M45510G1C

God cannot do the logically impossible i.e. create a rock He cannot lift.

this is really where I struggle. Perhaps I am too cynical. The Jewish people at that time must have had a great faith in their leaders. How can we truly know if our leaders are, indeed being directed by God? We can take them at their word, sure, but look where that got the Germans. Lest we forget: *These images are somewhat disturbing, at least to me.* http://www.nobeliefs.com/nazis.htm There truly is a very delicate balance between defending against evil, and becoming an oppressor yourself.

Of course it does, survival is the object, not being liked. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Brother, if survival had been Christ's objective, where would we be today?' The objective is not to bel iked, either, you are correct. It is to love God, and, by extension, to love our neighbor.

This is correct. Potentially true, we really have no way of knowing this. You ignored my pint, however. Another poaster said that: The logical extension of that reasoning is that is would have been Japan's "moral imperative" to retaliate against us for our attack. It most certainly would have been terrible. I am not defending Japan, or any of the Axis forces. That is truly a shame. That being the case, however, does not justify agressive use of force.

By logical extension, it was then Japan's "moral imperative" to retaliate against the US after we bombed them...

Your comment ignores my statement completely, perhaps I should clarify. If a man attacks my family, and I see him doing so, I will do my best to defend them. If that man died in the attack (whether through his own actions or mine), I would not hunt down his employer, who paid him which enabled him to buy the weapon with which he attacked my family. If he ran, I would not persue. Am I mandated by scripture to hunt and kill any attackers like dogs? My priority is loving, not seeking vengeance or justice. Where would we be if God's priority concerning his relationship with us was vengeance or justice? I think my family would be better served if the man fled by me staying and tending to their needs, not by pursuing this attacker. As for letting him go, that he might potentially attack my family again, I would leave that in the hands of the Almighty. Would you fire a gun into a group of innocents to kill someone whom you considered a threat? What if you missed and hit an innocent, would you fire again? If the answer to these is yes, I most respectfully must suggest that you seek help.

