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I know that there is a thread now with members discussing how much that they enjoy the show. And I am NOT intending in bashing the show or telling folks not to watch it. It's probably very entertaining. I just want to let you know some things that you may not be aware of. And if you do watch the show, you may feel led to pray for some things. [1] The show is, in part, funded by the Mormon church, The Latter Day Saints. At the end of the credits each episode, this acknowledgement is made. The creator of the show has stated that he sees no difference between Mormons and Christians. [2] At least one line from the character who plays Jesus is from the book of Mormon and not found in the Bible. When asked about it, the producer said, "It was a cool line." [3] It is "based" on the life of Christ, but not all the actors in the show are Christians. Represented in the show are at least one atheist, Jews, Hindi, Catholics, evangelicals, and some just "don't know". The makers of the show said they just wanted the best actors for the job. I get that. You want to make a good show. [4] They keep a Pride Flag on set. The creator defended it by saying that they are willing to work with anyone who will help make the show a great show. [5] The music? It's done by two men. One of them is Dan Haseltine of the Christian band, Jars of Clay. Very popular in the Christian music field. He believes that homosexuality is not a sin. He has publicly stated that it doesn't matter what the Bible says - all that matters is how you feel. My point is NOT to tell you not to watch. My point is just to be on guard with ANY film or tv show that professes to be teaching you about Christ. My point is that God gave us the messages and stories of Jesus in the Bible. He could have sent Jesus to Earth very early on when there were just stone carvings. He could have sent Jesus when people were using cell phones and computers. God sent Christ at a time when books were being written. THE book, the Bible, is where we should get our understanding of Jesus Christ. All I'm saying is READ THE BOOK FIRST and then you will have enough discernment to know if something is truthful or not. I used to tell my students - "Never EVER take your history, science, or Bible from a movie or TV show. Facts have been altered to entertain." Watch the show in peace, but watch it based your knowledge of what is actually in the Bible.

I am observing prophetic scripture coming on rapidly, like birth pains, and I mean everything. Over a dozen prophecies were fulfilled, from the Balfour Declaration to the Israeli 1967 Six Days War. 2 Timothy 3:1-7 describes our politicians, people, culture, and today's world. I never could have imagined it years ago. Still, the geopolitical alignments and treaties of the belligerents hostile toward Israel have manifested (Persia (Iran), Turkey, Yemen, Russia, North Africa, Israel's inner ring of surrounding nations, and the United Nations with its votes and sanctions. The world has pronounced Israel as the bad guy. We are seeing nature groaning and revolting as predicted. In today's news and weather, the secular constant banter is now historical, generational, not in centuries, unprecedented, or never seen. In this generation, we are witnessing apostasy, false Gospels, a falling away from the faith and church attendance, and anointing clergy and elders for their itching ears. Women, gay, and politically correct- morally bankrupt pastors and clergy, on and on. To be brief, I believe almost half of America is now under a strong delusion and has been brainwashed, calling evil good and good evil. The proof is in the pudding: our representative elected leaders and institutions of dumb learning with zero Biblical or patriotic morals or values.

Recently I had what is called an “eye stroke” in my left eye. I had a dream about this happening to me years earlier. In the dream I said to the Lord, “Turn this into a testimony.” The eye was photographed on the 15th of April and the doctor scheduled me to come back in a week to begin the first in a series of shots into my eyeball. I was experiencing a great deal of peace from the Lord, even though I was not looking forward to the experience and the possible side effects. I had recently met someone who had the same condition I did and he had to have 27 monthly injections. I returned to the doctor for my shot and before the procedure my eye was photographed again. The retina specialist and his assistant were studying the photos from the previous week and the new ones that had just been taken as I was sitting there waiting. Then he turned to me and said, “This is a miracle.” The new photo revealed that my eye had been healed and he showed me the pictures. “I’m not going to give you the shot,” he said with a grin. I bubbled as I told him how I had gotten so much prayer and about the dream I had where I had asked the Lord to turn an eye affliction into a testimony. I was beside myself as I tried to absorb the fact that God had answered my prayer. The doctor shook my hand and I danced out of the office and shouted with joy “Jesus heals!” in the parking lot. From the onset of my affliction I had been praying that God would use it and heal it to be a witness to others. He answered that prayer. Whenever anyone was healed in the New Testament, it wasn’t just for the person who needed the healing, it was also intended to be a witness of God’s power to others and to validate the gospel message. In other words, any healing serves more than one purpose. Whenever we pray for healing it should never be just for ourselves, but for others who need to see the reality of our miracle working God. I hope that this testimony will do that for you.

