I have never come across a baptist church that is only interested in getting people saved.

Every Baptist church I have ever attended stresses "getting saved" to such an extent, I have thought suppose for a moment that everyone here is saved, is there like a step 2 in the Christian life.

I suspect that the emphasis on salvation is perhaps in part due to a poverty regarding what step 2 might be.

rebornfree said:

Well, I think that finding some way to introduce Christianity would be best and then find out what the other person believes. Then he could explain what he believes, in which case giving them a tract to take home would be a good idea. Or alternatively invite them to church. I think it's important though to keep a good relationship (in this case a working one) with the person, whether or not they show an interest in Christianity.

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Or...and this is a wild thought I read in a book:

Be someone who actually has the calling and gift of evangelism.

Then allow the Holy Spirit to say, "Speak to that person," the way the Holy Spirit spoke to Thomas about the Ethiopian eunuch.

Allow the Holy Spirit to say, "Speak in that place," the way the Holy Spirit spoke to Paul.

Freth said:

Adding to what Bob said.

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Freth said:

Did He observe the six days of creation from evening to evening? Yes. See Genesis 1:1-31.

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Where was it evening when each day started? What was the first place on Earth that each day began?

Grace and peace to you, my man!

Freth said:

Did He sanctify the seventh day of rest in the same way, from evening to evening? Yes. See Genesis 1:31, Genesis 2:1-3.
Did God give instruction otherwise? No.
Is God aware of IDL? Yes. Isaiah 46 says that God declares the end from the beginning.

Isaiah 46:9-11 Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it.​

But look again.

Isaiah 46:9 Remember the former things of old: for I am God.​

↕​

Exodus 20:8 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.​

↕​

Isaiah 46:10 Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure.​

Another proof is the precision of the fulfillment of time prophecies according to the Bible.

As Bob said, the Bible tells you everything you need to know. God has it covered.

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mindlight said:

Yes I agree but it remains a fact that Christians are more prosperous than other religions. Also the societies they inhabit are more likely to prosper. So a life of self denial, suffering and humility seems to be a better platform for earthly prosperity as a whole than one of greed, selfish ambition and egoism.

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In my opinion the high prosperity of many historically Christian nations is a case of correlation, not causation, and is an inaccurate view of the Christian blessing. These countries are prosperous primarily because they developed strong secular institutions like freedom , stable laws, property rights, universal education and equal rights which drive economic success. The citizens, including Christians, benefit from this secular environment.
The Christian blessing is first and foremost the spiritual condition of the believer, rooted in forgiveness of sin, peace with God, and the promise of eternal life in Jesus Christ of Nazareth far superseding any earthly material gain.
Blessings

Dan Perez said:

And in. 1 John 5;18. SAYS that. whosoever is BORN. OF GOD. SINNETH NOT // OV. is a DISJUNCATIVE PARTICLE NEGATIVE

AND. that means you can NOT EVER SIN. , and you say you never EVER SIN. ??

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I'll make the observation yet once again with you dan.

Were people the only agents in the equation there would be a problem for all of us because quite factually we ALL sin. Jesus said quite clearly that "evil thoughts" defile us. It's not optional and wasn't presented as optional.

Jesus also said that sin is of the devil. So did the Apostles.

So, IF you see or perceive this, WHO is the sinner in the equations? Are you going to continue to blame and accuse people, or are you going to see the other unseen party? Devils accuse people of sin and hide themselves from the equations. And they do so "in people."

Dan Perez said:

# A Is this for TODAY. ??

# B Is it for the FOR THE BODY of CHRIST. ??

# C Is it for ISAREL. , yes it is for Israel , in. the GREAT TRIBULATION. !!

dan p

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The "great tribulation" is when the tables get turned on the devil and his messengers.

It will actually be a quite glorious time for people.

Pommer said:

Has the $100k fee been rescinded?

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No. Or at least the fee is still referenced on the government's website:

So they continue to, ,

rocknanchor said:

", , treat the ‘Vicar’ as worthy of far more than DH

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It's the same old double-headed beast to bow to. To do so they not only must reject 1., The solo scriptura doctrine of the Holy Spirit shown here, but 2., frantically try to preserve the "flock's" tradition the Apostle said would be decimated after his departure. How unfortunate (sarc) the Apostle spoke and placed this inspiration of the Spirit that uproots confidence in much of any of the ancient tradition.

