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Biden invites Trump to the White House on Wednesday to move transition of power forward

Outgoing President Biden and President-elect Donald Trump will meet this Wednesday, Nov. 13, in the Oval Office of the White House to move the transition of power forward.

White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre indicated that the meeting would take place at 11:00 a.m. in Washington in order to begin talks for the transition of power.

In an address to the nation on Thursday, Biden promised to ensure a “peaceful and orderly transition” to transfer power to Trump and sought to comfort Democrats by assuring that “America is going to be fine.”

A printed news source that gives information with a conservative approach.

I've noticed that he talks openly about his faith, and often.
His faith does appear to genuinely be a very important part of his life.
I think he will be a great asset to the new administration.

May God bless RFK Jr. and keep him safe.

:praying:
Amen.
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Regret of being a late bloomer and older singleness

I don't mean this to be a downer post; I'm much happier today than I've been for years due to coming back to my Christian faith. However, I thought maybe other single Christians might be able to offer good advice.

I've never dated when I was younger due to shyness and some body image issues. I also started college later than the norm(mid-twenties). Over time, I just got used to not trying even when I knew of people I liked (and possibly liked me). To be honest, deep down I wish I had a wife and family sometimes, and it saddens me that things didn't work out that way. However, I also realize I didn't have a lot of direction or financial stability, and wasn't a practicing Christian for those years, so it's probably for the best that I didn't complicate things back then. I needed to be thinking of God first and my spiritual life!

Right now, I have finished my education in something I love and have a good body image from regular exercise, and I'm looking forward to my future career. However, I kind of have a fear that I started improving too late, and women in their early to mid-thirties probably expect someone farther along in a career and social life.

It comforts me that I should be working for God's standards and not society, but I won't lie and say I don't have insecurities that I'm behind peers my age. To members here, am I letting my fears get to me? I want to think that lots of people are understanding and have their own insecurities from the past, but some things I read on places like Reddit worry me that people do view people like me as a red flag.
Do not be afraid. You did well. The bride was and is God's final creation. The time is now. The last shall be first, and the first shall be last.
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Pastor Greg Locke reneges on offer to refund tithes amid church dispute

After promising to refund the donations of members who questioned the stewardship of his church's finances, outspoken Tennessee Pastor Greg Locke has reneged on that offer, and his attorney has allegedly threatened at least one donor who asked for their money back.

Locke, who leads the Global Vision Bible Church in Mount Juliet, made the offer during a diatribe against some members of his church during an Oct. 27 service amid a dispute about money donated to the church's building fund.

"Listen, we got IRS paperwork. We got lawyers. We got a CPA that says we have a squeaky clean book, and you're like, 'Well, [why] won't you show them to me?' You think I carry them around in my iPhone?" Locke asked.

Continued below.
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Did any kings from the Northern Kingdom of Israel do right in the eyes of the Lord?

None. 1K 16:

25 Omri did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, and did more evil than all who were before him. 26 For he walked in all the way of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, and in the sins that he made Israel to sin, provoking the Lord, the God of Israel, to anger by their idols.
Every Northern king walked in the way of Jeroboam's idol worship.

Jehu was singled out who did some good. 2K 10:

28 Jehu wiped out Baal from Israel. 29 But Jehu did not turn aside from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, which he made Israel to sin—that is, the golden calves that were in Bethel and in Dan. 30 And the Lord said to Jehu, “Because you have done well in carrying out what is right in my eyes, and have done to the house of Ahab according to all that was in my heart, your sons of the fourth generation shall sit on the throne of Israel.” 31 But Jehu was not careful to walk in the law of the Lord, the God of Israel, with all his heart. He did not turn from the sins of Jeroboam, which he made Israel to sin.
King Jehu was the Northern king that did the most good in the eyes of the Lord but in the final analysis, he still followed the sins of Jeroboam, making Israel sin in idol worship.
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Wrong assumptions and praise not needed

I have noticed and seen that many Catholic priests and Saints really were quite explemar in keeping themselves very humble. I have this book called Saints with Disabilities by Pia Matthews. There are case studies in the book of Saints such as St John of the Cross who declared themselves as a sinner often when you know they are a Servant of God. This is piety surely. Also, I have been in attendance in a Catholic service and the priest pretty much was doing the same.