Linux, anyone? http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n...0019EST0249.DTL Despite suffering technical glitches that prompted jokes and guffaws, Bill Gates promised Wednesday that Microsoft Corp. would help millions of consumers stay seamlessly plugged into a world of digital music, movies, video games and television shows. In his seventh annual keynote speech at the annual International Consumer Electronics Show, Microsoft's chairman explained that the proliferation of broadband Internet access and the falling price of data storage are compelling people to put music, photos, movies and other aspects of their life into a digital format. "We predicted at the beginning of this decade that this would be a decade where the digital approach would be taken for granted," Gates told hundreds of technologists who gathered for his kickoff to the world's largest electronics show. "It's going even faster than we expected." But while promoting what he calls the "digital lifestyle," Gates showed how vulnerable all consumers -- even the world's richest man -- are to hardware and software bugs. During a demonstration of digital photography with a soon-to-be-released Nikon camera, a Windows Media Center PC froze and wouldn't respond to Gates' pushing of the remote control. Later in the 90-minute presentation, a product manager demonstrated the ostensible user-friendliness of a video game expected to hit retail stores in April, Forza Motor Sport. But instead of configuring a custom-designed race car, the computer monitor displayed the dreaded "blue screen of death" and warned, "out of system memory." The errors -- which came during what's usually an ode to Microsoft's dominance of the software industry and its increasing control of consumer electronics -- prompted the celebrity host, NBC comedian Conan O'Brien, to quip, "Who's in charge of Microsoft, anyway?" Gates, who was sitting next to O'Brien on a set staged to look like NBC's Late Night set, smiled dryly and continued with his discussion. Gates also announced several partnerships with telecommunication companies such as SBC Communications Inc. and television networks. Microsoft and music network MTV last month inked a deal that will eventually allow people to send cable programs from rock, pop and country music channels and Comedy Central to their laptops, hand-held computers and other devices. Gates also announced that Korea's LG Electronics SA, the owner of Zenith Electronics, would build a DVD player recorder using Microsoft's digital video recording software. The product, which will be available in the fall, will attach to a television so users can record live shows onto a DVD. Although he accepted guffaws from audience members in the theater, the technical hiccups didn't prompt Gates to engage in a hard-hitting analysis of computer reliability and security. Power outages, hardware failures and software bugs often inexplicably humble those who strive for a Windows-based digital lifestyle, and world's most popular operating system is also a favorite target of hackers, virus writers, spies and spammers. "We've had a fair share of success and a fair share of things we've had to do version two and three of," Gates said. Gates downplaying his company's shortcomings isn't surprising. He founded the company to create software for the budding niche of personal computers in the early '80s. But now senior executives are eager to get a piece of the $108 billion consumer electronics market in the United States, now dominated by Asian brands such as Sony, Samsung, Panasonic and LG Electronics. It will likely take Microsoft years to understand the consumer electronics market and produce simple, glitch-free products for consumers' living rooms, analysts say. "Microsoft was founded by programmers and is still run by programmers, and the bias of programmers is that software can do anything," said Paul DeGroot, an analyst at Kirkland, Wash.-based Directions on Microsoft. "While Microsoft's goal is to turn the PC into a superhub that does everything -- plays music, works as a cell phone, stores your photos -- they're running up against the fact that most people buy discrete components that do particular things."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/4150747.stm US CD sales rose by 2.3% in 2004 - the first rise in four years - despite the growing popularity of legal digital music downloads. The CD format still accounts for 98% of the 666 million albums sold, according to research company Nielsen Soundscan. A total of 140 million digital tracks were legally downloaded last year, equivalent to 14 million albums. R&B star Usher was the biggest-selling artist with his album Confessions selling eight million copies alone. Other top sellers of the year were Norah Jones, Eminem and country stars Kenny Chesney and Gretchen Wilson. The US recording industry has attempted to tackle music piracy by suing those it believes are the worst offenders and closing down websites which offer music without permission Although it was slow to react to the problem the launch of services such as iTunes and the relaunched Napster has persuaded many to use the legal sites. The end of the year saw downloads reach a weekly high of 6.7 million tracks, up from 300,000 in mid-2003. The use of download websites means consumers do not have to purchase entire albums but can chose only the tracks they like. Dowloands of whole albums has been calculated at 5.5 million copies, with rock band Hoobastank one of the most popular choices. Nielsen Soundscan said the fastest growing music genres were Latin and country. The UK recorded a record year for album sales in 2004, with 237 million sold in the 12 months up to September, an increase of 3%. The Scissor Sisters proved the most popular album of the year, followed by Keane and Maroon 5.

A good friend of mine recently moved to Ashville, North Carolina. He says it is beautiful (in the mountains of western NC), and that the people are very friendly. He used to live here, in Baltimore, and absolutely hated it, to the point of depression. He is now very happy and energetic, it is truly a wonderful change he has gone through.

I once spoke with an Athiest who said: "When I was 8, my partents told me there was no Santa. My first thought was; when will they tell me there is no God?" The lie of Santa had a very deep emotional impact on this mans life, well over 30 years later. Not saying this is typical, but it is something to think and pray on