What is in effect since then? If they ", ,think more highly of himself than he ought, , it is not the Lord’s Supper you eat”. They are clearly an affront to the Holy Spirit's voice. To reduce His voice by this fallen tradition. They might as well say God is 'very' awesome, or 'highly' awesome. Fools! You only begin to scratch the surface when your works exalt Him as infinitely awesome. Even then, you are at His mercy. Repent!

In its first year the Schola program was small but mighty, comprising 7 students; since that time, it has thrived and grown, filling the choir loft, and currently boasting 27 students ranging in age from 7 to 15.

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If it takes innumerable paintings to exhaust the expression of a finite human heart, then what about trying to express the infinite heart of God?

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Unsurprisingly, the success of Sacré Coeur has proven highly controversial in the volatile political atmosphere of contemporary France. It might even be said that the film’s vision of Heaven led to all hell breaking loose, especially in the vitriolic response of those who support laïcité, France’s strictly enforced state secularism.

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eleos1954 said:

They never change .... they "clarify" .... ie don't change their beliefs but use word mumbo jumbo instead

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Very true, they pretend to change, but its misdirection and even they admit it if you look..

"The truth is that Vatican II didn't contradict any official position on doctrine or morals. All that the Church taught when Vatican II began is still Catholic teaching. The changes whether made by the Council or decided upon since, are in practical matters such as the liturgy or discipline, but always leaving doctrine unchanged."

The etymology is derived from Hebrew הַדָּבָר(Ha Davar, Word) , is it's pronunciation similar to Arabic Duah(pray or accept God's words) ?


In this English version the Aramaic Word is Miltha, which is left untranslated.

Homily Monday, November 17 2025

33rd OT



1 M 1:10-15, 41-43, 54-57, 62-64

"In those days there appeared in Israel transgressors of the law who seduced many, saying: “Let us go and make a covenant with the Gentiles all around us.'"



Oh, to stray from the Love of God leads to evil.



Letting oneself be Loved by God distances oneself from evil.



Lk 18:35-43

"He follows Jesus, giving glory to God."



The man who has regained his sight and of whom Jesus says, "Your faith has saved you," discovers the joy and peace of God within himself.



By remaining with the Lord, in His Love, he can give glory to God throughout his existence.



Biblical texts: NAB-RE

Normand Thomas.

If Jesus is literally going to reign on earth, then He must necessarily reign from a geographical standpoint. One of Jesus' names is ‘Son of David.’ Scripture is clear that the Messiah will reign over David's kingdom (the Kingdom of Israel) and that He will sit on David's throne (in Jerusalem). In order for Jesus to fulfil biblical prophecy, both the people of Israel and the city of Jerusalem must exist forever.

G-d has designated Jerusalem as Jesus' global headquarters on earth during the 1000-year kingdom. Jesus called it ‘the city of the great King’ (Matthew 5:35) because it is the city from which G-d's appointed Messiah will rule over the earth (Isaiah 9:6-7).

For the Lord hath chosen Zion; he hath desired it for his habitation. This is my rest for ever: here will I dwell; for I have desired it. Ps 132:13-14

Jesus comes to rule over the earth from Jerusalem. The establishment of G-d's kingdom throughout the earth is dynamically linked to Jesus' return to reign as King of the Jews in Israel. He will sit on David's throne (King of Israel) and his kingdom will never end

Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. Isa 9:7

He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord G-d shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. Lk 1:32-33

G-d has determined that righteousness will shine forth from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth, fulfilling all His covenant promises to Israel as a nation, saving them, restoring them, and ruling over them from Jerusalem.

When Israel is saved and Jesus reigns from Jerusalem, the earth will be filled with G-d's glory

They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea. Isa 11:9

Before Jesus ascended to heaven after his death, burial and resurrection, the disciples asked Him when the political kingdom of Israel would be restored

When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? Acts 1:6

Some have used this passage to illustrate that the disciples were slow to understand the nature of the kingdom. However, Jesus does not rebuke them. He does not deny that there will be a physical, political manifestation of his kingdom. He merely says that the manifestation will not take place right now.

