Gracious Heavenly Father,
Please help Jane and her father to better understand each other here, that they may be able communicate with each other and express their concerns in an effective manner.
In Christ’s Name,
Amen

I think it's meant to be on a personal basis just to help with one another. Like, if I were to tell you I was struggling with alchohol. The point is to give me guidance that might help me overcome this sin and not like it's going to absolve me of the sin itself. I think some people believe that it does (catholics for instance), but the context tells me it's just supposed to be a helpful thing and nothing more. Specially because of the last verse:

remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.

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ChubbyCherub said:

That being said, I am reading that many are embarrassed or ashamed so this once popular action is not very popular, anymore?

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I think it is, it's just mostly used within intimate circles. Friends or people that you know, instead of like just a random stranger. Might be why it isn't so apparent. Just a guess though.


And yes, this verse among a few others is what Catholics use as to why they confess to a priest.

ThatRobGuy said:

There was a guy from India who applied with us and did a virtual interview, and no joke...in the interview stated he was an expert in "hatchtemel"

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"Hatchemel". I like it!

d taylor said:

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​

In the lake of fire what are people punished for???

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If the damnationists are correct, most of them are punished for being born in the wrong place.

Bro.T said:

Paul concerning the unchangeable Royal Law of God. (Rom. 13:7-10) (v.7) Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. (v.8) Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. That’s the biblical definition of love, the keeping of God’s law. (v.9) For this, THOU SHALT NOT COMMIT ADULTERY, THOU SHALT NOT KILL, THOU SHALT NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS, THOU SHALT NOT COVET; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, THOU SHALT LOVE THY NEIGHBOUR AS THYSELF. (v.10) Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

And that is what God’s holy commandments are all about; the first four tells you how to love God and the last six tells you how to love your neighbor. If you love your God you will not do any thing to offend him, like having other gods before him. You will do as he says like remember the sabbath day to keep it holy on the seventh day of the week. If you love him you will obey him when he tells you not to eat certain meats etc… And the same goes for your fellow man, if you love your neighbor you wouldn’t steal from him, you wouldn’t kill him, you wouldn’t try and sleep with his wife and so on and so forth. (See exodus 20: 1-17)

This is God’s definition of love and it is perfect in its ways. The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. 9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: The judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: And in keeping of them there is great reward. (Psalm 19: 7-11)

So if you say that you know God, but you don’t keep his commandments, lets see what the Lord had specially written for you.

(1John 2:3-4) (v.3) And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. (v.4) he that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

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Thank you for the beautiful verses you quoted. But if you have not taught or understand this, then let me tell you, the old covenant law (10C) was given only to show Sin and Not Love. Romans 3:20, Gal 3:19-

Hope you all are doing well!

The Biggest Fussy Eater (Chapter 2)

"....When you repeat the same action over and over—like eating junk food constantly—you stop noticing its effects. But your body doesn’t stop reacting. The damage keeps building, even though your brain tunes it out. That’s why you think you’re fine, but your cough tells the truth."

The kidnappers, though still skeptical, exchanged uneasy glances. Their growing discomfort validated
Johann’s claims, and he seized on their hesitation. “If I die,” he said weakly, “you lose everything. No ransom.
You’ll have nothing to show for your trouble. I need a specific medicine to counteract this.”
Their resolve finally faltered. Reluctant but desperate to keep him alive, they asked Johann what medicine he
needed. Johann provided them with a list of ingredients: vinegar, ground nutmeg, crushed chili peppers, and
adelwez. He explained that the ingredients must be cooked together and insisted the concoction be prepared
with all windows closed to retain potency.

Johann explained carefully, emphasizing that the ingredients must be cooked together in precise proportions
to ensure the mixture’s potency. He insisted the concoction be prepared with all windows tightly shut, claiming
that even the faintest draft could weaken its effectiveness. Many people know it's dangerous to cook while closing all windows, but not them. Knowing nothing of the risks, the kidnappers followed his instructions, bolting the windows and sealing every crack.

