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Larniavc · 2025-12-10T06:27:33-0600

Valletta said:
We want people country who respect and love the principles upon which America was founded.

Conquest and slavery?

johnnypapa · 2025-12-10T06:26:15-0600

From Scott Hahn on Facebook...A remarkable YouTube video detailing the recent discovery of a 6th century Byzantine Church in the newly excavated ruins of Bethsaida (el-Araj) the Galilean hometown of Sts. Peter, Andrew, and Phillip (John 1:44). The video does a good job explaining the significance of a Greek inscription uncovered on the Church’s mosaic tile floor, identifying St. Peter as “chief of the apostles” and “keeper of the keys of the kingdom of heaven” (Mt. 16:19). The narrator traces Jesus’ statement to Peter back to the dynastic symbolism of “the key of the house of David “in Isaiah 22:22. Don’t miss this!

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Jerry N. · 2025-12-10T06:25:16-0600

David Lamb said:
I have no idea how many Jews work for NASA, but even if the majority of NASA workers were Jews (which I doubt), NASA workers didn't choose the acronym, just as the soldiers in a particular regiment didn't choose the regiment's name.

As for wands, some may be made from holly wood, but by no means all are. I did a google search for "what are wands made of" and found many sites saying that various woods are used. Here is just one example, from https://www.tudorhouse.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Magic-Wands.pdf

"According to the Book of Honorius, wands are traditionally made of wood and a wand maker might cut a branch from a hazel tree or any nut tree. The wood must be new or green wood and ideally should be cut at sunrise on a Wednesday! It was cut and then carved it into shape and then decorated to personalise it."

Magic wands were the compact version. Real magic was done with a staff.

Larniavc · 2025-12-10T06:22:56-0600

jonojim1337 said:
The moon is focal point of polarised light that creates a plasma in our atmosphere

Crikey. How is the light focussed? What is it hitting to make the plasma?

Larniavc · 2025-12-10T06:19:49-0600

jonojim1337 said:
Again, magic wands are made out of the Holly tree.

You know magic wand’s aren’t real right?

Larniavc · 2025-12-10T06:17:02-0600

I think it’s more likely paradolia.

Jerry N. · 2025-12-10T06:16:31-0600

jonojim1337 said:
Copernicus presented his theory to the pope as a way to explain certain certain celestial movements but not all. He admitted it was a flawed model.

It was flawed because he didn’t take into account that the orbits were elliptical at various angles, but his calculations were very close considering the limited data he had to work with.

stevevw · 2025-12-10T06:16:26-0600

Hans Blaster said:
A bit more from the earlier post...

[A reminder: The text that this post of yours responds to was about Egypt being an urban agricultural society.]

The text you are responding to absolutely was about just the Egyptians. Why is it when we try to get specific you slip right out and alter the premise to suit your own preferences. Sigh.

No it was you who changed the goal posts. I was talking about the Mind/body aspect in relation to transcedent knowledge and you interject agriculture which has nothing to do with this.

You were trying to claim somehow that agricultural knowledge equals or negates transcedent knowledge.

Hans Blaster said:
Based on what evidence? (Subject is EGYPT.) I'm sick of your random assertions.

This is the whole point I have been making. You obviously don't believe in transcedent beliefs or knowledge fullstop. So your rejecting this based on your belief. When you ask for evidence you are demanding that the very material method that discounts transcedent knowledge be the only method we should use epistemically. Thats not science. Show me the science that says we must use your method of evidence to prove or disprove transcedent knowledge.

You can't because the method dismisses that epistemics in the first place. But that is not justified scientifically.

As I said there are ways we can know the world and reality besides material sciences. These are the direct conscious experiences whether through phenomenal belief or direct transcedent experiences.

This kind of evidence comes direct from the experiencer. So we look at the ancients and their stories and their culture and beliefs. We look at all this aspect of humans under the heading of religion or belief in transcedent spirits. Whatever you want to call it.

The difference is that skeptics, material science and atheists disregard this as make believe and unreal. Whereas the ancients themselves and many others like those who are open to transcedent ideas see this as evidence.

Now if you disagree then thats a matter of belief because no amount of material science can say one thing about whether its truth or not.

That does not mean its not real and in fact those who believe in this alternative way of seeing and measuring the world claim you have got it back the front. It is material science that is the deluded ones and the transcedent reality is the real stuff lol. And theres not a thing you can do about it.

Hans Blaster said:
I literally just told you that Egypt was an agriculture and urban culture. How is agriculture and cities "immersed in nature"?

Its a logical fallacy. Having agriculture does not mean the ancients were not immersed in nature and gained deeper knowledge. Your making an either/or fallacy that either the entire culture is either an agricultural society and has no transcedent beliefs and knowledge. Or vice versa.

I told you that knowledge does not work this way. It may be that only a certain section of that culture possessed that knowledge or that both forms of knowledge were at play at the same time.

We have two different forms of knowledge. Two different paradigms or more at play over time and at the same time sometimes. This is part of the problem. Every time I propose alternative and transcedent knowledge you then bring it back to your material belief about what knowledge is. Thats an epistemic belief and not science itself.

Hans Blaster said:
In what way? Did the Egyptians spend their days hunting on the savanna for meat and hides to sew into simple clothing?

If I knew that I would be famous lol. Some are trying to understand this knowledge such as the tests done on the pyramids and casting of stones and have learn some new tech as a result.

