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  1. I just have to say one thing. Yes, pineapple does indeed belong on pizza!
    6 points
  2. By His death having fulfilled the requirement of His law. It is through Jesus that we all believers are deemed righteous. Rom. 10:4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. So then His Holy Spirit will dwell within the believer. Edit: And Rom. 5:17 For if, because of one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ.
    5 points
  3. I'm reminded of when I was enraged at the Lord, brother. I wasn't angry with the Lord because of my childhood, being broke, how teeth fell out of my mouth, or the like. I was incensed because the Lord wouldn't let me die so my misery could finally end. I begged the Lord to let me die, but He refused. I screamed at the Lord but He wouldn't relent. What did the Lord declare? I shall live instead. I had fallen upon the caliche up on that mountain because I was too weak to remain upright. I didn't have the strength to stand but when the Lord said, Rise to your feet, that's what I did. I suddenly had the strength. I was totally confused and the Lord never addressed my senseless anger; I couldn't comprehend His will nor what He purposed to do. The Lord said that I had suffered brain damage from that long ordeal. I did indeed. I didn't understand anything until that day, two years later, when the Lord was pleased with my recovery. That was when the Spirit revealed His purpose toward my adopted mother, and why I was there with her. I arrived at the proper time, I became sick at the proper time, and I recovered at the proper time. She had cancer and liver disease... she needed me to care for her. I didn't know until the Lord revealed that to me. He doesn't always do that.
    5 points
  4. "Mom, the Domino's chariot is here!" -- some kid in Rome, probably. :)
    5 points
  5. But who was the first to deliver?
    5 points
  6. @Debp, @ladypeartree This little genius watched at the fish market how people would buy fish from a vendor. So she brought a leaf to the vendor who gave her a fish. From that day forward she brings the vendor a leaf and he gives her a fish.
    4 points
  7. Reminds me of a little one we used to have (Miss Ginger Rogers): She brought my Beloved Bride a heart shaped leaf because she thought it was pretty. My Bride put it in this display to photograph:
    4 points
  8. I understand that the process of getting God into man is achieved totally by Jesus Christ and applied by the Holy Spirit. The Tabernacle - God's first dwelling place - was specially designed to protect God's holiness. It also provided a very strict approach by man through multiple "gates". But the question above is really about the human BODY, for it is Christ's Body that was called a Temple (Jn.2:19-21). And after our Lord Jesus had gone to prepare an "abode" and returned, it was our BODIES that became a Temple for the Triune God (1st Cor.6:19). And it is here that we see a literal "wonder-work" of God. The Body of any man who came from Adam is totally poisoned and corrupted. Paul calls it this "vile" body and the "body of death" (Phil.3:21, Rom.7:24). In 2nd Corinthians 5 it says that in life we "groan" in this body and in Romans 7 it says that "NO good thing dwells in our bodies". Truly, what will it take for a holy God to use man's body for His abode on earth? God's creation shows us how. God sets forth a Law in Genesis 1:11-12 that multiplication of the animated creature will be by a seed within it, and it will always produce the same specie as the seed is. This is true today. In fact it is so important that it is upon this Law that Jesus possesses both humanity and divinity. It is also the basis of your rebirth. God had His Model in Jesus - the perfect Man. And so what He did was to put us all IN Jesus as seed of a KIND. In John 12:24 our Lord Jesus died as a seed. And in death our Lord achieves two things. 1. Because Jesus is the Creator of all things, and is the "Firstborn of all creatures", His death ended the old creation. And because we are IN Him, we were terminated too (Gal.2:20). 2. Because Jesus released us in the process of dying, like a grain of Wheat does, we became a New Creation with all that was old done away with (2nd Cor.5:17). This whole process is explained in the first verses of Romans 6, and Baptism is the "sign" that we have been through this process. A man IN Christ has a POSITION - in His death and in His resurrection. God now reckons a man IN Christ to be of the New Creation and in resurrection the old Adamic nature that corrupted our Bodies is gone. Now all that remains for Christ to do is WASH us and we are perfectly ready POSITIONALLY to host God. But God makes provision for our failures. He is a Spirit and so He makes man's human spirit His dwelling place. God only dwells in the Believers human spirit and is shielded from the profane by the man's soul. The journey to reach God in this new setup is designed to protect God's holiness. The journey we take to reach