• 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.

Work and anxiety

So, I just got a new job this week. It's fine, I guess. Better than nothing. It pays well and the benefits are good, but it has 12 hour shifts.


Everyone I talked to suggest I stick with it because of the pay and I have no marketable skills. I see their reasoning, I get that money is important, but I also value a work-life balance.

When I tried to explain that, I'm told that I don't really do anything anyway because I'm very introverted. Maybe they have a point?

Don't get me wrong, we all gotta work, that's just how society works. I just feel like I'm living to work rather than working to live.

Tough VP Choice For Kamala

I'm not sure why someone needs to be picked until the convention. The pick will be made before August 7th.

In any case, she has 3 good choices: Shapiro, Kelly and Cooper.

Obviously, Kamala needs PA. IMO, Shapiro and Federman should be able to deliver the state without making Shapiro VP.
Kelly and Cooper could help win their states, both states critical to Trump.

Unless she is really worried about PA, she has much more to gain with Kelly. His bio and background are impressive. Also, gun safety legislation could become an issue without Kamala spending much time discussing it. It would be interesting to see Vance and Kelly discuss their military records. Also, Kelly helps with regard to border issues.

GREATER by MercyMe

Login to view embedded media
Bring your tired
And bring your shame
Bring your guilt
And bring your pain
Don't you know that's not your name
You will always be much more to me
Every day I wrestle with the voices
That keep telling me I'm not right
But that's alright

'Cause I hear a voice and He calls me redeemed
When others say I'll never be enough
And greater is the One living inside of me
Than he who is living in the world
In the world
In the world
And greater is the One living inside of me
Than he who is living in the world


Bring your doubts
And bring your fears
Bring your hurt
And bring your tears
There'll be no condemnation here
You are holy, righteous and redeemed
Every time I fall
There'll be those who will call me
A mistake
Well that's okay

'Cause I hear a voice and He calls me redeemed
When others say I'll never be enough
And greater is the One living inside of me
Than he who is living in the world
In the world
In the world
And greater is the One living inside of me
Than he who is living in the world


There'll be days I lose the battle
Grace says that it doesn't matter
'Cause the cross already won the war
He's Greater, He's Greater
I am learning to run freely
Understanding just how He sees me
And it makes me love Him more and more
He's Greater, He's Greater

There'll be days I lose the battle
Grace says that it doesn't matter
'Cause the cross already won the war
He's Greater, He's Greater
I am learning to run freely
Understanding just how He sees me
And it makes me love Him more and more

He's Greater, He's Greater


'Cause I hear a voice and He calls me redeemed
When others say I'll never be enough
And greater is the One living inside of me
Than he who is living in the world
In the world
In the world
And greater is the One living inside of me
Than he who is living in the world



There'll be days I lose the battle
Grace says that it doesn't matter
'Cause the cross already won the war
He's Greater, He's Greater
I am learning to run freely
Understanding just how He sees me
And it makes me love Him more and more
My God is greater
Than he who is living in the world
  • Love
Reactions: Grip Docility

My Feet Are the Rock by I AM THEY

Login to view embedded media
I can see the clouds roll in
I can feel the winds, they try to shake me
I will not be moved
My feet are on the Rock

I can feel the waters rise
I can hear the howling lies that haunt me
Fear won't hold me now
My feet are on the Rock

When I feel my hope about to break
I will cling to Your unchanging grace
Let the waters come and the Earth give way
I'll be dancing in the rain
My feet are on the Rock

I can see the morning light
I can feel the joy on the horizon
Here my faith is found
I stand on solid ground

When I feel my hope about to break
I will cling to Your unchanging grace
Let the waters come and the Earth give way
I'll be dancing in the rain
My feet are on the Rock

On Christ the solid Rock I stand
All other ground is sinking sand
So stomp your feet and clap your hands
Our feet are on the Rock
On Christ the solid Rock I stand
All other ground is sinking sand
So stomp your feet and clap your hands
Our feet are on the Rock
On Christ the solid Rock I stand
All other ground is sinking sand
So stomp your feet and clap your hands
Our feet are on the Rock

When I feel my hope about to break
I will cling to Your unchanging grace
Let the waters come and the Earth give way
I'll be dancing in the rain
When I feel my hope about to break
I will cling to Your unchanging grace
Let the waters come and the Earth give way
I'll be dancing in the rain
My feet are on the Rock
My feet are on the Rock
My feet are on the Rock
  • Love
Reactions: Grip Docility

Obama Endorses Harris.

