• 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.

Maryland’s Republican Senate nominee (and former gov) Larry Hogan calls for everyone to respect the jury's verdict in Trump's case

Hogan provokes ire within Trumpworld: ‘You just ended your campaign’


“Regardless of the result, I urge all Americans to respect the verdict and the legal process,” he posted on X, formerly Twitter. “… We must reaffirm what has made this nation great: the rule of law.”

“You just ended your campaign,” Chris LaCivita, a senior adviser to Trump’s presidential campaign, posted on X, moments after Hogan released his statement.

“From a political standpoint, it makes no sense to issue a statement that can be considered by us to be a criticism. It was stupid,” LaCivita said. “He didn’t have to say anything. Say, ‘It’s a sad day in America.’ But no, he had to make a point. If he’s going to make his point, we’re going to make our point. You take a shot, you’re going to get a shot back. That’s how it works in politics.”

Dan Cox, the Maryland Republican who beat Hogan’s handpicked successor in the 2022 primary race for governor, called on the state GOP to censure Hogan “for his despicable and disgusting announcement.” [emphasis added]

Respecting the rule of law and the decision of a jury is now "despicable and disgusting".

Salem Media Ceases Distribution of 2000 Mules Film and Book because "representations made to us" by Convicted Felon Dinesh D'Souza were false

Salem Media Statement

In publishing the film and the book, we relied on representations made to us by Dinesh D’Souza and True the Vote, Inc. (“TTV”) that the individuals depicted in the videos provided to us by TTV, including Mr. Andrews, illegally deposited ballots. We have learned that the Georgia Bureau of Investigation has cleared Mr. Andrews of illegal voting activity in connection with the event depicted in 2000 Mules.

[Additional butt-covering - ]

Salem Media Group is America’s leading multimedia company specializing in Christian and conservative content, with media properties comprising radio, digital media and book and newsletter publishing.

--

Right-wing media company Salem apologizes, stops distributing 2020 election conspiracy film ‘2000 Mules’ after lawsuit


Salem Media Group, the right-wing talk radio network owner, issued a public apology and said it would stop distributing a discredited 2020 election conspiracy theory film after a Georgia man wrongly accused of voter fraud sued the company for defamation.

The Georgia man, Mark Andrews, said in his 2022 lawsuit that “2000 Mules,” a film and book by far-right activist Dinesh D’Souza contained a string of bogus claims about the 2020 election, leading to threats of violence against him and his family.

The apology from Salem came as part of a larger settlement to the lawsuit filed by Andrews.

Do pets go to heaven?

You have to be born of the Spirit to inherit eternal life. Pets do not have the Paraclete in them. They do not bear the image of God. They are not resurrected on the last day, as per Jesus.

However, if you miss your pets and feel sad after the resurrection, God will do something to ensure you are not sad for eternity. God may even give you your pets back. Matthew 7:

11 if you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!
There will be animals on the new earth (heaven), Isaiah 65:

25 the wolf and the lamb will feed together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox.
There will be new pets.

See also No worries in the new heavens and earth.

Hearing the voice of God on certain topics

Hi,

So after some observations, some claims they hear the voice of God, but now I have my doubts, sometimes some of them say that to put themselves above you, they kinda imply: " I can hear the voice of God you not, so you better listen to me"

I am honest to myself, I never really heard the voice of God, what I do is, I read the bible and listen to other people and then I formulate what I think the voice of God is. Some things are easy, do not steal, do not fornicate, do not murder etc, some things are not that easy, like the 3 topics mentioned below.

Topic: how should the church be organized ? what is God's opinion regarding this ?
possibilities are: elder board, one man at the top decides everything, democratic meaning the members of the church decides etc etc.
Each type of church organisation claiming they heard the voice of God, really I have my doubts now.

Personally I think elder board is best church organisation.

Another Topic: Should churches publish financial transparancy what happens to the collected money ? what is God opinion regarding this ?

You see, this topic, you also have people claiming to hear the voice of God regarding this.

Another topic: which denomination is right, which denomination has heard the voice of God ? Every denomination claiming they have heard right from God, the others wrong.

Br,

Think of the Children (No, Really)

Hello folks. Kids are probably not in it for me, unless via adoption, as this world is a strange, dark place. This final devotional for the month focuses on how we can raise and protect our children from the world in this strange new world.

Date
May 31, 2024 | Protect the Youngsters​
Verse
Matthew 18:6-7 (NIV): "If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to stumble! Such things must come, but woe to the person through whom they come!"

