13:7 And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. Those saints were beheaded because they do not worship the beast : Rev 20:4 and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, HOW COULD THE BEAST MAKE WAR WITH THE CHURCH IF THEY ARE ALREADY CAUGHT UP TO THE CLOUD ALIVE AND BE WITH THE LORD FOREVER ? 1 Thes 4:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. THE ONLY EXPLANATION IS THAT THOSE TRIBULATION SAINTS ARE NOT THE CHURCH OF 1 THES 4:17 THE 2 WITNESSES OF GOD Will ROAM THE EARTH TO GIVE TESTIMONY OF CHRIST AND WIN PEOPLE (TRIBULATION SAINTS) THE TRIBULATION SAINTS BEHEADED BY THE BEAST ARE NOT THE CHURCH OF 1 THES 4:17 EXACTLY !!!

I TEND TO LEAN TOWARDS LAUGHTER, BUT TIME FOR YOU TO MEET THE OTHER SIDE THERE IS ALSO DEEP WITHIN ME DARKNESS THAT I CAN`T ALWAYS HIDE THEY CALL IT DEPRESSION, I CALL IT HELL IT DISRUPTS EVERYTHING I DO, I JUST WANT TO BE WELL IT`S ROBBED ME OF MY JOY, AND TURNED MY SMILE INTO A FROWN I CHOOSE TO NOT LET IT RESIDE, BUT TURN THE DARKNESS AROUND I HAVEN`T ALWAYS BE ABLE TO, I JUST DIDN`T KNOW HOW I REFUSE TO LET IT DESTROY ME, I KNOW WHAT I HAVE TO DO NOW BE A VICTIM OR A VICTOR...IT`S UP TO ME WHAT I KNOW ISN`T BASED ON WHAT I FEEL, I KNOW THE "TRUTH" YOU SEE YES, IT`S REAL AND CAN GET VERY UGLY...SOME NEVER MAKE IT THRU I`M NOT SUGGESTING DENIAL, BUT TRUST THE HOLY SPIRIT INSIDE YOU, I DO HE`S NEVER FAILED TO RESCUE ME AND TURN MY DARKNESS INTO LIGHT HE TAKES THINGS THAT ARE TERRIBLY WRONG, AND YES HE MAKES THEM RIGHT I`VE LEARNED TO TRUST HIM IN MY DARKEST MOMENTS...HE`S THERE I KNOW HE`LL NEVER LEAVE ME, AND I KNOW HE`LL ALWAYS CARE

And GOD draws one to CHRIST , not budda , not the muslim , no any other mindset or relgioin . ONLY CHRIST can reveal the FATHER . Its not the will of GOD that we just all come together and accept each others beliefs and have unity for world peace . True ones , like me and others , we going to seem as monsters the longer this inclusive stuff goes on . In time folks like me and others will actually be deemed dangerous and offensive . Oh well. JESUS alone and as the ONLY way is what I will keep on saying . And no matter what it costs me , Its gain to lose everything , even my life for HIS RIGHTEOUS cause . If we love CHRIST above all, LIKE HE said to do , then we see clearly how to love others , WE TELL THEM of CHRIST and we say with a fully persuaded mind HEY WORLD and all that is in it , YE must repent and believe in Christ or you will perish . But if you believe and follow HIM , ITS ETERNAL LIFE . This must be sounded and it will be sounded . And any and all who can let one believe their religion is fine , their blood is on you . And it will be required . I am only trying to help you . But this inclusive stuff, IT has to end . WE GOTTA tell the whole world ONLY JESUS saves and no other false mindset , religion will, no matter if you gave all , no matter if even they give their life for a friend or a stranger , Good works wont save , ONLY JESUS DOES . And we m ust confess him by mouth and fully believe ON HIM alone as the only means by which we or any can be saved . Even as the most wicked sinner in total darkness as I once was , I still could do good to others , still . YET I WAS LOST . Praise GOD for the TRUE Grace of the TRUE GOSPLE of CHRIST which the early apostels taught . Praise GOD for drawing me to the ONLY HOPE I have , OR ANY OTHER , CHRIST JESUS .

