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  • 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.

B flat B♭

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@Jerry N. said, "they are not upside down, they are different stars." You replied, "they are not different stars," post 2,205.
The picture that he posted, shows that they are.

Jerry N was right.
We cannot see the same stars in the north as in the south & visa verse due to the vastness of the universe.

a possible.JPG


Why We See Different Stars - Utter Nonsence
  • Earth's Curvature: Because the Earth is a sphere, an observer's horizon blocks from view the stars that are in the other hemisphere's sky. If you are far in the north, the southern part of the celestial sphere is below your horizon, and vice versa.
This is Utter Nonsense.
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Trump to pardon Ex-Honduras President Guilty of Drug Trafficking and conspiring to import cocaine into the United States

Keep in mind both Orlando Hernández and his brother Tony Hernández were indicted by the Trump admin DOJ in 2019.
Tony was sentenced to life by the Trump admin DOJ.
Not sure why no one in the Hernández family didn't write a "Kim Jong Un flowery letter" to Trump as they did with Orlando
But it's sad that tapping into Trump narcissistic traits is enough to get a El Chapo affiliated drug running to the US convict pardoned.
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what is Calvinism answer to how God works?

My comments about prideful egos was encompassing all of fallen mankind, which included me too. Synergistic theologies holds a lofty view of man. I am curious about something if you would indulge me. Can you give me your take on the Fall and Sin and how it affects the human race. Thanks in advance.​
No, synergistic theologies don't hold a "lofty view of man", they simply don't denigrate man and deny that we are made in God's image. An image that was marred in the fall, but not destroyed.


I beg to differ. The question Fervent, is Salvation God's Plan to save His people from their sins. Meaning it is a Covenant; a Covenant of Redemption by the self-contained, indivisible, Triniantarian God-Head who fulfills everything to save His people from their sins or is Salvation only made possible for us to make a decision to save ourselves? The latter faces some very difficult questions to address. When I was still an Arminian I ask those very difficult questions to people in the same camp, they could not answer them, they tried but failed.​
The options are not Arminianism or Calvinism, that false dichotomy is bound to lead to error. There is no saving ourselves, as the "decision" is an act of surrender to God's pursuit, not a seeking of God. Monergists seem to have a place for everything in their theology except themselves, the sin belongs to Adam and the faith belongs to God. No place for the monergist, none at all.

Salvation is not us climbing up to God; like the attempt in Babel.​
No one said it was.

But God who descended down to us!​
Hallelujah and amen. But again, that's not relevant to the question at hand.

To save sinners from their sins! Because even our Faith & Repentance are God's gifts. But to contemplate this you must acknowledge what actually happened to us in the Fall. Your position as was mine before I understood. Is that Fallen Man's disposition before a Holy God is hostility, we're God haters, loving the darkness instead of the light. It is God who calls us out of the darkness into His marvelous light. Something Fervent must change fallen man's disposition toward God as sworn enemies to God's children. This Fervent is a Divine act of God himself. Not something we do, understand?​
Salvation is certainly a gift, but gifts must be received. According to you, God not only gives the gift but also receives it, so what part do you have in your salvation?
On the nature of will:
“In this way, then, man is said to have free will, not because he has a free choice of good and evil, but because he acts voluntarily, and not by compulsion... his will being bound by the fetters of sin”. John Calvin

Like an addict who willingly consumes their vices without coercion, but is bound by their evil desires; to will or do what they love to do. Arminius himself understood this and held a doctrine of Total Depravity.

yeah, and the options are not Arminianism or Calvinism. There are more worlds than these, ladodgers6
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Biblical Exegesis explanation and discussion

Certainly. All of the Arctic is cold in winter, but not only the Arctic is cold in winter. All of Holy Scripture is profitable, etc., that does not mean only Holy Scripture is profitable, etc.
How does that connect with the verse in Timothy?

