This seems like the right way to do it rather than just murdering everyone aboard as the Navy did.

Kudos Coast Guard!

Clare73 said:

"Tradition" there refers to apostolic teaching, which is what we have in the Scriptures.

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"Tradtion" there refers to teachings which are not necessarily recorded in Scripture.

The purpose of this thread is to discuss the basics of what it means to attain character trait, what it means to have a character trait, and then to understand what the Bible specifically says about the trait of righteousness in a way that does not depart from the simplicity of that framework.

Character traits are not earned as the result of our works but rather they are embodied through our works. The one and only way to attain a character trait is through faith apart from being required to have first done enough works in order to earn it as the result, but what it means to attain a character trait is to become a doer of works that embody that trait, so it would contradictory for to attain a character trait apart from becoming a doer of that trait. More specifically, the faith by which a character trait is attained is the belief that we ought have our lives directed at being a doer of works that embody that trait.

We embody what we believe to be true about who God is through our works, such as with James 2:18 saying that he would show his faith through his works. In other words, the way to believe in God is by believing that we ought to have our lives directed at embody His likeness through being a doer of His character traits. For example, by being a doer of good works in obedience to God we are embodying His goodness, which is why our good works bring glory to Him (Matthew 5:16), and by embodying God's goodness we are also expressing the belief that God is good. Likewise, the way to believe that God is compassionate is by being compassionate, the way to believe that God is a doer of justice is by being a doer of justice, the way to believe that God is holy is by being a doer of His instructions for how to be holy as He is holy, and so forth. This is exactly the way to believe in the Son, who is the radiance of God's glory and the exact likeness of His character (Hebrews 1:3), which he embodied through his works by setting an example for us to follow of how to walk in obedience to God's law, and it is by that faith alone that we attain the character traits of God.

While it is true that Abraham believed God, so he was declared righteous (Genesis 15:6), it is also true that he believed God, so he was a doer of righteous works (Genesis 18:19), so the faith by which he was declared righteous was also embodied through his works, but he did not earn his righteousness as the result of his works (Romans 4:1-5). In James 2:21-24, it quotes Genesis 15:6 to support saying that Abraham was declared righteous by his works when he offered Isaac, that his faith was active along with his works, and his faith completed his works, so he was declared righteous by his works insofar as they embodied his faith but not insofar as they were earning a wage. In 1 John 3:7, everyone who is a doer of righteous works is righteous even as they are righteous, so while we do not earn our righteousness as the result of our works, there is is no such thing as someone being righteous apart from being a doer of righteous works, but rather the content of the gift of being imputed with the righteousness of God is getting to become a doer of righteous works.

God says to continually seek Him. In order to do so we must doubt what we have already found is the end. The learning, not from man, but from Him, never ends.

A collision course with Iran:
Israel and the Islamic Republic of Iran appear to be on a path toward renewed confrontation. Tehran's ongoing buildup of ballistic missiles and drones, along with growing suspicions that it intends to restore its nuclear capabilities, have raised serious concern in Jerusalem. Satellite images have revealed what analysts believe could be preparations for a new uranium enrichment facility south of Natanz.

These developments, combined with stalled nuclear negotiations between Iran and the US, tensions with Europe over the reimposition of sanctions under the "snapback" mechanism, and Iran's fear of another Israeli or USA airstrike, the risk of escalation only grows. With the Gaza campaign now over, Israeli decision-makers are free to focus on the Iranian threat.

Israel's defense leadership now faces a difficult choice: whether to resume military action, likely under less favorable conditions than in the recent "Lion's Roar" operation—or to opt for "containment," which would effectively allow Iran to rebuild its capabilities. This dilemma comes amid widespread skepticism that Washington and Tehran will reach any new nuclear agreement.

Israel Hayom Oct 2025

Learning always said:

Equality is a very general term, and whether it's good or bad depends on the degree. People are confused about it.
Very confused, and got deceived.

Equality is opposed to freedom. The more equality, the less freedom.
It's also opposed to opportunity to help others. The more equal we are, the less opportunity to help each other.
We cannot have high degree of equality, which is what leftists want. Leftist equality is NOT associated with Christian love.

Basic equality ie having basic human rights is good. What leftists want is much more than that, which is not God wants for us. If you don't believe, listen to what Lenin said: "Down with love !"

Leftist equality has nothing to do with Christian love and justice, but many Christian are misled to believe they are connected. If leftist equality is compatible with Christian love, then why communists always persecuted Christians wherever they got into power??

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It seems to me it is legalizing coveting what others have. Which could be it's own form of greed. Greed of what of what belongs to their neighbor. They call it righteous?

Larniavc said:

Correction: it’s Americans killing Americans. If only Americans weren’t so predisposed to crime and low morals there would not be this situation.

I’m being subtle.

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Correction: it's humans killing humans. So don't try to make it an "Americans" problem.

GoldenBoy89 said:

Keep going Chuck! Never give up, never back down!

Fight! Fight! Fight!

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Yep, keep the government shut down! Makes it easier to expose which employees are non-essential so they can be relieved of their jobs. So far, things are going just fine.

