• Starting today August 7th, 2024, in order to post in the Married Couples, Courting Couples, or Singles forums, you will not be allowed to post if you have your Marital status designated as private. Announcements will be made in the respective forums as well but please note that if yours is currently listed as Private, you will need to submit a ticket in the Support Area to have yours changed.

  • CF has always been a site that welcomes people from different backgrounds and beliefs to participate in discussion and even debate. That is the nature of its ministry. In view of recent events emotions are running very high. We need to remind people of some basic principles in debating on this site. We need to be civil when we express differences in opinion. No personal attacks. Avoid you, your statements. Don't characterize an entire political party with comparisons to Fascism or Communism or other extreme movements that committed atrocities. CF is not the place for broad brush or blanket statements about groups and political parties. Put the broad brushes and blankets away when you come to CF, better yet, put them in the incinerator. Debate had no place for them. We need to remember that people that commit acts of violence represent themselves or a small extreme faction.

Nov. 2 International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church.

Please pray for our persecuted brothers and sisters. They need protection from prison, freedom from any imprisonment, healing from any trauma. And healing and provision for left behind family members.

Please pray for them for protection from their enemies and discernment about who to trust. And provision in every way with protection and strengthening of their faith.

Does anyone still receive the Eucharist by mouth?

Hi,

I've been back to Mass regularly now for the four straight weeks. I have only seen a couple of very old timers that still receive the Eucharist by mouth. I grew up in the church before the hand option was around. I did by mouth 1x and the priest did seem a bit surprised when I didn't extend my hands. Comments? Thx

Final enemy to overcome is Death

I’m not perfect, but compared to how vile some people are, who profess themselves to be normal, have a job etc… I have no problem calling myself a saint.

And I wouldn’t know what to do here, and what the purpose of it all is, since they have the upper hand on all levels of society, unless I’m here to witness their demise. Like Jesus said, I’m going to down to see if their actions are as wicked as I have heard.

Iran promotes itself as a tourism destination for cheap sex-change surgeries: report

Iran is luring trans-identifying tourists from around the world with the promise of cheap sex-change surgeries and luxury lodging in a nation where homosexual conduct is criminalized, and many have fled rather than be forced into such surgeries.

Due to the impact that war and sanctions have had on Iran's economy, the Islamic Republic is promoting its "expertise" in performing sex-change surgeries, The New York Times reported on Friday.

Iran has performed more sex-change surgeries than other nations after 40 years of forcing its gay or "gender-nonconforming" citizens to undergo operations to alter their bodies, according to the outlet.

A report from an Iranian state news outletsuggests that Iran is hoping to generate over $7 billion annually from medical tourism, touting its expertise in medical fields, including stem-cell therapy and organ transplants.

The country is drawing in foreigners from Australia, the United States, Britain and other countries with Iranian travel tourism companies advertising sex-change surgeries for $12,000 or less, according to the Times.

Continued below.

Do You Truly Understand the Sermon on the Mount?