But how can you know if its within a completely different paradigm. Except that the end result is out of place for that time and more advanced.

I look at it this way. Lets say conscieness beyond brain is real. Some scientists say consciousness acts a lot like the quantum physics observations being indeterminant. Anyway that doesn't matter as its a hypothetical.

But if it were the case and as we have acknowledged today that these aspects are within a different realm of knowing such as material science cannot tell us about the experience of the color Red or a sunset or the awe of the night sky that brings transcedent knowledge

Then what would you even look for that was physical to measure. You cannot measure an experience or a conscious state that may bring knowledge in the first place to know.

Thats because its a state of being in that moment and experiencing the phenomena and then the knowledge comes from this. Like the Red experience. It was not until Mary could see colors and then experience Red that gave her the new knowledge of the world with that Red experience.

So if there is other knowledge that comes from direct experiences of nature then how can we measure this. If we cannot measure Marys experience of that knowledge except ask her directly. How on earth could we even measure this kind of knowledge unless we ask the ancients directly.

Hans Blaster said:
Indeed your response is nothing but speculation. On the other hand the nature of Egyptian agriculture is well established.

Yes and that comes under a different paradigm from material sciences. I guarentee that the ancients have a different version of what agricultural knowledge means and represents and how they come to know this which is based on a transcedent belief about their immersion in nature.

The use of the seasons, the sun, moon and stars, the movement of nature, the tiny aspects that we miss by dismissing experiences that gives them a deeper knowledge. Because they transcended the surface and material view of agriculture in the material science sense. They had a holistic understanding including the spiritual.

Hans Blaster said:
What has that got to do with Egyptian urban and agricultural society?

I explained this above. Go and ask the ancients themselves. Stop forcing your belief about what agriculture means and represents in the transcedent sense for others who hold this alternative knowledge.

Don't you believe the ancients themseves or do you want to force your belief onto them.

samaus123456789 · 2025-12-10T06:02:29-0600

Jeremiah 4 was a prophecy about the Babylonians taking Israel captive, and destroying Jerusalem 587 BC. Ask chat gpt for the details.

narnia59 · 2025-12-10T05:58:58-0600

Always in His Presence said:
I believe Scripture

I believe Scriptue as well.

That is why I know:
1) Faith is a gift that is freely given. It does not have an age nor an intellectual requirement. That is why even from the womb John the Baptist recognized the presence of his Savior. (Luke 1:44)
2) Christianity is not a religion that excludes children. This is why St. Peter professed at the first Pentecost that the promise of forgiveness of sins through Baptism included the children of those listening to him (Acts 2:37-39). It is why St. Paul compared Baptism to circumcision (Colossians 2:11-12). Circumcision was how babies were brought into the Jewish covenant, and Baptism is how babies are brought into the body of Christ.

I would also add that if you do not know the answer to a question the genuine and sincere approach is to simply say "I don't know" rather than ignore the question and attempt to deflect.

samaus123456789 · 2025-12-10T05:58:50-0600

⭐ 1. Obeying God does not guarantee visible results

This is one of the deepest truths in Scripture.

God told Isaiah:

“Go and speak…
but they will not listen.”
— Isaiah 6:9–10

God literally commanded a ministry He already knew would look unsuccessful from the outside.

Jeremiah preached for 40 years with almost zero visible fruit.

Ezekiel taught for years with people who “hear your words but will not do them” (Ezek. 33:32).

Paul said:

“I planted, Apollos watered —
but God gave the increase.”
— 1 Cor. 3:6

Meaning:

✔ You control obedience
✔ You do not control outcomes

This is not failure.
It’s the normal biblical pattern.

⭐ 2. Teaching truth does not automatically change hearts

Even Jesus said:

“Seeing, they do not see;
hearing, they do not hear.”
— Matt. 13:13

If Jesus Himself was ignored, misunderstood, or rejected…

…it is guaranteed to happen to you.

You can speak the truth perfectly, but:

people may not be ready
hearts may be resistant
minds may be closed
the Spirit may not be moving in them yet

That does not mean your work is pointless.

⭐ 3. Ministry often feels like nothing is happening while everything is happening

Think of this:

A seed underground looks dead for a long time.

But growth is real even when invisible.

Jesus compared teaching to:

“A man who plants seed…
the seed sprouts and grows,
though he does not know how.”
— Mark 4:26–27

Meaning:

You are not supposed to see the results immediately.

God does hidden work.

⭐ 4. Sometimes the work is actually for YOU, not the listener

When you teach Scripture, God is shaping:

your patience
your humility
your endurance
your understanding
your heart

Teaching others is one of the fastest ways God deepens your own faith.

It may feel like “they’re not growing,”
but God is growing you.

⭐ 5. Your obedience is success — not the outcome

Biblical success = faithfulness, not results.

“Well done, good and faithful servant”
NOT
“Well done, successful and famous servant.”

God measures:

✔ obedience
✔ faithfulness
✔ truth
✔ endurance

Not numbers, reactions, applause, or visible impact.

⭐ 6. You may be sowing for a harvest you will never see

Jesus told His disciples:

“Others have labored,
and you have entered into their labor.”
— John 4:38

Meaning:

Some people plant seeds they will never witness grow.

Some people water seeds they didn’t plant.

Some harvest seeds others sowed.

Your work may bloom long after you're gone.