Get the US out of the UN and the UN out of the US. This is overstepping on a massive scale. If it wasn't for the United States, the UN wouldn't even exist.

article said:

According to the Wall Street Journal, the U.N. this week stands "poised to impose what amounts to a global tax on carbon emissions" -- what the WSJ called "the ultimate in taxation without representation."

Despite lacking both sovereign authority and enforcement power, the U.N.'s London-based International Maritime Organization could attempt to saddle ships with taxes ranging from $100 to $380 per metric ton of carbon dioxide that exceeds a certain emissions level.

Shockingly, the WSJ called this "the first instance we can find of the U.N. claiming the ability to levy a tax -- the revenues from which will be paid directly into a U.N.-controlled fund."

The IMO, of course, would both establish and manage that fund.

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Yeah, I'll bet they would. This is nothing more than a shakedown racket---picking the pocket of somebody you disagree with by making up some accusation against them, and then demanding reparations.

AFAIC, they can shut down the UN, turn the headquarters building into apartments for homeless veterans, and re-locate the whole organization to somewhere a little more "international"----Kerguelen, perhaps; or maybe the Crozet Islands.

MSN

I would appreciate it if someone with more extensive knowledge could direct me to scriptures in the New Testament where Jesus, Paul, or Peter addressed political matters. To the best of my understanding, such references do not exist. It is therefore unsurprising that pastors who are committed to scriptural teachings choose not to discuss politics from the pulpit.

can anyone recommend a book available that explains the rapture and tribulation, would prefer an author with a Pentecostal background

That's wonderful to hear. I'm glad God has been working in your life, and I hope this local Catholic church can provide a good spiritual home and community for you.

Daniel Martinovich said:

Your probably not aware that the phrase "second coming" does not exist in the Bible. It is however replete with examples of the coming of the Lord.

The Bible has dozens of examples where the Lord physically and literally came down to earth on certain days to administer judgment, oversee calamity and fulfill promise and prophecy. These days of the Lord where he physically and literally comes down to the planet is where the Bible's doctrine of the coming of the Lord comes hails from. What does not exist in the Bible is the phrase "the second coming." Unlike the phrase "the Trinity" that is also not in the Bible but that at least goes along with what the Bibles teaches. The idea of a "second" coming or advent changes the Bibles teaching on the matter and renders the Bible's prophecy incomprehensible. Which by the way is design of the phrase. To turn peoples eyes away from the supernatural clarity of the Bible's prophecy and turn those eyes to something the Bible does not prophesy at all. Apocalyptic end of the world scenarios. See more...​

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As I have said , I am a DISPENSATIONALIST , is this what. they cal the SECOND COMING in. Matt 25:31- 32 where Christ separates

the SHEEP. an the Goats ??

dan p

Always in His Presence said:

That one paragraph equates to

Shutdown Update: $1.5 Trillion in Demands​

The government is on day 15 of the shutdown, and Democrats in the U.S. Senate are holding out for $1.5 trillion in healthcare spending.

The Democrats want to circumvent legally passed legislation that was signed into law on July 4 of this year.

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There are 2 fights. The first is a winner for Democrats. The second is a winner for Republicans.

FIGHT ONE
Bring back the Obamacare (really Romneycare) subsidies. Obamacare is very, very popular. This Republican program is what prevented national health care under Obama our under future Democrats. Affordable Obamacare is a key part of our safety net. Republicans will lose many House seats if they continue the fight to destroy Obamacare. Republicans tried to come up with a better, acceptable alternative. They couldn't find one. Obamacare can be improved (as is the case in Medicare and Medicaid), but it is part of the federal safety net. FULL STOP

Folks are getting their cost choices for 2026 this week and next. The shutdown will end soon.
===================
FIGHT TWO - INCREASING STATE SHARE OF MEDICAID
This is fight for another day since the there is no real effect until 2026. And, here, I agree with the Republicans. It is a policy issue and the people have voted to reduce federal costs. The feds have continued to increase their spend on Medicaid. This is essentially a welfare program where states should make more decisions and pay for what THEIR voters choose to pay for.

BelieveItOarKnot said:

Let me get this straight for the record.

Are you promoting Satanic salvation or not?

I don't believe any of official orthodoxy goes that route that I'm aware of.

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I'm not addressing the spirits. That is above my pay grade. I was simply speaking of the souls of the wicked being cleansed in the Lake of Fire.

Unfortunately, the majority of Orthodox clergy are still holding tenaciously to this Roman Catholic fantasy called "eternal conscious torment," which was started in earnest by Augustine (one of his less brilliant ideas, along with the idea that unbaptized babies go to hell and are tormented forever).

I find it somewhat bizarre to hear those in Orthodox carry on about how important Holy Tradition is, yet they jettisoned a massive tradition called "Universal Restoration" which had been the majority belief of Christians for the first 500 years of Christendom until Augustine began his attack on it. Seems a tad hypocritical to me.

NBB said:

i don't have an idea what it may be that is causing you torment but, if you travel away from your house, you find relief?
if that is true, there could be an object with a curse on it in your place.