Almost every Christian has read the Sermon on the Mount, yet very few truly understand it. Today, I am writing this article in the hope of helping them. May God bless His people.
In this passage, Jesus first proclaims nine blessings to His disciples (Matthew 5:3–12), then provides teachings on conduct (Matthew 5:13–7:20), and finally emphasizes the necessity of putting these teachings into practice (Matthew 7:21–27). What Jesus said aligns with the Christian experience: grace comes first, making faith possible (Romans 10:14), and by abiding in faith and demonstrating corresponding actions, one can ultimately be saved (Romans 6:19; Romans 13:11–14; James 2:14–26).
Let’s begin with the nine blessings. Among them, the first two point to Jesus’ first coming, the next two point to His second coming, and the remaining five point to the conduct of Christians between these two comings.
The first blessing is given to those who are poor in spirit. They lack the Holy Spirit (the Spirit can also be translated as the Holy Spirit), belong to the flesh, are under the law, and do not receive God’s favor (Galatians 3:1–5; Romans 1:11). Jesus’ first coming brought the gospel of forgiveness; those who believe will receive the Holy Spirit, who is the believer’s guarantee of the kingdom of heaven (Ephesians 1:14).
The second blessing is given to those who mourn. They grieve over their transgressions (Joel 2:12–13), and the gospel can comfort them.
The third blessing is given to the meek. They keep themselves from evil and trust in God to do good (Psalm 37:1–11). Christ’s second coming brings righteous and comprehensive judgment, at which time these people will inherit the kingdom of heaven (Isaiah 57:13).
The fourth blessing is given to those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. Their longing will be satisfied through Christ’s judgment (Revelation 6:9–11).
The fifth blessing is given to the merciful. They forgive their brothers in Christ who have sinned against them, thereby preserving themselves in God’s mercy (Matthew 18:35).
The sixth blessing is given to the pure in heart. Their hearts are filled with truth, not loving false doctrine (1 Timothy 3:9; 2 Timothy 2:22–23). They know God (Galatians 4:9; 1 Corinthians 13:12).
The seventh blessing is given to peacemakers. They love their brothers in the Lord who hate them. Because they possess the nature of the heavenly Father, Jesus calls them sons of God (Matthew 5:44–45).
The eighth blessing is given to those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake. They are hated by the kingdoms of the earth, but they will inherit the kingdom of heaven.
The ninth blessing is given to those who are persecuted for Christ’s sake. They will receive a great reward from heaven.
After interpreting the nine blessings, it is time to interpret the Lord Jesus’ teachings. Jesus first instructed His disciples on how to preach the gospel (Matthew 5:13–16), then told them that the gospel does not contradict the law but fulfills it (Matthew 5:17; Jesus atoned for humanity’s sins on the cross, enabling the righteousness of the Law to be imputed to those who believe). Finally, by emphasizing that God’s righteousness — represented by the Law — remains unchanging, He required His disciples to practice righteousness (Matthew 5:18–20) and provided corresponding teachings (Matthew 5:21–7:20).
According to the teachings of the Lord Jesus, Christians have two roles in evangelism: one is salt, and the other is light. Salt symbolizes God’s righteousness and judgment (Genesis 19:26; Zephaniah 2:9), while light symbolizes God’s forgiveness (Matthew 4:16; John 1:4). Therefore, when sharing the gospel, Christians must first lead people to confess their sins before proclaiming God’s forgiveness. Some Christians, seeking to please outsiders, preach only God’s love without proclaiming confession. They are salt that has lost its flavor.
Regarding how to practice righteousness, Jesus offered teachings that diverged from the legal traditions of His day. These legal traditions instructed the Israelites on how to treat others under the same law, so Jesus’ teachings should also be understood as instructing His disciples on how to treat others of the same faith.
The first teaching was to avoid anger toward one’s brother. Jesus did not mean that those who became angry had no hope of entering the kingdom of heaven, but rather that they should make peace with their brother as soon as possible (Matthew 5:23–26).
The second teaching is to avoid lusting after women. Jesus meant to forbid disciples from worshiping idols in their hearts. In the Bible, adultery often signifies the sin of betraying God and turning to worship idols (Exodus 34:15; Numbers 25:1–2; Ezekiel 16:17; Matthew 12:39–42; Revelation 2:20). If a person worships idols in his heart, he has already betrayed God. Idol worship is a grave sin, and those who commit it will be cast off by God (Matthew 5:31–32), just as in Jeremiah 3:8, where the adulterous Israel was divorced by the Lord.
If we assume this teaching refers to matters between men and women, we cannot explain why the consequences of this sin are so severe — even to the point of gouging out an eye or cutting off a hand to avoid it. King David committed adultery with Bathsheba, yet God did not command him to inflict bodily harm. When a member of the Corinthian church committed sexual immorality by taking their stepmothers, Paul did not instruct him to harm himself. In Matthew 18:8–9, Jesus also taught to pluck out the eye or cut off the hand to avoid sin. There, the sin referred to causing a brother to fall away from the faith; here, the sin should likewise refer to causing someone to fall away from the faith. Idolatry is precisely such a sin.
The third teaching is to avoid swearing. Jesus meant for His disciples to steer clear of boasting. In 1 Corinthians, we see how boasting caused some church members to be esteemed while others were looked down upon, ultimately leading the church into division.
The fourth teaching is to avoid confronting evil people. Jesus meant that if a fellow believer wrongs you, you should endure it. From the text, the wrongdoing here is not grave sin (Matthew 5:39–41).
The fifth teaching is to love your enemies. Jesus meant that if a brother in the Lord hates you, you should love him and pray for him.
The sixth teaching is to avoid hypocrisy, concerning almsgiving, prayer, and fasting. When speaking of prayer, Jesus taught His disciples how to pray and warned them that if they did not forgive others’ offenses, the Heavenly Father would not forgive them either. Here, “offenses” does not refer to all sins, but specifically to those committed by disciples in daily life after believing in Christ due to fleshly weakness or momentary confusion (just like daily bread). Christians should forgive such offenses, for they themselves are not immune to committing them. As for grave sins, Christians have no obligation to forgive. Though some Christians may have committed them before conversion, they will not commit them after conversion unless their faith is false (1 Corinthians 6:9–11).
The judges and David showed no tolerance toward the nations seeking to destroy or oppress Israel (Hebrews 11:32–34). Even when Christians committed grave sins, the apostles showed no tolerance (1 Corinthians 5:13; 3 John 1:10). These instances of intolerance are recorded in Scripture as examples. The gospel is the gospel of forgiveness for sinners, but only those who believe receive forgiveness, while unbelievers are condemned (John 3:18). Jesus did not proactively forgive (heal) the Canaanite woman’s daughter until He saw the woman’s faith (Matthew 15:21–28). On the cross, He forgave those who crucified Him because they did not know He was the Son of God, but instead thought He had committed blasphemy (Luke 23:34; 1 Corinthians 2:8). As for the scribes who understood the Holy Spirit’s work yet went out to slander Him, Jesus showed them no tolerance (Mark 3:28–30). Therefore, for universally recognized grave sins like murder, rape, kidnapping, or robbery — regardless of who commits them against Christians — Christians bear no obligation to tolerate them. Brothers, let no one deceive you any longer!
The seventh teaching is to avoid coveting wealth. Coveting wealth leads to valuing money over the Lord. This is the same as idol worship. Idol worship is a betrayal of faith and will cause one to lose the light of life.
The eighth teaching is avoid judging others. Jesus meant not to judge brothers in the Lord. As for unbelievers, Christians should judge them so they may be saved.
The ninth teaching is to avoid casting pearls before swine. Jesus meant that Christians should value themselves. If someone rejects the gospel or goodwill shown by Christians and instead attacks them, Christians should not continue to offer these good things to such people.
The tenth teaching is to be kind to others.
The eleventh teaching is to guard against false prophets. Christians can recognize them by their deeds (Matthew 3:8). Any prophet who does not act according to Jesus’ teachings is a false prophet.
These are the teachings of Jesus. After reading them, we understand that Jesus’ burden is light (Matthew 11:30) and does not exceed human capacity. Some believe that since the Pharisees and scribes diligently followed the law, Christians must adhere to an even higher standard to surpass them. But did they ever truly practice the law? The hypocrisy (Matthew 23:23), the extortion of property (Mark 12:40), the oppression of the righteous (Matthew 23:34), and the slander of the true doctrine (Matthew 12:22–37) — even the upright among the Gentiles would not do such things. How much easier, then, is it for you to surpass them?
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PAUL EXPLAINS WHY ISRAEL WAS SET ASIDE , PERIOD. !!