⭐ 7. Spiritual warfare resists the teaching of truth

Whenever Scripture is taught:

the enemy distracts
blinds minds
stirs confusion
creates discouragement

Paul says:

“Our struggle is not against flesh and blood.”
— Eph. 6:12

The discouragement you feel is part of the battle.

It means your teaching matters more than you realize.

⭐ 8. God might be redirecting you, not abandoning you

Sometimes your effort in one area is preparation for a different calling.

Many biblical figures served in long, difficult, “unfruitful” seasons before God opened a new door.

This doesn’t mean you failed.
It means God is moving you.

⭐ FINAL ENCOURAGEMENT

You’re not failing.
You’re not wasting your time.
You’re not unseen.

God sees:

your effort
your obedience
your desire for truth
your willingness to speak
your frustration
your fatigue
your heart

And He is not silent about it.

“Your labor in the Lord
is not in vain.”
— 1 Cor. 15:58

You may not see the impact now.
But God promises: everything done in truth WILL bear fruit — even if the fruit grows in ways you never expected.

The Bible actually teaches a rich, multi-layered system of rewards for Christians in the age to come — not just “going to heaven.”
Here is the complete biblical picture, organized clearly and without adding traditions not found in Scripture.

⭐ 1. Eternal Life (immortality, resurrection body)

This is the foundational gift.

Key verses

John 3:16 – whoever believes has eternal life
1 Cor 15:52–54 – immortality at the resurrection
Phil 3:21 – glorified bodies like Christ’s
John 11:25 – “whoever believes in Me will live even if he dies”

Meaning

✔ No sickness
✔ No pain
✔ No aging
✔ No death
✔ Perfect physical and spiritual existence

This is the baseline reward for all believers.

⭐ 2. Seeing God face to face

The greatest reward in Scripture.

Key verse

Revelation 22:4 – “They shall see His face.”

This is the fulfillment of every promise of intimacy with God.

⭐ 3. Fullness of joy and eternal pleasure

Key verse

Psalm 16:11 – “In Your presence there is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

Heaven is not boring — it is joy beyond anything imaginable.

⭐ 4. Inheritance of the New Creation

Believers inherit everything God will make new.

Key verses

Romans 8:17 – “Heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ.”
Revelation 21:7 – “He who overcomes shall inherit all things.”

This means:

✔ the New Earth
✔ the New Heavens
✔ the New Jerusalem
✔ everything Christ rules, believers share in

⭐ 5. Ruling with Christ (levels of authority)

There are differences in rewards.
Some believers will be given authority based on faithfulness.

Key verses

2 Tim 2:12 – “We shall reign with Him.”
Revelation 5:10 – “They shall reign on the earth.”
Luke 19:17–19 – Jesus gives authority “over 5 or 10 cities.”

Meaning:

✔ Your faithfulness in this life determines your responsibilities in the next
✔ Some believers will have greater ruling roles

This is not salvation — it is reward.

⭐ 6. Crowns (symbolic rewards of honor)

The NT describes several “crowns,” which represent honor, status, responsibility, and recognition before God.

A. Crown of Life

For those who endure trials.
(James 1:12; Rev 2:10)

B. Crown of Righteousness

For those who long for Jesus’ appearing.
(2 Tim 4:8)

C. Crown of Glory

For faithful shepherds / teachers.
(1 Peter 5:4)

D. Incorruptible Crown

For mastering the flesh and living disciplined lives.
(1 Cor 9:25)

E. Crown of Rejoicing

Reward for bringing others to Christ.
(1 Thess 2:19)

These are marks of status and honor in the kingdom.

⭐ 7. Treasures in Heaven (eternal reputation and reward)

Jesus explicitly teaches that believers build treasure through works.

Key verses

Matthew 6:20 – store treasures in heaven
Matthew 19:21 – treasures follow obedience
1 Tim 6:18–19 – good works store up “a firm foundation”

Meaning:

✔ Everything done in Christ’s name echoes eternally
✔ Every sacrifice becomes treasure
✔ Every act of love is preserved

Nothing is wasted.

⭐ 8. Recognition from God Himself

This is one of the most powerful rewards.

Key verse

Matthew 25:21 – “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

This is direct approval from God.
The Creator of the universe praises your life.

There is no higher honor.

⭐ 9. Eternal rest and peace

This is not inactivity but total absence of fear, burden, and stress.

Key verses

Hebrews 4:9–11 – a Sabbath rest for the people of God
Revelation 14:13 – they rest from their labors

This is the end of:

✔ sin
✔ worry
✔ shame
✔ guilt
✔ fear
✔ spiritual warfare

⭐ 10. Unity with all believers forever

Every fracture, conflict, and separation healed.

Key verse

Revelation 7:9–10 – a great multitude from every nation in perfect worship.

⭐ 11. Being made fully like Christ

Your character will be perfect.

Key verses

1 John 3:2 – “We shall be like Him.”
Romans 8:29 – conformed to the image of Christ.

This means:

✔ perfect love
✔ perfect joy
✔ perfect holiness
✔ perfect wisdom

⭐ 12. A permanent, unshakeable place in God’s family

Not just forgiven — adopted.

Key verses

Revelation 21:7 – “I will be his God, and he will be My son.”
Galatians 4:7 – no longer a slave, but a son and heir.