No, because we have had about 2,000 years to complicate it.

These are all valid points and questions. My view is simple. I think about my grandchildren and vote in a way I think will provide a peaceful life for them.

If i had been listening to this address I think I would have felt a bit uncomfortable. Saying that "Jesus wasn't perfect" seems to be the wrong way of putting it. Judging by the examples you've given, what the speaker actually meant was that Jesus didn't conform to other people's expectations - and maybe not to the speaker's expectations either! But none of the things listed were against God's Law. The bottom line is: Jesus was sinless (otherwise His death couldn't have saved us). We, of course, are not. That's why we need to ask for forgiveness regularly! But we are still commanded to imitate Jesus as far as we possibly can. And sometimes that will mean refusing to conform to the expectations of those around us.

So the song was sung at an Christian funeral? Does anyone see an problem with this? Some of the lyrics are: 'Imagine there’s no heaven; it’s easy if you try' and 'imagine there’s no country; it isn’t hard to do. Nothing to kill or die for, and no religion too.' It is overtly atheistic in its message. Sure, I like the melody and being a Beatles fan in my youth (before belief in Jesus) I liked that song, but no more. Lyrics mean something, and the message is clear - secular humanism and everything that goes with it . . . So some questions are begging to be asked: Who made the decision approving that song? Did the family know? Most funerals the family decides how best to honor their loved ones who passed on. . . . still . . . this is just plain weird . . . Isn't it?

Might I just add a reminder to all. The president does not govern the USA, the Constitution does. "We the People" elected Donald Trump to fulfill the duties that the constitution sets forth for him to do. The problem with the past 4 years is that the president has not fulfilled the duties of the presidency as put out by our constitution and the laws is set up, but attempted to change the very concept of what the USA actually stands for. Most of the people I know who are pleased by the election are pleased because we expect Donald to fulfill the duties as the constitution sets out, not because he's some kind of great guru who knows special things and secret ways of getting his way. Donald wants to put the USA back under the constitution, as was originally intended. He will have to fight a very established deep state that was started by President Roosevelt and President Wilson about 100 years ago. We'll see how the fight goes. This time around, he enters the fight with experience and understanding of what he's fighting. Each of us can help or hinder by our actions and speech over the next 4 years. What to I think about his winning the election????? I did do my happy dance when I got up yesterday.

Covid showed this generation that we can pretty much wake up one morning and everything seems to have changed. However, this has happened a few times in the 20th and 21st centuries. The world changed rapidly during both world wars and in the US on 9/11. But do you have the sense that these were just a precursor to what is apparently coming on the world now? From what I read in scripture, at the end of the age, previous historical calamities will pale in comparison. With the final countdown comes rapid and strong delusion . . . Man likes to think he has some effective control of the situation. Effective control? Not really. Here's something to consider - I watched a documentary last night about how the first thing the UN adopted after being formed, were measures to prevent another major genocide, as had happened with six million Jews in Germany. But since the UN was formed there have been at least 10 instances of genocide where at least 100,000 were killed (with 4-5 instances possibly being over a half million)! Needless to say, genocide demonstrates perhaps the very worst of Adam's race, yet the grandest international body of nations ever devised, has been hamstrung and basically unable to do much to address this most heinous activity that it was designed to prevent! This shows how little control we humans (i.e., Adam's race) really have over our fallen world . . . What is the situation we find ourselves in now? Nations and whole continents are becoming increasingly paranoid and are doing their best to consolidate their power and resources to themselves. Much fear is in the marketplace. We personally hear of business leaders pulling back, uncertain of the future and unwilling - at least right now - to move forward with their plans. Economic wars can quickly escalate and become something more than just fighting with economic barriers and money. AI is beginning to say it could do a better job and is hinting it could take over when the time is right - oh boy! Electronics and human brains are being integrated. Many look to an answer (ET) coming from the stars. People are greatly divided philosophically, religiously, and in many places racially. Faith in Christ has waned significantly. Society's morals have gone down the drain with few decent leaders and fewer having much of God's light in them. The perfect "storm" is gathering. The time appears ripe, if not now then it seems very soon, for a great leader to pull all this "ball of confusion" together and provide the apparent answer. A strong delusion. It seems we are on the border, close to the edge, and the levy can break about any time. Again, yes, one might say we've been here before, but I suspect all those prior instances were just precursors for what will come upon the earth, when men's hearts will fail them for what they see coming. But regardless of how close we are, we do not loose heart because WE HAVE A MIGHTY SAVIOR WE SERVE!!! "So when you see all these things, look up, for your salvation draws near!" Luke 21:28

Yes. We have been for the last 2K years . . . But . . . any sane person must admit that we are now closer than ever . . . . So . . . Make plans and work for the Kingdom like He is not coming for 100 years . . . BUT . . . be ready and stay ready for the King's coming like He is coming today!