God in our spirits is quick. We approach Him in "Jesus' Name". In reality this is a complex journey. Our Bodies, being a "Tabernacle", has Gates, an Altar, a Laver, a first Curtain, a Lampstand burning, a Bread of Life Table, an Alar of Incense hard against another Curtain, and finally two Cherubim. Our Lord Jesus literally piggy-backs us through the whole way: 1. He is the Lamb without blemish Who died on the altar of sacrifice, 2. He is our washing at the Laver by His Word and blood 3. He is the Lampstand to shine His Light on our sins and our intellect 4. He is the Bread of Life for our DISPOSITION 5. He is the Incense that carries our prayers to the Father 6. He is our High Priest that carries us by name on His shoulders and by His heart of love 7. He has passed through the Cherubim .... and delvers us at the Throne of Grace - the Mercy Seat with its significant contents, and which UPON WE MEET WITH GOD (Jn.4:24). John 14 says that our Lord will go and prepare an ABODE, then return that we may be where He was already. The goal - to make men abodes of God. But He had to PREPARE a place. The above is a very brief explanation of one of the most profound events ever to happen 20 At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. (Jn 14:20)
    4 points
  9. Big Lou's Pizza, San Antonio Texas.. Multi Flavor, with or without pineapple... Perspective.. See any pineapple
    4 points
  10. O DOD Toggle Members Info I started a thread on a topic , that is very similar to yours back in 2018. Below is a reply that one person posted that I find was enlighting and forthright. I don't know how to bring post from past threads into present ones, so I will get the title of the topic and post it here in edit form, so anyone can read through it. This was the topic : I Often read of "God Told Me" Posted December 28, 2018 This is a very interesting topic of conversation. I have also seen those who say that 'God spoke to them...' and I am usually very cautious when listening to their message. I believe that God spoke to the prophets with a voice and called them to do His work. His voice was audible. Christ appeared to Paul in a vision and spoke to Him. God also spoke to Joseph in a dream, telling him about baby Jesus. So according to the Bible, God does talk to us in different ways. I do not judge these ones who say that God spoke to them, because I do not know, however we can tell if what they are speaking is truth based on the Gospel. Personally, I know that Christ communicates with us in many ways. I have been attacked by demonic forces that I did not understand and it made me very angry that I was attacked in that way and had no means by wish to defend myself. I did call on Jesus to save me and He did. I have been attacked several times in the spiritual battle we wage against the Gates of Hell, and have had victory with Christ on all attacks. I also had many lessons to learn before I got my prayers answered. I discovered what the 'Sword of the Spirit' really means and how it actually works, because I had to use mine to destroy my enemy. I also learned what it means when the word says 'when I am weak, I am strong'. I had to learn several things, and it was done through spiritual experience, while I was sleeping. I have also had prayers answered in my daily life... all the time. Having said that, I was so angry that I wanted to see the things that are hidden; I wanted to know what was going on and why me? I decided I was going to pray everyday asking Christ to show me the hidden things until He did... I was not going to stop. I was thinking of the constant knocking on the door, and He did open and showed me many things. I prayed for twenty-one days, and then He showed me things... incredible things. There are a lot of wonderful things happening in the Body of Christ today, and I also believe that there are those who are dreaming dreams and some are indeed prophesying. I will say, you should listen to the message to see if it is from God, and if you are a Christian with a discerning mind, you will see what is truly in their hearts and if their message is really from God or not. The Lord works in mysterious ways... who can know the workings of God. I will also say this: when I received my answers from Christ Jesus, He also showed me many things, things that you would cause you to wonder. Wonderful, astonishing things. The words of Scripture comes to life in your dream-visions, and you are the one in the middle. P.S. I have never heard an audible voice, but I do know He communicates with His Flock. I will stop now. Peace and Love. M.
    4 points
  11. Part of the context of this scripture carries with it the duties of the Husband also. He is to love his wife as Jesus loved the church.... That would be putting her needs ahead of his consistently. He should be ready to let a dozen or so big buys beat him half to death and then hang him on a tree for her. He should do all things in this life for her benefit, as Jesus did ours. I can't imagine any woman not submitting to someone like that.