This is the deepest relational reward.

johnnypapa · 2025-12-10T05:57:58-0600

12/10/25 Day 7

O St. Lucy, whose name proclaims the radiance of light, we approach you with humble confidence to seek your holy intercession. Obtain for us, through your prayers, that sacred illumination which guides our souls away from the shadows of sin and leads us toward the brightness of virtue.

Obtain for us also these petitions which we offer to you in this novena:

[Mention your petitions now]

We beseech you, St. Lucy, through your powerful advocacy before the throne of the Lamb, the protection of our eye sight, and for the grace to employ our eyes always in service of God’s glory and never for that which offends His divine majesty.

Help us to perceive with clarity the truths of our faith and the needs of our neighbor, that we may walk steadfastly in the light of Christ and labor earnestly for the salvation of souls.

Pray for us, St. Lucy, that having honored you as our advocate in this earthly pilgrimage, we may one day behold with you the eternal splendor of the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ our Lord, in whose divine light all shadows flee away forever. Amen.

timewerx · 2025-12-10T05:57:03-0600

Warning spoilers!

I saw the movie Predator Badlands and can't help but notice uncanny / undeniable inspiration by Starcraft II. I'm going to list the Starcraft II parallels:

Predator Badlands = Starcraft II:

Dek (Yautja warrior) = Zeratul (Protoss Dark Templar). Even their voice sound the same!
Thia (female android) = Sarah Kerrigan with behavior of terran medic
Tessa (female android) = Nova with similar costume and demeanor
Grown Bud = Dehaka
Kalisk = Brutalisk
MU/TH/UR = Terran adjutant

Yautja Prime = Shakuras
Genna = Zerus even many of the native creatures look the same

Yautja = Nerazim Protoss, similar-looking tech, weapons, and also possess personal cloaking tech.
Weyland - Yutani Corp = Moebius Foundation / Terran Dominion (they also capture strong Zerg specimens for weapons development)
Genna creatures = Primal Zerg

I keep waiting for a Starcraft movie, I think Predator Badlands would suffice for now!

MarkRohfrietsch · 2025-12-10T05:53:15-0600

RDKirk said:
How so?

Sacraments are about what God does for us, not what we do for God. I agree that bread and wine must be use, as well as the words of our Lord is the minimum, our Lord's body is distributed and eaten; the blood of our Lord, likewise. Scripture does not define exactly how we should achieve this.

Regarding the bread, wine, and the Verba Domini; we are not allowed to act like unruly children and do otherwise.

johnnypapa · 2025-12-10T05:53:14-0600

December 10, 2025

Our Morning Offering – 10 Decenber – INVIOLATA! INVIOLATE!

Our Morning Offering – 10 Decenber – INVIOLATA! INVIOLATE!

Our Morning Offering – 10 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – Within the Octave INVIOLATA!INVIOLATE!Unknown Author(11th Century) …

anastpaul.com

Morning Offering for December 10, 2025

www.morningoffering.com

One Minute Reflection – 10 December – ‘… Mary is the new tree of life …’

One Minute Reflection – December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – Within the Octave – Proverbs 8:22-35 – Luke 1:26-28 – Scripture searc…

anastpaul.com

Feria (The Second Sunday of Advent) propers (EF)

https://propria.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/propers-for-second-sunday-of-advent-mht-preface.pdf

St. Melchiades propers (EF)

https://maternalheart.org/mass-commons-of-the-saints/si_diligis_me_bh.pdf

Wednesday of the Second Week of Advent (EF)

Wednesday of the Second Week of Advent

Come, let us adore the King, our Lord, who is to come. From the Prophet Isaias 16:1-5 Send forth, O Lord, the lamb, the ruler of the earth, from Petra of the desert, to the mount of the daughter of…

pseudoclasm.wordpress.com

Wednesday of the Second Week of Advent readings & commentary (OF)
Our Lady of Loreto—Optional Memorial

The Burden of Sin

December 10, 2025 - Wednesday of the Second Week of Advent - Our Lady of Loreto—Optional Memorial - Catholic Daily Reflections from My Catholic Life!

catholic-daily-reflections.com

Wednesday of the Second Week of Advent; Opt Mem of Our Lady of Loreto
Other Commemorations: St. Eulalia, Virgin and Martyr

Wednesday of the Second Week of Advent; Opt Mem of Our Lady of Loreto - December 10, 2025 - Liturgical Calendar

In 2019 Pope Francis added the Optional Memorial of Our Lady of Loreto to the Universal Roman Calendar. The title Our Lady of Loreto refers to the Holy House of Loreto, the house in which Mary was born, and in which the Word was made flesh at the Annunciation. Tradition says that a band of angels

www.catholicculture.org

Daily Gospel

DAILY GOSPEL

ADVENTCAzT 2025: 11 – Wednesday 2nd Week of Advent

ADVENTCAzT 2025: 11 – Wednesday 2nd Week of Advent | Fr. Z's Blog

wdtprs.com

Our Lady of Loreto

CatholicSaints.Info » Blog Archive » Our Lady of Loreto

The Holy House of Loreto

The Holy House of Loreto - Catholic Insight

The memorial of Lady of Loreto was put back into the universal calendar, on this day by Pope Francis in December, 2019, in those halcyonic months just before the tsunami of Covid-insanity hit the world. Today we celebrate the home where the Holy Family lived. But why Loreto, on the shores of the...

catholicinsight.com

Saint Eulalia Child Martyr

Saint Eulalia, Child Martyr

Lives of the Saints for every day - Saint Eulalia, Child Martyr

sanctoral.com

Saints of the Day

CatholicSaints.Info » Blog Archive » 10 December

Sermons for Everyday Living - Our Lady of Loreto 12/10/25

Sermons For Everyday Living: Our Lady of Loreto - 12/10/25

December 10th, 2025: Advent, Marriage, & Adultery; Our Lady of Loreto & Pope St Melchiades; Advent - A Word on Patience; Look, Behold, See! Blessed Are Your Eyes

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Audio version of Gueranger
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Kathleen30 · 2025-12-10T05:43:20-0600

You

Strong in Him said:
No.
The Bible reveals God; it does not give a detailed account of how he created.

