That sentiment is commonly attributed to Margret Thatcher.

What if we here on this forum could talk about issues rather than partisan talking points and ad hominem attacks on political personalities?
What if we could work through the problems we see on our own?

Of course most of the big problems are beyond our influence. But at least we can have clearer objective view of the issues and then sort out candidates who align with our thoughts. And there are certainly plenty of issues, gun control, Middle East, southern border, energy resources, environment, etc, etc.

Why can't we just talk about the issues? Why do we always have to throw in the political catch phrases and labels that really do not help at all?

Unfortunately, I do not have solutions. But I am willing to listen to opposing points of views and look at data objectively that supports them. Mere opinion and rhetoric is useless. I have learned a lot on this forum over the years. But learning requires an openness to things we have not heard or seriously considered. That is the beauty of discussion if it stays impersonal and objective.

Barnett was in Charleston this week to give a formal deposition in relation to a defamation lawsuit he had filed against Boeing, the BBC reported. He was expected to appear for further questioning on Saturday, but failed to appear. He was found dead in his truck in the hotel's parking lot, the BBC said.

The death of John Barnett, 62, was confirmed by the Charleston County Coroner. The office said in a news release that he died from "what appears to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound."

CNN —
When a man called to confess he had shot his wife, was armed with an AR-15 and planned to kill himself, police in Jefferson City, Missouri raced to the scene.

Heavily armed officers ordered the homeowner to walk outside with his hands up. From the doorway, a middle-aged man emerged. It was Jay Ashcroft, Missouri’s Secretary of State who minutes earlier was gearing up for a workout on his home treadmill.

“I just couldn’t believe this was happening to me,” Ashcroft, a Republican and the state’s top election official, said in an interview with CNN. “It was very surreal.”

At least four swatting incidents have been aimed at the homes of senior officials who oversee or work to secure elections since December. Aside from Ashcroft, who is running for governor in Missouri, those hoaxes involved officials’ homes in Maine, Georgia and Virginia. Each case remains under investigation, local authorities said.

Excited to tell you about this app I found called Free Indeed. It helps Christians dealing with lust and porn issues connect with a supportive community. The people there are awesome, and the tools really helped me. You should check it out—I'm really thankful for it.

When we read a passage of Scripture like this it is always good if we can read it in context, asking ourselves to whom this applies. For it does not apply to everyone who makes a verbal profession of faith in Jesus Christ. It does apply to everyone who is in Christ Jesus, yes, but by God-persuaded and God-gifted faith in him (John 6:44; Ephesians 2:8-10), who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For if our minds are set on the flesh, the end result is death, not life everlasting.

So, for us to claim these promises of God, we must be those who are walking (in conduct, in practice) according to the Spirit, and not according to the flesh, who are walking in obedience to our Lord and to his commands in holy living and no longer in sin, in practice, although not necessarily in absolute perfection. And we must be those who, by the Spirit, are daily putting the deeds of the flesh to death and who are now being led by the Spirit of God in how to live (see Romans 8:1-14).

For God is for us who are for him, and we show that we are for him by our submission to him to his will and purpose for our lives, and by our walks of faith in obedience to his commands and in holy living, and no longer in sin. And this isn’t teaching that no one will be against us, for that would be contrary to what Jesus and his NT apostles taught us all throughout the New Testament. For they taught us that we will be hated and rejected and persecuted for the sake of the name of Jesus and for his righteousness.

But the inference, I believe, is that those who are against us cannot take away from us what God has provided for us. They have no real power over us in light of our salvation and eternal life with God. Although they will oppose us and persecute us, the Lord is our strength, and he will sustain us if we are willing and obedient. So even if they bring charges against us, and even if they condemn us, if we are following the Lord in obedience to his commands, he will not bring charges against us, and he will not condemn.

Also, if Christ is Lord (Owner-Master) of our lives, and if we are walking according to the Spirit, and not according to the flesh, nothing and no one can separate us from the love of Christ. We can, if we choose to, separate ourselves from his love if we choose to walk in sin and not in righteousness and holiness, and if we turn our backs on him and we go our own way and not his way. For the Scriptures teach that if we claim to know God and to be in fellowship with him while we walk in sin and don’t obey him, we are liars.

[1 John 1:5-10; 1 John 2:3-6; 1 John 3:4-10; Matthew 7:21-23]

But if we are walking in his ways and in his truth, and not in sin, then we are more than conquerors through him who loves us. We can have victory over sin, Satan, worldly influences, opposition, persecutions, and temptations, trials, and tribulations – all in His power, strength, and wisdom, and because of his grace to us. We do not have to cave to (give into) our circumstances or to how others treat us or view us. We can rise above it all and live for Jesus, and do his will for our lives, despite all else that comes into our lives.

