sjastro said:

The ruins of the Karnak religious complex is from the New Kingdom and beyond into Roman times. There are no Old Kingdom ruins standing today.
The architectural style and more importantly the religion of the New Kingdom has shaped what is found at Karnak today.

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On what basis do you claim this. You say the architecture style and yet the architecture style of at least some of the pillars and granite works are more in line with old kingdom works.

We know for a fact that there were works from the old kingdom in Karnak because we have the pillar bases under the existing pillars. One which has a priests name on it from the 4th dynasty. So we know that there was a Temple at Karnak as early as the 4th dynasty and maybe earlier.

The fact is we find sandstone copies from the new kingdom and we rarely find such large granite works from the new kingdom. Look at all the works and we will find the majority and best examples in granite from the old kingdom.

sjastro said:

In the Old Kingdom, Amun was a local god of southern Egypt and the religious centres were in the north such as Heliopolis and Memphis where the major gods were Ra, Osiris and Ptah.
Amun became the principal god of Egypt by the time of the New Kingdom and the Karnak religious complex was a dedication to him.
Using your example of the obelisk highlights the architectural differences between the Old and New Kingdoms. Obelisks from the Old Kingdom were smaller, less decorated and made from limestone instead of granite. These obelisks are not found at Karnak.
So if the pharaohs from the 19th dynasty and beyond were forging their name on monuments it was on New Kingdom constructions.

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The point is they are found in abundence at Karnak and other similar sites from the new kingdom. The very obelisk we are talking about is in pink granite and not sandstone or limestone which the new kingdom used. The same with the pillars and statues and other fine works.

Which compared to new kingdom works is far superior. As though there are two destinct industries at the same site. One being of high quality and in the hardest stones and the other less quality in softer stone trying to copy these earlier works. In fact we see this through all the new kingdom sites.

It seems logical like we see with most of these sites that there is always a previous works being built over or added to. Ramesses II was notorious for rebuilding and using other pharoahs works. Its no coincident that his name is often found on works that were not his.

Statue of Ramesses II
The statue was usurped by Ramesses VI (1143-1136 BC) and later by Pinedjem a High Priest (1070- 1032).

Not that it matters as this does not change that even middle or new kingdom Egyptians had use of some circular saw to make those fine cuts. Even you said the same signature in the other example must have come from a modern tool like a circular saw to be able to cut into the stone. Rather than try to pass through it with a saw which would need access from both sides.

sjastro said:

Needless to say none of this addresses nor supports the idea of the Egyptians using some superior technology.

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Why. Lets just compare the old kingdom works with the new kingdom works. Here we clearly see two different signatures. One in the hardest stones and near perfect from the old kingdom. The other in softer stone and less perfect from the new kingdom.

This suggests superior knowledge and tech. It would be silly to say they both used the same tools or that the new kingdom has better tools with steel and yet produced completely different qualities.

In fact the old kingdom superior works have never been repeated in later time. The exact opposite of what we would expect with the progression of tech and knowledge.

So it implies a superior knowledge of some sort to achieve such a high level of quality in the very first dynasties that has never really be repeated by all the later dynasties.

This is why when we see a high quality granite works on a new kingdom site whose signature is in softer stone and less quality we have to question that this is not actually an old kingdom works. Flinders Petrie who was the first archeologists at the site described Ramesses II as the great usurper as his name was stamped on obvious old kingdom works.

Look at his poor work on these ancient precision boxes. You would think if the original maker was so perfect on the box they would at least get the lines straight when putting their signature on it lol.

We have these 100 ton boxes in the Sarapeum which are precise in all geometric relations within 1,000ths of an inch. Then we get some pharoah come along later and scribble his name on it like kids have done it with crooked and broken lines and claims they made the box. Two completely different levels of tech.

sjastro said:

Here is the area of interest as circled.

View attachment 369441​

The slit was created after the relief, if you want to believe this is an overcut and part of the artistic rendition dream on, in the real world it is an act of vandalism performed at a much later date when it was possible to make sharp cuts.

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Maybe, I don't know like I said. No one has come forward with any evidence that its a later addition. This is a signature of a modern tool like a circular saw that was not in existence until the 19th century.

Thanks for your post. I will give a few thoughts related to Acts 2.

