essentialsaltes said:

A former Lancaster County Bible study leader will spend five to 10 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a girl in 2011 and a woman in 2016.

Michael T. Hess, 50, of East Drumore Township, on July 28 pleaded guilty to four felony offenses and four misdemeanors. His prison sentence will be followed by 10 years of probation.

The first victim, who was around 7 years old when the abuse began, said Hess sexually assaulted her dozens of times in a classroom of a Providence Township church in 2011.

In two separate cases, Hess was charged with two counts of aggravated indecent assault, three counts of indecent assault without consent and one count each of unlawful contact with a minor, corruption of minors and indecent assault of a person less than 13.

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Just one more reason to teach our kids at home, instead of shipping them off to others for...indoctrination.

There are many people who profess faith in Jesus Christ who have this mistaken idea that once they profess to believe in Jesus, however that is done, that now all their sins are forgiven and heaven is secured for them when they die, but that nothing is required of them beyond that. And they have this mistaken idea that God’s grace is just forgiveness of all sins and a guarantee of heaven when they die, and so if they continue in deliberate and habitual sin against the Lord that it is no big deal, for God’s grace covers it.

But the Scriptures teach the opposite of that. They say it is a big deal! “May it never be!,” they say. If truly we have died to sin, how then can we continue to live in sin? And I am not saying that not one of us will ever sin again, but that sin should no longer be what we obey, in practice. It should not be our habit. And we who believe in Jesus are to die to sin daily and to follow our Lord in walks of obedience to his commands (see Luke 9:23-26).

For, by God-gifted and God-persuaded faith in Jesus Christ we are crucified with Christ in death to sin. We are baptized (absorbed, engaged, occupied, immersed) into Christ and into his death to sin. This is that baptism with fire that John the Baptist talked about when he said of himself that he baptized with water but that Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire, which is a symbol of purification of the soul (Matthew 3:11; Luke 3:16).

So this is not about water baptism, per se, but a baptism that cleanses us from sin. For water baptism, in and of itself, only washes the person on the outside, although it is certainly symbolic of what takes place when we believe in Jesus, in truth, and in righteousness. For it symbolizes us dying with him to sin and then being raised with him to walk now in newness of life in him, no longer to live as slaves to sin, but as slaves to God and to his righteousness. Water baptism, thus, should be a sign of our inward faith.

[Matthew 3:11-17; Matthew 10:11-12; John 1:29-34; Mark 10:37-39; Acts 9:15-18; Acts 10:44-48; Acts 18:7-8; Acts 22:12-16; Romans 6:1-7]

And if our faith in Jesus Christ is biblical faith, which is of God, and not of human flesh, and our purpose in believing in Jesus is that we might put to death our old lives of living in sin and for self, so that we can now follow our Lord in walks of obedience to his commands, then by faith in Christ Jesus our old self was crucified with him in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so we will no longer live as slaves to sin but as those who have been set free from our slavery (addiction) to sin. All glory to God!!

For the grace of God, which is bringing us salvation, is training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives while we wait for Jesus’ return. For Christ “gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.” “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” (See Titus 2:11-14; Ephesians 2:8-10)

[Matthew 7:13-14,21-23; Luke 9:23-26; John 10:27-30; Acts 26:18; Romans 2:5-10; Romans 6:1-23; Romans 8:1-14; 1 Corinthians 10:1-22; Galatians 5:16-24; Ephesians 2:8-10; Ephesians 4:17-32; Ephesians 5:3-6; Titus 2:11-14; Hebrews 3:1-19; Hebrews 12:1-2; 1 Peter 2:24; 1 John 1:1-10; 1 John 2:3-6; 1 John 3:4-10; Revelation 2:1-29; Revelation 3:1-22]

My Sheep

Based off John 10:1-30 NIV
An Original Work / June 24, 2012
Christ’s Free Servant, Sue J Love

My sheep hear me. They know me.
They listen to my voice and obey.
I call them and lead them.
They know my voice, so they follow me.
They will never follow strangers.
They will run away from them.
The voice of a stranger they know not;
They do not follow him.

So, I tell you the truth that
I am the gate, so you enter in.
Whoever does enter
Will find forgiveness and will be saved.
Nonetheless whoever enters
Not by the gate; other way,
He is the thief and a robber.
Listen not, the sheep to him.

Oh, I am the Good Shepherd,
Who laid his own life down for the sheep.
I know them. They know me.
They will live with me eternally.
The thief only comes to steal and
Kill and to destroy the church.
I have come to give you life that
You may have it to the full…

They know my voice, so they follow me.

