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Bob Crowley · 2025-05-10T09:54:05-0500

I have some difficulty with the issue of condemnation for "non-believers". I've long maintained that the night my father died, he appeared in my room. He started by materialising near the bedroom door, and finally disappeared into eternity with an almighty scream. Something was coming for him.

However during the conversation he said at one point (with some alarm) "I always was doomed! I didn't really have any choice!"

I was an atheist at the time, but even so I argued back saying "That can't be right!!" (ignoring the question of where I got a sense of morality in the first place). He replied "Oh, it's right, all right. You can see that from here!" (where he was standing and from his point of view - it was obvious he could see things I couldn't as I only saw him through the entire exchange).

A short time later he said "I was WILLING" (to keep doing the cruel, stupid things that got him condemned). For example he admitted that he deliberately set out to destroy my confidence, saying point blank "I did it deliberately".

But my mother was not an active church goer either. She was not like him though. She had a few faults but nothing like him. She was the glue that kept the family together.

So I struggle with his comment "... I always was doomed ..." juxtaposed with his admission that he was "willing".

I think in the end we're going to find that all those who are lost will also find that they were, to a greater or lesser extent, "... willing ...". Whether they were "... always doomed ..." is another point - were there times when they could have made a choice to accept Christ's saving death on the cross? Or did they spend their entire lives in a non-Christian culture for example - Soviet Russia, Islamic nation, Hindu or Buddhist nation all of which had well developed ideologies or theologies of their own?

I don't know the answer, and I suppose I just have to trust God that He will do what is right and just, even if it sure doesn't look that way at times.

The Liturgist · 2025-05-10T09:43:04-0500

ViaCrucis said:
Even calling CI a cult seems underwhelming, as though I'm insulting cults in calling it that.

In Arkansas there is a noted whites only church with a wealthy female pastor who was killed in a business jet crash a few years back, that denies the Trinity and teaches Arianism.

Brightfame52 · 2025-05-10T09:40:40-0500

@zoidar

You mean we should understand the phrase "His people" in Matt 1:21 outside the OT context? Why? Especially when we consider Matt 2:6 and Luke 2:32. At that time the elect people were the Jews and there was no Church.

Yes, His People is His Church, His Body comprised of Both OT and NT redeemed believers. His Body the Church has always existed since Adam and Eve!

Aryeh Jay · 2025-05-10T09:38:46-0500

When Egypt closes the border it should tell you something.

The Liturgist · 2025-05-10T09:35:46-0500

JSRG said:
The video is made by a man named Christian Gaviria Alvarez. He has been, for a while, trying to promote his eschatological claims about the end of the world, one of which was (as is claimed) that the Mark of the Beast is fiat currency. But that was only part of his larger eschatological claims.

That name rings a bell. Isn’t Mr. Alvarez also strongly anti-Trinitarian?

JimR-OCDS · 2025-05-10T09:34:38-0500

Same sex couples cannot have a child on their own without a third party involved.

One issue I disagree with David Rubin on as he and his partner have children using
surrogates.

JimR-OCDS · 2025-05-10T09:29:55-0500

Good!

Catholic Charities here in MA had to end its adoption services as the MA AG, Martha Coakley filed a lawsuit against them
for not providing adoptions to same-sex couples.
Rather than use financial resources to fight the lawsuit, they decided to just get out of the adoption service.

Too bad because Catholic Charities in Minnesota fought it and won.

Michie · 2025-05-10T09:27:08-0500

“Frasier” actor Kelsey Grammer opened up about how he “cursed God” following the murder of his sister, but love — and a “reawakening” that happened while promoting the film “Jesus Revolution” — restored his faith.

In the wake of his younger sister’s brutal murder nearly 50 years ago, the 70-year-old Emmy-winning actor said his grief was so intense it shattered what little remained of his faith.

“When the deaths occurred, starting with my grandfather, and then my dad — and I didn't really know my dad — and then when Karen was killed, hanging on to what I'd always seen as a kind of gift of faith, became ... hollow faith,” Grammer told Fox News Digital. “It wasn't working. I thought, ‘Why did I lose this? What happened?’ I felt betrayed by it. And, so, I sort of cursed God at one point and said, ‘You know, hey, I’d rather you didn't bother to help at this point because, honestly, this was colossal. I'm not interested.’”

Continued below.

Kelsey Grammer 'cursed God' after sister's murder, had 'reawakening' while filming 'Jesus Revolution'

Frasier actor Kelsey Grammer says he cursed God following the murder of his sister, but love and a reawakening that happened while promoting the film Jesus Revolution restored his faith

www.christianpost.com

Aryeh Jay · 2025-05-10T09:17:43-0500

Ophiolite said:
Two days ago I described an aspect of a 1960s UK TV SF series and asked ChatGPT to identify it. (It's a program I've been trying to track down for decades.) ChatGPT came back and confidently declared it was not a series, but a theme within episode 6 of the Patrick McGoohan masterpiece, The Prisoner. This I knew to be utter nonsense, which ChatGPT immediately acknowledged when challenged. Caveat emptor, indeed, even - or especially - when its (apparently) free.

