• Starting today August 7th, 2024, in order to post in the Married Couples, Courting Couples, or Singles forums, you will not be allowed to post if you have your Marital status designated as private. Announcements will be made in the respective forums as well but please note that if yours is currently listed as Private, you will need to submit a ticket in the Support Area to have yours changed.

  • 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.

The Receptive Pulpit of Tongues

Should a Church mirror the frequency the Apostle Paul and others exhibited in the book of Acts?
Tongues, should first of all NOT be pulled from the other gifts which this thread does in part, So,
''Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
“Be imitators of me, as I also am of Christ, , Thus I fight, in such a way, as to avoid hitting air, ,I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” – Paul, the second to “none” Apostle

1 Cor. 11:1, 9:26, Phl 3:14

Either “The stars are setting” from the Father of lights, or inadvertently, “the caravan starts for the dawn of nothing” (“air”).

The painfully simple point here is: The spiritual exploration we are told to embark upon "earnestly" does IMO, continue to take the biggest hit within the whole sphere of the Apostle's press for excellence.​
Upvote 0

Relative of Trump Press Secretary taken by ICE

I dont think its unfortunate at all. Things have changed. People are realizing what its doing to America and the problems it is causing.

Indeed, times have changed. Many Cubans who left Cuba seeking a better life and future also brought their own Cuban culture with them; some continued to practice anti-non-Cuban sentiment and held views against Hispanics and Latinos that they had while in Cuba. While they immigrated to America illegally and brought their own culture, yet now demonize others for doing the same.
Upvote 0

Why Do You Believe Jesus Is King?

As we recently celebrated the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the King of the Universe, we ought to ask ourselves why we believe that Christ is truly our king. Then we must ask ourselves if we really believe it. If we do not examine these reasons and our belief in them, we will soon become disappointed in Him because we will be expecting from Him things that He does not intend to do in our lives.

Illegal immigrant working as sworn police officer arrested in Illinois: DHS


Apparently he got his job back. How did that happen? One reader commented, "A new bill allowing eligible non-U.S. citizens in Illinois to become police officers was signed into law by Governor J. B. Pritzker, who is sending the message: Allow our country to descend further into a Leftist dystopia."

Maybe that explains it. Nothing surprises me anymore.
Upvote 0

It seemed so easy for the thief on the cross to be saved.

That's right, in the same way we need to admit our backwards ways and admit God's will is better than ours and we should seek to serve Him rather that ourselves and the adversarial world we have built.atc

It seems that says what I said, speaking about repentance, it includes desire to do things differently with God's way in that.

Honesty comes from God
It might, and more than apart from God, but repentance is needed in faith to come to God as possible through Jesus.
Upvote 0

How old was Mary when she gave birth to Christ?

The Catholic position varies between "traditional" and "modern" views, with the modern view estimating her betrothal when she was about 16, with Joseph still a relatively young man with some years left to support his wife and children (if he had any).

The ages of Joseph and Mary when Jesus was born are not specified in the Bible, and Catholic estimates vary between traditional views and modern scholarly interpretation.

This is an AI response -

Mary's Age

Catholic tradition and historical scholarship offer a range of possibilities for Mary's age, with most estimates placing her as a teenager:
  • Traditional View: The non-canonical 2nd-century text, the Protoevangelium of James, which influenced early Christian thought, suggests Mary was around 12 years old when she was betrothed to Joseph and about 14 to 16 years old when Jesus was born.
  • Scholarly Estimates: Most modern historians and biblical scholars estimate Mary was likely between 15 and 16 years old at Jesus' birth, which was a common age for Jewish girls in the first century to be married.
Joseph's Age

Estimates for Joseph's age show a much wider range, with differing traditions:
  • Traditional View (Older Joseph): To support the doctrine of Mary's perpetual virginity, an ancient tradition, also found in the Protoevangelium of James, depicts Joseph as a much older man, an elderly widower, possibly in his 80s or 90s, who had children from a previous marriage. This view explains the mention of Jesus' "brothers and sisters" in the Gospels as Joseph's step-children. This is a common depiction in traditional Christian art.
  • Modern Scholarly View (Younger Joseph): Many modern biblical scholars and some Catholic theologians argue it is more likely Joseph was a young man, probably in his late teens or early 20s. The view is supported by the fact that he was a carpenter (a physically demanding trade), was able to travel long distances with his new family, and presumably died before Jesus began his public ministry, all of which would have been difficult for a man in his 80s or 90s.
Ultimately, the Catholic Church has no official dogma on their precise ages; what matters theologically is their obedience to God's will and their role as the earthly parents of Jesus.

