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Some have suggested that excessive picture matching is a ploy to get people to provide a database to be used by self-driving cars.

You mean starving your flesh? For example, if you have a problem with alcohol, stop going to bars and don't keep booze in your house.

put to death the practices of the body I always thought that this was "death by starvation"

How do you copy the selflessness of Christ? Eph 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: Eph 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; Eph 4:15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: Gal_4:19 My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you, Gal 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

1Co 15:1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 1Co 15:2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 1Co 15:3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 1Co 15:4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: The things to believe are pretty simple. What may be difficult is that the word in Greek (pistis) for believe means more than an acknowledgement of a historical fact. There is a trusting that grows in one as one is more and more convinced of the truth of what Jesus did Being able to see truth is a key to humility. Humility can allow faith to grow.

I worked on a Crisis hotline for a number of years and talk to a number of people about solving problems.When successful, people reach a point of boredom often doing things in boredom that leads back to more problems. This defines the self-focused life (the flesh Gal 5). To enter the selfless life (2Cor 5:15) of love (1Cor 13:4-7) and Christ-likeness (Eph 4:13) requires not only saving faith but the surrender to be found in walking by the Spirit. I would replace "experiencing Christ" with copying the selflessness of Christ. 2Co 5:15 And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.

without Me you can do nothing. Certainly without the breath God gives us we could do nothing. On our own we can do many things that have no eternal value. It is ironic that before the Bema seat we will be rewarded for that which we could only do because of Christ.

The lack of workers is a result of people killing their children either through surgical abortion or the chemical abortion of oral contraceptives (most people are unaware of this mechanism). I support the prohibition of illegal aliens even though it will bring hard times on our country. I think we need to face the consequences of our selfishness.

Is the stock market in your opinion honest to gain wealth Financial planning is a sort of fortune telling. If one could predict the future, it would be easy. Most people recommend diversification because no matter what happens, you will probably be left with something. About stocks If a stock that pays $1 a year in dividends was available to purchase for $10, you would be making 10% interest per year. However, stocks that pay $1 per year sometimes sell for $100 per share. The majority of the price is speculation. However, with inflation the price of the stock should rise over time. Some people invest in rental property however, even this can have problems. For example the rental property that was used by illegal aliens now may not be generating as much income. My wife may be getting an inheritance and we are thinking about something that would be covered by FDIC such as a bank fund of US treasuries. This might sound strange given the US is 36 trillion in debt, but given our ages, inflation is not as much of a worry are getting taken to the cleaners by some investing scheme.

Here is a short article from a blog archive at christianpioneer.com that bears on how one can "enter the narrow gate". How to be “Of The Truth” Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice. - John 18:37b There is a distinctive condition that a person can have that makes him able to “hear” the words of Jesus. Like a radio tuned to the right frequency can pick up a station, those who are “of the truth” can receive what Jesus says. Those who are unable to “tune in” to the right frequency are deaf to the words of Jesus. We are told that the gospel is foolishness to those that are perishing (1Cor 1:18). There is a principle of physics called resonance that describes the transfer of energy from a source to a target that has been configured to just the right condition. For example, a note played on a piano can cause the string of a guitar to vibrate if it has been tuned to the same note. Since Jesus is truth (John 14:6), those who are “of the truth” are able to tune in. Most people today value feeling good over truth. The reason is that truth often exposes what we are ashamed of, our comfortable delusions, and our inadequacies (John 3:19). To be “of the truth” requires us to elevate truth in our lives even over our own comfort. When we allow the cold light of truth to wash over us, we are all brought to a place of humility. This alignment with truth is critical for our relationship with God. Jesus told those who had believed in him that if they continued in his word, they would know the truth and the truth would set them free (John 8:31-32). This points to a progressive process of growing in truth. Truth not only brings us to Jesus, but also continues to work and grow in us so that we can be truly free (John 8:36). We are told in Romans chapter one that the wrath of God is revealed against those who hold the truth in unrighteousness. Since we would like not to find God’s wrath, but rather his mercy, it behooves us to consider how we might hold the truth in righteousness. An example of unrighteousness might be the scribes in attempting to answer a question from Jesus that they never even asked themselves what was true (Mark 11:29-33). By using this as a negative example, we can consider that always asking what is true might be a way to hold the truth in righteousness. The Bereans (Acts 17:11) demonstrate being “of the truth” in that they used the source of truth (the bible) to measure what they were being told. Asking and seeking truth combined with comparing what we hear to what the bible says begins to build a condition of “being of the truth”. There can be a sadness to “being of the truth”. Like for a combat veteran or a cop who have seen what humans are capable of, the comfort of delusion is not available. However, transcending the gloom that arises from seeing the human condition in truth is the radiance of the mercy and love of God that is greater than all of our evil. Truth reveals man for what he really is, however, it also revels God for what he is and that is our basis for rejoicing.