2 Tim 3:16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for ]instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Only Holy Scripture - is profitable for doctrine etc.
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"Don't Give up the Ship"

I'm mostly talking about civilian government, primarily the Congress. But the rest of us in terms of contacting our respective Congresscritters and urging them to pass resolutions to prohibit a land war in Venezuela.
Whatever you may think about a land war in South America, whether it's the right thing to do or not, we could not win one. The top military leadership in this country is not competent to pursue such a war. We've gotten into a lot of trouble over the years with wars like that where the SecDefs have made mistakes, but at least they were all grownups. I sincerely believe that Hegseth is not playing with a full deck and if there ever was a case of "loss of confidence in his ablilty to command" it's him.
  • Agree
Reactions: Sif
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Trump’s Defense Secretary Accidentally Texted War Plans to The Atlantic: ‘I Didn’t Think It Could Be Real,’ Editor Says

Pentagon watchdog finds Hegseth’s use of Signal posed risk to US personnel, AP sources say

[One source] also said the report concluded that Hegseth violated Pentagon policy by using his personal device for official business and it recommended better training for all Pentagon officials.
Also keep in mind he refused to turn over his phone and all questions about his actions by the Inspector General
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Biblical Exegesis explanation and discussion

Obviously your opinion and mine differ even though both of us have examined the texts.
Have you examined the words usage in contemporaneous texts? What is your opinion based on?
There is no need for other God breathed Scripture because there isn’t any other. I’ll let Clement of Rome answer for me regarding the meaning of God breathed.

“Let us act accordingly to that which is written (for the Holy Spirit saith, “Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom)....Look carefully into the Scriptures, which are the true utterances of the Holy Spirit.”
Clement, The First Epistle of Clement to the Corinthians, XIII
That says nothing about the meaning of pneumotheos.
I disagree. The ECFs recognized the divine authorship and apostolic origin which puts the scriptures in a category of their own. I don’t see scriptures like the Orthodox or the Catholics do nor do I recognize tradition at being on par with the Holy Scriptures.
You may disagree, but it's clear that the ECFs didn't hold to a sola scriptura view, and the recognition of canonical rule is not the same thing as the Protestant tradition of the sui generis nature of the text that is wrapped up in the dominant theories of inspiration. Tradition isn't "on par" with Scripture, Scripture is embedded in tradition and cannot be separated from it. To treat them as distinct authorities is the road to error, because that leads to ahistorical eisgesis through bringing modern contexts to the text rather than treating them in their historical context.
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Donald Trump Says US To Launch Land Action in Venezuela ‘Very Soon’

A land war in Venezuela is not about drugs. They're not producing any of the components in Venezuela, and we know it. The most that's happening is some transshipment at coastal facilities...not something you launch a land war to prevent.

A land war is about regime change and controlling the oil-power of Venezuela toward the US and away from BRICS.
I also think there's some personal pride issues for the President in saying he "won" a war. And he's got all this power at his fingertips. Would be a shame not to show his "strength" and flex it before his term is up.
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So, Is the Body Positivity Movement Still a Thing?

To be clear, I wasn't saying that the crappy'ness of the food has the entertainment value, I was suggesting that eating a bunch becomes a void filler at social gatherings when other things aren't allowed.


For example, when I go to the weddings on the Catholic side of the family (who are less strict)

The reception is
- you grab few cocktails
- talk to some new people after the social lubricant kicks in
- maybe even hit the dance floor a bit

Eating is something of an after thought at those events

The weddings for the Southern Baptist side (and the other social gatherings for that matter) in my experience, were situations where there pretty much wasn't anything else to do but eat. Awkwardly sitting a table trying to make small talk with cousins I haven't seen in 3 years, going to hit up the buffet is about the only thing for "something to do"
Makes sense. I feel sorry for people who deny themselves like that. Those fun things like dancing, music, drinking are even sanctioned in the Bible. They seem to be venturing off on their own sad path here.
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"Don't Give up the Ship"

As a civilian, what is there to do if one pays to attention to that? We talking flee to different country kind of thing? Protests? I'm honestly clueless here.
I'm mostly talking about civilian government, primarily the Congress. But the rest of us in terms of contacting our respective Congresscritters and urging them to pass resolutions to prohibit a land war in Venezuela.
  • Useful
Reactions: MotoToTheMax
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Scientists find coastal seas acidifying shockingly fast

View attachment 373860


Of all the countries, China is the one I'd be least concerned about with CO2 emission growth given what they are trying to do on the ground.
On top of investing in renewable energy, China is also investing massively in greening its deserts and planting trees.
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B flat B♭

Look at post #2,200.

