SavedByGrace3 said:

Who exactly should a Christian vote for on this ballot?
I do not see anyone who lives up to the standard, so we cannot vote for anyone.
Which is the desired goal, I suspect.

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I’m as lefty as they come, but I will happily drive Christians to polling places, because no matter their denomination I know that they’ll try to vote their consciences. Most Christians are good peopl, and on the whole, I tend to trust their judgments even as I vigorously disagree with them.

These are just a backwater forum, we have maybe 100 regular posters here in a given week, though we’re influential enough to create “Poe’s Law”…so know know we can have reach further than these humble “pages” might suggest but this, right here, this bantering-back-and-forth…this is what it’s always been.

But after years of it every. single. day. Everyone gets tired of it, but it must go on, here, this is where we do things and invent thoughts*, and to “hold-forth”, this is the “soapbox-in-the-park” of 120 years ago.


*I have had two original-thoughts (that I generally keep to myself in case I see them “elsewhere” and can peek of where it might have originated and when.

Job 33:6 said:

‭Acts 2:22-28, 31-32 ESV‬
[22] “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know— [23] this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. [24] God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it. [25] For David says concerning him, “‘I saw the Lord always before me, for he is at my right hand that I may not be shaken; [26] therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced; my flesh also will dwell in hope. [27] For you will not abandon my soul to Hades, or let your Holy One see corruption. [28] You have made known to me the paths of life; you will make me full of gladness with your presence.’
[31] David by foreseeing this spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that he was neither abandoned to Hades, nor did his body experience decay. [32] This Jesus God raised up, and we are all witnesses of it.

Jesus, was not abandoned to Hades. He was there, in the underworld, and he left with the keys, revelation 1:17-18.

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I’m guessing that Satan had a rather terrible temper tantrum when all of the smoke settled.

1 Corinthians 2:8 None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

Genesis 3:15
And I will put enmity
between you and the woman,
and between your offspring[a] and hers;
he will crush[b] your head,
and you will strike his heel.”

dms1972 said:

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I like this. Thanks for sharing Celtic Christian music. Gives me hope that Jesus can reach out to people in all nations.

Grip Docility said:

I know for a fact, that the man in that picture has his Theological Chops! No one makes it to Cardinal without being steeped in Scripture on levels that are very complicated to comprehend! And... He is in a literal Lions Den, being surrounded by many Muslims, in whom he clearly desires to share the ministry of Christ with, through Physical and Spiritual Ministry! He is a very courageous man of Christ! Thank you so very much for sharing this with me!

All Love to you in the Name of our Precious Resurrected and Ascended Lord, God and Savior!

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Agreed, this guy is a real life Demon Slayer (have not watched the anime) who preaches God's Word to spread the Gospel in a place rampant of corruption.

I can tell that he is confident in the Lord, from reading his discerning facial expression, and head posture (Archbishop Patrick D’Rozario appears to be holding his chin up, heavenwards). God bless this man.

tonychanyt said:

Did I say it was? You need to stop overgeneralizing.

The quoted words mention wagers and betting on specific propositions, not on the Bible. It is a betting on the strength of your belief. You overgeneralized. Please read my sentences precisely and do not overgeneralize.

It is not a game. It is a real bet. Take the bet, and you will find out how real it is.

Stop overgeneralizing. I don't have time for this.

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Bro, I do not have time to make bets also. I believe in the Bible as truth, 100% truth. Betting on propositions for scripture is unbiblical man.

Michie said:

In a recent letter to Congress, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) decried federal abortion funding and the commodification of human beings through IVF, while encouraging pro-family policies and restorative reproductive medicine.

Bishop Michael Burbidge, chairman of the Committee on Pro-Life Activities and the Bishop of Arlington, highlighted in the May 16 letter that the USCCB “will oppose any bill that expands taxpayer funding of abortion.

“We take this stand because abortion funded by the government advances neither healthcare nor justice; it is the antithesis of healthcare and justice,” he stated in the letter to members of the House and Senate Appropriations committees.

As the abortion battle continues in the U.S. with states proposing various ballot measures to promote or limit abortion, Burbidge reiterated the USCCB’s support for the Hyde Amendment, which bans any federal funding of abortion.

