From the video description, sponsored by the Center For Inquiry, Massimo Pigliucci offers his critique of thinking in which a person places too much credence in the efficacy of Science across the board:

The Variety of Scientisms & the Limits of Science | Massimo Pigliucci​

Login to view embedded media

For reference, I live in hot and humid tropical climate and my estimated daily water loss far exceeds my daily water intake(only 2 to 3 glasses of water from all sources). Yet I'm still able to exercise like an athlete without any difficulties and my heart rate and blood pressure is that of athletes. I still sweat but I don't feel hot during workouts. It doesn't make sense at all.

I only drink when thirsty and that is how my hydration went down to only 2-3 glasses over time.

Ten years ago, I started a thread titled 90 Years of Lies. I have continued to refine my report. In it, I argue that secular activists in America deliberately concealed the significant role of Darwinian ideology and science in the Holocaust after World War II. They employed tactics such as promoting an academic silence and popularizing the concept of Social Darwinism as a separate, discredited ideology to shield mainstream science from the negative implications of Nazi atrocities, fearing a resurgence of anti-evolution sentiment similar to that sparked by William Jennings Bryan after World War I due to the connection between Darwinism and German actions in Belgium. Watch the Video

This gives me a bit of hope in our future. The Electoral college was decisive, the average American not quite as decisive.

Trump got 77, 284 118 or about 49.8%
Harris got 74, 999, 166 or about 48.3%

He won by 2, 284, 952 votes

That is 152, 283, 328 between them

But there were 156, 302, 318 total votes

That means others got about 4, 018, 990 or about 1.9%

There are 186.5 million registered voters.
There were 30.2 million registered voters who did not vote.

The order affects around 532,000 Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans who came to the United States under a scheme launched in October 2022 by Trump's predecessor Joe Biden and expanded in January the following year.

There are still many more to go.

I have been thinking about this comparison as I have transformed under Christ. God says He is the potter and we are the clay. As born again Christians we have a new nature and sin cannot live in us anymore. We are constantly being rebuked and handing over to God our sinful desires and own will in an ongoing transformastion that gets us closer and closer to being Christlike.

How does this comapred with the worlds ideologies on morality. Is this more like the old law of Moses. No matter what system or basis that is used it will always be a law or a norm that people must uphold but be forever falling short. Thus sin is never overcome and what may seem moral or good works is in the end a system doomed to fail according to Christs teachings.

For it is not the law that makes us justified but Christ who lives in us which transforms our sinful nature to want to obey God by nature not by good works.

Boys reportedly using tampons for horseplay

Parents in San Diego, California, are reportedly irate as local school districts have installed tampon dispensers in boys' bathrooms at elementary schools to meet the requirements of a recent state law.

Parents from North San Diego County maintained that the tampon dispenser installations, which began during this school year, are a misuse of public funds and will only cause problems, according to The College Fix.

Marci Strange, who serves as chairwoman of the North San Diego County-based Taxpayers Oversight for Parents and Students, told the outlet that she has heard the only practical use the young boys have found for the tampons is to soak them and fling them at the ceiling to see if they will stick. She also speculated that the superfluous tampons are likely causing plumbing issues.

Continued below.

So try to hold him to account, and he will strip any law firm of their clearances ensuring it will be impossible for them to represent their clients.

Bible Portion: "VaYekel" ( and he assembled) and "Pikudei" (accountings of) EXODUS 35:1-40:38

The original commentary for this portion of study is very long. I sent it to our Messianic congregation members, but for the sake of those in the Forum groups, I will shorten it a bit, and concentrate on the basic meanings of this portion of God's inspired Word.

The main point of this study is the construction of the Tabernacle, or in Hebrew, "Mishkan," which comes from three Hebrew letters: "Sh+k+n," which form the verb " to dwell, to live with or among." It isn't that God needs a place to live, He lives everywhere, from the farthest and remote parts of the universe to the deepest part of the oceans. It is "Man" who needs to "meet" with God, so God will meet with mankind in this place called the Mishkan.

God gives Moses the building plans while on Mt. Sinai in Exodus Chapter 25. This was a "God to Moses" conversation and instructions. Now, ten chapters later, it is the "Moses to the People" conversation. "This is what God wants."

The first thing that is mentioned in Exodus 35 is the "Shabbat." Even before the building project starts, God is ordering a day of rest, do nothing, just rest in your tents Israelites, and meditate on the goodness you have received from me! in a manner of speaking. Even when the building starts, they are to rest and stop work every Sabbath, which is every "Saturday." It is the 7th day, and God gives the example back in Genesis. "He rested on the 7th day from all his work"

This works for us too. We can work 6 days a week then rest on the 7th day. Most of us have 5-day work weeks, then on Saturday and Sunday, we rest and either attend Synagogue services or Sunday services. Some believe that the Sabbath day was changed to Sunday. Yet nothing was changed really. In Acts, it mentions that the disciples and other believers got together the "First Day of the week to break bread" (Acts 20:7) this was when Paul met with them and preached until midnight. The "First day of the week, or Sunday" starts when the sun goes down on Saturday afternoon-evening. Bible study, food fellowship, and communion were at this time too. So, Sunday, the first day of the week is also a blessing to get together and study God's Word at congregations.

