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  • CF has always been a site that welcomes people from different backgrounds and beliefs to participate in discussion and even debate. That is the nature of its ministry. In view of recent events emotions are running very high. We need to remind people of some basic principles in debating on this site. We need to be civil when we express differences in opinion. No personal attacks. Avoid you, your statements. Don't characterize an entire political party with comparisons to Fascism or Communism or other extreme movements that committed atrocities. CF is not the place for broad brush or blanket statements about groups and political parties. Put the broad brushes and blankets away when you come to CF, better yet, put them in the incinerator. Debate had no place for them. We need to remember that people that commit acts of violence represent themselves or a small extreme faction.

Virginia church rallies behind Iranian sisters detained by immigration enforcement

A Virginia church is rallying behind two Iranian sisters active in the congregation who were recently detained by immigration enforcement officials in the U.S. Virgin Islands while traveling after Thanksgiving.

The U.S. Border Patrol Ramey Sector posted on its Facebook account last week that agents "encountered two illegal aliens from Iran" in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.

Ramey Sector agents responded and assumed custody of the individuals. Both subjects are being processed for removal proceedings," stated the Puerto Rico-based Ramey Sector.

"[U.S. Customs and Border Protection] in Puerto Rico and in the U.S. Virgin Islands remains committed to securing our borders and safeguarding our communities."

According to a CBP statement last week, "CBP officers were conducting outbound operations at the Cyril E. King Airport when they encountered two Iranian national women who were determined to be illegally present in the U.S."

"No fun in the sun when you are unlawfully present," CBP stated. "In coordination with US Border Patrol Ramey Sector agents, the two women were arrested and transported to be processed for removal."

Continued below.

Indiana QB, Heisman finalist Fernando Mendoza gives 'all the glory to God' after Big Ten championship

Indiana University star quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who is among the favorites for this year's Heisman Trophy and was named Associated Press Player of the Year on Thursday, gave God the glory after the Hoosiers earned a spot in the College Football Playoff.

"I want to give all the glory to God," the redshirt junior said in an interview with FOX Sports after the Hoosiers won the Big Ten Championship Saturday with a victory over No. 2-ranked Ohio State University.

“We were never supposed to be in this position," Mendoza insisted, as the Big 10 also includes powerhouse programs like Ohio State, Michigan and Oregon.

"But by the glory of God, the great coaches, great teammates, everybody we have around us, we were able to pull this off."

As the interview concluded, Mendoza turned to the camera and said, "God bless, go Hoosiers!"

Mendoza has consistently used his platform to share his Catholic faith.

Continued below.

Stephen Miller Says Trump White House Has Offered to Put Him on CNN at ‘Any Time’ to Respond to Their Numerous Lies But They Won’t Have Him On (VIDEO)

He should have just stayed in the band.
If only he’d remember some of his songs.

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Feed the babies
Who don't have enough to eat
Shoe the children
With no shoes on their feet
House the people
Livin' in the street
Oh-oh, there's a solution
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Netflix's promotion of LGBT themes, sexual preferences in kids' shows 'pervasive': report

At least 41% of G-rated series and 41% of TV-Y7-rated series on Netflix feature LGBT content, including trans-identifying characters and same-sex couples, according to a new study.

The new report, "LGBTQ Messaging Pervasive In Netflix Children's Programming," compiles references to LGBT-related messages and storylines across 326 Netflix shows aimed at children.

The study, released by the Washington-based Christian conservative advocacy group Concerned Women for America, analyzed licensed and original shows on the streaming platform, with ratings ranging from TV-G, TV-Y or TV-Y7.

The study, released by the Washington-based Christian conservative advocacy group Concerned Women for America, analyzed licensed and original shows on the streaming platform, with ratings ranging from TV-G, TV-Y or TV-Y7.

