Dennis1209

If I sat down and thought about it, I could name a dozen events where a segment of society jumped to conclusions before all the facts were established. As mentioned, it is more crucial than ever to consider where we glean our information from. Journalism, facts, and objective reporting is a rare commodity these days. Sensationalism, spin, half-truths, bias, propaganda, and hatred are the liberal agenda, perverting and lying to shape public opinion and emotions for votes and an agenda. Look at our replacement generation; they have not been educated but indoctrinated by drinking the grape Kool-Aid. Since the Vietnam era campus draft dodgers and protestors, many of these people have made a concerted effort to infiltrate politics, education, news media, and Hollywood. There are so many today who think and act on hate, bias, and raw emotion, have lost critical thinking and reasoning, and have lost any semblance of morals and values. How much longer before our grade school children hold school protests and riots? Tell a big enough lie long enough, and people will start to believe it. ~J.G.

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

Hi Ya, I suppose our doctrines vary on a few points. I would also like to add @AdHoc to the conversation, he has been as quiet as a church mouse lately. Let’s talk about Hell as you mentioned, better translated hades. Acts 2:27 (KJV) Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. We remember the conversation between Abraham (Abraham’s bosom), a place of comfort, and the rich man, a place of torment, separated by a great divide. This is not a parable, most agree a parable never uses real people. Therefore, there were, or still are two sides of Hades. Many contend, as I do, the comfort side was cleaned out at Christ’s resurrection. Matthew 27:52-53 (KJV) And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, 53 And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many. Ecclesiastes 12:7 (KJV) Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it. The apostle Paul mentioned a change in where as souls and spirit reside from the resurrection of Christ. Thus, in the Christian era, Abraham’s bosom is bypassed 2 Corinthians 5:6-8 (KJV) Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: 7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) 8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. Now let us talk about Hades, not to be confused with the Lake of Fire. An analogy of Hades would be a jail, where the accused are confined and held awaiting their trial, hearing, conviction, and punishment. Note: Satan, the Antichrist, and False Prophet have already been condemned without a trial. The Lake of Fire is the prison sentence, the second death penalty, for all of eternity. With that thought, how does God’s omnipresence factor in? I propose that in these areas, God’s omnipresence is vacated; after all, what is Hell? Hell, and the Lake of Fire by definition, are the absence of God, no communication or possibility of prayer, continual pain and torment, zero blessings, and no hope, redemption, or second chances. However, I will not disagree with you, God’s omnipresence is everywhere, all the time. All the commentaries I read state that God’s omnipresence is even in Hell. Perhaps I should reconsider my hermeneutics.

Hi Marilyn, Thank you for your response. I am enjoying the comparison of our biblical views and examining your interpretation, as my perspective might be flawed, and I am seldom adamant on secondary issues (iron sharpens iron). In my previous post(s), I used the words' heaven' and 'kingdom' rather loosely. I think it would go a long way to define "what makes Heaven, Heaven." Rather than render my definition like I usually do, I am going to quote a combination of Adrian Rogers, C.H. Spurgeon, and Joseph Exell, excellent and well-known theologians, and scholars. What makes Heaven truly Heaven is not primarily its physical attributes but rather the presence of God and Jesus Christ. Being with Christ is "the glory of heaven" and "the magnetism of heaven". Heaven's greatest joy is being in the company of Christ, "Heaven without Christ would be but an empty place." Heaven is characterized by the perfect fulfillment of God's will. In Heaven, God's will is done voluntarily, consciously, totally, joyously, universally, and uninterruptedly. This perfect obedience and alignment with God's will is what creates the heavenly state. Additionally, Heaven is described as a place of close, uninterrupted fellowship with God, contrasting with the limited and intermittent experiences of God's presence that believers have on earth. It's worth noting that while some articles mention physical descriptions of Heaven from biblical sources, such as "streets made out of gold" or "vessels for the storage of rainwater," these are not presented as the essence of what makes Heaven, Heaven. From the above, and my thoughts, where Jesus physically is, on His throne, rules, and reigns, that is a description of Heaven, Heaven coming to earth. Do you agree or disagree with the definition of Heaven presented? From the book, 'Dennis-Second Opinions,' Chapter One, How Do You Eat an Elephant? One bite at a time. 😊 I would like to discuss the rest of the views we are talking about after I get your view of what defines the first and third Heaven.