    4 points
  12. I can only share one that I can think of right now, for the others deal with intercessory prayers. That wouldn't be kosher to talk about those. My wife lost the use of her legs from MS, and we weren't sure she would ever walk again. As the exacerbation came to an end, she regained a lot of function, but was very weak. She was still teaching, and it was a huge problem for her to continue with her job. She was an excellent teacher and was doing things with her kids that none of the other teachers seemed to be able to. So it wasn't just selfishness on my part that I thought God should heal her. Not just for us, but for her class also. Well things rocked on for several months and I kind of got upset with him for I know it's nothing for him to heal people. I have watched a little girl who was x-rayed for a surgery to remove a third kidney and after the church had anointed her with oil and laid hands on her, the kidney went away by itself (by the hand of God). Two sets of x-rays proving it was a healing. I went out in the backyard one evening and pretty much had a childish hissy fit. Shook my fist in his face and let him know I didn't think it was fair. After some time, I actually demanded that he at least tell me why. I know the voice was from God, for it would have been the furthest thing on my mind when he spoke in a soft, loving voice and basically said that it was between him and her, and it really wasn't any of my business. I was crushed, ashamed of myself, and reminded that she was not a total invalid, and I should thank him for that. Two months later he got her scooted up a list for a new drug which pretty much stopped the progression of the MS. Here 35 years later she's still getting around, though I would say barely. Both of us are in our 70 and have had a really good time in life. He didn't heal her, but still gave us a super life together. At 77 and 74 it looks like it may be a coin flip to see if we die before the Lord returns.
    4 points
  13. Dominus Pizza of course!
    4 points
  14. I would say that Adam was the first model and was hand made. No need for a belly button. Jesus was begotten and came from the normal way all other humans have been made, and they have belly buttons. So while I can't prove it, I think the major difference is that Adam and Eve probably did not have belly buttons, but the rest of us including Jesus does. And if that's not the most frivolous thing you've read all day, you need to up the standards of your reading material.
    3 points
  15. We were having a discussion on another current thread about how the holy God can live in defiled creatures like us. It then occurred to me (and this is inline with my quest to define the Christian life as simply as possible) that the Christian life comes down to just these THREE* things: 1) His Redemption Christ's redemption was 100% complete - He terminated old Adam's race (our old man) and made us righteous 2) His Supply He now, as the Spirit, comes to live in us to supply our every need *3) Faith in both these items He's given us! Lord Jesus You are amazing! Help us to always be so simple and just turn to You --> rest in your work, take everything to You and let Your life live in us and supply us!!! * Undated to add "faith"
    3 points
  16. I am Thankful to God, for the wonderful design of the human body and all it can do!
    3 points
  17. I don't mind sharing these things, brother. It offers the reader a glimpse of the compassion and mercy of the Lord and how He is not like man who can be harsh and even cruel. Consider how the Spirit ministered to me during those times when there was no hope, and I was afflicted with psychotic depression. Understanding what psychotic depression is, is needed to appreciate why hearing His voice was so important. Psychotic depression is marked by delusions pertaining to self-worth; these delusions are accompanied by a specific internal dialogue. What do I mean by that? Internal dialogue = self-talk and our own thoughts, not to be confused with "voices" associated with psychotic disorders. The internal dialogue of psychotic depression is horrific, a running self-commentary populated by things my mother would say to me during childhood. Indeed, it was as if I internalized my mother's voice and made it my own. These delusions were also accompanied by memories of traumatic events --- PTSD --- that were warped by the depressive psychosis. That's what psychotic depression does; it warps everything, changing one's perception of reality and relentlessly battering the one who suffers with successively more nightmarish visions leading into desperation. That desperation is what leaves the one in torment vulnerable to suicidal ideations... desires... and eventually, impulses. The latter occurs because nothing can stop the nightmare. When it's impossible to sleep and food makes you ill, it's a warning sign of things to come. There is no treatment for psychotic depression --- nothing at all --- and the prognosis is bleak, my friends. I should point out that circumstances have nothing to do with the relentless cycle of severe depression. It arrives regardless of how relatively happy (or not) you are, and it can literally take everything away... including a life. In the throes of the nightmare, the One who made Himself known to me spoke. What He said was completely at odds with that delusional narrative and those horrible visions; when all I wanted to do was die, He said that I would not. I told Him that I wasn't fit to live, but He declared that He alone makes me fit to live, I do not. It wasn't in my hands at any time, and no child --- or man --- deserved what I had endured. It wasn't my fault and I did nothing wrong. All I had to do was listen to His voice and I would endure the otherwise unendurable, learning the meaning of courage along the way. Courage? Oh yes. The Lord spoke of courage, teaching me that courage is not the lack of fear or terror but rather, the resolve to face both without compromise. I looked upon those nightmare visions which displayed my demise over and over again and I found strength in the encouragement of the Lord, who was always contrary to the psychosis of depression. I lost the fear of death and with that, those nightmare visions never returned again. There's this notion afoot which naively asserts that the Lord will "take it all away" or simply make whatever it is disappear if we only have faith, but that wasn't His work in me. This was the fiery trial and the means by which I learned how to trust in the Lord and His word, whether He speaks those words with His mouth or they are memorialized in scripture. One and the same to be sure. I marvel at how the Lord sees fit to work. He spared my life miraculously, but my recovery in the wake of my brush with the grave was accomplished under the guidance of the Spirit one... step... at a time. I didn't realize that the process of my recovery prepared me for what followed afterward. Regardless of what the Lord does, it always serves His purpose and will. Always! This includes hearing His voice.
