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@Sower Thank you for your query. Above is a thread in "General" started by @Vine Abider. It has much dispute in it but those who stand by the Biblical Assembly posted a lot of good information. But I also don't want to duck your question, so I'll give a brief summary. God's working relationship with men is one of each party being responsible. That is, each has a duty in a process whereby God is glorified and men are blessed. In Israel and the Church, each man had something to do. This was regulated by the Law and the prophets in the Old Testament, and by the Apostles in the New. In regard to His House, the Church, God said that we are all building (see 1st Corinthians Chapter 3) and that each man's work will be tested of what material it is. Jumping to Ephesians Chapter 4 we see Christ's part is to supply each member and each member's part is to supply the member next to him/her. That means that every member, in a small or large way, is responsible for the growth of those next to him/her. Satan's tactic is to silence, or render ineffective, the transfer of spiritual food from one saint to the next. Jumping to 1st Corinthians 12 we see how the Lord distributes spiritual (or inspired) gifts to many members. And you will note that every gift is a speaking gift. Even miracles cause speaking and faith. So Satan's tactic is to silence the gifted ones. And our Leadership has promoted this and the congregations have agreed to this. The members are not taking their responsibilities. 1st Corinthians 14 shows how the Meetings should be. That is; 1. all the gifted ones free to contribute 2. tongues brings no understanding so it is limited 3. "ALL" may speak (prophesy - v.3) 4. The Assembly must maintain good order 5. In the case of breakdown of order the Elders must intervene 6. An atmosphere of "building" must reign. That is, no speaker should have any other agenda than to bring his /her contribution to all for their edification. The listeners will judge. 7. Although all must contribute, an atmosphere of submission must reign. If you perceive that you are not inspired, or that another saint is about to speak, you should back off. 8. Chapter 13 is the foundation - Love. If you love yourself, love the brethren and love the Lord you will have no trouble in building. If you are self-promoting or seek a reputation, you will break down the building. This is very rough, but it contains my view of the Meetings. What we see today in the meetings is nothing like this (there are exceptions but they are few).

The thing about the Church of England is its diversity - we were happy members of an evangelical Anglican church for 25 years... until we moved to Wales. The bishop doesn't speak for all Anglicans, by a long way (which is probably a shocking thing in itself, of course). You would think that the current obsession with pronouns would have driven out all this nonsense about referring to God as 'she' or 'mother': https://deborahsbiblestudies.wordpress.com/2023/06/24/the-non-binary-god/

Blessings Everyone.... I Believe the Purpose of our(Christians) Calling is to point the Way to Jesus- the ONLY Way,the Truth & the Life.....I've always loved people but I've always been wildly passionate for all of God's Creatures,especially the furry ones... lol There's been many times throughout my life that I simply need to be away from people and retreat to the animal kingdom where I'm inexplicably at Peace,filled with Great Joy and actually that's "me & God" time---I can bask in His Glorious Presence without distraction,no noise,no drama,it would be quite easy to withdraw from the world and have nothing to do with people-or so I thought As Christ Abides in me I am part of His Body,my carnal mind and heart of flesh may resist but the Spirit Draws me to others-I was just thinking about this today as I sit quietly in the midst of the Peace & Tranquility of 2:30 am before the noisy,inconsiderate neighbors provide all day,all night. YEP,Me,Jesus and my kitty cats Anyone else experience the temptations of becoming a recluse?lol No matter where you go,even the Christian Forums it's so very " noisy"- people start to sound like static or white noise to me as they go on n on n on n on- much ado about NOTHING......Animals simply want to be near you,they look to you for all their needs yet if you gave them nothing they'd not be any less affectionate... Eh,I'm rambling,thinking out loud ......