Courageous!

An Original Work / December 24, 2013
Based off Various Scriptures

The Word of God throughout taught.
Some people heard but did doubt.
Still others had faith in Christ.
By grace He purified them.

They turned from sin
And they obeyed Christ.
He opened up their blinded eyesight;
Turned them from darkness
To the true Light;
Forgave their sin by His might.

He strengthened them in their faith.
He said, “Remain my faithful.”
He called them to obedience.
By faith, they were so grateful.

By faith, they were to follow Jesus;
To daily sit and listen to Him;
To have such faith
That mountains could move;
To love those whom He gave them.

Be on your guard; courageous.
Stand firm in faith. Be thankful.
Take up the shield of your faith;
Protect against all evil.

Do not move from
The hope that you have.
Your faith in Jesus let it endure.
Hold to the truth;
Your conscience be clear.
Endure with perseverance.

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Truth is infinitely deep. As new believers the understanding is milk but as growth occurs the meat of the Word is needed. Growth occurs in various stages and with each stage that which becomes old requires new growth in the understanding of Christ. No other foundation can hold. Build upon the Rock for sand can never withstand the rigors of the Christian life. Grow in the strength of the Holy Spirit as He leads in greater understanding of the only foundation, Christ our Lord and Savior.

It's been a good long while since I have been on these forums. There have been so many events occurring in the lives of my wife and I that I haven't had a lot of time to spend on the internet. Since the last time I was here my wife and I have both had testing on our hearts and have been diagnosed with myocarditis. I also have had my angina pectoris advance, and have a clogged artery, though at this point I don't require surgery. I was also told that my asthma had progressed and was also diagnosed with restrictive lung disease. The average life expectancy after diagnosis of restrictive lung disease is 7-10 years, but, with asthma in play it is expected to be 5-6 years. But we all know that the doctors don't have the final say, for which I am praising the Lord!
I am up at present because I cannot breathe. So, I came back to the living room and my laptop to do some research, but, felt led to look in on several of the places I post/have posted in the past. My wife and I would appreciate any prayers we can get! May y'all have a wonderful night in the Lord!
Blessings,
Anthony

Like your mother told you too?

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen
II Corinthians 13:14

Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy,
Philippians 2:1

So are Communion and Fellowship the same? Was this how the Apostles ministered to the Lord (Acts 13:2)? Is this some how a form of being social and exhorting others in the Church (Philippians 2:3-4; Hebrews 10:25)? And most of all is or why is it not, practice in the Church today?

I am a 46-year old male (never married, never had a relationship) and both tired of being single all the time and lacking dating/relationship experience (I've only been on two dates my whole life). After my latest strikeout in which I approached someone and gained confidence that I can actually risk rejection, I realized if I would wanted a shot at a relationship that could lead to marriage, I would have to be willing to step up and make the moves myself, risking being uncomfortable, being anxious and having a slight likehood of getting shot down in the process (sad that everyone else learns this in high school or college, and I am finally realizing it in middle age). I felt if I made more moves more often other than every few years (before I approached the last woman, I had not asked anyone out for over 3 years), I would get turned down plenty but that would lead me closer to someone saying "yes". After talking with a family member and my closest friend, it was suggested I should seek therapy/counseling to deal with both internal stuff from my childhood or other more recent points in my past (nothing I am prepared to disclose publicly as it is far too personal) as well as be more confident or at least less anxious/nervous interacting with the opposite sex (esp. those I get serious interest in). A big question I have if I want to gain more confidence with women, is going to counseling/therapy extreme or overkill? Should I also consider a dating coach in addition or in place of therapy? Thank you

Yep. Just like the OP title says. I was laid off a few weeks ago (like so many wonderful people out there have been), and I'm now looking ...

If you want to say a prayer that I find something in the next 6 months or less, that would be appreciated.

Thanks!

I have willfully sinned and, based on many scriptures, I cannot escape damnation. I know many will respond by saying you deserve it and don’t bother seeking any sympathy; however, I am asking how I should try to live with this torment.

What are some acts MOST Christians act like are sins when they’re actually not ?

This article is about a 7 minute read. I believe it a balanced article with quotes from Robert Hur, and congressmen from both political parties.

‍O Virgin Mother of God, we fly to your protection and beg your intercession against the darkness and sin which ever more envelop the world and menace the Church. Your Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, gave you to us as our mother as He died on the Cross for our salvation.

So too, in 1531, when darkness and sin beset us, He sent you, as Our Lady of Guadalupe, on Tepeyac to lead us to Him Who alone is our light and our salvation.

Through your apparitions on Tepeyac and your abiding presence with us on the miraculous mantle of your messenger, Saint Juan Diego, millions of souls converted to faith in your Divine Son.

