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I understand that the process of getting God into man is achieved totally by Jesus Christ and applied by the Holy Spirit. The Tabernacle - God's first dwelling place - was specially designed to protect God's holiness. It also provided a very strict approach by man through multiple "gates". But the question above is really about the human BODY, for it is Christ's Body that was called a Temple (Jn.2:19-21). And after our Lord Jesus had gone to prepare an "abode" and returned, it was our BODIES that became a Temple for the Triune God (1st Cor.6:19). And it is here that we see a literal "wonder-work" of God. The Body of any man who came from Adam is totally poisoned and corrupted. Paul calls it this "vile" body and the "body of death" (Phil.3:21, Rom.7:24). In 2nd Corinthians 5 it says that in life we "groan" in this body and in Romans 7 it says that "NO good thing dwells in our bodies". Truly, what will it take for a holy God to use man's body for His abode on earth? God's creation shows us how. God sets forth a Law in Genesis 1:11-12 that multiplication of the animated creature will be by a seed within it, and it will always produce the same specie as the seed is. This is true today. In fact it is so important that it is upon this Law that Jesus possesses both humanity and divinity. It is also the basis of your rebirth. God had His Model in Jesus - the perfect Man. And so what He did was to put us all IN Jesus as seed of a KIND. In John 12:24 our Lord Jesus died as a seed. And in death our Lord achieves two things. 1. Because Jesus is the Creator of all things, and is the "Firstborn of all creatures", His death ended the old creation. And because we are IN Him, we were terminated too (Gal.2:20). 2. Because Jesus released us in the process of dying, like a grain of Wheat does, we became a New Creation with all that was old done away with (2nd Cor.5:17). This whole process is explained in the first verses of Romans 6, and Baptism is the "sign" that we have been through this process. A man IN Christ has a POSITION - in His death and in His resurrection. God now reckons a man IN Christ to be of the New Creation and in resurrection the old Adamic nature that corrupted our Bodies is gone. Now all that remains for Christ to do is WASH us and we are perfectly ready POSITIONALLY to host God. But God makes provision for our failures. He is a Spirit and so He makes man's human spirit His dwelling place. God only dwells in the Believers human spirit and is shielded from the profane by the man's soul. The journey to reach God in this new setup is designed to protect God's holiness. The journey we take to reach God in our spirits is quick. We approach Him in "Jesus' Name". In reality this is a complex journey. Our Bodies, being a "Tabernacle", has Gates, an Altar, a Laver, a first Curtain, a Lampstand burning, a Bread of Life Table, an Alar of Incense hard against another Curtain, and finally two Cherubim. Our Lord Jesus literally piggy-backs us through the whole way: 1. He is the Lamb without blemish Who died on the altar of sacrifice, 2. He is our washing at the Laver by His Word and blood 3. He is the Lampstand to shine His Light on our sins and our intellect 4. He is the Bread of Life for our DISPOSITION 5. He is the Incense that carries our prayers to the Father 6. He is our High Priest that carries us by name on His shoulders and by His heart of love 7. He has passed through the Cherubim .... and delvers us at the Throne of Grace - the Mercy Seat with its significant contents, and which UPON WE MEET WITH GOD (Jn.4:24). John 14 says that our Lord will go and prepare an ABODE, then return that we may be where He was already. The goal - to make men abodes of God. But He had to PREPARE a place. The above is a very brief explanation of one of the most profound events ever to happen 20 At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. (Jn 14:20)

By His death having fulfilled the requirement of His law. It is through Jesus that we all believers are deemed righteous. Rom. 10:4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. So then His Holy Spirit will dwell within the believer. Edit: And Rom. 5:17 For if, because of one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ.

