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I woke in the wee hours with this old hymn on my mind. On a hill far away, stood an old rugged Cross The emblem of suff'ring and shame And I love that old Cross where the dearest and best For a world of lost sinners was slain So I'll cherish the old rugged Cross Till my trophies at last I lay down I will cling to the old rugged Cross And exchange it some day for a crown Oh, that old rugged Cross so despised by the world Has a wondrous attraction for me For the dear Lamb of God, left his Glory above To bear it to dark Calvary So I'll cherish the old rugged Cross Till my trophies at last I lay down I will cling to the old rugged Cross And exchange it some day for a crown In the old rugged Cross, stain'd with blood so divine A wondrous beauty I see For the dear Lamb of God, left his Glory above To pardon and sanctify me So I'll cherish the old rugged Cross Till my trophies at last I lay down I will cling to the old rugged Cross And exchange it some day for a crown To the old rugged Cross, I will ever be true Its shame and reproach gladly bear Then He'll call me some day to my home far away Where his glory forever I'll share So I'll cherish the old rugged Cross Till my trophies at last I lay down I will cling to the old rugged Cross And exchange it some day for a crown

I've become more aware that various ones would like to dismiss Paul the apostle and discredit his writings. Paul is the most prolific writer of the New Testament if number of epistles are counted (Luke actually writes more by volume via gospel of Luke and Acts). By far, Paul addresses more topics and issues than any other writer of the NT. And all those topics he covers brings him under fire, as he touches a lot of nerves, including: >Drunkenness >Homosexuality >Husband/Wife relations >Men & woman's roles >Other sexual moralities >Not stumbling others with certain practices, etc. And Paul also conveys some of the highest vision (which some also object to): >The ekklesia as the body of Christ (this is unique to Paul) >Flesh vs. spirit >Freedom in Christ vs legalism >Indwelling Christ Bottom-line to me is the Lord has used Paul's writings to speak to me for decades, therefore I have no doubt he is a legitimate apostle (plus Peter confirms in 2 Pet 3:15-16), speaking some very high vision, but also a multitude of practical things in our pursuit of Christ. Are there other reasons Paul is disparaged by some that I've not listed? What are your thought on this?

Isa 32:17-18 And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever. (18) And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places; Some Christians in the Lord's body experience seasons of solitude, especially with the passing of loved ones, but for some solitude has been a life-long, unchanging paradigm for them to come to terms with, as if it is a special gift from which ministry can proceed. 1Co 12:18 But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased. Solitude is often paired with loneliness, but aloneness is also often held to be distinct from loneliness. I enjoy my own company, and manage quite well on my own for a few days when my dear wife is away, but I have to empathise with those who actually live alone, and don't embrace solitude as a gift.

"Solitude, often misunderstood as simply being alone, is a state of being alone without loneliness or isolation. It's a positive and desirable experience that allows for introspection, creativity, and personal growth. Being alone is not necessarily synonymous with loneliness, which is a sense of isolation even when surrounded by others." Being an old fart, I enjoy time alone. The outside world has become too noisy for me, too crowded to feel at peace. I do enjoy our meeting together with our church body, families and old friends as we just returned home from. Every day I often end up in my shop eventually by myself. Quiet with special easy listening instrumentals playing. A favorite may come on and trigger memories. Good stuff most often. This causes a great thankfulness, gratitude and eventually giving praise to God. God is with me and ain't going to leave. I talk, he listens, and with the word hid within, me replies. I know I am blessed beyond measure and try to get that emotion understood by our 'Father.' Why does He give me so much favor, a sinner like me? God is merciful. God is good, and so be it. Thanks Michael

I join you in that. As for myself, the Lord is with me always so I'm never alone. It isn't a burden by any means. He has given me a memorial so that I can remember how He came to me when all hope was lost, and I wrongly believed that He despised me having been silent for so many years. I think of that day and I tremble at the memory of how close I came to the end of this flesh; not the prospect of the end of flesh and blood but rather, the end of my time on earth without the Lord. He came to me and lifted me up, healing body and mind and restoring me. What is the memorial of that day? My right hand. It was broken when I fell and so one of the knuckles on that hand is absent. This is so I can remember and say, "The Lord delivered me with a mighty hand, for my own was broken!" I could say that I lost everything except for the life in this body that is perishing, and it would be true only in this sense: I have no family (they rejected me). I have no wife and no children. I lost all of my possessions many times over, I lost whatever money I had, and I had no place to rest my head. I don't own any property... But the Lord has given me everything. He has given me Himself and the promise that when He gathers me to Himself, I will never depart. I will dwell in His presence forever. Truly, my joy knows no bounds!

