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Family pastor fired after arrest for leaving child in car to get drunk at bar

Trey Gibson, the fun-loving associate pastor of families at First Baptist Church of Dothan, Alabama, has been fired following his arrest for leaving one of his preschool-aged children alone in a vehicle while he drank and dined for hours in a bar and restaurant.

Eyewitnesses told Dothan Police that Gibson, a married father of two, left his child, who is younger than 5, in his SUV while he drank at a bar last Saturday into early Sunday, according to News 4. After leaving the bar, Gibson drove across the parking lot to a 24-hour restaurant and left the child alone again.

Lt. Scott Owens of the Dothan Police Department told USA TODAY that a concerned patron told police that a child was left unattended in a vehicle.

Continued below.

Godliness verses Morality

Morality is what we do between one another, but godliness is what we do between God and ourselves. Morality can be a possible indication of one being a Christian, but godliness confirms it. One can be morally-centered but not be godly; and one who is godly will be morally-cantered.

It’s one of the most significant blessings that God, receiving the believer, does not require works or morality to be saved; but in time morality and works will become prominent to the believer. Nobody knows and does the Word at the outset of salvation, but must be patient with God while He “conforms” us (Rom 8:29; 2Co 3:18; Phl 2:13).

I would imagine that there will always be those who conceive that doing good is received of God, but Scripture says “to them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled” (Tit 1:15). Thus nothing, concerning an unbeliever, can possibly be good, as far as God is concerned.

Of course we’re already aware that the Lord Jesus had foreknowledge that the majority of mankind will not choose His “Way” (Matt 7:13, 14; Act 19:9 – NKJV); but He chose to create everything for those He knew would follow Him.

(Time is almost running out) Pray that the foreign Indian nurse named Nimisha Priya who worked in the nation of Yemen is miraculously given a lighter

(Time is almost running out) Pray that the foreign Indian nurse named Nimisha Priya who worked in the nation of Yemen is miraculously given a lighter sentence other than death by execution:

A couple questions about the Septuagint

I've been reading the Septuagint and have a couple questions. :)
Is the Brenton's Septuagint a good translation or is there a better one?
Are there commentaries based on the Septuagint? Most of the commentaries I've come across are based on the Masoretic, but I've noticed there are some differences in the texts.
I've noticed a couple verses in Brenton's Septuagint that are not in my KJV - is there a reference available as to where, what texts, the additional verses originated?
Any help would be appreciated! Thank you!

Two-thirds of Americans think Trump is covering up Epstein evidence

Most Americans think the Trump administration is covering up evidence in the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein’s federal case, according to a new poll.

A poll conducted by The Economist and YouGov from July 11 to 14 found 67 percent of Americans believe the government is hiding evidence related to the late financier, who died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal charges related to the sexual abuse of dozens of minor girls. He had pleaded guilty in 2008 to Florida charges of soliciting and procuring a minor for prostitution.

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Katherine

I have a friend who recent had a baby. Her baby’s first name isn’t a Catholic name but her middle name is Katherine, spelled like that. I know there’s a St. Katharine Drexel, who I think spells it differently than Katherine. And there are other saints with the name spelled with a C instead of a K. Is Katherine spelled this way still a Catholic name? And do we still have to have a Catholic name to be baptized?

Striking trade deal with US was an ‘extraordinary struggle,’ Indonesia says

“This is an extraordinary struggle by our negotiating team led by the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs,” Hasan Nasbi, the Indonesian president’s spokesperson, told Reuters.
Prabowo is expected to reveal more detail later on Wednesday. In a post on Instagram, the Indonesian president wrote the two sides “agreed and concluded to take trade relations between Indonesia and the United States into a new era of mutual benefit between our two great nations.”

This is the way it should be. Far too many U.S. bureaucrats make deals just to say they made a deal rather than negotiate trade or anything else based upon the best interests of the American people.

Denaturalize And Deport Zohran Mamdani For Immigration Fraud

Prior to taking this oath, Mamdani completed Form N-400. Because of what we know about his political ideology, he lied in answering question 5b within part nine of the form — a question that asks the applicant if they have ever advocated for communism, among other inquiries.

There is enough evidence to hold a hearing on the matter.