What does that mean?
Genesis 2 was in the Bible long before the mid twentieth century.

I said "several", not "seven".
My point was that they believed that different gods were responsible for different parts of creation. Moses wanted people to know that one God created everything.

Because he wasn't.
The immediate group of people that he wrote for were Israelites; former Hebrew slaves who, if they knew any science, certainly didn't know what we know today.

If he had been writing specifically for scientists, he would have given lots of scientific detail, because that's what they would have been interested in.

Of course it is.
But scientists - and most people - are wise enough to know that they don't look in the Bible for scientific information - there isn't any.
Someone studying Zoology/chemistry/Physics would be given textbooks in those subjects to teach them about animals, plants, chemicals, atoms etc etc. They would not be given a copy of the Bible - that information is not in there.

I didn't say it did have anything to do with different creations.
My point was that if people take ALL of the Bible to be literal, they will have to explain the differences between Genesis 1&2.

I know.

I never said any of that; you're missing my point.
I said that if people take ALL of the Bible to be literal, they have to explain the differences between Genesis 1 and Genesis 2. Genesis 1 says that God created trees, animals, water etc. Genesis 2 doesn't say that. It tells of a garden with a river that divides and goes into other countries.
If someone believes that every word of the Bible is literal; which account do they go with?

No idea.
But you only need to worry about that if you believe that every word of the Bible is literal and that Genesis 1 & 2 are literal, scientific accounts of God's creation.

I don't believe they are, and for me, there is no problem or contradiction.

Stonginhim in my post 2549 I asked you whether you were referring to the creation account as one of the parts of the Bible that shouldn’t be taken literally. You said yes . In the bottom part of your post 2560. You write much about contradictions in the creation accounts of Genesis 1 and Genesis 2 you kept back and forth pointing out alleged problems if taken literally. My apologies there is a doctrine that promotes 2 seperate creation accounts in Genesis 1 and 2 that’s what I thought you were referring too. But no I still disagree with you that there be any contradictions in those two chapters in taking the chapters literally. I’m not saying the entire Bible should taken literally . Ok . But Genesis 1 and 2 I have no problem taking them as literal accounts . So We disagree on the issue

Dan1988 · 2025-12-10T05:42:53-0600

2PhiloVoid said:
You're not actually paying attention to anything I'm saying, are you? I'm not sure how we can have a productive discussion, let alone fellowship, if you refuse to listen or even learn from additional Trinitarian Christians other than your one local minister.

And according to you, what is the difference between a 'truth claim' and a 'fact'?

No one was addressing whether or not the sun will keep rising and setting. Your bringing that up is a fallacy called a 'red-herring.' I suggest you avoid repeating this fallacy going forward into the future.

I don't understand why you're having such great difficulty in distinguishing the difference between the Lord Jesus who said He is the Truth, and fact about nature. It's as though you've lumped the Lord Jesus, together with His creatin. I'm sure you know that the Lord Jesus created everything that exists, but He's not a part of any created thing, He is separate and outside of His creation.

The sun is a thing, it only serves the purpose it was created for, but it is an inanimate object and it is truly dead. It must obey The Lord Jesus, so it is governed by the fact that it must rise and set at the same time everyday. That is a fact, no different to any other fact which the created order must obey. But the Lord is the Truth, He is not a fact!!!

samaus123456789 · 2025-12-10T05:40:35-0600

Water baptism in the NT served as a temporary covenant marker for Judeans and proselytes, replacing circumcision as the sign of entry into the Jesus movement. Its main purpose was to show unbelieving Judeans that God was forming a new covenant community that would replace the old. Once Jerusalem fell in AD 70 and the end of the Mosaic covenant and Christianity split visibly, this outward Judean-focused sign was no longer needed. Spirit baptism became the full and final marker of the people of God.

I think belief in Jesus is all that is needed. Water baptism never helped me. Maybe it helps others don't know.

The Liturgist · 2025-12-10T05:37:17-0600

Tom8907 said:
Thankyou, yes I am Anglican but this is the part where I say I'm from the Reformed camp and because of my denomination's poor state I attend a 'particular Baptist church'

In the US, we have the Reformed Episcopal Church which unlike ECUSA, which went even more sharply in the direction that the C of E is headed (and in the process lost more than two thirds of its members), but in much of greater London, a Baptist church might well be the only convenient option (if you were a conservative Anglo Catholic or High Church, there would be more options, but on the Reformed end of the spectrum, options are particularly limited, and of course the United Reformed Church which absorbed almost all Congregationalist and Presbyterian churches is far to the left of the C of E even now, being at least on a par with the Scottish Episcopal Church - alas, in Scotland a traditional Anglican would be out of luck.

samaus123456789 · 2025-12-10T05:33:41-0600

chat GPT

⭐ **1. Peter rebukes Jesus for predicting His death**

Matthew 16:21–22

From that time Jesus began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things… and be killed, and on the third day be raised.
But Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, “Far be it from You, Lord! This shall never happen to You.”