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I've been trying to think about this one, even before you posed this question. I think that something is wrong with the house. After all, since its inception in December 1979, it has never been blessed. I'm obsessed with suicide. The thing is, in my heart I don't think I actually want to die. A couple of examples come to mind - I had a diagnostic mammogram a few weeks ago to rule out inflammatory breast cancer because I was terrified that the bump/spot on my breast was something malignant, but it's "just" cellulitis. I was terrified though that if were IBC then I wouldn't live long. Then, I get a tad apprehensive when wanting to walk in a wooded area (it is never as bad as I make it seem), hoping that I'm in a state of grace when doing this, just in case anything happens. I think I do care about not dying, but I'm obsessed with ideation.

However, the only thing that makes me feel like I'm not going out of my mind in a cage is going out and walking in an open, scarcely populated area. I'm starting, however, not to feel too much difference in depression when doing this, but I do feel less confined in a small space, and that does help my mental health to a degree. Ever since I've been doing this walking, I hate staying home at all. I feel like I'm in a cage.

Michie said:

It’s not something you invited or took in. It a suspicion that someone may have cursed/jinxed the family. You should discuss this with your priest or spiritual director. Rather than a jinx, curses can be considered real in Catholicism but there are many other factors to weight in on as well. But these things require you to discuss such things with those equipped to handle it and help you discern. Greater is He that is within you than he that is in the world.

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Sorry, I was conflating jinxing with curses. I didn't realize there was a difference; I just made an assumption that they were synonymous. I was wrong.

Michie said:

Here is what the Catholic Encyclopedia has to say on the subject of cursing.


Curses can have very serious effects on both people and animal!

I like to recall the phrase that an exorcist once told when we were discussing the topic of cursing and malediction: ”Be careful what you pray for. Both good and evil could be answered in a way you could regret. People should not wish true evil on others. After all the Devil can hear those curses!”


Holiness is in the power of tongue.


Fr. Gabriele Amorth S.S.P. (1 May 1925 – 16 September 2016), the major exorcist of Rome stated several times in his books, An Exorcist Tells His Story and An Exorcist: More Stories demonstrates that cursing someone may, but not always lead to diabolic possession by the Demon.

Here is how St. Thomas Aquinas answers the question: Whether it is lawful to curse anyone?:


Here follows most causes of demonic possession as recognized by the Church:

What is the Catholic Church's view on curses and their after-effects?

We see at Exodus 20:232-24 (NRSVCE): "You shall not abuse any widow or orphan. If you do abuse them, when they cry out to me, I will surely heed their cry; my wrath will burn, and I will ki...

christianity.stackexchange.com

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See, I think that this is where I was getting at. I feel like the curse has something to do with his former wife, and even my dad believed this. He hated the marriage and felt like he was lied to, in order to accept the woman, but after the marriage he discovered that his family deceived him about her and he wanted out, but he suspected that someone had wished bad upon him for doing this and that's why Mom got dementia and my brother and I have almost the exact misfortunes on certain things.

I have criticised you before Keras but, you have true faith thats for sure....

God bless you..

Fantine said:

CNN: The plan is getting cracks already. Hamas can't access some of the remains because Israel bombed the places they were hidden.
And israel is using that to hold back food in Egypt.
Netanyahu has his doubts.

Deals fall apart. Diplomacy lasts. Trump lacks the attention span for anything beyond quick fix photo ops and his cracks are starting to show.

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If he wants a chance at his peace prize, he will continue to bully Hamas and Israel, and the Arab countries who will supply the security force within Gaza (and perhaps eventually the West Bank).

There are many billions in deals among the countries and with the business interests of Trump, his family and friends. Trump will make this succeed.
He has much, much more the gain than with Putin.

Like the school superintendent in Iowa, a false background can get you a long ways. Think of the millions of completely unvetted people that crossed the border during the Biden administration, where are they? How about all of the undocumented Chinese men of military age, how do they survive? I don't think half of America realized the extent of the damage that was done to our country.

Valletta said:

Tech mogul and former DOGE chief Elon Musk expressed his disgust with the lenient sentence in an X post. “This was a racist verdict by a racist judge,” Musk said of Judge Kendra Briggs, who is black. “The simple test to apply is if the races has been reversed, the White kids would be in prison. Equal justice for all!”

NEW: Teens Who Savagely Attacked Well-Known DOGE Staffer Avoid Jail Time

Two teenagers who participated in the viscous group assault on former Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) staffer Edward “Big Balls” Coristine avoided jail time after pleading guilty to simple assault at a Washington D.C. court. The two teens, a boy and a girl from Hyattsville, Maryland...

trendingpoliticsnews.com

Not a surprise, seems pretty typical for D.C.

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Yikes!

God bless them!

Ave Maria said:

The Catholic Church teaches direct abortion is always gravely immoral. There is a moral way to handle a situation like this. This is how Google explains it:




I read through most of what the AI generated answer says and from what I can tell, it is accurate.

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Yup. The hospital has a right to say no to direct abortion which is different than removing an unviable fetus or treating a miscarriage. Period.

Zechariah