Matthew 19:14 (NIV): "Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’"

Ephesians 6:4 (NIV): "Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord."​
Explanation
These three passages from the Bible provide important teachings on the value of children and the responsibilities of adults in raising and protecting them.​
In Matthew 18:6-7, Jesus is warning the disciples about the harm caused by causing a child to stumble or sin. The consequences of leading a child astray are severe, and Jesus laments the existence of such causes. This passage underscores the importance of being mindful of our actions and words in the presence of children, as they are impressionable and vulnerable.

Contrastingly, in Matthew 19:14, Jesus welcomes and encourages children to come to Him, emphasizing that the kingdom of heaven belongs to them. This passage highlights the inherent worth and value of children in the eyes of God.

Finally, in Ephesians 6:4, Paul urges fathers to bring up their children in the training and instruction of the Lord. This verse emphasizes the role of parents in nurturing their children's spiritual growth and development, and encourages mothers and fathers to be patient and nurturing rather than exasperating or discouraging.
Societal Relevance
In the modern world, protecting children from various harms and negative influences requires intentional effort and vigilance from parents, guardians, and the wider community. Some specific actions Christians can take include:
  1. Creating a nurturing and safe home environment that fosters open communication, trust, and love between parents and children.
  2. Engaging in regular spiritual and moral instruction, using age-appropriate resources and activities.
  3. Monitoring and limiting children's exposure to media, ensuring they are consuming age-appropriate and wholesome content.
  4. Being aware of and involved in their children's education, extracurricular activities, and relationships with peers and adults.
  5. Building a supportive community of like-minded individuals who can provide guidance, encouragement, and accountability.
  6. Advocating for policies and practices that protect children from physical, emotional, and spiritual harm, such as stricter regulations on media and educational institutions, and report any abuse to the local authorities.
  7. Providing opportunities for children to engage in meaningful service projects and activities that promote positive values and contribute to their growth.
Ultimately, raising children properly and protecting them from harm requires a commitment to intentional discipleship, loving guidance, and vigilant oversight. By following the example of Jesus and the teachings of the Bible, Christians can create a nurturing and supportive environment that helps children grow into strong, virtuous, and faith-filled individuals.

Sadly, there is no life anecdote from me, as I do not have any kids, and do not wish to have children (unless via adoption). However, if kids were in God’s plan, raising children in a holy method would be my goal. With the perversion of media and music, I would give my hypothetical kids DVDs of classic movies my parents raised me on instead of the movies that push identity politics. While freedom of speech is important, keeping young ones away from violent media or promiscuous books would be best for the Christian maturation of the youth.

Catholic doctors, ethicists criticize Pontifical Academy for Life

Representatives of the Australian Catholic Medical Association, with the support of several Catholic moral theologians and bioethicists, have criticized a book published by the Pontifical Academy for Life for its lack of understanding of “current science” and specific areas of medicine.

The experts argue that the book spreads “misleading and confusing” theological and medical information that contradicts established Church teachings on contraception and assisted reproductive technologies.

The book in question, “Etica Teologica Della Vita” (ETV), covers “Theological Ethics of Life: Scripture, Tradition, and Practical Challenges.” The 528-page Italian publication is a synthesis of a seminar sponsored by the academy in 2021.

The critique, published April 23 in the Linacre Quarterly, the official journal of the Catholic Medical Association, describes contradictions between the book and established Church teachings on contraception and assisted reproductive technologies.

Continued below.

Ukraine to use western Weapons on Russia: Russia threatens nuclear war

Ukraine war updates: Russia says it isn’t bluffing over threats to use nuclear weapons; ‘difficult night’ for Kharkiv


Russia’s Dmitry Medvedev said on Friday that the Kremlin isn’t bluffing over its threats to use tactical nuclear weapons against Ukraine.

In a Google-translated post published on his official Telegram channel, Russia’s former president said Moscow’s use of tactical nuclear weapons can be “miscalculated” but that the Kremlin’s position on the potential deployment of these weapons was not “not intimidation or nuclear bluff.”

His comments come shortly after reports said U.S. President Joe Biden had quietly given permission to Ukraine to allow its forces use U.S. weapons inside Russia. The decision only applies to counter-fire purposes in the area around Ukraine’s northeastern region of Kharkiv.
Russian missiles hit several locations in Ukraine’s northeastern Kharkiv region overnight, killing five people and injuring at least 25, according to the regional head. Oleh Syniehubov described the evening as a “difficult night for Kharkiv.”