Good morning from up above, Marilyn. I would like to hear your scriptural evidence on why you believe our eternal destination is in heaven, and not on the earth if you will. My exegesis is as follows: From the beginning, as intended and created, man was created out of the earth, on the earth, and for the earth, given care, and dominion over the earth (a special place created for us). God’s eternal plan was subverted by temptation and one man’s sin. Nonetheless, God’s original plan will come to fruition in the future. God has not changed His mind. In the garden, the responsibility was to tend the fruit and pulse (gardening) to feed themselves (with exceptions, there are no free meals). In this regard and related, let me pose an interesting question, angel food (manna). I suspect manna is a heavenly seed or grain, ground up and prepared for bread. Is angel food created ex nihilo, or do angels too work for and tend their bread? Admittedly, at one time I thought Christians (the church age) would spend eternity in Heaven, the dwelling place of God the Father. John 1:18 (KJV) No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. John 6:46 (KJV) Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father. Exodus 33:20 (KJV) And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live. In my view, the kingdom of God is where Christ physically manifests, rules, and reigns supreme. Therefore, Heaven is coming to earth, and the new refurbished earth for eternity. John 14:2-3 (KJV) In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. As the 2nd Temple period Jewish wedding custom exactly mirrors the process of the Rapture, an addition is being built to the Father’s house for the bride, and Groom, coming to earth. When a son got married, it was common for him to build a dwelling place on his father’s property, with each new building enlarging the family. This addition to the Father’s house is the New Jerusalem, I do believe. I suspect we will see heaven possibly for seven years, from the Rapture, until we follow Christ back to earth at His second coming. Revelation 3:21 (KJV) To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. I interpret this to mean, Jesus is speaking of His relationship to His Father, and sharing His throne.

I agree. Short of documenting historical records and statistics for natural disasters and nature revolting, linearly coming on like birth pains, with some highs and lulls (divers places). It is undeniable that the media is emphatically proclaiming and using accurate terminology, such as 'never seen,' 'unprecedented,' 'historical,' 'once in a lifetime,' and 'a 500-year event,' etc. Scripture is jumping off the pages of the Bible today, and I could bore you to tears citing examples; it cannot be overlooked. I truly believe time is short. Even the biblical River Euphrates, as predicted, is at historical low levels and drying up. In places, the residents now call it the Euphrates Creek. Many historical sites and biblical relics are being discovered.