Indeed. My wife is a Mexican national who came here LEGALLY and was granted permanent residency. Our two children are bilingual Americans and incessantly make fun of her English and my Spanish! Little snots!

What interests me? Why gardening of course. Right now I'm enjoying this Aloe Vera show. Just the one spear this year again. Conditions have to be suitable before they flower so I'm grateful for what I've got. Happy the capture came out this good too. What interests you? (With a picture).

I can promise you there is and will be as many insults and mockery of his win for President as there are praise. I thank God that we got someone in office that actually wants to fix the glaring problems in America that have absolutely gone ignored and or exacerbated under this last administration. I don't think America would survive another 4-years of leftist destructive polices, to be honest America maybe already beyond repair with out God's mercy and intervention. I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, [and] giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and [for] all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this [is] good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior - 1Ti 2:1-3

Do You Want Trump to Win? I desire Harris/Walz be defeated more so. (no explanation necessary:)

COMPROMISE? NEVER! My little children,these things I write to you,so that you may not sin 1 John 2:1 When a race car driver climbs into his car,he expects the tires, brakes, and safety equipment to be sound and reliable. He wants to know that no compromise has been made in the manufacture of his gear. He stakes his life on the fact that the car is safe and strong. During the earliest days of the church, compromises began to creep in. Believers faced the huge challenge of living holy lives while surrounded by a sinful society. They wanted to remain sound and pure, true to the original message of the gospel; however, the original standard of holy living gradually became compromised. False teachers crept in, and many Christians became casualties to the lies of false doctrine. Today, there are many beliefs that run counter to the Scriptures. Many of them tempt us to compromise our faith. We need to fill our minds with the truth of God's Word. When we stay close to God, we are protected from the invasion of compromise. Consider your beliefs, and make sure they are based solely and soundly on God's truth. It matters what we believe.

Submission is the opposite of self-interest. Church members should have an attitude of humility towards one another - a willingness to serve any, to learn from any and to be corrected by any, regardless of age, sex or social status. That doesn't mean obliterating things like age or seniority. Those in authority will submit to those under authority, but in a different way - Christian leadership means serving the congregation, not lording it over them.

The Bible is more important to me than any other input. It serves to resolve every issue that life presents me. The Bible is my source of Wisdom and my guide to abiding in the Vine. The Bible is God's Word preserved for the benefit of mankind. 2Ti 3:16-17 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, (17) that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. All Scripture = All the Bible When Timothy was written to by Paul his use of the term "all Scripture" covered: All the Books of what became known as the Old Testament All the Books that would become known as the New Testament God-breathed means originating from God, the purposeful release of His Spirit upon His Creation. Heb 1:1 God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, 1Pe 1:12 To them it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things which angels desire to look into. 2Pe 1:21 for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. Joh 16:13-14 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. (14) He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. Strangely there are professing Christians who find fault with the Bible and set it aside as too limiting and restrictive. For me the opposite is true and I find it revealing and liberating.

hence the go to counselling even if it is on your own ... Having escaped an abusive marriage that started out like this I am no doubt biased but since it almost cost me the lives of my children as well as my own then I would sooner err on the side of caution and say DONT WAIT TO GET HELP

I would also have to say gardening, by the sweat of my brow. The hand tiller is a killer at my age, and the hoe is too slow and laborious. When dry here, the soil becomes almost as hard as concrete. Before I can till and plant, I have weeds and thistles over my head from the previous year. Every year, I say to myself, self, this year is just a postage stamp size garden. Hook up my little boy toy to my tiller on a beautiful day and begin; it should only take a few minutes to till my garden area. An hour later, I again said to myself, “Dennis, what have you done?” Now I have to go out and get many more plants and seeds. Now, I must spend hours and hours, days and days, weeding, monitoring, watering, tending, getting bit by mosquitoes, ticks, yellow jackets, biting flies, picking, harvesting, canning, and giving produce away. I must test my soil; it must lack nitrogen, phosphorous, calcium, or something. I gave up on planting chicken bones, beef, and pork ribs to raise; they never even sprouted. Perhaps they are an early or late crop that does not like the excessive heat here in Tennessee?