Peter literally refuses to believe it.

⭐ 2. The disciples are “filled with grief” and do not accept it

Matthew 17:22–23

“The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill Him, and He will be raised on the third day.”
And they were exceedingly sorrowful.

Their reaction shows they reject the idea — they do not believe it can happen.

⭐ 3. The disciples “did not understand” what Jesus meant

Mark 9:31–32

He was teaching His disciples, saying to them, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men. They will kill Him, and after He is killed, He will rise the third day.”
But they did not understand this saying, and were afraid to ask Him.

Jesus says it plainly.
They cannot comprehend it.

⭐ 4. Luke says it was “hidden” from them because they could not accept it

Luke 9:44–45

“The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men.”
But they did not understand this statement; it was concealed from them so that they might not perceive it… and they were afraid to ask Him.

They literally cannot process the prophecy because it contradicts their expectations.

⭐ 5. They again fail to understand His prediction

Luke 18:31–34

He took the Twelve aside and said to them, “Everything written about the Son of Man by the prophets will be fulfilled… they will flog Him and kill Him, and on the third day He will rise.”
But they understood none of these things.
This saying was hidden from them, and they did not grasp what was said.

The Gospel explicitly states three times that they did not understand.

⭐ 6. After Jesus rises, they STILL don’t believe the prediction

Luke 24:25–26 (Jesus rebukes them)

“O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things…?”

They should have believed, but they didn’t.

Luke 24:6–8

“He is not here, but has risen… Remember how He told you…”
And they remembered His words.

This implies they ignored or forgot His repeated warnings.

⭐ 7. Even the women’s report of the empty tomb is not believed

Luke 24:10–11

But these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them.

Even after being told He rose — just as He predicted — they still refuse to believe.

⭐ 8. Cleopas confirms that the disciples did not believe Jesus’ predictions

Luke 24:21

“We had hoped that He was the one who was going to redeem Israel.”

They expected a conquering Messiah — not a crucified one — which is why they couldn’t accept His predictions.

⭐ SUMMARY

Jesus predicted His death and resurrection many times, but:

Peter rejected it
The disciples could not understand it
It was hidden from them because of their wrong expectations
They were afraid to ask
Even after the resurrection they still doubted

⭐ 1. All passion predictions are addressed to “the disciples” or “the Twelve,” not Mary

✔ Matthew 16:21–23

Audience: The disciples, especially Peter.
Mary is not present.

✔ Matthew 17:22–23

Audience: The disciples gathered in Galilee.
Mary is not present.

✔ Matthew 20:17–19

Audience: The Twelve alone, privately on the road.
Mary is not present.

✔ Mark 8:31–33

Audience: The disciples, with Peter rebuking Him.
Mary is not present.

✔ Mark 9:30–32

Audience: His disciples, in secret.
Mary is not present.

✔ Mark 10:32–34

Audience: The Twelve, walking ahead of the crowds.
Mary is not present.

✔ Luke 9:22

Audience: The disciples.
Mary is not present.

✔ Luke 9:44–45

Audience: His disciples, again in private.
Mary is not present.

✔ Luke 18:31–34

Audience: The Twelve, explicitly named.
Mary is not present.

✔ John 12:23–33

Jesus speaks of His coming death indirectly to a crowd, but not with explicit details like in the Synoptics.
Mary is not mentioned as present.

⭐ 2. The only “Mary” who appears near these moments is Mary of Bethany — not Jesus’ mother

In John 12:7, Mary of Bethany anoints Jesus for burial.
This is not Mary His mother.

⭐ 3. Mary the mother of Jesus appears rarely during Jesus’ public ministry

These are the only major appearances:
- Luke 2 (childhood)
- Luke 8:19–21 – Jesus’ family tries to see Him
- John 2 – Wedding at Cana
- John 19:25–27 – At the cross
After Jesus begins His adult ministry, Mary is not mentioned in teaching scenes except indirectly.

She is never mentioned in:
- Passion predictions
- Discussions about His mission
- Private teachings to the Twelve
- Explanations of His suffering
⭐ 4. Mary did not travel with the Twelve

Jesus’ core traveling ministry circle included:
- The Twelve
- Some women who supported the ministry financially (Luke 8:2–3), including “Mary called Magdalene,” Joanna, Susanna
Notice: Mary the mother of Jesus is not listed among His traveling companions.

She lived in Nazareth, not traveling continually with Him.

⭐ 5. Therefore Mary likely did NOT hear the passion predictions first-hand

She may have later learned them secondhand, after the resurrection, when the disciples finally understood what Jesus had been saying.