You are, number two.

Bob S · 2025-05-10T09:17:01-0500

BobRyan said:
There is no indication at all in Gen 2 or Ex 20 that when God gave the Sabbath to Adam on the 7th day -- He then said "well since you are already sinless and in perfect harmony with your creator - just forget about this seventh day thing I just did"

Where do you get that God gave the Sabbath (LAW) to Adam? I sure don't see anything like okay Adam I am going to rest and enjoy what I have created today and I am giving you a command to do the same every seven days. You will not pick up any sticks and you will remain in your tent and not cook anything. The same goes for all of your posterity.

Neostarwcc · 2025-05-10T09:16:07-0500

So my dad might have broken his back and/or foot yesterday morning. Mom borrowed my grandmother's cane from me (I kind of inherited it after she passed away I offered mom mine but grandmas has the four prongs which makes it easier for Dad to use) yesterday but Dad couldnt use it to get to the emergency room yesterday so mom is trying to get crutches from her old work today (she was a nurse) and is trying him on that. Hopefully he can get to the ER today and they can see if anything is broken or not.

Also they're finally burying my grandma next week (she died in January so it's about time) please keep her in your prayers. I wont be going to the funeral because there will be nowhere for me to sit so I'm sending her off through prayer instead.

Aryeh Jay · 2025-05-10T09:09:29-0500

Oompa Loompa said:
Well then there should be no impact on the military to get rid of the trans.

The Democrats didn't have a problem with Bill Clinton preventing them from serving.

Mark Dohle · 2025-05-10T09:08:05-0500

Faith Lived Out

September 15—“Who could be happier than you,
My Christians? The same Father—Mine. The same mother—Mine. And I—your brother.

Bossis, Gabrielle. He and I (p. 41).
Pauline Books and Media. Kindle Edition.

If our faith is not lived out, but dormant, our understanding will be very low, or if we do have knowledge, it will only be that which stays on an abstract level. Jesus, when he says that we have to die to ourselves in order to live His life, is not given much importance by many. Going to church on Sundays, while very good, is not enough if we do not carry it through the week.

It is not easy because when we truly desire to seek deeper union with God, it does not take long to learn that we can’t do it without God’s grace and healing. Our past is one of the areas we have to deal with, so it will not control our lives and keep us from growing in freedom. Perhaps the hardest is to love ourselves, love others, and trust in God’s love for us.

It is a slow process, and our wounds, which lead us into self-destructive actions, have to be faced in the Lord’s loving presence.

Joy comes when we understand that God is not the problem; we are. This can make us free to bring all of our inner struggles, failures, and yes, our inability to forgive, asking for mercy, healing, and deeper freedom. God is to be held in ‘awe’, that is what fear of the Lord means.- Br.MD

seashale76 · 2025-05-10T09:03:20-0500

Benjamin Müller said:
Looking at this post in retrospect: did Trump know something about the next American Pope?

Trump is a narcissist. He always makes everything about him, even if it has nothing to do with him. The world exists as a source for his narcissistic supply.

juanmacarthur · 2025-05-10T09:02:57-0500

David Lamb said:
It's not really clear what you are saying. Are you referring to the time when Jesus referred to the scribes and Pharisees like this:

“"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead [men’s] bones and all uncleanness.” (Mt 23:27 NKJV)

a word to the wise is enough

Aryeh Jay · 2025-05-10T08:59:21-0500

iluvatar5150 said:
Even Trump has to pay for his Dr Peppers.

It’s the promoting of his business interests that he gets for free.

Anonymous9090 · 2025-05-10T08:59:16-0500

Praise & Thank Jesus Christ for the ceasefire between India & Pakistan:

India and Pakistan agree ceasefire after days of cross-border strike

Pakistan's airspace is fully restored for all flights, as India says fighting stopped at 17:00 local time (12:30 BST).

www.bbc.com

Teofrastus · 2025-05-10T08:56:12-0500

BelieveItOarKnot said:
Again, nailed it. ^

I'm not a Wright fan, so there's that

Here's a more comprehensive critique of Wright: What's Wrong with Wright: Examining the New Perspective on Paul by Phil Johnson.

Federicco · 2025-05-10T08:54:39-0500

I know it's a great idea to write journals, it's so beneficial. so wonderful, I'd recommend it to friends &
relatives.
My friend is developing an online journaling app, he asked me for ideas, but I'm no expert.

MrMoe · 2025-05-10T08:45:04-0500

doubtingmerle said:
No, I am asking you like you said there is something else we can do for struggling people in poor countries besides that which I suggested: financial assistance like USAID and talking to them about civil rights issues.