The small, dimly lit room grew increasingly stifling, the air turning thick and oppressive. As the mixture simmered on their wood-burning stove, an ominous transformation began. A new toxic gas crept into the room, its presence subtle but a bit dangerous. Apart from that, the lack of ventilation caused carbon monoxide levels to rise imperceptibly, unnoticed by the kidnappers who remained focused on their ransom plans.

Johann, fully aware of the consequences, stayed low to the ground, breathing the marginally clearer air near
the bottom edge of the door. From his position, he watched intently as the effects of the gas began to take
hold. Gradually, their movements slowed, their once-brisk actions reduced to sluggish, clumsy gestures. Their
speech became slurred and incoherent, their heads drooping as if weighted down by invisible hands. Johann
remained still, his heart pounding, as the room sank into a suffocating silence.

FredVB said:

So, dispense with Enoch as scriptures because there was not a quote from it...

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I never argued "Enoch isn't scripture because there wasn't a quote from it in Matthew." I argued that one cannot try to use Matthew 22 to argue for it being scripture because it isn't being cited at all. The whole argument is "Jesus refers to the scriptures, then to Enoch, showing it's scripture" except Jesus never gives any quote from Enoch.

I dispense with the argument that there was a quote from 1 Enoch in Matthew 22 because there was not a quote from it.

FredVB said:

That would dispense with a lot of books we acknowledge as part of the Bible. Maybe that is not such a good argument as you thought it was.

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Well, it wasn't the argument I made, so..

FredVB said:

I can dispense with apocrypha being scriptures as I find contradictions to scriptures in them, and internal inconsistencies. What is found for that in 1 Enoch? I am looking at it and yet not finding it myself.

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Well, I wasn't trying to argue anything about contradictions or inconsistencies, but still, various people have pointed to what they consider to be contradictions or inconsistencies in 1 Enoch; given his posts in this topic, I expect Jipsah would probably be happy to point to what he considers examples.

FredVB said:

And about not being quoted, Enoch was quoted. Certainly by Jude, speaking of it as being from Enoch.

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You didn't mention Jude in your post, so this is criticizing me for not responding to an argument you didn't make.

FredVB said:

And there is more than that passage used in the new testament though without Enoch being named. So why did Jesus even say that angels in heaven do not give themselves in marriage? Where was that from? Just special inside knowledge Jesus chose to use, this time?

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Hardly special inside knowledge; this was a belief by some Jews at that period, which presumably made its way into 1 Enoch on that basis. But there is no reason to believe that Jesus's statement was any reference to Enoch as scripture given that (1) Jesus doesn't introduce it in the way Jesus introduces scripture on essentially every other occasion, (2) it isn't a quote from Enoch anyway, and (3) the actual scriptural quote Jesus gives is from Exodus 3:6.

FredVB said:

Where else does Jesus do that... with those not believing anyway?

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As noted, there is no need for "special inside knowledge" for this--unless that special inside knowledge refers to knowing which of the various Jewish beliefs were correct.

However, even if it was indeed special insider knowledge of what is true, the question was posed to Jesus, and Jesus answered it. Even when non-believers posed questions to Jesus, Jesus would normally answer them. There's an example of such a thing just before the incident with the Sadducees, where the Pharisees try to do a similar "gotcha!" question to Jesus about whether to pay the imperial tax, to which Jesus gives the famous "render under Caesar what is Caesar's" quote.

FredVB said:

His whole point is that those Sadducees do not know scriptures that they should. Not a great time to mention a concept not from scriptures that would be his very special knowledge exclusively. I am not buying that.

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Jesus's reference to them being ignorant of the scriptures was, presumably, in reference to their denial of resurrection, which Jesus goes on to defend by citing Exodus 3:6 (the actual scripture cited). This seems like a bit of an odd choice to cite when there appear to be stronger verses, but there is evidence the Sadducees considered only the Pentateuch (Genesis/Exodus/Leviticus/Deuteronomy/Numbers) to be scripture, in which case Jesus obviously wasn't going to get anywhere citing something from outside of those. Which only goes to show it would be very odd for Jesus to try to cite 1 Enoch as evidence for something to the Sadducees, as they presumably didn't accept it.