Now for every building project, there are supervisors and workers appointed by the "Big Boss Man." We might say that Moses was the "Boss Man" and God himself was the "Big Boss Man." In this project, there were two supervisors; B'Tzal'el and "Aholiav" Intereresting names. B'Tzal'El means
"In the Shadow of God" and "Aholi-Av" "In My Father's Tent" or "My tent of the Father" According to the Talmud, B'tzal'El was only 13 years old. So, these guys worked under the "shadow of God" to build "Father's Tent."

He was to build the furniture for the Tabernacle and AholiAv was to teach others how to do the work. They were supernaturally gifted with the understanding and wisdom to do this work. Imagine going to sleep one night and waking up knowing all about electrical engineering and the night before you were just a common day laborer. The Israelites in Egypt were just that, laborers for Pharoah.

God has gifted all believers with the "gifts of the Spirit" To some he has given the gift of teaching, and pastoring, and being a rabbi (a teacher)
Some he has given the gift of administration, finances, music, singing, prayer warriors, and intercessors, some can speak different languages (tongues) in the Greek (Glossa) all for the Body of Messiah.

God told Moses to "collect a free-will offering" from the people. This is important because it had to come from their "hearts." All the materials would come from the people. Where did the Israelites get all the material to build the Mishkan? From the Egyptians of course. Egypt went into bankruptcy. The Egyptians gave them all their gold, silver, copper, bronze, fabric, fine wood, etc...just to get them "out of there" (and take your God with you!)

The people started bringing all that was needed to build the Mishkan. Even "too much" as they were commanded to "stop giving". Can you imagine a pastor telling his congregation to "stop giving, hey, we have too much already" That will never happen. God wants us to be "cheerful givers" with a glad heart, not with a sour face as if you were sucking on a lemon. There are three ways to give, the three "T"s, Time, Talent, and Treasure" Some have a lot of "treasure" (money) but little available time, while others have not so much treasure (like me) yet a lot of time and talent to give. Especially retired folks such as myself. Not enough treasure to keep living in the USA, but enough to live South of the Border.

Now, the furnishings that were built by the construction crews were; The Tabernacle itself, with the boards and the tenting fabric, and then 6 main items, all of which point to and illustrate YESHUA! The Ark of the Covenant, The Incense Altar, the Table of Shewbread, the Menorah, the Bronze Basin, and the Brazen Altar. So, how do these items point to Yeshua or illustrate the person of Yeshua/Jesus?

THE ARK OF THE COVENANT: Made of gold and hardwood. The humanity of Yeshua (wood) and the purity of His sinless person (gold) Inside the Ark of the Covenant were: The Tablets of the Commandments (Yeshua, the Living Torah) Aaron's Rod that budded (The Authority and Leadership of Yeshua
The container of Manna (Yeshua, the Bread of Life) His provision for us all, both physically and spiritually, both physical food and food for the soul.
The two cherubim on top of the covering of the Ark invited the High Priest to minister and come close to YHVH in the Shekinah glory that was between them. Remember, there were two Cherubim at the entrance of the Garden of Eden to keep man from "returning" to the Garden, now, there is an invitation to "come back" into fellowship with God.

THE INCENSE ALTAR: Made of hardwood and gold. (The humanity of God in Yeshua, and his pure sinless self) The incense that went up towards heaven, our prayers, and the intercession of Yeshua on our behalf as our "High Priest" (Cohen HaGadol)

THE ALTAR OF SHEWBREAD: Made of hardwood and gold. (The humanity of God in Yeshua, and his pure sinless self) the 12 loaves of unleavened bread, "Yeshua, The Bread of Life" who sustains us with his Living Word, and our daily bread (rice, beans, etc) The priests would eat the bread on the Sabbath and place more for that week.

THE GOLDEN MENORAH: Made of pure gold, seven branches and on top of each branch, a lamp with oil and wicks. Yeshua is the "Light of the World" and so are we "lights of the world" to reflect the light of Yeshua. We are the wicks and need to be connected to the oil in order to "shine brightly"

THE BRONZE BASIN: Made of bronze (which is a mixture of iron and copper). Bronze symbolizes judgment. It held water which the priests used to wash their hands and feet after performing the animal sacrifices. Yeshua is the "Living Water" He explained this to the Samaritan woman at the well.
We also identify water with the believer's baptism, and continuing fellowship with Messiah Yeshua, as when Yeshua washed the disciple's feet after Passover supper. When we look at still water, we can see our reflection, so, we must "judge ourselves" where we come up short.

