Hi! I would like to connect with other believers who watch Hemstraught's videos on YouTube or are curious about how he teaches and interprets the holy bible. He is a spiritual son of Kenneth E Hagin and Charles Capps, among others, and he teaches about worshipping the Holy Spirit as God in the earth today and, God in us. I love how he teaches the bible, although he is decidedly very quirky, the teaching is biblically sound. He teaches also, very extensively, on literal youth renewal. I do hope that I can start a dialogue here.

Guy calls the cops to report his dad missing. Cops blame son for killing dad and subject son to 17 hours of psychological torture. Turns out dad wasn’t dead, just on vacation.

Here's an interesting article from NASA that explores first light after the Big Bang.

"Until around a few hundred million years or so after the Big Bang, the universe was a very dark place. There were no stars, and there were no galaxies.

After the Big Bang, the universe was like a hot soup of particles (i.e. protons, neutrons, and electrons). When the universe started cooling, the protons and neutrons began combining into ionized atoms of hydrogen and deuterium. Deuterium further fused into helium-4. These ionized atoms of hydrogen and helium attracted electrons turning them into neutral atoms. Ultimately the composition of the universe at this point was 3 times more hydrogen than helium with just trace amounts of other light elements.

This process of particles pairing up is called "Recombination" and it occurred approximately 240,000 to 300,000 years after the Big Bang. The Universe went from being opaque to transparent at this point. Light had formerly been stopped from traveling freely because it would frequently scatter off the free electrons. Now that the free electrons were bound to protons, light was no longer being impeded. "The era of recombination" is the earliest point in our cosmic history to which we can look back with any form of light. This is what we see as the Cosmic Microwave Background today with satellites like the Cosmic Microwave Background Explorer (COBE) and the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP). Following this are the cosmic dark ages - a period of time after the Universe became transparent but before the first stars formed. When the first stars formed, it ended the dark ages, and started the next epoch in our universe."

Early Universe - Webb/NASA

Hey everyone. Im 43/m. Life just took a scary turn for me. My girlfriend of 15 years ended things for good with me two days ago. Basically she stayed with me longer than she should have i just couldnt get engaged for whatever reason im not even sure. The past year she took up travel nursing and we have seen each other much less but talk almost everyday. Well two days ago she broke it to me that shes been seeing someone. Even went on a vacation with the guy. So we are through. I know its my fault but that was devastating to hear and i cant get over it. Im so hurt and angry that she didnt tell me sooner. She said shes been sseing him for 4-5 months and was scared to tell me cuz i struggle with manor anxiety and panic attacks. Someone plz help. I am really struggling. I break down crying throughout the day as i am hurt and remember our good times and memories of 15 years and think about my stupid mistakes and not treating her the way i should have. I dont know where to go from here or what to do. All i have been doing is driving around aimlessly as i cant sit still and think about all this. I dont have anyone other than family really to talk to. I figured this was gonna happen at some point but i wasnt ready for it to happen. Please if someone has gone thro something like this please help.

GOP split in Readington fuels nasty civil war tied to Trump and Kean vs. Malinowski congressional races

The backdrop to the story is a bitter internal fight between moderate old guard Republicans and a newer, significantly more conservative [MAGA] faction in a Hunterdon County municipality split by supporters and opponents of Donald Trump.

Last year, two incumbents from the moderate [GOP] faction, John Albanese and Jonathan Heller, lost party support but ran off the line and narrowly won the GOP primary.

There have been allegations of sign stealing over the last few years

The conservative faction grew tired of playing the game and built out an independent sting operation.

They decided to attach Apple AirTags to repurposed signs...

The opposition followed the signal to Albanese’s home. Panico telephoned a police sergeant to report the theft. They found the six anti-Malinowski signs there and placed Albanese under arrest.

For those who wish to actually discuss it.
Note this is phys sci, not religion 'n quips.

Education involving the Scriptures is different than secular education. In secular education we learn to formulate our own opinions. One’s opinion on a matter may be different than another’s, depending on their background and upbringing.

Education involving the Scriptures is different. One’s opinion on sections of the Scriptures is non-existent for all intents and purposes. That’s because an understanding of the scriptures is based on faith instead of an interpretation.