# 1 FOR //. GAR , is a CONJUNCATION

# 2 THE // HO , is a DEFINITE ARTICLE. , in the NOMINATIVE CASE , in. the SINGULAR

# 3. HEART //. KARDIA , in. the NOMINATIVE CASE , in. the SINGULAR

# 4. OF THIS // TOUTOU , IS A DEMONSTRATIVE. PRONOUN. , in. the SINGULAR

# 5. PEOPLE //. LAOS. in the GENITIVE CASE , in. the SINGULAR

# 6 IS WAX GROSS. // PACHYNO. in. the. AORIST TENSE , PASSIVE VOICE , in. the INDICATIVE MOOD , in the SINGULAR

# 7. AND. // KAI , is a CONJUNCATIO

# 8. THEIR EARS // OUS. , in. the DATIVE CASE. , in. the PLURAL. , in. the NEUTER

# 9 ARE DULL // is a ADVERB

# 10. OF HEART. // in. the AORIST TENSE , in. the ACTIVE VOICE , in. the INDICATIVE MOOD , in. the PLURAL

# 11 AND //. KAI , is a CONJUNCATION

# 12 THEIR // AUTOS. is. a PERSONAL POSSESSEIVE PRONOUN. , in. the GENITIVE CASE , in. the Plural

# 13 EYES. // OPHTTHAIMOS , in. the ACCUSATIVE. CASE in. the PLURAL

# 14 HAVE THEY CLOSED //. KAMMYO. , in. the AORIST TENSE , in. the ACTIVE VOICE. , in the INDICATIVE MOOD , means you better

