Andrewn said:

Christ shared the Gospel with the spirits that were in prison before his death and resurrection. In “The Great Divorce,” C.S. Lewis suggests that Christ might still be reaching out to those spirits that continue to go to the prison or Hades. If this were the case, those who may end up being annihilated could be a very small proportion of people.

But you probably don’t agree with this idea, right? Do you believe the majority of people / spirits will be annihilated?


In the past, I had discussions with SDA's who believe in soul sleep and I rejected their ideas. Now that I distinguish the soul from the spirit, I may not object to soul sleep, so long the consciousness of the spirit is affirmed (which SDA's do not affirm). BTW, SDA's believe in Annihilism after awakening at the Last Judgment.

I have not changed my mind about the personality continuing to exist in or with the conscious spirit after death. I agree with you that the parable of Rich and Lazarus is based on reality. I am interested in learning your beliefs.

Click to expand...

He that endures to THE END shall be saved. Everlasting life is a gift from GOD received by the saints at the return of Jesus. This mortal must PUT ON immortality. The idea that humans are an immortal soul is the mistake that produced the heaven and hell idea. Death is not life somewhere else, death is the opposite of life. What you call soul sleep should be called spirit sleep. A soul is a living breathing creature. See Strongs Concordance article H5315 used in Genesis 2:7 for the word soul that is used in the creation of Adam. A human being is a soul, the souls is not a third part of us, it is us. The soul that sins shall die. At death the spirit of man returns to GOD in a totally unconscious state incapable of anything. In this sense everyones human spirit goes back to GOD who gave it. It is the breath of life, the human spirit that imparts life to the body, the body without the spirit is dead as James says. A murderer doesn’t have everlasting life abiding in him 1 John 3:15 The idea of hell gives everlasting life to sinners. Only the church will receive everlasting life in the first resurrection. The promise GOD gave to the church is everlasting life. 1 John 2:25 These words I have written are not my words or opinions, they are in the scriptures. How can anyone understand salvation when they don’t even know what they are themselves ? How would getting these things wrong effect the understanding of the gospel ?

The war on drugs is against the down on their luck fishermen and unemployed people given a couple hundred bucks to transport product, not the millionaire rulers of the cartel or the enablers.

2PhiloVoid said:

Personally, I don't invest in this sort of thread since I think the topic itself is underdetermined and can be seen from either viewpoint.

Click to expand...

I’m just following the scriptural thread weaved through scripture. The preponderance of the evidence points a certain direction. But at the end of the day there are a few competing arguments that hold water. I’ve been involved in several arguments that go the predictable way and that is a shame because they are usually based on faulty linguistic context. I think that in all the years that I’ve been here there has only been two or three debaters that argued within the hermeneutical framework. I learn from those.

iluvatar5150 said:

I agree that there's a capture of the perception of intelligence. I disagree on why/how.

Frankly, what you described is, IME, how dumb people treat intelligence. That "keys to knowledge" phenomenon is what I witnessed in fans of certain media personalities like Rush Limbaugh and Dave Ramsey. I'm sure it applies to some younger streamers now, but I don't keep up with them. I don't see intelligent people seeing a single person or group of people as having the keys to anything. Intelligent people might have preferred sources or commentators, but they don't treat these folks as some sort of oracle on whose every word they hang.

Click to expand...

While the phenomenon may not exist to the degree it did in example I gave of the early church...

I think you're underestimating the degree it does exist.

Close to three in four students (72%) say that they believe their professors have influenced students’ political viewpoints.
26% say a professor has changed their opinion on a political or social issue.
49% say they have participated in social activism due to a professor.


There's still a certain level of reverence there.

iluvatar5150 said:

If college taught us anything, it wasn't that "the smartest guy in the room" was always a lib. What it taught us was the process for learning and discovering knowledge. How to find and evaluate information; how to construct an argument; how to develop a plan to achieve a goal; etc. And for the last decade+, the only party that has embraced that ethos at all has been the Dems.

Dems have captured the "intelligence" vote because the Republicans have abandoned it.

Click to expand...

But which factors played the roles of cause and effect?