What is faith? Hebrews 11:1 tells us that “faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” The Bible gives us all the assurance we need because its words come from God. There is no ambiguity in the Bible when taken as a whole. The answers are found in the sum of the parts; you need only put the parts together. Our reasoning doesn’t matter: the only reasoning comes from God when He chooses to do so, as He’s done in Isaiah 1:18. Anything said by God is final. Anything said by God through Christ is final in terms of how we should conduct ourselves.

The conviction part of Hebrews 11:1 tells us that we believe whatever God tells us whether it be Him, Christ or the Holy Spirit. To explain what He means is needless when you know what is in the Bible. It is also risky, when you consider Revelation 22:18-19 I which says to “warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.” If you try to explain God, you risk adding to, or taking away from, what He says.

If someone tells you that God said this, or Jesus said that, he better be telling the truth for his own sake. If someone holds themselves out as knowing what God means, without an absolute reference to Passages in the Bible, it is best to get another clergyman.

What might the old TV show ‘Reading Rainbow’ have to do with all this? Many people were young enough to have watched the show, hosted by LeVar Burton. It was a show that was focused on things found in explanatory books. The books used in the show were secular in nature, so one is free to form an opinion on the relevance or any other attribute or indicator of what books are on the show. There is no sin in forming your own conclusions about what the books present, or in adding to or subtracting from what is in those books. The books were on things and ideas that had nothing to do with a direct understanding of what God wants from us, although it is not inconceivable that whatever went on in the show is a reflection of God wanting us to avail ourselves of how He made us and the works we are to perform for him that we may be fruitful toward mankind.

The purpose of ‘Reading Rainbow’ was to promote a love for books. There were a lot of subjects covered on that show, from animals, to the collapse of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. Was there ever a ‘Reading Rainbow’ show that covered the subject of God and the Bible? Mr. Burton had significant exposure to the Christian faith, having gone to a seminary when he was young.

Why would he not showcase the Bible on ‘Reading Rainbow?’ One possibility that comes to mind is that in light of Passages above, he might have been weary of accidentally adding to or taking anything away from the Bible, as alluded to in Revelation 22:18-19. Another possibility is that the show covered secular topics which encourage drawing our own conclusions, so to discuss the Bible in such an environment would be contrary to us forming our own conclusions. The Bible is cut-and-dry. Everything in the Bible is absolute with no room for forming one’s own opinion.

The Bible is a book based on faith. In terms of the truth, that faith is the truth in and of itself. The secular truth, on the other hand, requires reasoning and an understanding of the natural world. That is open to a lot of interpretation and a forming of our own opinions, something in which ‘Reading Rainbow’ provided the background.

A new Republican governor is taking aim at the state’s coastal protection agency.

For the past decade, Louisiana’s program for coastal protection has been hailed as one of the best in the country, after the devastation from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita pushed the state to shore up coastlines, repair levees and protect natural habitats.

In an open letter published this week and signed by more than 200 business leaders, environmental advocates and other experts, various groups warned against Gov. Jeff Landry’s plans to transform the state’s Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority.

The moves come as other right-leaning states are also cutting back on climate goals and even references to climate change. This month, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) signed a bill erasing most mentions of climate change from state law. DeSantis is also poised to nullify the state’s targets for 100 percent renewable energy by 2050.

Since 2005, when Louisiana was devastated by two hurricanes, the coastal restoration agency has built or revamped over 300 miles of levees that hold back floodwaters, and restored dozens of miles of barrier islands that can absorb the pressure of waves and rising seas. The agency works to shore up these defenses in the face of future, stronger storms and higher seas.

Landry, who took office in January, has removed six members of the coastal restoration agency’s board and suggested subsuming it into another, larger department. In a memo, the governor said that such moves could help avoid government operations existing in “distinct silos” and improve efficiency.

The board is made up of some political appointees and some publicly elected government officials. “It just appears that independent [science-based] voices are being removed,” she [executive director of the Louisiana Wildlife Federation] said.

Along with all of the other hazards that motorists face daily in the State of Michigan, we now must add inflatable poultry that will crush cars on the freeways......

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As Christians, we are commissioned by Christ to spread the tenets of our faith. This is a central part of our mission. However, I'm curious about the motivations of atheists who actively engage in discussions with believers. Are they driven by a similar sense of purpose, perhaps inspired by some philosophical stance or secular mission?