Good morning, This subject has always fascinated me, and I have devoted a great deal of study to it. First, a little disclaimer. Like everyone else, I form my beliefs based on the inerrant, infallible word of God first and foremost and my interpretation thereof. We all do not interpret scripture the same, and I never claim my view is the correct one. The modern Western mind does not think or believe in the same way as the ancient Eastern mind. With Israel as ground zero, is it a coincidence writing is from left to right to Israel's west and right to left east of there, as one of many examples? However, it is reasonable to deduce that the Earth had a protective canopy of some sort, which filtered out the harmful light band. Today, we know the detrimental effects of UV light and radiation, harming our DNA and causing cancer and other health effects sooner rather than later. I speculate it was a canopy of ice encompassing the entire planet. The Lord drastically reduced human longevity from centuries to a maximum of 120 years (Genesis 6:3 (KJV) And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.) by these means. I think the latest revision of human longevity is: Psalm 90:10 (KJV) The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away. (70-80 years). Examining the attached longevity chart below, God did not immediately reduce longevity to a maximum of 120 years but instead did so sequentially through generations. At one time, our planet had to be close to a uniform temperature. All the flora and trees discovered under the ice caps at the North Pole and Antarctica bear witness to this, along with the mammoth fossil record of flora and fauna. An old, detailed, extremely geographically accurate, and precise map was discovered of an ice-free Antarctica. The only possible way a cartographer could do it is if the coasts and land were ice-free. Another question related to the Great Deluge is how and why the poles accumulated so much ice, miles thick in places, and what caused the ice age. It is another interesting study, too lengthy to delve into in this post. I reason that there were no earthquakes before Noah's flood, and the mountains were molehills compared to today, now having tectonic activity resulting from the Earth's crust fracturing and releasing the aquifers under pressure from the deep. From that, and the Genesis account of God making dry land, the Earth's surface is now ¾ water. As the Bible states, the Earth was watered by a mist. God caused the crystalline ice canopy to turn into water. Rain was never seen before this event, resulting in rain for forty days and nights. I suspect most of the deluge was the result of the Earth's mantle breaking up. With the aid of modern technology, including ground penetrating radar (GPR) and sonar, these cracks in the Earth's mantle are now documented and mapped. For fossilization to occur, it must happen rapidly, not taking a long time. There are many examples of recent fossilization, the process, and the short time it takes. There are at least two schools of thought regarding the fossil record: the old earth theory, which posits a previous creation destroyed by judgment, and the Noah's Flood account. My view is that Noah's flood is responsible for the fossil record. The record shows flora and fauna of mammoth size, including dinosaurs, dragonflies with three-foot wing spans, pterosaurs, and more. Insects have exoskeletons that they breathe through. The atmospheric oxygen content and atmospheric pressure limit their size, and reptiles continue to grow throughout their entire lives. It seems reasonable to surmise that before Earth's breakup, the atmospheric conditions were much different than today, possibly related to the breakup of the theorized protective canopy. Here is something to ponder and chew on: Was the stature of humans proportional to their environment? Imagine swatting off mosquitos the size of baseballs, ticks sucking ounces of blood, a biting horsefly the size of a cantaloupe, etc. I cannot prove it, but I surmise humanity had to be larger in stature than after the deluge. If that thought is actual, then it gives another perspective for: Genesis 6:4 (KJV) There were giants in the Earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown. What are your thoughts and views?

Howdy! Opinion – My World View We are on the same sheet of music, so to speak. Luke 17:26 (KJV) And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. To be brief, I think the implication of the verse above goes beyond the traditional view. Why did Jesus have to go many centuries back to cite His example? There was something unique that must have transpired (i.e., Gen. 3:15, Gen.6:1-4, DNA, genetic makeup). If my exegetical view and many others are correct, compare our day with the days of Noah's generations, plural. I maintain Noah was perfect in the sense his genome was generationally uncontaminated. Today, we have DNA tinkering and splicing to alter human and animal biology; what is the prime ulterior motive to cross the "kind" barrier God established? I suspect the primary Modus Operandi is greed, war, and global control. Think about the ramifications of soldiers with the eyes of an eagle, hearing like an owl, stamina of a wolf, strength of a bear, superior endurance, needing less food and sleep. Can a country survive an onslaught of this kind of technology without keeping up? Crispr-cas9 tinkering kits are available to any mad scientist or wan-a-be Dr. Jekyll. The official announcements made for super-soldiers and a space force do not involve skeletal suits like those seen in Iron Man, as Wikipedia and others suggest. If anyone believes that, I am proud to announce I am selling the Washington phallus. It is too lengthy to discuss, but how did Nazi Germany suddenly advance 50 years in technology seemingly overnight? I mentioned the LHC, where it is geographically located, and the pretense of what they are trying to accomplish in the hope of discovering the God particle. Again, too lengthy to delve into: based on the biblical narrative and Hebrew word meanings, I suspect Nimrod "became" a Nephilim. There is an interesting story that I cannot prove or disprove, and it may be made up; however, what I have read comes from credible sources. It is alleged that during the Gulf War, Nimrod's tomb was discovered, and the body was still entombed there. A special American secretive operation was conducted, and Nimrod's body was quickly whisked away and taken somewhere; if true, why. To paraphrase Sen. John Kennedy and others, if it is a conspiracy theory, it is likely true. I am amazed at what has been discovered during these congressional inquiries, investigations, and testimonies. The coverups, lies, false information, and deceptions, everything from COVID-19 to UFOs (UAPs), now suddenly pose a national security risk and aviation hazard. The ongoing investigations, testimony, changes in reporting, engaging, policies, and procedures. I believe this is the first rung of disclosure and has everything to do with Matthew 24 and the deceptions Jesus warns about four times for emphasis. Notice the arrogance and stupidity of the criteria and sources outlined below; they are investigating. The spiritual and dimensional are blatantly and obviously omitted. Prelimary-Assessment-UAP-20210625.pdf For those who believe in the government, I am also selling the White House and renting out the Lincoln bedroom. Adjective: extraterrestrial. 1. Originating or located or occurring outside Earth or its atmosphere Noun: extraterrestrial 1. A form of life assumed to exist outside the Earth or its atmosphere. [WordWeb.info] A person can get a Ph.D. in astrobiology; what have they found, and what are they studying? Does anyone remember the panic in New York City on October 30, 1938, with Orson Welles's radio broadcast of "War of the Worlds?" Today, ho-hum, nothing to see here, citizen, move on. We have been radically conditioned through decades of exposure to superheroes and demi-gods (comic books, radio broadcasts, TV movies, documentaries, and programs, as well as SETI, etc.). Our Bibles, pseudepigrapha, ancient texts, Jewish texts, ancient cultures, and ancient engraved stones have a lot to say about what we refer to as UFOs. What better explanation for the sudden disappearance of millions of people off the planet?