It took 6 days but Obama finally endorsed Harris. I don't think the Obamas liked Harris very much. They wanted someone else. But they finally did in an obviously staged awkward phone call.

I wonder what they are getting in return. Could it be they get their guy in the Vice-President role?

Black Lives Matter Denounces Harris

Kinda hilarious...


Basically, Black Lives Matter released some sort of formal statement on the fact that nobody voted for Harris in any primary and the Democrats are hypocrites....saying we aren't a dictatorship...and demanding a snap primary.

Hilarious.

Obviously, nobody should really care what BLM says at this point...they're probably just trying to get some limelight.

However, I 100% understand the sentiment...she's not exactly anyone's 1st or 2nd pick. Despite the media kowtowing and 180 on Harris...I don't know if real enthusiasm can be drummed up.

Regardless....this is pretty funny. A lot of people in this organization stole donations and were convicted of it....so I trust they at least know a con when they see one.

Protestors Damage Monuments and Assault Police in DC.

During the visit of the Isreali Prime Minister pro-Palestinian protestors damaged monuments, burned government property and assaulted police.

Very few were arrested and we don't know what kind of manhunt is going on to find and arrest others involved.

This should be a massive manhunt for people who were involved in this. Anyone who takes down an American flag, burns it and raises another countries flag should be arrested and deported immediately if they are a foreigner. And if an American they should be arrested and charged with the appropriate crimes.

All other criminals involved in criminal activities should be found and charged. In exactly the same manner as those involved in Jan 6 were.

New dream alert! Who can help interprete it

Why did I dream about school setting and I saw a Christian sister I know, she was standing in my way so we discussed a little which I don't remember but remember her last word ‘King’ she said. Briefly, after that, I board a school-bus going to somewhere which I think I know the direction. Then, as the school-Bus was moving we got to a two-way roads and the driver took the right lane which was the wrong way and this time he was speeding and I could feel he was too fast. Then, I started to complain about his speeding but he kept telling me to chill saying he was looking for more people to take. But he didn't see more passenger to take till we landed so fast at the exact same two-way and this time he took the left which was the right way and he was driving normally or fast I can't remember. But is like I got to my destination. Even though I told the driver I would report him to the school authority I don't think I did that?

Opening ceremonies for the Olympics

Looks like I won't be watching this Olympics either.

Count 'Em by Brandon Lake

Login to view embedded media
You got thunder in Your vocal, You got flames in Your eyes
You got wonder-working power pouring out of Your side
Checked the tomb all the way through, the grave was empty inside
Ain't no other pull the greatest miracle of all time
You got power, demons cower when they hear Your name called
You got power that still towers, make Goliath look small
You got power to devour any counterfeit roar
Even Your tongue is a sword, count up the score

You are the Lord
Holy
You are the Lord
Holy
You are the Lord
Holy
You are the Lord
Holy
Hey, hey

All those funerals You ruined when You made the dead rise
Heaven's healer using spit and mud to open blind eye
You got wonders I can't number, couldn't count if I tried
Called the doctor and the doctor said, "I'm giving new life
Tell your enemies the victory is already here
More than sixty thousand angels, just the tip of the spear"
One day every knee will bow, and every heart will be Yours
This is the end of a war, count up the score

You are the Lord
Holy
You are the Lord
Holy
You are the Lord
Holy
You are the Lord
Holy

How many enemies ended on bended knees, swallowed up in defeat?
Can't count 'em
How many raging seas opened in front of me? How many victories?
Can't count 'em
How many prophecies no one would dare believe? Now it's reality
Can't count 'em
How many broken men given a second chance? See all the lifted hands
Can't count 'em
How many Thomases doubted Your promises standing here, now convinced?
Can't count 'em
How many hospitals said it's impossible? How many miracles?
Can't count 'em
How many paralyzed living a different life? Go on and testify
Can't count 'em
How many sinners saved? How many bodies raised? How many empty graves?
Can't count 'em

You are the Lord
Holy
You are the Lord
Holy
You are the Lord
Holy
You are the Lord
Holy

Trump says he will return to Butler for another rally after assassination attempt

“I will be going back to Butler, Pennsylvania for a big and beautiful rally, honoring the soul of our beloved firefighting hero, Corey, and those brave patriots injured two weeks ago. What a day it will be — fight, fight fight! Stay tuned for details,” Trump wrote.
Other U.S. leaders could use some of Trump's courage.

