The hymn in Ephesians 1 makes it clear: God ‘chose us in him before the foundation of the world.’

Yesterday's Second Reading, Ephesians 1:3-14, deserves some attention, particularly for its pro-life relevance.

The text is actually a hymn that may have preexisted St. Paul’s epistle and which he incorporated into it. Priests and others familiar with the Liturgy of the Hours know this text because it regularly appears among the hymns in Evening Prayer.

But how is it a pro-life text?

This hymn is a celebration of creation. It’s not a celebration of the kind in vogue today, e.g., a paean to “Gaia” or “Mother Nature.” No, it is a celebration of the doctrine of creation, that what exists comes from the hand of God, is intended by God, and is good. Judaism and Christianity — in contrast to the religions of Antiquity — recognize that God is Creator and Redeemer, celebrating him both for the work of creation and his concrete deeds in salvation history. If you want proof, read Psalm 136. It first (vv. 4-9) celebrates God’s work in creation, enumerating particular acts because “his love endures forever.” Then, with the same refrain, it details (vv. 10-22) God’s works in forging a people for himself, starting with the Exodus. It concludes with God’s care for the individual person praying the Psalm (vv. 23-26).

Now, the Ephesians hymn is very Christocentric. Creation isn’t just a “nice thing” God decided to do before declaring “it was good.” No, God created to bring us into relationship with him, so that, when creation reaches its perfection, it will be when all things are “summed up in Christ.” The centerpiece of creation is the person.

That person-centric focus of creation is vital because it is a radical corrective to today’s mindset. Creation does not exist so that it can have an optimal temperature not exacerbated by carbon emissions. Creation does not exist for a pristine planet of fungi, babbling brooks, and a few cavemen human beings whose “carbon footprint” has been mitigated by an attempted return to the Stone Age. Creation exists for persons … and that is just what Ephesians 1 says.

Continued below.

Right off the bat, "Soros' Vanguard" is a clue that this is nonsense. Soros doesn't own Vanguard, nor is he even a shareholder beyond whatever investments he may have there. Vanguard and Black Rock are the two largest investment firms in the world. They're likely to have their fingers in everything.

Second, the fintel.io page only goes a week or two prior to the shooting. What does the historical data on short volume and prices look like? DJT has been shorted a ton.

Third, the firm claims this was a filing error and they shorted 1,200 not 12 million shares.

Praying for all the abused and for healing inside the Church.

bling said:

I agree you start with where you agree, but will move on to where you disagree. I can agree with a lot of what Muslims say and teach and they can agree with me, since we use a lot of the same words, but with different meanings. I go back to the assumes and the assumed meanings they have. They are not going to be picking up stones, but often feel very uncomfortable.
Sometimes you can only set a seed of contingent, that hopefully at some later date will under some stress cause them to come back to you. This has happened with my experiences.
Do you listen to them the way you want them to listen to you?

Click to expand...

Yes. I think we have similar things in common. We of course would have differences.
I am trained to talk to people of all kinds of faith, and to do that, the first priority is to understand what their views are, and then to use their "language" in conversing with them.
For example, rather than say "Bible", when speaking to Muslims, I would say, holy writings, or the Torah, and Prophets, and Psalms.

Incorporating what Paul said, in the ministry is very important. 1 Corinthians 9:19-23

bling said:

At the prison I taught in and also with my friends in communist China at unregistered churches there is this "in or out"/committed or not committed. The raids by the communist will result in taking only baptized believers, so if you are there and not baptized they might take your name and just let you go.
In prison we had four groups of 14 or so prisoners (some committed Christians and some prisoners just there listening [it could be for just something to do]). There was no week, partial, or nominal "Christians" in prison (you were in or out/ committed or not committed/baptized or not baptized).

Click to expand...

bling said:

Being baptized was a sign to the world of being committed in those locations.

Click to expand...

Yes. This is why it is important that persons understand that being a Christian involves more than saying "I do", but involves "performing deeds in keeping with their repentance". Acts 26:20

The IbanezerScrooge said:

Is that, like, Republican math?

Click to expand...

How 2012 of you!

​

Christians Persecuted by Voodoo Priests​

[8] prayers in [1] nation have been posted for Christians in Benin.

In Benin, local politicians are often strongly influenced by voodoo priests. In one part of the country, voodoo practitioners have convinced police to arrest four pastors because of songs they heard Christians singing during worship services. The complaints about the Christians' songs have interrupted the services and activities of roughly a dozen churches in that area. Read More.