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Walking in Newness of Life
An Original Work / August 7, 2025
Christ’s Free Servant, Sue J Love

DragonFox91 said:

Most of what I learned I had to learn on my own. I did not have very good teachers. Despite my poor teachers, I had the desire to read the Bible for myself.
I learned a lot of people won't read the Bible b/c they think it's too complicated or b/c they don't like what it says.
One of the things I learned is "it says what it says". It's written so the simple can understand. It is not written to mislead or decieve.

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Thank you for sharing. I appreciate you reading and responding.

I have no words.

durangodawood said:

Shouty showy me-centered American Christianity. Im convinced its mainly a giant fraud.

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This is the crux of it, in my opinion.

Evangelical Christianity (or more specifically, American Evangelical Christianity) has a history of phoniness, hypocrisy, over-simplified arguments, and self righteous gate keeping. Also, the Evangelical Christian media and propaganda machine has caused this mentality to seep into other denominations (at least to some degree).

Personally, I think the mask has really come off in the last 6 years or so. That's not to say that other Christian denominations aren't at fault. (Look at the Catholic molestation scandals, for example). But, evangelicalism has had a major cultural influence on American Christianity at large... I don't think that can be denied. And Evangelical Christian media or Evangelical Christian "art" are how they have sought to influence the Christian culture and American culture at large. (Not to mention, politics, of course).

I think it all amounts to a really bad look for American Christianity. But hey, when you think that you are always right and holy and "the world" is always wrong and sinful (a.k.a. pride), this type of thing is bound to happen. I'm just surprised at the extreme state of denial which many American Christians seem to be in.

Please pray for my son Jakeb's health mind and body that God will heal him and let me hear his laughter tonight if it is God's will. Thank you so much. I ask in the name of Jesus. God bless you. Carmen

No more Kennedys.

Female athletes who want to compete on the international stage in women's events will be required to undergo a one-time genetic test, the World Athletics Council announced.

The new changes take effect Sept. 1, just in time for the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo that begin Sept. 13.

The test for the SRY gene, which is located on the Y chromosome and determines male sex in humans and other mammals, can be used to determine biological sex.



I've heard some conservative pundits touting this as a "big win", but I don't know if it's as a big of a win as they're thinking.

While it prevents the thing they want to prevent -- by making all women do it (rather than selectively doing it using prudent common sense and observation), it's a partial concession to the contrived premise of "the differences between trans women and cis women are so minute and virtually undetectable, that we have to do a genetic test to confirm one way or the other"


I think this measure can be described as "feeding common sense some crumbs from the table of idealism"

SavedByGrace3 said:

I do not care that much about prosperity. I have learned to be content with what I have and praise God, so I am not looking for an argument. But there are points that have to be made, and let's not reject scripture just so we can pile on prosperity teachers. And yes, there are many believers who need to trust God for the well-being of their families. Some believers are in poverty and have serious needs. So, let's take care not to discourage them from believing God for their needs.
Scriptures give us reason to believe in God's all-sufficient supply. I will rest on these.

Psalm 23:1
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

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Just a few passages would've sufficed to make the point, but it's okay. I agree--believing in God to meet your needs, and sometimes your wants, is entirely biblical. We are not to be anxious, when we are living for the Lord, knowing He will care for us.

However, you are suggesting that attacking Prosperity Doctrine is an attack on Faith, and that is incorrect. I've experienced the bad effects of Prosperity Teaching many years ago, going back to Oral Roberts. I don't dislike the Prosperity, or Faith, Teachers--I just think they hurt people by going too far.

Far be it from me to say people shouldn't ask for and expect big things from God. It's up to God--not me. But to make it a *doctrine* that we should do X and expect Z is going too far--it's up to God.

Our expectations should coincide with the place God has called us to. If He's called us to a particular life, and we are living it, we should expect that God will provide for whatever His intentions were when He called us.

Welcome to CF!

Songs_Of_Solomon said:

I hope you guys mean me well because ive spoken to alot of people and pastors and they say not to trust websites like these people for one you cant trust everyone to pray for you and two i might be getting the wrong information. I pray that something good happens to me.

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I can only speak for myself, but my prayers are genuinely meant. I’m sorry that other websites may exist that may have given this one a bad name.