Tear Off the Roof by Brandon Lake

Login to view embedded media
@AlexB23
This song of victory and healing never ceases to bring tears of joy to my eyes while I praise and thank our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. I am praying that Tear Off the Roof shall be used by Jesus and the Holy Spirit to bless you as well.

Login to view embedded media

Deplorables on Usha Vance

I'm not talking about the non-deplorable Magadonians, of which no doubt there are legion, but the ones who do embrace the alt-right, have a problem with Usha Vance because too much the racist and misogynistic garbage they want to throw at Harris applies to the wife of the VP candidate and then some - she is a practicing Hindu as well as a Yale educated lawyer. Her parents are immigrants, similar to Harris'.

Will they embrace this not-one-of-them, will they bite their collective tongues for the meanwhile or will they simply ignore the elephant in the room?

So advertised boneless chicken wings are allowed to contain bones, and it's the customers responsibility to know this.


I got to say if presented with an advertised boneless chicken wing, I would assume it did not contain bones.

Illustrations That Teach

A wealthy man hired some servants to work at his huge factory.
The supervisor in charge made out a contract, which gave each hired worker the instructions the manager wanted each to carry out for a specified amount of cash.
The workers were divided into groups.

This is a brief excerpt of the contract Group D workers got.
  • Milk the cows and goats
  • Clean the pens, and troughs
  • Gather hay, and lay down fresh bedding
  • Make sure the animals are in good health, and comfortable
and you will be paid at the end of the day

At the end of the day, the supervisor gathered the workers. and paid them their wages... all but the Group D workers.
What was the problem?
No milk had been collected, and the pens, troughs, abd beddings were not cleaned.

The supervisor asked the group for an account.
Everyone looked at one another. Then one of them said, in an almost confident, and authoritative voice... "Sir... Did the contract not say, Make sure the animals are in good health, and comfortable, and you will be paid at the end of the day?

The supervisor's face froze... :astonished:


During Jesus earthly ministry, he taught persons the truth, which involved specific requirements, and when Jesus left earth, he continued to teach the truth, through his disciples on earth.
Here is an excerpt of those requirements...
  • Worshippers must be true, and offer worship that is in spirit and truth, John 4:23, 24
  • Follow Jesus. John 8:12
  • Remain in Jesus' word. John 8:31, 32
  • Love Jesus by obeying what Jesus commanded. John 14:15, 21-24
  • Bear much fruit, by doing the works commanded by Jesus and his father. John 15:8-10
  • Love one another. John 13:34, 35; John 15:12-14
  • Get correct knowledge - truth - of God and Jesus Christ. John 17:3; 1 Timothy 2:3, 4
  • Do not be of this world. John 17:15, 16
  • Endure to the end. Matthew 10:22; Matthew 24:13
  • Strive - make every effort - to gain life. Luke 13:24
  • Call on the name of Jehovah, and go out and preach the gospel. Acts 2:21; Romans 10:9-15; 1 Corinthians 9:16, 17
  • Hold firmly to the message of the gospel. 1 Corinthians 15:2
  • Love the truth. 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12
  • Love the brothers. 1 John 3:14, 15
Only by meeting all these requirements is one saved,

The next time you hear someone say... or you are tempted to say, "all that is required is to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will get saved", think about the look on Jesus face. :confounded:


I do welcome any help in improving my illustrations.
Is there anything wrong with this illustration, or is it fitting?

What do you think about AI and evangelism

Do you think AI can be used for the Kingdom? I mean, I usually struggled to tell people about Jesus, but the app iEvangelize (https://www.ievangelize.app) made evangelizing easier for me than ever before.

It generated amazing conversation starters, and I used to share the gospel with people easily.
Take a look and tell me what you guys think.
  • Like
Reactions: Joseph G

“Brethren, What Shall We Do?’...

“Brethren, what shall we do?” (Acts 2: 37) Such was the response of “devout men from every nation under heaven” (Acts 2:5) to St. Peter’s Pentecost Discourse. The Holy Scriptures tell us that “that they were cut to the heart” (Acts 2:37). St. Peter had proclaimed to them the truth of the Redemptive Incarnation with these words:

Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves know — this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. But God raised Him up, having loosed the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it.… This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses. Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He has poured out this which you see and hear.… Let all the house of Israel therefore know assuredly that God has made Him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified (Acts 2:22-24, 32-33, 36).

