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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!

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

Col 2:13-15 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, (14) by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. (15) He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him. This is an example of metaphor in language. In Colossians 2:14, Paul uses vivid imagery to describe how Christ's sacrifice removed the legal demands that were against humanity. The phrase "nailing it to the cross" metaphorically represents the cancellation of the debt of sin and the removal of the written code that condemned people. This type of figurative language is common in biblical texts, where abstract theological concepts are conveyed through concrete imagery. The idea of a "certificate of debt" being nailed to the cross emphasizes the completeness of Christ's redemptive work, showing that the charges against believers were fully dealt with through His crucifixion.

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

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

Brief but sweet. @ladypeartree @kwikphilly @other one

It never ceases to amaze me how many people are absolutely elated to see my cats out with me or in a cart etc.... they bring a lot of smiles- that's a pretty little kitty Notice Sami up front,we're waiting for Max to jump aboard..... I always say I'm gonna take my phone out and never remember so I could take some photos of us all out in the neighborhood with all the oohs & ahhhs of passers by❤️

This isn't a response to my brother; it's to emphasize the Vine, who is Jesus Christ, and how there are no distinctions made regarding this flesh in Him. My brother's words are a testimony of the Spirit of the Lord. What's more, we who are grafted into the Vine do not embroil ourselves in the evils of this world of man and his nations, for we belong to a Kingdom and a royal priesthood that is not of this world. We are here to show forth Christ to those who are sick and perishing --- all men and women regardless of who they are --- and alienating our neighbor by staining ourselves and taking "sides" in endless wars and power-mongering is the antithesis of who we are and what we do. Being an outsider to such matters, I look on while polarization, alienation, hatred, and division manifests among many who profess the name of Jesus Christ. We are to bless and not curse for we are called to the blessing, never returning evil for evil which is the custom of the ungodly and wicked. The apostle quotes Psalm 34:12-16: To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, loving, compassionate, and humble; not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you would inherit a blessing. For, “The one who desires life, to love and see good days, Must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit. He must turn away from evil and do good; He must seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous, And His ears attend to their prayer, But the face of the Lord is against evildoers.” (1 Peter 3:8-12 NASB)

I would not view AI as sloppy, but rather alarming as it is quickly getting better and better and creating convincing content. We all grew up with the view of "I know what I saw." But what did we really "see"? How accurate was the event that we "saw"? So Vine's admonition to wait, digest and ponder what we see on the news and in social media is outstanding advice as it becomes increasingly difficult to separate fact from fiction. Regarding this matter in a greater context, might Satan be rejoicing at all this confusion in understanding the "truth," as he would love to create a world wherein we are in a "post-truth" environment? In other words, if Satan can convince humans that there is NO "truth," as determining what is "truth" is so complicated to ascertain, then that in itself is an advancement of the Devil's agenda.

This is especially true of current times. AI video might not be super convincing yet, but give it a few years. We already see a lot of journalism that puts a spin on things to push an agenda. When things get to the point where people can just type in some words and generate convincing "evidence" in a matter of minutes it's going to get even worse and has the potential to create some seriously dangerous situations.

Israel is a package deal containing those who are obedient to God, and those who are not. The USA is also the same way. To say that I won't support Israel because some of it is secular is to abandon the national framework of freedoms that allow the Obedient people to serve and worship God. Its like saying that because I don't like all the features on my car, or the secular places I have to go to buy necessities so I refuse to put gas in my car or do maintenance on it . . . eventually . . . it will quit and I will be walking to church . . . .

