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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.

He’s a citizen with a Real ID. ICE detained him anyway. Twice.

No, we're arguing with you.
Did you read my posts in this thread? What in the world are you ranting about?
You don't necessarily speak for God, even when you quote the Bible.
Irrelevant and a Strawman.
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Tit for Tat Tariffs - The US versus the World

Costco Sues Trump Administration for Refund of Tariffs

The retail giant is seeking to recover money it has paid this year, should the Supreme Court rule that President Trump’s implementation of tariffs was unlawful.



The complaint, filed on Friday in the U.S. Court of International Trade, argues that Mr. Trump misused a 1977 law in his move to implement tariffs on products from more than 100 countries.

The lawsuit asserts that Congress, not the president, has the authority to set tariffs, and that Mr. Trump exceeded the authority granted to him by the law, the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, or IEEPA.

“The text of IEEPA does not use the word ‘tariff’ or any term of equivalent meaning,” Costco states in the lawsuit, which was reported earlier by NBC News. The act allows the president to regulate or prohibit foreign transactions during a national emergency, but does not authorize the imposition of tariffs, according to the lawsuit.

Kush Desai, a spokesman for the White House, said in a statement that the “economic consequences of the failure to uphold President Trump’s lawful tariffs are enormous and this suit highlights that fact. The White House looks forward to the Supreme Court’s speedy and proper resolution of this matter.”

It has said in the past that its use of the IEEPA is lawful because the law gives the president the authority to “regulate” the “importation” of foreign property to deal with emergencies.

It's hard to see how it's an emergency. Imports have been impacting our economy for decades. Congress could have acted on tariffs at any time. There is no sudden emergency. Besides, Trump has a habit of creating a problem and then putting himself forward as the person who has solved it. He puts enormous, unprecedented and counterproductive tariffs on goods from China, for instance, then "negotiates," allows a lower tariff, and claims that he has solved the problem that he created. I'm not impressed.

Many of Trump's claims on tariffs have nothing to do with reality and his tariffs are alienating our closest allies. In some of his rambling speeches, he has claimed that Canada was soaking the US with high tariffs. In reality, most goods were passing over the border, in both directions, with negligible tariffs.
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What are we doing here?

We all say we are here to follow Jesus Christ to the reward of eternal life. Many have varying opinions on how to reach that goal, but I believe that is the goal of all of us.
Good news is that God loves us all, as He wants all men to be saved. Bad news is that we are still human and our flesh is at war with our spirit. We say we want to follow Jesus, but what do we do?
We all think we know the right way, but do we really? How do we find out? As fallen humans, we tend to believe what makes us feel good and helps us feel exalted.
If we follow that way, we become as sheep that go astray and each follows his own way. We go back to the original scriptures to try and avoid that, but the evidence is that way is incomplete. The original scriptures are subject to human interpretation, and their intended message becomes unclear.
Another way is to look at the Apostles and what they taught, but their records are incomplete from original manuscripts.
Some light can be shed by looking at the writings of those directly taught by the Apostles and see how the Gospel was being transmitted to future generations. Some say those generations apostacized and are not scripture so therefore unreliable. Did God really abandon His Church so quickly as to have it become publicly unstable in the second and third generations? I think that is a bit of a stretch in reason. I can perhaps see when secular authorities influenced the Church that argument can be made, although not necessarily true, but those taught directly by the Apostles and the generation that followed them?
What happened to the promise of the gates of hell shall not prevail?
Polycarp was taught directly by John the Apostle. He has one surviving writing in his letter to the Philippians, although not scripture, it gives us insight as to how the scripture was being taught.
Then we have Iraneus, who was taught by Polycarp. We have one of his writings intact called Demonstration of the Apostolic preaching.
Iraneus was also famous for a work called against heresies, which was written as a rebuke against the gnostics.
When we read the Demonstration of the Apostolic preaching, we get an idea of what was preached by those very close in time to Apostolic teaching. It is worth the read to see if what is taught today lines up with original Christian thought. Reading Agaisnt Heresies would give us an idea of what was taught by heretics contemporary to the Apostles.