CNBC could not independently verify developments on the ground.

China has reportedly turned down the chance to attend Ukraine’s peace conference in Switzerland next month.

Beijing has declined an invitation to join the June 15-16 summit because the conditions necessary for them to participate were not met, Reuters reported, citing three unnamed sources with direct knowledge of the matter.



Oh, strangely, I found a bouncy ball today, and put it in my pocket. When I took it out a red star was stuck to it. A Soviet Star! I fear they'll send me to the Ukrainian front now! :sigh: (jk)

Screenshot 2024-05-31 4.26.29 PM.png

War on Police Takes Sickening Turn as Hero Cop Is Killed in Ambush


Police officers put their lives on the line daily, going out on patrol to ensure their community is safe. Unfortunately, some bad actors, bolstered by the establishment media have decided to paint all cops as evil, based on the actions of a few, and have encouraged others to harm the people who are protecting us. That’s exactly what happened in Minneapolis when police officer Jamal Mitchell was ambushed and killed Thursday evening.

Mitchell, 36, was an accomplished cop, earning an award just last year for running into a burning building to save an elderly couple just days after taking up the job, according to KMSP-TV.
He remained extremely humble when interviewed after the incident and restated his commitment to his job.

Money Offered For The Holy Spirit

It is interesting during Philip's ministry in Samaria where there was a mighty revival, and Peter and John came to impart the Holy Spirit to the converts. Simon the Sorcerer offered money to the Apostles for the power of the Spirit, but Peter turned him down flat, and gave him a severe rebuke, saying that basically that he was a false convert.

I reckon that if it were Benny Hinn instead of Peter, he would have taken the money from Simon as a "seed offering" for the filling of the Holy Spirit and the power that went with him.

Trump campaign announces over $50 million in fundraising after NY criminal trial verdict


A New York jury on Thursday found Trump guilty on 34 counts of falsifying business records after a weeks-long trial. The verdict appears to have energized his supporters, however, as the campaign's donation page crashed, evidently due to the volume of traffic.

The campaign on Friday initially announced it had brought in $34.8 million in small dollar donations, marking a near-doubling of its single largest day total on WinRed. Later, it updated the total to $52.8 million raised in the 24 hours following the verdict.

“In the 24 hours since Crooked Joe Biden and his New York henchmen got their sham trial verdict, the Trump Campaign has raised $52.8 million through the online digital fundraising platform,” the campaign said in a statement reported by the Daily Wire. “THAT’S MORE THAN $2 MILLION PER HOUR!”
  • Like
Reactions: mourningdove~

Why seeking spirits is Vanity

Vanity of vanities.

I studied the phenomena of NDE:s and made an interesting find.

First of all, you may notice that no two NDE:s are the same. Whether they are good or bad, they are never in the same universe.

Also, here are spirits who say they are able to tailor, in their words, a character to the person.

Login to view embedded media
However I would suggest they do more than that.

Thus we enter the CUBE, also known as the flower of life, or marriage.

As some of you may already know, the cube can be unfolded into a cross. As well as the hypercube.

Thus we conclude, that when transitioning, both at the time of death and in the body, there is room for only one spirit and one reality.

I wish I were a believer, but...

Hello Christians!

I read the Bible often, not only in English but also in Greek and sometimes Hebrew. I've recently finished reading Romans with the assistance of commentaries by Cranfield and Bruce, and I'm now reading Paul R House's commentary on the beautiful book of Daniel. So far I've never got around to learning Aramaic, but I could reasonably be described as an expert on the Bible, in comparison with most people. I'm also aware that one of the things the Bible teaches is that my scholarly knowledge is nothing to be proud of!

I want to be a Christian. I try to live as a Christian. I pray, sometimes for hours and hours...

But the end result is always that I think: none of it is true, is it?

So I'm joining your forum as a sympathetic and knowledgeable atheist. I hope you don't mind.

