tonychanyt said:

Literal Standard Version, Matthew 22:


feasts
γάμους (gamous)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural

English Standard Version:


Why did ESV use the singular form?

In those days, a Jewish wedding ceremony could last for days, Young's Literal Translation, Judges 14:


Now fast-forward to Matthew 22:


the entire series of feasts, plural


i.e., the 1st of the marriage-feasts, singular


i.e., the singular "marriage-feast" is used as an adjective.

ἐπλήσθη ὁ γάμος ἀνακειμένων
was filled marriage-feast with guests

New King James Version translated γάμος as "wedding":


The noun "hall" is implied by the Greek article.


singular, the one that was ongoing now.


A similar plural usage was in YLT Mt 25:


How might the ESV justify translating both in the singular?

Today, English-speaking countries are not familiar with wedding ceremonies that go on for days. The singular marriage-feast would simplify the translation and understanding.

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The wedding feast, The Kingdom of Heaven as described in revelations will be eternal!

Rev 21:2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

Rev 21:3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.

Blessings.

Appreciate your time and comments …

blessings

KevinT said:

I am a protestant that stumbled across your post. I agree with what you are saying, so I guess I'm not a very good protestant, am I?

KT

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There are many Protestants that believe the same but there are many that don’t. The ones that don’t are usually the ones Catholics have to wrangle with.

Go to suno.com and put your lyrics in there, and you can turn them in to a full song in about 1 minute. You just need to say "christian worship". It's really cool to hear your lyrics turned in to songs. I keep doing it almost every day.

Clare73 said:

I understand Scripture to mean what it says.

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Do you see it is meaning:

Rom 6:16 Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one's slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?

When we, present ourselves, give ourselves, to sin, what happens? We become a slave to sinly obedience. We can no longer control our sinful habit. It has a slavish effect.

Jesus came to give us the Holy Spirit so we can have power over that binding power. So we are no longer slaves to sin.

So He stated:

Joh 8:33-36 They answered Him, "We are Abraham's descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can You say, 'You will be made free'?" Jesus answered them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.

Note that Jesus said "a slave does not abide in the house forever", the one who gives themselves to sin (as a habit) is in danger of hell fire.

1Jn 3:8 He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.

Jesus was not saying "we all sin", he was saying "I have come to free you from the slavery to sin".

Tropical Wilds said:

Riley, she is quoting books that she hasnt read, and are only railing against because of somebody else told her to be upset about it. The one book, the one that “teaches kids as young as 7” to cross dress? It does not. It doesn’t even imply it. She’s upset about something that doesn’t exist.

The other article? The one from 2022? The one she linked? It is about Muslim parents protesting the inclusion of books that have LGBT characters. They’re not protesting specific content and no specific books are mentioned, they don’t say there is “very graphic” content, only that heteronormative relationships should be the only thing in books in the library because that’s what they, as Muslims, feel is religiously appropriate.

She is just parroting what other people say. She has no knowledge of these books, or even what the protests are. She’s upset because a website told her she should be. She is poorly informed, at best.

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I have no opinion on these books, but per Amazon reviews it appears they are geared at children? I honestly don’t know.

Unless I read it for myself, I won’t comment on it. That’s only fair.

God did all 3 modes of creation. This isn't an either or.
God created light and matter out of nothing, He created chaos first. The Earth was formless and void.. chaos in other words, then God began creating things out of the matter He'd created, organizing it, so both ex Materia and Order out of Chaos simultaneously. He created living organisms in the world from previously existing material.

In Genesis 1 and 2 God shows He is capable of creating things multiple different ways, speaking something into existence out of nothing, taking existing non living material and making it alive, and cloning life from other life. Eve was made from Adam's rib, the rib bone being one of the best sources of stem cells in an adult human, where hematopoiesis (formation of new blood cells) takes place in the marrow of flat bones, God picked the most logical place to find stem bells to clone Eve from (as taking Adam's pelvis or sternum or shoulder blade would not make sense) This fact is one of the things that convinces me the bible is true, because an Ancient human would have no way of knowing about Hematopoiesis, stem bells, or surgery, and yet it's in the bible, it's a scientific process that makes sense to someone with a background in biology.
Frankly if God had just spoken things into existence, or made clay sculptures and used magic to make them alive as our creation origin.. I might write it off as faerie tales.
But because something I can understand was done, in a way that ancient people could not understand it, and yet they wrote about it... I believe it. It's like how did Solomon know that worker ants are female, and write about it in Proverbs thousands of years before it could be observed in microscopes? Consider her ways.