I say God created the "nations" in the sense of birds of a feather flocking together, as in the same language grouping and migrating-dispersing together, eventually forming nations and borders. These groups took their idols, false deities, and beliefs with them. I am not precisely sure what you are asking, but I will take a guess, filled with people. God's command to "fill the earth" in Genesis 1:28 is primarily understood as a blessing for humanity to populate the world through reproduction. This directive was given to both Adam and Eve, and later to Noah and his family after the flood. In Genesis 6, when mankind filled the earth with violence instead of God's rule, God responded with judgment through the flood. God's ultimate plan involves fulfilling His original creation intentions through a righteous humanity, which is achieved through Jesus Christ. Related to this, I have pondered other thoughts, namely confinement, location, and dwelling. We were created out of the earth, on the earth, and for the earth. With the biblical narrative, I infer that planet Earth will be our eternal home. Still, many other planets could be inhabited out there, not to mention the dimensions that the spiritual realm encompasses. In the end, all things will be made anew. John 14:2 (KJV) In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. MANSION ~ ② a place in which one stays, dwelling(-place), room, abode[1] Revelation 3:12 (KJV) Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name. Revelation 21:2 (KJV) And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. I have long assumed the holy city, the New Jerusalem, will be our eternal home and abode. The statement "prepared as a bride adorned for her husband" certainly sounds like this is the NT Church of Christ only. God's chosen people as a nation will be given a large chunk of land for their own, with the borders outlined in Gen. 15:18 and Numbers 34:1-5. I assume that will be their dwelling place. I suspect most of us are curious and wonder what our eternal abode will be like. We know it will be beautiful beyond description. The KJV describes our eternal abode as a mansion. In my mind, when I picture a mansion, I think of dozens of spacious and luxurious rooms where the wealthy and elite dwell. One day, with nothing better to do and too much time on my hands, I thought I would do a rough calculation of the size and volume of the possible size of my mansion (room). It somewhat follows the Drake Equation if you are familiar with it, inserting unknowns. I calculated the volume of the New Jerusalem to be 1,500 x 1,500 x 1,500 miles. Scientific guesses of how many people ever lived (108 billion people). Wide is the way, and narrow is the gate of 10% of people with saving faith and some other considerations. My Drake-Dennis calculation came out to the size of a large master bedroom. Yeah, I know; I lost a few marbles along the way, and over the years, that is why I maintain a good supply of Reynolds Wrap hats to wear behind the keyboard. 😊 [1] William Arndt et al., A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2000), 658.