"Netflix's anti-child, anti-family agenda has finally been exposed — its children's programming has been infiltrated by adult preoccupations with sexual preferences and gender identity," CWA President and CEO Penny Nance said in a statement shared with The Christian Post.

Continued below.

DEI is 'primary vehicle' for antisemitism, watchdog group warns

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion has become a “primary vehicle” for antisemitism in American academia, according to a watchdog group that released a report finding 58% of Jewish students reported experiencing antisemitism on campus, yet only 12% felt the incidents were properly investigated.

StopAntisemitism, a watchdog group dedicated to documenting violent incidents and hostile acts against Jews, evaluated 90 academic institutions as part of its “2025 Antisemitism on U.S. College & University Campuses” report.

”Even since the recent Gaza ceasefire agreement, antisemitism remains loud, bold, and unchecked, revealing that none of this is about Israel but instead it is about Jew-hatred, plain and simple," the report declared. "Coordinated protests, ideological harassment, and institutional apathy continue to endanger Jewish students."

According to a nationwide survey of Jewish students enrolled at these schools, 39% hid their Jewish identity, and 62% said they were directly blamed for Israel’s actions. Sixty-five percent of Jewish students reported that they felt unwelcome in certain spaces on campus, and 39% felt DEI initiatives included Jews.
“These findings confirm the harsh reality that Jewish students are being marginalized in institutions that claim to champion diversity and inclusion but instead amplify division and exclusion,” the report stated. “Their safety and dignity are treated as negotiable and often dismissed entirely.”

Continued below.

Obama care collapsing.....

Senate rejects ACA funding and a Republican alternative with premiums set to spike

Two bills failed to secure the necessary 60 votes to break a filibuster and advance Thursday. Congress has no deal ahead of a Dec. 31 deadline to avoid premium hikes under Obamacare.

The bill offered by Democrats on Thursday would have extended the enhanced Affordable Care Act funds for another three years. The legislation failed by a vote of 51-48, with Sens. Susan Collins, R-Maine, Josh Hawley, R-Mo., and Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, both Alaska Republicans, joining Democrats to support it.

The [GOP] bill, written by Sens. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, and Bill Cassidy, R-La., failed by a vote of 51-48. Along with all Democrats, Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., voted “no.” Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont., missed both votes.
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What Jesus Said About Adam and Eve

I hear Christians talking about Adam and Eve.
What did Jesus say about Adam and Eve?
“Adam” is not mentioned in the Gospels.
“Eve” is not mentioned in the Gospels.
The “Garden of Eden” is not mentioned in the Gospels.

Doesn’t this suggest that the Adam and Eve story is less important than many Christians think it is?
well, jesus stated that Genesis was a literal historical account, and he supported them as being rel and created by God, not coming from primate parents
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The real gifts and what they really are.

You seem to be saying that the Spiritual gifts are only for the local corporate body of Christ,... is that correct?
Hi Arbitor

All the gifts are from the Spirit. Local, corporate? I'm not sure what you mean that. The Body of Christ, yes. Alistair Begg said it best. "Anything good that comes from us for the Church is an undeserved gift from God".

Dave
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Is Colorado’s first “public Christian school” eligible for state funding? State education officials say no. Local officials aren't so sure

Every school where? My personal experience of public school dates back to 1948 and includes attending it, teaching in it and having children in it in five different states. I have never encountered prayer or Bible study in any public school.

In 1981, Russelville Alabama, 5th grade, College Avenue Elementary. A prayer every day over the intercom at 8:15.
This was my indoctrination to Alabama. Didn't see it in any other school before or since.
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What happens spiritually that makes us born again?

Hey bling

I'm not sure what your point of contention is here. Elaborate on it if you have one. Right now I'm only guessing. Yes, all those verses say water baptism. Do you agree that Jesus did and still does baptize with the Holy Spirit in response to a genuine faith, which "places us" in Him, a spiritual "immersion" that makes us one with Him, the Body, the true Church? You'll notice that anything that I wrote that is between "quotation marks" are used in place of the word baptism, because they mean the same thing. Example....
This takes some explanation.