It is great that all were filled. It is exactly as Jesus said starting in
John 7:37-39 (KJV)
37 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.
38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

To me what is interesting is to compare this with what Jesus said to the woman at the well.
John 4:13-14 (KJV)
13 Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again:
14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

The John 4 experience is about salvation, the John 7 experience is about receiving the Holy Spirit. One is a well of water, (internal) the other is rivers of living water (external). many teach now that the experiences occur all at once. Others suggest that the filling of the Holy Spirit often may come subsequently after one is born again. They point to this scripture where Paul refers to these people as disciples.
Acts 19:2-3 (KJV)
2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.
3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.

Other theological disagreements exist over whether tongues is evidence of the filling of the Holy Spirit. In Acts this was common, though some did prophesy when they were filled. In one instance Simon saw the gift being bestowed but it does not say what the gift was. A couple of instances where the Holy Spirit was given in Acts, the bible is silent about what occurred.
So, some churches believe tongues is given to all, as evidence of the Holy Spirit. Others believe everyone is filled when they are born again.

I find this also interesting about the 120 who were filled with the Holy Spirit.
Many believe that those Christians all spoke in foreign languages. That sounds simple but there are some possible differences that Acts is not crystal clear on. We do know there were 15 or so of these languages listed in Acts 2:8-11. It seems impossible to know though if they all were known foreign languages. So what were the possibilities?
1. With 120 filled, there could have been more languages that were not understood.
Acts 2:5 (YLT) 5 And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation of those under the heaven,
2. It is possible that every language was understood and there were more languages than were listed.
3. There could have been more than one person speaking the same foreign language.
3. It is possible that some were speaking languages that were not of this world.

I personally lean to the latter because some thought that those filled with the spirit were drunk. It could have been they really were acting drunk as occurs in some Pentecostal churches at times or perhaps it was because they were speaking in languages that no one understood at all. Remember too that it would be hard to match up the 120 tongue talkers to those that came from other nations and had the ability to listen. I mean that would require the pairing of 120 people speaking in foreign languages with at least one person who could understand that language. Which would take some amount of time just to get to the pairings. Some might lean toward not all speaking a known foreign language because so many who speak in tongues today speak syllables and other words and structure that do not sound like a full language. Of the small percent who have spoke in a known language in tongues, they also generally speak in tongues in an unknown or unrecognizable language at other times.
One explanation for this is that speaking in a known language via a tongue is part of the gift "various kinds of tongues" in I Cor 12. Meanwhile, the baptism of the Holy Spirit, with evidence of tongues is sometimes thought of not part of that gift but the ability of every believer. This becomes important because when Paul says in I Cor 12, "all do not speak in tongues," in context he is referring to the gift various kinds of tongues and likely not the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

Acts and the rest of the bible is clear; everyone can have the power of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 2:17 (KJV)
17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:

It seems highly unlikely that the prophesy was just fulfilled by the 120. It is a prophesy that we all can accept. The Holy Spirit was poured out in other examples in Acts and continues to be poured out today. Most Pentecostal/Charismatics do believe that all believers can speak in tongues. It includes millions of Charismatic Catholics that also speak in tongues.

I encourage all to investigate this on their own. There are lots of unanswered questions. Like among Catholics, why is it that most who speak in tongues are from South America? What is it about them and other Pentecostal tongue talkers that make them have the ability to receive?

Why is it too that some receive tongues years after they are born again?

I would note too that some think tongues have ceased, that some tongues might be of the devil, or that tongues are of little or no use. But is certainly certain that the entire 120 did speak in tongues in Acts 2, that at least many if not all spoke on a known foreign language, and that subsequently the Holy Spirit was given to others that spoke in tongues or prophesied or ______? because the bible is not always specific about what occurred.

Niels said:

Which does not negate the fact that they remain our neighbors and we are called to love even our enemies. They are made in God's image like the rest of us.

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A sinner that is not repentant is not necessarily our enemy. Be that as it may disfellowship is done with morning.
1Cor 5:2 And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you.