Hush money trial - or ... business records trial -- just the facts please

Nov 2016 the vote was cast for the Presidential term that started in 2017

from: Hush money, catch and kill and more: A guide to unique terms used at Trump’s New York criminal trial

FALSIFYING BUSINESS RECORDS

"DEFINITION: This is the criminal charge that’s being decided at Trump’s New York trial. He is charged with 34 counts of falsifying business records in the first degree​
"Three payments that prosecutors say were made on Trump’s behalf to bury marital infidelity claims during his 2016 presidential campaign. They are the National Enquirer’s $30,000 payment (Jan 2016) to a Trump Tower doorman and $150,000 payment (August 2016) to former Playboy model Karen McDougal, and the $130,000 that Trump’s then-lawyer and fixer Michael Cohen arranged to pay porn actor Stormy Daniels.​
"Paying hush money isn’t illegal on its own, but authorities say the payments made to suppress stories about Trump amounted to illegal campaign contributions.​
==================== end quote​
==================== next the 150,000 payment​
By MICHAEL BALSAMO Published 8:23 PM EDT, (Wednesday) April 18, 2018​


"LOS ANGELES (AP) — A former Playboy model who said she had a 10-month affair with President Donald Trump settled her lawsuit Wednesday with a supermarket tabloid over an agreement that prohibited her from discussing the relationship publicly.​
Karen McDougal’s settlement with the company that owns the National Enquirer “restores to me the rights to my life story and frees me from this contract ...​
"In August 2016, the tabloid’s parent company, American Media Inc., paid McDougal $150,000 for the rights to her story about the alleged relationship, but the story never ran.​
"Last month (March 2018), McDougal filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles asking to invalidate the contract, which she said she was misled into signing. The suit alleged that the company didn’t publish the story because AMI’s owner, David Pecker, is “close personal friends” with Trump. It also charged that Trump’s attorney, Michael Cohen, had inappropriately intervened and was secretly involved in discussions ..."​
"with AMI executives about the agreement.​
...​
"Under the settlement agreement, McDougal can keep the $150,000 she was paid and AMI has the rights to up to $75,000 for any future profits from her story about the relationship.​
"AMI had argued McDougal had been allowed to speak about her relationship since 2016 and the contract gave the company discretion over whether to publish the story.​

==================== next the 30,000 payment

from: $30,000 rumor? Tabloid paid for, spiked, salacious Trump tip

By JAKE PEARSON and JEFF HORWITZ Published 4:23 PM EDT, (Thursday) April 12, 2018


"NEW YORK (AP) — Eight months before (Jan 2016) the company that owns the National Enquirer paid $150,000 to a former Playboy Playmate (August 2016) who claimed she’d had an affair with Donald Trump, the tabloid’s parent made a $30,000 payment to... a former doorman at one of the real estate mogul’s New York City buildings.​
"As it did with the ex-Playmate, the Enquirer signed the ex-doorman to a contract that effectively prevented him from going public​

==================== Next the 130,000 payment stormy was supposed to pay back


"An attorney for Essential Consultants said the company wants Daniels to repay the $130,000 she was paid as part of the nondisclosure agreement, which was signed days before the 2016 presidential election, according to a letter included in a Friday night court filing.​
==========================end quote

Wanted Daniels to repay 130k??

In any case, all of this is about "incorrect business records" (which is not legal, possibly misdemeanor, like jaywalking) not about "paying hush money" (which the article says is not illegal)

So then when is jaywalking a felony? Answer: "when one is jaywalking in order to rob a bank".
IN other words - all the "talk" was supposed to be about how problems with business records - was on the way to "robbing bank" and would mean that they should be pushing the crime of "robbing the bank" and not the crime of hush money or incorrect bank records.

So where has all the "Robbing the bank" sort of news been all this time??

Seems to be conspicuously absent.

My mental health…

I am feeling so far down right now, it’s so bad that I don’t have any energy to go to work. I just want to stay in bed all day. I awoke to no paycheck (long story) and I am now feeling like a failure to my family to keep us going. I don’t know how to. I’m just wanting to hunker down and stay in my bed all day. No energy to work or clean or anything like that. I just can’t do this anymore.

Supreme Court Immunity Decision

I am wondering whether Mr. Trump's conviction will give the less ideological members of the Court to take limits on presidential immunity more seriously.
I recognize two are unreachable, but last week the Court was evaluating the case based on their faith in the relative integrity of our 46 presidents.
They can no longer assume that to be true. We now have a convicted felon among the 46, who through aggressive defense delay tactics, still has three more serious cases pending.
I wonder if those judges who want to preserve our union will realize that integrity, now or in the future, can't be assumed, and that significant limits need to be placed on immunity.

Pre-Trib Only The Rapture and Jewish Weddings

The Rapture and Jewish Weddings

There is an interesting parallel between a Jewish wedding and the Rapture. Only a Pre-Tribulation Rapture will fit into this scenario.
Three groups of people were present at every Jewish wedding—the groom, the bride, and the invited guests.
Three groups of people will also be involved in the marriage of the Lamb.