I see in scripture several different “portions” of the Holy Spirit. John talks about Jesus coming

Matthew 3:11 “I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

Baptism of fire is what?

Luke 12: 49 “I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! 50 But I have a baptism to undergo, and what constraint I am under until it is completed!

“Baptism of fire” seems to refer to the severe persecution which lots of Christians get to endure, but not every individual Christians will go through a baptism of fire, so will all Christians go through a baptism of the Holy Spirit John is referring to?

Numbers 11: 17 I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take some of the power of the Spirit that is on you and put it on them. They will share the burden of the people with you so that you will not have to carry it alone.

There are tons of scripture referring to the Holy Spirit, like in Numbers 11 the Spirit can be portioned out.

John 20: 21 Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” 22 And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”

John 14:17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.

John 7:39 By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified.

Jesus could breathe on the disciples and they received some portion of the Spirit, but the indwelling portion which is always with them (yet can be quenched) had not yet come.

Acts 8: 14 When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to Samaria. 15 When they arrived, they prayed for the new believers there that they might receive the Holy Spirit, 16 because the Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. 18 When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money 19 and said, “Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.”

Acts 8 seems to be saying the Samaritans were immersed water baptized, but had not received the outwardly visible miraculous powers of the Spirit until the Apostles laid hands on them, so water baptism was around separate from Holy Spirit baptism. This is also seen in Acts 19: 4 Paul said, “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” 5 On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. 7 There were about twelve men in all.

Acts 19:6 is not a continuation of Acts 19:5 with some translators putting an period or a conjunction between them showing separation. Acts 19:6 is no a description of the baptism, but you might want further study on this.



Acts 10: 44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. 45 The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles. 46 For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. Then Peter said, 47 “Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” 48 So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days.

Acts 11: 15 “As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit came on them as he had come on us at the beginning. 16 Then I remembered what the Lord had said: ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ 17 So if God gave them the same gift he gave us who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could stand in God’s way?”

Peter is water Baptizing and the Spirit seems to be Spiritually baptizing these gentiles first. Notice Peter has to go back to Pentecost to get a similar “Baptism of the Spirit” example so it was not regularly happening.

A book could be written on Christian water baptism and the Holy Spirit baptism, which seem to be two different actions.
1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body--whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free--and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.
Christian water baptism included the Spirit as Paul points out in Acts 19: 1-7. As shown in Acts 8 there was definitely Christian water baptism and only with the apostles laying on of their hands was Holy Spirit baptism given.
My translation: For by one Spirit we were all "placed into" into one body--whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free--and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.

another....

Matthew 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
Not everyone receives a baptism of fire or the Holy Spirit, but all true believers do receive the much more important indwelling Holy Spirit.

Are you seeing obvious miraculous Holy Spirit miracles being performed today that can be scientifically verified (something the Baptism of the Holy Spirit produced in the first century)?
My interpretation: I indeed "immerse" you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will "immerse" you with the Holy Spirit and fire.




Sorry, it sounded to me like you're playing both sides of the fence. So many today are wrongly taught that water baptism is what initiates the Spiritual baptism. If you're being water baptized, you already have faith, and are already spiritually baptized by Jesus with the Holy Spirit before you hit that water. Agree?
I do not limit God/Spirit’s actions, so when a person obtains the power of the indwelling portion of the Holy Spirit is up to Deity and does not have to precede water baptism.
Sorry bling, I disagree. I believe that the water represents God's judgment. That's what the flood was. "In Christ", our Arc, we are protected from that Judgment just like Noah and family were. It's a perfect picture of our Spirit baptism. Not the removal of filth from the flesh is just like saying not water baptism. Just so there was no misunderstanding.
Where the Samaritans in Acts 8, Christian water baptized without being given any miraculous Holy Spirit powers?
Hey bling, the circumcision's comment was just a point of possible interest that I threw in there.