Trump severs funding for ‘disastrously overpriced’ California high-speed rail project

Trump terminated the project’s funding because it has cost taxpayers “hundreds of billions” and is “disastrously overpriced.”

California has wasted so much money that could be put to use to actually help people.

I Need Help

I need some help or advice, I initially made this post on reddit a little bit ago when I was in a worse place, but I'm a bit better now so there is no need to worry about me.

I just don't know what to do any more. I'm 40 years old, gay, Christian, diagnosed with autism, and my depression has been getting worse and worse. I have been taking care of my mom since she had her hip and knee replaced, and still needs another hip replacement. She is a fall risk, and has now has had more memory problems as of late. I have no friends, no relationships, all I have is her, and I refuse to tell her how I'm feeling. My mom worked 3-4 jobs to take care of me and my siblings and did a good job. Out of my 40 years on this earth, I have had 2 friendships, each lasting only about year. I have had 1 relationship when I converted to atheism, but he just wanted my money, and didn't care for me at all. I had always been somewhat suicidal since I was in my late teens, but I made a promise to myself that I wouldn't do that to my mom. But the older I get, the harder it's becoming.

It's gotten progressively worse since hitting 40. I see guys with their wives and kids and I desperately want that. I want a family so much but I'll never have one. I have prayed and prayed begging for God to take the gay away and take the autism away so I can be normal, so I'm not alone; but it never happens. It's not like it matters though, even if a gay relationship wasn't considered a sin, if I can't even form friendships then an actual relationship is a stretch. And even if I decided I just wanted to adopt a child, nobody is going to give a child to a 40 year old single gay autistic guy with no support system or friends. I would mess that kid up worse than I am.

And it's not like I don't try to make friends. I have held a job pretty much non-stop since I was 16. I have gone to quite a few churches, I have gone to 3 different colleges for 3 different degrees. I tried to socialize with coworkers and other students, none of them ever evolved into a friendship. It's obvious the problem lies with me, but nobody ever yells me what I'm doing wrong, why they dislike me. When I had my friend around 19 years old, I had a job and other than bills most of my money went to doing stuff with him (hanging out, movie tickets, games, food, etc.). I was plenty generous and tried to be nice.

I became a Christian when I was about 18 and went to a church every Sunday and youth group every Wednesday night. Nobody really talked to me during Sunday service, and it took almost a year to make a friend in the youth group. And that wasn't until one night after another youth group of having nobody to talk to, I talked to the youth pastor, I literally went to him crying after everyone had left asking how to make friends. I still remember his answer "Just talk to people, you'll make friends easy." And I've been told that by many people, but it never held true for me. The next Sunday morning, two of the more popular kids who were twin brothers in youth group came up and started talking to me and asking if I wanted to play basketball. We talked for a bit and played basketball and they left after church, and to hang out with them some more and try to make friends I did some stuff that would be considered creepy looking back.

During that year I still went to youth group, tried to make other friends, but it never happened. And even with the 2 brothers, if I wanted to do anything with them I almost had to invite myself as I was never invited. When they left and moved away, I left that church and shortly after I became an atheist. I hated God for what he made me and I was angry. I still didn't manage to make any friends at work or outside work. Last year I don't know why but God or something brough me back to Christianity, and I was hopeful this time would be different. But sadly its no different and no better. Every time I see a kid with their father in a tv show, YouTube, or movie now, I can't stop but tear up.

I tried every local church I had that looked decent. I went a couple of days to weeks in each one. And never had more than a few words, and that was with the deacons greeting people. So right now I am struggling with that as well. People say God can be your friend, Jesus can be your friend, but I just feel like I'm talking to myself. I never get any type of reply, sign, feeling, nothing. It just feels like any other one-sided conversation I am having in my head.

I just don't know what is wrong with me and why God won't help me. I've heard of God having people live in celebacy, but they weren't alone, they had friends. Am I just supposed to live whatever left of my life completely alone?

Theologians refute misconceptions about 1,700-year-old Nicene Creed

Theologians have refuted misconceptions about the Nicene Creed and the council in 325 that created it, as many churches celebrate the 1,700th anniversary of the influential document.

In a recent episode of the Dallas Theological Seminary's “The Table"podcast, Malcolm B. Yarnell III, research professor of systematic theology at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, and Michael J. Svigel, DTS professor of historical and systematic theology, discussed the Nicene Creed's origins and impact on modern society.