From various sources, sorry dont have time to grab em all, a google should reveal the, however: When President Bush reneged on his promise to regulate CO2 emissions from power plants and turned his back on the Kyoto Protocol, he promised that the US would remain committed to fighting global warming. Today, it is clear he did not mean it. The Bush energy plan, if implemented, would send U.S greenhouse gas emissions through the roof, increasing overall emissions by 35% or more, and emissions from power plants as much as 65%. If this plan is enacted, the fight against global warming may well be over. The plan places the US clearly in breach of its obligations under the UN Climate Convention, which President Bush (senior) ratified in 1992. This treaty requires industrialized countries to develop plans to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels. US emissions are currently about 15% above 1990 levels, and would rise to 50% above 1990 levels under the Bush plan. Besides breaching the specific obligations of the treaty, the plan violates international and domestic law by defeating the object and purpose of the treaty. The president of the international climate negotiations, Dutch Environment Minister Jan Pronk, has called the plan a "disastrous development" for international efforts to slow output of global warming gases. As a signatory to the UN Charter, the United States is bound by the Charter's requirements. Article 39 specifically gives the UN Security Council, not individual nations, the authority to determine "the existence of any threat to the peace, breach of the peace, or act of aggression", and the authority to "decide what measures shall be taken ... to maintain or restore international peace and security." Article 42 authorizes the Security Council, if non-military measures fail, to "take such action by air, sea, or land forces as may be necessary to maintain or restore international peace and security." No nation can take it upon itself, without Security Council approval, to act to enforce UN resolutions. Guantanamo bay: The prisoners, who are suspected of having ties to al-Qaida and the Taliban, have been held for a year and a half without being charged and without access to legal representation. They have no contact with the outside world. The Bush administration claims that the captives are not prisoners of war but rather

It's probably because his supporters are tired of the same, worn out babble that seems to have come from the same cookie cutter. Bush is evil, Bush is the anti-christ, Bush is a liar, America is to blame for all the woe in the world, guilty, guilty, guilty..... t. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Brother, not all who disapprove of the Bush administration sound like that. I think that is an extremely unfair generalization. Sam: Yuo are a brilliant man, and are very good at keeping me on track with your timely posts. Sometimes it is hard to see the forest for the trees, ya know?

Great post Sam. My biggest worry is not what is happening or what is going to happen (I understand that this post was not addressed to me, bu I feel pressed to respond). My biggest concern if for the body. So many seem to think it neccessary to support a man merely because he claims to be a Christian with words, Or to support a government because government is ordained by God. I think this is a very dangerous poisition to take, and we need to try our best to be objective in such things. The a/c is going to be a brilliant man (woman, or perhaps even group, that is another debate, and completely beside the point), powerfully deceptive. It is of utmost importance right now that we place our faith in no man, but in God. It is also of utmost importance that we are extremely cautious regarding anyone in power. Bush, Heussein, Kerry, Sharon, anyone. I am not saying we should be looknig under every stone for evil, if we do that, we are certain to find it, but that is not what we are called to do. I wish nothing more than or truth, and that my brethren see the truth. I am no Bush supporter, but at the same time I think that he was probably the best candidate that had a chance of winning. It is a shame that we have such little power insofar as who to vote for. We can vote third party, but there is little to no chance of them getting elected. Nevermind the terrible advent of the insanely moronic electronic voting machines. I guess at this point, everything that can be said has been said on the issue. The truth will only become more apparent to those honestly seeking, and less apparent to those content to wear blinders. An end to all of this draws ear, and in that we should rejoice! No more of this petty, stupid, filthy, worldy nonsense!!

No, Bush does not do those things per se, but he does other things, and condoens other things which may be seen as just as bad or worse. But that is a debate for another thread. My biggest problem with him, conspiracy aside, is his willingness ot use depleted uranium, and other indicriminate killers. I do not know that to be the case. From George: Again, that is George's decision, and we should all support him in it, even if gently disagreeing.

Please see my above post:

But if I were to come here and do nothing but cause trouble, use obscenities, and generally be unpleasant, all while claiming to be saved, would you then take me at my word? Actions speak louder than words, brother. I understand that it is likely not a result of any action on my part, I do not like the fact that I can no longer speak on those issues however. It is just something that I will have to deal with. I do agree that there should be some redeeming quality to posts, and people who make unsubstantiated claims and engage in constant mudslinging should not even bother posting. For me, that redeeming quality here is a search for truth, after all, isn't that what life is about, finding truth and helping others find that truth as well?