If they were "upside down" then the stars at the top of picture A would be at the bottom of picture B - but they're not.
Pic A has completely different stars to pic B.
Pic A has an Eagle, a Dolphin, a Whale and a Bull. Pic B has a Scorpion, a Peacock, a Dove and a Big Dog.
Picture A has a Northern Crown, picture B has a Southern Fish - surprise, surprise.

Sorry I thought we were on about them appearing upside down.
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Donald Trump Says US To Launch Land Action in Venezuela ‘Very Soon’

You and I don't agree on much, but we do agree on this. Americans should stop buying drugs. We have far too many Americans hooked on them.

I'm also totally opposed to any land war to try and stop it. I have no issues hitting the boats. But launching a land war? No.
A land war in Venezuela is not about drugs. They're not producing any of the components in Venezuela, and we know it. The most that's happening is some transshipment at coastal facilities...not something you launch a land war to prevent.

A land war is about regime change and controlling the oil-power of Venezuela toward the US and away from BRICS.
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Donald Trump Says US To Launch Land Action in Venezuela ‘Very Soon’

Maybe Americans should stop buying all of the drugs?
You and I don't agree on much, but we do agree on this. Americans should stop buying drugs. We have far too many Americans hooked on them.

I'm also totally opposed to any land war to try and stop it. I have no issues hitting the boats. But launching a land war? No.
  • Agree
Reactions: Larniavc
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Why we are not supposed to keep the Sabbath

Yes, you can spot these people who read their own philosophy into Scriptures, by the way they avoid or hide from an actual discussion about what the actual scriptures say.



Yes, the Holy Scriptures themselves, expose false teachings, when ALL of them are considered. This is why Jesus told His People that man shall "live by" Every Word of God, not the philosophies, traditions and doctrines of men.
Again, the problem is interpretation and reading into them.
Well, you must remember, I read your posts, so I know your stated religious philosophy according to your own words. According to your stated religious philosophy, God's LAW was "NEVER" relevant to the Non-Jew.
The scriptures themselves, that I posted, and you hid from even acknowledging, points out the error in this poplar religious philosophy of this world. It's not that we have a different interpretation of the Scriptures I posted. It's that I considered these Scriptures as trustworthy, and you completely ignored them, according to your words on this post.
I didn’t hide at all. If you read my posts then you know that I have addressed them ad naseum. Let’s go again. These are the two verses you posted to support your assertion that the law have been given to every one. I even copied them from your post.

Ex. 12: 49 One law shall be to him that ishomeborn, and unto the stranger that sojourneth among you.

Lev. 19: 34 But the stranger that dwelleth with you"shall be unto you as one born among you", and thou shalt love him as thyself; for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God.

1. Where is these two verses does it say that the law was given to everyone?

2. Where is these two verses does it say that the law was given to the gentiles in general?

The answer to both is nowhere. You are reading your pet doctrine into them. The gentiles spoken of in both verses are gentiles that “sojourner” and “dwelleth” with the Jews. These were gentiles that converted to Judaism and started living as Jews.

This is exactly what I referred to as reading into scriptures. I read your posts too and I just shake my head and move on.
There is a difference between misunderstanding God's instruction, and rejecting God's instruction, in my view.
All of us here are Christian’s. All of us here accept God’s instruction. Most of us here reject interpretation that ignores linguistic, cultural, and historical context.
My stated position, and Paul's, is that God Inspired the Holy scriptures " for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:"
Yep
You stated "The God that I “profess” never gave the law to the gentiles."