Birds and Animals · During one tense bullfight, matador Alvaro Munero did the unthinkable. As the crowd cheered, wanting the next dramatic move, he abruptly stepped away from the bull, walked to the edge of the arena, and sat down. The roaring crowd fell into stunned silence. In a post-interview that came from his heart, Alvaro shared this life-altering moment that led to his decision: "In one moment I forgot the existence of the horns. All I could see was his eyes, standing there, not with rage but with something much deeper-innocence. He was not attacking me; he was just looking at me, pleading wordlessly for his life. That is when it came into my mind that this isn't an animal I am fighting; this is a living thing that wanted to live as much as I did.". His eyes had that purity that only animals possess, and in them, I saw that undeniable truth. I felt an overwhelming surge of guilt; it was as if I had become the most heartless creature alive. I couldn't continue. I dropped my sword, left the arena, and made a promise to myself: I would no longer fight bulls; I would fight against a world which makes a game out of the torture of others for amusement. The story of Alvaro Munero is a rare, powerful look into the transformative force of compassion, even in the most unlikely of places. It is a reminder that one moment of connection can change a life, inspire a new purpose.__https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/te2/1/16/270d.png

Pauls letters spend a lot of time showing the early churches what they were doing wrong. Some churches, who don't listen to his teachings, are still doing it wrong and that is why I think it's important.

I think the notion is foolishness and that is mild. Its plain that God made sure the Church has exactly what we need in the canon.

I have known some brothers and sisters in the Lord who have lost spouses to death or divorce. Its tough for them. Regarding solitude, I think its beneficial when its time alone with God. Special times of fellowship. But If its just me . . . then I never can get away from me . . . I tell the same old stale jokes that are really not funny . . . have the same old complaints, and really don't like me to the point that I would choose myself as a friend. Just saying . . . .

Brief...lol. @ladypeartree @other one @Henry_iain

Here a blog post from christianpioneer.com that describes how struggles can be beneficial. Beneficial Adversity There was an image circulated via email a few days ago with four pictures. The first showed the men on Iwo Jima raising the US flag in WWII. It was titled, “Hard times make strong men”. The next image was of a man working on his car in the 1950s. It was titled, “Strong men make good times”. The third image was of people partying in the 1980s. It was titled, “Good times make weak men”. The last picture was of abandoned houses in Detroit that looked like a demilitarized zone. It was titled, “Weak men make hard times”. I once worked with a man (a non-custodial parent) who said one of the saddest things I have ever heard, he said, “The laziest person I have ever seen is my son. He never gets up from a video game except to go to the refrigerator.” It is not uncommon for the older generation to comment on the flaws they see in the younger generation. However, this does not automatically mean that these observations are invalid. By creating a social environment for our children of unending entertainment, subsidized indolence, unrestrained consumerism, offense at every slight (real or imagined), and the cultivation of a critical spirit to contend with that of a movie, restaurant or theater critic, we may have produced a generation of perpetual adolescents with weak character. This may have been done with good intentions, but the result indicates that it might be legitimately called child abuse. A generation or two ago a wayward child could have been sent to the military where exposure to an adverse environment might have helped him develop the strength of character he was missing. Unfortunately, the military environment has been modified as to not inflict such character improving difficulty. In addition, the military no longer desires to accept those in need of correction. The bible tells us that the Lord “chastens” those he loves. Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, wrestling against sin. And ye have quite forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when reproved by him; for whom the Lord loves he chastens, and scourges every son whom he receives. Hebrews 12:4-6 There is a saying that the best education in the world comes from the school of hard knocks, the problem is that the tuition is so high. For Christians, we have the option to surrender ourselves to the Lord’s leading in humility and sincerity so that we might avoid the more harsh chastening the Lord might use to get our attention such as getting laid off, finding ourselves in the midst of divorce, or struggling with addiction when we should have already been seeking his leading. Satan is almost finished using Christians to advance the plan of global collectivism he has been advancing for centuries. As a result, Christians should expect to face increasing hostility and persecution. In addition to finally getting Christians to curtail their love affair with the world, we might find that increasing hostility improves our character by seeking after and clinging to Jesus. This might result in a more clear testimony as Peter tells those about to undergo persecution; But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: 1 Peter 3:15

I agree with those who consider Paul's writings to be indispensable to Christian Life and Service.

These are strange times when some that claim to be Christians would try to pick apart the Word of God. All of the Word of God is written for our benefit.

A good example of how to tell whether something is of His Spirit...the Holy Spirit's two primary functions for us are to convict of sin and point to Christ. In any assembly Christ must be the Head, the focus and reason for gathering.

Hi @Excalibur Here on Worthy Christian Forums there is room for some degree of emotive discussion on a variety of topics, but as WilliamL has rightly pointed out, (unless quoting Scripture), it is necessary to address the validity of arguments based on their content without bias as to their exponents. There are several passages in the Bible that mention the Antichrist and indicate that the spirit of the Antichrist is already present in the world. Here are a few key verses: 1 John 2:18 – "Children, it is the last hour; and just as you have heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have appeared. This is how we know it is the last hour." 1 John 4:3 – "Every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God; this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world." 2 John 1:7 – "For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the Antichrist." These verses suggest that the Antichrist is not just a singular future figure but that there are many who embody the spirit of deception and opposition to Christ. The cumulative effect of this is depicted in Revelation 13, and foretold in 2 Thessalonians 2.

Psalm 2.

Nothing is too great for the Lord. In Him, nothing is insurmountable: not unbelief, stubborn rebellion, nor alterations done to this body that is perishing. All souls belong to the Almighty. The Spirit of the Lord convicts all men and women of their ungodly deeds, and nothing and no one is His equal. The Lord told us to not to fear those who slay this body (Matthew 10:28), so does this flesh and blood possess eternal value? It most assuredly does not. If it did, the Lord would have told us otherwise. He tells us that "all flesh is like grass" (Isaiah 40:6-8 and 1 Peter 1:24), so whatever is done to this flesh is moot as it returns to the dust from whence it came. All manner of speculation about the mark of the beast abounds. Over time, it was vaccines... the universal product code system... credit cards... or technology in general. Those who preached that the mark is this or that were utterly convinced of their accuracy... so in our day, why is anyone who preaches the same more correct than those who preceded them?