There are two types of covenants, unilateral and bi-lateral. The covenant with Israel was bi-lateral; Exo 19:8 And all the people answered together, and said, All that the LORD hath spoken we will do. And Moses returned the words of the people unto the LORD. Since Israel broke the old covenant (often), a new covenant was promised; Jer 31:31 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: Jer 31:32 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD: Jer 31:33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. Jer 31:34 And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more. This new covenant (kingdom) was what was offered to Israel by John the Baptist and Jesus himself. However, this offer was rejected. Some say the new covenant was given to the gentiles. However, another view is that while gentiles today can be placed into the kingdom, it is the heavenly kingdom and accessible because we are placed into the body of Christ. The earthly kingdom has yet to be established. That the new covenant will be accepted by a faithful remnant of Israel might be seen in Isaiah; Isa 66:8 Who hath heard such a thing? who hath seen such things? Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day? or shall a nation be born at once? for as soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children. I see the tribulation described in heaven in Revelation chapters 4 and 5. As the scroll is opened and the seals broken, the wrath of God is poured out on the earth. Those that are left on earth have to choose and when the kingdom is established on earth, it will start with those who were faithful. As a result there will be both a heavenly kingdom and an earthly kingdom. Eph_1:10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:

Satan has been working for centuries to collectivize the world and to keep people from becoming Christian. He also has worked to influence churches so that if some cannot be prevented from becoming Christian, they might be inhibited from maturing and being effective for Christ. The few that still maintain enthusiasm for Christ are often seen as oddballs. As you alluded to, Christianity was supposed to be about relationships (us with God and each other). Organizational systems do not do relationships and frequently inhibit them. The basic problem people have is sin (which might be better described as selfishness). It is this of our fallen nature that poisons relationships. God created harsh environmental and biological circumstances so that we would need each other. This tension would be such that we would have to surrender some of our selfishness so that we could have relationships with each other. Because of modern technology, we often have less need for others and can indulge our natural selfishness to levels unknown previously in history. Today most Christians do not even know that we are expected to become like Christ and surrender our selfishness. Eph 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; Eph 4:15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 2Co 5:15 And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.

I am part Mohican. We got pushed off our land (into Massachusetts) by the Mohawks who wanted the Dutch trade. As a result, Many of my Indian ancestors had the opportunity to learn about Christ that might have otherwise only come much later.

The US has some investment in Panama. 40,000 US citizens died to build it. We even helped steal the country from Columbia. Jimmy Cater gave it away, maybe under the delusion that everyone in the world plays fair. Forgetting the past, we might consider the "belt and road" approach of China in bribing local officials to agree to take a loan that their country will not be able to pat back and then have a legal claim to seize property, concessions, or facilities. This is similar to some in the US who got the Indians drunk so as to get their land.

ekklésia - Church, assembly, congregation The Greek word was used for the group of citizens in a city (polis) who were called out to discuss and vote on a particular issue A "called out group" can apply to the nation of Israel, such as in the Old Testament as well as a group of believers of any point in history. "Church" is one of several English words that comes "pre loaded" with a definition or understanding that can distort what the original word meant.

Joh 18:37 Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice. 2Th 2:10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 1Ti 2:4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. 2Ti 2:25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;

I am not sure I understand the reason to see both a punishment and a penalty.

A rabbi once told me that the Old Testament (Tanakh) was canonized by 444BC. Here is a site that uses a 424BC date. https://christiandataresources.com/bd43-02_canonofscripture.htm The New Testament Apocrypha can have things that are strange. A letter like that of Clement to those in Corinth can sound biblical as would a letter from one Christian brother to another. That we shouldn't take it as gospel might be seen when he mentions the Phoenix rising in Egypt. While those at the time of Jesus may have been familiar with apocryphal writings, that does not mean they accepted them as scripture.