Through this novena and our consecration to you, we humbly implore your intercession for our daily conversion of life to Him and the conversion of millions more who do not yet believe in Him.

In our homes and in our nation, lead us to Him Who alone wins the victory over sin and darkness in us and in the world.

Unite our hearts to your Immaculate Heart so that they may find their true and lasting home in the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Ever guide us along the pilgrimage of life to our eternal home with Him. So may our hearts, one with yours, always trust in God's promise of salvation, in His never-ailing mercy toward all who turn to Him with a humble and contrite heart.

Through this novena and our consecration to you, O Virgin of Guadalupe,

lead all souls in America and throughout the world to your Divine Son in Whose name we pray.

Amen.

Written by Raymond Leo Cardinal Burke

2 Minutes: Cardinal Burke's Plea:

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Trump's campaign goes into damage-control mode after he suggests cutting Medicare and Social Security benefits​

When asked how the US could cut spending and his outlook on handling entitlements like Social Security and Medicare benefits, Trump suggested cuts could be made to the programs, which offer guaranteed financial support to retired and disabled workers.

"There is a lot you can do in terms of entitlements in terms of cutting and in terms of also the theft and the bad management of entitlements, tremendous bad management of entitlements. There's tremendous amounts of things and numbers of things you can do," Trump told CNBC's Joe Kernen in a rambling response to the question that touched on the stock market, oil drilling, and his administration's response to the COVID pandemic.

MSN

All that money going out to ordinary people arouses the greed of Trump and his friends. They'd like to get a piece of it. And will, if he gets his way.

Im new to the forum and only now really getting closer to God. I have lived a life full of fear, self hatred, addictions, and I felt like I was completely losing myself recently. I am only making it through because I started to pray to God. But I know nothing about the Bible. I just want to live a more positive life. I feel lost and I need to get better and have peace within myself. I am struggling with mental health issues and believe I need to learn about God and that way I can live a better life of peace. Instead of living in complete fear avoidance and isolation and addictions. Thank you for accepting me here.

"To find out how and why humans lost their tails, Xia and his colleagues examined the early stages of embryonic development, during which certain genes are switched on and off. Those genes control the formation of different parts of a skeleton.


Scientists had already identified several genes fundamental to tail development in other animals, so the study authors suspected a genetic mutation, or a combination of them, might have erased tails in our ancestors. They compared the DNA of six species of tailless apes, including humans, to 15 species of tailed monkeys to find a mutation that apes and humans share, but monkeys lack. Eventually, their search led them to a gene called TBXT."

Why Don’t Humans Have Tails? An Old Genetic Mutation Could Explain Why Monkeys, but Not Apes, Have the Extra Appendage

There was an age (1st age) before this current age(2nd age)

2 Peter 3:5-7
4 They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.”

NIV:
5 But they deliberately forget that LONG AGO (1ST AGE) by God’s word the heavens came into being and the earth was formed out of water and by water.

6 By these waters also THE WORLD OF THAT TIME was deluged and destroyed.(1st age)

7 By the same word the present heavens and earth (2nd age) are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.

King James:
5.For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:

6 Whereby the world THAT THEN WAS, being overflowed with water, PERISHED1ST AGE)

7 But the heavens and the earth, WHICH ARE NOW (2ND age), by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.

Noahs flood was not a universal flood but regional flood to that area (in order to destroy the giants(offspring of the fallen angels).

Otherwise there is no way that dove could have found a green olive branch with green leaves on it if the whole planet earth had been flooded... there would not have been any green trees or leaves for that dove to find.

The flood in verse 6 is what happened to that 1st age...there are different "dimensions"somehow.
God did not destroy "planet earth" that He created in that 1st age...he flooded it, ended that 1st age and we are in a different dimension somehow , and this 2nd age is on planet earth in a flesh body.. the eternity will also be planet earth as God is going to bring New Jerusalem to earth..

Who knows if any of the other planets were also inhabited in that 1st age besides planet earth... I am betting they were as it seems saturn is satans favorite planet.

Job 38
4 “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand.

5 Who marked off its dimensions? SURELY YOU KNOW!

21 Surely you know, FOR YOU WERE ALREADY BORN! You have lived so many years!

Job was alread born... (that 1st age), just like we all were when God created us.. Sounds to me like we watched God create things.

Between Genesis1 1-2.. The earth BECAME empty or void..

God ORIGINALLY did not create the earth to be empty.... it became that way because God ended that 1st age because of the rebellion of lucifer and others..

There are 3 ages as 2 Peter 3 also talks about.