THE BRAZEN ALTAR: Made of Hardwood overlaid with bronze. (The Humanity of Yeshua who went through judgment by the Father, to pay the price of sin in our place. This is where all the animal sacrifices were performed, they pointed to "Yeshua, The Lamb of God" who was "roasted in the fires of judgment" on the Cross of Calvary. This was the first place at the entrance of the Tabernacle. We could say that the "Tabernacle" is the community of believers worldwide. The first step is accepting Yeshua's sacrifice for sin, once and forever.

Chapter 38:21 until the end of chapter 40 is all about "accountability" and the "finished product" (putting it all together). The Tabernacle is finished and erected on New Year's Day (Nisan 1) which would be March 30th this year. Like in any building project, the expenses are listed and recorded and the finished product is presented to the public. The tabernacle was put together and the Glory of God filled it.

One day, we will give an account of all that we have done for the glory of God, what we did with our Time Talent, and Treasure. All will be revealed at the Judgment Seat of Messiah (The Bema) and rewards or loss of rewards will be revealed. Are you ready for that time? We only have this one earthly life to live, we don't know when our "clocks will stop ticking." Our rewards for eternity depend on what we do in the HERE and NOW.

Please pray for traveling mercies, as we will be going back to Texas then to Florida for family time and ministry on the 28th of this month, so, I probably won't be back writing until mid May.

Shalom / Shabbat Shalom

Ben Avraham
Kehilah Salem
San Salvador, El Salvador

A new NBC News poll shows that the Democratic Party’s popularity has dropped to a record low. Only 27% of registered voters said they held positive views of the party — the lowest figure in the network’s polling dating to 1990.

Is Joe the right guy to rebuild the party?

How many victims of these criminals let in by Joe Biden have their been?

Israeli strike, agreement, or regime collapse: Scenarios for the Iranian bomb:
The Iranian regime is very close to obtaining a nuclear bomb, but it appears the Trump administration is currently trying to stick to a negotiation strategy. What needs to happen for this to change, what options are available to Israel, and what are the chances of bringing down the regime in Iran?

One of the interesting questions regarding Iran's nuclear program is why Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of Iran, needs this headache. The diplomatic, economic, and even military pressure on him is enormous, as are the prices his country pays for choosing this path. After all, Khamenei is the man who decides everything in Iran, and he is also the one whose published religious ruling prohibits building nuclear weapons. How do we explain this contradiction, the enormous investment despite the religious prohibition and heavy prices, especially at a time when the Iranian currency is recording another all-time low, trading at one million rials to the dollar?

There are several reasons for this: A nuclear bomb, and the national pride it can inspire, could become a unifying factor for the Iranian people at a time when they are falling apart from within, social divisions are widening, and abandonment of religion is increasing. After the blows Tehran has suffered in the past year, success against all odds could help unite parts of the population around a common goal. Presenting the bomb might also justify the difficult economic situation of Iranian citizens in recent years, proving that it was worth enduring the suffering to maintain the country in a position of power. Another reason is related to power struggles within the Iranian leadership, and the internal confrontation between reformist and conservative currents.

The question is whether one of the lessons Iran drew from the current war is that it must develop nuclear weapons at all costs, as a final gamble for the entire pot. As a reminder, nuclear weapons are the means that more than anything ensures the survival of the ayatollahs' regime, and would protect it from further Israeli attacks – especially these days, when it is perhaps more unstable than ever before. If this assumption is correct, it means Iran will do everything to obtain this weapon, and the only way to stop it is through military means before it achieves it.

Trump publicly called on the Iranians to negotiate on the program, asked the Russians to mediate between them – although it's difficult to call the Kremlin a fair mediator – sent a letter to Khamenei through an envoy from the Emirates – a letter that according to reports included a two-month ultimatum to reach a new nuclear agreement. At the same time, the president advanced his plan to increase economic pressure on Iran to the maximum level, to force it to enter discussions about the program.

But Tehran is not willing to back down at this stage. Despite some ambivalence in the position of senior officials in the Islamic Republic, and the clash between different opinions that led, among other things, to the dismissal of former Vice President and Foreign Minister Mohammed Javad Zarif, most responses to Trump's demands have been quite negative. For example, President Masoud Pezeshkian told him "do what you want, to hell with it," and Khamenei himself declared that the US would not stop them. Among other things, Iran has made it clear that it will not under any circumstances give up its nuclear aspirations, and that in any future solution it will continue to operate a civilian nuclear program – so the room for dialogue between the parties is small in any case. The existence of a civilian program is a guarantee that the Iranians will accumulate more knowledge and will be able to secretly continue activities related to nuclear development. The West cannot risk allowing such a scenario.