• Jul. 18, 2024 | India​

  Christian Wins Fellow Inmates for Christ​

  [4] prayers in [1] nation have been posted for Poonam.
  
  While meeting for prayer on June 28, 2023, Poonam Bind, her parents and another sister in Christ were arrested on charges of converting Hindus. They spent the next two months in jail. Poonam and the other Christian women with her used the time to minister to the other 150 female inmates in the jail and led many of the women to place their faith in Christ. "I realized God had a wonderful plan for those people to be saved, and so I was there," Poonam said. "I saw how people were treated and troubled and how badly they needed Jesus in their lives." She continues to disciple many of the women who came to Christ in the jail. Read More.

• Jul. 18, 2024 | Tunisia​

  Churches Face New Restrictions​

  [4] prayers in [1] nation have been posted for Christians in Tunisia.
  
  Christians in Tunisia are finding it harder to gather and worship the Lord together. Front-line workers say the Tunisian government has banned Christians from meeting in hotels or other public gathering places without official pre-approval. "Only foreigners and officially registered NGOs [non-governmental organizations] are allowed to meet in those facilities," said a front-line worker. The worker added that one church leader has been harassed and "can no longer lead weekly services on Wednesdays and Saturdays." Read More.

Chrystal-J said:

Here's a quote from it: It is precisely in this context that one can understand the possibility of blessing couples in irregular situations and same-sex couples without officially validating their status or changing in any way the Church’s perennial teaching on marriage.

Click to expand...

Thank you

SavedByGrace3 said:

You are right. I guess I was trying to imitate MSM and the DNC. My bad.

Click to expand...

You’re still doing it.

I am in the process of finding a new church home so have seen some of these things first-hand. Some tiny churches full of seniors really are wonderful communities of faith, and I have met some beautiful folks who use their extra time to do a lot of praying. But before I retire in 15ish years most of the members will probably have gone to be with the Lord.

So I have been mostly visiting churches that have active children’s programs. These still tend to have a lot of older members (who I love to spend time with), but are more likely to still be viable when I am old.

Back when I was an evangelical it was easier to find truly intergenerational churches. Now that I don’t at all fit there and am looking at mainline congregations it is a lot more difficult.

49 AD, Paul spent a night in prison in Philippi (Ac 16:23).

Berean Standard Bible, Ro 16:

7 Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow countrymen and fellow prisoners. They are outstanding among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was.

Click to expand...

Did Paul write this while being imprisoned?

Probably not. He was imprisoned some years ago in Philippi. Like Andronicus and Junia, Paul experienced imprisonment before.

57 AD, Paul wrote to the Romans.

Where was Paul when he wrote Romans?

23 Gaius, who has hosted me and all the church, sends you greetings.

Click to expand...

He might be in Gaius' house. Paul baptized Gaius who lived in Corinth (1Co 1:14). Paul was probably in Corinth.

His next imprisonment:
60 AD, Paul was imprisoned in Caesarea.

Joe Biden Reportedly More Open to Calls for Him to Step Aside as Candidate​

Joe Biden has reportedly become more open in recent days to hearing arguments that he should step aside as the Democratic presidential candidate after the party’s two main congressional leaders told him they doubted his ability to beat Donald Trump.

While continuing to insist he will be the party’s nominee in November, the president has reportedly started asking questions about negative polling data and whether Vice-President Kamala Harris, considered the favorite to replace him if were to withdraw, fares better.

The indications of a possible rethink come after Biden tested positive on Wednesday for Covid-19, forcing him to isolate for several days while curtailing a campaigning visit to Nevada that had been part of a drive to show his candidacy was very much alive.

It also coincides with fresh polling data showing that he now trails Trump by two points in Virginia, a state he won by 10 points in 2020.

The Emerson College Polling/The Hill survey showed Trump ahead by 45% to 43%, within the margin of error but consistent with a spate of other polls showing that Biden’s support has fallen in swing states since his disastrous showing at last month’s debate in Atlanta.

Biden’s newfound receptivity to at least the possibility of stepping aside represents a shift from the position he adopted at a press conference at last week’s Nato summit in Washington, when he told journalists he would only drop out if polling data showed him “there’s no way you can win”.

“No one’s saying that,” he added.

His willingness to listen to opposing arguments comes after Chuck Schumer, the Senate majority leader, and Hakeem Jeffries, the Democratic leader in the House of Representatives, reportedly both told him that it would be in the country’s interests if he stepped aside, ABC reported.