believe that Israel closed their EYES , in. the Plural

# 15 LEST. // MEPOTE , is an ADVERB.

# 16 THEY SHOULD SEE // in the AORIST TENSE , is an. SUBJUNCATIVE , in the Plural

# 17 WITH ( THERE ). EYES //. OPHTHALMOS , in. the DATIVE CASE , in. the PLURAL

# 18 AND // KAI , is a CONJUNCATION

# 19. UNDERSTAND //. SYNIOMI. , in. the AORIST TENSE , in. the ACTIVE VOICE , is a SUBJUNCTIVE , in the PLURAL

# 20 WITH (. THEIR ). HEART in. the DATIVE CASE , in. the SINGULAR

# 21. AND // KAI , is a CONJUNCATION

# 22 SHOULD BE CONVERED // EPISTREPHO. in the AORIST TENSE , in. the ACTIVE VOICE , is a SUBJUNCATIVE , in. the Plural

# 23 AND // KAI , is a CONJUNCATIVE. is a PLURAL

# 24 I SHOULD HEAL // IAOMAI. in. the AORIST TENSE , in. the MIDDLE VOICE , is a SUBJUNATIVE , in. the SINGULAR

# 25 THEM // AUTOS , is a PERSONAL POSSESSETIVE PRONOUN. , in a ACCUSATIVE CASE , is a PLURAL

And anyone can check and see what the CASES , VOICES , AND MOOD BY USING google .

These verses says why Israel was set aside !!

AND why we are NOT under the Law , but under Grace and are saved by GRACE , by Rom 10:9 and 10 and Eph 2:8

and why in. the BODY OF CHRIST there are NO PRIESTS. and no CONFESSIONALS. and no ANIMAL SCAIFICES and no TONGUES

and NO WATER BAPTISM and no PURGATORY. for we are not under the Law , bit under GRACE !!

And . what I. have written all can turn to ISA 6:9-12. and see. !!

dan p

what's next

in 2026 the psalm 83 events will start. Its already started but...This war isn't over. Israel will come under heavy and deadly rocket fire from Hezbollah and Iran and others and they will be forced to use nukes against Damascus and Jordon in order to stop it.But some Arabs who hate Iran will support them. Then they will take over administration of those lands and a newer more secular liberal admin will start running Israel.Then Gog Magog/Turkey has a go at them because of economic turmoil and food shortages, and they fail miserably. Then the liberals fall for the antichrist absurd 7 year lie agreement so the world won't hate them so much...Then all hell breaks loose after 3 years. Hope you don't have to be around for that.

Former Trump Adviser John Bolton Criminally Indicted

John Bolton, who served as Donald Trump's national security adviser before becoming a vocal critic of the president, has been criminally indicted on federal charges, and is facing decades in prison.

The Department of Justice presented a case to a grand jury in Maryland on Thursday, and they agreed there was enough evidence to indict Bolton.

According to a 26-page indictment filed at a court in Greenbelt, Maryland, on Thursday, Bolton is charged with eight counts of transmission of national defence information (NDI) and 10 counts of unlawful retention of NDI
.

If found guilty, he could face up to 10 years in prison for each charge.

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Should states take more responsibility for the Costs and decisions regarding social welfare programs?


I want to spend MORE money on safety need programs for the poor, and much less on the administration of those programs. I want revenue sharing not federal rules and controls.

One of the very best ways to do that is for decision-making to be moved to state and local governments (including school boards). The feds would spend less and up giving more. The administration costs would be the savings.