Did conservatives abandon it first? (leaving it to become a more liberal echo chamber after all of the conservatives bailed)
Or did the universities take a sharp left turn first that alienated conservatives from wanting to participate in that system?

iluvatar5150 said:

What was the last real policy idea developed by Republicans? Ignoring the wars, W had No Child Left Behind and Medicare Part D. Those may have had mixed results, but I'll give him an A for effort. Since then, what? (I'm ignoring both parties' responses to crises like the 2008 crash and COVID, since they weren't planned) They were almost exclusively obstructionist throughout Obama's presidency; didn't do anything during Trump1 except tax cuts based on an economic idea that had debunked for ages. They were mostly obstructionist again during Biden; and now in Trump2, they've turned into a personality cult that appoints incompetent drunkards and sycophants to cabinet positions.

Click to expand...

Warp speed for covid was, at least in part, an endeavor of the Trump administration was it not?
"No Tax on Tips" was something from the Trump admin
The First Step Act

I think those were all decent ideas (and had some bipartisan support)

So to say they've done nothing and have been purely obstructionist isn't entirely fair.

iluvatar5150 said:

If they'd wanted to appeal to the intelligence vote, they would've done something like come up with a health care plan. Modified the transition to electrification so that things could actually get built. Done something about the explosion of tuition costs. Tried to appoint people with expertise. Instead, they just keep leaning on tired old stuff that the "intelligent" people know isn't going to fix anything, like more tax cuts, more fossil fuel extraction, and hiring your drunk buddies. Oh, and tariffs, too. They've destroyed a bunch of stuff without so much as a concept of a plan to rebuild it. Including the East Wing.

Click to expand...

Doesn't that drift a bit into that very same "tone of elitism" that can put some people off?

"If they wanted to appeal to intelligence, they would've focused on the things my people think are important"

Hentenza said:

You’ll have to ask them. However, you need to examine how you are going about this. This issue is a highly political issue that transcends religion with one side very quick to accuse and get all indignant before all facts are in. I don’t come to a conclusion until I have the necessary facts but many here do.

The legality of it is the earthly measure of what is just. In Christianity there is more to just an earthly measure but also heavenly as well. We believe that only God knows what is in someone’s heart and can fully objectively judge the person. Personally I can make “my” mind of someone’s guilt by the evidence presented but I can never fully know the person’s heart or motivation.

Click to expand...

What I was asking for initially was what the Christian motivation could be for judging the killing of those two men a righteous act. You get all uppity when I bring Christanity into it, but even atheists who think interdicting those boats by just blowing them up is OK, draw the line at circling around to kill the survivors in the water. The only people who I have talked to about it who think such an action was righteous have been Christians.

PloverWing said:

The books (and movies) are not explicitly religious, but they do explore the question of power and control, and I think that's an important ethical area for Christians to think about.

As to the value of life, I'd say the books speak especially of the value of lives in poorer districts -- folks like farm workers and Appalachian coal miners. That's a point worth making. The books also speak uncomfortably of a population that's willing to go along with the hunger games -- why? Because the viewers are entertained? Because the stability of Panem's authoritarian government makes their lives more comfortable? Because they're too afraid to say anything? All interesting, and very human, motivations to explore.

Click to expand...

Yeah, but how do those things show how God values our lives?

Jerry N. said:

The reason that the 33 sectors of the map in the UN logo might be connected to Freemasons is the push for a One World Order.

Click to expand...

I doubt it.

pastorwaris said:

Brother, thank you for your thoughtful contribution!
Your observations about the decree of Artaxerxes, the 360-day prophetic calendar, and Josephus’ account of the cessation of sacrifices are valuable pieces of the discussion. You clearly have a good grasp of the historical data and how many scholars approach Daniel’s timeline. I appreciate the precision and care in your argument.

Allow me to respond point-by-point with respect, while also offering a few clarifications from the Hebrew text, chronology, and New Testament context.

1. About the 444 BC decree (Nehemiah 2)​

The 444 BC date is indeed widely held (Artaxerxes’ 20th year), but even conservative scholars acknowledge some chronological uncertainties in Persian regnal years.
However, Daniel 9:25 says:
מִן־מֹצָא דָבָר לְהָשִׁיב וְלִבְנוֹת יְרוּשָׁלִַם
"From the going forth of the word to restore and rebuild Jerusalem."
Many scholars note that Ezra 7 (457 BC) is the only decree that explicitly authorizes restoration (לְהָשִׁיב) not just repairs. Nehemiah’s decree is more narrowly focused on the walls.
So while 444 BC is a legitimate position, 457 BC remains linguistically stronger.
Your point is well-taken, but the Hebrew nuances keep the discussion open.

