Billiards Ball

Thanks! I believe another important use of discernment (of spirits) is to know when you're dealing with a stubborn human and when you're dealing with a demon that can be mastered. The stubborn human is usually tougher!

Some other reasons: 1. Fulfillment of prophecy (both testaments). 2. Which religious figure loves more than Christ? 3. Modern Christians have accessible testimonies of relationship with Christ, and power.

There are sinners everywhere, in politics, in academics, in business, in schools. But in America, where we have the right to vote, we can vote for right to life candidates, and make a difference there (and in many other areas). I find that the Republican platform is far more biblical than the Democrat platform.

It's a good question. I've had unbelievers tell me they are divine or in touch with the divine. They tend to recant when I ask if I can pray to them for divine blessings and healings.

A better understanding as I see it, regarding all predestination in the Bible, is that it is talking about entire nations (usually, Israel and a different nation): Esau NEVER served Jacob, but the Edomites were beneath Israel at some point (Jacob and Esau's descendants). It's hard to see Israel as so blessed, especially in the modern troubled times, but there are some Bible explanations as to why a whole nation of people, including some who trusted God and some who didn't, received special blessings. Esau wasn't "pre-hated" by God, but his descendants suffered for his lack of vision. Confer with another remark nearby in Romans about jars of clay, commonly taken as individuals and salvation--the reference is Jeremiah 18 and the potter and clay in that passage are about the nation of Israel, not individuals!

I think a way that resonates with those I share with is this: People are like Jekyll and Hyde, sometimes evil, sometimes good. However, since only morally perfect persons can be citizens of utopia, we must trust Christ to be changed for Heaven.

Respectfully, I agree. It was an eye-opener to me that we may not know the date (on which the Great Tribulation is cut short, otherwise no flesh would survive), but that we may know the season. The fig tree buds when summer is nigh, and the Return will be in the Fall: Yom Kippur/Rosh Hashanah/Feast of Trumpets.

Nicely done! But I can make it easier for you, simpler. Read Matthew 24 as if it is exactly chronological, verse 1 happens, then 2, 3 and so on.

It's a fascinating fact you shared. In the Essenes, we can see Messianic expectation and also a foretaste of the exilic life of the End Times.

And, of course, "In the world you shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer . . . "

I don't believe Christians will enter the Tribulation based on philosophy or "we need to", I believe we shall based on my understanding of the holy scriptures. I tried hard to disbelieve this truth but the scriptures compel. However, I don't believe in the post-tribulation doctrine. I'm what's called a "pre-wrath" doctrinal adherent. Both you and I should believe eschatology based on what the scriptures teach, not a certain emotional or philosophical position.

No, we are not ready, but by God's grace, when the trouble comes, the Holy Spirit will guide true believers.

I'm grateful to have been a member of a church movement for over two decades, one with an estimated divorce rate at less than 2% of marriages. You are right, family = nation-building.