The idea of federal government programs should be transfer of monies from rich states to poor states, perhaps in categories such as education. By their nature, social welfare programs should be state and local

If we want a federal program to fund education and welfare programs, then fine. Negotiate the amount to be spent and the allocations by state. Very little federal administration is needed. I know that Republicans won't accept this, but here goes. Social Security is very, very efficient in the distribution of monies with a very small percentage of admin costs. That should be a model for education and welfare programs. LET THE STATES decide what specific needs are to be met with these federal funds.

No, this isn't fair in that citizens of one state will spend more than others. But it cannot be the role of the federal government to have equal social services for every citizen.

===============
TO BE CLEAR
1) Homeland Security and The Department of Defense need an administration efficiency overhaul, a technology overhaul, and a general modernization of weapons systems (both for defense and offense). The savings might be in the trillions over the next decade or two.
2) There are many responsibilities that should be that of the federal government, even if not specified in the 1700's. Examples include regulations in many fields including environment, agriculture, health, and weather mitigation efforts. We absolutely need a new focus on food, water and energy.
================
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Congrats Coast Guard and Operation Pacific Viper

U.S. Coast Guard’s Operation Pacific Viper Records Seizure of 100,000 Pounds of Cocaine


WASHINGTON — Today, the Department of Homeland Security recognizes the United States Coast Guard (USCG) for seizing more than 100,000 pounds of cocaine in the Eastern Pacific Ocean since launching Operation Pacific Viper in early August.

Operation Pacific Viper is a surge in forces to the Eastern Pacific to stop the cartels and criminal organizations – cutting off drugs and human smuggling before it reaches American shores.

The operation has averaged about 1,600 lbs. of cocaine interdicted daily since it started. Its new milestone total is the result of 34 total interdictions since August.

“Operation Pacific Viper has proven to be a crucial weapon in the fight against foreign drug traffickers and cartels in Latin America and has sent a clear message that we will disrupt, dismantle, and destroy their deadly business exploits wherever we find it,” U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said. “In cutting off the flow of these deadly drugs, the Coast Guard is saving countless American lives and delivering on President Trump's promise to Make America Safe Again and reestablish our maritime dominance.”

ICE arrests police officer in Chicago suburb and accuses him of being in US illegally


Like the school superintendent in Iowa, a false background can get you a long ways. Think of the millions of completely unvetted people that crossed the border during the Biden administration, where are they? How about all of the undocumented Chinese men of military age, how do they survive? I don't think half of America realized the extent of the damage that was done to our country.
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White House faith director responds to Trump's Heaven comments: 'It was humility'

WASHINGTON — A White House official who deals directly with faith issues says President Donald Trump's recent statements suggesting he may not make it to Heaven are an example of his humility.

Jenny Korn, the director of the White House Faith Office, addressed the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference at the Museum of the Bible on Tuesday. Korn, who also served in the first Trump administration and the George W. Bush administration, used her remarks to vouch for Trump's character as a man of faith.

“I have the honor of knowing him now for almost 10 years," she said. "I've been in the Oval Office with the cameras and without the cameras. And I want to let you know that those pictures that you see of the president praying in the Oval Office with many pastors around him, it's real."

Continued below.

Basketball Team Does The Right Thing

They won the championship, then realized they actually didn't, so they gave the championship to the real winner.

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Restoration underway for legendary 'Inklings' pub frequented by CS Lewis, JRR Tolkien

Restoration plans for a public house where C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien used to meet and socialize together have received approval.

A press release by the Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT), owned by U.S. billionaire Larry Ellison, confirmed the plans for The Eagle and Child pub, known locally as “the Bird and the Baby” in the city of Oxford, England. It has been empty since 2020.

It means the grade II listed pub, built about 1840 and often frequented by the Inklings Group from the University of Oxford, which included Lewis and Tolkien, will be reopened in due course.

"Many a golden session in front of a blazing fire, with a pint close to hand," Lewis once said about the meetings of the Inklings in the pub.

The Inklings were a group of Oxford academics who met in the “Rabbit Room” at the rear of the pub in the 1930s to 1940s for social interaction and to encourage each others’ works.

Continued below.

He Was Right. I Was Wrong.

Jeff Cavins shares his emotional journey of growing up Catholic, leaving the Catholic Church, becoming a Protestant pastor, and finding his way back to Catholicism. His journey is a reminder that no matter your past, God is always calling you back to Himself and His Church.