Keeping hold of your imperfections I think I sometimes no bad thing to help keep us in check and humble before God.
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Madison Square Garden right now

nazism is diversifying. The most nazi-like speaker was himself Jewish (though from Santa Monica, not New York.) Stephen Miller stated "America is for Americans and Americans only!" which is a *direct* translation of Hitler's "Germany is for Germans and Germans only." (Miller's biography was titled "Hatemongers", just so you understand.)

Trump expected to announce Stephen Miller as deputy chief of staff in new administration

The lies and hate from Sunday's Bund rally are turning people off. Hopefully this will end the political prospects of Donald Trump and his racist political campaign.
Trump did lousy in New York State, so we have that going for us.
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Trump names Stephen Miller to be deputy chief of policy in new administration

NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump is naming longtime adviser Stephen Miller, an immigration hard-liner, to be the deputy chief of policy in his new administration.

Vice President-elect JD Vance posted a message of congratulations on Monday to Miller on X and said, “This is another fantastic pick by the president.” The announcement was first reported by CNN.

Miller was a senior adviser in Trump’s first term and has been a central figure in many of his policy decisions, notably his move to separate thousands of immigrant families as a deterrence program in 2018. Miller helped craft many of Trump’s hard-line speeches and plans on immigration.

Since Trump left office, Miller has served as the president of America First Legal, an organization of former Trump advisers fashioned as a conservative version of the American Civil Liberties Union, challenging the Biden administration, media companies, universities and others over issues such as freedom of speech and religion and national security.

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Novice Preachers

I have noticed that Baptist and Reformed churches will let children give a Bible lecture at the front of the church during services. I have friends who go to churches that hold the same practices. I don't see a problem with encouraging children to explain passages of the Bible or Christian concepts to strengthen their faith, presentation skills, and understanding of the Word, but when it is done in the place of the primary pastor and treated as a sermon, I have a problem with this.

If I go to a doctor for knee surgery, am I going to want a novice surgeon who is new to the job or an experienced, practiced surgeon who has being doing this for many years? Of course the more mature surgeon, and it is the same with who preaches the Word in my church. My salvation is at stake here, and I want a pastor that is a wisened spiritual leader so I can have the best explanation of the Bible every Sunday.

That's what is so great about LCMS Lutheran pastors because they study for years before becoming pastors and then they first become an "under-pastor" to the primary one so they can have some real-life exposure. They are required to demonstrate a secure understanding of theology and the functions of the Lutheran church service before leading their church congregation. It is a very crucial responsibility to hold this position of authority, and I do not think children and beginner lecturers should be viewed in the same way and regarded with the same respect.

Children should never be teachers.
That perverts the biblical language of teaching, and teachers.
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I feel awful for giving my dad the wrong book

JW theology makes zero sense, so I doubt he will end up believing it.

Blessings
It looks like he's not believing it but he's touting the notion that all religions are the same and came from Hinduism. Sigh. Not sure what is in that book that is causing him to think that. FWIW, he was thinking this long before. (That all religions are "the same" but he never mentioned before the Hindu part)
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They murder on the road to SHECHEM

Hosea 6:

9 As marauders lie in ambush for a victim, so do bands of priests; they murder on the road to Shechem, carrying out their wicked schemes.
Why Shechem?

Shechem was a significant city in the OT. Joshua allocated it to the Levites and as a holy city of refuge of safety. The priests of Shechem were supposed to protect the innocent people who sought the city of refuge. Ironically, they were the ones who murdered them before they arrived. They were supposed to be spiritual leaders, but instead, they were acting like criminals on the very road leading to a holy city.

Why did Hosea mention 'Shechem'?

He used it as a poignant irony to strike his point how bad the Israelites behaved.

Sin-consciousness?

I asked TheologicaGPT about 'sin awareness'. It seems that the negative interpretation of 'sin-consciousness' is generally endorsed, although the two words really mean the same thing:

Sin awareness is the Spirit-empowered recognition of our sinful nature and the areas where we fall short of God's holiness. It is the foundation for genuine repentance and spiritual growth. Unlike sin-consciousness, which keeps us trapped in guilt and shame, sin awareness leads us to the cross of Christ. When we become truly aware of our sin, we are driven to the foot of the cross, where we find forgiveness, cleansing, and the transformative power of God's grace. Sin awareness involves:​
  1. Acknowledging our fallen, sinful condition before a holy God.
  2. Recognizing the ways in which our thoughts, words, and actions do not align with God's perfect will.
  3. Humbly confessing our sins and seeking God's forgiveness and restoration.
  4. Surrendering our lives to the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to walk in obedience and holiness.
This healthy sin awareness is not a constant, debilitating focus on our failures, but rather a recognition of our need for God's grace and a desire to grow in Christlikeness. It is the first step towards genuine repentance and the abundant life that Christ promises. My dear Brother, I encourage you to cultivate an ongoing sin awareness, not for the purpose of condemnation, but for the sake of drawing ever closer to your Savior and experiencing the transformative power of His love and grace. May the Holy Spirit guide you in this process of spiritual growth and maturity.​

It is confusing; but I suppose we have to live with it. Still, I recommend using the term 'sin-fixation' instead of 'sin-consciousness'.
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Why didn't Joseph's Pharaoh abandon other gods and worship YHWH only?

