Xeno.of.athens said:

I read these words and think, Blessed Mary most highly. She went through a lot.

Then God's temple in heaven was opened, and the ark of his covenant was seen within his temple; and there were flashes of lightning, voices, peals of thunder, an earthquake, and heavy hail. And a great portent appeared in heaven, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars; she was with child and she cried out in her pangs of birth, in anguish for delivery.​

Revelation 11:19-12:2 RSV-CE

she brought forth a male child, one who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron, but her child was caught up to God and to his throne, and the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, in which to be nourished for one thousand two hundred and sixty days.
Revelation 12:5-6 RSV-CE

The serpent poured water like a river out of his mouth after the woman, to sweep her away with the flood. But the earth came to the help of the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed the river which the dragon had poured from his mouth. Then the dragon was angry with the woman, and went off to make war on the rest of her offspring, on those who keep the commandments of God and bear testimony to Jesus.
Revelation 12:15-17 RSV-CE

I am pleased to be among the "rest of her children".

Click to expand...

These verses refer to the True Israel among the Jews driven into exile until 1948 - we are in a late hour. The True Vine - Children of Abraham - not Mary.

Benaiah468 said:

The Israeli military has released the results of the investigation into the attack on Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis. According to the report, a Golani Brigades unit discovered a camera installed by Hamas that monitored the movements of Israeli soldiers. Based on the assessment that the facility was being used as an observation and control device for enemy activities, authorization for the attack was granted. The goal was to neutralize the threat without extending the operation to civilian areas. Naturally, challenges arise in coordinating and approving military operations in densely populated areas. Hamas systematically misuses civilian facilities for military purposes, making it difficult to distinguish between combatants and civilians. The fatigue and overload of the troops, which can lead to misjudgements, must also be taken into account. The investigation revealed that an anti-tank gun was used in the attack, although a more targeted weapon was initially planned to limit damage to the target area. Don't Hamas members have cameras and press vests? Six of the fatalities were Hamas militants.

Click to expand...

Could be. The problem is the Israeli military has every incentive to lie. And I see no reason to believe they wouldnt. Similar with Hamas, or possibly more so. Its frustrating in trying to make sense of this war.

That said, the overall impression is building that the Israeli plan is to hound the Palestinians out of Gaza altogether. To be followed by the West Bank.

NxNW said:

Your questions contain questionable assumptions that first need to be clarified.

Click to expand...

Good luck with that!

Oompa Loompa said:

Trying to resurrect a dead thread?

Click to expand...

In summary, there seems to be a pattern of scrutinizing abuses of power for personal financial gain primarily among politicians one opposes, while disregarding similar actions when committed by those one supports. Remarkably, this partiality is now openly exhibited without hesitation or embarrassment in public discourse.

Always in His Presence said:

oh and if 54 people shot, seven murdered in one weekend is not a sign of needing help

Click to expand...

There is no quote saying they don't need help, either.

essentialsaltes said:

The word 'safe' only appears in the headline.

The governor was joined by Mayor Johnson, who insisted that Chicagoans do not want a “military occupation” and that the city is being unfairly targeted. Both leaders argued that what Chicago truly needs is “investment,” not federal intervention.

Click to expand...

Oompa Loompa said:

Trying to resurrect a dead thread?

Click to expand...

Nope. If you pay attention, you'll see it's already been resurrected.

BPPLEE said:

https://x.com/its_The_Dr/status/1861935904534798653

See for yourself

Click to expand...

A tactical team was coming up the stairway when the shooting occurred. They provided aid to Ashli.
And that means what?

That Ashli was innocent?

Say it aint so said:

Yes. They ignore science.

Click to expand...

That's true. During COVID, the CDC ignored all kinds of science. You may recall that the top two vaccine regulators at the FDA resigned in protest over the unscientific recommendation of boosters for all.

Again, the politicization of the CDC is not a new problem.

Benaiah468 said:

The Israeli military has released the results of the investigation into the attack on Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis.

Click to expand...

We have investigated ourselves and found that we did nothing wrong!

Hentenza said:

You inserted your opinion outside of the quoted portion to denigrate the relationship between the countries. That makes it a diatribe.

Click to expand...

In a general sense, the main "benefits" that the article lists are just the ability to purchase products from Israeli companies and collaborations between US and Israeli companies on technology. It's not really clear how they think those are uniquely enabled by us sending billions of dollars per year to the country, unless, of course, the billions we're sending are funding those products that we buy from them and propping up the companies that we collaborate with. In which case, I have to ask whether it would be better spending that money domestically.

Richard T said:

Sorry I have trouble understanding this sanctification part. Thanks for your answers though. So some believers are like King Saul? They might start out saved and anointed but through disobedience they lose their salvation? That sure seems like works. Saul failed to do the correct works and it resulted in his physical and most believe his spiritual death.