So for at least me, it is important that God created in a variety of ways, including one that grabbed my attention.
Because lots of mythology has magic beings creating sculptures of men and making them alive.
Lots of mythology has gods creating with snapping their fingers or some other magic.

But only Genesis shows God doing something that makes biological sense to someone modern, but totally nonsensical to an ancient person.

Belk said:

The losses at Bull run, Carthage, Blackburns ford, and Kessler's cross, were not "one bad night"

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your original statement had to do with Lincoln's assassination, not Civil War battlefield losses

and you are wrong

Biden is being forced out of the race by his own party after a series of disastrous public appearances and record-low approval rating. We might see the 25th Amendment invoked next week if he doesn't discontinue his campaign

at no point in his administration was Lincoln's own party considering dragging him out of the Whitehouse

JesusFollowerForever said:

Judas made his choice the wrong choice, he betrayed the son of GOD knowing very well who Jesus was.

will you also claim that satan will be saved?

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We would first need to define who or what Satan is. That would take awhile, a very long while.

So here is my exceedingly condensed thinking on the subject, without details:

I believe Satan to be the ordained adversary and accuser of the soul (Job chapters 1-2), who is providentially used by God for testing His creation through which His creation was subjected to vanity, in Hope (ie: Christ), (Rom 8:20-8:21).

I believe Satan as represented in scripture is a metaphor for the mind of the flesh that wars and lusts against the mind of the spirit (Rom 8:6-8:8, Gal 5:17). The mind of the spirit being the very breath of God that gives life to all (Gen 2:7).

So, no, I don't make the claim that Satan will be saved. I believe in the final and total destruction of the flesh to the saving of the spirit. And, I believe this to be not only for the elect in this age who know they've been crucified with Christ, but for all of humanity in the resurrection, in the age of judgment to come.

HYDERABAD, India — Worship services at a church in a village in central India’s Madhya Pradesh state have been suspended since Hindu extremists attacked the congregation on June 1, sources said.

The mob of about 20 villagers led by members of the Hindu extremist Bajrang Dal intruded into the house of Pastor Madia Damor in Thuvadara village, Jabua District, disrupting the worship service and beating the 50 people gathered for fasting prayer, including women and children.

The assailants arrived at about 4 p.m., seized Bibles from children and began beating male and female members, Pastor Damor said.


“There was all chaos,” he told Morning Star News. “The children and women were crying, shouting, asking them to stop, but they forcefully dragged them out of my house,” Pastor Damor told Morning Star News. “When I tried to stop the mob from attacking the women and children, they pushed me off and threatened me that they would kill me if I conducted church prayers in the village again.”

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The New York Times spots a religion ghost and runs away from a serious discussion​

I don’t have solid poll data backing me up on the following.

But, in my experience, if you walk up to church-going, scripture-quoting evangelical Protestants and Pentecostals and say that you are trying to think of a Bible verse defined by “6:11” many, if not most, will say, “You mean Ephesians 6:11?”

That would be the following (and I have included verses 12-13, as well):

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

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There is no mention, however, of brave believers shaking their fists and shouting, “Fight! Fight! Fight!”

That said, glance through these Google search results — “Trump,” “assassination,” “Ephesians”— and read some of the chatter about Americans who truly believe they saw the hand of God in this dramatic event. Needless to say, connections of this kind showed up in this week’s “Crossroads” podcast.

Yes, the term “conspiracy theory” pops up in that Google search. I guess that’s what happens when people believe God has the ability to affect what happens in real life.

Here is one statement of this thesis. A veteran, and very media-savvy, evangelical pastor that I know (from a blue zip code) sent me an email after my Rational Sheep post about the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump and the niche-news business models that shaped the news coverage. This pastor responded with:

Last Saturday, 6:11 PM. What happened?
To really know what happened, read Ephesians 6:11.

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Continued below.

Ana the Ist said:

People across the nation have lost jobs after posts about Trump shooting

It's not just the Tenacious D bandmate reaping the consequences for offensive jokes about the shooting. People are losing jobs for social media posts.

www.usatoday.com

So...a few "celebrities" like the half of Tenacious D that people don't know the name of have arguably lost employment. Jack Black cut that guy loose faster than you can say Kung Fu Panda 5.