2. About the 360-day prophetic calendar​

Yes, prophetic literature often uses a 360-day schema (e.g., Rev 11–12: “1260 days = 42 months = 3½ years”).
But applying a strict 360-day year to Daniel’s 70 weeks is interpretive, not required by the Hebrew text.
In Daniel 9, no unit of days is mentioned only שָׁבֻעִים (weeks/sets of seven).
The text leaves the “type” of year undefined.
So using a 360-day year can be helpful, but it is not mandated linguistically.

3. “The 70th week is not connected to the 69th”​

This is an excellent observation. Many scholars agree with you:
There is an intentional gap between the 69th and the 70th week.

Daniel 9:26 explicitly states:
וְאַחֲרֵי הַשָּׁבֻעִים שִׁשִּׁים וּשְׁנַיִם
“After the sixty-two weeks…” then events occur before v.27’s final week begins.
This does show a structural separation.
Where interpreters differ is how long the gap is.

You propose 33–63 AD.
Others argue the gap continues into the last days (cf. Matt 24:15; 2 Thess 2; Rev 13).
Both views attempt to handle the same textual tension in different ways.

4. Eleazar ben Hananiah stopping the sacrifices (66 AD)​

You are absolutely right that Josephus records this:



This is a strong candidate for the “cessation of sacrifice” in Daniel 9:27.
However:

• The text of Daniel 9 describes a covenant being enforced (וְהִגְבִּיר בְּרִית לָרַבִּים)​

There is no record of Eleazar, Zealots, or Romans strengthening a covenant with many.

• Jesus places the “abomination of desolation” (Dan 9:27) in the future relative to 30 AD (Matt 24:15)​

Meaning something beyond His earthly ministry.

So 66–70 AD is historically important,
but not a complete fulfillment of Daniel 9:27.

5. “Inspired Scripture stopped here.”​

Brother, respectfully this is a theological conclusion, not a textual one.
Jesus and the apostles treat the destruction of Jerusalem as a pattern, but not the final culmination:

• Paul (2 Thess 2) speaks of a future man of lawlessness seated in the temple of God.
• John (Revelation) describes further abominations, prophetic timelines, and covenant persecutions.
• Jesus (Matt 24:21–29) links a future tribulation to Daniel’s prophecy.

So the New Testament does not treat 70 AD as the end of prophetic history.

Blessings

Click to expand...

Assuming the author of Daniel is using 360 day years. Then over the course of 483 years it makes 5.24 days a year times 483=2530 days difference / 360=7 year difference when compared to Gregorian 365.24 day a year. I was subtracting that from 483 but maybe it should be added? You think it does not need to be calculated?

I'm so glad you've found a church home. Blessings! And welcome to CF!

I don’t know…

I see God is not limited. God created all the universe with it possible for any worlds with life, any other way it would not. God provides for that. God cares for life. God is everywhere, God is not limited in power, and is not limited in caring, God cares for all life. This includes each of us individually. As God cares so there is reason for us to do so.

wing2000 said:

...from a volunteer that worked with the suspect:


He had tried to make a go of life in the coastal city of Bellingham, Wash., after he and his family were evacuated from Afghanistan by the U.S. military in August 2021. In Afghanistan, he had fought in a C.I.A.-trained paramilitary unit. In the United States, he did temporary jobs, took his five sons to a local mosque and hosted visitors for tea in an apartment decorated in traditional Afghan style, with floor pillows and red rugs.
But by early 2023, he started to show signs of depression and erratic behavior, according to accounts from a volunteer in northwest Washington who worked with his family.

In the months after, he sequestered himself inside his darkened bedroom, refused to answer his phone, and even failed to bathe or dress his sons when his wife left to take short breaks from him. He dropped out of the English classes he was supposed to take, did not seek work and stopped paying rent. His family received an eviction notice.

“Rahmanullah has not been functional as a person, father and provider since March of last year,” the volunteer wrote in a January 2024 email for a friend to send to a nonprofit group working with immigrants. “His behavior has changed greatly.”

...