I struggle to understand atheism as a real and sincere stance. Why would someone choose to identify as an atheist instead of agnostic, which seems less definitive and more open to change? Could it be that atheism is sometimes a front for those who are actually uncertain about the existence of God?

This brings me to another point: the nature of belief and disbelief. The Bible recounts how God hardened Pharaoh's heart in Egypt, preventing him from freeing the Israelites and leading to the plagues. Could a similar phenomenon be at play with atheism—a kind of spiritual blockage?

My intention is not to attack but to understand. I wonder how to engage atheists in a way that encourages them to share their perspectives without feeling defensive. How can we have a respectful conversation about their beliefs and the reasons behind them, especially when their views seem dismissive or even antagonistic towards Christianity?

The number of students failing tests on basic medical knowledge has increased 10-fold in some subjects since 2020, the Free Beacon reported.
And a majority of students are now flunking standardized tests on emergency medicine, family medicine, internal medicine, and pediatrics among some cohorts.
The collapse in standards has turned the institution into a 'failed medical school' according to one former member of the admissions staff.

DEI and the like are wreaking havoc in our nation.

"What America First Legal has uncovered after months of investigative work paints an unfortunate picture of the rule of law in Washington. A former President of the United States — the most democratically accountable officer under our Constitution — was subject to a politicized referral concocted by the Biden White House that led to an armed FBI raid of his home — where his wife and youngest child live — and is now subject to prosecution," America First Legal Vice President Dan Epstein said.

We are looking more and more like a banana republic.

Faulty thinking has you blinking,
On the verge of wrong decision.
Can’t decide this way or that way,
‘Cause you’re lacking truth and wisdom.

Pleasing flesh is most what matters.
Life is filled with empty chatters.
Pride in self, so self you flatter.
Not live for God, for self, rather.

Anger fills your heart with temper,
Frustrated with all that matters.
Peace of God is so far from you,
‘Cause His wisdom your life shatters.

But that must not end the story.
Jesus calling you obey Him,
Trust Him with your life and vision,
Give your life in service to Him.

Give up all your sinful habits,
Die to self and to sin daily,
Live your life to please God fully,
And in Christ you’ll rejoice gaily.

An Original Work / May 25, 2024

I heard someone say that Israel never existed longer than 80 years without being conquered by some degree or dispersed. Is this true?

Also, how many times was Israel gathered and separated?

I'm doing a little study on discipleship programs in churches. I'd like to know as much as possible. If a church has them, how often do they meet, what's its purpose and its goals? I'd like to learn how different churches tackle this issue of discpleship training, or more in general, different "ideas" of what an ideal church looks like.

Former Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley says she plans to vote for former President Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election months after she exited the race without endorsing him and as she continues to receive votes in Republican presidential primaries.

In remarks at the Washington-based conservative think tank Hudson Institute Wednesday, Haley responded to a question asking, "Who do you think would do a better job in the White House, Joe Biden or Donald Trump?"

"As a voter, I put my priorities on a president who's going to have the backs of our allies and hold our enemies to account, who would secure the border, no more excuses," she said.

Continued below.

Hello, all.
I would like to request prayer for my husband and myself. We are working through past hurts, and desire greatly to be in Christ in our marriage. Personally, I am struggling greatly with forgiving myself of past mistakes I have made that have caused great hurt, even though he has forgiven me. I desire greatly to move forward into a new life with him, but I am struggling with forgiving myself and letting go. Please, pray for us. Please pray for me to let go of my past mistakes. Please pray for healing of our hearts and our marriage. In Christ's love.

Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR) is now among the leading candidates to become Donald Trump’s running mate, according to a report. The New York Times cited sources familiar with the former president’s thinking who said Cotton has emerged as a top contender in the Republican veepstakes alongside other current favorites North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum and Sens. Marco Rubio (R-FL), Tim Scott (R-SC), and J.D. Vance (R-OH).

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It's an interesting list. A few months ago, that list probably had Scott and Vance on it, but it would also certainly have featured:
Nikki Haley (who has recently endorsed Trump, perhaps in a vain hope to get back on the shortlist)
MTG
Kristi Noem (who may have shot her chances along with her dog)
Elise Stefanik
Kari Lake (who may not have had much chance, but she spent enough time at Mar a Lago angling for it)

If the list is accurate, it may indicate that the campaign has made at least one major decision about the veepstakes.