PARASHA: “Vayikra” (and he called) LEVITICUS 1:1-6:7………ISAIAH 43:21-44:23……MARK 11:1-12:44 We start the book of Leviticus, this part of the Torah has to do with the Mishkan (the tabernacle) now ready to be used, and the sacrificial system that will be instituted within the Mishkan. All the sacrifices point to and illustrate MESSIAH YESHUA (Jesus the Christ) who he is and what his one-time sacrifice means to us as believers. Even though the sacrificial system was completed with Messiah's death on Calvary, it is still worthwhile studying the meaning of it all, since it is a very integral part of the Torah. One interesting part of the word; “Vayikra” is that in the Hebrew, there is a small “Aleph” at the end of the word. Some ask as to why? Why is the “Aleph” small and a bit elevated? One answer is that it reminds us that we must approach God in a humble way, we must humble ourselves when we look up to HIM. The first thing you must do is read over the scripture verses, from Chapter 1:1 through 6:7. Now we are ready for a discussion. The whole idea of a “Korban” (offering) is to generate the idea of “substitution”. Also, the word “Korban” symbolizes “coming close to God.” Our sin separates us from God, yet through the blood, in our case, the blood of Yeshua, we come “close” to God. The sacrificial system involves; a gift, a death, a substitute, a renewed “close” relationship. “The gift (HaMatanah)” comes from the person offering, which is an animal. The animal, which would be a goat, a lamb, a bull, or a bird, would be killed and the blood splattered on the altar (Mizbeach), the animal would be a “substitute” for the person who offers it. The sins of the person “transfer” to the animal. Through the sacrifice, the relationship between the offerer and YHVH is renewed. But remember that the “sacrifices” are just symbolic of what they really mean, which is Messiah Yeshua taking on ALL of our sins and him being nailed to the cross, and shedding his blood for our sins, giving us a “renewed” relationship with Him, through a “born-again” experience. There were 5 kinds of “korbanot” (offerings); 1. The burnt offering (Olah) 2. The sin offering, 3. The guilt or trespass offering; 4. The Peace offering (Korban Shelamim) 5. The grain or meat offering (Minchah). Each one identifies our relationship with Messiah Yeshua. THE BURNT OFFERING (Olah) This involved animal sacrifice, the animal was completely burned on the altar and the ashes taken away and buried “outside the camp” the head, the inner organs, and the legs were burned as well. The pieces of the animal were arranged on the altar and burned. The head could symbolize our “thoughts” the inner organs could represent our “inner being, the heart, and the legs, our “walk” all of these were “offered up” to YHVH, thus symbolizing our “complete surrender to God in all that we are and have. The altar as you remember was made of hardwood overlaid with bronze and had a grill in the middle, and under the grill was earth and stones. Wood was laid on the grill and the animals were cut up and laid on the grill and burned. This reminds us of Yeshua who was “sacrificed” by his own free will on a WOODEN cross and was consumed by the “fires of judgment” He was judged for OUR SINS. The animal’s throat was cut and the blood was poured out and splashed on the altar. The person offering the animal showed that he/his family was “offering themselves to the LORD”. It also symbolizes our awareness of our sin nature. This sacrifice originated in Genesis, with Adam and Eve, Abel offered an “Olah Korban” so did Abraham, when he offered up the ram instead of his son Isaac, so did Noah, when he left the ark. THE SIN OFFERING (korban chatat) This also involved animal sacrifice. It symbolized our specific sins that we commit by mistake, (active) or something we do not do, or forget to do (passive). In this korban, the person would offer the animal as a sacrifice, the person would place his hands on the head of the animal, transferring his “sins” into the animal, which would be the “substitute. The animal’s throat would be cut and the blood splattered on the altar. The priest would offer on the altar the fat, the liver, and the kidneys of the animal. These could symbolize our inner being. In this, the person confessed their sins and they did it by free will, and the animal symbolized Yeshua who paid our sin price in full. THE TRESPASS OR GUILT OFFERING; This involved the same process, only that the person who committed an offense against another would also have to bring compensation for the wrongdoing, either in payment in silver or gold, or payment with animals. When we offend another person, be the person a brother or sister in Messiah or an unbeliever, we need to “compensate” the sin, if we can do