Reminders – The Hard Sayings of Jesus Jesus said some hard things to those that didn’t yet have the ability to understand the meanings of His words. They heard and understood the language He was speaking but they lacked the power to comprehend His message. When Jesus talked to Nicodemus about new life, he understood Jesus’ words about physical birth, but he totally missed the message about spiritual birth and being “born again.” Jesus explained saying, “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, you must be born again.” John 3:5-7 Even after Jesus’ explanation, Nicodemus still did not understand, saying to Him, “How can these things be?” John 3:9 After feeding the 5,000 with just five loaves of bread and two fish, a multitude followed Him, seeking to know how to get more free food. Jesus tried to tell them to look beyond physical food for life and to seek spiritual food for eternal life, saying, “Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, …I am that bread of life. Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness and are dead. This is the bread which comes down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die, …Except you eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, you have no life in you.” John 6:27, 48-50, 53 Like Nicodemus, they were only thinking physically and they “quarreled among themselves, saying, How can this Man give us His flesh to eat?” John 6:52 Again, Jesus tried to explain the meaning of His words saying, “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.” John 6:63 Even though He spoke plainly to them, we learn that “From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more. Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will you also go away? Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” John 6:66-68 I don’t think Peter fathomed what Jesus meant any more than those that left, but he grasped enough to recognize the source of eternal life and remain with Him. Final Thoughts: To eat the raw flesh or drink the blood of an animal was an abomination to the Jews. To physically do what Jesus said was unthinkable, so they labeled Him a blaspheming heretic and had Him crucified. We, like Peter, know that the Word of God has the words of eternal life. But to unlock the meaning of those words that are written in the Bible and are heard in our hearts takes the power of the Holy Spirit. Let’s neither miss nor dismiss the meaning of the words by failing to ask the author to reveal them, and then give us the faith to believe. Only then, can we do the hard sayings of Jesus.

Saturday 7-8-23 7th. Day Of The Weekly Cycle, Tammuz 19 5783, 18th. Summer Day As We Observe The Seventh Day Sabbath As A Sign Between Him And Us Being Holy/Scripture luke 4:16 Context KJV - Bing Intelligent search from Bing makes it easier to quickly find what you’re looking for and rewards you. Love, Walter And Debbie

Have to be of a non Christian family and not wanting the public to know and caring about the poor, the criteria to be a Christian?

1; "Many are christians because they were born into Christianity." Don't think so. Though all have been known to God Romans 8:28-30 2; "A lot more are because they want the public to know." Definitely not the case, nowhere near many bother to share of the awesome gospel of my Lord and Savior Jesus with the public at large, or even the brother and sisters in Christ. Yet many others do so sarcificially with word, deed, finances, giving their very lives to doing so. 3; "Many don't care about the poor at all yet they say they are christians" Most everyone is poor themselves whether Christian or not. AND most share of what they have with others whether in need or not. Charity itself is not limited to Christians. What is limited is the sharing in the name of Jesus. Christians do share without seeking acknowledgement, in fact avoiding any " public" acknowledgement when possible. 4; "Christ wouldn't have done what you do but you say you are a Christian" Aah, absolutely true. True on both accounts for Jesus is perfect and no Christian, but one or maybe two, in the record of Biblical history have ever been seen by God as acceptable in their own right. I am saved by grace of God alone and not by merit on my part at all. 5; "Why are you a Christian?" I am Christian solely because God answers prayers. People prayed for me. I didn't want to be a Christian! I tried to resist being one, but found that this side of my own sanity I could not. The Holy Spirit turned me about from my sin against God to my worship of my Lord Jesus. Are you Christian?

That's only your opinion. The best way to prove anything theologically is through scripture.

The Word called me. A faithful Christian at a funeral said I must be saved, born again, if I want to see heaven and avoid hell. The Word of God! That seed/light was planted. It grew and was watered. It blossomed. A child was born. A child of God. You will have to ask God, why me.........

So far it has not been an issue that I am aware of. Our body that assembles (church) is full of sinners of many sorts just like us. However there are not any 'out of the closet' types flaunting their perverseness/sin there. Our church requires a doctrinal class for new members lest a false religion proselyte gain membership. At my church bible study this topic came up this morning, the new' requirements mandates/laws/etc pertaining to this issue. What do Christians do when confronted with having to break the legal law vs not breaking God's law. It was clear that God's authority superseded man's laws. Do whats right in the sight of God, let the chips fall. Maybe God has a better job for us. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm"

I understand and agree, for sure, and not legislating a qualifying meeting time/amount. What I try to make known is the importance of each of us serving our part in a 'local body' of assembling believers as scripture has instructed, however regular, once a month, twice a week, or as in some countries, they travel for days at night on foot through jungle to just get together for one meeting of believers at night, knowing if caught they could face imprisonment or death. Absence ( of opportunity) makes the heart grow fonder, but here in the USA, to whom much is given, much is required. That is if we are actually actively serving in the army of God, and not AWOL. I have had my few short times of discontent and not attending, and could see/recognize the spiral of my fellowship shrink, and lack of enthusiasm for the things of God. And realized that old devil was pleased with taking out one more soldier from his duty. I don't always 'feel' like going, but go and know when I get to our fellowship I'll realize what I could have missed, and our body would have been weakened even from the loss of the 'insignificant' part like myself. It's the encouragement given and received, another pit stop gas/spirit fill up needed. I miss it if I miss it.