But after all this, why have the Iranians gone on alert just now? Why would Israel attack now, when according to estimates there are still at least a few months until Iran reaches an irreversible state? First of all, Iran knew that the ceasefire end date in Gaza was approaching, and that the Americans and Israelis are working together, perhaps trying to surprise it simultaneously with attacks in Gaza. On other fronts, Israel is operating with force, and it is certainly preparing for a major blow to Iran itself. Israel Hayom 21st March 2025

I John 2:19 as quoted in the ESV

“They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it might become plain that they all are not of us.”

*********
Whether or not a believer can commit apostasy is a red hot issue. 1 John 2:19 is one of those “go to” texts for those believe in Eternal Security….meaning a believer cannot fall away from the Christian faith. There are basically three options 1 John 2:19 presents:

• A believer can commit apostasy.
• A believer cannot commit apostasy. This text deals with a person with a counterfeit faith.
• This text is not about apostasy nor a counterfeit faith, therefore the first two options are moot.

I shall marshal evidence for the third option. This pericope has nothing to do whatsoever with apostasy or people leaving the church with a counterfeit faith.

Exegesis:

The wider context indicates that vs. 19 sandwiched between two verses that describe the antichrist (with a small a).

• Vs. 18. speaks of MANY antichrists that have already come.
• Vs. 19 states “They went out from us, but they were not of us;
• Vs. 22 defines what the antichrist believes. “This is the antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son.”

The structure of this passage of Scripture is a typical A-B-A. We see vs. 18 and vs.22 as contextual bookends which aid in understanding vs. 19. Some historical scholars believe these antichrists are Cerinthians. Irenaeus writes about these heretics which can be found in an internet search.

We divide vs. 19 into four parts of which 19b gives us the all important ἦσαν which is the interpretive key to this verse.

• 19a. They went out from us
• 19b. but they were not of us.
• 19c. for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us.
• 19d. But they went out, that it might become plain that they all are not of us.

19a. The “they” is derived from immediate context….the previous verse. “They” are the “many antichrists.” I am going to leave 19a at this point but will come back to let later and interpret what “went out from us” means contextually.

19b. We focus now on the verb “they were not of us” which in the Greek text is ἦσαν. This NT word is in the imperfect tense and is very common. For those who can’t remember their high school or college grammar, here are some definitions of the imperfect tense, I have gathered from the internet:

• The imperfect tense describes past actions or states that were ongoing, habitual, or in progress.
• When discussing events that occurred numerous times in the past, the imperfect tense can be effectively utilized.
• In cases where an action was taking place over an extended duration in the past, the imperfect tense is ideal for illustrating the continuity of the action.
• Imperfect always describes something that is continued, repeated or habitual in the past. Shows continual action.

When John writes “they were not with us,” it could or would mean the following:

• These antichrists were continually not with them in the past.
• These antichrists were not habitually or repeatedly within the local churches in the past.
• These antichrists were never apart of the local congregation in the past.

This is significant. This indicates the local churches and the antichrists existed side by side socially, but their heretical teachings did not doctrinally influence the local churches. Today we may use the example of a Christian church in Salt Lake City within a Mormon community.

19c. for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. John repeats the same usage of ἦσαν meaning for if the antichrists had continually and repeatedly been with the local churches (ἦσαν) in the past, they would have continued with the local church. This is evangelism. John has no fear of these antichrists and is optimistic some would be converted. John uses μεμενήκεισαν (had remained) is pluperfect which indicates a past action whose results are no longer in effect. There is no question had evangelism taken place, some of these antichrists would be converted and separated from this false teaching. They would be apart of the church or as John writes “they would be continued to be with us.” But this was never to happen. Why?

19a. They went out from us. These antichrists for some reason left the region around Ephesus. This is natural. We know from our witnessing and preaching, the Word goes out which brings about faith, repentance and baptism or the unbeliever walks away. Perhaps some evangelism did occur with these antichrists, was rejected and they departed the region.

19d. But they went out, that it might become plain that they all are not of us. This is a repetition from 19a. The structure of just vs. 19 would be A-B-C-A. When John states “but they went out” he emphasizing the antichristian teaching is no longer present nor a threat. John is probably addressing an unknown historical issue these antichrists had with the young churches. He is assuring his readers the situation with these false teachers is over, they did not influence the church, while at the same time, distancing himself and the congregation from their false teaching.

Not surprising. Call for Democrats to tone down the violent rhetoric and this is what the leaders do.

Repentance was central to the ministry of Jesus Christ. Before Jesus began His public ministry, John the Baptist was sent to prepare the way by preaching repentance. As it is written, “In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!’” (Matthew 3:1-2, NKJV). John’s baptism of repentance called people to turn from their sins and be ready for the coming of the Messiah. Jesus Himself affirmed John’s role, saying, “For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John” (Matthew 11:13, NKJV).