I'm similarly fond of solitude and can quite easily spend weeks or even months without human contact. I try not to slip into that, though. I feel a similar relationship with what some would call depression. But it's often been a source for compassion and insight, and much like Paul's thorn I think it's served a purpose. I wouldn't change it.

I'm going to be blunt. Sitting on the fence is just fine with Satan: he owns the fence. You are either in Christ or you're not. Having said that, understand that if you are in Christ, the moment you were born again in Christ you were justified, you were adopted into the family of God, and you were and are being sanctified. Sanctification is another way of saying that you are set apart from the world, that God has begun a work in you, and He has promised to complete the work He began in you. Sanctification is a process, a lifelong process that begins when you first believed and were born again in Christ, and sanctification is fully realized when we are glorified with Christ. If you are in Christ, God's Sanctification of you is His plan for you; trust God's plan, because God's plan is greater than all the plans that you and all the planners in the world could ever come up with; God's plan is greater. Peace

Yes, sound the alarm, but the Bible provides numerous scriptures that highlight Christ’s role concerning nations, including Israel and beyond. Here are some key passages: Matthew 28:19 – "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." This verse emphasizes Christ’s command to spread His message to all nations, not just Israel. Isaiah 49:6 – "I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth." This prophecy foretells Christ’s role in bringing salvation beyond Israel. Acts 17:26 – "And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place." This verse highlights God’s sovereignty over nations and His plan for humanity. Revelation 7:9 – "After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people, and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb." This passage illustrates Christ’s universal reign and the inclusion of all nations in His kingdom. Psalm 22:28 – "For kingship belongs to the Lord, and he rules over the nations." This verse affirms Christ’s authority over all nations.

I want to live in a Christian country. This country was founded by Godly principles. And when society followed Christianity it was a much better society. Look at it now. Everything is divisive and perverse.

I see Paul's writings as having some of the best explanations of this new life of Christ in us, our "treasure in earthen vessels." And he is the only who speaks of Christ and the church in such a way as is revealed in books like Ephesians, Colossians, Philippians and Galatians. The union of Christ within us, and the manifestation of Him through us, is something Paul really zeros in on - both on the spiritual and on the practical sides. If we had to, I think could get by without Peter or John's writings (I would certainly miss those though!). But if Paul's epistles were removed I think there would be a huge part missing, concerning the revelation of what Christ is doing in and through us!

I had those thoughts myself my first time through the Bible. Was his contribution needed? Jesus said everything he needed to say. He made things very clear, then Paul was all about the church which is corrupted by man. The church that has veered away from what the Bible originally taught. What I keep going back to is I don't believe God would allow that deception in the Bible. He couldn't possibly allow people to trust in Paul if he was going against God. Then there were all of the sacrifices Paul made to spread the Gospel. Being beaten, jailed, shipwrecked. I don't doubt it anymore.

Amen! "We have this treasure in an earthen vessel". This is a remarkable thing to study on.

Concerning Jesus, He wasn't promoting eating unclean animals. The scribes were questioning Jesus' disciples about eating with ceremonially unwashed hands. If Jesus would have declared unclean animals were good to eat, the scribes would have had a legit complaint concerning the Law. Remember Peter's vision? Peter said he never ate anything unclean. So if the disciples were eating unclean food during the time the scribes were questioning Jesus, that would have been a lie. So Jesus didn't declare all animals were clean to eat. In the beginning, our food was the fruits and herbs of the field. Things produced out of the ground. When the perfect creation is restored, I imagine that will be our food again, to enjoy.