Why did Joseph' Pharaoh accept Joseph's prophecy so readily?

Joseph had a track record while in prison. He had successfully interpreted dreams for the cupbearer/baker/. The cupbearer vouched for Joseph's accuracy. He demonstrated this gift.

Pharaoh respectfully said in Ge 41:


Why didn't Joseph's Pharaoh abandon other gods and worship YHWH only?

Back then, just about everyone was a polytheist. That was the common worldview. That's what the Egyptians and Pharaoh believed. That's part of the culture. Politically, the Egyptian priesthood was a powerful institution. Religious identity was linked to national identity. These forces were not easy to overcome.

Why didn't Moses' Pharaoh believe in Moses so readily?

If he had believed, he would have had to let the Israelites leave Egypt. Economically, he didn't want to lose that work force.
Ha! Good OP. In a way though, the principles resulting in the 'why he did not' are pretty much universal. Same thing could be asked thus: Why do I not consistently obey the God I desire and profess to love?

Another thread somewhere this morning had a guy claiming it is impossible to believe something and reject it at the same time. Balderdash!
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What is the significance of Shechem?

Shechem is located in the region of Samaria, situated between Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim. Its strategic location at the intersection of major trade routes made it an important city in ancient Israel. This location allowed for economic prosperity and cultural exchange, which facilitated the development of the surrounding areas.

It was first mentioned in Ge 12:

5 Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother’s son, and all their possessions that they had gathered, and the people that they had acquired in Haran, and they set out to go to the land of Canaan. When they came to the land of Canaan, 6 Abram passed through the land to the place at Shechem, to the oak of Moreh. At that time the Canaanites were in the land. 7 Then the Lord appeared to Abram and said, “To your offspring I will give this land.” So he built there an altar to the Lord, who had appeared to him.
The Lord appeared to Abram at Shechem. He built an altar there.

Jacob returned from Paddan-aram in Ge 33:

18 Jacob came safely to the city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan, on his way from Paddan-aram, and he camped before the city. 19 And from the sons of Hamor, Shechem’s father, he bought for a hundred pieces of money the piece of land on which he had pitched his tent. 20 There he erected an altar and called it El-Elohe-Israel.
Jacob built an altar in Shechem.

Shechem was designated as one of the cities of refuge. Literal Standard Version, Jos 20:

7 They sanctify Kedesh in Galilee, in the hill-country of Naphtali, and Shechem in the hill-country of Ephraim, and Kirjath-Arba (it [is] Hebron).
Individuals who committed unintentional manslaughter could seek asylum and safety in this holy city.

Jos 21:

20 The remaining Kohathite clans of the Levites were allotted these cities: From the tribe of Ephraim 21 they were given Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim (a city of refuge for the manslayer).
Shechem doubled up as a holy city for the Levites and a city of refuge.

Joshua gathered the tribes of Israel at Shechem to remind them of God's faithfulness and to renew their commitment to serve Him. Shechem was a spiritual center for the Israelites. Jos 24:

15 "But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord".
Joseph's bones were buried in Shechem (Joshua 24:32).

Shechem served as the first capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel under Jeroboam I (1 Kings 12:25).

Throughout history, Shechem has been associated with various events, including the divided kingdom of Israel and the subsequent tensions between the northern tribes and Judah.

Jn 4:

4 [Jesus] had to pass through Samaria. 5 So he came to a town of Samaria called Sychar, near the field that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. 6 Jacob’s well was there.
Some scholars think Sychar was Shechem.

Shechem was a city of profound significance in biblical history, partly because of its central and strategic location. Many events took place there. Spiritually, it was a city of the Levites, safety, and covenant renewal.



r/BibleVerseCommentary - What is the significance of Shechem?

Mighty Angel Rev 10 Part 2

The Seventh Trumpet Angel ends the Mystery of God

Rev 10:7 But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he has declared to his servants the prophets.