Anne2, I am very much trying to understand what you are saying (not your most recent post, the one before that, plus the others), so please allow me to ask a couple questions: Are you saying that a person's understanding of authority (within the Church—and note the capital 'C') does not have bearing in this discussion? Or that it's not important to understand what someone believes about it? And that in general you don't believe it important to find out where the differences are in folks' worldviews? This is how I presently understand your statement, "This is not helpful IMO, firstly to understand the difference," especially because you did make at least a few earlier statements addressing authority. Please correct this if it's a misunderstanding. Sower, I appreciate your response because it does give a great deal of insight into what you believe. For example: "I join a (church ) body of believers and put myself/family under the shepherd that feeds the flock, the called one that is under the Good shepherd, Lord Jesus, who is the bread of life." To "join a body" very much implies a specific notion about the church, as does "the shepherd," by the use of a definite article and a singular noun, and the notion of authority expressed by the phrase "put myself/family under." I'm of the opinion/view/belief (and that's all it is, even though admittedly held strongly!) that we fallible humans tend to think that everybody should be able to see what we see, and if they don't, they're blind, stupid, misguided, or even just plain evil. I have to check my own spirit regularly when I fall into this mode of being. I have found life more enjoyable when I try to understand how another person sees things completely differently (so long as the different views don't lead to personal attacks). A question which arises in my mind when I see the phrase "church bashing" applied to people who point to the problems they see is, what might the difference be between them and say, Jesus, when he warns he will spew the Laodiceans out of his mouth, or remove the Ephesians' lampstand out of its place, or when he overturned the moneychangers' tables? Or Paul, when he "opposed Cephas to his face," or grieved and railed at the incipient denominationalism* he found in Corinth (1 Co 1). Or James in railing against elitism, favoritism, selfish ambition, and the love of money, within the assembly? Or Jude, in calling out the doubly dead, the hidden reefs, again within the assembly? Or even before Jesus' advent? Jeremiah, Isaiah, Elijah. And on and on. Are the church-bashing squeaky wheels in every case and always of a wholly different category? Are they blind, stupid, misguided, or even just plain evil? Would it be better for the well-oiled machine to not have to listen to them? The screen name I chose, "Yes, and" was of course deliberate as it reflects a belief that the principles of dramatic/comedic improv bear a strong correlation with how God intends for his children to live with one another, being willing to find His story being written as we follow along with His script, rather than trying to write our own. Improv requires understanding the other actors and who they are at heart. All that to say, my questions are probably motivated primarily by a desire to jump into this tiny little scene of this particular thread of this particular forum, simply to see where it goes. As I said from the outset, my motivation is not to argue anyone into anything, even while still feeling the liberty to ask my questions and say what I see. *This was added here as a direct response to Anne2 suggesting that denominationalism only appeared at the time of the Reformation ("The reformers could not agree among themselves, denominationalism began, and it has grown to ridiculousness since. Every head being their own little Popes.") Totally agree, Anne2, it has grown to ridiculousness since! It just started way, way, earlier than that.

Those are all Septuagint and Mazorteic related versions. Scholars have proven them corrupt and deemed as reference only. How can I debate someone using a form of literature considered not authentic and legit for a Legit Conversation?

you hit the jackpot Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

My thought is because all of God's economy and purpose was wrapped up in the Last Adam going to the cross. Peter had no idea that the enemy was using him. It may have been Satan himself whispering to Peter and the Lord openly rebuked Satan. Or it could have just been another influencing spirit, acting under the direction of Satan. In either case, the Lord was making a clear stand and statement to all.

You will be missed and sometimes some people stumble over fresh air

Really ,all I need is the date this was fulfilled.Ive always wanted to know the date the resurrection takes place. Thank you. And he shall pitch the tabernacle of his palace between the seas in the holy mountain of beauty: but he shall come to his portion, and there is none to deliver him. And at that time Michael the great prince shall stand up, that stands over the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of tribulation, such tribulation as has not been from the time that there was a nation on the earth until that time: at that time thy people shall be delivered, even every one that is written in the book. And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to reproach and everlasting shame.