Click to expand...

Good day, Richard

It can be confusing... what you have to be careful of is to conflate the two like the Roman Catholic denomination does.

The best way I have ever heard it explained was Justification is something that is said about you where as sanctification is something that is done to you. I do not let my limited view of my sanctification rob me of the surety of my justification.

I am Justified, and God is working in me my our sanctification.

Maybe give Murray's work a read- Definitive Sanctification

In Him,

Bill

iluvatar5150 said:

You guys are all welcome to disprove my suspicions and condemn the Trump family's profiteering over here:

Trump’s business has expanded since 2016 — and so have his potential conflicts

As president, Trump could shape policy on cryptocurrency and social media, two industries in which he has new financial interests. Former president Donald Trump told cryptocurrency fans at a national bitcoin conference this summer that if elected to a second term, he would turn the United...

www.christianforums.com

I'm not gonna hold my breath.

Click to expand...

Trying to resurrect a dead thread?

wing2000 said:

...in the latest attack, the IDF claimed there was a Hamas operated camera mounted on the external stairway. However, there is no evidence of such a camera....and even if there were, is launching rockets the appropriate solution?

[IDF also claims 6 Hamas militants were in the area.]

Click to expand...

The Israeli military has released the results of the investigation into the attack on Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis. According to the report, a Golani Brigades unit discovered a camera installed by Hamas that monitored the movements of Israeli soldiers. Based on the assessment that the facility was being used as an observation and control device for enemy activities, authorization for the attack was granted. The goal was to neutralize the threat without extending the operation to civilian areas. Naturally, challenges arise in coordinating and approving military operations in densely populated areas. Hamas systematically misuses civilian facilities for military purposes, making it difficult to distinguish between combatants and civilians. The fatigue and overload of the troops, which can lead to misjudgements, must also be taken into account. The investigation revealed that an anti-tank gun was used in the attack, although a more targeted weapon was initially planned to limit damage to the target area. Don't Hamas members have cameras and press vests? Six of the fatalities were Hamas militants.

Benaiah468 said:

View attachment 369470

Investigation explodes myth that Israel targets journalists

Click to expand...

“We know we’re dealing with Hamas propaganda when we’re talking about the Hamas list, and there’s little point addressing it."

Well, I'm convinced.

/s

• Overall, We rate the Jewish News Syndicate as Right-Center biased based on its editorial position in support of the Israeli government. We also rate them Mixed for factual reporting due to poor sourcing techniques and the promotion of one-sided propaganda.

Robban said:

If or when you find what you are looking for, will you have much life left to live?

Click to expand...

Sadly I have grave doubts I will ever find a type of love that fully satisfies me. Mainly because of the harsh reality we have evolved in.

While whatever love we can have will have flaws, as long as we try our best within the psychological system we find ourselves in, guilt isn't warranted.

Currently I am toying with an idea of love that revolves around rationality/intellectualism. Especially the idea that rationality should be the ultimate and final lens we use to love others.

Instead of love that derives from pain/suffering like empathy and sympathy. Rational love requires sacrificing any feel good emotions we may have in helping or loving others and instead be rational and cold about what is really best for them. Realizing emotions can be misleading.

For example I was recently talking to a woman and asking how she perceives the average man. She said that the average man wants to rape and kill women. While I have my doubts about how much people really believe this, it is a popular sentiment that is casually thrown around in left/feminist circles.

While most men are not happy about the prospects of this being true, I do believe the idea is emotionally appealing because it gives women a vulnerable allure. So many simply do not question this statement and go along and even encourage these thoughts.

Is it actually loving going along with it? I do not believe so. While most people probably do not take these statements 100% seriously, I do think these ideas floating around with little pushback (especially in left/feminist circles) is harmful. Not only to men, but to women. I know of testimonies from former feminist women who say when they stopped being feminist and questioned the narrative about men being violent and predatory they found themselves feeling safer in general.

I pushed back on her statements. Not out of hatred, I actually have a good relationship with this woman but out of wanting to do the right thing and actually be loving. While women shouldn't be oblivious to their safety, unless men really are this way.. gaslighting and overblowing the dangers of men doesn't help anyone.

Eventually she agreed with my pushback. Honestly she confirmed my suspicions about these statements and admitted she liked the idea of the average man being prone to raping and killing women. Most likely an inverse of why men like these fantasies. She like the vulnerable allure it gives her. Not that she actually wants it to happen, but likes the damsel in distress vibe it brings.

The thing is.. even if some people find these ideas about men strangely appealing others do not. Some will still believe it to some capacity and suffer needless fear as a result.

I felt pretty good about myself after this exchange and acknowledged that this was an example and an expression of rational love.

Despite being vocal for my hatred of feminism and what I perceive as a movement that twists everything into women being perpetual victims, emotionally I understand the appeal. Just intellectually... and my conscience.. I cannot blindly go along with it.