The apostle Paul was unique: Paul compared himself to other apostles in various ways, often emphasizing his unique position and experiences. He defended his apostleship through the miracles he performed, which were considered signs of apostolic ministry. He referred to himself as "one born at the wrong time," suggesting an abnormal manner of becoming an apostle, which he saw as proof of his apostleship. 1 Corinthians 15:8 (KJV) And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time. He included himself among a wider group of apostles beyond the Twelve, mentioning his experience of seeing the risen Christ after the ascension. I believe Paul was personally mentored by Jesus Himself at or around Mount Sinai (Jebal Musa) for three years. Nor did I go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went immediately into Arabia and later returned to Damascus. We assume this sojourn in Arabia, lasting as long as three years (1:18), probably started shortly after Paul’s conversion in about the year A.D. 32 (Jesus was crucified and raised from the dead at about the year A.D. 30, and a number of events occurred in the early Christian church between that time and Paul’s conversion).[1] Galatians 1:17-18 (KJV) Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus. 18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days. Paul was the only one given the honor and privilege to reveal essential mysteries about the church, the Rapture, and the Resurrection. Paul’s writings have been obfuscated by the father of lies through other religions, Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam (72 virgins, other ways to heaven, etc.). Today, humanity has an aversion and hatred of absolutes, and where our morals and values originate. The mantra and character today are that we are our own gods. The earth dwellers today choose darkness over truth. Paul was given to the Gentiles. Galatians 2:7-8 (KJV) But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter; 8 (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:) [1] W. Harold Mare, New Testament Background Commentary: A New Dictionary of Words, Phrases and Situations in Bible Order (Ross-shire, UK: Mentor, 2004), 291.

Much like Sower, things change with age and situation. I spend all week days alone for the last 4 years or so. We are far away from family and friends and at an age where making new is not easy. Like Michael, I am comfortable with my thoughts. I have found myself often reflecting on the past and at times on past sins which I see as failures and so I rely on the Lord and His Grace and blood all the more. As I have shared before, I have become increasingly aware I can do nothing without Him. It’s kinda like going from macro to micro as life slows down. I am thankful that I can still build things like a screened porch and I can still help neighbors. My wife is my best friend and sister and we make a good team. Solitude provides an opportunity to realize a quiet contentment in Him.

Try doing something different and sometimes you'll discover something you should have tried in life much sooner. A musical instrument, fishing or just a harder hike. Something new can click with your spirit!

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?

That’s a powerful post—straight to the heart of the matter. I especially love the line, “Sitting on the fence is just fine with Satan: he owns the fence.” That hits hard and cuts through all the lukewarm fluff we so often hear. You're right—there’s no neutral ground in the spiritual battle. Your explanation of sanctification was spot on too. It’s both encouraging and humbling to remember that God isn’t finished with us yet. He began the work, and He will complete it—no matter how messy or slow the process may feel at times. Thank you for the boldness and clarity. Keep speaking truth.

This is always difficult to quantify with words, but it's worth trying. When we surrender to Jesus Christ this is when He dwells with us, and we dwell with Him. From the darkest of times to days of sunlight and glory, He is always with us, and we are always with Him. That is what it means to walk in the Spirit, @Figure of eighty. It is a relationship between us and the Almighty. What does this mean? I can walk anywhere on this earth... through places of desperation and unspeakable suffering where murders and kidnapping are common... and I am neither dismayed nor afraid for Christ is with me always. Don't you know that those who dwell in such places are the same whom Christ came for? He did not come for the strong or the wise, my friend. He came for the lowly and oppressed. He came for you and me. On the other side of misery and agony, you will find the lover of your soul and the Holy One who will take you in His hand. When I emptied myself out at last, the Lord filled me to overflowing, demonstrating that what I lost was nothing compared to what He had to give and will give to me. I learned to listen to His voice and ignore the frantic fears of the natural mind and this flesh. Whatever the Lord declares, it is trustworthy and true. Surrender to the Lord and you will find yourself on the other side of misery. Even though we suffer, it's only for a little while.

There is only one gospel. There is no difference between Jew and gentile in Jesus. The middle wall of partition has been broken down. The two (Jew and Gentile), have been made one in Christ. Ephesians 2:14 KJV “For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;” Ephesians 2:15 KJV “Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;” The entire nation of Israel, who was broken off, can individually be grafted back into the original tree (Israel) through Christ, with the gentiles being grafted in for the first time, are all told to endure - there is no separation. Romans 11:19-23 KJV 19 Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be graffed in. 20 Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear: 21 For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. 22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off. 23 And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed in: for God is able to graff them in again. We have to take Paul’s epistles along with the other epistles as one gospel in Christ. Ephesians 4:4-6 KJV 4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