it, sometimes, we cannot, if the sin is against the person’s character, no amount of money can repay the damage done, only a sincere confession in humbleness. So, we need to watch our “walk”. THE PEACE OFFERING (Shelamim). The word “Shelamim” comes from “Shalom” (peace) this was an enjoyable sacrifice in which both the priest and the offerer and his family would enjoy “roast beef, goat, or lamb” This was a “thankfulness” offering for blessings received. The animal was offered in the same way, only the meat was shared between the priest and his family, and the offerer and his family. We see this kind of “korban” even today in the parks, when families go out and BBQ ribs (hopefully beef and not pork) chicken, beef sausage, steaks, etc., many times they invite friends and family to enjoy in the “grilling and BBQ” they also have bread, or tostadas, tortillas, drinks, salad, etc. to accompany the meal. THE MEAL OR MEAT OFFERING (Minchah) this was a non-blood offering on the altar, in this korban, fine flour was offered, mixed with olive oil, frankincense, and also, the flour was made into cakes, rolls of bread, or flatbreads (tortillas) but made without leaven or honey. These usually accompanied the peace offerings, to make the meal a “feast”. The fine flour symbolizes “YESHUA THE BREAD OF LIFE” the oil THE RUACH HA KODESH (The Holy Spirit) the frankincense, OUR FELLOWSHIP THROUGH PRAYER. The animal itself represented Yeshua who gave his life for us and took upon himself ALL of our sins, past, present, and future. The word “KORBAN” (sacrifice) comes from the Hebrew verb KARAV which means; “to come near” We can only come near to YHVH through the shed blood of Messiah Yeshua, who was the “sacrificed lamb” the Bible says that “without the shedding of blood, there can be no remission of sins” Our sins were “atoned for once and forever. That is why the “new covenant” or “renewed” covenant is a BETTER covenant because there is no more need for animal sacrifices because YESHUA took their place. ISAIAH 43:21-44:23 YHVH speaks through the Prophet Yeshayahu and is complaining that Israel has forgotten about God, they no longer bring sacrifices but are engrossed in sin, He explains that craftsmen will use their skill to make idols, that have no value, what a waste of craftsmanship! They can take iron and make a plowshare, swords, and even an idol. Is the fault in the iron? Or in the craftsman? Iron is just material from the ground, the craftsman can turn it into something for usefulness or for idolatry. The worker in wood can cut down trees, make perhaps a plow, a wheel, use the wood for fuel for the fire, or make a wooden idol. Is it the wood’s fault? or does the fault lie with the craftsman? Even today, we can use money either to buy food for our family, pay our bills, or buy and sell drugs! Does the fault lie in the money? Or the use of it? We can use money to honor or dishonor God and those around us, the choice is ours. God cries out to Israel; “I SHALL WIPE OUT YOUR TRANSGRESSIONS LIKE A CLOUD, AND YOUR SINS LIKE A MIST, RETURN TO ME AND I SHALL REDEEM YOU” (44:22) The promise still stands. If we “shuv” to HIM, HE will save us! MARK 11:1-12:44 There are several themes in these verses. Yeshua is in all of them. One theme is that when he went into the temple in Yerushalayim, he threw over the money tables and chased out the money changers, saying “My house is a House of prayer but you have made it a den of thieves” there are many synagogues and some churches that refuse to conduct business on the Sabbath or on the day of worship because they are reminded of that verse. However, Yeshua called them “thieves” these money changers were exchanging foreign money such as Greek “drachmas” and Roman “Denarii” for Israel “Shekels” in order to buy sacrifice animals. Many times, the money changers would not honor the exchange rate, and would “cheat” the clients. If 12 Mexican pesos equaled 1 US dollar, it would be like accepting the 12 pesos and giving the person 75 cents! Perhaps these money changers were cheating in this way. In 12:29-31 Yeshua quotes the “Shema” Hear O Israel YHVH is our Elohim, YHVH is ONE (Echad) and he continues, Love Elohim with all your heart, being, mind, and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself. Yeshua just summed up all the 613 commandments in two verses! Because all the commandments have to do with our relationship with YHVH and our relationship with our fellow man. That is the purpose of Bible study, to learn of these commandments and put them into practice, so as to deepen our relationship with Messiah Yeshua and to be a good witness to our fellow man, and…bring lost mankind to a saving relationship with Yeshua HaMashiach (Jesus the Christ) Shabbat Shalom………………. Rabbi Ben Avraham