We don't know either Mary's or Joseph's age, and any estimate is an educated guess at best.
  • Like
Reactions: David Lamb
Upvote 0

Why we are not supposed to keep the Sabbath

But you see the words "and added nothing else" and create this wild doctrine from it. It's not about adding to the 10 (which SDA adds an 11th commandment for dietary laws) but rather understand the 10 are a part of a greater covenant.
Actually, SDAs and many other churches have another modified commandment, tithing. The New Covenant does not command that those who raise crops and animals tithe. No other Israelite was commanded to pay a tithe except the Levites. SDAs levy a tenth of income from all the members, thus not even following the old covenant guidelines.

We are to give as the Lord has blessed us, out of Love.
Upvote 0

The Final Experiment (Flat Earth Bites The Dust)

Well there is this:
Primary sources contain no such statements. Byrd’s expedition logs, radio transmissions, and official reports from his 1926 flight over the Arctic and his later Antarctic expeditions contain no references to hollow Earth entrances, polar openings, hidden civilizations, or unexpected warm areas.


The infamous “secret diary” is not authentic. A text often cited as Byrd’s suppressed personal account, describing flying into an inner world or meeting non-human beings, surfaced decades after his death and is demonstrably not in Byrd’s hand, tone, or known writing style. There is no archival trail for its origin.


Misinterpretation of a 1947 remark. Byrd made public comments in the late 1940s about the strategic significance of the polar regions, describing them as potential avenues for military attack or rapid travel. A key phrase—often quoted as him saying there was “a land beyond the Pole”—referred to the geographical and geopolitical importance of the Arctic basin, not a literal landmass.


Operational records show the expected Arctic environment. Meteorological notes, flight logs, and scientific observations from Byrd and his contemporaries match what is now well-established about the polar climate and geography. No anomalous warm regions, hidden valleys, or unexplored continents appear in the data.


No corroboration from other explorers. Amundsen, Nobile, Ellsworth, MacMillan, and later Arctic researchers crossed the same regions by air and ice, producing detailed maps and measurements that leave no room for the extraordinary features attributed to Byrd’s accounts.


Fringe interpretations arise from later authors. Most extraordinary claims first appear in 1950s–1980s hollow-Earth or esoteric literature that used Byrd as an authority figure but provided no primary documentation.

Summary by ChatGpt. I shall expand on any of these to which you offer an evidenced refutation.

I believe their extraordinary story.
Richard Byrd was an American polar explorer known for his arctic and Antarctic expeditions, which gained him fame and recognition. His most notable Arctic event was a 1926 flight over the North Pole with pilot Floyd Bennett

Things Hidden Under The North Pole!​


Login to view embedded media
Upvote 0

The Saving results of the Death of Christ !

Christs death is a saving death because its a gathering death Jn 11:50-52

50 Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.

51 And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation;

52 And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad. 9
Upvote 0

If You Think Fuentes Is Racist...

...wait till you meet Mr. Zanu. He's brilliant. He's like a reverse visionary when talking about the past. So far, in every conversation I've heard, people who disagree with him end up agreeing with him in under an hour. He's like a steamroller made out of information and insights.

My whole adult life I've heard people on TV saying "we need to have a serious conversation about race in America", but it never happened. It's finally happening.


Login to view embedded media

Lust - You've been misled and it bothers me

I watch Christians (mostly male) torture themselves over lust. I think it is fair to say that most Christians have been misled about what kind of lust that Jesus was talking about. Here it is in a nutshell.

The word almost always translated as “lust” in Matthew 5:28 is the Greek ἐπιθυμέω (epithumeō). In every other place in the New Testament it’s translated as “covet” or “desire” (sometimes even positively), and in the Septuagint (the Greek Old Testament that Jesus and the apostles quoted) it’s the exact word used for “You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife” (Exodus 20:17). So the context is clearly coveting → mentally violating the Seventh Commandment by fantasizing about adultery with a married woman.

Jesus was intensifying the Torah’s command against adultery, not issuing a blanket condemnation of sexual desire or attraction. The early Church Fathers (Augustine especially) later universalized it into “any sexual thought outside of procreative marital sex = mortal sin,” and that sex-negative overlay got baked into Western Christianity (and then influenced some Jewish and Muslim interpretations too). But Jesus didn't say that at all.

So yes: noticing an attractive single woman and feeling turned on? Perfectly normal, healthy, and morally neutral.

Mentally undressing your friend’s wife and cultivating the fantasy? That’s the “adultery in the heart” Jesus was talking about.

Other later church figures widened the topic to saying that all lust is bad. But that's not at all what Jesus said. I feel bad hearing Christian males feeling guilty for no good reason.

Can anyone relate to this?
Your statement is correct and has been presented similarly earlier on this forum as well by others - but not everyone agrees to it. Interpreting Yeshua's statement in Matthew 5:28 should be done in the context of what the definition of adultery was in those days according to Torah and given Yeshua is warning a thought/mind-set is preceding actual physical sin. Indeed an expansion on Exodus 20:17.