The prayer for Israel and Jerusalem is about the salvation of all Israel.

Jesus' return to Jerusalem depends on Israel's acceptance of their Messiah

For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord. Mt 23:39

We are aware that G-d does not have a separate path for the salvation of Israel. Paul is very clear that there is no inherent privilege outside of a personal relationship with Jesus

For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. Rom 10:12

The salvation of all Israel (Romans 11:26) refers to the nation as a whole returning to the covenant with the G-d of Israel through the blood of Jesus.

Habakkuk is extremely important in the Orthodox Church as the author of one of the Odes of the Canon at Matins.

Michie said:

You are in the Catholic forum…

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You're right! I'm sorry.

Perhaps treat my reply as one explanation why some believers are convinced they don't need mass gatherings anymore.

JimR-OCDS said:

Learn to detach from the need to be accepted. I've gone through this and I'm still learning to detach from that
necessity in my life.

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We need to contemplate why we are at Mass. it is for worship of God and His sacrifice to save us from sin. Fellowship with others is secondary, and we need to clear our minds of distractions

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Satan and his demons play with our emotions and look for our weaknesses. If we feel overwhelming loneliness at Mass, we can be fairly confident that we are being attacked.

Know that we pray for you and the body of Christ will join with you in the fight against the powers of darkness

hedrick said:

Father and Son are both relational words. All 3 persons are involved in all activities, including creation.

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"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16 NIV

When this becomes "For the Creator so loved the world that we were given the Christ that whoever believes in Christ shall not perish but have eternal life." the crucifixion starts to look a lot less personal, human and agonised. This is God suffering as one of us, for our sakes, and because of our sins, such that they are forgiven. It is important to know the extent of that love.

The purpose of our faith is to see God glorified and to accomplish His will (read John 14:13). So when we pray we must keep in mind that “If we ask anything according to his will, he hears us” (1 John 5:14). If it’s not according to His will He will not give us what we ask for.

There are reasons why we don’t know—aren’t able to discern—His will. For example, we may need to be transformed in our thinking by renewing the mind “so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:2).

Those who are “filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding” (see Colossians 1:9) will offer prayers that God will receive. When He answers our prayers the Father and the Son will be glorified.

Jesus taught the disciples that a tiny amount of faith will move a mountain (Matthew 17:20; see also 1 Corinthians 13:2). This certainly exposes my level of faith for what it often is and is another reason why my prayers go unanswered.

We are more likely to pray with understanding when we are grounded in the fullness of God’s Word. In each Bible-centred local assembly God provides gifted teachers who build up believers so they will follow Christ with “spiritual understanding”.

I think this universe will be swept out of existence. It adds up to nothing anyway, in that it is a sum zero energy universe.

Considering the amount of energy packed in the nucleus of a single uranium atom, or the energy that has been continuously radiating from the sun for billions of years, or the fact that there are 10^80 particles in the observable universe, it seems that the total energy in the universe must be an inconceivably vast quantity. But it's not; it's probably zero.

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God made it from nothing; it adds up to nothing; and when He's finished with it it will disappear back to nothing. Energy can be neither created or destroyed, so if it started from nothing (except possibly some sort of quantum fluctuation) it's going to continue to add up to nothing.

What this "new earth" will be is in the too hard basket as far as I'm concerned. The impression I get is that God will dwell with His people, and He doesn't need a planet to do that.

There is also the image of the celestial city with streets of gold and all the other gadgetry. I don't bother thinking that one through, as the main business of life now is to keep short accounts with God. If we do that, the rest will take care of itself.

If you are someone who loves God, who loves his word, and who takes God and his word seriously, to obey it to the best of your understanding, and so you have renounced sinful practices, and you now walk (in conduct) in holy living, in obedience to the Lord, by the grace of God, in the power of God, and by his Spirit, then you are likely to find yourself being opposed, even by some others who also claim to believe in Jesus Christ, and even by some pastors of “churches.” For not everyone is who they claim to be.