Occasionally, Mr. Lakanwal did emerge from “dark isolation,” only to disappear onto the open road, taking seemingly aimless drives hundreds of miles away to Chicago and Phoenix and Indianapolis in “reckless travel,” the volunteer wrote. He posted photos from the car on Instagram.

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/04/us/rahmanullah-lakanwal-national-guard-shooting-dc.html

Click to expand...

I tried to make a go of life in Bellingham/Ferndale once. It was terrible, but I didn't start shooting random people thousands of miles away. Oh, wait, never mind.

Michie said:

A Christian pre-med student has gone viral in recent days for filing a religious discrimination complaint with the University of Oklahoma after a trans-identified teaching assistant allegedly flunked her for an essay stating that gender ideology is "demonic."

Samantha Fulnecky, a junior at the University of Oklahoma who is majoring in psychology, received a zero out of 25 for a 650-word opinion essay she was told to write in her "Lifespan Development" class in response to an article about social gender expectations, according to The Oklahoman.

According to a copy of her essay published by the local outlet, Fulnecky asserted that God created two distinct genders with different roles, and that the idea of changing one's gender is a satanic assault against that design.

Continued below.

Christian OU student flunked after calling gender ideology 'demonic'

A Christian pre-med student has gone viral in recent days after filing a religious discrimination complaint that claims a trans-identified teaching assistant flunked her for an essay stating that

www.christianpost.com

Click to expand...

Didn't the professor inform students about how to construct and justify a reaction/opinion essay? If not, then the professor needs to add that into the curriculum and the rubrics of the class so the writing exercise itself doesn't become a socially engineered "gotcha" moment.

Secondly, as a second year student of Psychology (of all things) at a secular, state university, should know what she's getting herself into by choosing that as a major. If she's planning on becoming a 'licensed' psychologist, she's not going to be able to earn the degree and also go into practice with rules that she, herself, makes up.

Thirdly, the writing assignment was to be a response piece an article dealing with Developmental Psychology (which is what the course she is enrolled in is supposed to be about, generally). She needs to know that she's not going to pass simply because she throws Bible verses alone onto a written page; no, she needs to show that she has the ability to rationally demonstrate that she can have appropriate empathy for potential patients if she's planning in going into professional practice as a psychologist.

Cool thread!


I think I'd go with these 2 legends:


Cool thread!


I enjoy these 2 legends most:


Login to view embedded media
...

Login to view embedded media

Jesus was baptized at about thirty years of age: “Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.
And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (Matt. 3:13–17).
“And Jesus himself began to be about thirty years of age…” (Luke 3:23).

The disciples followed the example of their Master: “After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized.
And John also was baptizing in AEnon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized… And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him.” (John 3:22–26).
Thus much water was needed for baptism so that a person could be baptized entirely. Partially wetting a person is not sufficient for baptism. The meaning of the original word baptidzein (baptism) is “to immerse under water.”

John 4:1–2 gives further detail about the baptism performed by the disciples, which therefore took place before the giving of the missionary/baptism command: “When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John, (Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,)…”
The disciples thus baptized one another, as well as many other people, more than John the Baptist. The followers of Jesus have always desired to act according to the example of their Master:
“And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John. But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him.” (Luke 7:29–30).
The plan of God, beginning from the giving of the missionary command after the work of the cross, has been that all who have come to faith are to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ after their conversion. For this reason, in the early congregation there were no unbaptized, except in some cases for a few hours or days until a place of baptism was found. “…be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ…” (Acts 2:38, 41; 10:48). To remain unbaptized for three days was called delaying (Acts 9:9 / 22:16). Baptism has therefore belonged to “the principles of the doctrine of Christ” for about 2000 years (Heb. 6:2). It is an expression of obedience and honor toward God.
“In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Thess. 1:8). “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life…” (John 3:36).

The church practice of infant baptism has made void the plan that God has for all people. Peter exhorted thus:

“…Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ…” (Acts 2:38).​

“Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers…” (Acts 2:41–42).
Thus the congregation founded at the cross began to function. The congregation, ekklesia (Eng. congregation), means those people who have received the risen Jesus. WE are the congregation. The work of the cross, the blood sacrifice and death of Jesus amidst sufferings, is the foundation of our eternal life. We have received the forgiveness of our sins through the merit of His substitutionary sacrifice.
There is no teaching or example in the Bible of the baptism of infants in arms. Nor is there any of belonging to a church. Therefore, it is good to resign from the church before baptism. This belongs to repentance.