Begin with the Word. Not with opinions or pulpits padded by patriotism. Not with the theology of empire dressed in Sunday best. We start where truth starts—with the living, breathing Word of God. Because before there were courtrooms and constitutions, there was covenant. And that covenant has never been about domination. It’s been about deliverance. Scripture doesn’t stutter on this: God’s kingdom is not built with ballots or bayonets. It’s not something you vote in or legislate through. It is holy ground, not government ground. And every time the people of God forget that, every time they try to marry the sacred to the state, the result is the same oppression dressed as obedience, violence baptized in God’s name, and a gospel so twisted it barely resembles the man who died for it. Jesus Himself laid it down without room for debate. “My kingdom is not of this world,” He said. Not once did He call for a nation to represent Him. Not once did He urge His followers to conquer politically. When His disciples reached for swords, He told them to put them away. When pressed on allegiance, He said, “Render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” That wasn’t a vague suggestion—it was a declaration of jurisdiction. Caesar could have the coins. God laid claim to the people. Even in the wilderness, when the devil offered Jesus power over all the kingdoms of the world, He refused. He didn’t even hesitate. “Away from me, Satan.” Power was never His mission. Presence was. And yet the Church today craves what Christ rejected. Power, control, dominion. The devil offered Jesus empire, and Jesus said no. Now churches say yes and call it holy. This idolatry is not new. Israel once demanded a king so they could be like the other nations. God warned them what would follow—oppression, taxation, war, slavery. They didn’t listen. They got their king, and everything God said would happen, did. Prophets wept in the streets while kings built palaces. The Word became a weapon in the hands of rulers, and worship became theater for the rich. Isaiah thundered, “Your hands are full of blood… learn to do right, seek justice.” Micah said it clean: God doesn’t want burnt offerings. He wants justice, mercy, humility. But the people wanted a crown more than a covenant. Jesus saw it again in His day—the Pharisees wrapped around Roman politics, using religion to keep their status. He didn’t bother with soft words. He called them whitewashed tombs. He didn’t try to reform their system. He condemned it. And Revelation? It doesn’t exalt state religion. It exposes it. The beast in Revelation is political power demanding worship. And the harlot? That’s the faith that climbs into bed with it. The Church corrupted by empire is not the bride of Christ—it’s a beast rider. Scripture makes no room for confusion. And still, men have taken the violence of empire and claimed it was God’s doing. They wrote conquest into scripture, edited genocide into the margins, and called it obedience. But the truth remains—God never needed murder to fulfill His will. He sent prophets, not politicians. He raised up deliverers, not dictators. He parted seas. He didn’t need swords. He takes no pleasure in death. He is not the God of genocide. He is the God who said, “Do not kill.” And every time blood has been spilled in His name, it was man reaching for power, not God sending down fire. History proves the point. The Crusades were not acts of faith—they were acts of war. Soldiers marched under the cross and slaughtered Muslims, Jews, even fellow Christians. The Church didn’t call for peace. It offered indulgences. Heaven for bloodshed. Pope Urban II told them, “God wills it.” But God never willed the massacre of children. God never blessed the butchering of cities. That wasn’t the Gospel. That was empire. The Inquisition wasn’t about truth. It was about terror. People were tortured until they confessed heresy. Women burned as witches. Jews driven out or forced to convert. The Church took the tools of empire—iron, flame, fear—and called them sacraments. But Jesus never forced belief. He never strapped people to a rack. He never threatened hell with metal and fire. It wasn’t just Christianity. Islam became empire. The early community in Medina was a faith movement. But by the time of the caliphates, it was state control. Apostates killed. Blasphemers hanged. Religious law became national law. And in the modern world, nations like Iran and Saudi Arabia still claim divine rule. Meanwhile, extremist groups like ISIS murder in the name of God, quoting scripture as they kill children. This isn’t faith. It’s tyranny wrapped in robes. In India, Hindu nationalism is rising—lynchings, riots, laws designed to erase Muslims and Christians. In Myanmar and Sri Lanka, Buddhist monks, once symbols of peace, now incite genocide. In Israel, religious Zionism fuels apartheid, demolishes homes, and bulldozes peace in the name of Abraham’s promise. In Russia, Putin’s tanks are baptized by Orthodox priests. War crimes done under the sign of the cross. And in America, we have our own golden calf. Christian nationalism isn’t coming. It’s here. Politicians quote the Bible while stripping rights. Preachers bless legislation that punishes the poor, the queer, the immigrant. Courts stacked with judges more loyal to scripture than to law. School boards pushing forced prayer while banning books. Senators quoting Leviticus while ignoring the Gospel. All of it claimed as revival. All of it soaked in nationalism, not holiness. Let’s talk about the slogans. “In God We Trust” was never divine. It was born in the Civil War and made official during the Cold War. “Under God” was added to the Pledge in 1954—not by apostles, but by politicians afraid of communism. These weren’t acts of worship. They were propaganda. A way to mark enemies and control minds. And religion in schools? That wasn’t in the Founders’ blueprint. The First Amendment wasn’t about putting the Bible in every classroom. It was about keeping government out of pulpits and pulpits out of government. America was never meant to be a Christian nation. It was built to escape one. Today’s Church forgets that. It wants state funding without accountability. It wants to run schools, hospitals, and charities but refuses to follow public rules. It wants Caesar’s gold but not Caesar’s law. It demands privilege and calls it persecution when challenged. It isn’t walking with Jesus. It’s trying to replace Him. Let’s say it plain: When the Church ties itself to the state, it does not become more holy. It becomes more corrupt. Once religion grabs the sword, it forgets the cross. Once faith becomes law, it loses its mercy. Every time religion becomes the state, people die. The pattern is as old as time. And still, we repeat it. Jesus never sought the throne. He didn’t march on Rome. He walked to Calvary. The devil offered Him power. He said no. The Church says yes. And it dares to call it godly. But you cannot serve Christ and Caesar. You cannot love your neighbor and legislate their pain. You cannot take up the cross and wield the gavel of empire. The Gospel does not need government. It needs truth. And truth has always spoken from the margins, not the palace. So here we are. The lines are drawn. Not between left and right, red and blue—but between empire and kingdom. Between control and compassion. Between religion that forces and faith that frees. 