Originally, I wasn't for Biden stepping down unless it was his decision. But I trust Chuck Schumer, Hakeem Jeffries, Nancy Pelosi and Adam Schiff, and believe they have the best interest of the country at heart. If Biden decides to run, I believe he'll have a 50/50 chance of winning. And I believe if they go with Kamala and a new vice president, the new start will energize the base and other voters, increasing the Democrats chances to win. I believe if Obama, Bill and Hillary Clinton strongly believed Biden could win, they would've endorsed him already. I could see the three coming out to endorse Kamala and the new vice president candidate to motivate the Democratic base and other voters. We knew this was going to be a wild election year, it's surpassing our expectations.

Go CC!

May God continue to protect him. Amen,

I feel this passage comes into play with a "spectrum" type situation (at least religiously):

So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I’m about to spit you out of my mouth. Revelation 3:16

Laodicean60 said:

I understand but they also have friends.

Click to expand...

Everyone does. The Houthis may be getting weapons from Russia. There was discussion recently. But Russian soldiers aren't directly involved. Early on they said the Wagner Group was there but I haven't heard about them in a while.

Laodicean60 said:

Most countries around the globe are not professional warfighters like America we seem to stick our nose in everyone's business.

Click to expand...

That isn't a positive attribute and our instigations cause more harm than necessary. I posted Yellen's remarks on the dollar's devaluation yesterday and its connection with sanctions. If you didn't watch you may find the information insightful.

Laodicean60 said:

I agree by watching Zelensky beg for weapons they would last without our support but it sounds like you think we have boots on the ground there.

Click to expand...

I have no confirmation of that and don't think we are. If our presence was greater he wouldn't be so antsy.

Laodicean60 said:

Yes, their problem is unique that is why I never liked us being involved with Ukraine since the Obama admin. The problem with Ukraine you have two different ethnicities both Ukranian and Russian. Ten years ago I discouraged my kids from joining the military because I didn't see an end to the senseless wars without anything good coming from the countries we invaded.

Click to expand...

You made an excellent decision. We never get the truth from our administration and only find out once the damage is done. And considering the way we treat our vets I'd be morally opposed.

Laodicean60 said:

I listen to west and east propaganda but this article shows Russia struggling especially on the waterfront.

Click to expand...

I think he'll be fine. Russia has taken the presidency of the UN Security Council and Lavrov's speech was direct and we were part of it. He even included a reference to Animal Farm that definitely hit the mark.

~bella

Galatia was a Roman province. Linda's Bible Study:

Galatia was not just one city, but rather an area in what we now know as Turkey.

Click to expand...

Good!

stevil said:

Reality doesn't show at all what you are attempting to portray by that chart.
Typically if you are going to present something like this you ought to provide a link to your source, so that we can see for ourselves the context.

Here is a site for you
Sweden: death rate 2010-2020 | Statista
It shows the total deaths in Sweden for years 2011-2020. We won't count 2021 because it is only a partial year.
2011 - 89,938
2012 - 91,938
2013 - 90,402
2014 - 88,976
2015 - 90,907
2016 - 90,982
2017 - 91,972
2018 - 92,185
2019 - 88,766
2020 - 98,124

It is quite clear looking at these facts that 2020 was an obvious outlier with the previous years ranging from 88,766 to 92,185 and giving an average yearly death rate of 90,674. 2011-2019 A range of 3,400 over a period of 9 years with no clear upward or downward trend. But then all of a sudden 2020 came (with the Covid pandemic) and there was the highest death rate of the previous 9 years with 98,124 which is well above the average by 7,450 and above the max from the previous 9 years by a staggering 5,939 and an increase on the previous year by 9,358.
By overall deaths Sweden had a disastrous year in 2020. If someone looked at these stats and didn't know about the pandemic, they would immediately point to 2020 and ask "What the hell happened there?" - this was most likely due to the pandemic and Sweden's disastrous do nothing response to the pandemic.

When you look to what happened in Denmark over the same period
Denmark: number of deaths 2020 | Statista

2011 - 52,516
2012 - 52,325
2013 - 52,471
2014 - 51,340
2015 - 52,555
2016 - 52,824
2017 - 53,261
2018 - 55,232
2019 - 53,958
2020 - 54,645

The 9 years of 2011 to 2019 gave a range of 3,892 from 51,340 to 55,232 and an average yearly death rate of 52,942. 2020 for Denmark did not reach the maximum of the previous nine years which happened in 2018. It was an increase on the previous year by 687 and an increase on the average over the past 9 years of 1,702. 2020 was not an outlier. A person looking at these stats would not be immediately drawn to 2020.