Ephesians 6: 10¶Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age,fn against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

Yes, it is an invasion. " Mexico Is Complicit In The L.A. Riots " The appearance of Mexican flags in the L.A. riots is exactly what it appears to be: a declaration of war by a foreign power. Just as the Chinese Communist Party regards every ethnic Chinese person living inside the United States as a subject of the PRC, regardless of their citizenship status in the U.S., the MORENA government in Mexico sees the presence of large numbers of Mexican nationals living in the U.S. as a strategic asset that can be, if needed, mobilized to advance its own interests. " As mentioned above, MORENA has long partnered with major cartels and drug-trafficking organizations inside Mexico that are directly implicated in the migrant crisis that unfolded during the Biden years. As I’ve written previously, if the cartels are terrorist organizations, Mexico is their state sponsor. What this means is that the cartel-state partnership in Mexico has a vested interest in ensuring the Trump administration is unable to carry out its plans to secure the border. " https://thefederalist.com/2025/06/10/mexico-is-complicit-in-the-l-a-riots-and-there-should-be-consequences/

Don't show off. Don't be overbearing. Basically refrain from any of the works of the flesh.

"anyone who denies or opposes Jesus Christ, often interpreted as a false messiah or a power working against Christ". As He said to me once when I asked about this man yelling at all the people going into this movie "Lord is he of you?" He came right back said "if he is not against me he is for me". Its not something the lord would do but the fact he was not against Christ. Point is not a good example haha.. there is no middle ground. Now He did say if you were blind you would have no sin you say you see your sin remains. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. They cannot plead ignorance Psa The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork

Many many years ago I was exposed to the formula controversy and I can assure you it is a false argument with no merit. It may help you to substitute the phrase ‘in the name of’ with ‘in the Nature of’, for this is the relevant reality. In this case, the words spoken are not as important as the Realities behind them. We are baptized into His Nature by His Nature.

Psalms 34:8 Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him! For many, God remains a theory—an idea borrowed from tradition, deduced from the cosmos, or tucked quietly into the corners of a creed. He is believed in from afar, but is rarely encountered. Even among believers, it’s not uncommon to live with a distant reverence for God while lacking a vibrant, personal communion with Him. But Scripture offers something radically more intimate. God is not an abstract concept or a distant force. He is a Person—a loving Father who walks with His children, speaks to them, and invites them into His presence. The invitation is not to believe in a shadow or serve a principle, but to know Him. To experience Him. To taste and see that the Lord is good (Psalm 34:8). This is not a poetic metaphor—it is the reality of the spiritual life. Just as we use our physical senses to engage the world around us, so we are equipped with spiritual faculties—quickened by the Holy Spirit—to perceive, respond to, and delight in God. His presence is not imaginary or symbolic. It is real—closer than the ground beneath our feet. Have you settled for knowing about God without truly knowing Him? Is your faith limited to forms and facts instead of fellowship? The door to His presence stands open—not just in the life to come, but right here, right now. Today, don’t settle for simply thinking about God. Taste and see that He is good. Reckon upon His reality—draw near in quiet trust and let your spiritual senses awaken. You were made for this: to encounter, enjoy, and walk with the living God. This is the kind of vibrant faith that births revival—not manufactured in crowds, but ignited in hearts that have truly tasted His goodness and seen His glory. When even one soul is set ablaze by the presence of the Living God, the spark can become a wildfire. May that flame rise in you today. May revival be fresh and new within you, rooted in a firsthand taste of the One who is altogether good. View the full article

Paul’s language here is crystal clear. There is no excuse not to see it properly unless a filter of some sort is applied to either warp it or occlude it. There can be some reasonable disagreement on how it all plays out, but that is it.

They have been by the house twice lately. They do not like to hear that Jesus Christ is not Michael and rather that He is God. This is when they leave.

The JWs claim that it refers to themselves, but clearly this is far, far from compelling...

We all are well served if we understand different views are inevitable and welcome when discussed in love. The world has become a very big place with folks affected in various ways due to experience and inputs. We can disagree and still know unity in Christ.