Xeno.of.athens said:

The son of one of my friends - The son would be about 40 years old now - has been having a conversation with me about the meaning of unity, in the Church. He is a Calvinist christian doing studies in a Baptist-like theological school. As a part of his studies, he's been looking into the question of church unity, and disunity. And since he knows me, he's been asking me questions about the Catholic perspective on the issues he's studying. We have had several rounds of discussion already and it would be unfair of me to reproduce those discussions, without first consulting with him about whether he wants anything that he's written, to appear in this forum. So, I will reproduce only my most recent reply to him regarding The question of unity. It is shown below the line.

---

Thank you for your considered reflections. You rightly note that various ecclesial communities articulate differing conceptions of the Church’s nature and unity. However, from a Catholic perspective, the Church founded by Christ “subsists in the Catholic Church, which is governed by the successor of Peter and by the Bishops in communion with him” (Lumen Gentium, §8). This formulation affirms that while elements of sanctification and truth exist outside her visible structure, the fullness of Christ’s Church remains uniquely and enduringly present in the Catholic communion.

The Catholic critique of Protestant ecclesiology is not a dismissal of sincere faith or doctrinal convergence, but a theological response to the revealed structure of the Church. As Dominus Iesus (§16) clarifies, “the ecclesial communities which have not preserved the valid Episcopate and the genuine and integral substance of the Eucharistic mystery are not Churches in the proper sense.” This is not a polemical assertion but a doctrinal distinction rooted in sacramental and apostolic continuity. Unity, in Catholic understanding, is not merely mutual recognition but visible communion in faith, sacraments, and governance.

Your concern for ecumenical charity is well placed. The Church teaches that “many elements of sanctification and of truth are found outside of her visible structure” (Lumen Gentium, §8), and she earnestly seeks unity through dialogue and mutual understanding. Yet, fidelity to Christ’s intention for His Church requires clarity: unity must be more than doctrinal harmony—it must be sacramental and hierarchical, as instituted by Christ and perpetuated through apostolic succession.

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When people ask me, "Of what faith are you?" <--- I see a loaded question. My response is usually ---> "As I see it, since there is a singular Creator of the universe that can be regarded as Thee Eternal Power, then objectively speaking there can only be one Faith". I believe the Holy Spirit gifted me this sight, that I count as wisdom.

Therefore, I don't mean to insult anyone's intelligence, but mind manipulation is a real thing, and I do not want to accept nor affirm the false premise in the question. Similarly, I see a sentiment of unity being expressed in the term Catholic objectively meaning the one universal church in unity through the Holy Spirit of Truth, but then I also see that there's also a subjective sentiment of disunity being expressed through the label ---> "I'm a Catholic".

The USD seems to be losing its status as the global currency reserve.
Many nations are selling off BILLIONS in US bonds - China sold off over $340 billion.
The debt keeps climbing.

$1 TRILLION a year just to service the interest!

Trump's ever changing tariffs - based on whether or not he got soap in his eyes in the shower that morning - are not helping the global economy and American trade.

His insane BBB which gives $3 TRILLION in tax cuts over the next decade to billionaires while kicking the bottom 16 MILLION Americans off healthcare is not only a breach of election promises to curb the debt, but it is economically suicidal.

The world is watching - and starting to prepare for the end of American economic hegemony.
The end of the American advantage as the global currency reserve.

This brilliant analysis shows the weird way international borrowing of US bonds has propped up the US economy.
But if confidence in the US dollar vanishes - everything changes.
Inflation kick starts, importing all those manufactured goods and a quarter of your food all becomes more expensive - and the interest rates could rise. Then you're paying even MORE to service your debt.

Annually - the US is paying MORE ON DEBT than your entire military budget!
And that is unprecedented in developed economies.

Login to view embedded media

Philip_B said:

And neither have you

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I'm rubber and you're glue.

Richard T said:

Yes, it is a fine line between doing too little and inviting aggression and doing too much that you start a wider war. I guess my argument is that the West is doing too little. There are some more things that could be done that are short of entering the conflict. I agree that the economic stuff could be much more restrictive.

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I think that's a false dichotomy. "Doing too little" may already be enough. With the social and economic situation in Russia, things aren't looking promising for the Putin regime long term. Putin plays up a tough guy image, but that's only because Russia's material situation is quite dire.

FireDragon76 said:

Military response could be counterproductive or even dangerous.

