nikki1

I agree OneLight, Scripture does not specifically tell us who the restrainer is. But from my studies, and the scriptures I have posted, the Archangel Michael is a likely candidate, imo because Michael has personally fought and restrained the devil before Scripture tells us.

The Restrainer that the Apostle Paul is talking about in 2 Thessalonians 2:7 is not the Holy Spirit your pre-tribulation rapture people would have you believe. The scriptures give us a "job description" for the Holy Spirit, and He was never assigned to be the Restrainer that the Apostle Paul is speaking of. If Michael is the protecting Angel of Israel, how can he also be the Restrainer? Who but the Holy Spirit works to protect the children of God, those who have accepted Jesus as Saviour and keep them from the enemy's hand? Without the Holy Spirit at work today can you imagine the terror and turmoil of the world around us?? Why can he not be? If as you say, Michael is the protecting angel of Israel, he certainly is powerful enough to restrain the devil. There is absolutely no scriptural basis for the Holy Spirit to be "the Restrainer". This is a made up idea from the pre-trib teachers. This does not mean that Michael was afraid of satan, it simply means Michael turned satan over to God in the case of Moses' body. We see here that Michael did not fight the devil with the devil's methods 2 Peter 2:11 confirms that angels, who are greater in power and might, do not bring a "reviling accusation" against them before the Lord, thus Michael responded in the way that he did. The greek word used in the above for "reviling accusation" is "diabolos", meaning "devilish,malicious, slanderous Don't underestimate the Archangel Michael. In Daniel 10:13, we read "But the "prince" of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty one days; and behold Michael, one of the chief princes came to help me for I had been left alone with the kings of Persia." There is no doubt that this" prince" of Persia spoken of in the above verse is a powerful spirit being, for how could a mere human stand against an angel on assignment from God? There is a real possibility that this "prince" is satan himself. Further, Revelation 12:7 confirms that Michael and his angels fought with the dragon and Michael and his angels won! This same verse also confirms that both Michael and the devil each have some angels on their side. Simply put, the Holy Spirit's role is not the same as "the restrainer's" role. Scripture does not support this man made idea.

That's an idea, but no one knows yet.

The Restrainer that the Apostle Paul is talking about in 2 Thessalonians 2:7 is not the Holy Spirit your pre-tribulation rapture people would have you believe. The scriptures give us a "job description" for the Holy Spirit, and He was never assigned to be the Restrainer that the Apostle Paul is speaking of.

I think the mark is a spiritual mark. Ephesians 1:13 informs us that all who have Christ are sealed with His Holy Spirit. This is not a physical mark, but of a spiritual nature, and is given to those by Christ who profess His name. Likewise, the mark of the beast can be all those who follow Islam and Sharia which identify them who profess the name of allah and his (false) prophet. For me, at this point in time, I am convinced that Islam is the Beast spoken about in Revelation. In identifying Islam as the end time beast, there are those who have established a model or paradigm against which we can compare various end times Bible passages from the Book of Daniel, Revelations and others. I agree with you when it comes to the Islam bit, but I think it's probably going to be a physical mark. The buying and selling bit doesn't make a lot of sense otherwise. Christians in Pakistan and the Middle East already cannot buy or sell unless they accept Islamic sharia. Many are thrown in jail who refuse to convert (Egypt is big on this and so is Pakistan), cannot hold a job because no one will hire them. How can you buy and sell in jail, support your family if yu cannot hold a job? And in Iran Unable To Buy Or Sell: Iran Refusing Business License For Convert To Christianity, Orders Businesses Not To Employ Christians – “Iranian authorities refuse to allow a young man to start his own company because he converted to Christianity and was previously detained on charges of ‘apostasy’, or ‘abandoning Islam’, Iranian Christians said Saturday, July 14. The Iranian Christian, who was not identified, had reportedly been trying to obtain a business license for ‘a technical company’ in northern Iran… Outside prison, government offices are reportedly ordered not to employ Christians and Christians have been deprived from high school or university education, or running their own schools, according to Iranians with close knowledge about the situation Read More

I know what the Bible says and it does not identify who or what the mark is If this is so easy, as you say, we would not be having this discussion or disagreement.