Continued below.

U.S. bishops to Congress: Abortion funding is ‘antithesis of health care and justice’

Bishop Michael Burbidge highlighted in a May 16 letter that the USCCB “will oppose any bill that expands taxpayer funding of abortion.

www.catholicnewsagency.com

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It would be nice if the government could allow us to mark on our tax forms to deny our tax money to abortions or war. People who support war or abortion can leave the bubble blank on the tax forms. Sadly, the government does not allow us this. At the same time, Jesus told us to "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's." So, there is nothing we can do, except vote for measures that limit abortion funding, and ban tax funding for abortions.

War Tax article: Do You Like Paying for War? These Christians Refuse

Dilencia Jesudhason said:

It is usually the latter but I've also heard that he was so drunk once that he had to be dropped home by one of my other words.

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*Other friends

Michie said:

Fourteen pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong have been convicted of subversion while billionaire Catholic convert Jimmy Lai, 76, remains imprisoned and on trial on similar charges.

The 14 were among 47 activists charged with conspiracy to commit subversion through an unofficial primary election in 2020 under a national security law passed by China following anti-government protests that year. It is the same law being used to prosecute Lai.

On Thursday, the court ruled that the dissidents’ activism would have caused a “constitutional crisis for Hong Kong.”

Lai, who has been imprisoned for three years, remains in the midst of his own trial. In January, he pleaded not guilty to the national security law charges brought against him.

Continued below.

As Lai languishes in prison, fellow activists convicted in Hong Kong

Fourteen pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong have been convicted of subversion while billionaire Catholic convert Jimmy Lai, 76, remains imprisoned.

www.catholicnewsagency.com

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Prayers for those who live under the dictatorship of the Chinese regime, especially Mr. Lai and the 14 activists.

This is interesting poem about someone whose been left behind.

I’ve actually thought about writing a series of Left Behind fanfics.. new characters addition, some more with Global Community Middle School, maybe set it during our day (which of course, it can be set at any time). Also, what if Alaska was annexed from the USA, and became part of the United Russian States, much like Hawaii became part of the United Pacific States in the series?

Should I go for it?

tonychanyt said:

Paul gave us some guidelines in Colossians 2:


Further, the indwelling Spirit will show us. Hebrews 10:


"my laws" refers to the Paraclete or Holy Spirit of God. The putting is fulfilled when the Spirit/Paraclete dwells in my conscience.

Rom 7:


That was before. Now comes the after:


Galatians 5:


Thayer's Greek Lexicon for the Greek word paraclete:


Study God's commandments daily. Grow in the Spirit. Let your conscience and the peace of the Paraclete guide you in your daily walk.

See also Circumcision is nothing: keeping God’s COMMANDS is what counts

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We seek to obey those ten written in stone and failing we repent and live to obey again.

awstar said:

i was being facetious. Strongs definition is not very useful. according to them the last day could be the day before the future -- and the future could be after the last day. Which makes even less sense. Strong's 319: The last, end, the future, posterity

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Why do you seek the understanding no man and none of his interpretations can render unto you? Read prayerfully, surrendered to Ruah/the Holy Spirit and Yahovah will teach you all things.

See What is the last day?

Psalms 119:45 And I will walk at liberty: for I seek Thy precepts.

Throughout Psalms 119, David speaks of commandments, statutes,
judgments, precepts and testimonies.
All are Torah. A precept is a personal mandate.
It is beyond the do’s and don’ts of covenant law;
to the Lord’s Will for you personally.
Notice that David says he “seeks Thy precepts”.

This is what Paul is referring to here:

Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world,
but be transformed by the renewing of your mind,
that you may prove what is that good and acceptable
and perfect will of God.

To seek and find the Lord’s personal mandate,
is to know The Father’s Will for you.

Psalms 119:27 Make me understand the way of Thy precepts:
so shall I talk of Thy wondrous works.

Every saint has a unique voice in the kingdom of heaven,
that is accessed by the Lord’s precepts.

Romans 12:3 For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you,
not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly,
as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.

The Lord’s Mandates, established in the Spirit of Christ, keeps us in the Light of Life.