Increasing sanctions and putting international pressure on Russia seems the only practical step, even then, the effect will be limited as Russia has significant industrial capacity.

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Yes, it is a fine line between doing too little and inviting aggression and doing too much that you start a wider war. I guess my argument is that the West is doing too little. There are some more things that could be done that are short of entering the conflict. I agree that the economic stuff could be much more restrictive.

johansen said:

Is this a joke or do you actually believe this nonsense?
Its like palm reading. My jewish friend says its real but he doesnt believe anyone on the planet actually knows how to read them. Im like.. dude a demon offered to teach me and i told it to go away.

One of the things i do feel a bit guilty for: Back in highschool in 2005 i found a hacked version on limewire or the pirate bay of a numerology software package.

I printed out all 54? Pages of text in it, and there is a very small chance i may still have it. Anyhow, back then i had concern for a girl and she gave her full name and birth date so we started reading her chart.. it was accurate enough she started screaming, hands over her ears, ran out of the room.

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It's simply an observation for me. An interesting pattern and nothing more. I won't be choosing my friends based on astrological compatibility.

rjs330 said:

Well you certainly do not do it equally. I suppose i could go back to the threads where the Palestinians attacked Israel and see if you were as critical of them as you are with Israel. My guess is you weren't. And you most certainly are not in this thread.

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And neither have you

Oompa Loompa said:

54 shot over weekend in Chicago as governor rejects Trump's threat to send in National Guard

At least seven people have been killed and 47 others injured in shootings across Chicago over Labor Day weekend, according to police.

abcnews.go.com

Meanwhile, 35 people are shot dead in Chicago, and Denocrats dont care because they hate Trump and dont want him to send the national guard to fix the problem. Democrat mayor proves yet again than they hate Trump more than they care about the citizens they represent.

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I will help Trump with his math. New Orleans population is 363,000 / 4 deaths = 1 death per 91,000 people
Chicago population is 2,721, 000 / 7 deaths = 1 death per 385,000 people
Wichita population is 400,000 / 4 deaths = 1 death per 100,000 people

Murder rate this week was 4X higher in New Orleans. and Wichita. I am sure I could find more but does evidence even matter?
Do MAGA folks or Trump care about red states too? Or is it the political win that is the most important thing? What about policies that violate state's rights? This is a centerpiece of conservatism to me. The consent of the governed is an entrenched idea from John Locke. Better to send the troops where they are needed most, if Kansas and Louisiana consent.

Look at Sen. Rand Paul's position on troops doing police or immigration work. Around 3:30 in the video. Login to view embedded media
I am glad that Trump is cleaning up the DC area, if he desires to make the changes long lasting. DC is not a state and is more of a Federal responsibility. The biggest problem I found with cities with the highest crime is that they can't find enough officers to hire. We should pray that Trump can help with that problem.

Sabertooth said:

Your observations (about religious human behavior) are affirmations of Matthew 7:13-14 & 2 Timothy 3:1-5.

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My observation that is supported by statistics is that religion seems to make things worse - make people become more distant from Christ in nature. Essentially more evil in nature.

Quite ironically, Christianity is no exception. The flow of discussion with AI changed once I made it aware of these statistics.

Sir Joseph said:

Our culture, and skeptics in particular who defend evolutionary theory, often criticize the believer who embraces God and Biblical creation as unscientific, ignorant and foolish. This, despite some of the greatest scientists in history openly expressing their belief in God, acceptance of Biblical creation, and rejection of evolutionary theory. Here are 10 such men that discovered many of the laws of science we value so highly these days.

Sir Ambrose Fleming - father of modern electronics​

Blaise Pascal - mathematician developing the theory of probability​

Johann Kepler - mathematician and father of astronomy​

Nicolas Steno - father of modern geology​

William Thomson - father of engineering and laws of thermodynamics​

Ernest T.S. Walton - PHD Nobel Prize winning mathematician and physicist​

Robert Boyle - major contributer to chemistry and physics​

James Clerk Maxwell - mathematician greatly influencing 20th century physics and thermodynamics​

Leonhard Euler - one of the greatest mathematicians and theoretical physicists of all time​

Isaac Newton - most influential scientist of all time​

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Interesting post Sir Joseph. Some have implied these renowned Christian scientists were dead before Darwin published his theory of evolution in 1859 . Four of them were in fact alive. Einstein's hero, the evangelical physicist James Maxwell, rejected Darwin's evolution theory. William Thompson, also known as Lord Kelvin, vehemently opposed evolution. I don't know what Ernest Walton's view was. But Sir Ambrose Fleming,( student of Maxwell) co-founded the Evolution Protest Movement, so it seems evolution wasn't his cup of tea.