What makes you think those who think the mark is a spiritual mark do not understand prophecy? No one knows for sure what the mark will be, or how it will be applied, so for you to say those who disagree with you don't understand prophecy is quite a long shot. There are those Christians today, and others, who do not accept islamic sharia in the Middle East, Asia and other Islamic countries and they are not allowed to hold a job, cannot buy and sell, are persecuted, thrown in jail, etc., There is already much visible evidence that the mark will be of a spiritual nature. Have you not heard about the multitudes of Christians who are thrown in jail, are not allowed to buy or sell simply because they disagree with the teachings in the Koran?

Bear is very cute. Wow. $1700 for that emergency last year? What other expenses did you have? God bless, GE LOL Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine not only is one of the top Veterinary Schools in America, it has a top notch on campus Hospital For Animals which not only includes dogs, but horses, cows, Farm Hospital, and anything with four legs and more. It has a fully equipped pharmacy with registered pharmacists, and resident interns studying Veterinary Medicine, a 24 hour emergency service room, an Intensive Care Unit (where Bear was after his surgery), licensed Vet. Techs. who care for all animals around the clock., and state of the art medical equipment. Other than the drive to and from Ithaca, NY which is one hour away from where I live, and pain medicine, (which Bear was allergic to and could not take when I got him home) I did not have any more expenses. I had to take Bear back once because he wouldn't keep his cone on and he started to tear his incision open. The white patches in the pic. are from where he was shaven for surgery as he had three IV lines in him.The resident intern assigned to Bear called my every day to keep me informed of Bear's progress. As far as cost, I would give my last penny to save Bear, because he is worth it. He would have died without the surgery. I believe all animals are a gift from God. I am partial to doxies, I admit because doxies display the attributes of God's character. Their love is unconditional, they are always glad to see you, are very sad when you leave them, they are always there waiting at the door for you to return after you have left, and no matter how mad you get at them, they are eager to forgive you. What more can you ask for? From its web page: http://www.vet.cornell.edu/hospital/ The Cornell University Hospital for Animals, located in Ithaca, NY, is a teaching hospital with a team of board certified veterinarians, residents, interns and licensed veterinary technicians that performs cutting edge veterinary medicine. The Companion Animal Hospital, the Equine Hospital, Farm Animal Hospital, Janet L. Swanson Wildlife Health Center and the Ambulatory Production Medicine Service offer emergency, specialty and primary care services to all species including dogs, cats, exotic pets, wildlife, zoo animals, equine and farm animals. Whether the patient is big or small, and their condition common or complex, we strive to keep clients and referring veterinarians informed about the treatment options/recommendations, prognosis and costs at all times. Picture of Cornell Hospital For Animals

That's an interesting question. Scripture does not indicate that and after carefully considering Nikki's post, I don't see her saying that either However, the question was about repeated and ongoing sin...not one sin. Really. That's what it is about. That, is another consideration and scripture is clear that we cannot profess the Name of Christ and continue to live in sin, ongoing sin or in an unrepentant fashion. Nevertheless the foundation of God stands sure, having this seal, The Lord knows them that are his. And, Let every one that names the name of Christ depart from iniquity. II Tim. 2:19

Repentance is first and foremost a requirement for salvation-- without which, there can be no salvation. Following are just a handful of scriptures that verify this very basic scripture teaching. In fact, Jesus himself, when He started his ministry, Matt. 4:17 tells us he went around teaching "Repent", for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Isa: 55:7Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. Matt. 4:17 - From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Mark 6:12 - And they went out, and preached that men should repent. Luke 24:47 - And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. Acts 2:38 - Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Acts 3:19 - Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord 2 Cor. 7:10 - For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. This brings me to something I have a problem with. In the Christian church today, there are those who would pervert God's teaching on the necessity for repentance of sin to make friends and families and large contributors feel better about themselves and their lives. Repentance is a command by Jesus himself, not an option, but you hear and read of people all the time saying what this woman has said: This teaching that this woman professes is totally wrong. Multitudes upon multitudes are being lead astray thinking all they need to do is accept Jesus as their personal saviour, yet The Bible commands repentance, not accepting Jesus as a personal saviour. You did the Biblical thing in telling this woman about repentance, because without repentance (a turning away from sin) there can be no salvation. I have no idea where this false teaching started, but multitudes are going around professing they are Christian, saying "they have accepted Jesus as their personal savior," I have attended different churches in my area and this seems to be a very popular false teaching. I have heard it from televangelists over and over to the point I do not listen to them anymore. Does that mean every time you sin you lose your salvation until you repent again? God's Word is what it is. Who are we to change it? I think it would be better to focus on His Word as written.