Sometimes it can help to have a framework through which the bible can be better understood. Here is a short article that I found that can help from christianpioneer,con Plan “F”? God created heaven and earth perfect. This was plan “A” When Satan’s pride led him to rebel against God and take a third of the angles with him, God had plan “B”. When Adam and Eve sinned, plan “C” went into effect. However, just a few generations after Adam and Eve people became so wicked (amplified by angelic interference) that the world was destroyed with a flood and only eight people were saved. This brought us to plan “D”. However, with the Tower of Babble, it was apparent that a more direct means of getting people to know about their creator, God, and the need for faith a plan “E” was needed. The nation of Israel was supposed to be a nation of priests who would bring the knowledge of God to the whole world. God put an awful lot of work into plan “E”. The Old Testament of the bible is almost all about What Israel was supposed to do, promises to Israel about the future, and a continual record of their disregard for God. Sending Jesus as the promised Messiah was the culmination of the plan of God to offer a way back to eternal life that was lost by Adam and Eve. Since Israel did not accept the kingdom offered by Jesus at his ministry to the nation, dramatic circumstances will be brought on earth such that a faithful remnant of Israel will be persuaded to received the kingdom. However, this cataclysmic event will not happen until after plan “F” has run its course. The nation of Israel was supposed to receive the gospel of the kingdom and her king, Jesus, and subsequently bring the knowledge of God to the world. This knowledge instead was spread by those through the gospel of the grace of God introduced by Paul who was called to be an apostle to the gentiles. This might be called plan “F”. When the full number of the gentiles come in, plan “G” would be established where Jesus returns to earth and rules as king from Jerusalem for 1,000 years. These various plans are not the result of God not having control (being all knowing he knew that we would fall short), but of his allowing humans and angles to have free will. The angels were created all at once and with knowledge. They made their choice all at once. Humans are born sequentially and in ignorance. As a result, God endures the evils that result from bad choices until he can harvest a “crop” of those that surrender to his will. Some call these “plans” covenants or dispensations. However, these names can be misleading. The world “plan” can also be misleading. It does convey that God is in charge, however, it fails to convey that they might better be called opportunities. Each of these “plans” demonstrate that no matter what the circumstances, most people will ultimately reject God and seek to go their own way. God structured our redemption to be based on faith (trust). Trust is given to that which is true. Israel would keep their laws when they trusted God as a demonstration of faith. Today with plan “F” those who trust in Jesus and his payment on the cross for our sins are regenerated unto the eternal life that is in Christ, can have the Holy Spirit make them better people, and have access to the wisdom of God.. Rom 11:12 Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness?

Considering that in chapter 10 references to the body and cup are contrastingly bracketed by references to pagan idolatry, we could suspect that what is described in chapter 11 about communion may not be the establishment of a sacrament, ordinance or other ritual, but a simply admonition- that Christian "pot lucks" should not be conducted similar to the practices of the many pagan religions in Corinth that they most likely very familiar with. It is a very human tendency to teach as doctrine our traditions. In contrasting the biblical reference to the last supper with their current practice, Paul may simply be chastising their irreverence as being selfish and drunk might indicate.

I have found anger and frustration to be caused by a conflict between what we expect and reality. The failure is usually our false expectations. While a natural emotional reaction, we are told to not "let the sun go down" on anger. I assume this means to let the anger energy dissipate.

Eph 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Col 1:13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: Eph 2:6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

I believe that the mountain moving was meant for every follower of Christ. If you are going to move mountains, be careful where you put them.

I'm curious as to what you think of the idea that witchcraft is listed. I have found the verse equating witchcraft and rebellion interesting; 1Sa_15:23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king. My take away is that both rebellion and witchcraft are about trying to get what you want. This might be a characteristic of the flesh as well.

I thought the torah was written first in Hebrew. So why would one use Greek over Hebrew? From Wikipedia Biblical scholars agree that the first five books of the Hebrew Bible were translated from Biblical Hebrew into Koine Greek by Jews living in the Ptolemaic Kingdom, centred on the large community in Alexandria, probably in the early or middle part of the 3rd century BC. The remaining books were presumably translated in the 2nd century BC. Few people could speak and even fewer could read in the Hebrew language during the Second Temple period; Koine Greek and Aramaic were the lingua francas at that time among the Jewish community. The Septuagint, therefore, satisfied a need in the Jewish community.