🌿 The gospel of Jesus Christ is not national. It is not partisan. It is not built with ballots, borders, or bayonets. It was never meant to sit on a throne of man’s making. Jesus said it Himself: “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36). That wasn't metaphor. That was line in the sand. When religion grasps for power, it loses its holiness. When faith becomes law, it stops being faith—it becomes empire. And from Genesis to Revelation, God has warned us what that looks like. “They have not rejected you,” He told Samuel, “they have rejected Me as their king” (1 Samuel 8:7). They wanted a throne. God offered a covenant. They wanted a king. God gave them prophets. But the people still chose crowns over justice, armies over mercy, spectacle over sacrifice. And every time the Church has followed that same path, the result has been blood. The Crusades didn’t spread the gospel—they butchered it. The Inquisition didn’t defend truth—it tortured it. Colonialism didn’t bring light—it baptized genocide in holy language. History is thick with the wreckage of faith welded to empire, and still we repeat it. Jesus refused the offer of political control. “All these kingdoms I will give you,” the devil said in the wilderness (Matthew 4:8–10), and Christ did not flinch. He chose the cross, not the throne. When His disciples reached for the sword, He said, “Put it back” (Matthew 26:52). When asked about allegiance, He said, “Render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s—and to God what is God’s” (Luke 20:25). Power was not His goal. Presence was. Truth was. Redemption was. And yet today, Christian nationalism calls the devil’s offer holy. It wraps flags around pulpits. It turns Leviticus into legislation. It blesses courts that deny asylum, books that erase history, and laws that shame the vulnerable. It speaks the name of Jesus while trampling the people He died to save. But the Word is clear. “Woe to you, whitewashed tombs,” Jesus said to the religious elite who merged God with government, “on the outside you look righteous, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness” (Matthew 23:27–28). Isaiah cried, “Your hands are full of blood… learn to do right, seek justice, defend the oppressed” (Isaiah 1:15–17). Micah said, “What does the Lord require of you? To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8). Revelation shows us the beast—empire demanding worship—and the harlot—a corrupted church climbing into bed with it (Revelation 13). That is not holiness. That is blasphemy dressed in religious robes. You cannot serve Christ and Caesar. You cannot carry a cross and wield the gavel of empire. You cannot love your neighbor while legislating their pain. The gospel was never meant to rule nations—it was meant to rescue them. It was meant to be a witness from the margins, not a mandate from the throne. So let the slogans fall. “In God We Trust” was never the gospel—it was Cold War propaganda. “Under God” was not divine revelation—it was political strategy. These were not confessions of faith. They were signs of fear. The Founders knew better than many preachers today. Jefferson said, “Christianity neither is, nor ever was, a part of the common law.” Madison warned, “Religion and government will both exist in greater purity, the less they are mixed together.” They were not apostles, but even they knew what the Church seems to have forgotten: Jesus doesn’t share power. He walks through fire, not the halls of empire. And yet, even still, Christ stands. Unbought. Unbroken. Unchained from the violence done in His name. He is not the God of nationalism. He is the Lamb slain before the foundations of the world. He still reigns—but not from man’s throne. From heaven. From love. From the cross. So the line is drawn. Not between Democrat and Republican, liberal and conservative. But between empire and kingdom. Between the religion that forces and the faith that frees. Between the church that kneels to Caesar and the Church that kneels to Christ. The gospel does not need government. It needs truth. And truth still speaks from the margins—not the palace. 🌿 Lord God, we come to You not with answers but with grief, not with pride but with repentance. You alone are holy. You alone are just. Our nation has confused Your name with its ambition, dressed its politics in Your Word, and claimed power in the name of righteousness while crushing the vulnerable. We confess the silence of the Church when it should have spoken, the compromise of pulpits that traded the cross for clout, and the way we have mistaken influence for faithfulness. Forgive us. We lift before You those who hold authority in this land—judges, lawmakers, governors, presidents. You see beyond their titles. You know their hearts. Where they have hardened themselves, soften them. Where they have confused zeal for truth, bring them clarity. Let their policies reflect compassion, not control. Let their decisions serve the least, not the loudest. Let their power bow to Your justice. We pray for the faith leaders who have been caught in the lie that power is proof of Your blessing. Break that lie. Correct them, not to destroy, but to restore. And if they will not repent, then remove their platforms and protect the flock. You are the Shepherd. Let no one lead in Your name without walking in Your Spirit. We ask healing for the wounded—for the faithful pushed to the margins by religion twisted into empire. Let them see You clearly. Let them know what was done in Your name was not of You. Restore them with gentleness. Bind what religion broke. Even for those convinced they were right while they did wrong. If there is still breath, then there is still time. Awaken them. Let their repentance be real—not show, but surrender. Let the Church remember the cross is not a weapon. It is a mercy seat. And for the global body of Christ, bruised and scattered, we ask revival—not of nationalism, but of the Spirit. Let the Church no longer seek Caesar’s gold or Caesar’s sword. Let it no longer confuse government with gospel. Let it be the place where captives are set free, not where laws are passed to bind them further. Let it return to Christ. We pray for those who are barely holding on—those who still love You but are afraid of what’s been done in Your name. Remind them that You have never joined the empire. You have always stood outside its gates, crucified with the outcast, risen with the forgotten. You are not the weapon. You are the Healer. So come, Lord Jesus. Heal what pride has broken. Judge with mercy. Speak with fire. And bring this nation, this Church, this world back to Your heart—not through power, but through truth. Not through dominance, but through grace. Not through control, but by the wind of Your Spirit. We ask this not because we are righteous. We are not. We ask it because You are still holy, still patient, still God. -Tym Da Enill- Amen.