Repentance is first and foremost a requirement for salvation-- without which, there can be no salvation. Following are just a handful of scriptures that verify this very basic scripture teaching. In fact, Jesus himself, when He started his ministry, Matt. 4:17 tells us he went around teaching "Repent", for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Isa: 55:7Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. Matt. 4:17 - From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Mark 6:12 - And they went out, and preached that men should repent. Luke 24:47 - And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. Acts 2:38 - Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Acts 3:19 - Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord 2 Cor. 7:10 - For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. This brings me to something I have a problem with. In the Christian church today, there are those who would pervert God's teaching on the necessity for repentance of sin to make friends and families and large contributors feel better about themselves and their lives. Repentance is a command by Jesus himself, not an option, but you hear and read of people all the time saying what this woman has said: This teaching that this woman professes is totally wrong. Multitudes upon multitudes are being lead astray thinking all they need to do is accept Jesus as their personal saviour, yet The Bible commands repentance, not accepting Jesus as a personal saviour. You did the Biblical thing in telling this woman about repentance, because without repentance (a turning away from sin) there can be no salvation. I have no idea where this false teaching started, but multitudes are going around professing they are Christian, saying "they have accepted Jesus as their personal savior," I have attended different churches in my area and this seems to be a very popular false teaching. I have heard it from televangelists over and over to the point I do not listen to them anymore.

God did not have a problem with destroying the people of Sodom and Gomorrah for all of its prideful, lust, refusing to help the poor, and sexual sins. Something to think about.

The vets at Cornell School for Veterninary Medicine, which is one of the best in the country, advised me to give Bear raw Carrots, green beans (cooked), apples and so forth for treats and snacks because of their nutritional value and exeptionally low calorie count. Doxie's are not hard to potty train. In fact, I have found the opposite to be true. They are an exeptionally clean dog, and very intelligent. My hubby has a female, where Bear was bred from and he built a corral around the birthing area and the pups were all paper trained before sold. We have had contact with the people who bought the pups, and both said that whenever it was time to go potty, the pups would go right to the door to let the master know it was time to take him/her out. It all depends upon if the breeder took the time to train the pups at an early age. In our case, the pups went right from their birthing are to paper, and then an expanded carrol area with paper and we never had a problem with potty training any of them. When we let them out of the corral area in the middle of the night when they woke up to run around for exerise until they would get tired, we had paper placed in various areas and they would run right to it and go. But they are very stubborn and demanding in other ways, because they are so intelligent, they like to be in control all the time. Again, it takes training and they are very obedient when trained, and loyal.

I agree, the cost of owning a pet is expensive, but not as expensive as the OP has calcuulated because many of the charges included are not necessary and can be removed. As a long time Doxie owner, and breeder, I do not give my dog any over the counter pet treats. Most "reliable vets" will tell you they are unhealthy for you pet, and contribute to putting on unwanted weight for your pet which will cause more high vet bills in the future when this happens. Those otc pet treats for the most part are loaded with carbs and react on your pet just as they do people. I substitute organic carrots or green beans with little or not calories and are very inexpensive. My doxie also loves apples, so I give him pieces of pealed apples at whim. Most of the otc toys are toxic and or dangerous. One or two good quality chew bones is sufficient. Micro chip is an added expense that is not needed. A dog harnessr with a dog charm with owners name, address and phone # in case your pet gets loose will do fine. As far as having your pet spayed/nuder, most animal rescue places will do it for a fraction of the price, so shop around. As far as flea and tick treatments, you can make them yourself very inexpensively and naturally with no toxic chemicals using a few drops of insectidal essential oils and your pet will love you for it. One cost I did not anticipate last year was when my little doxie "Bear", who was only six months old, swallow a whole acorn and I had to rush him to Cornell University School and Hospital for Vet Medicine. I had him to two vets prior to who could not find anything wrong. He almost died when I rushed him in the middle of the night to Cornell Vet. Hospital in Ithaca, NY and he was in surgery by 6 AM to remove a $2300 acorn lodged in his intestines that was causing an obstruction. I had to pay $1700 upfront, and the hospital paid the difference of $600, through a grant donation. Meet "Bear"

I think the mark is a spiritual mark. Ephesians 1:13 informs us that all who have Christ are sealed with His Holy Spirit. This is not a physical mark, but of a spiritual nature, and is given to those by Christ who profess His name. Likewise, the mark of the beast can be all those who follow Islam and Sharia which identify them who profess the name of allah and his (false) prophet. For me, at this point in time, I am convinced that Islam is the Beast spoken about in Revelation. In identifying Islam as the end time beast, there are those who have established a model or paradigm against which we can compare various end times Bible passages from the Book of Daniel, Revelations and others.