Evangelical physicist James Clerk Maxwell is widely considered among the top 3 scientists in history, even Newton's equal according to the late eminent physicist Freeman Dyson. In fact Albert Einstein said that Maxwell was the initiator of the modern era of physics. Einstein said he owed his discovery of Special Relativity to Maxwell's Equations . " Maxwell changed the world forever," he stated. The largest photo in his home study was of Maxwell. Einstein had another photo in his study which was of yet another fundamentalist . It was of the scientist who showed us how electricity works and came up with the idea of "fields" - which is one of the most important idea in quantum physics.- the incomparable Michael Faraday. Imagine that; two Bible-believing church elders among the absolute top scientists in history.(Both believed in the eternal truth that Jesus is God.)
James Clerk Maxwell's passion for science was second only to his great love for Jesus. On salvation he said"...if I escape(hell) it is only because of God's grace, helping me get rid of myself..."["James Clerk Maxwell and the Christian Proposition", by Professor Ian Hutchinson, MIT.]
I am asking humbly and with genuine concern, that all you sweet people of all the wonderful ethnicities around the world who are not Christian that have spent your good time reading this thread, to accept Jesus Christ as your God and Savior. We will all kneel before the omnipotent Christ Jesus. Either as the most beloved children of His Great Father because we chose to believe in the Gospel of Christ!

Or as Christ's eternal enemy because one chose not to believe. You do not want to be the enemy of the all-powerful Being!
The only smart choice is to believe in Jesus! Everlasting-life in heaven is a free, infinitely valuable gift; but like any gift, you have to accept it. Lord Jesus will not force it on you. I hope to see you all there as I was once an ardent Christ-denier myself.
The New Testament in 1 John 4 says that God is love personified. Lord Jesus loves you so much but he won't force his love on one. So please choose to believe in him as your Savior.

For the youth and those guests peering in from the web:
OT event's True Images from 2700 years ago. Free for Sunday Schools, Youth studies, VBS etc. They were discovered in the proven ruins of Nineveh.

essentialsaltes said:

Will the answer be "Increased awareness and testing?

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That will only account for the increase in ASD1s (who do not require extensive resources) but not the tidal wave of ASD2s & 3s (who do).

From The California Dept. of Developmental Disabilities,
Bottom of page 7,
"A popular hypothesis that the increase is largely due to greater awareness, changing criteria, and other diagnostic factors has not been substantiated..."

And on page 18,
"The increase is unlikely to result from diagnostic factors such as broadening criteria or greater awareness."

If autism were blindness,

1. ASD1 would be the equivalent of color blindness;
2. ASD2, legal blindness &
3. ASD3, complete blindness.

public hermit said:

VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Leo XIV met Monday with one of the most prominent advocates for greater LGBTQ+ inclusion in the Catholic Church and encouraged his ministry, sending a strong signal of welcome in the early months of his pontificate.

The Rev. James Martin, a New York-based Jesuit author and editor, said Leo told him he intended to continue Pope Francis’ policy of LGBTQ+ acceptance in the church and encouraged him to keep up his advocacy.

“I heard the same message from Pope Leo that I heard from Pope Francis, which is the desire to welcome all people, including LGBTQ people,” Martin told The Associated Press after the audience. “It was wonderful. It was very consoling and very encouraging and frankly a lot of fun.”

Loading…

apnews.com

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That's good news but I'd like to see more evidence that it translates to practical, concrete steps at welcome and inclusion.

Richard T said:

I wonder how long the West will tolerate provocations? From lies about covid, air balloons, spies captured, undersea cables broken, ramming ships, laser lights and GPS jamming, air space incursions. The list is piling up. What can be done? Here is a possible list for Russia.