"The power of it all is literal", and I experience it everyday, I go in and out and find pasture ... there is no longer a way to put into words (and hasn't been for many years) to share what I no longer labor for.

I think many modern day ideas forget, this nation was founded upon the notion that human nature is sinful, and self interested. Hence a nation by the people, for the people to choose the power over them. Furthermore, to have a government that power is divided into parts. Because men by nature become corrupt. That is the Christian application to our form of government and it is great. What we have had in our history, is men attempting political control outside of our elected officials. Giving regulatory control over to bureaucratic agencies. Therefore, it no longer matters who is president, who is in congress, who is in senate. The rules these agencies make continue on. I desire to see government fully returned to the power of the people. To keep power in check, due to "human nature" being corrupt, and power tempting to further corrupt. We are seeing this continue through the judicial branch, unelected to control another branch of government (elected) to function. Just my two cents.

Thank you to each of you who took the time to respond. I’ve read every word carefully, and I’d like to respond—not to argue, not to attack—but to give clarity, from Scripture, on what I believe and why. Not everyone will agree, and that’s fine. To NConly Jacob didn’t create a nation. What happened to him was something much deeper. In Genesis 32:28, God said, “Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.” That name wasn’t political—it was personal. Jacob was alone and broken when God named him Israel. Genesis 35:10 confirms, “Thy name is Jacob: thy name shall not be called any more Jacob, but Israel shall be thy name.” Israel didn’t start with a throne. It started with a limp, a blessing, and a calling. Deuteronomy 7:7–8 says, “The LORD did not set his love upon you… because ye were more in number… But because the LORD loved you.” That’s not nationalism. That’s grace. To “other one” Christ will reign. That is true. But His reign won’t look like the kingdoms of this world. Zechariah 9:9 says, “Behold, thy King cometh… lowly, and riding upon an ass.” Jesus also said, “Take my yoke upon you… for I am meek and lowly in heart” (Matthew 11:29). That’s not a dictator—that’s a shepherd. Isaiah 42:3 says, “A bruised reed shall he not break.” He doesn’t crush what’s weak. He heals. Isaiah 9:7 says, “Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end.” And Revelation 21:4 says, “God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.” Even the rod of iron in Revelation 19:15 is about justice—not cruelty. The King we serve leads with truth, not tyranny. To Luther I understand the desire for a nation shaped by godly values. But Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36). Psalm 33:12 says, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.” That blessing is for the people God calls His own—not for governments or political systems. Romans 3:10 says, “There is none righteous, no, not one.” And verse 12 adds, “They are all gone out of the way.” No nation—not even one claiming Christ—has ever fully followed Him. The kingdom of God doesn’t come through laws or flags. It comes when hearts surrender to Christ. To Michael37 This matters because when the people of God confuse kingdom with nation, harm follows. Hosea 8:4 says, “They have set up kings, but not by me.” Psalm 146:3 warns, “Put not your trust in princes.” And Acts 4:26 tells us, “The kings of the earth stood up… against the Lord.” God’s people were never meant to find their security in political power. Every time they did, it led to compromise, corruption, and loss. The pattern is clear—both in the Bible and in history. To AnOrangeCat Your words reflect wisdom and compassion. The Scriptures agree with what you’re seeing. Isaiah 58:1 says, “Cry aloud… shew my people their transgression.” Jesus said, “Woe unto you… for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men” (Matthew 23:13). James 1:27 defines pure religion: “To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction.” Proverbs 31:8–9 says, “Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction.” The role of the Church is not to protect power—it’s to serve the vulnerable. Thank you for holding that line with humility and discernment. To Marathoner You said it plain, and I agree. No nation has ever truly kept God's commandments. Isaiah 40:17 says, “All nations before him are as nothing.” Psalm 33:16 reminds us, “There is no king saved by the multitude of an host.” Romans 3:9 says, “They are all under sin.” That’s why God made a better covenant: “Behold, the days come… that I will make a new covenant… not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers” (Jeremiah 31:31–32). That covenant is not about land or government—it’s about the redemption of the heart through Christ. 🌿 It is my belief—formed through Scripture, prayer, and the grace of God—that Christ does not rule as a tyrant, and the Father is not a dictator. They reign with power, yes—but also with righteousness, mercy, and truth. “The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy” (Psalm 145:8). Jesus said, “Come unto me… and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). And He proved His love: “The Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28). “For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations” (Psalm 100:5). That is the kind of King I follow. Not because He forces me to—but because His love has never failed. Thank you again to each of you. These things matter deeply, and I pray all of us keep coming back to the Word—not just for argument, but for understanding, correction, and hope. May we be led by the Spirit of truth, not the spirit of the age. Grace and peace, —Tym Da Enill

When Jesus returns, he will be a sovereign dictator for a 1,000 years. After he has put all enemies away, he will subject himself to the Father, and I don't think we can understand how things will be.

The more Islam encroaches, the less safe any of us are.

And these ones often want to tolerate sin in the world to show our "love" - for instance, with homosexuality and other sexual deviations. Plus some would view Paul as misogynistic. But this often results in the church and world being married with little difference.

I find no where in scripture a reference to a spirit body. It's a non-sequitur. Our resurrection bodies will be made of flesh and bone with our Life source being Christ.

We must neither dismiss Paul's writings, nor must we teach that those writings teach a different gospel message than that which Jesus and the other apostles taught.