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Tom Ascol named acting president of Founders Seminary after Voddie Baucham's death

Prominent Florida Baptist Pastor Tom Ascol has been named the acting president of Founders Seminary following the recent death of theologian and bestselling author Voddie Baucham.

Founders Seminary recently announcedthe selection of Ascol, the decision having been made at a meeting of the Board of Directors of Founders Ministries on Oct. 7. Ascol will maintain his role as chancellor and president of Founders Ministries.

In a statement included in the announcement, Ascol expressed his condolences over the death of Baucham, calling him “the only man that I wanted to be at the helm when this seminary launched.”

Continued below.

When activism turns lethal: Political violence becoming morally acceptable to the Left?

Something has shifted in American political culture, and we must not look away from it.

A recent survey from the Skeptic Research Center reveals that 49% of Gen Z liberals agree that “violence is often necessary to create social change.”

Read that again. Nearly half. This is not fringe thinking — this is the mainstream of an entire generation on the left.

And it explains what we’re now witnessing — a growing series of murders, death threats, doxxing, assaults, and other forms of political violence against conservative influencers, Christian schoolchildren, corporate executives, federal judges, and law enforcement officers.

These are not isolated incidents. They form a pattern. And the pattern raises questions a healthy republic should never have to ask: Has political violence become morally acceptable to a significant portion of the American Left? When does rhetoric turn lethal? And what does Scripture require of the Church in such a moment?

The evidence mounts

Continued below.

False religion: Generational spirits, curses, healing the family tree

Fr. Peter Joseph

[Editor’s note: We recently shared Fr. Peter Joseph’s review of Fr. Chad Ripperger’s “Deliverance Prayers” book. The following essay by Fr. Joseph, which was originally published over two decades ago, explores the notion of generational spirits and curses, both heavily promoted by Fr. Ripperger, who claimed in a recent YouTube video that his views are rooted in the teachings of the Church Fathers.

To Fr Ripperger, I offer this challenge: If “the Fathers” taught about generational spirits, please name the Fathers and name the specific works and give references within those works, so we can verify it for ourselves, and also see the context of any such statements, in case that is relevant. With Fr. Joseph’s permission, we now republish his article on Where Peter Is. — ML]


In the state of confusion in the Church today, some people have taken up new age or Protestant fundamentalist ideas without being aware of their real origin or falsity.

A major example of this is the current fad for “Healing the family tree.” There is a book with that title by an Anglican psychiatrist Kenneth McAll. Much of the book is quite acceptable to Catholics but the summary on the back cover also states that Dr. McAll “tells how through his medical and religious experiences he has discovered a remarkable new method of healing. He believes that many supposedly ‘incurable’ patients are the victims of ancestral control. He therefore seeks to liberate them from this control. By drawing up a Family Tree, he can identify the ancestor who is causing his patient harm. He then cuts the bond between the ancestor and patient.”

There is myriad literature on the subject, much of it contradictory of each other. Picking the reliable book is a bit like picking a book on astrology or some other nonsensical esoteric topic: which one will you believe? There are so many, and they are irreconcilable with each other!

There are variations galore on the ancestral spirit theme. I have heard some say that if you have a cot death[1] in the family, it means that there was a witch in your ancestry. If you have bowel cancer, it means there was a Freemason, and so on. Some claim to have linked every possible malady to every possible class of ancestral sinner who is the cause of its passing down the line!

Others teach that you or your family are victims of the demon of anger, or the demon of lust, or of gambling, or of drug abuse, or of mental breakdown; in other words, there are special demons who pursue families down the generations to cause particular vices.

Why suffering?​


Continued below.

When the Church refuses to engage in politics, this happens

It’s one of the great paradoxes of our time. Many conservative pastors courageously preach a biblical worldview from their pulpits — defending life, marriage, and religious freedom — yet when it comes to the political process, they retreat into silence. They will preach about righteousness, but when Christian candidates who share their values ask for help — something as simple as gathering signatures to get on the ballot — they often decline.

This reluctance doesn’t just hurt individual candidates; it weakens the Church’s ability to influence culture. It leaves the field open for those whose values are hostile to the faith.