From the beginning of His public ministry, Jesus also proclaimed, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” (Matthew 4:17, NKJV). This message was not merely a call to feel regret but an urgent summons to turn away from sin and align one’s life with the will of God. Jesus made it clear that repentance is necessary for salvation when He warned, “I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3, NKJV).

Sin, as defined by the moral law, is transgression of God’s eternal commandments. Jesus affirmed the unchanging nature of this law when He declared, “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled” (Matthew 5:17-18, NKJV). Thus, repentance involves a recognition of where we have fallen short of God’s holy standards and a heartfelt decision to turn away from such sin.

One striking example of Jesus’ teaching on repentance is found in Luke 19:1-10. When Jesus encountered Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector and a wealthy man, Zacchaeus demonstrated true repentance. After welcoming Jesus into his home, Zacchaeus said, “Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold” (Luke 19:8, NKJV). Jesus responded, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:9-10, NKJV). This account illustrates that repentance leads to tangible changes in behavior and a restoration of what was wrongfully taken.

Repentance is not just an inward change but must bear visible fruit. As John the Baptist declared, “Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance” (Matthew 3:8, NKJV). True repentance manifests in actions that reflect a transformed heart.

Moreover, repentance is an ongoing process. Jesus taught His disciples to pray daily, “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors” (Matthew 6:12, NKJV). This underscores the need for continual self-examination and turning away from sin.

Jesus also warned of the consequences of unrepentance. In Matthew 11:20-24, He rebuked the cities where most of His mighty works had been done, saying, “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida!” (Matthew 11:21, NKJV). This serves as a solemn reminder that ignoring the call to repent leads to judgment.

God’s patience is evident in the parable of the barren fig tree (Luke 13:6-9). The vineyard owner’s willingness to give the tree another chance to bear fruit demonstrates God’s mercy and His desire for all to come to repentance. As Jesus commanded after His resurrection, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations” (Luke 24:46-47, NKJV).

Repentance is also linked to readiness for Christ’s return. Jesus cautioned, “Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass” (Luke 21:36, NKJV). A repentant life keeps us prepared for His second coming.

It is vital to understand that God sees beyond outward appearances and knows the heart. As Jesus taught, “For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known” (Luke 12:2, NKJV). Repentance cannot be superficial or merely performative; it must stem from a deep awareness of one’s sin and a sincere desire to return to God. The prophet Isaiah’s words, quoted by Jesus, underscore this point: “These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me” (Matthew 15:8, NKJV).

Jesus also revealed the joy that repentance brings to heaven. He said, “I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance” (Luke 15:7, NKJV). He reinforced this truth by saying, “There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents” (Luke 15:10, NKJV).

Furthermore, the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32) illustrates the depth of God's mercy. When the wayward son returned home in repentance, his father ran to embrace him and celebrated his return, saying, “For this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found” (Luke 15:24, NKJV). This parable highlights God's eagerness to forgive and restore those who genuinely turn back to Him.

Jesus’ teachings on repentance call us to examine our lives in light of God’s eternal moral law and to turn away from all that separates us from Him. This turning must be genuine and heartfelt, for “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:24, NKJV). Let us remember the words of Jesus: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled” (Matthew 5:6, NKJV).

Text by JFF

Blessings and Happy Sabbath.

null

Hi, everyone

My ex and I recently broke up, and I ask for prayers of comfort and healing in this time for the both of us. I also ask for prayers for my ex and that Jesus will reveal Himself in a mighty way and that she'll grow in deeper relationship with Him, and that she'll learn to believe in and trust Jesus more. My ex is going through a lot on a personal level and really needs Jesus to help, guide and save. Also, pray that I will not be a hindrance to my ex's faith walk, but that God will strengthen and help me to love her in a Godly way, and be a help and positive impact in her life, if that's His will. Thank you so much.

Praise Jesus

Is this really something that ought to be condoned or promoted by the Democratic Party?

When I became a born again Christian over 5 years ago, I loved coming to this forum to learn about the Bible. The topic of OSAS was the topic which significantly held my interest. I went back and forth on the issue, and I really wanted to believe OSAS is true, for peace of mind. Thing is, I could never get peace in letting this doctrine settle,and I believe it's for this reason: OSAS is a false doctrine meant to make us lazy, useless in the body of Christ, and possibly even send one to hell. Without posting every verse in the Bible which supports my belief, I will post this one: Matthew 24:13 says: "But the one who endures to the end will be saved."
If you believe in the doctrine of OSAS, I beg you to reconsider. By negating OSAS you do not automatically get pigeonholed as one who subscribes to "Lordship Salvation", as this is also a false doctrine. However, you will see that maintaining your relationship (abiding in Christ) is necessary for Christians in order to finish the race. You CAN be born again, yet end up in hell because of your apostasy. Do not be fooled nor lazy about your relationship with God. While it's not a religion, it is a relationship, albeit your most important one and it's so easy to drop the ball in this Laodecian church age we find ourselves. Renew your relationship with God every morning and read His Word everyday. I want all of us to make it and not take our relationship with Him for granted. That means NO deliberate sin, as continual deliberate sinning puts Jesus back on the cross and there is no sacrifice left for us...