@GloryToHisName

Here is a chart of the Ezekiel 39 framework, I made.

Thanks all, so much, for your input here!

Things have evolved, insomuch that I have spoken to the elders about how I feel about their sermons etc, and I have given this many months of prayer.

I believe God is working through me, via this church, and so will stay for now.

I am still looking to visit local churches, only because this one is kinda far from me and I think it's important to support local churches and the community, but I don't want to leave until I feel God has instructed me to do so.

God bless you all!

Michie said:

The parents are not teaching them either.

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Yup! You’re spot on!

But they had the budget for Octoberfest I bet

To be honest, I'm a bit cynical about the claims of "revival" which seem to be coming out of some parts of the US.

It may be true church attendances are up, and more Bibles are being sold, but I think it's a long way short of a revival.

Hopefully it will become a "revival", but I've been Christian long enough to have heard similar claims before and they have all fizzled out.

Just about finished with Absolution by Jeff Vander Meer. I plan on reading several sci fi books by Stanislaw Lem. The books are Fiasco, Solaris, and The Invincible. Lem was Polish but he was born in Lviv, Ukraine (USSR) in 1921. He passed away in 2006. The books I plan to read take a philosophical look at potential "first contact" of Humans and aliens and how we likely won't even be able to relate to an alien intelligence and they likely will find us as incomprehensible. Lem's story, His Master's Voice, tells how scientists try to comprehend what they think is a message from an intelligent alien civilization and they fail to do so. I find I tend agree with Stanislaw Lem on the concepts of Humans dealing intelligent aliens (if they even exist). Although I enjoyed Cixin Liu's trilogy Remembrance of Earth's Past (AKA Three Body Problem) I am not completely convinced of the Dark Forest answer to the Fermi Paradox. I also do not agree with the more positive views of first contact Carl Sagan wrote about in his book Contact or Ted Chiang's Story of Your Life (film title Arrival).

Fantine said:

Could it be the Dobbs decision and opposition to birth control?

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Unless killing the child in the womb has been now considered birth control.

There is no opposition.

Aryeh Jay said:

Another job stolen from a law abiding citizen.

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If you notice the charge they got him for, it wasn't for running for (or holding) office, it was for voting for himself in the mayoral election.

While I can't find great information on the matter on Kansas laws for various cities, from what I am seeing, there technically is the possibility for cities that have robust "home rule" provisions to elect non-citizens to various public offices provided they have "legal resident" status.

You'd think if a person was going to live here for that long (30 years), and was willing to put in the effort to run for elected office (and win) twice, they would've found the time to fill out some paperwork and take a citizenship test.

essentialsaltes said:

Camp Mystic Is Reopening Next Summer, Sparking Outrage From Parents as the Search for Missing Campers Continues​

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Families of Camp Mystic campers, counselors who died in Texas flood file lawsuit​

The lawsuit alleges gross negligence and reckless disregard for safety.

essentialsaltes said:

Trump codefendant Harrison Floyd. He's also indicted for assaulting a federal officer when he was served with a subpoena in the Trump-related case.


View attachment 339832

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Man pardoned by Trump in 'fake electors' scheme hopes it extends to unrelated assault charge​

Floyd was charged with [a Georgia state] racketeering alongside Giuliani and others in Georgia for his role in the aftermath of the 2020 election. But he also faces an unrelated federal charge for assaulting a federal agent in 2023.

Floyd allegedly attacked two FBI agents dispatched on behalf of Special Counsel Jack Smith to serve Floyd with a subpoena as part of the federal investigation into 2020 election subversion, according to the Washington Post. The Post, citing a sealed affidavit, reported that Floyd body-slammed one of the agents and shouted "Who the f--- do you think you are?"