Pastors on the Left have no such reservations. As The Heart of Apostasy points out, churches aligned with progressive movements openly support initiatives like the Black Church PAC, mobilizing voters and resources for liberal causes. They see politics as an extension of their theology — a vehicle for advancing what they believe is justice. Meanwhile, too many conservative pastors treat the political process as “unspiritual,” as if God’s sovereignty ends at the voting booth.

This is more than perplexing — it’s tragic.

Continued below.

When I Was Walking

On April 6, 2011, fourteen years ago, the Lord Jesus gave me my very first song to write. And then on January 16, 2020, the Lord gave me the last of the 185 songs that he gave me to write for his purposes, and for his glory and praise. These songs were to be an encouragement to me and to the body of Christ and to go along with the daily devotions that he gave me to write, too. But by this point my voice was giving out, and it was getting harder and harder for me to write the songs, for then I was 70 years old, and writing and recording songs was a long and tedious process, for sure.

But I am ever so thankful to the Lord for giving me this treasure of songs, not only of the music, but of these messages contained within these song lyrics. For the Lord has used these songs so many times throughout the past fourteen years to encourage my heart and to speak his truth to me and to help me to know the direction that he wanted me to go. For they are all so rich in biblical truth, much like the Psalms, and some of them were based off the Psalms, too. And many of these lyrics came from the Scriptures, then put into poetry form. And they have been such a blessing in my life.

When I Was Walking

An Original Work / January 16, 2020
Christ’s Free Servant, Sue J Love


When I was walking along the way,
My Lord was with me, and He did say,
“My child I’m with you. I hear you pray,
‘Oh, help me, Lord! Need You today!’”

He is my friend, near to the end.
Gently leads me. His servant be.
He helps me pray – knows what to say.
He’s all I need. On Him I feed.

When I am wond’ring of what to do,
He gently leads me to what is truth.
He is my helper. He strengthens me.
When I’m in want, supplies my need.

He comforts me with all His love.
Gives me His grace from heav’n above.
I heed His call to watch and pray,
To guard my heart throughout each day.

When He is calling to come to Him,
To let Him lead you, trust Him within,
How will you answer to Him today?
Will you say, “Yes, Lord, have your way”?

Do not neglect to let Him in,
Cleanse you from sin, made new within.
Leave all your sin, obey your Lord,
Trust in His Word – His mighty Sword.

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Today’s Post
An Original Work / October 16, 2025
Christ’s Free Servant, Sue J Love

In Troubled Times

This video was originally recorded in March of 2020 during the beginning of the Pandemic, but the message is not limited to just that period of time. For it is a message of hope and healing during times of trouble and distress no matter when or where. And really this describes where we are today, as well.

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An Original Work / March 2020
Christ’s Free Servant, Sue J Love

In Keeping Them

“The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul;
The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.
The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.
The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever;
The judgments of the Lord are true; they are righteous altogether.
They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold;
Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb.
Moreover, by them Your servant is warned;
In keeping them there is great reward.
Who can discern his errors? Acquit me of hidden faults.
Also keep back Your servant from presumptuous sins;
Let them not rule over me;
Then I will be blameless,
And I shall be acquitted of great transgression.” (Psalm 19:7-13 NASB1995)

Under the New Covenant God has with his people Israel (Jew and Gentile by biblical faith in Jesus Christ), we are free from the Old Covenant liturgical, ceremonial, sacrificial, purification, circumcision, dietary and Sabbath laws. But we are not lawless. We still must obey our Lord and his commands under the New Covenant, which are mainly his moral laws. But it also entails following our Lord wherever he leads us in being and in doing what he has for us to be and to do for his glory and for the salvation of human lives.

For Jesus Christ taught that to come to him we must deny self, take up our cross daily (die daily to sin), and follow (obey) him. For if we hold on to living in sin and for self, we will lose our lives for eternity. But if we deny self, die daily to sin, by the Spirit, and we walk in obedience to our Lord and to his commands, in his power, then we have eternal life with God. For not everyone who calls him “Lord” will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one DOING (obeying) the will of God (see Luke 9:23-26; Matthew 7:21-23).