Hebrews 10:26-27 says, For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins.

Of course we aren't perfect and the Bible tells us that if we say we don't sin, we are liars. However, there's a difference between slipping up, and repenting, and living in sin and, "Oops, Jesus forgive me, Oops, I did it again Jesus, Oops, oops, oops",all in the span of a day or a few days or weeks.

There's a difference between a Christian and a disciple and Jesus want us to be the latter. God bless brothers and sisters, finish the race and will see you in heaven soon!

*I recant. OSAS is true. Once we're sealed, we're sealed unto the time of redemption. Our names are written in the book of life. For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus.*

Is planting trees 'DEI'? Trump administration cuts nationwide tree-planting effort​

The urban forestry initiative, administered by the nonprofit Arbor Day Foundation, was supposed to distribute $75 million in grant funding to about 100 different cities, nonprofit organizations and tribes to plant shade trees in neighborhoods that need them the most.

In a letter terminating the contract, the U.S. Forest Service stated the program "no longer aligns with agency priorities regarding diversity, equity and inclusion." The U.S. Department of Agriculture, which houses the Forest Service, said in an emailed statement that the agency was complying with President Trump's executive orders.

"A friend published this note from a French diplomat in response to Katherine Leavitt's shocking comments about the Statue of Liberty.
Following Press Secretary Leavitt’s stunning response to French MEP Raphaël Glucksmann’s statement that France should reclaim the Statue of Liberty because the US no longer upholds its original values, Glucksmann doubled down last night.
Dear Americans,
Since the White House press secretary is attacking me today, I wanted to tell you this:
1. Our two people are intimately linked by History, the blood we shed and the passion for freedom we share, a passion symbolized by this Statue that was offered to the United States by France to honor your glorious Revolution.
2. As the press secretary for this shameful Administration said: without your nation, France would have "spoken German." In my case, it goes further: I would simply not be here if hundreds of thousands of young Americans had not landed on our beaches in Normandy.
3. Our gratitude to these heroes and their sacrifices is therefore eternal.
4. But the America of these heroes fought against tyrants, it did not flatter them. It was the enemy of fascism, not the friend of Putin. It helped the resistance and didn't attack Zelensky.
5. It celebrated science and didn't fire researchers for using banned words. It welcomed the persecuted and didn't target them.
It was far, so far from what your current President does, says, and embodies.
6. This America, faithful to the wonderful words inscribed on the Statue of Liberty, your America, is worth so much more than the betrayal of Ukraine and Europe, xenophobia, or obscurantism.
7. We all in Europe love this nation to which we know we owe so much. It will rise again. You will rise again. We are counting on you.
8. And it is precisely because I am petrified by Trump’s betrayal that I said yesterday in a rally that we could symbolically take back the Statue of Liberty if your government despised everything it symbolizes in your eyes, ours, and those of the world.
It was a wake up call.
9. No one, of course, will come and steal the Statue of Liberty.
The statue is yours. But what it embodies belongs to everyone.
And if the free world no longer interests your government, then we will take up the torch, here in Europe.
10. Until we meet again in the fight for freedom and dignity, we will be the continuators of our shared history and the protectors of our treasure: more than a statue of copper and steel, the freedom it symbolizes."


It's certainly true that America under Trump no longer deserves to have the Statue of Liberty standing in NY Harbor, but we need to keep that proud symbol so that we remember what we lost due to 49.9% of voters on November 5, and renew our determination to get it back.

As most of you here know, I was LCMS Lutheran for awhile and they are young earth creationists, which I didn’t believe in. When I came back to the RCC I was worried that Catholics couldn’t believe in an old earth. Now, tonight I’m having the opposite problem after reading this, below.
The LCMS believe the Bible is literal and they believe that giants once lived on earth, which is something I also didn’t believe until I read this, below. Then I got to thinking that what if the Bible is right and there really were giants one time on earth, what does that say about the age of the earth? I wondered what if the earth really is young rather than billions of years old?
So here’s my question: I know Catholics don’t have to believe everything in the Bible is literal…..that evolution could’ve occurred, the earth can be billions of years old etc. but can faithful Catholics also believe the earth is young and that everything in the Bible is meant to be taken literally?
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>.