The data for Norway shows a better story for 2020 than for Denmark
2020 was not an outlier, the highest death rate year was 2012 of 41,992 whereas the death rate in 2020 was 40,612 which was lower than the previous 5 years.

The data shows a similar story for Finland although the chart is per 1,000 inhabitants rather than a total count
Finland - death rate 2010-2020 | Statista
2020 was not an outlier, 2018 had a higher death rate.

By all accounts Sweden failed its people in 2020 by doing almost nothing to combat the deadly pandemic leading to several thousands of unnecessary deaths.

Click to expand...

Let's update these charts, shall we?

Using your source, updated with 2021 - 2023 data.

Sweden:
2011 - 89,938
2012 - 91,938
2013 - 90,402
2014 - 88,976
2015 - 90,907
2016 - 90,982
2017 - 91,972
2018 - 92,185
2019 - 88,766
2020 - 98,124
2021 - 91,958
2022 - 94,737
2023 - 94,385

Sweden average 2011-2019: 90,674
Sweden average 2020-2023: 94,801
Increase during pandemic era: 4.55%

Denmark:
2011 - 52,516
2012 - 52,325
2013 - 52,471
2014 - 51,340
2015 - 52,555
2016 - 52,824
2017 - 53,261
2018 - 55,232
2019 - 53,958
2020 - 54,645
2021 - 57,152
2022 - 59,145
2023 - 58,384

Denmark average 2011-2019: 52,842
Denmark average 2020-2023: 57,331
Increase during pandemic era: 8.29%

I reiterate:

whatbogsends said:

The chart contained rates of cumulative excess mortality, and that Sweden, despite your insistence, hasn't simply sacrificed thousands of people. Their overall health outcomes are still generally very good, even if their Covid numbers look drastically worse than other Scandinavian countries - although i will state again that this is not over, and current trends are better for Sweden compared to its Scandinavian peers, although obviously, that can very well change.

Click to expand...

Norway had a similar trend to Denmark, although Statista only had data through 2022. 2021 was the worst since 2010, and 2022 was way worse than 2021. Denmark was 4.57% higher deaths than their previous average (and I'd wager it'd be higher than that if 2023 data was available).


Finland was the worst of the bunch, with an 11.74% increase of mortality in the pandemic relative to pre-pandemic baseline.

RileyG said:

Yup, they especially hate Catholics.

Click to expand...

Yes, and especially Catholic priests, because a priest can cut right through all of their balderdash---they have the academic background and the knowledge to twist the Witnesses up in knots.

I remember many years ago, sitting at the kitchen table drinking coffee with my dad. The dog woofed, and we saw a car pulling up outside. Dad said, "Oh, boy. Jehovah's Witnesses. I'll handle this."

They knocked at the door, and Dad opened it up; they said, "Hello, sir; we were wondering if we might come in and share some scripture with you."

Dad said, "Well you know, this is great timing, because my pastor happens to be here at the moment....come on in, and we'll all share some scripture!" Then he turned around and hollered over his shoulder, "Hey, Father?"

He turned back around, and they were gone. They were scrambling back into their car, and they left as quickly as they arrived. Dad grinned, sat back down and picked up his coffee cup. I said, "What just happened there?", and he said, "Those J.W.s are scared to death of Catholic priests---they will not tangle with one for any reason whatsoever!"

The funny thing was, there was nobody in the house except for Dad and me---Mom had gone grocery shopping, and there was definitely no priest there at the time.

Bandit said:

I only know him online and we haven’t talked in a while.

Click to expand...

It might be a good idea to talk to him again.

Thanks for sharing. I added some of your info to the OP.

St_Worm2 said:

this could make for a very interesting, thought-provoking thread, especially if it's going to end up going where I think it is!

Click to expand...

Go ahead. I am interested in your viewpoint

loveofourlord said:

man old enough to be in the high risk age group gets covid, world shattering news!!!. Plus that was at a time when the vaccine was just coming out, and would have been true if everyone had gotten it, but hmmmm some people got this weird idea it was all fake and such and refused making it mutate.

Click to expand...

The denial is strong with this one...

I am not a fan of Trump or any politician. But I have been shocked to see how many people, including someone in my own family, has expressed regret over the fact that the shooter did not kill him.

If anyone is a Christian, they should know that they are breaking the commandment to not kill by simply having such a thought in their hearts.

And such an attitude helps to stir up a spirit of hate in this country.

The Bible tells us to guard our hearts above all things.

Please let us pray for people to leave things in the Lord’s hands, and not to think that some shooter is going to solve this nation’s problems.