    3 points
  18. Think knowledge comes first, we have to know what we are joining or beginning to attached ourselves to John 17:3 is key "taking in knowledge leads to life eternal.
    3 points
  19. We are the clay, He is the potter. Different vessels for different purposes. Most of us won't have glamorous responsibilities to maintain. Think upon meekness and being a peacekeeper along with being pure in heart.
    3 points
  20. We hear so much about the Spirit yet I sometimes see so little in both my life and lives of others. If I’m supposed to be filled, then that’s my goal. If it is offensive to some religious establishment, this is the least of my concerns.
    3 points
  21. Well, the questions you asked about those with dementia are good ones for sure. I have known people who are sweet and loving who after dementia progresses are mean as snakes, so I have also asked these questions. What I believe about that is that when we are saved we are told by scriptures to renew our minds to the truths of God's Word. That renewing means to embrace God's thoughts, and live according to His Word. It does not however erase memories, and the old ways of thought, but we choose to act accordingly to God's Word that we have renewed our minds with. Dementia (as I understand it from my wife who is an therapist) causes the break down of the human mind and removes social filters of how people act and what they say. Since those filters are removed, some people who have memories of bad behaviors, sins, etc. don't have those social filters that override those old man emotions, actions and behavior. Thus many Christians in advanced stages of dementia have the old man actions and thoughts rise back up shocking their family and friends and anybody else around them. Saints cussing like sailors, being mean and vile as their brains break down over time. Looking at myself, I have a terrible past life of sin and every now and then those old ways of acting and talking tries to rise up in me, but I put them down by remembering God's Word concerning those things, and if I have to I speak those verses out loud and simply by faith ask God for His power to overcome them. Does this mean that I am not saved??? OF COURSE NOT, it means that I must take control of my thoughts and take them captive to the authority of God's Word. So what happens if I would ever get dementia, and am unable to mentally control my old thoughts buried in my memory as my brain deteriates and breaks down.??? I hope I never have to go though that.
    3 points
  22. My grandmother on my father's side is an interesting case. She was my mother in practice and did a lot to expose both me and my sisters to Christianity. I think she meant well, but she also bought in to the prosperity gospel and some other dubious teachings. She seemed to use it in a way that was self serving sometimes. After her dementia kicked in someone in the mental health field described her as a psychopath. As the primary caregiver I ended up being the target of a lot of her abuse, and she behaved in some ways that weren't Christian at all. I'm potentially wrong in this belief but I think that what's in a person's heart will shine through even during dementia. What I saw and experienced during her dementia didn't paint a great picture. It left me wondering about where she ended up. On one hand I absolutely believe God is merciful and grants people who are mentally impaired a lot of slack. On the other it was clear that she had a lot of bitterness and anger for various reasons. Back to the question though, I still felt sympathy seeing the state she was in during life support. There's a lot to take to heart about her case, one of those things being that only God knows for sure what's in a person's heart. Even a decade after the fact it's still distressing to think that her standing with God by the end went so far off the mark as to land her in Hell.