For by God-gifted faith in Jesus Christ, which is not of our own doing, we are crucified with Christ in death to sin and raised with Christ to walk in newness of life in him, no longer to live as slaves to sin but as slaves to righteousness in walks of obedience to God’s commands. We are no longer to permit sin to reign in our mortal bodies to make us obey its desires. For if sin is what we obey, it results in death. But if obedience to God is what we obey, it results in sanctification, and its end is eternal life with God (see Romans 6:1-23).

And this goes right along with what the Psalmist David expressed here when he spoke of hidden faults (not what are intentionally kept secretive but those for which we cannot discern) versus presumptuous (deliberate, rebellious, and intentional) sins. For faith in Jesus Christ does not mean necessarily that we will never sin again (1 John 2:1-2) but that sin must no longer be our practice, our habit. Instead, righteousness, holy living, and walks of obedience to our Lord are what we are to be putting into daily practice.

And we should consider the commands of our Lord, not as a drudgery, and not as something to try to get out of, but as what they are, good and healthful for us and for our benefit. When kept, they are what restore our souls, make wise the naïve, rejoice the heart, enlighten our eyes, and are pure and righteous altogether. They give us counsel and direction in knowing the right way to go, and they warn us against going the way that is wrong, that is contrary to the will of God and to his holiness and righteousness.

I often pray and ask the Lord to show me if I am going the wrong direction, for he has a plan and a purpose for my life and I want to make certain that I am on his path, going where he wants me to go, and doing what he wants me to do, and that I am not off target in any respect. So I pray that he will guide my steps, and that he will help me to make the right decisions, and that I will follow his lead one day at a time. And I see that as the heart of David expressed here. His desire was to do the will of God and not do wrong.

[Matthew 7:13-14,21-23; Luke 9:23-26; John 10:27-30; Acts 26:18; Romans 1:18-32; Romans 2:5-10; Romans 3:23; Romans 6:1-23; Romans 8:1-14; 1 Corinthians 10:1-22; Galatians 5:16-24; Ephesians 2:8-10; Ephesians 4:17-32; Ephesians 5:3-6; Titus 2:11-14; Hebrews 3:1-19; Hebrews 4:1-13; Hebrews 10:19-39; Hebrews 12:1-2; 1 Peter 2:24; 1 John 1:1-10; 1 John 2:3-6; 1 John 3:4-10; Revelation 2:1-29; Revelation 3:1-22]

Have Thine Own Way, Lord

Words by Adelaide A. Pollard, 1907
Music by George C. Stebbins, 1907


Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Thou art the potter, I am the clay.
Mold me and make me after Thy will,
While I am waiting, yielded and still.

Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Search me and try me, Master, today!
Whiter than snow, Lord, wash me just now,
As in Thy presence humbly I bow.

Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Wounded and weary, help me I pray!
Power, all power, surely is Thine!
Touch me and heal me, Savior divine!

Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Hold o'er my being absolute sway.
Fill with Thy Spirit till all shall see
Christ only, always, living in me!

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In Keeping Them
An Original Work / October 16, 2025
Christ’s Free Servant, Sue J Love

Texas AG sues Indiana man promising 'free homes,' $5,000 a month in exchange for tilting local elections

Alleged scheme targets least populous county in continental US

State officials in Texas are taking action against an Indiana man who is allegedly orchestrating an illegal scheme to "take over" the least populous county in the United States.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit on Oct. 9 against Malcolm Tanner of Crawfordsville, Indiana, seeking an emergency temporary restraining order to halt Tanner’s settlement activities, which Paxton alleges endanger public health and violate state law.

Filed in Loving County’s 143rd Judicial District Court, the petition states Tanner purchased two adjoining 5-acre tracts of barren land in Loving County in January. The property, known locally as 2985 Private Road 3008, is located in unincorporated Mentone, about 60 miles west of Midland.

With an official population of 64, according to the 2020 Census, Loving County is the least populous county in the continental U.S.

According to the 14-page filing, Tanner has used social media to lure followers — many of them women with children — to the property, promising "free homes" and "$5,000 a month" for life in exchange for helping him seize control of local government. The complaint alleges the property lacks basic infrastructure, including sewer systems, septic tanks, or running water, with residents living in RVs and tents, relying on gas generators and a "burn pit" for trash disposal.

Continued below.

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