Those back alley illegal clinics have never disappeared, and have been around a long time. I guess yu did not follow the recent gruesome murder trial of abortionist "Dr" Gosnell excerpt: New York Times Another juror, Joseph Carroll, 46, said he might need to seek counseling after hearing all the evidence and seeing disturbing images of aborted fetuses and of the squalid conditions and grisly items in Dr. Gosnell’s clinic, including jars of fetuses’ feet, discovered by law enforcement officers during a drug raid in 2010.

I don't think the MAP has anything to do with the present statistics, because the pill came after the statistic were already gathered. According to the Huffington Post "More than 50 abortion clinics across the country have closed or stopped offering the procedure since a heavy wave of legislative attacks on providers began in 2010, according to The Huffington Post's nationwide survey of state health departments, abortion clinics and local abortion-focused advocacy groups." But, the MAP might make a difference in the future. Who knows how reliable that pill is And, I am sure it comes with a host of serious adverse reactions that will cause people to leave it on the shelf at the store when the word gets out.

The way I see it, saving lives by legal means is better than allowing murder to continue. You are absolutely right about that. I agree wholeheartedly. Do you equate legality with morality? And your point is..............? You tell me. When is murder a moral, legal act? I think the decline of "illegally" murdering the unborn in the name of "choice" is due to a great awakening by Americans all over the country from all walks of life, Christian and otherwise, who are saying no more murdering of the unborn., and the prospective victim (mother) enough is enough. The great lie of murdering the unborn and calling it "choice" has been exposed for what it is. Pro "choice" women will have to find another way to murder their babies. excerpt from The Huffington Post, from which the OP article was taken The murder trial of Kermit Gosnell, the abortion provider in Pennsylvania who performed illegal, late-term abortions and allegedly "snipped" the spines of fetuses born alive, has fueled the drive to regulate abortion clinics even further. A group of House Republicans wrote letters to the health departments and attorneys general of all 50 states in May, citing the Gosnell trial and asking what exactly states are doing to "protect the civil rights of newborns and their mothers."

The way I see it, saving lives by legal means is better than allowing murder to continue. You are absolutely right about that. I agree wholeheartedly.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/possible-closure-of-ohio-clinic-shows-new-tactic-in-us-abortion-clash/article13940769/ It would be better to tackle the women's desire to have an abortion, through compassion and education. This way the pro-lifers have no high ground. What do you think trained pro-life groups in America do? They educate prospective victims of abortions of the dangers of having an abortion; They suggest alternative to abortions like adoption, They speak of the pain it causes the unborn baby, they tell of the multitudes who have regretted getting an abortion after the fact, they call their representatives, and yes; let's be honest, it is murder. There is no sugarcoating the murder of an unborn baby and any "prospective candidate" needs to know she will be held accountable to God. Anytime an abortion clinic can be shut down legally is a good thing. The article posted by me from CT makes no mention of the Ohio Abortion Clinic you mentioned from a Canadian news source. From CT The reasons given for the upswing in closings are varied even among pro-lifers. They include: -- the increasing state regulation and oversight of clinics; -- a growth in pro-life opinion and activity, and -- a significant decline in the abortion rate. In some cases, clinics have shut down when abortion doctors retired or were no longer licensed. State legislatures enacted 69 pro-life laws this year, according to a report released Thursday (Sept. 5) by Americans United for Life. In all, 48 states considered about 360 such proposals in 2013, AUL reported. The legislative action this year continued a recent trend in states: 70 "life-affirming measures" became law in 2011 and 38 in 2012, according to AUL.