    3 points
  23. With Indiana Jones, I'm thinking of that scene in the movie the Last Crusade where he and his dad are getting shot at. Henry Jones: They're trying to kill us! Indy: I know Dad! Henry Jones: This is a new experience for me. Indy: Happens to me all the time... Our Indiana Jones climbed into places he fell three stories from (only bruised his paw pads)... got his tail tangled up in window blinds draw string (he was okay after we cut the draw string but until we freed him he was in such a panic that he bit my Beloved Bride so hard in the hand it swelled up and we have to get her shots) She held him up while I cut the draw string. He was just prone to these sorts of things. He got stuck in a neighbor's garage door as they were opening it. Ironically he was generally unscathed by all of this. His guardian angel has nothing on mine (even though I am prone to taxing my guardian angel to the limits too).
    3 points
  24. We named her because she was a dainty lady but because she had a beauty mark on her nose. Our niece pointed out that the coloring of her ears was like she was wearing a big bow. She and her brother Indiana Jones when they were kittens. Indy earned his name always into something or in trouble... ever on the brink of using all his 9 lives... I'm getting choked up going so far down this memory lane. They are all gone now... in their places new little ones who needed us (all of which have special needs). But the past family members will never be forgotten. Ever.
    3 points
  25. Certainly. Here in New Mexico, the green chile and pineapple pizza is a thing. Both toppings go well together.
    3 points
  26. I understand what you're saying, but I think you're forgetting one important thing. Laws are always going to exist. People say you can't legislate morality, yet that's exactly what laws are. All laws are a form of morality from either one group or another. If Christians do not take an active role in creating the laws of this nation, then we leave to the atheists that duty and responsibility. We have seen especially recently the extreme danger of letting the godless dictate what the laws will be in the country. Sin will run rampant and God's people will be persecuted. Christians have a duty to create moral laws that benefit all people. If Christians sit on the sidelines, we won't even be able to witness our faith or evangelize our neighbors because the lawless in power will take away that right from us. I would prefer to live in a country where I don't have to risk imprisonment for my faith, but if no Christians stand up for us in government or politics, then that is exactly the type of decision we will all end up having to make.
    3 points
  27. https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ370j4DFXf5zTU6wEa_6Fey30S6noI0Q38iw&s
    3 points
  28. 3 points
  29. One reason is that he snatched me out of the devil's hand when I didn't realize I was in deep spiritual trouble.
    3 points
  30. I like my sub sandwiches on flat bread. A pizza folded in half.
    3 points
  31. We love, because He first loved us. My love is all over the place but His for me never changes.
    3 points
  32. I think there is a reluctance to go into much detail in this subject since it open most up to scrutiny and doubt. God [speaks] in many ways and through many people and even animals. At least the one donkey (Numbers 22). Satan does as well (and through at least the one serpent Genesis 3). Sometimes people are not good judges to distinguish between the two. As with all things, we tend to believe in what appeals most to us. But imagine Abram at the behest of the LORD took Isaac to Mount Moriah to slay (Genesis 22). Or Hosea being told to marry a prostitute. Our wits and personal bias and self serving desires kick in and reason "surely not Lord" ← Simon Peterobics {wink} "Unless I see the prints of the nails... I won't believe." ← Thomasonics I have heard my name called out audibly when no one was around causing me to pause just long enough to avoid a fatal accident. I have hear the voice of God in my heart aiding me in an intense debate with a Jewish Rabbi (guiding me to a profound point about Isaiah 53 that the suffering servant is Israel as the Jews claim... but that Israel is none other than the Messiah (Israel is a contraction of three words he / prince / God yish sarar elohiym and the ultimate Prince of God is... Messiah Jesus). I seek the tutelage of the Holy Spirit every time I read scripture (2 Peter 1:20-21 / 1 John 4:1 / Acts 17:11 / Proverbs 25:2 / Deuteronomy 29:29 / Isaiah 28:9-13). I endeavor not to write or do Bible studies by my own understanding but by what the Holy Spirit gives me at times which flows so consistently I hardly know what is coming next until I've typed it. Often times I am given a word to type that I do not know for sure what it means until I look it up. The late great Dr Walter Martin (founder of Christian Research Institute and the original Bible Answer Man radio broadcaster) once put it like this... "you have to do your home work... but you also learn by doing... debating cultists and skeptics and atheists and heretics of all varieties, I sometimes find answers to their questions or challenges that are not coming from me because I did not know them before." God also speaks as in Revelation with a completely audible thunderous voice. I guess the point in all this is the testing by the scriptures (Acts 17:11 / 1 John 4:1) to determine whatever you hear however you hear it is actually the truth / voice from God or not.