You are correct here, and I belive this to be a plot of Satan's. Plant a million false, or only partially true theories, and the truth will be that much harder to find. Many stop seeking because they encounter so many outright lies, crackpot theories, and general nonsense. Agreed, again, my intent has never been to sow strife, and I apologize if it has ever seemed that way. I have searched for truth for a long time, and have good reason to believe what I do. It is unfortunate that the truth is able to cause so much strife however. Satan is a master of deception, not only does he lead people astray, but he tries to wrap truth in lies. This is debateable. What is an evil person? We are all, by nature evil, and only through the redemptive power of Christ can we hope to be cleansed. When I say an "evil man", I mean a man who does more harm than good. Are we justified by faith or by works? If we are justified by faith, as I believe we are, is it not possible that a man could believe (and be saved accordingly), and still do more harm than good? EDIT: To clarify, I do not know that Bush is not saved, but I also do not know that he is saved.

No, they do not. You only know me from what I post on these boards, you heven't an inkling of how I spend the rest of my time. Many will say to me on that day,

No, though some do seem quite alarmed at the idea of the US gov't being evil. Not neccessarily, though some may have a desire to know in which direction a conspiracy may be taking us. I see nothnig wrong with this, so long as it, like anything else, does not take a higher place than God in one's life. It does not. Once again, bacause many within the body have chosen to side, unknowingly, with evil men. This is clearly soemthing we are supposed to avoid. I do not see the neccessity of sharing the gospel with those already within the body. Study is another issue altogether. I choose to contribut little to the ongiong studies here, as I spend my study time elsewhere, and simply do not have the time to do another. Scripture is lengthy and there is much to be learned from it, and I do not think I would be doin any of the studies here justice with the meager amount of time I have to spend on these boards. I apologize if this offends or upsets anyone. Are you saying that we should not expose wrongdoing when it occurs? What idealistic eighteen year old in army fatigues finds the love of Christ in war?

I will say this once more, and that will be all. If the truth is that we live in an evil empire, then convincing the body of this, and they they should not be supportive of such an empire, is inarguably profitable. 2 John 9-11. John writes, "Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds." QED That is all. Mods, make you decisions, we will have to live with that, and thank you all for the worderful boards you have given us.

Brother, with all due respect, your argument here rests on sand. Truth is that which corresponds to reality, there is no such thing as subjective truth. There is truth , even today. Things happen, or do not happen. People speak about things that have happened. If their words correspond to reality, and thusly, what actually happened, they speak truth. If not, they speak lies. You have not presented any evidence here to suggest that I am incorrect in any of my assertaitons about the nature of the US government, or of global conspiracy. I have never done this, here or anywhere else. The proper response to such action would eb to ban the responsible account, not the topic at hand. I do not see how we can call this a worthy ministry and prohibit discussion that many rugffle some feathers. Did not Christ Himself ruffle feathers? Sometimes that is what it takes. If the mods see fit to ban a topic, so be it, I cannot argue with that. However, suppression of free speech is one of the devil's favorite activities. I hope my word have not offended, if they have, my apologies.

I do not speak for others, but for me it is about truth. John 8:32 - And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. John 14:6 - Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:17 - Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. 1 Corinthians 13:6 - Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth Ephesians 4:15 - But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ Ephesians 5:9 - (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) Ephesians 6:14 - Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness 1 John 5:6 - This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth. If the truth is that the US is indeed an evil empire, or that the world is being controlled by a secret organization, then that is where Gid is, with the truth. It is unfortunate that a quest for the truth results in such discontent within the body. It is also unfortuante that these threads have been closed, as I believe I had presented some very compelling evidence a few days ago, to which I had yet to receive a response. C'est la vie.

I am certain that there are. However, I spend my Bible study time on another board, and just don't have the time to do another. Thank for the invitation, though

Thanks

Doh! I just noticed that. It does seem that the "Do you believe the Official Story...." thread has been deleted, however. Could I get mod confirmation of this, and perhaps a reason? Thanks