This is not a comment, it is a doctrinal dissertation, LOL. Of course, my thoughts are open to biblical exegesis, and one shoe does not fit all. Our biblical worldview centers on the three questions. Many Rabbis and Jewish scholars attest that the reason the world is as evil as it is is the culmination of three events: Adam's original sin, Genesis 6:1-4, and the Tower of Babel. God created the nations (Gen. 10) at Babel as a response to human rebellion led by Nimrod. It is interesting and noteworthy how Nimrod became (gibbōr). adj. strong, mighty; n. masc. warrior, mighty man.[1] After the flood, humanity was commanded to spread across the earth, but instead, they congregated to build a city and a tower (known as a ziggurat) to make a name for themselves (what sort of name?). The dozens of ancient global megaliths that cannot be duplicated today might be associated with this rebellion, and worshipping false gods. Was it intelligence, technology, or superhuman that built the megaliths, pre- or post-flood? This act was a defiance against God's will. In response, God confused their languages, forcing them to scatter across the world as He had originally intended. In effect, God disinherited the nations (Deut. 32). God then allotted these newly formed nations to members of His divine council, referred to as "sons of God" (bēn ʾĕlōhîm, who were supernatural, but they corrupted themselves). This divine allocation is an explanation for why different nations came to worship other gods, demigods, and Titans. However, this was not God's original plan but rather a judgment. God later initiated a plan to bring the nations back into His family, starting with His covenant with Abraham. God chose a people set apart from the nations to be His own through Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Every ancient culture retained and recorded a global flood story, as well as stories about demigod-Titans. History is littered with the recordings and traditions, Epic of Gilgamesh, I Enoch, Herodotus, Josephus, etc. But wait, there is more. Are we to assume these people were as dumb as rocks, trying to build a ziggurat (skyscraper) to reach heaven on the flat plains of Shinar (a biblical high place)? No, they were trying to establish communication and favor related to the demi-gods of old: Genesis 6:4 (KJV) There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown. I find CERN and the Large Hadron Collider interesting, particularly in their search for the "God particle" and the statement made by a former director. To paraphrase, perhaps we can send or receive a message to another dimension. There is an occult statue of Shiva, the Destroyer, in front of CERN Headquarters, featuring occult symbolism and video footage of occult rituals performed there. The geographic location selected for the LHC is perplexing. This location sits atop the French-Swiss border and is historically steeped in the occult. If it looks like a duck, waddles like a duck, and quacks like a duck. Do the devils have seed? Genesis 3:15 (KJV) And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. Let me propose a question for you regarding your question number three, which relates to the church and being grafted in. What if Israel had accepted Jesus as their Messiah? Interesting thoughts and conversation, eh? [1] Tamra Hernandez, “Men,” in Lexham Theological Wordbook, ed. Douglas Mangum et al., Lexham Bible Reference Series (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2014).

The Boy Scout Oath, or Promise, reflects a commitment to biblical principles and values. Sixty years on, I can still quote most of them. I want to talk about the Boy Scout Motto: Be prepared. I believe we have the God given right to defend ourselves, our families, and those not capable of defending themselves. I believe it is wise and prudent to be semi-prepared for unseen circumstances before it is too late. The severe thunderstorm and tornado season (2025) has been especially devastating for many in Tornado Ally and Dixi Ally. Not to mention a year later western North Carolina, eastern Tennessee and other areas are still reeling from Hurricane Helene. From experience (2009) and what I learned, the government cannot and will not cater to your needs and well-being; that is a personal responsibility. What you have and prepared for is all you have. From personal experience, when the power grid goes down for an extended period, for whatever reason, life as we know it drastically changes, becomes uncomfortable, and can become dangerous and deadly. A little preplanning and thought go a long way in alleviating much of the pain and suffering, and the opportunity to share with those in need is enhanced by slipping a Bible Salvation Tract into the ice and commodities. Examining historical records, flooding, wildfires, mudslides, hurricanes, tornadoes, and severe thunderstorms are being described as historic, unprecedented, never-before-seen, once-in-a-lifetime events, or even 500-year occurrences. In other words, disasters are picking up in frequency and intensity, birth pains sound familiar, not to mention potential terrorism. The Mississippi-New Madrid fault zone now has geologists very concerned with what is happening (fracturing beneath the bed). Not to mention their escalating concern about the changes in the Yellowstone Park caldera. It is not if, but when. We do not realize how soft we have become until the electrons stop flowing into our homes, businesses, and infrastructure. In the small village where I lived before retirement, the water continued to flow, but we had a boil alert (we were all on electricity). It was cold showers every day for a couple of weeks, and July temperatures of 95-100 degrees. If that was not inconvenient enough, the sewer lift pumps lacked emergency backup power. Toilets and drains were exploding into homes, spewing sewage everywhere. After enough trees and debris were removed from the roads to allow for venturing out, the local Quick Trips and gas stations eventually obtained backup generators and reopened. All of them were a madhouse, cars lined up for blocks, cash only, fights breaking out. The ice deliveryman was sold out from the delivery truck. Now living in the boondocks, I have a well and septic system, so I don't worry about the sewer system exploding. However, without electricity, there is no well water. We don't realize how much water we use until it's gone. Unrelated to water usage, and due to my wife’s disability, I installed two handicap toilets that happen to use only one gallon of water per flush, instead of the standard four gallons. That turns out to be a blessing. I guess the point of my rant is that the more stocked up on the essentials of life as we are accustomed to, the less miserable our families will be when unfavorable circumstances arrive. Plus, the blessing of forethought, probably being able to help your church family and neighbors. From the Book of Dennis, 2 Opinions: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. 😊