Embargo Russia completely,
Refuse to allow ships carrying Russian oil to dock. (many of these tankers are Greek or other nations transporting Russian oil)
Do something to stop Russian travel. No visas even for tourists. Recall EU passport holders living in Russia. Make it a crime to travel there.
Crimp further the assets and the international transactions of Russia.
Is there a way to cut off their connectivity to the rest of the world on the internet?
Let them know that any provocation like flying too close to EU planes or in EU airspace would be met with forceful response.
Let Ukraine attack Russia where ever they like.

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Military response could be counterproductive or even dangerous.

Increasing sanctions and putting international pressure on Russia seems the only practical step, even then, the effect will be limited as Russia has significant industrial capacity.

timewerx said:

Let's just say I'm a Scorpio and I knew others born within the same month and one one within 7 days of the same month as I did and they're not aging in reverse.

Scorpios have a tendence to become introverts and I was for most of my life. The self-imposed isolation could be a factor but I've turned extrovert in the last few years. Tired of the isolation perhaps but it did not change my strange aging situation.

The other scorpios I knew are like anybody else, having lots of friends and spending lots of time with friends.

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Is this a joke or do you actually believe this nonsense?
Its like palm reading. My jewish friend says its real but he doesnt believe anyone on the planet actually knows how to read them. Im like.. dude a demon offered to teach me and i told it to go away.

One of the things i do feel a bit guilty for: Back in highschool in 2005 i found a hacked version on limewire or the pirate bay of a numerology software package.

I printed out all 54? Pages of text in it, and there is a very small chance i may still have it. Anyhow, back then i had concern for a girl and she gave her full name and birth date so we started reading her chart.. it was accurate enough she started screaming, hands over her ears, ran out of the room.

Jamdoc said:

Nothing in scripture says anything about resurrection of animals. Just that there will be animals on the New Earth.
as far as we know when an animal dies, they're just gone.

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"Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God." (Romans 8:28)

The "creature" here is the creation; which yes includes plants and animals. Why would God make "new" animals when He can just raise the one's that were already here. That's the point of "resurrection" and why the creature praises God for its deliverance!

Jamdoc said:

and so you know, it is against the forum's rules to call out people as not saved/not Christian, unless they profess themselves that they are not.

So please stop with that. It doesn't help at all.

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I'm not telling you're not saved. All I'm saying; is I'm not assuming you are either. That's above my pay grade, because I'm not omniscient. But if you got a problem with God getting glory; why is that? He spoke this cosmos into existence. (Not something you can do!) So why do you have a problem with praising the Entity that actually made you? Nothing else God made (other than disobedient humans and fallen angels) has a problem praising Him.

Jamdoc said:

This is an honest discussion of the heart of God/His motivation behind salvation. It was John Piper who began my questioning of this motivation, because he outright said that God didn't go to the cross for you, or me, or any other sinner, but that God went to the cross for His own glory.

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And several people before myself have given you an honest (and accurate) answer as to what "the weight" of "glory" means. You are making an assumption about God's motives. Which you don't have a clue, because you are not omniscient. (Can you admit that? There are things you don't understand about God?)

"Glory" is the weightiness of His character. Not a selfish endeavor for the empty praise of sinful men. Is there some reason (other than your own sin) that you can't see that?

John Piper is right; just you don't understand what Piper meant! Christ didn't go to the cross for the GAIN of his own glory. He went to the cross because he is the POSSESSOR of His own glory!

"And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self, with the glory which I HAD with thee before the world was." (John 17:5)

Jamdoc said:

Prior to that? as far as I knew God went to the cross out of selfless love for others. Something I can love and admire and aspire to.
Going to the cross for your own glory/praise? It's love like loving a narcissist that doesn't really care about you back, they love themselves more.

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So... let me get this strait; because you got mixed up on what the word "glory" actually means?

And this next statement you made is where your ego has gone off the rails: "Something I can love and admire and aspire to."

Something you think God somehow wants or needs from you? I'm going to tell you a little secret here. Aint NOTHING....ANY... of us got that God wants or needs! All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags. (Isaiah 64:6) Do you know what that phrase "filthy rags" means? It means "menstrual pad". Any good work you think you have to offer to God, is like a menstrual pad! That's what that verse means.