We were having a discussion on another current thread about how the holy God can live in defiled creatures like us. It then occurred to me (and this is inline with my quest to define the Christian life as simply as possible) that the Christian life comes down to just these THREE* things: 1) His Redemption Christ's redemption was 100% complete - He terminated old Adam's race (our old man) and made us righteous 2) His Supply He now, as the Spirit, comes to live in us to supply our every need *3) Faith in both these items He's given us! Lord Jesus You are amazing! Help us to always be so simple and just turn to You --> rest in your work, take everything to You and let Your life live in us and supply us!!! * Undated to add "faith"

I've been where you are and it hurts me to read this post. The amount of information it would take for you to understand is not possible in this format. I would suggest listening to a good number of Michael Heiser's videos and it would save us days and days of typing. He is the only noted person who puts out those things I spent decades learning. The video's are much too long to post here, but they are easily found on the internet. Just a hint though is that those old Sumerian and later gods are actually the watchers that God assigned to the different peoples when he divided them up at the tower of Babel. They like Satan decided they wanted to be worshiped as did Satan. Pride is a powerful thing. I wouldn't say that the Bible has errors, I would just say that it isn't the entire story. But it is more than enough to get a person saved, and that's what it's all about.

@NConly I do love Psalm 2 with its contrast between the conspiring kings of the earth and God's statement: "Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion" (verse 6).

Very funny stand up comic. @ladypeartree Do you like comics? @Neighbor I think you like humor!

I understand what you're saying, but I think you're forgetting one important thing. Laws are always going to exist. People say you can't legislate morality, yet that's exactly what laws are. All laws are a form of morality from either one group or another. If Christians do not take an active role in creating the laws of this nation, then we leave to the atheists that duty and responsibility. We have seen especially recently the extreme danger of letting the godless dictate what the laws will be in the country. Sin will run rampant and God's people will be persecuted. Christians have a duty to create moral laws that benefit all people. If Christians sit on the sidelines, we won't even be able to witness our faith or evangelize our neighbors because the lawless in power will take away that right from us. I would prefer to live in a country where I don't have to risk imprisonment for my faith, but if no Christians stand up for us in government or politics, then that is exactly the type of decision we will all end up having to make.

This short video has really beautiful scenery too...of mountain village in Turkey. @ladypeartree @JohnD

Two more rescued. They eventually get to running happily through the grass, get a toy, dig... @ladypeartree @JohnD

Certainly. Here in New Mexico, the green chile and pineapple pizza is a thing. Both toppings go well together.

I honestly don't know how to talk to you. You seem determined to put people in boxes and accuse them of things that are not true. Instead of asking for clarification, you make immediate judgements and stay fixated on that. I'm not part of any group as you seem to think and I desire everyone to live in the freedom that Jesus offers. You seem to have cultish ideals and you seem to demonize and think evil of all who don't believe as you do. I will pray for you and I hope one day you can see the light that Jesus offers. I don't know if you are a follower of Jesus. Your posts seem to indicate that you might not be. Either way, I wish blessings and goodness to follow you. God Bless.

Hi, I don't find that to be especially convincing, for many a nonchristian lead lives with a very high standard of morality that they espouse and maintain. According to Pew research studies Christians have a higher rate of divorce than the population as a whole has. I don't think Christians can successfully claim the higher moral ground is theirs.

I imagine the strategy was to make it impossible for him to appeal through an excessively large bond requirement, so this reduction will probably make them go crazy while they try to figure out some other way of stopping an appeal so they won't have to face a high potential of being overturned. Things just keep getting more and more interesting.

@AdHoc has furnished an excellent response so if I have anything to contribute toward answering your question, it's as follows: God does whatever He pleases (Psalm 115:3); God is merciful and swift to forgive (Psalms 86:5, Nehemiah 9:17, Jonah 4:2); God has mercy upon whomever He chooses (Romans 9:18); God looks upon the humble and contrite as His house and place of rest on earth (Isaiah 66:1-2); We are so much more than imperfect men and women. We are the temple of God (the temple of the Holy Spirit) raised without human hands --- living stones --- and His holy nation of kings and priests. The work of the Lord has never been about the lofty expectations of men who focus their gaze upon the wise and the mighty among themselves; it pleases God to choose the lowly and the broken vessel. These are the humble and contrite whom the Lord regards upon His throne in heaven. The lowly shall be exalted.