Thanks for adding to the discussion, JPT. Yes, when the Holy Spirit is free to move in the congregation the benefits are numerous as you so nimbly describe. 2Co 3:17 Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

Those that add to the Gospel with their works ,something the Catholics have turned into an art, have perverted the Gospel and are severed from Christ.It is possible to have “ a zeal for God, yet not according to knowledge” The Catholics are not that much different from the Jews of Paul’s day or any other modern- day Judaizer who refuse to believe the simplicity of the Gospel thAt gives ALL the credit to Jesus.Centuries Of bad teaching and dust- covered Bibles helped get us to this point.The blind still lead the blind.

Even now their are many anti christs . I don't think folks understand , WHEN CHRIST said THEY WILL COME IN MY NAME and DECIEVE . HE MEANT IT .

Act 7:59 And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." Act 7:60 And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

Yes. Being Doers (justified), not just Hearers (who are not justified).

I pray to the Lord, and end with "in the name of Jesus". I know the Holy Spirit intercedes in our prayers (Romans 8:26) so all 3 are involved anyway. How one does it is up to them and the Lord. Dont make prayer too complicated or overthink it. Just pray. Just talk to the Lord. Take everything to Him in prayer, with thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6-7).

I went this afternoon to one of my favorite clothing stores and guess what? It's gone

Grocery stores typically operate on slim profit margins. Btw, its not just alaska that has walmarts that are not close. When I lived on the navajo reservation, the nearest walmart was 90 miles away.

You need to flee that building bridges and common ground . WHO you think this all came from . Warren , Rome , and many now . Lets focus on the pattern of Christ in all things the pattern the true apostles kept and taught . Folks for years and years have twisted so many things . All this bridge builders and finding common ground , It was all programmed into churches under a big time guise . Always remember God is LOVE , GOD IS TRUTH and GOD cannot deny or contradict Himself . Thus if any pattern of today contradicts The pattern JESUS set , we better know its false , no matter how they deck it up to sound like love . ITS FALSE .

Just because someone's sins are not listed in the Bible does not mean that they did not sin. You don't have a written list of my sins either, but I'll bet you know that I am indeed NOT sinless. How do you know that if you don't know my sins? You know I'm a sinner, but miraculously saved by grace, because the Bible clearly teaches that [1] All have sinned and come short of the glory of God and [2] the wages of sin is death. Mary did sin. She praises God as her Savior. Not "the" Savior, but "my Savior." What did she have to be saved from? Sin. And Mary is dead. She has been paid her wages for her sin just as you and I when we draw our last breath will have been paid our wages. Same thing with John the Baptist. He was not sinless.

What makes you think Mary and John the baptist never sinned? The only person in the whole history of the world who has never sinned is Jesus Christ. Noah Aaron and Samuel might have been good people who served God; actually Aaron did something very wrong, he made the golden calf out of the Israelite people's gold jewelry and encouraged them in the idol worship of the golden calf, he was not as faithful and dedicated to the Lord like his brother Moses was. They were sinners too. "For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." Faith in Christ is the only way to salvation, to heaven. The real Mary was very humble and righteous, she was a tender and kind loving mother for baby Jesus. The elevation of Mary as "Our Lady" happened while Christianity was being preached all throughout dark age Europe, Mary replaced Venus, the Roman goddess of love and beauty, a fertility goddess. The Queen of Heaven, was some dark and evil female demons like Ishtar, Inanna, Isis, Asherah, Ashtoreth, Astarte, Aphrodite, the German fertility goddess Freya, and some Celtic goddesses, Morrigan, Brigantia, and a lot of other love, fertility goddesses from the local regions they witnessed to as Christian missionaries. The priests of Rome would often make the popular local pagan gods and goddesses into 'Christian' saints. This is how the Christian faith would sway and stray away from the Bible and the truth. In the 4th century Christianity became legal by the Roman empire. Then it became the official religion of the empire. Emperor Constantine fought a battle in the name of Christ, claimed to be a Christian yet did not behave like one. I think it was after Christianity was legalized and became the official religion of Rome that it became corrupt. They started the whole 'saint' thing, and adopted many Roman gods as 'saints'. There is a saint feast day for every day of the year on the Catholic calendar. While medieval and Renaissance Catholics were busy worshiping 'Our Lady' the Catholic church was busy torturing, burning, and murdering real women with false charges of heresy and witchcraft. Men who were early protestants were also tortured and their works destroyed.

I moved from Seattle to rural KY 8 years ago. We went from having four or five Costco's within a half hour of our home to one Costco, 90 minutes away. But in our area there are full service Wal-Marts, and save a-lots and Kroger's. Save a lot is a joke. They are the most expensive of the bunch. I've only been there twice and gave up on them. Unless you are in alaska, I can only assume there is a WAl-mart or some other grocery store one town away. Then again, you ARE in another galaxy, so who knows?