I posted God's OWN Words, Inspired by Him in the Holy Scriptures, where HE says, not me, that HIS LAW was given to everyone. I posted HIS Words, that HE Inspired for correction and reproof and instruction in righteousness.

It isn't me, of some interpretation that is correcting you. It is the God who Inspired the Words I posted for your review and examination, that was written specifically to correct you.
Read above. Your interpretation of the verses that you posted is simply wrong,
I have posted for you in the past, God's Inspired Word where HE defined for you exactly what HIS New Covenant is. I pointed out to you that it was the duties Priesthood that was prophesied to change, not God's Definition of Sin, in my understanding.

It's in Jer. 31: 33 and 34 for those interested in what HIS New Covenant entails, according to HIM. You are not promoting God's New Covenant, in my view, but an imagination of your own heart. And I am instructed to test the spirits and prove all things. So I am doing as I am instructed to do concerning the teaching of the "Many" who come in Christ's Name. It's not personal.

Post God's Words defining for us His Own New Covenant yourself and lets examine it. Lets look at God's Promised New covenant together, and see what HE promised to change.

Wouldn't that be the honest, and Godly thing to do for those Seeking the Righteousness of God?
I rejected your interpretation there also.
Let's look
That’s preachy.
at Jesus' Words together, as brothers in Christ.

17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.

18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till "all be fulfilled".

19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

So has all been fulfilled that was prophesied about the Jesus "of the Bible"?? Even His Own Prophesies about Himself?

Matt. 13: 41 The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; 42 And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.

So how is it you promote, that "ALL" has been fulfilled?

I look forward to the honest and unbiased discussion about God's Inspired Words.


It seems obvious. You are preaching to others, ""The God that I “profess” never gave the law to the gentiles."

I just posted God's Own Inspired Words that expose this doctrine as NOT Wrought in God, but in the imaginations of the heart of this world's religious men.

I am happy to enter into an honest discussion concerning God's Own Words about WHO HE created his Laws for, all you have to do is post them, and be honest.
I have already explained this several times and, again, if you read my posts as you say you do then you either ignored it or decided against responding. I’m going to repost one of them here.

Several passages of Scripture clearly establish that the coming of Christ has brought an end to the Mosaic Law.

Romans 10:4, “Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.”

Christ fulfilled the Ten Commandments by living a perfect and sinless life and so when man trusts in Christ as his Savior, Christ’s righteousness is imputed to that individual so we have justification (Romans 4) resulting in the fact that the Law can’t condemn us (Romans 4:4-8; 5:1, 7:1-6, 8:1).

Christ fulfilled the ceremonial ordinances, the shadows and types of His person and work, by dying on the cross for us and in our place.

Christ also fulfilled the Social Law, but now He replaces it with a new way of life fitting to our new salvation.

The believer now is under God’s new law, the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:2-4).

Therefore, the doctrine of justification by means of faith in Jesus Christ upholds the Law for three reasons:

(1) Jesus Christ’s death on the Cross satisfied the demands of God’s Law that required that human sin be judged (Romans 3:26).

(2) Jesus Christ’s death on the Cross establishes the Law by fulfilling the purpose of the Law in driving men to Jesus Christ as their Savior (Galatians 3:24).

(3) Jesus Christ’s death on the Cross establishes the Law by providing believers the capacity to obey the Law through the ministry of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:3-4).

This is why I have stated in the past that the Holy Spirit gives us the knowledge of sin and the way to repentance since the law is not able to. This is why there is no longer condemnation for those in Christ (Rom. 8:1).
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Daily Mail: Kristi Noem's ICE hiring chaos laid bare as fat, illiterate and violent misfits 'not ready to tie their own laces' are recruited

If the OP is true I am totally opposed to the lowering of standards. There were other police agencies that did that because they couldn't get officers and it didn't go well. So, no, not a fan of doing this in any LE agency.
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Young Men, the Wild Places Are for You

I don't have the privilege of visiting the literal wilderness as I live in the middle of a big city of a poor and heavily polluted nation and can't leave my elderly mom alone for long periods.