Ty, @Alive........

Well said.

I thought it interesting that Paul uses a word for hitting the eye. To me, the eye is a leading part of my flesh, that is, what I look at can result in trouble.

@Starise Mathew 24:29 and Acts 2:20 Mathew 24:29 “Immediately after the distress of those days “‘the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken. Jesus foretold what will happen after his ordeal, the whole package, He said: "the distress of those days", including his death on the Cross to people who were able to understand him. Who knew they dependent on the various stages of the face of the moon. And the light of the sun. The beginning of their Religious Year and all their Celebrations in the Law were dependent on the various stages of the moon 🌙. The Crescent 🌙 for the beginning of the New Year and the beginning of the months. In the first month on the full moon they Celebrated the Passover. And for every month it's about the same. The Celebrations of the New moon and on the 15th the Celebrations on the full moon. Till the Day of Atonement and the Days of living in the Tents. The Jews knew that without the Sun to give his light to the moon they are lost. They would not have the moon to begin their New Religious Year and to follow the GUIDING STARS to the day of Atonement Their wouldbsay : The Lord does not want us to continue to our religious practices? Because without the different faces of the moon we are lost, everything is gone They will be in their sins. This is what Jesus said to them: that if you do not believe in me "you will die in your sins ". This is it. They lost the moon and the monthly events ":their GUIDING STARS that leaded then to the Day of Atonement. They will be and remain in their sins. Jesus Christ was Glorified after his death and Resurrection. He said to His disciples on the road to Emmaus: "Don't you know that it is written in the Law and the Psalms and the prophets that the Son of Man had to die first before He will receive his Glory. Jesus has been Glorified. The Law of Moses with everything in it the moon Celebrations and the Atonement are gone from the position of God. Acts 2:20 The sun will be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and glorious day of the Lord coming.

I agree... being thankful for all things is a great help in life. And the Word of God tells us to do that....in all things.

That’s what I got too. Thanks for your thoughts. Back to the OP. I realize I took this off the rails some. Originally I disassociated the relationship of wealth to a person’s eternal destiny, and technically it isn’t the wealth in and of itself. It seems to simply be the environment which helped to exacerbate a pre exiting problem. I imagined if Lazarus had been wealthy, if that would have changed him? And Jesus could have easily chosen wealth but decided to move around with no permanent place to lay His head as anything else would have been a detriment to His mission. Later on in that Acts setting, believers sold their belongings and shared with other believers. Nowadays we give to churches and charities mostly although lots of self sacrifice can still be found. The backdrop for that story remains. A man living in luxury who apparently never helped another man right by his gate who was so poor he was a beggar. Possibly he was unable to work due to health issues. I believe we are either given wealth or we worked to achieve it, and since everything comes from God, so does the ability to gain or inherit wealth. Christians show God’s love in various ways, and if one has extra they could be sharing I think Gid expects us to do do as we are led by the Spirit. The lost person has no such inclinations most of the time revealing what they are. Some give for visibility and trickle back benefits. The world wants us to think wealth is the pinnacle of happiness when really in many cases it only shows a bunch of empty pursuits. The rich man made a terrible trade. His life in luxury ignoring God in exchange for what eventually happens when a person ignores God.

Some think they found him . . .

Howdee pal I delivered a message at church today about the different stages of faith using Peters escape from prison in Acts as a "template". I said there were 3 points: stages, decisions and perseverance. The order is not set in stone The fact that you are asking the question says to me that God has initiated a breakthrough (stages). You are wondering what to do relating to your family (decisions) and must (persevere) if you truly believe. I have lost most of my friends since I sort of give up drinking. Its hard as my family are Christians on paper but don't believe. I took ages to come to faith and yet I still f up all the time Do you pray? Or is that awkward in the environment? Despite what some would say there is no "proper" way to pray. Disjointed, broken prayer is better than none. The only thing I am fickle about is that the prayer must end "In Jesus Christs name" but other than that is all good! Within reason of course This passage may help In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us…” – Romans 8:26

You have more "formal" teaching than I. 10th grade was as far as I went, I did years later get my GED. So I have no formal training. Just bible study pretty much on my own. We all contribute to each other here. Whether we find ourselves in agreement or disagreement we all help each other in it. IMO.

so what about Johns preaching to Israel? Ma 15:24 But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Joh 17:12 While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled. Joh 18:9 That the saying might be fulfilled, which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none.