Yarnell explained that while it was “the most universally accepted creed” in Christianity, “it has been challenged at various points through Christian history.”

Continued below.

'We will not bow in fear': California pastor defiant after ICE arrest at her church

A California pastor remains defiant weeks after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents went onto her church's parking lot to arrest an individual.

The Rev. Tanya Lopez, senior minister at Downey Memorial Church in Downey, a Disciples of Christ congregation, penned a column in USA Today on Tuesday detailing a recent incident with ICE agents on her church's property.

Last month, armed ICE agents wearing masks came onto the property to apprehend a man who had happened to walk onto the church grounds, Lopez stated.

Continued below.

Exclusive: Trump team withholds $140 million budgeted for to help state/local entities fight fentanyl overdoses

Exclusive: Trump team withholds $140 million budgeted for fentanyl fight

The Trump administration has delayed and may cancel roughly $140 million in grants to fund fentanyl overdose response efforts, according to four staff members with close knowledge of the process at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"These are lives at stake," said one CDC staffer, who has a role administering the addiction grant program, known as the Overdose Data To Action program, often referred to as OD2A. "The announcement [of delays] alone could trigger layoffs and program shutdowns. It could really start a chain reaction that's hard to come back from," the CDC staffer said.

The money currently being withheld accounts for roughly half of the funds allocated by Congress for the OD2A program, which supports fentanyl response efforts in 49 states, the District of Columbia, as well as dozens of city, county and territorial public health departments.

Without the promise of new funding, many public health departments grappling with the deadly opioid-fentanyl crisis say they've already paused new spending.

[E.g. an official] statement said Vermont officials have been warned by the CDC that OD2A funds will be delayed and may be cut. Vermont has paused spending "until we have more clarity about the future of this funding."

The interruption of OD2A funding also follows passage earlier this month of President Trump's spending plan that includes deep cuts to Medicaid, the government insurance program that funds most alcohol and drug addiction treatment in the U.S.

Trump requests 93% cut to Appalachian Regional Commission.

Presumably when the coal mines come back, these people won't need to rely on taxpayer handouts.

Trump requests 93% cut to Appalachian Regional Commission.

The proposal is included in a discretionary budget, a year-to-year funding proposal that is different than the mandatory funding included in the recently passed Trump-Republican megabill.

Residents of the Appalachian region spoke out against the funding cuts, saying the commission is part of the momentum that is bringing growth to the region, from skilled trades and leadership development to technical support and grants for local programs.

“Funding for infrastructure, broadband and informational services is key to our success.”

Broadband? Information? This is some woke HRC stuff where we turn coal miners into coders, isn't it? Back to the mines!

America Doesnt Want More Children

America Doesnt Want More Children.

Thats the impression I get. If you have children, will they get a good education with small class sizes, access to health care, a reliable housing situation? Maybe, maybe not, unless youre rich. Its a lot of maybe and doesnt sound like the right environment for having kids. Apparently a lot of people agree.

"First Amendment Auditors" online trend causing increasing escalations...




There other other such recent stories, and several viral clips circulating around showing the M.O. of these self-proclaimed "auditors"

While stating that they have the goal of holding public officials accountable... what they actually do is harass regular citizens (in hopes they'll call the cops so that they'll have a police interaction to film). If they're not getting enough of a reaction from a person, they'll hold the camera about 2 inches from the person's face while yelling "I'm allowed to film in public places" at them to goad them into pushing their camera away, at which point they'll reach for the pepper spray and claim it's "self defense"

I can't link the video due to bad language, but this still gives a rough idea

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The guy was putting his camera right in the face of the store owner (who asked him "please move back so you're not blocking the door to my store") and after asking 3 times for him to not shove the camera in his face, the guy pushed the camera, and the "auditor" already had the pepper spray out and ready to go.
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How do we set aside the grace of God?

Galatians 2:21 I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain." NKJV

What does Paul mean by “set aside the grace of God?” It definitely has something to do with the law. Paul stated “If righteousness came through the law Christ died in vain.”