Dear Lord Jesus,
I am not a pastor, and I am not a teacher, but I mean no harm, and I genuinely want to help with an open heart. A long time ago, God the Father took me by the hand and led me down this path, the path to become a forum moderator. It was a long and very difficult journey, brought to light when the people around me were least likely to accept it. I pray for vindication for our prayer ministry here, and healing and restoration for this woman, that all may see that we follow You and walk in the light.
In Christ’s Name,
Amen

Gracious Heavenly Father and Our Lord Jesus,
Please help relieve Carmen’s anxiety regarding her health. Show her that You have made every cell, every blood vessel and tendon, and that they are all well until You choose to take her home to be with You.
In Christ’s Name,
Amen

Gracious Heavenly Father and Our Lord Jesus Christ,
Help this person to see that what You have for him is better than the sin he desires.
In Christ’s Name,
Amen

Dear Lord Jesus,
Help this one to bring his fear into the present, to allow fear to be replaced by anger. Help this man to protect his daughter, whom he loves, and show him the path to do so. Bring people into his life who can show him the way, Christian lawyers who are willing to help. Get the Christian legal aid, please, Father God, this is a case for them! Go forth!
In Christ’s Name,
Amen

Two Christians are struggling with health problems as they wait for their court cases to be resolved. Soon after Murad became a follower of Christ, he was active in telling others the Good News and eventually became a pastor. The Algerian government took notice of his Christian activities, arresting him and charging him with numerous violations of religious laws. If he is convicted, Murad could face several years in prison. He has appealed his case to the Algerian Supreme Court, but the stress of his legal ordeal has created some serious health complications. A member of his congregation was also arrested, and his ongoing court case has also created health problems for him. Front-line workers ask for prayer for the health of these two Algerian Christians to improve. They also ask people to pray for resolution of the court cases that does not include prison time and will enable churches to operate freely within Algeria.

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On Tuesday, May 20, 2025, armed Islamic terrorists attacked a church outside of Fada N'Gourma in eastern Burkina Faso, killing two members. As church members were inside holding a prayer meeting, the terrorists entered the building and killed two men, allowing women and children to flee. The attackers entered the pastor’s nearby home and ransacked it, then burned four motorcycles, several motorbikes and two carts vital for local transportation. One of the murdered men was a church elder named Amadou Thiombiano, who is survived by his wife and three children. The second person killed was 18-year-old Jeremi Thiombian. Front-line workers are taking steps to care for Amadou’s widow and children. They request prayer for that family as they process and grieve what happened and for all who were affected in this deadly assault.

Click here to find out about Christian persecution in Burkina Faso and learn how to pray.

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Several Syrian churches have received threatening letters from anonymous Islamist groups that urge Muslims to attack Christians in a religious war. One note said, “Muslims, do not stop destroying the homes of Christians, slaughtering their children … Rush to jihad today, not tomorrow.” Another note said, “Let us make them taste torment and turn their homes into graves.” A third included the line, “Burn the bodies of the slaves of the cross.” In response to the threats, the new Syrian government has sent armed guards to protect the churches. Syrian pastors ask for prayer from the global body of Christ, specifically for “strength and protection as the church continues to be a witness in a society that lacks the values of our Savior,” and that “the church would remain a light of peace, remembering the words of the psalmist: ‘God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.’” Psalm 46:1

Click here to find out about Christian persecution in Syria and learn how to pray.

Chesterton said:

...the universal condemnation of Jim Acosta. "Sick", "disgusting", "nightmarish"...the adjectives are flowing from the left, the right and middle.

Public Horrified by Jim Acosta's Latest Stunt

Former CNN anchor and chief White House correspondent Jim Acosta drew near-universal criticism for conducting an astonishingly tone-deaf "interview" with an AI avatar of one of the victims of the 2018 Parkland school shooting. On Monday, Acosta aired a clip of him speaking to the AI, which was...

article.wn.com

To see a snippet of the so-called interview, I've cued the video to some of it:

Login to view embedded media
As for the deceased's parents who had this AI created, I think we can cut them some slack. I feel sorry for them, they're grieving parents, and people can sometimes do unusual things while in grief. But to play along with this for your podcast is utterly perverse.

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I would have been blissfully unaware of this, had you not started this thread.

Opining upon the stupid can also spread the stupid, just sayin’.

iluvatar5150 said:

10.25%? Dang that’s like rubbing salt in his wounds.

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Maybe Ammon will try his next shenanigans at the Fed.

Grand Canyon ‘Megafire’ Explodes in Size and Is Now Creating Its Own Weather​

The Dragon Bravo wildfire has been burning for over a month, and U.S. firefighting agencies are too understaffed to stop it.

The northern Arizona “megafire” is now the largest active blaze in the continental U.S. and the largest of 2025 so far.
[The Gifford Fire in California may be catching up.]

With wildfire season in full swing, federal agencies that fight wildfires are navigating devastating staff cuts. Under the Trump administration, the Park Service has lost 24% of its permanent workforce, according to the National Parks Conservation Association. A recent ProPublica investigation found that over one-fourth of the Forest Service’s firefighting jobs were vacant as of July 17.

Pray The Holy Spirit ensures Islamist political parties in Malaysia lose support, & pray for protection of racial, ethnic & ethnoreligious minorities:

Color me surprised!

The producers should be ashamed of themselves! Ugh!

Welcome!