About that. One gospel phrases this in an interesting manner. Mt 11:13 For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. ****Even NOW BEFORE I bring them into the land..... We see in the law (lev. and deut.) prophetic utterances of wrath and cursing that will come upon Israel. Do we see this as part and parcel of the law being fulfilled? If not, why not? Before they even went into the land it was prophesied that they would break the covenant. Deut. 31:19 Now therefore write ye this song for you, and teach it the children of Israel: put it in their mouths, that this song may be a witness for me against the children of Israel. 20 For when I shall have brought them into the land which I sware unto their fathers, that floweth with milk and honey; and they shall have eaten and filled themselves, and waxen fat; then will they turn unto other gods, and serve them, and provoke me, and break my covenant. 21 And it shall come to pass, when many evils and troubles are befallen them, that this song shall testify against them as a witness; for it shall not be forgotten out of the mouths of their seed: for I know their imagination which they go about, even now, before I have brought them into the land which I sware. {against: Heb. before } {go … : Heb. do } 22 ¶ Moses therefore wrote this song the same day, and taught it the children of Israel. John's baptism, an escape from the wrath prophesied in the law..... Mt 3:7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Lu 3:7 Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?u 21:23 But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days! for there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people. Joh 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. When we read these Gospels do we read it as the wrath prophesied in the law was coming? And Christ was a way of escape? Whan we read the prophets do we read the corresping prophesies coming to pass as spoken in the law? Or do we tend to read the prophetic utterances in the prophets of the remnant that escapes it? Two different groups there. Two different outcomes. The apostles were the remnant that escaped it AT THAT TIME, with John's baptism of repentance, preparing the way of escape in Christ. Therefore the Apostles, especially the apostles to the Jew's, being first. They were in a race to save Jew's of that prophetic wrath foretold in the law to those under the law. Gentiles are also spoken of in these utterances. But it comes after he done with Israel. Based upon how we treated Isreal....Do we see this as part and parcel of the law being fulfilled? If not,why not?

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

Brief but funny. Roz the Adventure Cat has a camera on his collar. @ladypeartree @other one

That's all very unorthodox and unsound.

Their is a reason people we don't see things going our way ? Their is a reason is that we don't see Trump fixing our promblem becuase he can't do it all ? it's that God wants you to change and have a true conversion of faith in your life. that you have the personal realtionship he wants and put things in his hands. God wants you to trust him and love thy neighbor. He wants you to believe and do his will. If you think you can go ahead in life and their is no consequence of anything you do. Your mistaking. You see people buying the store and they buy their ice cream and treats and after everything you passed thru go judge others, bring fasle testimony on another christian, and spy on people God is not gonna let you reach that relationship until you change ! Change, change, change ! The world is wrong but your not part of the world, your part of Jesus Christ ! The world can lie to God and it won't last and if you get saved hold on to everything on that salvation. Becuase God is gonna test ya and you have to get back up. If you see why god is holding on the world and doesn't let China, Russia and USA end this world it's because he still has a plan people. And he doesn't give the rewards and I assure when donald Trump jr. Comes in office the economy will come up is that he is testing you. People ( and also christians ) stop going back to your old habits, stop stealing, stop spying, stop false testimony on thy neighbor, crhsitians I see a lot of you have been saved and instead you back to judge others and tell he doesn't do what I want, he doesn't be like I want 100%, and I don't know him but he doesn't obey then he must be against God. USA stop killing african americans, stop throwing people in the streets they need help -_-, and give food and jobs to those people they need it. China stop oppressing your people let them know the gospel, stop starting war in Taiwan, and stop trying to flip the dollar from the world currency. Russia stop attacking yoru own state becuase ukraine is still russia, stop splitting the european union, and stop Russians God does not agree and he won't agree ! God is not fooled, get baptized and hold unto your bibles, remember God has a promise and he will complete becuase he does not fail. And we humans fail but God has mercy on us and forgives us of our nature. The world will end and be on God's side. just remember it ain't over, it's not over. God has mercy and he forgives because he is not like us. perhaps you will be confused of the last part. But you don't fool God you read this you know exactly what your doing wrong and you can still fix it. i pray for you to fix your promblem. I pray for you to go save your family and do things for your friends. I pray you do things with God and helps you find that asnwer. God bless.