Regular people have lost jobs though...and I'm not really a fan of that. I certainly don't care if anyone is fired for promoting violence. Violence (actual violence, not the kind that has been equated with not using someone's pronouns) has long been the line in the sand when it comes to free speech. Most of what was said probably isn't criminal...but there's a difference between wishing Trump died of Covid-19 (back when he caught covid in 2020) and cheering on murder attempts.

Anything short of that though...really shouldn't cost people their jobs. People have different opinions...I think we're a better society when people are free to express them. I know that I can't change what some employer does. I certainly don't have any say what is allowed on any social media platforms.

Cancel culture can broadly be described as the attempt to punish people (usually job loss) for having a different opinion than yourself. For a long time....particularly when X was Twitter...people went after people over petty things. Pronouns. Dead names. Unpopular political beliefs. People lost their jobs...over petty stuff....not supporting violence. The reality of course, is that everyone disagrees with you...on a lot of things. It's not something we should try to punish each other for. I feel sorry for anyone who didn't express any support for violence and got caught up in this anyway....I'm sure it happened some of those who lost their jobs. It shouldn't have. People need to lighten up...or understand the internet isn't really a place for them.

Thoughts?

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Their whole mantra has been based on .... hate Trump and they have been very vile in that regard. To me (am a simple person) .... was the condition of our country better under Trump or under Biden? They say Trump will do this and that ... well we do have a comparison between the two.

Under Trump ...

No wars
Near energy independent
A controlled border
Economy was reasonable shape
Housing was more affordable

just a few I can think of.

Vambram said:

Ask, and you shall receive after a 2 minute search on Google.

‘The View’ Ranks No. 1 in Households and Total Viewers Among the Network and Syndicated Daytime Talk Shows and News Programs for the Week of March 18

‘The View’ Ranks No. 1 in Households and Total Viewers Among the Network and Syndicated Daytime Talk Shows and News Programs for the Week of March 18

www.dgepress.com

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Most people under a certain age aren’t watching network or even cable tv anymore.

HIM said:

If we are not sinning through Christ. But if we are then the Law is for us. For the Law is for the sinner.

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When was the last time you sinned?

Whoopi is one angry lady looking for a argument where there isn't one.

Bhutan​

Pray for a Release International partner as he oversees the only theological seminary in Bhutan. His focus is to offer discipleship and biblical training in order to see a new generation of Christian leaders equipped to serve the church.
YES - I WILL PRAY

Bhutan​

Though small numbers of Bibles are allowed into the nation legally, the Government continues to restrict widespread distribution. Most copies must be smuggled in. Pray for successful Bible distributions.
YES - I WILL PRAY

Bhutan​

Converts to Christianity endure threats and pressures from local community leaders and Buddhist religious leaders. Christians have lost jobs or have been unable to find employment because of their faith. Ask the Lord to provide for them.
YES - I WILL PRAY

Bhutan​

It is extremely difficult for Christians to meet publicly in Bhutan and church buildings are illegal. Pray for Christians who are forced to practise their faith at home or in secret.
YES - I WILL PRAY

Bhutan​

Christians are often viewed as followers of a foreign, Western religion and can be subject to various forms of discrimination. Buddhists who become Christians can even lose their citizenship. Pray that Christians would be able to stand firm in their faith and multiply.
YES - I WILL PRAY

Bhutan​

Bhutan’s constitution provides for freedom of religion; however, in practice, evangelistic work that seeks the conversion of Buddhists is illegal. Pray that Bhutan would open its doors to a vibrant Christian witness.
YES - I WILL PRAY

Burkina Faso​

Pray for those being recruited into terrorist and criminal gangs; that God would call them out to a different life and provide them with honest ways to make a living.
YES - I WILL PRAY

Sign up for email prayer alerts​

To lift up persecuted Christians in your prayers and see God at work in their lives
SUBSCRIBE

Children’s Prayer Sheet​

It’s not only adults who can pray for our persecuted family. Every month we produce a prayer sheet aimed specifically for children. Each sheet has specific activities and prayers which will help children learn more about how persecution affects children in other countries.
You can visit our Children’s Prayer Sheet page here.