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

A brother stood up at our gathering this morning and said: "The Christian life is not hard, brothers and sisters, it is impossible!" His point was, there is only One who did it, and only One who is still able to live the Christian life. If we think it is hard, it shows we're trying to live it from the wrong source - our own self effort. Nobody, apart from Christ in us, is able to live it. Therefore, we must learn to live by a new source, our spirit, which is joined to His Spirit! (1 Cor 6:17) Three supporting verses come to mind (there are many more): "Apart from Me you can do nothing." "My yoke is easy and my burden light." "What is impossible with men is possible with God." John 15:5, Matt 11:30, Luke 8:27

Most people argue about where that comma in the verse is supposed to be. Let's forget about the comma. If it was Jesus's intention to communicate that the thief would be in his kingdom eventually in the future, he likely would have said "You will be with me in paradise", which of course, doesn't designate when. However, Jesus used "TODAY" because that is exactly what he meant. Jesus told him "You'll be with me in paradise TODAY"!

I think we as humans look too much for the `feelings.` God is always there and it is for us to appreciate His faithfulness, His mercy and grace. As we regularly give Him thanks and praise then we are feeding our spirit. Appreciate the everyday blessings we have and not constantly looking to God to keep proving Himself to us. God will by His Holy Spirit often highlight a word or action that needs to be addressed. This correction is to make us more like Christ and not our selfish past.

I think it a profitable thing to read, pray and think deeply about this in order to fully realize so it becomes real to us. Without Him, we can truly do nothing, nuthin, nada, zip. Lord Help us to see and know. ““I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5 NKJV)

Peace and blessings to you, I am an ex addict and was heavy into drugs needles booze and everything that would quiet the Holy spirit. Since overcoming my demons with drugs I've noticed all the poison around us that can very easily lead us astray. I still use tobacco and I feel very conflicted. I asked myself would you smoke or chew while doing a reading or watching a sermon "No" then why do it at all lol. Might sound a bit much, but I think it has a holds merit, because the spirit of rebellion lingers waiting at any chance to resurface. Going through confessing my sins and leaving no ammo for the wicked is of the most importance I think. I know were only human and God loves us regardless, However if were convicted were then conflicted and by that it's a sign to STOP. This message is mostly to myself so plz dont take it personal. I pray you all have a blessed week and enjoy the weekend with your loved one's. May the Whole Armor of God be with you!!!

I do not equate dropping churchianity attendance as a ‘falling away’. I see it as a re-alignment of His Body as He wills. I see a general increase in the work of the spirit of antichrist. I suspect a sort of separation of wheat and tares in western civ. is occurring.

In my short tenure here, I, too, have seen escalating undesired conflict between supposedly brothers and sisters in Christ. Instead of building one another up, some go to the juggler to tear someone down. Regardless of any T.O.S., the human heart and charity (agape love) cannot be administratively regulated. We have all seen well-intentioned and inquisitive Christians join this ministry and shortly thereafter disappear due to theological and personal attacks, disparaging personal comments, and rudeness. This conduct is unbecoming. Some end-time traits listed in 2 Tim. 3:1-7 are evident among purported Christians on this forum. Some long-time and established members have, and are, considering moving on from here, myself included. In my view, there are barely a handful or two left that I enjoy fellowship with and discussing and debating the word of God and prophecy. Again, we all see the new members signing up; they are all giddy and excited to be here and enjoy Christian fellowship and discussion. Suddenly, they are gone after a few posts and disparaging comments and remarks. Matthew 18:20 (KJV) For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. Do we gather here in Christ’s name on this forum? Do we conduct ourselves this way when we congregate to worship and learn the word of God in Sunday School and church? Do we berate one another?

If you do intercessory prayer for people you do not know, it lets you pray in emergencies concerning things you really don't need to know about. I've had that happen several years ago.