Indeed. If my own point hasn't been clear enough for some in the topic, it's simply summarized in the following way: I have nothing to do with the cares of this world being the pursuit of dominance, power, wealth, and the like. Politics are the contrivance of men, and there is no scriptural mandate to pursue such a thing. Political pursuit by necessity is oppositional, meaning that enemies are required; this is antithetical to the teaching of Christ and His apostles. There is a religion that is not pure in the sight of God, being a religion that looks after the cares of the world. Because of this, it is accordingly stained by the world. It is not the faith of Christ. The New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) is an example of such an umbrella religion, and the NAR is the driving force behind the Christian Nationalist movement. CN is an outgrowth of the Christian Identity movement. Neither is Christian in word or deed. That sums up my view of the subject matter.

Pure evil!

God "had to" do nothing. God created a perfect world in which all living things could live in harmony, and of course, man messed it up with his disobedience. Why would the earth appear old? Everything else did, why not the planet? Some people believe that the planet formed on its own naturally. There are thousands of impossibilities that would have to happen. In order to explain them, they pretend that given enough time all impossibilities become certainties. I've even had otherwise intelligent people say that with enough time an airplane could assemble itself. I do NOT make this up. You say that the earth appears old, but what is your point of reference? What should a 6,000 year old planet created by God look like? You think there would be no oil or precious minerals in it? Why? You say these things take millions of years to form? God can form them in an instant. All things created have the appearance of age to those who do not believe in their creation. Would a tree created on day three have rings if cut down on day eight? I contend they would. Could you, then, have a "10,000 year old" tree on a 6,000 year old planet? Absolutely. That's sophomoric. God created the earth to house the human race, not just to be a floating rock in nothingness. Balderdash! You claim the earth existed for millions of years prior to the creation week. Do you even understand your own posts? The notion that the earth BECAME a wasteland when it had previously existed for millions of years is a heresy only Gap Theory proponents put forth. You can't be educated on this, so we aren't discussing your heresy. How old did Adam appear to be ten seconds after he was created? Are you going to belief appearances, or God's word? Absolutely, when He created the formless blob in the beginning. Can YOU create a planet? If not, why do you think you could do it better? Again, you add your own failed concepts. Psalms 33:6 By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth. 9 For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast. Where is the word "instantly?" By Pilot's decree, Jesus was crucified. Was that instantaneous? What you BELIEVE and what the Bible SAYS are entirely different.

All Praise To God!! He has the best music!!

I certainly agree with your post for the most part. You're right that many laws actually have nothing to do with morality. In my opinion many laws are politically motivated based on those in power trying to enforce their will. Your also right that laws are not a deterrent to crime. However laws make sure that criminals are punished. Even if laws are not a deterrent, what is the alternative? NOT creating laws and legalizing everything? Laws are necessary. No society in all human history lived without laws as far as I know. I will say this which I think you would agree. Change is needed on the heart regardless of what laws may exist. I've always said ( although maybe not on here ) that the best way to transform society and make a country free and safe is to change hearts. NO amount of laws will MAKE people accept Jesus or follow God's law. But if we show love to our neighbor and each other, others will see our actions and the gospel message will be more receptive to people. If people are serving Christ, it won't matter what laws the are or aren't, people will be more kind, compassionate, hospitable, generous, etc. Love will transform the world and make it a place everyone wants to live in.

Hi @Questioning Friendly word of advice: If you pursue that line here you will be moved to the Outer Court as a non-conformist who disagrees with the Worthy Statement Of Faith as quoted below: We believe that the 66 books of the Canon, from Genesis to Revelation are the exhaustive, inerrant and inspired word of God.

Awesome God and so well done. Thank you Patticats. You do find great songs.

I agree about world changing events. A number of them could become daily news quickly, while others may affect our lives forever more. The continued slide to complete global chaos seems to be the order of the day due to a shroud of spiritual wickedness enveloping those in power who should know better but just don't seem very capable. Will it be a sudden plunge to madness or a slower process where we as spectators continue to cringe at every turn?

Joseph, a silent unknown yet faithful, is now recorded in the Word of God. "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up"

Well, the Lord did ride a young donkey.