And somehow, I must be cold-blooded because I do not go along with the "other ways" that you suggest. You absolutely refuse to tell us what your "other ways" are. You just tell us that you have other ways, and those who do not promote these other ways are cold blooded.

I came here to discuss credible arguments for and against the opinions in the opening post. I am not here to discuss nonsense.

Help reduce or prevent corruption. Help stop criminal gangs and the cartel.

stevevw · 2025-05-10T08:40:27-0500

bèlla said:
They don’t call attention to themselves unnecessarily much like other anabaptist groups but they’re doing His work nonetheless. Quiet doesn’t mean you’re uninvolved.

True and a big part of the church I think is family and the community around those families. This is foundational for the church and society for that matter.

bèlla said:
You don’t solve a problem by looking back nor is it necessary to rekindle the early church. Every age is confronted with challenges specific to that period and the solutions are found within the same. That‘s the principle shown in Esther 4:14. For example, technology can be a tool to divide and isolate or a medium to educate and support. Media can be a source of degenerate behavior or an opportunity to demonstrate values and a wholesome lifestyle.

I kind of think spiritually every age is a repeat of the past but in the new social and cultural context. Buts its always about the gospel and Christ. He works the same in all context.

Thats the aspect of the early church I admire. That they still had fresh in their minds the events of Christ and the disciples. Not so much the time context but the disposition towards Christ. Not the politics, or personal experiences or academics. Just total sacrifice to Christ to the point of death.

It is the most powerful example that I believe if it happened in the west today even atheist would turn their heads to God. A good example was Blandina a servant women and around 40 other Christians were martryed including Blandins's master. So here was what was deemed the lowest of low a poor women servant proclaiming Christ as she was being practically dismembered setting the example for the rest which inspired them.

For the Romans this was a strange thing as they premised their culture on male power. Here was a women and the lowest in class showing all the courage and might greater than the Roman macho culture. That would have shocked and made the Romans think who is this Christ that they are willing to die for.

bèlla said:
We don’t have to get permission to share an opinion or make a difference. The tools are within reach and it’s up to us to use them. We can write books, produce podcasts (radio) or weekly programs (tv), report on local and national concerns (journalism), create educational content (pbs) and so on.

Yeah it has its place. But sometimes you wonder are we building some earthly uptopia or are we building Gods Kingdom. Information is important. It empowers people to make better choices. But ultimately theres only one choice and the more the light is shone on Christ which is being like Him the better.

bèlla said:
You elected to put your thoughts on the site when they could have been shared with a wider audience on a different medium for greater impact.

I don't think I should do that, I may scare people away of cause trouble lol. I get what you mean. Yes it can be a powerful tool and I don't mean get rid of this medium altogether. Just remembering that its really about the act of being like Christ. The modern church can become a bit complacent and comfortable.

Not saying every church. But I look at some and I don't see too much difference between secular practices. Similar levels of financial status, seem to be doing pretty good. I would have thought a church like in the time of Christ would be full of poor people, empoverished itself, forget about the flash house, get what you need and give the rest to help others.

I don't know. If everyone was being like Christ said like the Good Samaritan then we should see a hell of a lot more activity to the point where Christians are sacrificing their careers, living poor and dedicating most of the time to the church and helping others. Thats if we are truely living for the Kingdom and not this world.

bèlla said:
We have to use the tools at our disposal while we can. Work while the day is here because night is coming and we’ll wish we’d done otherwise. The reset is nigh and we’ll have to adapt. But we haven’t adapted to the current. How will we handle that?

~bella

Yeah that makes sense. If the tools help you get there faster and more efficiently so long as its the right message then thats good. Your right I think certain words and messages can penetrate said in the right way.

I am more a visual person. Symbols are powerful like the fish symbol the early church used. They have to be good because its a jungle out there of competing narratives. But then if its Christs truth it should stand out.

d taylor · 2025-05-10T08:36:10-0500

David Lamb said:
It is nothing to do with what I believe about the earth's shape. I believe what verses like this state:

“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,” (Php 3:20 NKJV)

“But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.” (Heb 11:16 NKJV)

“For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive [and] remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.” (1Th 4:16-18 NKJV)

-

So how do you get from Philippians 3:20 saying our citizenship is in heaven. To saying that verse is actually saying our eternal home is in heaven.

Paul is saying that as believers they should have a heavenly eternal mind set and not an earthly secular mind set. Not like the believers he describes in the verses before 3:20
Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things.

---------------------------------------
He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love

mourningdove~ · 2025-05-10T08:33:01-0500

peaceful-forest said:
When I read the preface of the book, I recalled Trump's first term differently than she did.

Me, too.

I do believe the Evangelical movement in America is interesting, and worth reflecting upon ... but the author did it all from a political perspective. That's where she missed the boat, imo.

Federicco · 2025-05-10T08:25:47-0500

Gianna Daniels said:
Can someone help me write its creative writing I am free writing for my journal to write a memoir about my life I need some ideas and brainstorm if someone can help me

Would you please elaborate?

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