1. The Groom—this is Jesus (2 Cor. 11:2, Eph. 5:23-27)
2. The Bride—this is the Church (2 Cor. 11:2, Eph. 5:22-32, Rev. 21:9-10)
3. The Guests—these are people saved after the Rapture (Matt. 25:1-10).

Some people have mistakenly interpreted the 10 virgins as the Church.
However, they are the guests invited to the wedding feast and are not the bride.

Three Aspects of a Jewish Wedding
There were also three aspects of every Jewish wedding. The same is true with the marriage of the Lamb.

1. The Wedding Contract (Betrothal).
This is when a person is saved (2 Cor. 11:2).

2. The Wedding Ceremony (Groom receives Bride).
This is the Rapture (John 14:2-3). Revelation 19:7 literally reads, "The marriage of the Lamb came and His wife prepared herself." The wedding already occurred at the Rapture, and now the Lamb and the Church are about to return to earth for the wedding feast. This parallels what Jesus said in Luke 12:36, "And be like men who are waiting for their master when he returns from the wedding…
” (It should read “wedding,” not "wedding feast" as some versions say. Why would someone wait after the wedding feast when the celebration is over?)

3. The Wedding Feast (Guests are invited to the celebration).
This is the Second Coming (Matt. 25:1-10) "Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb" (Rev. 19:9). A bride is not invited to her own wedding! The Church was married to Christ at the Rapture and the wedding feast will occur on earth after the Second Coming. Those people saved after the Rapture (the tribulation saints) will be invited to participate in the wedding feast.

And here's one more thought to ponder…

Three Times of Redemption (“Redemption" means "to purchase.”)

1. When you were saved by receiving Jesus as your Lord, He redeemed your spirit. (1 Peter 1:18, Eph. 1:7)
2. At the Rapture, Jesus will redeem your body. (Rom. 8:23, Eph. 1:14, 4:30).
3. At the Second Coming, Jesus will redeem the earth. (Rom. 8:19-22) At this time, the curse which was placed on it because of the fall of man (Gen. 3:17-19) will be lifted (Zech. 14:11).

Right-wing media figures vow revenge after Trump‘s conviction

Right-wing media figures vow revenge after Trump‘s conviction

While not surprising, the furious bluster reverberating across right-wing media still carried its intended effect, burning away public trust in America’s core institutions and leaving a lasting impact on the legitimacy of the rule of law in the United States.

The Daily Wire’s Matt Walsh, who commands a following of millions of subscribers on YouTube and social media, said after the verdict that Trump “should make and publish a list of ten high ranking Democrat criminals who he will have arrested when he takes office.”

The Federalist chief executive Sean Davis said he wants “to see lists of which Democrat officials are going to be put in prison.”


Gee, at least Nixon had the good sense to keep his enemies list secret. But the projection among some of Trump's fans is pretty obvious. They secretly openly long to make arrests motivated by politics rather than the impartial application of the law.

The perpetual virginity of Mary

The perpetual virginity of Mary is a Christian doctrine that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was a virgin "before, during and after" the birth of Christ.[2] In Western Christianity, the Catholic Church adheres to the doctrine, as do some Lutherans, Anglicans, Reformed, and other Protestants.[3][4][5][6][7] The Oriental Orthodox Churches also adhere to this doctrine as part of their ongoing tradition,[8] and Eastern Orthodox churches recognize Mary as Aeiparthenos, meaning "ever-virgin".[9] It is one of the four Marian dogmas of the Catholic Church.[10] Most modern nonconformist Protestants reject the doctrine.[11]

How can I stop myself being addicted to conspiracies ?

How can I stop myself being addicted to conspiracies ?

Ever since I was a kid I've rebelled against authority & I love to join all the dots.
I was only 10 years old when I tried to join the dots concerning the book of Revelation.

As I grew older I would buy any conspiracy book I could get my hands on & even joined forums such as 'David Icke' which was wrong as most members on there are far from being Christians.

It was only when I discovered that earth is flat that I truly became a Christian & have read the Bible numerous of times, & the fact that I should be dead right now if God hadn't give me a second chance.

I have truly prayed about my addiction but God has truly laid it on my heart heavy about the shape of the earth.

I thank you for listening to me :praying:

Filter

Forum statistics

Threads
5,878,786
Messages
65,423,846
Members
276,401
Latest member
kasum