Coveting someone else's possessions may lead to actual theft, adultery, murder, etc. I agree to your analysis - it's perfectly logical given the overall message of the Sermon on the mount.

Noticing the beauty of a unmarried woman by a man is not inherently sinful - it's simply nature and what may lead to a marriage proposal. But please guard or avert your eyes in the case of a married woman - as otherwise you're setting yourself up for physical sin later on.
Upvote 0

First Week of Advent

December 3, 2025

Our Morning Offering – 3 December – I Love Thee, God, I Love Thee By St Francis Xavier


One Minute Reflection – 3 December – “Go into the whole world and preach the Gospel to every creature.” – Mark 16:15

Saint Francis Xavier propers & commentary (EF)

Wednesday of the First Week of Advent (EF)

Feria (First Sunday of Advent) propers & commentary (EF)

Memorial of Saint Francis Xavier, Priest readings & commentary (OF)

Memorial of St. Francis Xavier, Priest readings & commentary (OF)

Daily Gospel

ADVENTCAzT 2025 – 04 – Wednesday 1st Week of Advent

Saint Francis Xavier Jesuit Missionary to the Orient

St. Francis Xavier

Saints of the Day

Audio version of Gueranger
Login to view embedded media
Upvote 0

Weekly homilies

Homily Thursday, December 4 2025



Isaiah 26:1-6

“Open the gates!”

Lord, I invite you to open the door of my heart, every day, every moment. Your love heals me.



Matthew 7:21, 24-27

To do God’s will, according to the Prayers of the Faithful, before the exchange of peace, is to receive God’s peace.



Biblical texts: NAB-RE

Normand Thomas.
Upvote 0

Prayer Request: Seeking Peace and Strength in Daily Life

Hello everyone, I would like to ask for prayer.

Lately, I’ve been feeling emotionally overwhelmed because of my father. In my daily life, I often have to be with him, and he frequently brings up heavy topics, complains, or speaks in ways that feel intense and pressing. This leaves me feeling anxious, drained, and afraid of losing my peace. I naturally long for calm, quiet, and a gentle environment, but daily life makes it very hard to find these moments.

I know that in January I will have to travel and spend whole days with him, which adds to my worry. I want to be emotionally strong, but I feel the weight of constant tension and pressure.

I am asking for God’s help to use the next two months to cultivate peace in my heart, so that I can:

Handle daily life with patience, calmness, and joy

Remain gentle, wise, and emotionally resilient when interacting with my father in January

Maintain healthy boundaries without dishonoring him

Keep my spirit connected to God’s presence and inner peace despite challenges

Please pray for God’s peace, strength, and guidance in my daily life, and that I may be prepared emotionally and spiritually for the month of January.

Thank you so much for your prayers. I deeply trust God to guard my heart, restore my calm, and fill my days with His peace.
Many of us are standing with you. Life challenges us, but through Christ we are conquerors!
Upvote 0

B flat B♭

@David Lamb @Strong in Him @prodromos & to who ever it may concern.

Just to let you know I am feeling a lot better now thanks to the Lord, thank you for all your kind concerns, I thought I were dying. You are really terrific people on here.

Many blessing :praying:

Apple
Praise our great God for answered prayer! I'm so glad to read your post. Take it steady! Continuing to pray for you.
  • Friendly
Reactions: Apple Sky
Upvote 0

Eve and the Fallacy of Moral Choices

First off in Mark 4:15 Jesus specifically says: “Some people” and not “all people”.
IF you believe that is the case THEN Matt. 4:4, Luke 4:4 and Deut. 8:3 are all WRONG

or, your reasoning is off

IF all have sin, (we do) and sin is of the devil, (it is) then Mark 4:15 applies to everyone

IF we are tempted in mind/heart, (we are) then Mark 4:15 is true again

I could go on, but if you exempt yourself from Mark 4:15 then you are basically rejecting the Word of God

And of course we know who does that don't we?

The balance of your reply is self justification, which I can't do in light of the above

Oh, and btw I do believe in eternal hell, for the devil and his messengers so that question is off the table
Upvote 0

Minnesota is drowning in fraud.

Who is this? An Islamic group that follows a strict Salafi-jihadi ideology. They are seeking to establish an Islamic emirate in Somalia governed by its extreme interpretation of Sharia law. It is strongly anti-Western, anti-African Union, and opposes the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS), which it considers apostate.

This coming from a State governed by someone who could have been VP.
Reminds me of the story about Haitians eating cats and dogs.
Upvote 0

Filter

Forum statistics

Threads
5,879,113
Messages
65,429,044
Members
276,426
Latest member
Miaomiao