Ancient Things and Culture

5,000-Year-Old Layer of Earth Beneath an Egyptian Tomb Reveals Two 30-Foot Giant Bodies
An international team of archaeologists has made an astonishing discovery in a desert region of Egypt: two gigantic bodies, approximately 9 meters high, have been found under layers of earth dating back more than 5,000 years. This discovery, unprecedented in the history of archaeology, could rewrite what we know about ancient civilizations and their understanding of the “human.”
The discovery took place while researchers were excavating a complex of forgotten tombs deep in the Egyptian desert. According to team leader Dr. Ahmed el-Hassan, the bodies were found under a layer of compacted earth that protected the remains from erosion and time. “What we found exceeds any expectations. “These colossal figures are incredibly well preserved, and preliminary dating suggests they are more than five millennia old,” said Dr. Hassan.
The skeletons are impressive both for their size and their state of preservation. Each measures nearly 9 meters tall, with anatomically correct proportions that rule out the possibility of deformities or known pathological conditions. Additionally, the remains show signs of advanced mummification, suggesting that these gigantic figures could have occupied a significant place in the culture and mythology of their time.
The discovery has sparked an avalanche of theories among experts. One hypothesis suggests that these “giants” could be related to ancient myths about beings of enormous size that inhabited the Earth. Egyptian texts, such as Book of the Deadrefer to gigantic figures that interacted with gods and pharaohs, which raises the possibility that these bodies are real representations of said stories.
Another, more cautious theory suggests that the bodies could belong to an unknown or extinct human species. Ongoing genetic analyzes seek to determine whether there is a correlation with modern human DNA or whether, on the contrary, they represent an entirely different branch of evolution.
In addition to the bodies, archaeologists found large-scale tools and artifacts, apparently designed for hands of colossal size. Among the objects recovered, ceremonial weapons, bracelets decorated with solar motifs and a gigantic sarcophagus sculpted in stone, possibly built specifically for these figures, stand out.
This discovery raises profound questions about ancient civilizations and the possible coexistence with beings of extraordinary sizes. It also challenges our understanding of historical records, which until now have shown no conclusive evidence of the existence of giants.
“This find could open a new window into a past we never imagined,” said Dr. Clara Menéndez, an anthropologist at the European Institute of Archaeological Studies. “It not only challenges what we think we know about human history, but also about the cultural interactions and legends we often dismiss as mythology.”
The research team continues to analyze the remains in specialized laboratories, including carbon dating tests and DNA studies. Preliminary results are expected in the coming months, while excavations at the site remain ongoing.
Although there are still many questions to be answered, one thing is clear: this find could be one of the most significant in the history of modern archaeology, shedding new light on the mysteries of the past and the possible reality behind the legends of giants.

Peace in Christ.

A “great multitude” are following their “guide” Judas who came to take Jesus away.

The life of Jesus is not being made manifest in the mortal flesh (the revealing of the Son of man is being prevented) of anyone that is being deceived by them.

The Son of man is being betrayed with a “kiss”….feigned empty words… that leads the simple of heart that are flattered by them astray from the way that leads to His life.

Luk 22:47-48 KJV
(47) And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him.
(48) But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?

2Pe 2:3 KJV
(3) And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.

We…whom God shows mercy to (the house of Jacob) ….are to come forth out of the waters of Judah.

They “preach” (the “waters” Judah/JUDAS) …they make mention of the God of Israel…but not in truth nor in righteousness. They call themselves of the holy city. They “rule” over His flock. But they do not preach the truth of the gospel to their congregations who are starved from not hearing it.

Isa 48:1-2 KJV
(1) Hear ye this, O house of Jacob, which are called by the name of Israel, and are come forth out of the waters of Judah, which swear by the name of the LORD, and make mention of the God of Israel, but not in truth, nor in righteousness.
(2) For they call themselves of the holy city, and stay themselves upon the God of Israel; The LORD of hosts is his name.

Yet, they are allowed to REJOICE in their “preaching” as they getting their earthly needs met by doing it.

“Hurt not the oil and the wine”…that is, their rejoicing while there is a severe famine of hearing the Word of truth in those that are listening to their preaching.

Rev 6:5-6 KJV
(5) And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand.
(6) And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine.

Hurt not the oil and the wine….the joy that they are currently experiencing… while the “flock of the slaughter” is not being fed the Scripture of Truth.

Psa 104:15 KJV
(15) And wine that maketh glad the heart of man, and oil to make his face to shine, and bread which strengtheneth man's heart.

They are the “rich man”….the shepherds who are only feeding themselves and not the flock.

They rule over the flock….being clothed in “purple and fine linen”.

They “fare sumptuously”…that is, REJOICE brilliantly…every day while their congregations (Lazarus which means “God helps”) suffer.

“fare” = Greek: euphrainō - From G2095 and G5424; to put (middle voice or passive voice be) in a good frame of mind, that is, rejoice: - fare, make glad, be (make) merry, rejoice.

Luk 16:19-21 KJV
(19) There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:

Their congregations lay at the “gate”…at their mouths that preach…desiring to be spiritually fed with the “crumbs” which fall from the rich man’s table (where he feeds himself). They are getting very little truth from their empty words spoken from their mouth...the "gate".