Psalms 3:1-8 A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son. O LORD, how many are my foes! Many are rising against me; 2 many are saying of my soul, “There is no salvation for him in God.” Selah 3 But you, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. 4 I cried aloud to the LORD, and he answered me from his holy hill. Selah 5 I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the LORD sustained me. 6 I will not be afraid of many thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around. 7 Arise, O LORD! Save me, O my God! For you strike all my enemies on the cheek; you break the teeth of the wicked. 8 Salvation belongs to the LORD; your blessing be on your people! Selah David wrote Psalm 3 while running for his life — betrayed, heartbroken, and hunted by his own son, Absalom. The weight of rebellion wasn’t just political; it was personal. His household had turned against him. Friends became foes. Loyal hearts grew cold. The throne he once held was now surrounded by enemies, and the whispers grew louder: “There is no salvation for him in God.” (Psalm 3:2) But David didn’t answer his enemies — he answered with worship. “But You, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.” (Psalm 3:3) In the midst of collapse, David turned his eyes upward. When everything else was falling apart, he clung to the truth that God had not. The Lord was his shield — not just ahead of him, but around him, covering the blind spots, the unseen threats. When others stripped away his dignity, God became his glory. When grief bowed his head low, God lifted it again. David didn’t just endure—he rested. “I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the LORD sustained me.” (Psalm 3:5) That single verse speaks volumes. David didn’t sleep because the danger was gone—he slept because his trust was anchored in the God who never sleeps. Surrounded by betrayal and hunted in the dark, he laid his head down in faith, not fear. And when morning came, breath still in his lungs, it was proof: God was still writing his story. And because of that, he faced the day unshaken. “I will not be afraid of many thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around.” (Psalms 3:6) The odds didn’t matter anymore. God was with him. The same voice that silenced storms now steadied his heart. “Arise, O LORD! Save me, O my God!” (Psalm 3:7) David called out — not in panic, but in confidence. He had seen what God could do. He knew the One who breaks the power of the wicked and silences every mocking mouth. And then he makes a bold declaration that echoes across generations: “Salvation belongs to the LORD; Your blessing be on Your people.” (Psalm 3:8) This isn’t just David’s testimony — it’s the battle cry of every believer who’s ever stood in the fire and refused to bow. When betrayal breaks your heart, when fear grips your chest, when the enemy hisses, “You’re finished” — lift your eyes. The same God who shielded David surrounds you now. He is your defender. He is your honor when shame tries to stain you. He is the hand that lifts your head when the weight of life pulls it down. Your rescue doesn’t come from strategy or strength, from plans or performance. Salvation is God’s alone — and He’s never lost a battle. His blessing isn’t fragile. It doesn’t vanish in the storm. It rests still — on those who trust Him. Selah. Let that truth thunder through your soul while the battle rages on! View the full article

Hi Dennis, You have studied a lot. Very interesting there bro.

I have found the letters of Paul quite liberating to me as a Christian. My favorite is his letter to the Romans.

I overheard a conversation once that touched on this. What it boiled down to was that Jesus seemed to simplify things, based on things like the two great commandments, the policy of showing mercy to obtain mercy, and emphasis on our hearts being in the right place. Then when you look at Paul he delved into some more complicated concepts and some standards of behavior. I personally don't see an incompatibility. They each had their own points of emphasis. The different perspectives and approaches are going to appeal and make more sense to different people. I've gotten a lot out of his writings as well. Romans 14, the body of Christ, a few parts of Philippians, and not causing others to stumble are the ones that I find myself referencing the most when I speak to others using Paul's writings.

Jesus talked more about hell than heaven. Why? This was a story from Jesus, not just anyone. Why did Jesus pursue these kinds of discussions? I believe it’s apparent there is a lot at stake. I once believed this to be some kind of parable loaded with metaphors, but really it aligns with those biblical holding places. It has to be a very real presentation of events. Everyone will have had opportunity to either accept or reject. No stragglers. The story probably represents a cross section of people even though literal. My Bible reading this morning in Psalms discusses the very temporary nature of the wealthy. They are there one minute and after fading they are gone. The poor should be thankful for their low position. Why? If it results in seeking God it’s a blessing with eternal implications. God makes sure the poor have enough if they are His. If the rich foolishly depend on fleeting resources that can’t help them, it’s really a curse. They need to have the right perspective.

Without going into too much detail, Lee was a younger contemporary of Nee and could be considered a protege. Nee got jailed by the communists and Lee went to Taiwan and eventually the USA in the 60s in southern CA. Lee strongly promoted the "one church - one city" idea, meaning in the NT we see the church as simply having a label according to where the believers lived and met. Hence the city they were in, like: the Church in Ephesus; Church in Jerusalem, etc. - all believers in that city were considered one ekkelsia in that locality. Therefore those following Lee's teaching were referred to as the "local church" in that city (e.g., The Church in Anaheim). The teaching was referred to as "the ground of oneness." The teaching isn't without merit, but they really became elitist, shunning other groups of Christians who didn't drop their denominational names to come practice the "oneness" with them. Lee often disparaged Christendom (again, not without some merit*), but the group really looked down upon and separated themselves from other Christians. The characteristics of Laodicea started to become manifest and now they pretty much only read Lee's materials (with some Watchman Nee). The so-called "ground of oneness" doctrine became a focus and just another point of division in the body of Christ - anything we focus on other than Christ, no matter how good, usually just results in another division! * I say this has some merit simply because of the condition of the overall church in this age, with hundreds of divisions, of which we are all aware of its shortcomings. This degraded state is somewhat "natural" in that we all still have the flesh, which is by nature, quite divisive. Yet God sees the church as a new creation and glorious - this is a matter of standing in faith for us, in that He is able to present us to Himself glorious and "without spot, wrinkle or any such thing!"