1 Corinthians 6:12 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. 13 Foods for the stomach and the stomach for foods, but God will destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. 14 And God both raised up the Lord and will also raise us up by His power. NKJV


As Paul states in the above everything is legal for those who are in Christ. Romans 7 God considers everyone in Jesus to have died with Him. Being dead means that we are not under the law as dead people cannot sin. Therefore, God will not impute sin to those in Jesus. We have liberty to sin.


Galatians 5:13 For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." NKJV


Paul warns us about using our liberty as an opportunity to please our flesh. Then he cites that all the law is fulfilled by the OT law of “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Does this mean that we have to “Love our neighbor as our self” to be saved by Jesus? No!


Romans 3:21 But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, 22 even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. NKJV

Our righteousness is apart from the law. That means that our righteousness has nothing to do with our doing any OT law.


Romans 4:5 But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness, 6 just as David also describes the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness apart from works: NKJV


God imputes righteousness apart from doing any works. The above scripture is a 2-edged sword. For those who do not work their faith is accounted for righteousness. It also means that if one is doing a work to be righteous, they do not believe in Jesus. If anyone believes in Jesus, then that belief in Jesus is their righteousness. How could they believe Jesus makes them righteous, if they are working to be righteous?

Romans 10:4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. NKJV


Again, the above scripture is a two-edged sword. If anyone believes in Jesus, He is the end of the law for righteousness. That means if you believe in Jesus you do not get any righteousness by doing works of the law.


It also means if anyone is doing works to be righteous, they do not believe that Jesus makes them righteous. If Jesus made them righteous then why do they need to work to be righteous?


That is what Paul means by setting aside grace. If anyone does any work to be righteous, they are setting aside the grace of God. God gives us grace so we do not need to work for righteousness.

Galatians 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. 2 Indeed I, Paul, say to you that if you become circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing. 3 And I testify again to every man who becomes circumcised that he is a debtor to keep the whole law. 4 You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace. 5 For we through the Spirit eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love. NKJV

Some Galatians had been convinced they had to trust in circumcision. Circumcision has noting to do with righteousness.(It was a requirement for those in the first covenant) If they got circumcised, believing they needed to for salvation, they would set aside the grace of God. If anyone sets grace aside the only way left to be righteous is by doing the law. We know no one will be made righteous by the law because no one except Jesus could do the law without committing sin.

Then why did Paul tell us to “love our neighbor as our self” to be righteous?

Paul has just gone through several chapters explaining how faith in Jesus is so much better than being under the law, he is not going to now tell the Galatians to do the law, the law is one entire unit not separate parts. He is telling them not to use the liberty in Jesus to satisfy their lusts. We do not lose salvation if we die under discipline, which if we use our liberty to satisfy our lusts we will die under discipline.


Galatians 2:20(a) I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; (b) and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. 21 I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain." NKJV


The answer to why Paul told us, to love our neighbor as ourselves, is in the above scriptures. Verse 20 b the life that Paul lived in the flesh he lived by faith in Jesus. That is the way all the sons of God live.

Romans 8:12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors — not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. NKJV

By accepting discipline, we prove that we are sons of God. Verse 12 we should not live to satisfy the flesh. If we live to the flesh we will die physically. Any of the elect (remember David and Bathsheba) could fall into temptation and quit walking in the Spirit. If this happens Jesus will start discipline, ending in our physical death , if we do not repent. This is what Paul meant by the life he now lives he lives by faith in Jesus. Paul had faith that if he continued to obey Jesus' commands that he would accomplish everything God had planned for him to do. Romans 13:8 We are under the law of love. If we fulfill the law of love we will continue to live physically. If we stop fulfilling the law of love we will die and go to heaven under discipline. 1Corinthians 11:32 God disciplines us so we will not be judged by the world.
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Robert F. Kennedy Jr. fires his chief of staff and deputy chief for policy at Department of Health and Human Services

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has fired two top deputies at the Department of Health and Human Services, ABC News has learned.

Heather Flick Melanson, Kennedy's chief of staff, and Hannah Anderson, deputy chief of staff of policy, are departing, according to a department spokesperson and another person familiar with the decisions.

No reason was given for the ousters. The person familiar with the situation told ABC that Kennedy "has every right to make personnel decisions."


He made the decision to hire them. And made the decision to approve an ethics waiver for Melanson. According to that document, Trump installed Melanson to keep an eye on RFK Jr.

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