Well stated, and since biblical numbers are part of the thread, I’d like to piggyback on the theme. Numbers are another proof that our Bible is divinely inspired. As I progressed in my biblical studies, it took me a while to realize the symbology and significance of biblical numbers beyond their numerical value and Hebrew-Greek name meanings. The most significant numbers appear to be one, three, seven (600 times), ten, and twelve. Numbers in the Bible often carry symbolic significance beyond their literal value. The number seven, appearing approximately 600 times in Scripture, is particularly important and is often associated with completeness or totality[1][2]. Other numbers with symbolic meanings include three (completeness or divine fullness), four (completeness in relation to range or extent), ten (often used as a round number of indefinite magnitude), and twelve (associated with the people of God)[2][3]. These numbers appear in various contexts throughout the Bible, such as in the Book of Revelation, which frequently uses the number seven[2]. Some numbers are used in graded or climactic series, as seen in various Old Testament passages[1]. While some biblical numbers are precise, others are symbolic or hyperbolic, such as the "thousand thousands" mentioned in Daniel's dream[1]. It's important to note that the interpretation of numbers in the Bible, especially in genealogies and chronologies, requires careful consideration of ancient Near Eastern practices and the primary function of such lists in establishing identity rather than precise chronology[4]. ONE: Unity, Trinity, One man’s sin, one Man’s sacrifice. TWO: Union, Division, and Witnessing. THREE: Resurrection; Divine Completeness, perfection, Trinity. (1 John 5:7) FOUR: Creation, World. FIVE: Grace, or God’s goodness. SIX: Weakness of man, number of man; evils of Satan, manifestation of sin. SEVEN: Completeness, Spiritual, Perfection. EIGHT: New birth, New Creation, or new beginning. NINE: Fruit of the Spirit, Divine completeness from the Lord. TEN: Testimony, Law and Responsibility. ELEVEN: Judgment or Disorder. TWELVE: Governmental perfection. THIRTEEN: Depravity and Rebellion. FOURTEEN: Deliverance or Salvation. FIFTEEN: Rest. SIXTEEN: Love. SEVENTEEN: Victory. EIGHTEEN: Bondage. NINETEEN: Faith. TWENTY: Redemption. TWENTY-ONE: Exceeding Sinfulness of Sin. TWENTY-TWO: Light. TWENTY-THREE: Death. TWENTY-FOUR: The Priesthood. TWENTY-FIVE: The forgiveness of sin. TWENTY-SIX: The Gospel of Christ. TWENTY-SEVEN: Preaching of the Gospel. TWENTY-EIGHT: Eternal life. TWENTY-NINE: Departure. THIRTY: The Blood of Christ, dedications, mourning. THIRTY-ONE: Offspring. THIRTY-TWO: Covenant. THIRTY-THREE: Promise. THIRTY-FOUR: Naming of a son. THIRTY-FIVE: Hope. THIRTY-SIX: Enemy. THIRTY-SEVEN: The Word of God. THIRTY-EIGHT: Slavery. THIRTY-NINE: Disease. FORTY: Trials; Probation, Testings. FORTY-TWO: Israel’s oppression, Lord’s advent. FORTY-FIVE: Preservation. FIFTY: The Holy Spirit. SIXTY: Pride. SIXTY-SIX: Idol worship. SEVENTY: Universality, Israel, and her Restoration. ONE HUNDRED: God’s election of Grace, Children of Promise. ONE HUNDRED-NINETEEN: The Resurrection Day, Lord’s Day. ONE HUNDRED-TWENTY: Divine period of probation. ONE HUNDRED-FORTY-FOUR: The Spirit guided life. ONE HUNDRED-FIFTY-THREE: Fruit bearing: The mention of 153 fish in John 21:11 has sparked numerous interpretations and speculations. This detail is part of a post-resurrection appearance of Jesus to his disciples, where he miraculously provides them with an abundant catch after a night of unsuccessful fishing[1][2][3]. While some view the number as simply a precise count to lend authenticity to the account[1], others see deeper symbolism. Various allegorical explanations have been proposed, often involving gematria (deriving meaning from numerical values of letters) or references to ancient beliefs about fish species[1][2]. One interpretation suggests the number represents the universality of the church's mission, symbolizing all nations or types of people to be "caught" by the disciples as "fishers of men"[1][2][4]. However, there is no consensus on the exact symbolism, if any was intended[2][5]. Regardless of its specific meaning, the miraculous catch of 153 fish is generally understood to emphasize Jesus' power over nature and provide further evidence to the disciples of his extraordinary nature and resurrection[3]. TWO HUNDRED: Insufficiency. SIX HUNDRED: Warfare. SIX HUNDRED-SIXTY-SIX: The number of the Beast, Antichrist. EIGHT HUNDRED-EIGHTY-EIGHT: The first Resurrection Saints. THOUSAND: Divine completeness and Glory of God.1 1 Biblical Mathematics, How to Count the Bible, Ed. F. Vallowe