I believe these works are worth reviewing and would be interested in others opinions on them, whether agree or disagree and why?

Peace be with you all. May Christ bless you and keep you and bring you to everlasting life
What I read in the scriptures is that the number who will be saved is few. I read that Jesus said Christians are taught by GOD through Jesus the mediator. I read that Jesus had a GOD and it was his FATHER. I read that human beings are totally mortal and must put thrift of immortality on. I see that men cannot properly interpret scripture because only the Holy Spirit of the FATHER does that. I see there was to be a great deception. I look at this world with 2.2 billion people all claiming to be Christians and I do not believe that. Many think we chose GOD and Christ but scripture says they choose us. There is something very wrong in what is called Christianity.
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Date of authorship of Revelation

Open to alternative views!

For the moment, I'll just say that while I think there's room to apply 666 to Nero, I prefer to read this number in a way that is consistent with the symbolic mode by which everything else is stated by Christ to John in the book of Revelation. And if we remain consistent in our applied hermeneutics, we won't artificially bring in a nod to gematria and assume that this is the interpretive key of the book when it might very well not be.

But, I could be wrong.
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The ANE perspective on creation & am I fence sitting?

The main thing for me is to keep in mind that Genesis 1 is primarily prophetic in nature and, as is seen in Mosaic, Deuteronomic Law, was written to differentiate Israel in its theology from that of its neighboring kingdoms.
Yes. Exactly so.
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White House displays lawn signs highlighting illegal immigrant crime

Whatever one thinks about the validity of the message, I think it is just plain tacky to start hanging messages on the White House fence. Of course, it isn't any more tacky than wearing a ball cap with a dress suit. So, there is that.
There is a perspective also in this country that sometimes the mainstream media can turn a blind eye to certain things, migrant criminal behaviour might be one of them. So this is quite a cheeky way to raise awareness of a pressing issue the media might ignore. God Bless :)
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What's on your mind?

There's nothing wrong with taking some time to relax (especially on a holiday!), but I almost never want to be productive. Our culture might call this "a struggle with procrastination" or "a symptom of depression," but in my case, I'm 99% sure the problem is just plain ol' sloth.

Sloth isn't the only sin causing me to doubt my salvation, though. Holistically, I do not live a life surrendered to God. By letting my desires dictate my choices, I've become my own lord and idol. It's me, not Jesus, enthroned on my heart.


I knew about his wives, but I didn't know about the pagan temples. That's interesting, thanks for sharing.

I wonder why God still considered him righteous. He certainly condemned other kings for doing the same. It's beyond my comprehension... I wish I could know how God sees me. Does he see me as a "Solomon," beloved and righteous in spite of my sin? Or does he regard me similarly to the evil kings who came after Solomon? I think those questions will remain unanswered until judgment day, barring some miracle.
I believe him considering Solomon righteous has to do with his promises to David Solomon’s father & Solomon himself. He has those same promises to those in Christ
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Los Angeles man arrested for throwing Molotov cocktails at security officers inside ICE building

“This case exemplifies how misleading and hateful rhetoric against federal law enforcement can and does result in violence,” First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli said in a statement. “Irresponsible rhetoric by politicians and activists have real-world consequences. It must stop.”

They know this and won't stop the name-calling and the violent language. It's pushes people who are mentally on the edge into serious crimes.
<Looks at Trumps response to senators making a video about illegal orders>

Physician, heal thyself.
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The Greatest Advent Hymn

For the Hymn itself, I recommend the Douay-Rheims translation, which tracks closely the Greek and the Vulgate, and which preserves all of its startling imagery:

He hath raised up an horn of salvation to us. (v. 69)

What is the true congregation?

From what I understand the early church was fairly insultaed from the world. From the Roman pagan politics and ideological beliefs within the public square.

So there was a pretty stark destinction that Paul and the congregations could refer to as to being a Christian. If people were being executed for their belief it was a pretty clear destinction and alien to the world.