I myself see no breaking news. ISIS has been killing thousands for years. And as more people there convert to Christ, more will be Christians that are killed along with the unsaved, especially in the Congo. I'm not into what is gonna be or what has been debates here. I'm into the here and now, this is the day. Am I abiding in Christ, walking in the spirit, sharing the GOOD NEWS?.... But if you need to get attention to prove doctrine/end times, then post the main stream media 'breaking' news. Meanwhile; visit the widows and orphans, share the good news, and give God the glory for a beautiful day, brother! "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things" Thanks, BA.. "And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. "He that winneth souls is wise"

I talk to our Heavenly Father every day and sometimes I ask him to help Mr or another but usually I just thank him. I thank him for thinking of and creating me. I thank him for the wonderful people in my life and much more. Doing so has helped me to become closer to him. I encourage everybody to do so.

Yes - explicitly "not of works, lest anyone should boast." (Ephesians 2:9) - Therefore our Lord Jesus gets all the glory - even when my works are righteous - because without Him, I "can do nothing" (John 15:5).

As a Christ follower. We really don't have to go to forest or starve to learn humility or spiritual growth. You just need to exist in this world and choose Jesus every day, really! that's all you need! Jesus said there will be troubles anyway if we are followers of Him. Because the world hated Him so it most likely would hate us too and there comes the "struggle". We need to be alone with Jesus thats all we need. Every day there will be many opportunity to deny our flesh, humble ourselves, obey God, resist the devil, persevere and eventually Spiritual growth. My two cents

Long driving vacations just to see things some random photos from a single driving trip.

The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. Psalm 23:1

I do. But I want Jesus to return a whole lot more. We are in this world but not of it. We are concerned with the state of the world because we are in it. We are called to draw people out of this world, and into the Kingdom of God. But our destiny is not in this world. The Kingdom of the King of kings is our destiny. And he has already overcome the world. Don't let the anxiety of the election season trouble you too much. Don't let end times events trouble you too much. Jesus is on the throne, and in charge of all things.

Yes, script writers and Bluetooth (Nova H1 style) earrings help with her speeches. Her true nature was not to concede on the night of race, and apparently instead texted those at her 'watch party' telling them to 'go home.' She would even face them that night. There are still some seats in the House being counted, but it looks like Trump won: – The Presidency – The Popular vote – The Senate majority – The House majority (projected) – The State governor majority – The State legislature majority Looks like the American people spoke loudly. Translated, it's that they are sick of the Democrat policies and lunacy.

IMHO Trump is God's man of the hour. Hammer, messiah ( small "m" ) imperfect as were Moses, David, etc. etc. Even Nebuchadnezzar was God's man of the hour at one point to do the will of the LORD. So it's not about the character of the man. Even though Trump, aside from being quite bombastic and egocentric, is far better than Nebuchadnezzar and ilk. He genuinely cares about people. With the exception of the America-haters. But as he has proven in the past, he can deal with America-haters who are foreign dignitaries ( Putin, Xi, Un, etc. ) for America's best interests ( not compromising, in fact turning the heat up on those dignitaries ). He is pro Israel. He is pro Christianity. He is pro life. And if he wins the election, this may be the last chance America has to get back to God and Christ and Christian principles ( which are what truly made America great in the first place ). We didn't do it during Trump's first administration. We blew it. Embracing only materialism / worldly prosperity. This is why the LORD allowed Covid and the Biden theft. It was IMHO the last of God's warning shots across our bow. That if we do nothing during the next administration there will be bloodshed by either persecution (which is more likely) or revolution (which almost no one has the stomach for). ← no one was more surprised to learn this than the globalists who locked down DC with fences and the National Guard for months after the fraud election was certified by Pence. The more people have, the more they have to lose... Problem is, it never ends well ( ask the monkeys who died in monkey traps ). In southeast Asia I believe it is, they trapped monkeys by hollowing out coconut shells through a hole just big enough for a monkey to slip their hand into. Then they would stake the shell down to the ground and fill it with sweet figs and nuts. A monkey would then reach in to grab the goodies but with balled fist could not get their hand back out. Trapped they would often squawk and writhe about as their predator causally approached with a club to do them in... all the while the monkey could escape if they only let go of the goodies. Most often they did not. Barbaric. I agree. But quite symbolic of where we are as Americans, or as people. America was founded as a nation of Christians based on Christian principles. We have strayed far away from this. It is beyond compromise. In many ways we find ourselves on the outside looking in ( whereas it was the reverse with paganism and evil in the past ). Just read the headlines. Just read the headlines. It doesn't take a mass deportation of the illegals and globalists, or changing the minds of the haters... it only takes God's people doing this: 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NKJV) 14 if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