Matthew 25:13 (KJV) Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh. So that we do not miss this, Mark and Luke also record Jesus’s words. Watch, therefore, is a command: what are we to watch for? I propose prophecy coming about, and the signs of the times outlined in 2 Tim. 3:1-7, Eze. 38-39, Isa. 17, Jer. 49, and elsewhere. For the end times to occur, there had to be a nation of Israel to be reestablished again in a single day (May 14, 1948). There has to be a way and means to livestream the death and resurrection of the Two Witnesses globally in real-time, allowing all to witness the event and send presents quickly to anyone on the planet. These and many other implications are not coming; they are here. Hebrews 10:25 (KJV) Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. In short, if Christians know their Bible, do not grow weary and leave the faith church, and are paying attention, they will see the day fast approaching. I see “the Day” rapidly approaching. We should be doubling down, spreading, and sharing the Good News like never before, while we still have the opportunity. It goes without saying that those “left behind” will go through the worst time ever in human history, or ever will be, hell on earth.

The global alignments, alliances, treaties, technology, and the human heart has rapidly aligned with prophetic scripture, so fast, no one can keep up with the significance of these alignments (i.e. Dan. 12:4, Ezek. 38-39, 2 Tim. 3:1-6, Isa. 17, Jer. 39, etc.). Our generation is the first time in history that all biblical prophecy has come together, and I believe May 14, 1948, was the day God’s hourglass was turned over. There has to be a nation of Israel for the Book of Revelation and prophecy to be fulfilled. Matthew 24:33 (KJV) So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. All these things Jesus brought to our attention have come to pass or are rapidly escalating. Jesus mentioned deception four times to grab our attention. Everywhere we look, there is deception, lies, and cover-ups. [Major media, government(s), churches, blood sucking poly-ticks, pharmacy.] I do not know how much the Lord will allow me to witness, but if my physical tent wears out, He calls me home, or it be the Rapture, either way, I will be meeting Jesus face-to-face very soon. Oh, what a glorious day that will be. Someone ought to pen a hymn on that subject. 😊

At my age, I recall my first computer, manufactured centuries before DOS by the Antikythera Company, which broke and was outdated, lacking technical support, warranty repairs, and upgrades. So, I upgraded and opted for a modern Chinese string and bead computer. In my day, climate change and going green were not an issue, so plop goes the computer, LOL. I hope you get another one soon Kwik.