The cross itself was the concluding work of God bring about a new creation of s/Spirit which is kept by the power of God from sin and guaranteed and eternal place in that conclusion unto a new heaven and new earth where sin has not existed nor ever will be... sin has no place with God and never will have... 'It is finished' were just seeing that played out in drawing as many souls as whosoever will into that reality...

Romans 8, start to finish.

Anchovies!

Jonah 2:2 And said, I cried by reason of mine affliction unto the LORD, and he heard me; out of the belly of hell cried I, and thou heardest my voice. Perhaps you should try reading the bible, not just denying what it says.

If he wants his campaign to take off like a rocket he should probably choose Elon Musk. FWIW, the under 35 and independents are usually dominated by Democrat voters so I would expect this to take away from Biden's vote, expect the Democrats to do something hysterical if they see this happening to get him out of the running if he can (that would divide their efforts into opposing both RFK and Trump instead of being able to concentrate on Trump alone). In any event, RFK is just another political insider and will act as one if elected, that means we'll keep doing what we have been that got us into our current state of affairs and will keep going the same direction we are now with the only difference being who gets to lead us while we do (IMO, subject to change). If anyone thinks he is actually different I would like to know why they do from his political record to date, I'm not of an opinion that people, particularly politicians, are subject to any radical departures from their history. Also FWIW, I think we are on the edge of several game changing events worldwide so I'm still unsure what the final theme of this elections will be if we go over that edge on any of them.

So does avo. . Now I know what I'll have for lunch tomorrow

1 John 4:19 We love him, because he first loved us. I am because he is. And he is love. 1 John 4:16 God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.

His rock solid character and abounding grace which is unmatched.

I think there is a reluctance to go into much detail in this subject since it open most up to scrutiny and doubt. God [speaks] in many ways and through many people and even animals. At least the one donkey (Numbers 22). Satan does as well (and through at least the one serpent Genesis 3). Sometimes people are not good judges to distinguish between the two. As with all things, we tend to believe in what appeals most to us. But imagine Abram at the behest of the LORD took Isaac to Mount Moriah to slay (Genesis 22). Or Hosea being told to marry a prostitute. Our wits and personal bias and self serving desires kick in and reason "surely not Lord" ← Simon Peterobics {wink} "Unless I see the prints of the nails... I won't believe." ← Thomasonics I have heard my name called out audibly when no one was around causing me to pause just long enough to avoid a fatal accident. I have hear the voice of God in my heart aiding me in an intense debate with a Jewish Rabbi (guiding me to a profound point about Isaiah 53 that the suffering servant is Israel as the Jews claim... but that Israel is none other than the Messiah (Israel is a contraction of three words he / prince / God yish sarar elohiym and the ultimate Prince of God is... Messiah Jesus). I seek the tutelage of the Holy Spirit every time I read scripture (2 Peter 1:20-21 / 1 John 4:1 / Acts 17:11 / Proverbs 25:2 / Deuteronomy 29:29 / Isaiah 28:9-13). I endeavor not to write or do Bible studies by my own understanding but by what the Holy Spirit gives me at times which flows so consistently I hardly know what is coming next until I've typed it. Often times I am given a word to type that I do not know for sure what it means until I look it up. The late great Dr Walter Martin (founder of Christian Research Institute and the original Bible Answer Man radio broadcaster) once put it like this... "you have to do your home work... but you also learn by doing... debating cultists and skeptics and atheists and heretics of all varieties, I sometimes find answers to their questions or challenges that are not coming from me because I did not know them before." God also speaks as in Revelation with a completely audible thunderous voice. I guess the point in all this is the testing by the scriptures (Acts 17:11 / 1 John 4:1) to determine whatever you hear however you hear it is actually the truth / voice from God or not.

1 John 3: 8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.

Dominus Pizza of course!

"Mom, the Domino's chariot is here!" -- some kid in Rome, probably. :)

But who was the first to deliver?

My dad knew the brothers who started Dominos in Ypsilanti, Michigan. He owned a gas station and used to service their vehicles in the mid 1960's, soon after they bought a couple additional pizza shop locations in the area. One brother approached dad with an opportunity to invest two thousand to help them grow, which would have amounted to ground floor initial stock. Dad wasn't sure about the whole thing so he declined . . .