This is scary. I've decided I would rather commit suicide than let anyone put that mark of the beast on me. I will escape the grasp of those evil psychiatrists. But then there's my parents. They are not behaving very Christian lately. They don't go to church, which means I can't go to church. I can't drive. I have a few mental problems, I am forced to see psychiatrists and take medicine. In my town we have 2 walmarts, publix, walgreens, dollar stores winn dixie, and circle K. We have a lot of stores. This might be a bad idea, but maybe you could move?

Many early church writers who either knew the Apostles or their disciples wrote that these resurrected saints of Matthew 27 were taken to the Father by Yeshua. It also ties into the appointed times of Leviticus 23. Specifically the harvest. The first fruits of the harvest were taken by the High Priest and presented to YHVH. When Yeshua arose, notice that He told Mary not to touch or handle Him as He had not yet ascended to the Father. As our High Priest, He would be required to remain ceremonially pure until He had presented the first fruits of the harvest to the Father. No one would be allowed to touch Him before He accomplished that. While Yeshua is indeed the first fruits of those who have died, He is not the first fruits of the Harvest of souls. He is our High Priest. The harvest of Leviticus 23 is in 3 stages.... the first fruits, the main harvest, then the gleanings of the fields. I am convinced that the first fruits harvest is Matthew 27. The main harvest will be when the dead and living in the Body of Yeshua are gathered prior to the tribulation period. The gleanings harvest is the tribulation period when folks are martyred for their coming to faith in Yeshua. it is all debatable I know. We probably have much of it wrong. We will all find out one day when someone like Paul Harvey tells us "the rest of the story" when we are with the Lord.

I have been used to driving many miles to get to a store with a reasonable selection for many decades. Lived in the interior of Alaska for 10 years and live now in a rural farming area of Iowa. It takes a lot of money to keep a brick and mortar store open. People have to be paid and light bills have to be paid. Property taxes and other fees also. If the volume of customers is not adequate to reach a profit margin, then the business has no choice but to close the doors. I charge almost $2 a mile to deliver product to food store warehouses. And some of that product has to travel 1000 miles or more to get to that warehouse. That warehouse has employees to pay, light bills, and property taxes. It then has to be distributed to the stores by their own fleet of trucks. Someone has to pay for all that. It is all basic economics.

I believe Jesus has seen that omen when he said that.

I like it!?

Love this poem!!!! ❤️ Makes me want to be more serious. I joke a lot. it comes from being so miserable as a young person tho. I was serious, shy, and unhappy for WAYYYYEEEE too many years of my life. I tend to lean towards humor now. I know there`s a time and a place for everything. Again, great job!!!?

Shalom Ella, What a storm you are going through at the moment... Please know that no operation will bring you peace and neither will no church. A personal relationship with Jesus is the only way. The catholic churches have a tendency to focus on Mary instead and other saints. Their teachings do not really match with the Bible in this regard. As for this "liberal" church, I can't speak about it, knowing nothing. Although I wonder what type of place it is if your husband feels that you disguised as a male would be appropriate. But there is no church system or building you need to attend or be a part of to be saved or to communicate with God. Don't rush to these places of Sunday or Saturday for refuge - they're simply brick and mortar with a few people inside, that's all. It's not a temple or place to meet with God. Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth. ~ John 4:23-24 Getting your heart right with God should be paramount before deciding on such matters of catholic or liberal church and this or that gender. No one knows you more than the Father. Not your husband and not even yourself. He knows all your problems and positives. Seek Him first, before seeking buildings to join others. Being a part of a group will not bring you peace or safety. I hope that makes sense. You may agree with me already. But I just got this vibe from your posts that you may be looking for shelter for your soul in these mere buildings. Besides, what we are doing now is also a type of church. We're all here to help and support each other, so stay with us through this troubling time. You have a lot of people on here who want to help you because we care. Love & Shalom

Thank you for all your help. No, I won't contact a medium. I was just wondering if Katelyn can hear me when I talk to her. I know that Jesus can hear me. I'll ask Him to pass on the messages to Katelyn.

I'm sorry for your loss. There's nothing wrong with talking to your daughter. My father passed six months ago and my mother "talks" to him sometimes. But as I have said to my mother when she has asked the same thing. No, he cannot see nor hear her. He is in heaven with the Lord. Our loved ones cannot see nor hear us.