But Scripture does not place her:
- At Caesarea Philippi
- On the Galilean roads
- On the way up to Jerusalem with the Twelve
- In private apostolic teaching moments
  ⭐ 1. Why Jesus only told the Twelve about His death: Jesus restricted His passion predictions to the Twelve because they were His covenant witnesses, the foundation stones of the church, the ones entrusted with the mysteries of the kingdom, and the only group responsible for preaching His death and resurrection after He ascended. Jesus said in Matthew 13:11, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom,” which means He purposely withheld deeper truths from the crowds and even from His own extended family. He also wanted to prepare the apostles for leadership by giving them privileged knowledge that would make sense only after the resurrection. Jesus often taught them privately (Mark 4:34; Mark 9:30; Mark 10:32), and the passion predictions occur only within these private instruction moments. Therefore Jesus intentionally spoke of His death only to the Twelve because they were the inner circle chosen to interpret and proclaim His sacrifice to the world.
  
  ⭐ 2. What Mary actually understood about Jesus’ mission: Mary understood that Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of God, and the fulfillment of the promises given in the Law and the Prophets, but she did not understand the details of His death and resurrection. Luke 2:19 and Luke 2:51 both say Mary “treasured all these things in her heart,” which means she reflected deeply but did not fully grasp the prophetic meaning. Simeon’s prophecy in Luke 2:34–35 told her that a “sword would pierce her own soul,” pointing to Jesus’ suffering, but Mary still did not have the clear theological picture the apostles received. Nothing in the Gospels indicates that Mary knew Jesus had to be crucified for sin. Instead she believed He was the promised King who would save Israel, but the mechanism (atonement through suffering and resurrection) was not yet revealed to her.
  
  ⭐ 3. Whether Mary understood the resurrection before it happened: There is no textual evidence that Mary the mother of Jesus understood the resurrection beforehand. Jesus told the Twelve repeatedly, “He will be killed and on the third day rise,” but Mary was never present for those teachings. Even the apostles did not believe until after the empty tomb, as shown in Luke 24:25–26 and John 20:9. If the Twelve—who heard the predictions directly—did not understand the resurrection until after it happened, then Mary, who never heard those predictions, almost certainly did not understand it either. Mary Magdalene and the other women came to the tomb with burial spices (Luke 24:1), which proves they were not expecting resurrection that morning; and the Gospels never describe Mary the mother of Jesus having any foreknowledge. She believed Jesus was the Messiah but not that He must suffer and rise again.
  
  ⭐ 4. Why all the disciples rejected the idea of a suffering Messiah: The disciples rejected Jesus’ predictions of His death because Jewish expectation at the time was for a conquering military Messiah who would overthrow Rome, restore David’s kingdom, and bring national liberation. A crucified Messiah made no sense to them and contradicted everything they assumed about God’s plan. Peter’s rebuke (“This shall never happen to You,” Matt 16:22) shows how deeply ingrained this expectation was. They had no theological category for a dying Messiah until after the resurrection opened their minds to understand the Scriptures (Luke 24:45). Isaiah 53 and Psalm 22 were not interpreted as Messianic by most Jews at the time. Therefore the disciples rejected Jesus’ passion predictions because they believed Messiah meant victory, not suffering; kingdom power, not humiliation; immediate glory, not atonement through death.

stevevw · 2025-12-10T05:32:57-0600

Whats the go with a reverend doxing ICE agents because she believes this is spreading Christs love. What a weird way to do that. This is bad fruit.

I think it shows how far political ideology has entered the church.

Normandt · 2025-12-10T05:31:06-0600

Homily, Thursday, December 11 2025

Isaiah 41:13-20

“I will open up rivers on the bare heights, and fountains in the broad valleys; I will turn the wilderness into a marshland, and the dry ground into springs of water.”

Let us welcome God’s grace and watch our lives become an oasis within ourselves and for others.

Matthew 11:11-15

“Among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”

The balance between greatness and smallness is found in the person who lives freely and welcomes God’s presence into their life.

Biblical texts: NAB-RE

Normand Thomas.

Apple Sky · 2025-12-10T05:30:45-0600

David Lamb said:
Why did Roald Amundsen, Robert Falcon Scott, Ernest Shackleton, Ranulph Fiennes, and the many others who have reached the South Pole not encountered such an ice wall?

No idea, would have to research them all before I can answer your question.

Nithavela · 2025-12-10T05:27:49-0600

mindlight said:
FYI, London is not in the EU. The principle of subsidiarity is the working principle of the EU devolving decisions to the lowest levels at which effective choices can be made. Making Berlin the EU capital was the historical ambition of the Third reich and its bid is still handicapped by the history there. NATO is the defense alliance in the region and there is now deepening collaboration between UK, France and Germany as well as other countries in Europe like Norway for example

We don't want the EU in our capital. We barely have enough room there for our own stuff.

Besides, we'd probably still have to move all that stuff to Strassburg periodically because France.

Latest activity

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⭐ 1. Obeying God does not guarantee visible results​

⭐ 2. Teaching truth does not automatically change hearts​

⭐ 3. Ministry often feels like nothing is happening while everything is happening​