The Bible knows no practice in which someone who has come to faith could remain unbaptized. Jesus gave the missionary/baptism command about forty days after the work of the cross (Acts 1:2–3, 9). This remains in force until the end:
“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” (Mark 16:15–16).
First, therefore, the hearing of the message of salvation and coming to faith, then baptism by immersion in water in the name of Jesus Christ. This is the unambiguous teaching and example of Jesus and of the early congregation. To this also refers the teaching in Eph. 4:5, “One Lord, one faith, ONE BAPTISM.” If someone has not been baptized after coming to faith with this only biblical baptism, he is unbaptized, even if he had been “baptized” many times with other kinds of “baptisms.”

Give therefore your life to Jesus, and come to baptism. This is the good will of God: “And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord.” (Acts 10:48). Thus the blessing of Heaven may fill your life.
“And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” (Acts 22:16).

Blessings,
Weijo Lindroos, from the Turku Congregation
Email: weijo.lindroos@pp.inet.fi

ThatRobGuy said:

Cultural perceptions of what size is preferable doesn't negate science and cardiology.

Click to expand...

No, they don't.

On the subject of peer review here is a breakdown of the references in my previous post.

Short answer: Most, but not all, are peer-reviewed.
Below is a precise breakdown so you know which sources are peer-reviewed academic publications, which are scholarly but not peer-reviewed, and which are field-standard technical works used by Egyptologists.

---

✅ Peer-reviewed sources (academic / university-press / scholarly reviewed)​

These do undergo academic review or are published by major university presses or academic journals.

Peer-reviewed books or monographs​

• Barry Kemp — Ancient Egypt: Anatomy of a Civilization (Routledge)
  (Academic peer-reviewed monograph)
• Ian Shaw & Paul Nicholson — Ancient Egyptian Materials and Technology (Cambridge University Press)
  (Multi-author academic volume; chapter peer review)
• Dieter Arnold — Building in Egypt: Pharaonic Stone Masonry (Oxford University Press)
  (Major academic monograph)
• Baines & Malek — Atlas of Ancient Egypt (Oxford University Press)
  (Scholarly academic publication)
• Ian Shaw — The Oxford History of Ancient Egypt (Oxford University Press)
  (Edited academic volume; chapters peer-reviewed)
• Harrell & Storemyr — publications on quarries
  • Many appear in peer-reviewed journals, e.g. Journal of Archaeological Science, Egyptian Archaeology, Archaeometry.
    

Peer-reviewed articles​

• Harrell & Storemyr, “Ancient Egyptian Quarries” (various articles in academic journals)
• Experimental archaeology studies published in academic venues (some by Stocks, others by independent researchers).
  

---

Scholarly but not formally peer-reviewed​

These are highly authoritative, widely used by Egyptologists, but are technically not peer-reviewed in the modern journal sense.

Reference books / authoritative field manuals​

• A. Lucas & J.R. Harris — Ancient Egyptian Materials and Industries
  • Gold-standard technical reference since 1926
  • Extensively revised by Harris
  • Not peer-reviewed, but professionally edited and academically authoritative
• Clarke & Engelbach — Ancient Egyptian Masonry (1930)
  • Classical technical treatise; no peer-review process at the time
• R. Engelbach — The Quarries of the Western Nubian Desert
  • Highly respected archaeological monograph; not peer-reviewed in the modern sense
• Norman de Garis Davies — Tomb publications (e.g., The Tomb of Rekhmire)
  • Egypt Exploration Society publications
  • Extremely scholarly, but not formally peer-reviewed
• Kanawati — Old Kingdom Art and Archaeology
  • Scholarly fieldwork monographs; not technically peer-review journal publications
• Denys Stocks — Experiments in Egyptian Archaeology (2003)
  • Fully academic but not issued through a peer-review academic journal
  • It is, however, standard in the field and cited in university research.
    

---

Not peer-reviewed (but academically credible / professional)​

These are technical reports, stonemason reproduction experiments, etc.