I am quite sure the dead can be made to hear if we're willing to give ourselves over to things the Bible specifically forbids. And they're not forbidden to keep us from fellowshipping with loved ones who have passed, but because inviting those things into our lives will end up destroying us. Be very careful. I suggest that speaking to Jesus is the better option. I'm quite sure He can pass messages on to those who have passed in Him And even if you did choose to ignore the warnings, how could you ever be certain you were actually speaking to your loved one and not some demonic impersonator sent to deceive you? It is not worth the risk on any level. I can understand the desire and the grief and longing of a mother's heart...but please just check in with Him and let Him show you how He designed His proper outlets for that grief.....and healing. Bless you sis...praying and grieving with you ?

This is a question I think all of us at some time have thought about. The best I've heard this explained is those who are in Jesus are as the bible says, to be absent from the body is to be with the Lord. She would be in a concious state with Jesus in some way and through Jesus she may know your thinking of her or inquiring of her. But no there would not be any direct communication. I believe that is forbiden in scripture, seeking to speak with the dead. Our comunication is with the Lord. For further study I think the term is thanotology or something like that. I'm not stating doctrine but just what I've heard mentioned about this. But no, I don't believe she directly hears you.

Yes, I did read your entire post. And again I state that just because I'm against crazy policies doesn't make me a hater.

It is like Romans 12:1+2, reprogramming ones mind to think correctly takes effort. Guirding ones loins with truth, means knowing what the truth is as intimately as ones underwear hugs ones body. How many Christians know the bible that well. Without going through the whole list I'll jump to my favouret part, the one that deals with all the angest of what does God want of me. Having done everything to Stand Firm. As Christians we are to live for Jesus where ever we are, unhappy at work, live for Jesus there, want to serve else where live for Jesus where you are, bored liven up your life by asking your colleuge 'Why are you a Christ? What reasons do you have for not believing?' We are to Stand Firm as we seek to serve Jesus.