God created the earth and created all souls in the 1st age..."IN THE BEGINNING" is the 1st age. He created them male and female.. just not a flesh body.. our body was made of a different material than it is not... we have 2 bodies as 1Cor. talks about also. God called us "angels" or "stars" in Job 38 and throughout the bible.. pet names showing He loves us. God asked Job, Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth.... WE WERE THERE

Geneses 1 26-27 God is talking to us telling us He is going to make flesh bodies in the "same image"... That means we had to have an image/picture of ourselve before He made the flesh body. He ended that 1st age where were were"angel bodies material"... and said He is going to give us each a 2nd body... a flesh body for this 2nd age.

He also included HIMself in that HE also would have a flesh body in this 2nd age.

He did this in order to save His creation that fell in that 1st age.

We have no idea how long that 1st age lasted... but a long time becasue the earth is billions of years old.

The bible tells us that Lucifer rebelled in that 1st age and the people that followed him were "fallen" angels ( us people in that 1st age.. just different body material .. not flesh.....
God refers to lucifer as a "man" many places in the bible.

Nooone's 1st age body has yet been destroyed... not even lucifer/satan or those fallen ones. We just cant see our other body unless God allows it... like He showed many of the prophets their other body while they are in a flesh body here in this 2nd age. They saw themselves in Heaven walking around talking with people in HEaven and we know no flesh body can enter Heaven , only our angel bodies can. Those bodies live longer than our flesh one.

God gave each of us a 2nd body( a flesh one) for this 2nd age. The flesh body perishes and then we only have our "angel" body material one from the 1st age.

God had to bring Jesus in the flesh to pay the ransom price for all of us with his death on the cross... as we are all sinners.. noone can have eternal live until we unite our spirit with God's Holy spirit. We would all perish in our sins unless we choose Jesus as Lord. Our spirit needs the Holy Spirit to cleanse us.

This 2nd age is GOd's whole plan of salvation. Jesus came in the flesh to die in our place so we can be reconciled back to Father.

This 2nd age will end at the end of the mellenium.. there will be a great white throne judgment and those who refuse Jesus will go into the lake of fire and perish.

We are all only in our angel body at the 7th trumpet return of Christ, as all flesh will be destroyed at that trumpet.. people, animals... NO MORE FLESH... and the 1000 year mellenium begins... Lucifer/satan is in the pit those 1000 years and will be released to again test people.

We have 2 bodies .. one is 1st age material or angel body.. 1st age
one is flesh material body... 2nd age
male or female from the beginning


There is a 1st resurrection at the 7th trumpet wlhich is when we exchange out our mortal self for immortality... for those who chose Jesus before the mellenium begins.

The rest have to go thru the mellenium in mortal selves and try for the 2nd resurrection at the end of the mellenium.. but everyone only has their original 1st age body at the 7th trumpet... no more flesh bodies.

Lucifer and the fallen ones refused a flesh body for this 2nd age, and instead came to earth and had sex with flesh women to try to thwart God plan and prevent Jesus from coming in the flesh body in this 2nd age. God will destroy those fallen ones when He comes at the 7th trumpet.

All "flesh" bodies are destroyed at the 7th trumpet, as well as the fallen angel bodies.

The 3rd age is eternity... we only have our original body , but have received immortality thru Jesus .
A body + a spirit( a mind) = a person or soul

"bodies" are male or female vessels or containers which contain our spirit/mind...
We are all mortal souls until we join with Jesus Holy Spirit and then we can be decent... love, joy, peace, patience, kind, good, faithful. loyal and have self control... fruit of the Holy Spirit God gives us to replace our mind/spirit which can do nothing good without HIm.

lui bin chen

fifteen year old boy had accident on electric bike.. handlebars came and hit him in abdomen, had to have spleen removed, now in ICU

Please pray

I was reading tonight and learned that many (most?) modern scholars say the Gospels were written anonymously, not by Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. And that they were written much later than the RCC says they were.
I looked this up on Catholic Answers but their articles didn’t help 100%. This is one of those things that can turn into a huge thing for me. So how do we know the Gospels were written by eyewitnesses or disciples of eyewitnesses?

Houmayoun, another drug addict in Iran saved by Christ from a vision.

Being a drug addict, you'd think his wife would be delighted that he became clean but she was angered about him bringing dishonour to the family!

She left him temporarily but his new found self brought her back and she was led to Christ!

The son next, and as a result he spent his 18th birthday in jail!

The family went to Turkey for asylum and an RI worker met them all there, on an Istanbul rooftop restaurant with the beautiful sights and smells of Turkey!

Amazingly the family all desire to return to Iran and share the gospel!

Source:

Release international

What does it mean? Is it prophecy? Is it instruction to believers? Literal, symbolic, both? How should this book be approached and understood?