Peter and Paul is writing to a number of churches the same message. Clement of Rome later did the same and writing as far away cities across the Roman Empire.

Ignatius of Antioch mentions around 110AD that where there is the Catholic church (universal church) there is Christ. The church fathers emphasise unity and Clement mentions that division was the beginning of sin and Christ was no longer in the church when dividied.

If we are transformed in our minds and hearts by Christ and His spirit lives in us then there is no way that people can be dividied and I think this is the key.

Today its easy to claim a Christian in words and the meaning of everything as been compromised. Even the truth itself in a postmodern society is rationalised into there being no single truth but many.

So I think as someone mentioned it is the actions more than the words. Living the words that united the minds and hearts. You cannot go wrong. If each is willing to lay down their life for Christ and others then they cannot be anything but of one mind and heart.

But where there is division I think this is bad fruit regardless of the cause. This is a red flag I think. I cannot understand how modern denominations can have fundemental differences in their beliefs. I believe is is a consequence of modern times and like everything else truth is relative.

But if the truth is so compromised to the point that its not to different from the world and becomes just one more identity group in a big pot of groups all fighting over truth. Then I think this is not good fruit and to be avoided.

I don't think Christs church is a religion though I think the Catholic and Orthodox are the closest. But a Christian within Christ church should be the same mind and spirit regardless of the church clubs we label religions and denominations.

Though I do think the church is one of the biggest deceptions satan uses to fool people away from God.
There is still a remnant of the church that is basically invisible to professing Christianity. Jesus did say that the gates of hell would not prevail against the church. Matthew 16:18 By the way Peter isn’t the rock, the foundation of this church, Jesus is. You are right about today’s churches. GOD calls people out of them not into them. 2 Corinthians 6:17
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Advent, the Little Lent

As Fr. Chris says, Lent is a time of penance with preparation, and Advent is a time of preparation with penance. Difference of emphasis, but both have to do with preparation and penance.

3 Things Scrooge Can Teach Us About Advent

Instead of taking the normally-allotted time between the First Sunday of Advent and Christmas Eve to accomplish this task, like the rest of us, Scrooge is pigeonholed into a three-phased, crash-course program to do something he has never done before. He thoroughly examines his conscience in preparation for the birth of the Infant Savior between the hours of 1 AM and sunrise on Christmas Day.

The Filioque

It helps to understand why the Filioque was added in the first place. It was to combat various heresies, including the Arian heresy. It’s more of a discipline than a doctrine. No Ecumenical Council of the whole Catholic Church has ever mandated the Filioque for the Eastern churches.

Weekly homilies

Homily, Saturday, December 6 2025



Isaiah 30:19-21, 23-26



“People of Zion, dwelling in Jerusalem, you shall no longer weep; The Lord will be most gracious to you.”



The grace of God is present in this moment. We receive it.



Matthew 9:35–10:1, 5a, 6-8



“Jesus proclaims the Gospel of the Kingdom.”

The Gospel is Jesus. Jesus proclaims that God is with us.



Biblical texts: NAB-RE

Normand Thomas.
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Why Is It So Hard for Christians to Talk About Justice and Greed?

I’ve been reflecting lately on how often Scripture warns us about greed and how closely that warning is tied to God’s call for justice and care for others. Jesus speaks about money and the dangers of wealth more than almost any other topic, yet many Christians today find conversations about justice uncomfortable or “political.”

So I wanted to ask the community here:
Why do you think discussions about justice and greed create such tension among believers?
Is it a matter of theology, culture, politics, or something deeper in the human heart?


I’m preparing a video on this topic and would truly appreciate hearing a range of Christian perspectives!
Can you give examples of exactly what aspects of justice you’re referring to because I’m not aware of Christians avoiding the topic in general.
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First Week of Advent

December 5, 2025

Our Morning Offering – 5 December – O Adorable Heart of my Jesus!