This is one of my most favorite songs by Phil Wickham. I praise the Lord for this song and all of the blessings He gives to me through the power of the lyrics and music of this song.
THIS IS OUR GOD
THIS IS WHO HE IS
HE LOVES US
THIS IS OUR GOD
THIS IS WHAT HE DOES
HE SAVES US

Thank you for posting this powerful song, and I praise the Lord for Who He is and for His Grace, His Love, His Mercy, and His Blessings!!!

Col 4:

14 Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas send you greetings.

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Near the end of Paul's letter to the Colossians, he mentioned Demas positively along with Luke.

Phm 1:

23 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends greetings to you, 24 and so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers.

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Paul considered Demas as a fellow worker. Demas probably had the Paraclete dwelling in him at this time.

But a few years later, 2Tm 4:

9 Make every effort to come to me quickly, 10 because Demas, in his love of this world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia. 11a Only Luke is with me.

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Paul was disappointed that Dema didn't stay with him. At this point, did Demas still have the Paraclete dwelling in him?

I don't know.

Was Demas truly born again?

I think so, at least at the time of Phm 1.

See also Can we lose our salvation?

Last year’s military coup has added to the growing hostility felt by many Christians across Niger.
In July 2023, Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani, head of the presidential guard’s unit, declared himself Niger’s new leader, prompting concerns that this will open the country up to further attacks from Islamic extremists.
In areas under militant control, church services and other events are carried out under the shadow of potential violence or physical attack. The instability in the Sahel region only adds to this vulnerability.
Those who leave Islam to follow Jesus face the additional challenge of pressure from their own families to renounce their new faith. Pressure also comes from the authorities, and this could likely increase in the near future. Believers can also face discrimination in the public sector workplace; they seldom secure jobs within local government services, and promotions are frequently denied.

Meet Halima​

“I would like you to pray for me. Currently, I live with a Christian family and I’m well nourished. I’m well protected in this Christian family. But I would like you to pray for me so that my faith will not grow cold, and that my mom will give her life to Christ.”
Halima (name changed), who has been persecuted by her mother because of her faith.

What does Open Doors do to help?​

Open Doors works through partners in Niger to strengthen persecuted Christians through economic empowerment programmes, leadership and discipleship training, persecution survival training and pastoral care for new believers.

Please pray​

• Pray for stability following the military coup, and that the influence of extremist groups wouldn’t grow.
• Pray for the protection of Christians living under the threat of violence from Islamic militants.
• Pray that believers from Muslim backgrounds will find fellowship with other believers.

TL/DR

The GOP is again connecting with working- and middle-class people

I’ve been watching the Republican National Convention. Political conventions are not new to me. I got into this stuff as a 16-year-old when I became involved in Ronald Reagan’s 1976 insurgent campaign. So, I’ve seen my share of conventions.

There’s a palpable difference this year. You could hear that in J.D. Vance’s speech.

Some may claim the party is a “cult of personality.” Others have complained that “traditional conservatism” is under assault. Well, yes, now conservatism is different. Tonight, I watched an Arizona rancher and his wife talk about the drug couriers crossing their land. I watched 13 family members relate the loss of their children during the withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. I watched a 98-year-old World War II veteran tell us he’d fight all over again for “his country.” Perhaps we’ve forgotten there are still Americans who think of the United States as “their country” – and stand up for it. Perhaps we’ve forgotten that most Americans hope that politics is so out of their lives that they can just tend their farm or ranch.

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PesachPup said:

Yes

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See If you think that by "all" in 2Co 5::10, Paul included both believers and unbelievers and wish to wager on it, and follow up there.

DIFFICULT MORAL QUESTIONS: How can my spouse and I deal properly with the challenges we face practicing NFP?

Q. We are a Catholic couple married for more than 10 years, practicing natural family planning for health reasons without using contraception. My husband’s frustration with our abstinence periods has led to marital tension and his occasional use of porn, and he has grown resentful of the “Catholic rules” about sexual pleasure and marital intercourse. Though he still agrees with avoiding contraception, he believes mutual manual stimulation during abstinence is legitimate if the purpose of the acts is to foster intimacy between us and make the whole home and family more harmonious. I struggle to find clear guidance in the Catechism on this issue and feel compelled to comply to preserve our marriage and reduce his temptation, despite concerns about its morality. — Anonymous Catholic Woman



A. I admire your faithfulness in following the Church’s teaching for the past 16 years. I also admire your solicitude in seeking advice on a very sensitive topic.

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