Colossians 3:
1 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above,
where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.
2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.
3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

Other references to having a personal mandate in Psalm 119

4 You have commanded me to keep Your precepts diligently.

15 I will meditate on Your precepts, and contemplate Your ways.

Under our personal mandate, we choose our companions wisely.

63 I am a companion of all who fear You, and of those who keep Your precepts.

Notice how the world’s hostility is magnified against someone who seeks,
finds, and walks in the personal mandate given by the Lord’s precepts.

69 The proud have forged a lie against me,
but I will keep Your precepts with my whole heart.

78 Let the proud be ashamed,
for they treated me wrongfully with falsehood;
but I will meditate on Your precepts.

87 They almost made an end of me on earth,
but I did not forsake Your precepts.

110 The wicked have laid a snare for me,
yet I have not strayed from Your precepts.

134 Redeem me from the oppression of man,
that I may keep Your precepts.

141 I am small and despised,
yet I do not forget Your precepts.

We walk in the Light of Life when we follow our personal mandates.

40 Behold, I long for Your precepts; revive me in Your righteousness.

93 I will never forget Your precepts, for by them You have given me life.

159 Consider how I love Your precepts; revive me,
O Lord, according to Your lovingkindness.

We cannot read about precepts in the scriptures,
we must seek and find that good, and perfect and
acceptable Will of God for us personally.

94 I am Yours, save me; for I have sought Your precepts.

When we are born again from above, we receive the Spirit of Wisdom

100 I understand more than the elders, because I keep Your precepts.

We overcome false teaching by following our personal mandate.

104 Through Your precepts I get understanding;
therefore I hate every false way.

128 Therefore all your precepts, all I consider right;
and I hate every false way.

The Lord is an ever present help to those who seek His precepts.

168 I keep Your precepts and Your testimonies,
for all my ways are before You.

173 Let Your hand become my help, for I have chosen Your precepts.

A key explanation of why happiness is so elusive is in the answer to this question: Why are some homes more a ‘home’ than others? This is no surprise, since the wise tell us that home is where our heart is at rest. Indeed, where else would our heart be at rest?

Life experience brings to light what to the young might not be so clear. Real rest is elusive. Ironically, or rather paradoxically, rest must be cultivated with much effort. The natural starting point is in the home. And marriage most makes a home be a home; and this especially where spouses forge a friendship with one another. We might say a home begins in marriage; a happy home begins in a happy marriage; and a happy marriage is where spouses are deep friends.

This is a matter of good philosophy and logic. In an assertion with far-reaching implications, Aristotle wrote:

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Peace reigns inside Dar Mariam, the residence of the Salesian Sisters in Sudan, despite the fact that it has been surrounded by heavy gunfire and bombed multiple times as war rages on in the northeastern African country.

At the community, located in Shajara, about four and a half miles from Sudan’s capital, Khartoum, people displaced by the war, which has been raging there for two years now, say their relationship with God has grown.

According to Father Jacob Thelekkadan, a Catholic priest of Indian descent who served in Sudan for years before the war broke out and now can’t leave, residents of Dar Mariam have had a number of life-threatening experiences — a situation that Thelekkadan, a member of the Salesians of Don Bosco, describes as “the experience of the nearness of God” from the time the community was first bombed on Nov. 3, 2023.

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An adult who helps an underage girl get a surgical or chemical abortion in Tennessee will be liable to criminal prosecution and a civil lawsuit for wrongful death starting July 1 if a new law enacted this week takes effect.

The new Class C felony, called “abortion trafficking of a minor,” applies to an adult who “recruits, harbors, or transports” a pregnant girl 17 or younger within the state for the purpose of procuring an abortion. It does not apply to the parents or legal guardian of the underage girl.

A Class C felony in Tennessee carries a prison sentence of between three and 15 years and may carry a fine of up to $10,000.

Abortion is already illegal in Tennessee except to preserve the life of the mother or “prevent serious risk of substantial and irreversible impairment of a major bodily function of the pregnant woman,” according to a statute enacted in April 2023. Tennessee is one of 14 states that have enacted a near-total ban on abortion since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June 2022 and returned abortion law to legislatures and state referendums.

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Church officials strongly condemned a recent attack on Christians in Sargodha, Pakistan, and expressed disappointment over the level of intolerance in Pakistani society.