    3 points
  33. Loving as Christ loves is literally impossible. Jesus is God so his love is absolutely perfect, but we are fallible imperfect beings who have a hard time with the simplest love. We can do our best, but our very best love still has much room for improvement.
    3 points
  34. We don't do it on our own. God sends the Holy Spirit to empower and direct us in the task. If we try to spread the Gospel in our own strength, without relying on the Holy Spirit, we get into deep trouble!
    3 points
  35. I'd go along with that, and drop the bunnies and eggs.
    3 points
  36. I think Judgement ( Bema) Seat of Christ. Wood hay stubble-Gold Silver Precious stones. Good works to the glory of God vs self works to self glory. Not sin judgement. Judgement of what we have been doing considered works. “For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10 The judgement of our works (at the Judgement seat of Christ) determines our position ruling. Or not. Only believers will be judged for their works. The lost will go to the great white thrown judgement. Wood hay stubble works are burned, not salvation, but we may enter as by fire with little or no 'good' works. Gold silver precious stones are representative of good works done while here on earth. To whom much is given, much is required. Talents-grace-knowledge-blessings, health/wealth etc. Receiving much requires good stewardship, faithfulness, with what God has given us to use to his glory. Receiving little is the same, being faithful with the little, a good steward, gains more, or much more. Receiving much and yet being a poor steward with God's blessing is held accountable by the judgement seat. Like at the biblical Olympics, the judge has watched the participants. Evaluating-judging the winners, the faithful, at His Judgement seat, individually, I do not believe corporately. Bema means a raised 'podium' that God will sit and judge each one of our works. Those who have been faithful in much, will receive much in the ruling, 1-2-3 cities or provinces, etc, not sure the amounts etc.. Those who received much and were yet poor stewards, wood hay stubble mostly, will receive little. Those that received little yet were very faithful in what they received, good stewards, will receive much concerning rewards, or ruling. There's much more but I believe the jist is simply right now God is recording our works, and the past and future. Who was the faithful stewards? These will be judged at the Bema seat, and the results determine our position with Christ in the future reign. This is not anything to do with any sins which have all been paid for. It's about how we have actually been showing our God and savior how much we love Him. Or not. He will judge to determine who rules what where, if anything. My simple studied understanding. PS, edit add. The works we do/have done is decided on most by our motive for having done a 'good' work. Not the amount, but having been a good steward, faithful, for whatever amount we had to work with. Why do a work? To be seen, praised by friends for unjust gain, to show someone up etc etc, or silently, maybe unseen, or simply because we know it will please-glorify the Father.
    3 points
  37. The title is good, and should prove to be provocative. Prince Charles, now King Charles had a long way to the throne of Great Britain. He was born to a Queen which gave him the Birthright to the throne. He had no say in his birth. His mother paid the price of childbirth. But it is a great step from the mother's paps to the throne of Great Britain. So Charles' parents set about a constant training from his earliest years to be a king worthy of the name of Windsor, and a king who could serve his people. He must wear the kingly clothes, be subject to his schoolmasters, suffer discipline and learn politics. As a young man he is sent to the military and though a coming king, he must eat his share of mud. But all the while, a bevy of watchers hover in the shadows. The king, though he learn some hard lessons, must not be maimed. But what if Charles is strong-willed, a rebel and slothful. He likes fast cars and guns. He favor parties rather than politics. And soon he has had a few accidents under the influence of alcohol and drugs in which his friends lost their lives. He is soon DISINHERITED by his mother the Queen. On a certain fateful day he is publicly stripped of his titles. And now we take stock: - Charles is born to a Queen. Can he be unborn? - Charles has the life of his mother. Can Charles be stripped of his life/nature? - Charles is subject to the constitution of England. Can he be prosecuted? - Though Charles be a king-in-waiting, can he be stripped of the title and the office? So it is with the Christian. Current Christian theology teaches that salvation is a PLACE - heaven. It also teaches that we have certain rules to follow. But on closer examination it is found that salvation for a Christian is fivefold and does not end with a PLACE. 