Happy Birthday @Michael37 Thank you for your service to the Lord through the forums ... it's a blessing to have you on staff! I hope you have a wonderful time celebrating the 42nd anniversary of your 29th birthday! :) Be blessed brother! George

missmuffett - I didn't disagree with any of your statements. I believe them, too. There are some fundamentals of the Christian faith. You listed some of them. But I think you and I have different usages of the word "fundamentalist". I associate that term with fundamentalist churches I know of which I do not believe they practice the entire truth. The fundamentalist churches that I know of have that term "Fundamentalist" in their church name. Such as - and I am making this up - "Sunshine Grove Fundamentalist Baptist Church". And they have some practices that I cannot live with: [1] King James ONLY - to a fault. All other Bibles are "corrupt" and lead to hell. [2] Gross legalism - women can't wear pants, the church decides what movies you can watch, no dating, purity ring ceremonies, ALL women must submit to ALL men, women cannot teach any male above the age of 8, no birth control - couples must have a "quiver full" of children, and these rules take equal status with the Bible. [3] Spiritual abuse = There is much shame and fear taught in these churches. Not a proper shame-facedness, but a cruel and intentional pointing of the finger at the sins of church members, but never the staff members. The Bible is not used to preach the gospel, but to manipulate and control the congregation. [4] The preachers are obsessed with telling everyone what they are doing wrong and seemingly have no interest in people's salvation. The preachers alone read their Bibles - if at all. The congregants just, as some have said, "wait for him to tell us what it says." I've seen that with my own eyes. I guess I have such an aversion to these churches and their horrible teachings that the word "fundamentalist" makes me nervous. Yes, there are definitely fundamentals of the faith by which all Christians must learn and embrace. But the "fundamentalist" churches don't usually practice them as much as they practice their own man-made rules.

What does the Bible say? That is the only guideline for believers. Do what the Bereans did when Paul preached in their town. They "searched the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true". These groups obviously haven't done that. Here are the guidelines for witnessing, or sharing the gospel. Col 4:6 - Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. 1 Peter 3:15 - But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, There it is. Anything more that this is quite unbiblical. When people say they aren't interested, believers should apologize for bothering them and move on. We have no authority to force anyone to listen to anything.

How do you explain Rom. 14: 10-12? 10 Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God; 11 for it is written, “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.” 12 So then each of us will give an account of himself to God. Or Rev. 2:11 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death.’ It appears to me that a Christian has to conquer sin. And sin is defined as lawlessness in the bible. Again, in Rev. 2:17 - 17He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it.’ :26,27 The one who conquers and who keeps my works until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations, 27 and he will rule them with a rod of iron, as when earthen pots are broken in pieces, even as I myself have received authority from my Father. Apparently, we all will stand before Jesus and be judged according to our efforts. How a person believes doesn't change the truth of the matter. Doesn't judgement begin with the household of God?

I had 7 miscarriages after being told I could never have children I did have them and sad to say lost two sons after ..it breaks my heart to hear of healthy women carrying healthy children because of choices THEY made then murdering said children as it is inconvenient to give birth to them. We do not live in a time of ignorance There are plenty of birth control opportunities ( including abstinence ) if you chose to ignore them who should suffer the consequences ? The guilty or the innocent ? If an innocent person was put to death for the crimes of a guilty person there would be outcry so why not when millions of innocents are condemned ?

My town has a crisis pregnancy center. Let me give an example of what they do. In April of this year, a woman [the center does not name names] had had several miscarriages. Like six or seven. She was not a Christian and she could not tell her man. He had been so devastated by all the others. They were not married, but that is not the point in this story. She came to the center wanting help. She wanted to know what to do. Here is what our center does. [1] provides some medical care including ultrasounds [2] gives counseling from professionals to women [and mates] in crisis [3] gives transportation to doctors and hospitals [4] when the baby is born, mothers [and fathers] are given: food, diapers, clothes, training in how to feed, care for, medically care for, and raise babies. these provisions are given until the baby is two years old [5] job searches are made; housing searches are made [6] occasionally cars are provided [7] there's more The center relies solely on donations. And boy do they get it. Churches, businesses, families, and more.

No question in my mind between the choices. As all men, Trump has faults, but his policies are far better for the People and the integrity of a nation.