So you believe at the time the king of the north came to his end in Daniel 11:45 ,that everyone of Daniels people who's names are written were delivered and the resurrection took place as in Daniel 12:2? Daniel 11:45-12:2 And he shall pitch the tabernacle of his palace between the seas in the holy mountain of beauty: but he shall come to his portion, and there is none to deliver him. And at that time Michael the great prince shall stand up, that stands over the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of tribulation, such tribulation as has not been from the time that there was a nation on the earth until that time: at that time thy people shall be delivered, even every one that is written in the book. And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to reproach and everlasting shame. Can you provide a date when this king of the north came his end ,and the great tribulation took place at that time and the dead were raised from the ground ?

GB News Follow Lord’s prayer ‘problematic’ due to ‘oppressively patriarchal’ reference Story by Jack Walters • Yesterday 22:18 https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1dA2xx.img?w=534&h=401&m=6&x=233&y=149&s=268&d=268 Lord’s prayer ‘problematic’ due to ‘oppressively patriarchal’ reference© GB News The Lord’s prayer is “problematic” due to the “oppressively patriarchal” reference to “Our Father”, the Archbishop of York has suggested. The opening words of the Lord’s prayer, which have been recited by Christians for around 2,000 years, were deemed divisive during a meeting of the Church of England’s ruling body. Stephen Cottrell, who succeeded John Sentamu at Bishopthorpe Palace in 2020, used the remainder of his speech before the General Synod to stress the need for unity. The Archbishop of York said: “I know the word ‘father’ is problematic for those whose experience of earthly fathers has been destructive and abusive, and for all of us who have laboured rather too much from an oppressively patriarchal grip on life.” https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1dA2xG.img?w=534&h=356&m=6&x=519&y=270&s=50&d=50 St Chad's Church in Wishaw, Warwickshire, with a centuries-old mural of the Lord's Prayer© GB News He later added: “We remain stubbornly unreconciled, appear complacent about division, and often also appear all too ready to divide again […] We have got used to disunity. “We think it’s normal when in fact, it is a disgrace, an affront to Christ and all he came to give us.” Canon Dr Chris Sugden, chair of the conservative Anglican Mainstream group, appeared to dismiss Cottrell’s concerns. He asked: “Is the Archbishop of York saying Jesus was wrong, or that Jesus was not pastorally aware? https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1dA5ii.img?w=534&h=653&m=6&x=260&y=433&s=149&d=149 The Most Reverend Stephen Cottrell during his enthronement as the 98th Archbishop of York© GB News “It seems to be emblematic of the approach of some church leaders to take their cues from culture rather than scripture.” However, Reverend Christina Rees, who campaigned for female bishops, stressed the Archbishop “put his finger on an issue that’s a really live issue for Christians and has been for many years”. She added: “The big question is, do we really believe that God believes that male human beings bear his image more fully and accurately than women? The answer is absolutely not.” The Church of England was left divided in February after Lambeth Palace decided to launch a commission on gendered language. https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1dA2xN.img?w=534&h=356&m=6&x=196&y=151&s=438&d=103 The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell (left), and The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, during a Synod at the General Synod© GB News The commission will consider whether to stop referring to God as “he”. It could instead suggest priests use gender-neutral terms. A spokesperson for the Church of England said at the time: “Christians have recognised since ancient times that God is neither male nor female, yet the variety of ways of addressing and describing God found in scripture has not always been reflected in our worship. “There has been greater interest in exploring new language since the introduction of our current forms of service in contemporary language more than 20 years ago. “There are absolutely no plans to abolish or substantially revise currently authorised liturgies, and no such changes could be made without extensive legislation.”

I did awaken this morning having been dreaming of the various local church bodies that God the Holy Spirit has led me to over some 45 years or so. I am so very blessed! Not a one that I have been led to in 45 years has the characteristics that often gets criticized on these Christian message boards. I have been led, and that led has forced me to up and move across this vast United States of America. Not for lack of churched, but for a very specific purpose by God. Mostly for my benefit. Well no though I say that because I have benefitted so, actually I was in each situation to become a cog, not a clog but a cog, needed at the moment at each specific church body. each has been a great teaching an dfellowship gathering church body. So my testimony I guess is they, awesome church bodies, are out there. Maybe God has to direct each of us to them and we have to be willing to go as He may direct, which can be financially and physically draining for sure. Yet God provides the perfect provision for each journey in this sojourn. God is awesome for sure and His local church bodies have some fine company saints that share and fellowship too. I absolutely cherish the experiences and the memories of them within the various local Church bodies He has had awaiting me.