(20) And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,
(21) And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.

They are “full of sores”…full of troubles from top to bottom…and yet the rich pastors heal them slightly by saying “peace, peace” when there is none.

Jer 6:13-14 KJV
(13) For from the least of them even unto the greatest of them every one is given to covetousness; and from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely.
(14) They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace.

The “dogs”…the shepherds who have no understanding… came and licked the sores….

Isa 56:10-12 KJV
(10) His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber.
(11) Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter.

Yet, they continue to rejoice brilliantly as they encourage their congregations that are full of sores to rejoice with them. Hurt not the wine….

(12) Come ye, say they, I will fetch wine, and we will fill ourselves with strong drink; and to morrow shall be as this day, and much more abundant.

But God helps them by sending His messengers of the Word of truth to the churches of men where the rich pastors rule. The beggar “dies”….that is, their current position of being a beggar ceases. There troubles will cease. They will experience comfort rather than suffer torment.

They will depart from the “waters of Judas”…their “preaching” that does not feed them. They will “lose their lives” to save them as they lose the religious thoughts and ways of their “church” in order to gain the excellency of the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. They are carried away from the man-based churches that once ruled over them as they will believe (Abraham) in the Word of Truth. They will inherit the promises of Abraham.

Luk 16:22 KJV
(22) And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;

The righteous will depart from the man-based churches.

They will lose their lives to save them. The righteous “perish” and no man in the man-based churches will lay it to heart. Merciful men are taken away from the churches of men.

Those who are left behind in the churches of men will think it “strange” that they will no longer run after their things. They will not understand as the wicked shall not understand why they leave.

Yet, they are taken away so that they will not experience the evil that is to come to those who are left behind (in their stubbornness and unbelief of the Truth) in the man-based churches.

Isa 57:1-2 KJV
(1) The righteous perisheth, and no man layeth it to heart: and merciful men are taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come.
(2) He shall enter into peace: they shall rest in their beds, each one walking in his uprightness.

The unbelievers left behind in the churches of men (the adulterers) will speak evil of those who will depart. They will do so with the “wide mouth”….the great gulf fixed..which will bring them torment in the fixed judgment for not hearing the Word of truth in belief. They will "draw out the tongue" against those who will leave their churches....and it will bring them torment for doing so.

Isa 57:3-4 KJV
(3) But draw near hither, ye sons of the sorceress, the seed of the adulterer and the harlot.
(4) Against whom do ye sport yourselves? against whom make ye a wide mouth, and draw out the tongue? are ye not children of transgression, a seed of falsehood,

The “great gulf fixed” is the unbelievers “wide mouth” that they will open to speak evil of the believers (“Lazarus”) who will leave their churches.

Luk 16:26 KJV
(26) And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.

They “draw out the tongue” which will bring them “torment”….but “Lazarus” will not return evil for their evil and “cool their tongue.” We will not return evil for their evil speaking and give them relief.

The rich man “dies”..that is, his rejoicing ceases…and will experience torment rather than comfort that he once had.

Luk 16:23-24 KJV
(23) And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
(24) And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.

The rich man "dies" and is buried as his comfort comes to an end and now will experience evil things...being tormented. He is in “hell”…that is, Hades …the unseen…as he does not understand why. He “lifts up his eyes”…that is, looking for understanding. The wicked shall not understand. There is no peace to the wicked.

Luk 16:25 KJV
(25) But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.

Isa 57:20-21 KJV
(20) But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt.
(21) There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.

The rich men....the rich pastors...will then experience torment...weeping and howling for the miseries that will come upon them.

Jas 5:1-6 KJV
(1) Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you.
(2) Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are motheaten.
(3) Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days.

The drum beat (Tophet) of their rejoicing hearts drowns out the cries of their congregations (the valley of the son of Hinnom) which are full of sores. They once experienced great rejoicing (Tophet = drum) which drowned out the "cries" of their congregations (Hinnom = wailing, lamentation) so that they did not hear them. They were happy while their congregations were full of sores and were starved from hearing the gospel of truth.

(4) Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth.
(5) Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter.
(6) Ye have condemned and killed the just; and he doth not resist you.
Jer 19:6-8 KJV

But this current situation will come to an end....this place shall no more be called Tophet nor the valley of the son of Hinnom...

(6) Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that this place shall no more be called Tophet, nor The valley of the son of Hinnom, but The valley of slaughter.

He will make void the counsel of Judah/Judas....

(7) And I will make void the counsel of Judah and Jerusalem in this place; and I will cause them to fall by the sword before their enemies, and by the hands of them that seek their lives: and their carcases will I give to be meat for the fowls of the heaven, and for the beasts of the earth.
(8) And I will make this city desolate, and an hissing; every one that passeth thereby shall be astonished and hiss because of all the plagues thereof.