On May 25, a violent mob attacked the homes of two Christian families in Mujahid Colony, Sargodha City, about 150 miles south of Islamabad, in Punjab province of Pakistan. The mob burned and vandalized the Christian houses and their shoe factory after Nazir Masih, a Catholic, was accused of blasphemy for allegedly desecrating pages of the Holy Quran.

Masih, 76, spent a couple of years in Saudia Arabia. After his return, he set up a shoe factory and had a successful business.

Tahir Naveed Chaudhry Advocate, a Catholic political leader from Sargodha, told CNA that around 6 a.m. on Saturday morning Ayub Gondal, one of Masih’s Muslim neighbors, accused Masih of committing blasphemy by allegedly desecrating the Quranic pages and throwing them on the road in front of the factory.

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Peace to all,

3. The only solution is that God is going to raise Abraham in the future and is calling those things that are not - as though they were

Thanks Toni, and your wording helps the world say it "Better." The words you have selected help in the union of the Faith in the world today. The universal truth is what unites all as one in being with God through the spirit in the soul of all beings.

To me, the universal spirit truth makes life on earth more abundant and keeps Heaven immortal.

I like the wording and have corrected it, thank you so much.

To me the storms and the seas are used to see the beginning, where Adam and Eve created love through the Power of "Spirit" will of the Father, God. Calming the storms and the seas is the fulfillment of Love by the Christ, glorifing mortal and failed flesh and transfiguring the Body by the power ot the eternal spirit that manifests immortality becoming united in Body of God.

Thanks for reading, I have always tried to explain the Transformation in logic in respect to the logic of the change in the Body from Mortal corrupt to immortality, incorruption and glorification as transfigured eternally divine.

We know Jesus soul was of the Divine and he was born of the Virgin Mary, for incorruption of the soul of the being into the Body of Christ. The Baptism of John allows the passing away of the old Body to receive the New Body of incorruptible and immortal and glorified and transfigured Body into the image of God. I am trying to provide to logic that co insides with the Word of the Faith of Christ, the redeemer.

The logic is we are born into corruption and sin and become immortal and incorruptible through the Body of Christ from Mary, the mother of Jesus, and we become glorified and transfigured into the image of the Father, God, all through the power of the Divine Spirit in the Soul of the Being in the Divine Body.

Some refer to the divine spirit as the Holy Ghost. All Abrahamic religions, Jews, Muslims and Christians believe in the common denominator as the spirit and in religions all over the world in belief as a supreme being. The spirit will what allows through the Power of the Spirit the transfiguration into the divine for the Body. In Christianity, the "Divine Spirit Will" is the incorruptible immortal will of the Father that will never fail in glorification of the Body. In the Divine Being in the Body, the Divine Body will be manifested by the Will of the Father through the Body to remain infallible as eternal perfection in union together with the Father and the Son glorified as one in being through the Power of the "Holy Spirit" will of God.

To me, the logic is that we are brothers and sisters of Dismas, and Christ, in the eternal Body of God, when from the cross He spoke to US by name before we were even born when from the cross He said "Disciple, Ecce Mater tua, Behold your Mother." Jesus 33AD

From Hebrews, 13 For if the blood of goats and bulls and the sprinkling of a heifer’s ashes can sanctify those who are defiled so that their flesh is cleansed, 14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from dead works to worship the living God.

For this reason he is mediator of a new covenant:
since a death has taken place for deliverance
from transgressions under the first covenant,
those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance.

This, to me is how mankind, The Body will save the angels by reopening the new heaven and earth for the Body of Christ, the Arc of the New Covenant, all mankind, saints and angels awaiting in the Bosom of Abraham. The New Covenant saves and redeems and glorifies and transfigures all the old covenant saved by the Old Covenant laws and all from the Bosom of Abraham when He said, from the cross and with Dismas, the repentant sinner from the cross, "Today, you will be with me in Paradise."

Thanks
Stephen

Matthew 11:

2 When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples 3 to ask him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”

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There are two comings: one at John's time and another one in the future. Both are accomplished by Jesus. Even John the Baptizer experienced a moment of confusion. He was imprisoned. He didn't know how much more time he had. So he sent his disciples to ask Jesus for a clarification.