Interpreting the Apocalypse spiritually or of the past will result in thousands of differing views and false assumptions. In Christ Montana Marv

I'm sorry, I just had to bring this up because in Luke 16 a passage preceeds the story of Lazarus and the rich man that I think leads us into the Lazarus story. Jesus is discussing comparitive worldly concepts to translate to heavenly ones, and initially it seems to me to be a bit ambiguous. In verses 1-14 Jesus discusses an irresponsible worldly manager who managed the assets of a rich man. Accusations of waste were coming against him. When word gets to the rich man, he prepares to fire the manager. The manager fearing loss of his future and looking at his future, decides to lighten the load of all those who owed his master. On the surface this looks as if the master would be furious because he will be loosing money, and yet this isn't the case. He is commended instead, maybe more for shrewdness than anything else which I'll admit doesn't seem typically how I imagine those things to work, but Jesus is speaking here and I know there are deeper meanings. Essentially the manager makes affiable aqaintances so that when he is fired he will have a network of support. In a nutshell, I scratched your back really well. I know you'll open doors for me later on, and I always dislike the footnote bibles on some of this because they lack good explanation, most of them. Jesus then tells us to use worldly wealth to gain friends so that when it is gone we will be welcomed into heavely dwellings, correlation to that manager who made wordly friends. How would one do this? By sharing what I have with others. By going light on those who are obligated to me. How else would you say? I see these concepts aligning with the biblical parable of the man who was let go by the king for a large debt. The king granted relief. That same man was then unwilling to forgive a much smaller debt owed to him which enraged the king. Spiritual implications are that God forgives us and we should forgive others. I know peeople use their wealth to make friends, but I find that a bit dishonest. I mean maybe I don't really want to be your friend, but you pulled me into some benefit for myself and now I'm obligated? That sounds more like an employee/employer or renter/landlord sort of thing. So I think it's something with some ambiguity that needs ironing out. I am under the impression we are to use WHATEVER we have at our disposal to help in the task of love to others through Christ. Wealth always inwardly directed is not good use of it.The question for how a person might focus it outwardly is probably an individual one. I'll never forget I was selling cards many years ago as a young person trying to make some money on the side even though sales wasn't my thing. Most of the more well off people had no interest, but there was this man and his family living in a shack in the country. Racially oppressed in that area, I remember being kindly invited in and they bought some of my cards. The man with the least amount of money in the most oppressive conditions bought my cards. Anyways, here's the text to this. How would you say it ties in to the later story of Lazarus? Luke 16:1-14 16 Jesus told his disciples: “There was a rich man whose manager was accused of wasting his possessions. 2 So he called him in and asked him, ‘What is this I hear about you? Give an account of your management, because you cannot be manager any longer.’ 3 “The manager said to himself, ‘What shall I do now? My master is taking away my job. I’m not strong enough to dig, and I’m ashamed to beg— 4 I know what I’ll do so that, when I lose my job here, people will welcome me into their houses.’ 5 “So he called in each one of his master’s debtors. He asked the first, ‘How much do you owe my master?’ 6 “‘Nine hundred gallons[a] of olive oil,’ he replied. “The manager told him, ‘Take your bill, sit down quickly, and make it four hundred and fifty.’ 7 “Then he asked the second, ‘And how much do you owe?’ “‘A thousand bushels[b] of wheat,’ he replied. “He told him, ‘Take your bill and make it eight hundred.’ 8 “The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light. 9 I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings. 10 “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. 11 So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? 12 And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else’s property, who will give you property of your own? 13 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” 14 The Pharisees, who loved money, heard all this and were sneering at Jesus.

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.