• Practical stonemasonry replication reports
• Non-journal experimental archaeology reports
• Some excavation reports (pre-peer-review era)

In Egyptology, many foundational works (including Lucas & Harris) come from periods before “peer review” was standard.
Despite this, they are accepted, authoritative, and relied upon by Egyptologists worldwide.

---

⭐ Bottom Line​

• Around 50–60% of the references in the table are from peer-reviewed or university-press academic sources.
• The remaining references are foundational, authoritative Egyptology works that are not peer-reviewed in the modern context, mostly because they predate widespread peer review.

Hail Mary,
Full of Grace,
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit
of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
pray for us sinners now,
and at the hour of our death.
Amen

Sara50840 said:

I’ve always struggled with feeling God’s presence. It’s hard having faith in something I can’t feel or haven’t really EXPERIENCED in the way I hear stories about. It makes me scared that my faith isn’t genuine or if I’m doing something wrong.

I’ve been a Christian since I was 4. Yes, this has haunted me for awhile because I feel like that was way too young, but I feel as if I’ve had enough faith since then (and panic prayers) that at some point it really did become genuine. Plus I read “Stop Asking Jesus into Your Heart” by JD Grear to help with some of my fears.

But now, I don’t know if I’m just backsliding or if it’s something more serious.

I’ve never been good at prayer or Bible reading. I get distracted. I get busy. I have really good phases where I do it daily and then I drop off and have trouble getting back on it. But even then, it feels more like studying and learning information instead of meditating and sitting with God. I read, do a quick prayer, and go about my day. I’ve tried to sit with Him more, but then my thoughts just wander, and I don’t ever hear Him or feel Him.

I keep trying to pray for God to reveal Himself to me. To ease my anxiety. To give me some kind of answer. But I hear nothing. And then I just become less motivated to read the Bible or pray. I’ve never been good at praying anyway.

I don’t know what to do at this point. Has anyone else experienced this? Is this normal for Christians to just feel distant? I feel like most of my “encounters” with God have just been vicariously through others. I know all the answers to questions at church, am very familiar with the Bible, and serve regularly, but it just feels like I’m following obligation and not living by faith.

It feels like I’m just forcing everything, and I don’t know how to make it feel real.

Click to expand...

Do you Love Jesus Christ of Nazareth?

How long before he convinces Kanye to get Trump to give him a pardon?

Homily Friday, December 5 2025



Isaiah 29:17-24

“On that day the deaf shall hear the words of a scroll; And out of gloom and darkness, the eyes of the blind shall see.”

For us, it is wonderful to think about these major transformations in people’s bodies.

God leads us to a deeper understanding. It is also about allowing Him to open our hearts to His grace.



Matthew 9:27-31

The blind men on the road believe that Jesus can restore their sight. Welcoming God’s presence, His joy and peace, our hearts find their joy again.



Biblical texts: NAB-RE

Normand Thomas.

December 4, 2025

Our Morning Offering – 4 December – Daily Prayers to the Infant Jesus


One Minute Reflection – 4 December – “But put on the Lord Jesus Christ.” – Romans 13:14

Saint Peter Chrysologus propers & commentary (EF)

St. Peter Chrysologus, Doctor of the Church propers with Feria and St. Barbara commemorations (EF)

Thursday of the First Week of Advent readings & commentary (OF)
Saint John Damascene, Priest, Religious and Doctor—Optional Memorial

Thursday of the First Week of Advent; Opt. Mem. of St. John Damascene, Priest and Doctor readings & commentary (OF)
Other Commemorations: St. Barbara, Virgin and Martyr; St. Osmund, Bishop

Daily Gospel

Saint Peter Chrysologus

Saint Barbara Virgin and Martyr

The Legendary Saint Barbara

Pope Benedict and Saint John Damascene

Saints of the Day

Sermons for Everyday Living - St Peter Chrysologus & St Barbara 12/4/25

Audio version of Gueranger
Login to view embedded media

Fervent said:

If historical-cultural context are consulted, God-breathed has nothing to do with inspiration. It's expiration that is in view, which is why it is useful...because God makes the text alive.

Click to expand...

I disagree.

Fervent said:

The OP seems to promote at least 2 traditions that developed in the late middle ages in sola scriptura and the sui generis nature of the Bible such that it can be called the Word of God in its own right rather than functioning as an icon.

Click to expand...

Actually the primacy and holiness of scripture is well documented among the ECFs.