I am sure that some here reading this will rise up with indignation. They will share all sorts of figures as to how many labor on the mission field, how many dollars have been shared to send those laborers into the field. They will recite how many have been reached and professed faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. And all they share will be accurate and true. And yet I still stand by my statement. We as His church are failing in the one mission we have been entrusted with on this earth…. to spread the gospel of Jesus to the uttermost parts of the earth. Bear with me here. I do not dispute that through missions work, flyers, radio and tv ministries, multitudes have now heard about Christianity. But sadly, the truth is that how we as everyday beliefs are living out our faith is not matching up with what we say we believe. In other words, people are not being drawn to have what we have, because frankly, what we have is not doing what it promises to do, to set us free indeed, to make us overcomers, victorious over the world, the flesh and the devil. They see no joy, no passion for the one we say we love with all of our hearts. They do not see us walking as strangers and pilgrims on the earth. So what do they see? They see a people healed only slightly, a people who draw near Him with our lips, but our hearts, where our time and money hand hopes and dreams are invested, they are still ours. Self still rules. They see a people who try to gloss over their worldliness and lack of the fruits of the Spirit with excuses, like “No one is perfect” and “God is not finished with me yet.” To us, they make perfect sense, because they ARE true. But if we are truly honest, we will admit, especially for those who have served God a long time, that we are not much closer to acting as godly, set-apart children than when we first were saved. In truth, many of us actually less on fire, less excited about Jesus. And that brothers and sisters should raise huge red flags. And the fact that it doesn’t reveals to us that something is wrong with our understanding of what the gospel promises. The world looks on. Granted, some in the world have no love for the light, and love the darkness their lives center on. But make no mistake, there are multitudes out there who are searching for real answers in these troubled times, real peace, real joy. They have innately understood that things do not make one joyful. The best this world can offer is a happiness that is fleeting, leading one to seek for the next ‘high’, whether it be things, money, power, sex, self worth, whatever. They hear us. They understand what Jesus supposedly did with their heads. They are moved by His compassion and love even when He offered up Himself for a world that did not deserve it. But then they hit “the wall”. Us. His followers. Those who say they love Him and believe in Him and have accepted His sacrifice. Ouch. They see us go to church on Sunday mornings. They hear the ministers on tv. They listen to us politely if we get bold enough to witness to them. But they do one more thing. They observe us. And what do they see? They see a people whose actions contradict their words. They see our lack of real joy. They see us more passionate about our team or our favorite tv show than about Jesus. They see us love the things of the world, just like they do. In short, they see our hypocrisy, and that to our shame. So what will it take for us to truly fulfill the great commission? How can we actually draw them to Christ? In Ezekiel chapter 36, God shows us clearly in these last day what will move the seekers in the world to come to Jesus. "....and the heathen shall know that I am the Lord when I shall be sanctified in you before their very eyes." If the lives of those claiming to follow the Lord do not line up with how God says His followers who believe shall walk, let's not deceive ourselves. Danger lurks. Do we not realize that holy hearts, lives that burn solely for Jesus, actions that are pure and full of love.....these are the real testimony that confirms to the lost that we are walking in the truth. Our lives are the Bibles they read. Are we truly giving our all, running our race as if there is only one prize? The answer is pretty self evident for the vast majority of the church.No, we are not..... at least not yet. ☺️ Ah, but changes..... HUGE changes… are on the horizon. God is not finished with us yet. People think if we begin having miraculous signs and wonders, then they will come. But let us realize this. If we still are found living out our lives as compromised, worldly, one foot in-one foot out Christians, we will end up making our converts just like us. Listen, true revivals in the past have been spurred by holy leaders leading people onto the highway of holiness, where the joy wells up so easily, so powerfully, that men and women bound by sin want what we possess....or in truth want the one who possesses us. Let us remember, in these last days, Satan will come with all sorts of lying wonders and deceive many. Those seeking signs rather than the giver of the signs will bite.... hook, line and sinker. The ultimate draw must be the goodness and love of Christ, and if our lives do not display it, our attempts at evangelism will fail miserably. So how can the lost know who they should believe? It is simple. Good trees bear good fruit. If selfless love is not present in those with signs following, God says "Stop! Run!" If patience, kindness and gentleness are not accompanying those who seem so doctrinally astute, close your ears. Was this not the case in the ministry of Jesus. He said as much. 'You seek me for the miracles” or “You come because of the free loaves and fishes" Those followers did not last. They were those who had the good seed cast on the hard ground of their self-centered and did not put down deep roots. Do we not think it is wise we checked the depth of the soil we are attempting to grow in? It was Christ's holy life and loving heart that drew the true believers. In the book of Acts, those outside the church said "Behold how they love one another!" Talk about the real tool for evangelizing the lost. Sadly, today we are content with a new mantra. "I am not perfect, just forgiven", and using it to somehow give validity to our secret sins and compromised walks, and you know what? Jesus weeps. Holiness. Real spiritual fruits overflowing our of us. That, guys, is what we need. But first we need to believe such a walk is even humanly possible. You see, until it bothers us that our churches are satisfied with things just the way they are and put no effort on teaching holiness or even seeking God as to how to walk pleasing to Him (or in truth even believing it possible in this life), we will simply march on in our powerless take on what real Christianity is. Far too many of us are content to be half-hearted, lukewarm, forgiven children, following Him, but at a comfortable distance, of course, and living compromised lives with the world.....and thinking nothing is wrong with it. Whether we care to admit it or not, we are fulfilling the characteristics of the Laodecian church almost line for line, content with being forgiven for our Achilles heel sins, yet often knowing we will do the same sins again with no guilt and worse yet, possessing no desire to really be changed. And all the while we reason as we have been falsely taught... "Thank God for grace that allows me to live like this!" We have come to believe that living a life of holiness is hard......no, impossible. We are wrong. And why do we believe this? Because somehow, in our minds, we feel that our salvation was all the Lord, but holiness? That burden falls back on our shoulders. And who is sufficient for that? You and I agree here. No one........ unless.......unless we have missed the real key to living as overcomers. God is even now awakening us and restoring to us the HOW of holiness and guess what, glory to God? it is not hard. It is an easy yoke! Is your appetite wet? Or are you chaffing inside at the audacity of saying sins that have bound you for years, even decades can be overcome? Here is the key question. Do you want to be free? REALLY free. If you were told how to change from struggling child of God to an overcomer, would you really want it? How many there are that picture living a holy life to be hard and restrictive and totally unpleasurable. Will it cause change? You bet. But know this. It may upend your life, but in a wonderful way, and the thought of going back to what you were content with before? Not a chance. More to come. I pray you stay tuned.. I can promise you this. If your hunger or even your curiosity is pushing you to follow along, if you will take to heart what will be shared here in the coming posts, you will discover the Christian life you had hopes of when you first got saved...... before you got religious and lowered your expectations. Guaranteed. Bold words? No doubt. True words? You bet. Prepare to be amazed. Many blessings and thank you for reading, Gideon