Many who are in positions of leadership within the gatherings of what are being called “churches” are wolves in sheep’s clothing. They are what the Scriptures refer to as “dogs,” but many of them are in disguise. And a dog is someone who is despicable, who is a spiritual predator who feeds off others. They are the impure, the wicked, and those outside of genuine faith in Jesus Christ who are workers of evil and smooth talkers who manipulate and who charm and deceive the naïve into believing their lies disguised as truth.

They are those who oppose the gospel message taught by Jesus and by his New Testament apostles, taught in the correct biblical context. And so they will remove particular Scriptures out from their intended context, and they will alter what they say to make them less offensive and more appealing to human flesh and to the ungodly of the world. For their goal is to trick and to deceive people into believing the lies, and into rejecting the truth, while they promise them heaven for eternity, but while they are leading them to hell.

We are to resist such people as these. And we are to reject their false teachings. And we are to be students of the Scriptures who are testing what we are hearing against the Scriptures (taught in context), and by comparing Scripture with Scripture to make sure that they agree with one another. For Romans 10:9 has to agree with Romans 1:18-32; Romans 2:5-10; Romans 3:23; Romans 6:1-23; Romans 8:1-14; and Romans 12:1-2. And Ephesians 2:8-9 has to include verse 10, and it has to agree with Ephesians 4:17-24.

And sometimes we may need to pray for protection from those who oppose the truth of the gospel, and who teach the lies, for they are not all content with just giving out a false doctrine of salvation, but they also fiercely oppose the truth of the gospel and those who are teaching the truth of the gospel, too. We may need to pray that God will rescue us from such evil liars and deceivers who are trying to force their way into our lives, either in an attempt to deceive us, or to try to dishearten us to the point of us quitting.

We should never give in to their intimidation, though, but we must be those who love God with all our heart, mind, and soul, and who love his word (taught in the right context), and whose desire it is to obey our Lord and to do what his word teaches us that we must do, as his followers. And we must continue to spread the good news of the gospel of Christ (taught in truth) to the people of the world, and to the worldly church, for the salvation of human lives from bondage to sin, so they can serve Jesus with their 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).

[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]

Walking in The Light

Based off 1 John 1-2
An Original Work / November 16, 2011
Christ’s Free Servant, Sue J Love

When I lift up my voice, and
Sing praise unto God,
I will fellowship with my
Lord and Savior, King.
In Him there is no darkness.
He is in the light of truth.
If we walk in His light,
From sin He purifies.

If we repent of our sins,
He’ll forgive us now,
When we humble ourselves, and
Before Jesus bow.
The man who says, “I know Him,”
But does not obey His truth,
There is no truth in him.
In darkness still he’s found.

Do not love the world of sin,
For it is hell bound.
If you follow the world, you’ll
Not in Christ be found.
The world and its desires
Will not last; they’ll expire.
The one who does God’s will,
Receives eternal life.

See that what you have heard from
Christ remains in you.
Then, you’ll remain in Christ, and
In His Father, too.
This is what He promised us –
His eternal life with God.
So, continue in Him, and
You’ll receive a crown.

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Your Testimonies My Delight
An Original Work / November 16, 2025
Christ’s Free Servant, Sue J Love

eleos1954 said:

It will be interesting to see how this all plays out

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The great experiment.

Probably at the expense of many New Yorkers.

bob121 said:

Paul says some of you are sick and dying because you gulp the Supper unworthily (1 Cor 11). Share the moment the bread and wine stopped being routine and started feeling dangerous.

What happened, and how did it change the way you prepare?

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I agree that taking Communion is a sacred and solemn occasion, and we should examine ourselves before partaking.

However Paul made it very clear what the unworthy manner was. And it's virtually impossible to repeat it when taking Communion in church these days.

The Communion is known as the Eucharist. And Eucharist means "Thanksgiving". And in Paul's time the Eucharist was like the feast Americans have on Thanksgiving Day.

It was a big banquet. And some were being selfish and depriving others. Selfish and committing gluttony. Treating the Eucharist like a pagan pig-out. Which is clearly spelled out in 1 Corinthians 11.

Considering how Communion is taken in church these days, it's virtually impossible to partake in an unworthily manner as Paul described, by hogging the Eucharist and pigging out on it, and getting drunk on the sacramental wine.