Hey my brother praise GOD thanks for this. You know Christ said unless He goes the holy Spirit will not come "The fruit of the Spirit". We know the sweet holy Spirit is a person that does not speak of Him self but only what He hears from the Father/Christ "But when He, the Spirit of Truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth [full and complete truth]. For He will not speak on His own initiative, but He will speak whatever He hears [from the Father—the message regarding the Son], and He will disclose to you what is to come [in the future]." And in Acts "the holy spirit said" "While they were serving the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul (Paul) for the work to which I have called them.”

John 15 "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me" "I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing"

50 plus years ago when Christ revealed Himself to me He led me to Watchman Nee and the Lord used his writings to lay a solid foundation in me before ever joining a congregation. After some time the pastor where I found myself asked me to teach a study based on what I had consumed. I very much to this day thank the Lord for WN. Much time has passed and the core of that remains and has been strengthened...Christ is my Life. I died and yet I live. I don't think I agree with anybody in total. Witness Lee is a very, very different fella. I never read his stuff--but I recall the little I did many years ago--caused me to run. Along with the Normal Christian Life I suggest Sit, Walk and Stand and Changed into His Likeness and What Shall This Man Do. T. Austin Sparks can be very helpful as well.

I think you are correct. Many years ago a fellowship I was part of practiced washing our feet as a way of remembering what I think is the meaning. The feet is a metaphor, so to speak for that which picks up dust from the earth as we walk and live in this fallen world that needs cleaning up. We can accomplish this by ministering to one another in fellowship. We know that we are 'clean' as Christ said and have His imputed 'Righteousness' and yet we are subject to worldly dust. There is much more that can be said about this.

I think seeing that sanctify is basically a setting aside for a Purpose--and in this context His Purpose--our sanctification begins when we are Born again into His Kingdom. We are set apart for Him and His Purpose. Our ongoing sanctification is evidenced by His working in us--"we are changed into His likeness from one degree of glory to another" We who are in Christ of the Father have been set aside from the rest of humanity--indeed from the old man Adam into the New Man--Christ. His Eternal Purpose is to have a People--but much more a Family after Kind. His Kind. This is an immutable principle established at Creation's beginning.

@Alive @Ray12614 @PATrobas This morning I read this in the Supplied Life devotional, which spoke to this same topic. Our job is to just let this wonderful life and Person in us operate! The new covenant operating "Who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life." 2 Corinthians 3:6 The new covenant is based on the divine operation of the Lord's life in us related to everything in our living. We are enjoying Him--His very life and nature, His soul-life with His thoughts. As we merge with Him, we find that our spontaneous reactions become just Himself. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, and long-suffering. This is not something you are trying to be. It is something that has grown and manifested itself because you are dealing with the Spirit. Christ is operating and becoming the very content of the church in every member by our participation in His life--by eating His flesh, drinking His blood, staying before the tree of life. As we participate in Him, He operates. Apparently we are just common, ordinary people. Yet hidden within us is the divine life operating and the church becoming the expression of Christ Himself. This all happens by our participating in this Person.

My opinion is that it's a multifaceted thing. As Hinds Feet pointed out the Pharisees were complaining about unwashed hands, which is where Jesus quoting Isaiah comes in. The last part of the quote mentions people are worshiping God in vain and that their rules are manmade. Throughout Jewish history there's been a gradually accumulated body of text held alongside the OT, consisting of the comments of various rabbis throughout history and their interpretations of scripture. So I believe that in part Jesus was referencing that and taking issue with these manmade interpretations and expoundings being placed on a level that was at or near the same level as the Bible as it existed at the time. Looking at the matter of clean and unclean in food we see God communicating to Peter in a dream that He could make the unclean clean and that He was extending His grace to the Gentiles, which must have seemed strange and revolutionary at the time. So I think we get an illustration of salvation in examining it as well.

I don't see it so much as "This guy was going to Hell so he's getting his rewards on earth" so much as an example of an idea expressed by Jesus: to whom much is given much is required. In the story it's pointed out that the man had been exposed to the Law, he just failed spectacularly at even trying to pay attention to it as evidenced by the condition and treatment of Lazarus. God certainly knew the rich man would end up like this, so why let him have good things at all? Even sinners get used by God. Beyond that it's difficult to say. We don't really get much context. But it does seem a reminder of both God's compassion toward the destitute and for the rich to remember the poor and that their wealth is a blessing from God.

The words let there be light begins the separation; where darkness becomes evil by default.

Lev. 10:10 You are to distinguish between the holy and the common, and between the unclean and the clean, Job 14:4 Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? There is not one. The concept of clean and unclean can be found throughout the Bible. In the N.T. it generally refers to people. 2Cor. 7:1 Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God. Our hope is in being cleansed by God Almighty in the twinkling of an eye at the last trumpet!