One Minute Reflection – 5 December – … Know that the Kingdom of God is near. – Luke 21:29-31

Feria (First Sunday of Advent) propers & commentary (EF)

Friday of the First Week of Advent (EF)

Friday of the First Week of Advent readings & commentary (OF)

Friday of the First Week of Advent readings & commentary (OF)
Other Commemorations: St. Sabbas, Abbot

Daily Gospel

ADVENTCAzT 2025 – 06 – Friday 1st Week of Advent

Saint Sabas Patriarchal Abbot in Palestine

Saint Sabbas

Saints of the Day

Sermons for Everyday Living - Make Your Best Confession 12/5/25

Audio version of Gueranger
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There is forgiveness for sins done in ignorance of the knowledge of the Truth....

I think we have a relationship with God in Christ. So we transition from the flesh to the spirit. When we invite Christ into our hearts He is living in us. But Christ cannot live with sin. So having Christ in us leads to a continual offloading of the sinful nature to come closer to God in that relationship.

Just like any relationship you have to work at it to get closer. Or you come to know the things you must do to continue to be close to God.

I think this is a matter pf personal relationship with each individual and it may be different. Depending on the particular experiences and circumstances.

While at the same time each is called to the level of their knowledge in God. In some ways seeking to be closer to God and to know His word and the spirit of God is opening up a persons eyes to God that this increases the responsibility. The more you know and become aware the more responsibility you have.

This same principle applies to those in positions of care under the law of Duty of Care. The more knowledge you have of the situation the more accountability you have to ensure good outcomes for others.

I think our conscience is the thing that tells each of us the truth and Gods will. If we are open to God then we will hear the spirit and the more we ignore this the more it persists until we act on it or reject it. Its an ongoing relationship of trust and faith. A battle between the spirit and the flesh.
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8-year-old preacher becoming one of Brazil's most visible Evangelical figures

An 8-year-old kidney transplant recipient in Brazil is becoming one of the country's youngest and most visible Evangelical figures as she preaches to churchgoers and millions online amid a trend of child preachers drawing strong social media followings in the South American country.

Ester Souza delivers sermons at a church led by her parents in Votuporanga, located in the state of São Paulo, often drawn from personal experience.

She speaks in front of a congregation of about 50 people each week, including both adults and children, The Washington Post reports. Her mother records the services on a mobile phone and uploads the videos to her daughter's social media accounts. She has nearly 2 million followers across platforms, and one of her videos has more than 11 million views.

The girl began preaching shortly after recovering from a serious medical condition. In 2020, she was diagnosed with kidney failure and remained in the hospital for two months. During that time, pandemic-related restrictions prevented her parents from staying with her. She later said she saw a man in white who told her she would be taken care of. Her kidney transplant took place in March 2021.

Continued below.

The National Guard shooting in Washington DC: Why did it happen?

The day before Thanksgiving, Americans were shocked by the tragic shooting of two members of the National Guard by an Afghan asylum seeker allowed into the United States by the Biden Administration. According to the AP:

“The suspect in Wednesday’s shooting near the White House that killed Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and critically wounded Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, both of the West Virginia National Guard, is facing charges … Rahmanullah Lakanwal is a 29-year-old Afghan national who had been living in Bellingham, Washington … He worked with the CIA during the Afghanistan War.”
This killer left his five children in Washington state to drive to DC to ambush Sarah Beckstrom with shots from a .357 pistol, then grabbed Beckstrom’s weapon and mortally wounded her with a shot to the head. He then shot Wolf multiple times, and “When Lakanwal paused to reload, a National Guard major leapt from cover and turned the ambush back on the attacker — stabbing the alleged terrorist in the head multiple times and bringing him to the ground. During the initial attack, the major allegedly heardLakanwal yelling 'Allahu Akbar,'" the New York Post reported.

Many wonder how Lakanwal could go from seeming an American ally in Afghanistan to this. I’d like to offer some perspective from what I have learned of Lakanwal and my experiences with Afghans in Afghanistan.

Continued below.

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