. On a side note, it annoys me to no end when people who have never had to deal with a mental illness try to tell me that medication doesn't work. IT DOES WORK! LadyKay Don't shoot the messenger. I simply put up a study done by a scientist/psychologist at Harvard that proved the negative effects of anti-depressants vs. the placebo effect. I thought it was a very informative study, so please don't take everything so personal. Apparently it was an impressive study because it made Prime Time 60 Minutes From your previous post it is obvious that you do not like vaccinations or medications. What's your point? Please show me the quote where I said I did not like medications, Bopeep. I have made my opinion about vaccinations after years of research by qualified and respectable sources, and that is my informed choice. Big pharmaceutical companies fool the masses in America again. A Harvard Medical School psychologist, Irving Kirsch, who has been studying placebo effects for three decades, recently came up with the documented conclusion that pharmaceutical anti-depressants don't work. Drug companies pay the FDA for approving their drugs. But the FDA doesn't do the trials or reports. They simply take them from the drug companies who all do their own trials and decide which reports to publish and submit. Kirsch discovered that most anti-depressant trials showed no proof of efficacy. Those results were simply hidden from view. So if 12 tests were done, and only two showed any efficacy at all, those two would be submitted to the FDA, and the FDA would essentially say "pay your fee and go to market." nikki,their is a well known statement in the medical field "A little knowledge can be a dangerous thing".I think telling someone that anti-depressants do not work is a dangerous statement to make for anyone.Many lives have been saved by anti-depressants and anti-psychotic medications.Their are many different psych meds on the market now.Some may not work for one person but may work for another.Do you not agree?Yes,their are side effects maybe some dangerous but what is the alternative?Do you think these meds are a rip off?Do you think they are a waste of time?No. you did not personally make this statement yourself but I understand it was a research study?Do you agree with this study?I understand that their is a mark up on drugs and their is alot of politics involved.What was their lives like in the 1800's without these drugs.Do you know how many people died from simple illnesses that medications have now prevented these deaths?Do you know how the mentally ill were treated in the 1800's?It is very scary.I would like to know your opinion on all of this. There is also the well know statement in the medical field that what you don't know can hurt you. Harvard Medical School psychologist, who by the way is a Ph.d, Irving Kirsch, did the study and proved his analysis in a documented research report. Unless you or anyone else qualified can refute Dr. Kirsch analysis in a documented research study; he is the expert on the topic and I do not have a problem with his analysis. Does that mean that I would tell someone not to take their anti-depressant medication? Of course not. Unless someone was having life threatening adverse reaction after taking an anti-depressant, no I would not tell anyone to stop their anti-depressant because I am not a psychiatrist or psychologist and I am not qualified to do so. However, unless an interested person has actually participated in a blind research study such as this where a placebo and or a chemical called anti-depressant was given, the person really does not know if the harmless placebo would help him vs. a chemical with a list of side effects or adverse reactions. There is a big difference you know. These type of studies are done all the time at research schools of medicine where people volunteer and get paid "X" amount of $$$ to partake in the study to determine the effect upon people. BoPeep Nor did I imply what you said.

shhhhhhhhhh!.........nobodies supposed to know that rebels stole nerve gas, it doesn't help Obama sell the American public on attacking Syrian government, boy! this is going to ruin everything! LOL!

Good News! Abortion Clinics Closing at Record Rate (UPDATED) Reasons vary, but the trend is clear. From Christianity Today Update: The Huffington Post assessed the "dramatic toll" that recent pro-life laws have taken on abortion clinics, with Arizona leading the way. Meanwhile, the abortion battle has gone digital as more states ban abortions by telemedicine. CT has examined the new pro-life surge in-depth. ----- (BP) For Abby Johnson, the closing of a single Planned Parenthood center demonstrated her dramatic reversal from abortion clinic director to leading pro-life advocate. But for pro-lifers throughout the United States, it marked another exhibit in a hopeful trend—abortion centers are shutting down at an unprecedented rate. The total so far this year is 44, according to a pro-life organization that tracks clinic operations. More

. On a side note, it annoys me to no end when people who have never had to deal with a mental illness try to tell me that medication doesn't work. IT DOES WORK! LadyKay Don't shoot the messenger. I simply put up a study done by a scientist/psychologist at Harvard that proved the negative effects of anti-depressants vs. the placebo effect. I thought it was a very informative study, so please don't take everything so personal. Apparently it was an impressive study because it made Prime Time 60 Minutes From your previous post it is obvious that you do not like vaccinations or medications. What's your point? Please show me the quote where I said I did not like medications, Bopeep. I have made my opinion about vaccinations after years of research by qualified and respectable sources, and that is my informed choice.