In the past my pushback against these statements have been out of anger, but now I am trying to steer these angry thoughts into thoughts that are geared towards a loving manner.

Oompa Loompa said:

WRONG! Try again. Are they red cities, or are they blue cities located in red states?

Click to expand...

Almost true, the inclusion of Wichita however, shows that their county voted in favor of Trump. https://www.politico.com/2024-election/results/kansas/ Voting is not tabulated by city limits though so it cannot be fully determined. what the city residents preference was for. I suspect there are likely only a few other smaller cities with higher crime rates than Chicago that are red. New Orleans, St Louis, Baltimore or New Orleans are not red cities. But even a blue city in a red state should have their red Governors asking for troops? Unfortunately if this is your way to fight crime, the red state Governors are not stepping up that I have heard.

So why the infatuation with blue cities with crime but Trump? I suspect it is political and personal. It also would allow ICE to operate more effectively to round up illegal and immigrants that have overstayed their visas. Blue cities like Chicago and Boston are targets because they
are less helpful for immigration enforcement. Notice I said less cooperative. I did not say what they do is illegal, though that certainly is a worthy challenge and in part will work its way through the courts.

While these points are important, the entire basis of sending Federal troops has been considered illegal. Senator Rand Paul pointed this out last year. Now California District judge Breyer has said that such troops doing police work violate the law. https://www.cnbc.com/2025/09/02/trump-national-guard-california-newsom.html The ruling only covers California though at least for the moment.

We can say that this judge is liberal (he is) but Senator Paul certainly is not. But even if Christians want more crime fighting, it should be done with more police, not the military. Thus, the crime bill that Clinton signed was far superior than Trump's. Why? Clinton's was certainly constitutional, it was more permanent, it covered some 600 plus jurisdictions, with no real mess about what political affiliation the city was.

wing2000 said:

Have you actually read any of the reports?

Click to expand...

See for yourself

You guys are all welcome to disprove my suspicions and condemn the Trump family's profiteering over here:

I'm not gonna hold my breath.

Hentenza said:

There is no information given about the US paying Israel to develop the weapons that US buys.

Click to expand...

I thought this was common knowledge - the US provides a massive amount of funding for Israel's military. Some of that is in the form of grants that they can use to buy US-made equipment, but plenty of it goes to fund weapons development too. For example, we've put a couple billion dollars worth of funding into Iron Dome. Then we paid Rafael (the Israeli defense contractor) another $375 million for two systems of our own.

Overall, we send Israel about $3.8 billion per year worth of military aid, which constitutes nearly 20% of their defense budget.

I'm not saying that we don't benefit at all from this relationship, but it's pretty clear that it's not an equal partnership.

Will it keep him safe from prosecution?

essentialsaltes said:

Trump and Co’s extraordinary conflicts of interest in his second term​

The $Trump meme coin is an ethics regulator’s waking nightmare. There is little transparency around who is channelling money into it, and even less around the potentially nefarious motives of investors.

The same might be said about the Trumps’ other big crypto venture, World Liberty Financial, which was launched last September by Trump’s sons. The president himself is listed by the company as its “chief crypto advocate”.

Click to expand...

Trump family profits from launch of World Liberty Financial crypto token​

"Family members of Donald J. Trump" hold 22.5 billion tokens, disclosures say

On Tuesday morning, the value of $WLFI hovered around 23 cents, leaving the Trump family with a stake of approximately $5 billion.

World Liberty Financial said earlier Monday in a statement that tokens belonging to the founding "Team" were locked and therefore unable to be sold pending a "vesting schedule TBD," meaning the Trump family's $5 billion position exists only on paper for the time being.

The White House has repeatedly denied critics' claims that Trump's role in his family's emerging cryptocurrency empire while overseeing crypto industry regulations poses any conflicts of interest or ethical concerns.

The Barbarian said:

It might have gone better for you, if you had done a bit of research first.

Click to expand...

It might go better for you if you researched how many scientists reject evolution theory.

All science is in the realm of doubt. Unanimous agreement among experts is the appropriate measure of discerning truth with regard to anything that is a matter of truth. In matters of taste, like evolution, not so much.

BPPLEE said:

She was wrong but that doesn't necessarily mean she deserved to be killed.

Click to expand...

She didnt deserve to die.

Its just that getting killed was a reasonable expectation given her criminal actions and the context of the day. The people in that room and those defending them didnt ask to put in that horrible position. This outcome is on her.

sfs said:

This in no way prohibits the reality of common descent.

Click to expand...

Apparently you do not understand the principle. Common descent is not the issue that violates this principle: only devolution is possible, a loss of functionality.

sfs said:

While there are differences between observational and experimental sciences ...

Click to expand...

Apparently you also do not understand the difference between the methods of historiographical and empirical sciences.