Kind of gross huh. Yeah, there's some real zingers that come out of God's mouth written in Scripture.

And that's the problem with humanity. (Speaking of narcissism!) "God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?" Numbers 23:19 No need to repent for One who does not sin!

Jamdoc said:

THAT Is what I want shaken.
Either that or redefining glory as maybe I misunderstand the word, and conflate it with ego/esteem/reputation/praise mistakenly.

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You don't think.... you misunderstood the word? Your profile says you're 44 years old and that you're "watching and praying always". And you didn't think to ask God what does "Your glory" actually mean? And you didn't think to look it up on line either?

Yet you are continuously insisted God is the narcissist.

Jamdoc said:

to that end an earlier poster did say taht the hebrew word translated to glory doesn't really mean the same things as the English word "glory" connotates, which IS selfish vanity.

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Oxford dictionary: Glory
Noun:
1. High renown or honor won by notable achievement.
2. magnificence or great beauty.
3. praise, worship and thanksgiving offered to a diety
Verb:
to take great pride or pleasure in

prudent_commenter said:

It may also explain the protection (I haven't described it, yet. I am protected by God at all times. I am warned in advance, told of things, granted protection and justice. It's complicated, and lots to write on the subject...)

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I was also protected in strange ways for a long time(20 to 25 years). As i have been maturing that protection is being removed.

I have to drive the speed limit now because i no longer have premonitions of where all the cops are at. I have never been given a speeding ticket. Just two warnings, both in 2010.

I have to wear safety glasses when cutting or grinding steel. I didn't use to, the sparks would never hit my eyeballs. But one day i heard the words "i am not with you" when i was cutting some steel (to be honest i should not have been doing it that way) and since then i have actually had 4.5" angle grider cut off blades get jammed and torn off in the cut. Never had that happen before. And no i dont use the guard.

I have to religiously remove every nail from boards when demoing buildings so i or someone else doesnt accidentally step on one. Etc, etc.

However, to some extent i enjoy the added responsibility.

What im not looking forwards to: is the legal aspect of things. I should get an attorney on retainer, a financial manager, wills written up, retirement funds managed properly..

Back in 2016 i distinctly heard what i suspected was a guardian angel, it said "i will leave you soon" while it brought to my mind several instances where it had protected me either supernaturally or by giving me knowledge to avoid danger.

My immediate reaction was not "oh no what did i do" but: "oh good, im all grown up now".

rjs330 said:

Yes everything you said is leftist tripe.

Out country is not sliding into a dictatorship. That's leftist tripe.

Yes Obama was the great divider and his leftist policies were bad for America. I dont agree with all of Trump's policies. Most of his policies have been good, but not all. In fact some may actually be counter productive to rhe whole agenda. But we'll have to wait and see.

Of course not. We aren't going to. Newsome wants to rig stuff more than its already rigged in California.

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I note there is STILL no evidence about what is happening to fight these trends? But then again - I need to moderate my expectations from you given you're MAGA and call all the evidence to the contrary "leftist tripe".

As an Australian concerned for the fate of the world should America get a bit 1930's Germany, I should not expect someone who probably endorsed everything in Project 2025 as "Democracy" to have any concerns in the first place. You of course LOVE all those extra powers the President is taking upon himself! Tariffs - when Congress used to do that. Kicking out ordinary public servants - just because they have not sworn an oath to Trump. Illegal quid-pro-quo deals to get Mayors out of trouble as long as they swear allegiance to 'the cause'. Refusing to hand over the Epstein files when it was a major campaign promise to 'drain the swamp'.

Little by little nibbling away at the rule of law.
When does the showdown over tariffs kick off?
THAT will be interesting! We'll see what kind of tantrums Trump 'truths' about.
(And I'm using that term with the utmost irony.)

No problem at ALL while it's Trump doing these things.​

​

That is - until Newsom or Kamala get the same powers!​

Then it will be the end of the world! A conspiracy! The end of democracy! ​

stevevw said:

But just because it works in certain cases doesn't mean it works in all cases.

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Some people win the lottery by using the birth days of their family and pets. Their success is down to chance. Thus far science has worked in a vast and diverse range of instances, alternative approaches - not so much!

stevevw said:

Like I said that same logic would mean because science works there when science says there no God or consciousness beyond brain it must be tru because science works.