We know by God's Word that we are partial in this life ... we have not come unto our fulness. Anytime we look to our flesh or this world we are giving to the partial which cannot fulfill... John 6:27 (KJV) [27] Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed. Everyone who reads this says to themselves 'that's nice' and goes about laboring for (?) That is the question isn't it... Faith is all that can cross this chasm, as so, where do your labors point, even down to the micro inspect... I am reminded of the light of our Lord how that nothing can hide in His inspection for the destination is either of this world that we began in or the world that is promise yet not realized in our first born reality... It is why without faith there is nothing we can do to please Him...

Isaiah 42 8 I am the Lord; that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to carved idols. 9 Behold, the former things have come to pass, and new things I now declare; before they spring forth I tell you of them.”

Exodus 31:13 You must observe my Sabbaths. This will be a sign between me and you for the generation to come , so you may know that I am the LORD who makes you holy. Sabbaths is in the plural. There was the weekly sabbath and also special sabbath days during God's appointed feast. In all a total of at least 60 days set apart in corporate gathering for the worship of Yahweh . The worship of yahweh was to be at the center of the nation. This is what will set them apart and makes them holy.

When I look at my dogs looking back at me, I can feel how much GOD LOVES US and I thank Him for them almost daily (they are really really cute, as you know). Why else would he provide us with such a PURE LOVE that never wavers, never ceases, never gets old or boring, never turns a deaf ear, always ready for either a walk or a nap, can't stand it when you go and act like they thought you had died when you return, animals are best. So ramble on, I would love to hear some animal stories. They never get old or boring either!

While there is a change in the new birth, and while believers are sealed by the Holy Spirit (Which is the down payment of their inheritance), that does not mean they cannot lose their inheritance. We see how Paul warns believers how they will not inherit the kingdom of God if they partake in certain sins (Galatians 5:19-21). Believers must choose each day every day to serve the Lord. While the Lord can be persuasive, God does not force us against our will to be good. 2 Corinthians 7:1 says let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit perfecting holiness in the fear of God. So it is not automatic thing. We have strive to enter the straight gate. We must work out our salvation with fear and trembling. Salvation is conditional, and believers must confess and forsake sin in order to have mercy (Proverbs 28:13). Many today think your future sin is forgiven you because of a belief alone on Jesus as your Savior, and this is false.

There is a ministry in Los Angeles run by a priest called Homeboy Industries. Former gang members work at a bakery learning skills. "Homegirls" work at a cafe. The priest works with the former gang members, helping them gain job skills and to find employment. He also helps them to get rid of their tattoos as some find it hard to find employment with their many tattoos.

Again, newbie here (but for the sake of an iota of context on my perspective, I'm 60 years old, and came to faith in 1981). I find this discussion an example of what I have come to believe. I recently expressed this belief to a dear friend and brother, when talking about the tenets of a branch of Christendom I find completely incompatible with the Word. I said: I wouldn’t even attempt to disprove a guy who espouses this view. I believe our worldviews change, our constructs get demolished and reconstructed, not because someone intellectually proved us wrong, but because of some significant influence bearing down via a crisis to which our worldview or construct has no answer. Hopefully at each point of crisis it’s the Holy Spirit doing the deconstructing and reconstructing. This belief of mine has been empirically derived over many years. The view someone holds who is in that particular branch is likely not going to change solely from hearing someone’s intellectual argument. And my view is itself a construct which would need to be demolished and reconstructed before arriving at a new view. If it is a construct founded on sand and not solid ground, if it does not itself comport with the “mind of Christ,” then hopefully the Spirit will do that work. Same goes with how I now see the Church (as opposed to the churches). Many other believers throughout the last two millennia have had the same understanding, including a number of believers I know personally. But I have also learned that there’s really no point in trying to argue into this view those who don’t see it. Those who get here, as I did, seem to get here through a crisis or a struggle brought about by simply reading the Word and comparing it to that which does not match. As my friend well said, "My bias about all things spiritual is the closer you get to Jesus that closer you get toward truth." And so, here we have in this thread at least two mini-discussions which have so far taken place, one which seems primarily to be between Sower and WilliamL, while the other between Vine Abider and Anne2. With the former, I would want to ask them both questions along the lines of, what do you principally mean when you use the word church? What do you primarily picture in your mind as you discuss this? How would you define it, and how do you think the Word defines it? With the latter mini-discussion I would want to ask them both questions along the lines of, what do you mean when you use the term authority? What do you picture in your mind as you discuss this? How would you define it, and how do you think the Word defines it? I'd be willing to bet as you dig into the weeds you will be able to see sharply contrasting views. And once these worldviews begin to clarify, then folks can fruitfully move forward, as without understanding that these contrasting worldviews are in play, all we're left with is a lot of talking past each other. If the "authorities" of this forum want to push this over to a new thread, I would have no reason to object!