But I get lots of wild action already whenever I rollerblade in the chaotic, crowded, and dirty streets of our city for exercise and transportation.

I also get chased by a pack of dogs all the time! The dogs are able to reach me because I skate slower than bikes in traffic for safety. I learned to dissuade dogs by keeping high, confident, calm, and looking back at them and snapping my teeth at them.

Falling and collisions are relatively frequent among fellow skaters who do the same who are even more experienced and more skilled than I do.

I've broken a bone and have scars to show, lol! Ironically, I've had worse injuries with cycling. But I haven't had a fall nor collisions for a long time now thank God. I've learned to greatly improve situational awareness by spending some time playing my old FPS (first-person-shooter) games. I've quit video games a long time ago. But this time I found it necessary for improving situational awareness while skating. I also drive and cycle but skating is by far requiring the highest level of situational awareness on the road, probably on par with unicycling. But I don't play more than 30 mins a day. I'm not as hooked to games as I did before. Now I'm finding them more of a chore since skating and swimming is now much more fun for me than video games.

My swimming activity is mostly free-diving in a pool and still much more dangerous than just swimming as blacking out is a real concern.

Although I seem to engage in dangerous sports, I do it in the safest way possible in the given circumstances. I don't do any reckless stuff just to catch attention.

The danger makes me feel alive somehow. Is this the point of being in a "wild place". Does it have to be dangerous enough?
Hey T

I found that metro parks can do in a pinch. I used to have about a twenty minute to a half and hour hike every day in the metro parks before work. I really enjoyed that and looked forward to it. Sometimes these hidden Gems in the cities can be just as rewarding with less expense and travel time. It's a good place to think. There, and I do also do some of my best thinking while shooting hoops alone. BTW, I always wondered if Bigfoot lived in the big city sewer systems of NY. It sounds funny, but they could have access from where the sewers open up outside the city. I've heard stories...:oops:

Dave
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The New Testament begins in Acts not Matthew chapter one.

I see, no wonder you hold the doctrines that you do. Thanks for clarifying.
AND there. are many that will NEVER believe that ISRAEL. was was set aside along with the LAW and GRACE BEGAN

with PAUL in. Acts 9:5. and 1 TIM. 1:16. that prove that Paul is the PATTEN. of the ones coming to believe

on HIM unto everlasting LIFE !!

dan p
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Trump dispenses with trials, orders military strike on alleged Venezuelan drug-trafficking boat (Now up to 2, 3, 4...)

As Hegseth said, it's being done as a deterrent. It's to scare them away. The soft passive liberal approach obviously hasn't been working considering the escalation of drugs that have been smuggled into the US.

For them there's a simple solution. Don't want to get blown up? Don't smuggle drugs into the US.
So, to be clear, you believe it OK to kill people in order to deter behavior you see as problematic?
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The New Testament begins in Acts not Matthew chapter one.

I see, no wonder you hold the doctrines that you do. Thanks for clarifying.
Hey G

All the Covenant promises are fulfilled in Jesus. But they were time sensitive. I am the Way, the Truth and the Life, No man come to the Father but through Me. Including OT believers. Jesus has the Keys to Hades and death (Revelation 1:18). When He descended, He preached to those Spirits in Prison (1 Peter 3:19). When He ascended, He led captivity captive (Ephesians 4:8, Psalm 68:18). Abrahams bosom, Paradise, was in Hades before the cross (Luke 23:43, Acts 2:27-31, Psalm 16:19). Later, Paradise is recorded as being in the Third Heaven (2 Corinthians 12:2-4), thus leading captivity captive from (Ephesians 4:8). The time sensitive part is where the transition from the OT to the NT comes in. Promises fulfilled. In Jesus.

Dave
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