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Science does not say there is no God. Some indiivduals choose to use some findings of science to make that declaration. Assuredly there is no substantive evidence of God - this is why faith is a cornerstone of many religions. My belief in Christianity was founded on faith. My rejection of Christianity had nothing to do with science, but was entirely down to my rejection of faith as a valid and valuable concept.

stevevw said:

Under this logic you would claim that belief in God or in consciousness beyond brain is a delusion. Yet science cannot claim such a thing as it is completely unable to test this.

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Science can, and does, realistically assert that there is no evidence for consciouness beyond the brain.

stevevw said:

Thats my point. Science doesn't work when it comes to belief and consciousness but tries to claim it does.

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You had better explain what you mean by belief, for your sentence makes no sense using my understanding of the word. Science is making excellent strides in its investigation of consciouness. As I previously noted, it is a tough nut to crack, but research continues to edge forwards.

You need more patience. Perhaps you are upset that it is only your great, great, great grandchildren who will know the results of the research.

stevevw said:

Science doesn't work when it comes to belief and consciousness but tries to claim it does. The two are not even in the scientific range of objective science to be able for science to measure. Yet those proclaiming science materialism will use this to claim a metaphysical truth and reality even in areas that they cannot possibly claim this.

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See above.
And, the use of "science materialism" in the way you describe is not the work of science, just as using "science" - as some do - to support their belief in God, is not science. Yes, please stop conflating the use (and abuse) of science, with science. That appears to be one of the more egregious of your errors.

Xeno.of.athens said:

That's an interesting denial. I wonder why you are so keen to make it?

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I'm not keen to make it - I was replying to a post which said, something like, "we can make a case from Scripture for Mary being OUR spiritual mother".
She's not mine; simple fact.

And it's interesting that you have ignored what I said about our being created and given life by God.

prudent_commenter said:

I've been pondering this for a lot of time. It's curious even to me.

I've never had a relationship with anyone. This is because I've never felt the need to be with someone. Loneliness has no effect on me. And I've never had uncontrollable desires for sexual intercourse. The desire does exist but it is fully controlled. When I say NO, it's NO - that sort of thing. (The same applies to every other lust, but it's beyond the scope of this post). Since sexual lust has no effect, and since loneliness is cancelled out, this was possible.

The curious thing loneliness is that, instead of having an effect, it's actually more than that: I never feel lonely, even when completely isolated. This has been from the very beginning. It's not something new, it's not due to advancement of age, and what else may be.

Another thing would be that, whenever I had the opportunity to fornicate, I experienced weird sensations. Bad feelings, of guilt, of grief, of sadness... anything but what the actual sensation should be. And, because of this, I've remained pure for all this time. The opportunities were not set-up by me, but more societal inclination. But the intent was clear, and it has kept me away from it. Similarly, a woman can never seduce me. No matter what she does, it doesn't work. The body listens to the mind, and mind processes the situation as-is. And until the full-picture is seen, nothing is done.

Something similar is happening with people too. There are some signs that happen when trying to maintain a friendship relationship with someone that will drag me down. I feel as if something is weighing me down. A burden, something unclean - I don't know how to explain it.

As I've noticed in the world today, men are incapable of living without women. It may be just my bias, but I rarely see men that can - without committing sin - be without women. Even those that claim to be so, there's still something there.
I believe it is God's influence when one that is in full control of sexual desire, and not be affected by loneliness.

What do you make of this?

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I was similar for 18 years from age 6 to age 24.

With the exception being i did pmo a lot. However, in real life i was mildly afraid of women so i never even spoke to them, never had a girlfriend, seeing girls interested in me triggered inappropriate behavior so i suppressed it.

Till age 24. Started asking God what to do. Started talking to strangers, because i authentically cared about them. God healed some of my childhood trauma behind my back, and now suddenly i could be tempted in ways i never was before. 2 months later I met a woman who told me she knew me as a child. I figured she lied. Uh.. 7 years later was 2019 and i realize im full blown DID.

Turns out i was having sex when i was 6 and was left traumatized by it...

What i thought was Holy Spirit led conviction of sin when i watched porn as far back as 1999 dialup.., was a trauma response, not conviction.