That is what made me ask because they are very much into Islam but were not named with them. And the fact that The whole forum is not seeing my question. I am more comfortable one on one than group. thank you.

And thank you for reading and thinking of that interesting question. Another point. As far as I can see Turkey goes with the wind. It wanted to be in NATO and then it allies with Russia and Iran, and it also wanted to be the leader of Islam.

Question is does HE give HIMSELF laws to follow that change that? After all, He flooded the earth. And THANK GOD for Moses or else... I think we don't understand the difference between CAN and WILL, when it comes to GOD and His creation. His WILL is that all come to repentance. BUT we know that isn't going to happen.

Romans 1 20 For the unseen things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being realized by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, for them to be without excuse.

How about we begin with, God, always does that which is His perfect Will and Purpose?

The Word does say that all those who call on the Name shall be saved. Maybe that's all it takes? No other name higher 🙌

And also Russia. don't know what China's stance on homosexuality is . . . This certainly does seem to be a real "wedge" issue that is being used by the enemy. In my opinion, this and the AI thing are perhaps the strongest visible currents of antichrist, at least that I see.

7-8-23 1 John 5 1 Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.

Amen brother, amen! And that is my realization more and more too. I think at some point, the Lord will show us how much He has used ALL THINGS - everything and everyone - to speak to us! And especially through the saints He has put around us. Again, amen! I so appreciate the genuine fellowship on here! While I've been blessed to have been able to enjoy gatherings that are highly participative these past couple decades, I hope it is clear that I also don't want to be in the "church bashing" camp. The bottom-line is the One Grain died so that the many grains would be in the loaf. The Christian life is the body life. Period. So while the system of things may look messed up in the ekklesia, the Lord loves it and sees the finished work - a glorious church without spot or wrinkle or any such thing!

That’s right, if a person is truly under God’s grace and are sealed with the righteousness of the faith by the Holy Spirit, then sin will no longer reign over them. Just as it is also written that grace reigns through righteousness.

Lady, I must agree with your assessment of this church. If they cannot affirm the Fatherhood of God, then they are outside of Jesus' teachings. Remember Jesus' teaching on how to pray . . . He said Our FATHER in heaven, hallowed be thy name. If I were in your place I would leave and not look back, and then find an Bible believing Christ honoring church and become a part of that church. I have noticed over the years that the devil loves to twist words redefining them . . . . kind of like the serpent in the garden of Eden wouldn't you say? I hope you find an solid church in your area to attend . . . Grace and Peace . . . Ray . . .

@NConly They call it Tex-Mex?

Antiochus Dan 12:11- And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, Antiochus --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Not Antiochus Dan 9:26- And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined. 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. This is the time of Messiah! You are welcome.

I actually researched it. There are some Churches that require 1 year at 10% tithe, next year 20%, and 3rd year 30% + organizations like Assemblies of God, some Southern Baptist, mainly Methodist and like Churches do require to be a Tithe Payer to participate in Church Voting and Board Membership. How did I miss this? Resurrecting the LAW?

Well look how many times you've abused me and yet I still love ya

why do you think I am surrounded by rescue dogs ???? These poor creatures have been so badly abused by humans and are so terrified but once they come to trust you ( I dont even know how they can trust after what some of them have gone through ) they are even more affectionate than those that have always been loved Dont know many humans that can say that

Love you all. Might be back by Thanksgiving. Might not. I am a stumbling block to someone here and it pains me greatly. God bless.

I flunked English 4 years in a row.

Hi my Friends .. I'm not ignoring any of you fellow animal advocates- surely not & this would be one conversation I'd truly enjoy BUT I need some time away.... it's just that time to be with God and talk things over As you can probably see by the Topic it's a little noisy for me right now so I'm signing off for now to sort it out-Ill be praying for yall,please include me in yours With love in Christ,Kwik

It IS actually the church of England ... you know the one that just took responsibility for the kings coronation The people involved are amongst the highest officials in the church . Here in Wales we have the church in Wales as an off shoot of the church of England and it is many many years since I attended any of their services as I watched it get further and further away from bible based teaching