4 Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: 5 The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy b are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. 6 Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”

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Jesus did not answer John's question directly. However, he reassured him that he was the one. Any more details would not help John's situation anyhow, as John was soon to be executed.

Texas education leaders unveil Bible-infused elementary school curriculum​

The proposed curriculum overhaul was released a week after the Texas GOP proposed requiring the Bible to be taught in public schools. School districts that opt to use them will get more funding.

The Texas Education Agency released the thousands of pages of educational materials this week. They have been made available for public viewing and feedbackand, if approved by the State Board of Education in November, will be available for public schools to roll out in August of 2025. Districts will have the option of whether to use the materials, but will be incentivized to do so with up to $60 per student in additional funding.

Mark Chancey, a Southern Methodist University religious studies professor who focuses on movements to put the Bible in public schools, said there is “nothing inherently inappropriate” with teaching the Bible or other religious texts, so long as it’s done neutrally. But he’s concerned by some of the proposed curriculum, including lessons that he said seem to treat biblical stories as “straightforward historical accounts.”

About 300 people, most of whom are educators, are reviewing all of the instructional materials and will present their feedback to the State Board of Education. TEA did not provide a list of the reviewers but said they were selected by the SBOE.

Members of the public can also weigh in and offer feedback on the materials until August 16 and from there, the materials will go before the state board in November for final approval. If approved, the materials will immediately be available for download.

Jesus prepared fish and bread for the disciples in John 21:

15 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?”

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Do you love me more than these fish that you have just eaten?

Simon Peter did not think that Jesus was talking about the fish. That would have been an insulting question to Peter.

Do you love me more than these other disciples who love me?

He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.”

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Peter did not answer, "No, they love you more than I do" because Peter loved Jesus a lot. At the same time, he could not affirm that he loved Jesus more than the others because he denied him three times earlier.

See also Simon, son of John, do you agape-LOVE me

eleos1954 said:

In 1 John 2:1 John recognizes that no Christian measures up to the ideal of not sinning; therefore, the need for an Advocate. However, as 1 John 3:9 is translated in the KJV it appears John is saying the proof we are genuine Christians is that we don’t sin anymore! To gain a proper in its context 1 John 3:4-9, which reads, “4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. 5 And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. 6 Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. 7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. 8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. 9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.” (KJV)

In 1 John 3:4 John says sin manifests itself in lawless rebellion and willful defiance of God, His character being expressed in the Law. In 1 John 3:5 John proclaims that Christ, who had no sin, came to earth for the purpose of taking away our sins. In 1 John 3:6 John informs us as Christians we need to abide (no one who lives in Him) so we will not keep on doing sin.

In the Greek word translated “abide” is a present active participle, meaning to continually remain or abide in Him. The word translated “sin” in the Greek is present indicative active, indicating continual action. In other words, John says in 1 John 3:6 if you are not continually abiding in Christ but instead are living in continual sin, you don’t know Him!

In 1 John 3:7 John says those that continually “doeth” righteousness (“do” Gk poieō) – present active participle, indicating habitual action) prove they are righteous. In 1 John 3:8 he writes that those who continually commit sin are of the devil. Again, the Greek word translated “committeth” is a present active participle, indicating habitual action.

Then in 1 John 3:9 John writes that whosoever is born of God does not continually commit sin, doesn’t live a habitual lifestyle of sin. Once again, the word translated “commit” is a present active participle, meaning one born again doesn’t live a lifestyle of sin. The reason the Christian doesn’t live a lifestyle of sin, is God’s seed, His divine life, remains in the believer (1 John 3:9).

Christ indwells the believer who instills within the Christian the desire to flee from sin and enables the Christian to live a victorious life whereby sin is not the habit or way of one’s life.

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# 1 hen looking up the Greek word ABIDETH it is a PARICIPLE IT says it is a verbal adjective , ENDING in in ING

# 2 That means it should be ABIDING instead of ABIDETH .

# 3 What do you mean , in 1 John 3: 9 means " BORN OF GOD " does not continually SIN ?

# 4 Do you a verse HOW we are BORN AGAIN , TODAY ??

# 5 Your thoughts on Eph 2:8 and Rom 10:9 and 10 ?

dan p