The language in Trump's pardon covers individuals charged with "any conduct relating to their efforts to expose voting fraud and vulnerabilities in the 2020 Presidential Election."

I think "Blood and soil" is pretty well-known to anyone who's read WW2 stuff (though I'd never heard it before the past decade) but some variant of "x belongs to x and y belongs to y" is a self-determination, anti-imperialist creed I've read in older leftward-leaning literature (the Barsoom series springs to mind, and it pops up as an ideal minus the exact words in Jules Verne.)

Paired with "blood and soil" the Nazi reference is probably intended though.

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This is a good Hillsong song. I really like it. This is the Gospel.

& I think you could find a matching verse for each line

Bring my tomatoes over.

TMTO

Weekly Devotional – When Trust Is Betrayed: Held by Truth

Opening Prayer

Father, You are the God of truth, justice, and mercy. You see every heart, every motive, and every hidden word. When deception wounds and trust is broken, You remain faithful. You do not overlook injustice, and You do not abandon the brokenhearted. Today, I come to You with the weight of betrayal and the ache of confusion. I ask for Your healing, Your clarity, and Your peace.

Help me to release what was taken through lies. Thank you for restoring my faith and trust. Teach me to walk in discernment, to speak truth with grace, and to rest in the assurance that You are my defender. Let Your Word be my compass and Your Spirit my comfort. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Devotional Message

There are moments in life when trust is shattered by the root of betrayal, by the subtle schemes rooted in deception. When someone lies, manipulates, or deceives you, it leaves a wound that words cannot easily heal. The pain is not just in what was lost, but in the betrayal itself. It’s the realization that what felt safe was not safe at all, and what seemed true was false.

Psalm 34:18 (NKJV) “The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart and saves such as have a contrite spirit.”

Meaning: God draws close to those who are hurting. He does not turn away from our pain or shame. Instead, He surrounds us with His presence and offers salvation to the humble. This verse reminds us that brokenness is not a barrier to God. He is inviting us to draw near to Him when someone hurts us in these ways.

Application: We don’t have to hide our pain or pretend to be strong. We can bring our broken heart and contribute spirit to Him, knowing He will not reject us. He is our refuge. This means creating space for honest prayer, journaling our grief, and allowing ourselves to feel without shame.

Affirmation: God is near to me. He sees my broken heart and holds me with tenderness and grace. I am not alone in this pain - His presence surrounds me, even when I feel abandoned. He saves me all the pain and suffering I am going through.

Scripture reminds us that God is the God of justice. He does not bless dishonest gain.

Proverbs 12:22 (NKJV) “Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who deal truthfully are His delight.”

Meaning: God sees deception as deeply offensive because it violates the trust and dignity of others. Truthfulness, along with faithfulness and His justice are some of the reflections of the nature of God. In ministry and relationships, truth is the foundation of trust. God does not bless manipulation or deceit, and He does not ignore the pain it causes.

Application: When we’ve been lied to, manipulated and deceived, it is our human nature to feel distrust, unseen or foolish in the fact that we trusted and believed the person that betrayed us in the first place. God honors our integrity. We don’t need to vindicate ourselves. He will do it in His time and in His way. This means we need to choose honesty in our speech, tone of voice, in our sincerity towards others, in guarding our ministry tone, and refusing to mirror manipulation, lies and deception.

Affirmation: I am not defined by someone else’s lies, manipulations, deceptions or betrayals. My integrity is seen and honored by God. I walk in truth, and He delights in my honesty. Even when others misrepresent me, God knows my heart and will vindicate me.

What was taken through manipulation, lies, deception and betrayals is not honored in heaven. What was given in sincerity, truth and integrity, is seen by God as an act of worship and receive by Him with grace and acceptance. He restores, redeems, and heals the broken hearted. Even when we feel alone, afraid and ashamed in the aftermath. We are never abandoned – we are never alone. His presence anchors us through the confusion, grief, and shame we may be feeling. God enables us to stand tall and remain firm in our faith and trust in Him, helping us to reclaim and rebuild our lives in Him as His sons and daughters.