No, not in my opinion. I'm not personally in support of Trump nor with the bend of Christianity in recent times to get so heavily involved in politics. It's a religious movement, not a political one. The marrying of politics into the religious body leads to this phenomenon, where so many priests and pastors go on about politics and useless worldly matters rather than the meat of the faith itself. It's as though people think that by forcing a "Christian lifestyle" onto the general populace, that this will somehow force them into conversion. Not only would that not be true - as if it was required by law, many would say Lord Lord with their mouth but not their hearts - But most of those who advocate so strongly for political matters in the realm of faith are far more so politically motivated than religiously anyway. I don't think those who support these pundits would be nearly so pleased if that day ever came where they did grab political power. It's an endless back and forth and mere distraction. So many years have passed. Every election is the exact same thing, a fear of the antichrist coming and a hope that the end of days is here. Yet time and time again, time passes and it's a major waste of breathe and energy. If you ask me? Just focus on God. The end of days will sneak up on us all like a thief in the night, so we're best just being prepared at all times. And how does one do that? By separating yourself from the world and just focusing on your faith. All of these mundane concerns are mere distractions.

Dream on. If you are a born again believer, an adopted child of God the father, you will be chastised and pruned and punished. Because he loves you too much to let you believe you can get away with it. If you are getting away with continual sin without any punishment/chastisement, I would check your ticket. God chastises those whom he loves!! (Those who will never be condemned to eternal punishment, yes)

He is the bully and abusive and if he wont seek help via marriage counselling I would suggest YOU need to go regardless as this sort of behaviour is very often a precursor to physical violence. You need to get help NOW . If it is a one off situation and he was just tired/frustrated/angry and didnt want to continue the conversation then I can see how he would consider your continuing a form of nagging or verbal abuse but it sounds as if any time he doesnt get his own way he resorts to shutting you down and expecting you to accept he is right .. you are not living in the middle ages GET HELP even if it is just to show you how to deal with this before it escalates

If we expect something unexpected to happen is it still unexpected? I recall decades ago joining a small crew of men from church one Saturday as we did some alterations inside the building our congregation had just moved into. I do construction and maintenance so it was in my wheelhouse, but the pecking order in place relegated me to minor tasks. This was no problem and I was happy to help any way I could. Job done and the others left so that it was just the manufacturer/landlord/businessman/pastor and I putting waste and scraps into his van so that he could take them around the building to a patch of wasteland used for dumping by other tenants and users of the industrial site we were on. I had offered to load these onto my truck which I had with me but was told that was not required. The pastor and his van drove off and I was preparing to drive home when the Holy Spirit said, "Follow him around the building", so I did. I saw where the pastor was unloading the waste construction materials from his van and drove up to him in my truck. Again I was told my assistance wasn't required, but I lent him a hand anyway. Once the task was finished I stood back as the pastor got in his van, started the engine, and . . . spun its wheels, unable to gain traction. "Ah," I thought. "Now I know why the Holy Spirit directed me here." I towed the van and the pastor out of trouble even though he insisted he could have resolved the situation without my help. Sometimes we don't know what to expect, but the Holy Spirit does. 1Co 1:25-29 Because the foolish thing of God is wiser than men, and the weak thing of God is stronger than men. (26) For you see your calling, brothers, that not many wise men according to the flesh are called, not many mighty, not many noble. (27) But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God has chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; (28) and God has chosen the base things of the world, and things which are despised, and things which are not, in order to bring to nothing things that are; (29) so that no flesh should glory in His presence. Eph 3:20-21 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, (21) to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

The little thing in the upper left corner is an EF 0 tornado that shortly after I snapped the picture ripped the top 15 feet out of the tops of those trees and dumped them right where I was standing. The white light is a humongous bolt of lightening.

Well said. If I weigh in on a matter and it appears that I am utterly detached or uncaring regarding it --- anything political is a perfect example of that --- that's a result of my calling in the Lord and walking in those works He created me to do. As a friend to my neighbor no matter who they are... as one who listens to the troubles and burdens of many... I need to offend no one in order to please the Lord. So, it was good that I never remained in one place for long, moving on frequently so I had no choice but learn how to make fast friends with strangers. Even better that my international travels made this possible with virtually anyone from anywhere. I never had time to pay attention to politics or the like. Being homeless reinforced that further. My priorities were finding work, food, and shelter. After the Lord restored me, I witnessed the wisdom of the Lord in all of those things. It was exceedingly humbling.