OT water baptism was simply identifying with a persons teachings publicly. That's all it is. A public testimony. That idea carried over to the NT. It pictured outwardly what had already happened inwardly as a result of faith. It identified us with Christ Jesus publicly. Some were baptized only into the name of Jesus because the Holy Spirit and the Father were already understood to be a part of them. The point of contention with the public testimony of these OT believers would have been the name Jesus. Others, found it better to publicly identify with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, since they were never believers in the OT.

OT believers were baptized into the name of the teacher they were under. Remember Paul confronting the Corinthians for arguing about being baptized by Paul or Apollos? It all came from that. The one true baptism is the one BY Jesus with the Holy Spirit. It's a spiritual baptism initiated by faith. Water baptism comes after that fact as a public testimony. Paul even finished by saying that "Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel". That would be a very, very odd thing to say if water baptism had anything to do with anything beyond a public testimony.

1 Corinthians 1:12-17 Now I say this, that each of you says, "I am of Paul," or "I am of Apollos," or "I am of Cephas," or "I am of Christ." Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, lest anyone should say that I had baptized in my own name. Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas. Besides, I do not know whether I baptized any other. For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect.

bling, I've seen this with Catholicism before, they are not really doing what they are doing, and not really saying what they are saying. You're language just sounded very familiar to the kind of language that they so often use, hence the "playing both sides of the fence" comment. Sorry if I misunderstood.

Dave
David, you are misunderstanding.

Paul did not want the people he converted and/or physically baptized by him, to boastfully say “I am a Paul follower.”

Paul did not want to physically baptize anyone for the same reasons Jesus did not baptize others.

Was Jesus physically water baptized as an example for us?

Jesus commands His disciples: “19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”. We are to baptize them, but if the Holy Spirit is actually baptizing them, how can we follow that command?
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For those who are gamers, how do you handle Christian Ethics vs gaming?

One thing I can tell you, as a long time gamer, is that games made in the 20th century are not very creative.
The creative minds of the past, made, and still make the best games. So, if you want to find a game that's not a bundle of meaningless confusion... The only downside, is that most aren't cheap.
However, there are tons of freeware games out there... I just remembered... most people don't have Windows XP, or Windows 7, so most of those games won't play on a new Windows OS.
This is what I mean by getting left behind.
I wonder about these in terms of an older OS. I have came across these sites in the past but have not played any games off of them yet.

I believe these are all free. They even have Below the Root, an old Commodore 64 game I remember from when I was a kid.
My Abandonware: My Abandonware: because old video games were better

DOS Zone | DOS games in browser DOS Zone is free too. If you want to keep your saves in the cloud, it’s dirt cheap. Like $1 a Month.
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"The Meaning of Foreknew in Romans 8:29"

Hey Dan.

The wheat and the chafe was just an expression that I borrowed from Scripture to make a distinction. People of the OT, believers, thought that they were saved because they were physical Israel. That's who Peter is speaking to in Acts. Physical Israel has wheat and chafe. Spiritual Israel only has wheat. In Acts 2:36, 41 Peter is calling physical Israel to Spiritual Israel by faith in Jesus. Jesus is the the Body of Christ. Only those placed into Him were part of that Spiritual church. That began at Pentecost when the Agent of that placing into was given, the Holy Spirit. Saul died having not received that Promise.

1 Tim 1:16? Did you quote the wrong verse?

Romans 9:6-13 Not all Israel is Israel.

And when. those in Acts 2:36. and in verse 37 what will we do ??

Then in verse 38 , Peter says. , REPENT and be BAPTIZED. for. the name of JESUS CHRIST. and you will receive the gift of. the HOLY SPIRIT

But b. there were only about 3000. souls were added. IN Acts 28:25-28 n. Israel was set aside and ISA 6:1-13 !!

Which SAUL ARE YOU TAKING ABOUT ??

dan p
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