Psalm 147:3 (NKJV) “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”

Meaning: God is not distant from our wounds - He is the healer. Like a shepherd gently bandaging a wounded sheep, He wraps His loving arms around us and heals the brokenness within our hearts. His healing is not rushed or superficial. It’s intentional, gentle, and complete. He knows the shape of each wound, the depth of each ache, and the story behind every scar.

Application: We can bring our emotional wounds to God without fear. He doesn’t shame us for being hurt, nor does He rush our recovery. This might look like taking time to rest, seeking wise counsel, or simply sitting in silence with Scripture.

Affirmation: My heart is safe in God’s hands. He is healing me, binding up my wounds, and restoring my peace. I do not have to rush or pretend - He meets me exactly where I am.

He teaches us to forgive - not to excuse the wrong, but to release the burden. He teaches us to guard our hearts - not with walls, but with wisdom – His wisdom.

Proverbs 4:23 (NKJV) “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.”

Meaning: The heart is the source of our spiritual, emotional, and relational flow. We need to quietly discipline ourselves by showing up for fellowshipping with friends, Bible Studies, and Church Services. We need to stay on the path that God is leading us down. By doing so we are honoring God through consistent obedience.

Application: Guarding our heart means being mindful of what we consume, who we trust, and how we process pain. It means setting boundaries that protect our peace and preserve our clarity. This might involve limiting screen time, journaling emotions, praying consistently, spending time in God’s, or praying for discernment.

Affirmation: I will guard my heart with diligence, trusting that God’s Spirit will guide my steps. My heart is a sacred space, and I choose to protect it with wisdom and grace.

God reminds us that He does not condemn the wounded. His grace covers the broken places, and His Spirit leads us into healing.

Romans 8:1 (NKJV) “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.”

Meaning: God does not disapprove, nor does He judge, nor does He punish those who are walking in obedience in Christ. Rather, He covers us with His grace, His love and His mercy. Condemnation is a heavy burden, often rooted in shame, regret, or accusation. God speaks healing, restoration, and truth into our hearts and minds. He does not condemn us.

Application: Even when we feel broken or misunderstood, we can rest in the truth that God does not condemn us. This means rejecting the voice of shame, silencing false guilt, and embracing the Spirit’s gentle leading.

Affirmation: I am not condemned. I walk in the Spirit, and God’s grace covers every broken place in me. My past does not define me - Christ defines me.

Closing Prayer

Lord, You see what was taken from me through deception, lies, manipulation and betrayal. You know the pain, the confusion, and the questions that linger. I release this burden to You. I trust You to make it right. I forgive all those who have deceived me, lied to me, manipulated me and betrayed me. I forgive them so that I can be set free of all guilt, shame, regrets and mistrust I am feeling. I hand all these things over to You. Take these things from me and deliver me from these burdens. I ask that you mend what was broken, recover what was lost, and reclaim what was misused and stolen from me. Let my life be a testimony to Your justice, Your mercy, Your healing power and Your Grace. I choose to walk in truth, to speak with grace, and to live with discernment. Thank You for being near, for being faithful, and for being my defender. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Journalizing Questions to Ponder

1. What emotions am I still carrying from this betrayal?

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1. How has God shown me His nearness in this season?

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1. What does forgiveness look like for me right now?

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1. How can I protect my heart with wisdom, not fear?

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1. What promise of restoration am I holding onto today?

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All Scriptures quoted from BibleGateway.com.

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From My Heart to Yours – by God's Grace Ministry © 2025. Not for commercial use.

Cain was a prototype Antichrist who was marked for religiously murdering his own brother. Things aren't looking too good for him.

We don't know if Adam and Eve repented. They were given a prophecy that a savior would come and passed on their history to others... We had Flood history and the Fall of Man (Older Brother being tricked by the spider into leaving Old Man the Creator) even in Native tribes a hundred years ago. They must've drilled it into their children's heads because we had this stuff after thousands of years with no western contact (even though it got garbled.)