1. He is a sinner. He needs to have his sins forgiven. This was bought by the death of Another - it is FREE 2. He must be BORN into a royal family. This is achieved by faith and is FREE 3. He has a long record of a bad character. His character must be transformed. Like Charles, he must COOPERATE in this schooling 4. He will die one day. If he is to be useful, he must be resurrected. This return to life is done by Another - FREE 5. He will be judged whether or not he is worthy of Christ's KINGDOM. This EARNED by years of proving that he has God's interests and Name at heart Point 1, 2 & 4 are FREE. To achieve point 3 he must have self-discipline. He must be prepared to deny his own wishes. In point 5 he must be righteous in all his dealings for, later, with the power invested in him, he would cause great damage to people, country and his name. In Matthew 19 a rich man wanted to HAVE LIFE. Jesus assures him that because he had recognized and confessed Jesus as divine, he HAD LIFE (by rebirth). But now the Lord Jesus tells him he needs to ENTER LIFE. And our Lord Jesus uses THREE concepts interchangeably. The (i) ENTERING LIFE (v.17) is the same as (ii) ENTERING the Kingdom of Heaven (v.23), is the same as (iii) being SAVED (v.25). The man FAILED. He was not prepared to PAY THE PRICE. He had God's Law at heart, but not ALL of God's interests. He was born again and he will be resurrected, but when Christ sets up His Kingdom on earth when He returns, the rich man will be shut out. And so will the evil servant of Matthew 24, the slothful servant and the foolish Virgins of Matthew 25.
    3 points
  38. You just told my testimony! Wow,. Hard to believe they could be so similar. The more I prayed for him to change the more God changed me. He didn't say it, He just did it. It took 4 years for God to make me the wife that my husband needed. We were married for 54 years.
    3 points
  39. And as I've said often this time of year: Let's rename it Resurrection Day!
    3 points
  40. Let's hope the starter posts are taken as Informative and Pre-emptive of that.
    3 points
  41. No one "hears" the audible voice of God, but he speaks to us in many ways. Personally I hear from God in scripture but 90% of the time I hear from Jesus is in my conscience which probably happens 50 times a day. God speaks to us all, but many don't listen. On occasion I think God speaks through other people but I think this is more rare than people actually think. I often have thoughts that I'm not sure if they are from Jesus or my own thoughts. I'm that case, I test them. I decide, does this thought cause me to sin or will it lead me into possible sin? Will this thought contradict what I know of what Jesus wants me to do? If the answer to both of those is no, then I accept it as the word of Jesus.
    3 points
  42. I thought about it for a while, and I would have to pick Job. He suffered all that Satan had to throw at him and stayed true to God.
    3 points
  43. im kinda hoping this will turn into an easter is evil thread
    3 points
  44. It pleases God to do this thing. The Almighty doesn't need to be served nor propped up by human hands but man is His chosen heir, and the Son of Man is the first of many brethren. As our brother @Vine Abider wrote above, the Son of God came to restore our estate as the sons and daughters of God. Jump and shout? Oh yes!
    3 points
  45. And of course the scripture goes on to say how important it is for husbands to love their wives as Jesus loves the church....... Important to include the complete scripture I think 🙂 .
    3 points
  46. Everything in creation has a function, as we see the angels being used in various ways. God chooses to use His creation to manage. As you said, God created the earth and placed men on it to tend it. Satan thought he had seriously undermined God's efforts when he tempted Eve. and he did do a lot of damage, but as changed ones through the blood of Christ we are new kingdom plants representing the future kingdom here on earth presently. In that sense we are forerunners of the new kingdom. Even in a fallen state men and women continue to have stewardship over the earth. Before sin, all they had to do was tend the visible creation and worship God. After sin we as believers have the additional task of spreading the word in whatever way the Lord gives us to do so. Faith is simply taking God at His word. If we do that we are believers as opposed to unbelievers who reject God and follow Satan. Either knowingly or unkowingly.
    3 points
  47. 3 points
  48. Repeating a lie doesn't make it true. As you have learned, the church accepted the six day creation pretty much unilaterally until the 18th century. Then heresies began to creep into the doctrine of some churches.
    2 points
  49. I suspect the Adversary influences how mankind manages the earth. As in everything else it has become corrupt.
    2 points
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