⭐ 4. Sometimes the work is actually for YOU, not the listener​

⭐ 5. Your obedience is success — not the outcome​

⭐ 6. You may be sowing for a harvest you will never see​

⭐ 7. Spiritual warfare resists the teaching of truth​

⭐ 8. God might be redirecting you, not abandoning you​

⭐ FINAL ENCOURAGEMENT​

⭐ 1. Eternal Life (immortality, resurrection body)​

Key verses​

Meaning​

⭐ 2. Seeing God face to face​

Key verse​

⭐ 3. Fullness of joy and eternal pleasure​

Key verse​

⭐ 4. Inheritance of the New Creation​

Key verses​

⭐ 5. Ruling with Christ (levels of authority)​

Key verses​

⭐ 6. Crowns (symbolic rewards of honor)​

A. Crown of Life​

B. Crown of Righteousness​

C. Crown of Glory​

D. Incorruptible Crown​

E. Crown of Rejoicing​

⭐ 7. Treasures in Heaven (eternal reputation and reward)​

Key verses​

⭐ 8. Recognition from God Himself​

Key verse​

⭐ 9. Eternal rest and peace​

Key verses​

⭐ 10. Unity with all believers forever​

Key verse​

⭐ 11. Being made fully like Christ​

Key verses​

⭐ 12. A permanent, unshakeable place in God’s family​

Key verses​

⭐ 1. Peter rebukes Jesus for predicting His death​

Matthew 16:21–22​

⭐ 2. The disciples are “filled with grief” and do not accept it​

Matthew 17:22–23​

⭐ 3. The disciples “did not understand” what Jesus meant​

Mark 9:31–32​

⭐ 4. Luke says it was “hidden” from them because they could not accept it​

Luke 9:44–45​

⭐ 5. They again fail to understand His prediction​

Luke 18:31–34​

⭐ 6. After Jesus rises, they STILL don’t believe the prediction​

Luke 24:25–26 (Jesus rebukes them)​

Luke 24:6–8​

⭐ 7. Even the women’s report of the empty tomb is not believed​

Luke 24:10–11​

⭐ 8. Cleopas confirms that the disciples did not believe Jesus’ predictions​

Luke 24:21​

⭐ SUMMARY​

⭐ 1. All passion predictions are addressed to “the disciples” or “the Twelve,” not Mary​

✔ Matthew 16:21–23​

✔ Matthew 17:22–23​

✔ Matthew 20:17–19​

✔ Mark 8:31–33​

✔ Mark 9:30–32​

✔ Mark 10:32–34​

✔ Luke 9:22​

✔ Luke 9:44–45​

✔ Luke 18:31–34​

✔ John 12:23–33​

⭐ 2. The only “Mary” who appears near these moments is Mary of Bethany — not Jesus’ mother​

⭐ 3. Mary the mother of Jesus appears rarely during Jesus’ public ministry​

⭐ 4. Mary did not travel with the Twelve​

⭐ 5. Therefore Mary likely did NOT hear the passion predictions first-hand​

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⭐ 1. Obeying God does not guarantee visible results

⭐ 2. Teaching truth does not automatically change hearts

⭐ 3. Ministry often feels like nothing is happening while everything is happening

⭐ 4. Sometimes the work is actually for YOU, not the listener

⭐ 5. Your obedience is success — not the outcome

⭐ 6. You may be sowing for a harvest you will never see

⭐ 7. Spiritual warfare resists the teaching of truth

⭐ 8. God might be redirecting you, not abandoning you

⭐ FINAL ENCOURAGEMENT

⭐ 1. Eternal Life (immortality, resurrection body)

Key verses

Meaning

⭐ 2. Seeing God face to face

Key verse

⭐ 3. Fullness of joy and eternal pleasure

Key verse

⭐ 4. Inheritance of the New Creation

Key verses

⭐ 5. Ruling with Christ (levels of authority)

Key verses

⭐ 6. Crowns (symbolic rewards of honor)

A. Crown of Life

B. Crown of Righteousness

C. Crown of Glory

D. Incorruptible Crown

E. Crown of Rejoicing

⭐ 7. Treasures in Heaven (eternal reputation and reward)

Key verses

⭐ 8. Recognition from God Himself

Key verse

⭐ 9. Eternal rest and peace

Key verses

⭐ 10. Unity with all believers forever

Key verse

⭐ 11. Being made fully like Christ

Key verses

⭐ 12. A permanent, unshakeable place in God’s family

Key verses

⭐ **1. Peter rebukes Jesus for predicting His death**

Matthew 16:21–22

⭐ 2. The disciples are “filled with grief” and do not accept it

Matthew 17:22–23

⭐ 3. The disciples “did not understand” what Jesus meant

Mark 9:31–32

⭐ 4. Luke says it was “hidden” from them because they could not accept it

Luke 9:44–45

⭐ 5. They again fail to understand His prediction

Luke 18:31–34

⭐ 6. After Jesus rises, they STILL don’t believe the prediction

Luke 24:25–26 (Jesus rebukes them)

Luke 24:6–8

⭐ 7. Even the women’s report of the empty tomb is not believed

Luke 24:10–11

⭐ 8. Cleopas confirms that the disciples did not believe Jesus’ predictions

Luke 24:21

⭐ SUMMARY

⭐ 1. All passion predictions are addressed to “the disciples” or “the Twelve,” not Mary

✔ Matthew 16:21–23

✔ Matthew 17:22–23

✔ Matthew 20:17–19

✔ Mark 8:31–33

✔ Mark 9:30–32

✔ Mark 10:32–34

✔ Luke 9:22

✔ Luke 9:44–45

✔ Luke 18:31–34

✔ John 12:23–33

⭐ 2. The only “Mary” who appears near these moments is Mary of Bethany — not Jesus’ mother

⭐ 3. Mary the mother of Jesus appears rarely during Jesus’ public ministry

⭐ 4. Mary did not travel with the Twelve

⭐ 5. Therefore Mary likely did NOT hear the passion predictions first-hand