Revelation 6 : 2And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood; 13And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind.

As school kids we were taught that stars are suns , so how could suns fall to the earth ?
Even if one of them came close wouldn't we burn up?

Yet our bible says they fell to the earth.

Thanks

"SBA’s MOU with Michigan proves that the agency is more concerned with registering voters than performing its official duties," Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, and Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, told Fox News Digital.
"This outrageous misuse and abuse of Americans’ hard-earned tax dollars will not go unpunished under my watch. Chairman Williams and I will continue shining a light on the SBA and exposing Biden’s bad actors."
The data for the maps was compiled after the committee says it became aware of a video recording of an SBA adviser discussing SBA Administrator Isabel Guzman traveling to battleground states and "indirectly campaigning for Biden," according to the committee, and inviting Democratic members of Congress on the trips at a higher rate than Republicans.

Once again taxpayer dollars are being used for political purposes.

My body is trying to pass a kidney stone right now. Our book study is at church is in 2 1/2 hrs., I don't want to miss it, but I'm in a lot of pain.

This is my 3rd kidney stone in the past couple weeks.

Thank you all for your prayers.

Royce White, podcaster who railed against Jews, wins Republican nod in Minnesota​

Candidate has described himself as an ‘antisemite,’ said Jews invoke Holocaust to cover for corruption, and called Israel the ‘lynchpin of the New World Order’​

Royce White, a former professional basketball player turned right-wing podcaster, won the state party’s endorsement at its convention over the weekend. More than two-thirds of the delegates voted to endorse White, though the state party said its endorsement came with “reservation.”

Since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war on October 7, Royce has also opposed his own party’s “unwavering support for Israel,” calling Israel “the lynchpin of the New World Order.”

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His endorsement has also raised some scrutiny of his failed 2022 election bid

GOP Senate Candidate Spent Thousands in Donor Funds on Strip Clubs, Luxury, and Mysterious Wire Transfers​

At five in the morning one week after Republican Royce White lost his 2022 Minnesota congressional primary, his campaign shelled out more than $1,200 in donor funds to a vendor 1,800 miles away not typically associated with political expenses—an all-nude strip club in Miami, Florida, called “Gold Rush Cabaret.”

Several campaign finance experts characterized some of the expenses as potentially illegal spending.

The unusual expenses include a total of more than $100,000 in mysterious wire transfers and checks reported as paid to the campaign; hefty tabs at spicy nightspots; getaways at posh hotels in at least seven states; thousands of dollars in limousine services; unexplained cash withdrawals; eye-popping purchases from electronics, sporting goods, clothing, and musical instrument retailers; and the DribbleUp smart basketball training app that White himself admitted might be personal use.

“We’re not talking about small stuff,” said Brendan Fischer, a specialist in campaign finance law and deputy director of Documented. “This takes us well outside the realm of FEC fines. This looks a lot like the kind of thing that people go to jail for.”

The incident comes as pro-Palestinian protests at the university intensified this week.
Seventeen activists were arrested by police after occupying an administrative office on Wellington Square on Thursday. All 17 have been released on conditional bail.

Fascism isn't gaining strength only in the U.S. DEI, CRT, and other hateful and racist philosophies are thriving in Europe as well. Will the U.S. citizens continue to accept tyranny?

Brooklyn rappers accused of murder conspiracy join Donald Trump at Bronx rally

Rappers Sheff G and Sleepy Hallow — who were indicted last year as part of an investigation into a vast murder conspiracy by two Brooklyn gangs — exchanged warm words with the presumptive GOP presidential nominee in Crotona Park.

Sheff G, known to the government as Michael Williams, was out on bail set last month at $150,000 cash or $1 million bond for conspiracy charges and multiple counts of murder, assault and criminal possession of a weapon in the case covering 27 different acts of violence — including a dozen shootings.

Thirty other members of the 8 Trey Crips and the 9 Ways gangs — which allegedly teamed up to wage a yearslong campaign of violence in Brooklyn — were involved in the criminal case against Sheff G and Sleepy Hallow, Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said last year.