Witnessing the transformation of the Apostles by the descent of the Holy Spirit and hearing the preaching of St. Peter, the devout men understood that the event which they were witnessing and the enduring reality which it manifested had changed their lives forever. They recognized the abiding victory of Jesus, “Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36), over sin and death through the outpouring of His spirit, God the Holy Spirit, upon the Church, into the hearts of the faithful members of the Church, Christ’s Mystical Body.

To their heartfelt question, “Brethren, what shall we do?” addressed to the Apostles, St. Peter, without hesitation and without equivocation, responded:

Continued below.

The War on Catholicism: The Story of Europe’s First 21st Century Martyr

Today marks the 8-year anniversary of the tragic murder of Father Jacques Hamel, a French Catholic priest killed by two Islamic terrorists while celebrating Mass in a church in the small town of Saint-Étienne-du-Rouvray, a suburb of Rouen in France. According to eyewitness accounts, Hamel’s last words before getting his throat slashed were “Va-t’en, Satan,” meaning in English “Get away, Satan.”

Hamel is widely regarded as Europe’s first 21stcentury martyr. His story is compelling for countless reasons, but perhaps the strongest being that the attack on Hamel is symbolic of the multitudinous, increasing, and brutal assaults suffered by the Catholic Church over the past several decades.

Pere_Jacques_Hamel.jpg
Father Jacques Hamel

It’s a harsh fact that Catholics of this age face a particularly virulent hatred. Across the globe, Catholic churches are being burned, religious statues are being desecrated, laity are being threatened, and priests are being kidnapped, tortured, and killed. I’m not talking about the events of 2nd century Christians; I’m talking about today.

Hamel was born on November 30, 1930, in the commune of Darnètal in Normandy, France’s northern region. At the time of his death, he was serving as a parish priest in the Archdiocese of Rouen. On the morning of July 26, 2016, Adel Kermiche and Abdel Malik Petitjean, who had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State of Iraq, slaughtered Hamel before being shot dead by police. Both men were 19 years old.


Why are Catholic priests and churches so vulnerable? What is at the root of their loathing? The Catholic writer Joseph Massey, in his July 11, 2024, Twitter/X post, answers these questions:

Western civilization is being ransacked by barbarians, and the churches are always the first thing to go. They want us demoralized and cut off from the true source of our strength: God Almighty.
Massey is correct. Catholic churches are targets precisely because it is in these churches that our sacraments reside.

Continued below.

Archaeologists find ancient moat fortifying biblical Jerusalem

In a groundbreaking discovery, archaeologists solved a long-standing mystery about Jerusalem’s defenses. The findings are consistent with biblical descriptions of the city’s topography.

In a groundbreaking discovery, archaeologists have solved a long-standing mystery about Jerusalem’s ancient defenses. Recent excavations in the City of David have revealed a massive moat that once fortified the Temple Mount and the King’s Palace, shedding new light on the fortifications of biblical Jerusalem.

For more than 150 years, the full extent of Jerusalem’s northern fortifications remained elusive. But thanks to recent work in the Givati parking lot adjacent to the Old City walls, researchers from the Israel Antiquities Authority(IAA) and Tel Aviv University have uncovered a moat that divided the City of David, separating the ruling Acropolis from the southern residential areas.

Continued below.
  • Like
Reactions: Vambram

How the Ancient Christians Can Give You Hope and Teach You to Spread the Faith

Cover of ‘Rabbles, Riots, and Ruins: Twelve Ancient Cities and How They Were Evangelized’ by Mike Aquilina
Cover of ‘Rabbles, Riots, and Ruins: Twelve Ancient Cities and How They Were Evangelized’ by Mike Aquilina (photo: Ignatius Press)


The Church grew at a steady rate of 40% per decade,’ says Mike Aquilina, ‘and all that happened at a time when the practice of the faith was a capital crime.’

In times like these, it’s easy to despair about evangelization in the modern world. But a new Ignatius Press book by Mike Aquilina, Rabbles, Riots, and Ruins: Twelve Ancient Cities and How They Were Evangelized, not only offers some much-needed hope when thinking about evangelizing today’s culture but also serves as a guide on how to go about it.

The Register caught up with the book’s author at his home in Pittsburgh and asked if Christian hope can persist amid the despair of modern Western cities.

Continued below.

Filter

Forum statistics

Threads
5,878,722
Messages
65,423,047
Members
276,398
Latest member
Diamond_rainbow