Rev 10:7 (the Mighty Angel) But in the days of the voice (authoritative participation) of the seventh (trumpet) angel, when he shall begin to sound (authoritative participation), the mystery of God should be finished, The Mystery of God: (Gen 1:1 Isa 45:7 Isa 65:17 Eph 3:9 Col 1:15-20 Rev 10:6,7) as he has declared to his servants the prophets.

The Mystery of God Finished (Rev 5:5,6, 10:7, 11:15, Rev 19:10, 12:12, 20:1-3)

Gen 1:1 In the beginning God (John 1:1-3) created the heaven & earth.

Eph 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world has been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:

Isa 65:17 For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.

Isa 45:5 I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God besides me: I girded you, though your have not known me: Isa 45:6 That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none besides me. I am the LORD, and there is none else. Isa 45:7 I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things.

Col 1:15-18 Who is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of every creature: Col 1:16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are upon earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: Col 1:17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. Col 1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the first-born from the dead; that in all things he may have the pre-eminence.

1Co 2:6-8 However, we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to naught: 1Co 2:7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the world to our glory: 1Co 2:8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

1Ti 3:16 without controversy, GREAT IS THE MYSTERY OF GODLINESS: (1) God was manifest in the flesh, (2) justified in the Spirit, (3) seen by angels, (4) preached to the Gentiles, (5) believed on in the world, (6) received up into glory.

Col 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of THIS MYSTERY AMONG THE GENTILES; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

The Open Little Book

Rev 10:8 And the voice which I heard from heaven said unto me again, and said, Go and take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel which stands upon the sea and upon the earth.

Rev 10:8 And the voice (Jesus authoritative control) which I (John) heard ((Rev 4:1, 10:4) from heaven spoke unto me again, and said, Go and take the little book which is open in the hand of the (Mighty) angel which stands (position) upon the sea (symbolizes the man of sin Rev 6:2 Rev 13:1-10) and upon the earth (symbolizes the false prophet Rev 13:11-18, Rev 10:2,5) Rev 16:13

Rev 10:4 And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not.

The Sea

Rev 13:1 And I (John) stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise out of the sea (man of sin), having seven heads (Kings) and ten horns (kingdoms), and upon his horns ten crowns (kingdoms in authority), and upon his heads the name of blasphemy (disrespect).

Note: A beast rising up from the sea identifies a parallel explaining the Man of Sin (Dan 7:7,8 Rev 13:1-10, 16:13, 17:11-13 Rev 19:19,20 20:10) arising (Rev 13:1,2, 17:12, 6:2 {2Thess 2:9 Hos 12:7}) in Israel (Nah 1:11 Mich 5:3-5 Zech 11:15,16 Dan 11:23,24).

The Earth

Rev 13:11 And I(John) beheld another beast (false prophet) coming up out of the earth, and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spoke as a dragon.

Note: Coming up out of the earth identifies a parallel explaining the False Prophet ascends from Israeli Denominationalism (Rev 17:3 Dan 2:41 Zech 6:12,13 Mal 3:1-3 Matt 15:4-14 Rev 16:11, 12 Matt 23 Matt 26:58-68).

The man of sin & the false prophet (Mica 5:3-6)

Isa 59:5a They hatch cockatrice' eggs (man of sin and false prophet) and weave the spider's web:

  • Mic 5:4 And he will stand and feed in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God; and they (man of sin and false prophet) shall abide: for now will he be great to the ends of the earth. Mica 5:3-6
  • Rev 16:13 And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet.
Rev 20:10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

John Asks for the Little Book

Rev 10:9 And I went unto the angel, and said unto him, Give me the little book. And he said unto me, Take it, and eat it up; and it shall make thy belly bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey.

Rev 10:9 And I (John) went unto the (Mighty) angel (Rev 5:2,7,8 Rev 10:1-3), and said unto him, Give me the little book (Rev 5:1-8). And he (Mighty Angel) said unto me (John), Take it (little book), and eat (read) it (the little book) up; and eat it up (read Rec 10:10); and it shall make your belly bitter (knowing what it says), but it shall be in your mouth sweet as honey (wanting).

Rev 10:2 And he (Mighty Angel) had in his (Rev 5:7 Rev 10:1) hand (control Rev 10:5) a little book open (Jesus opened Rev 5:1): and he set (authoritative power) his right foot (ability) upon the sea (identifies the man of sin Rev 6:1-8, 13:1-10, Rev 16:10), and his left foot (ability) on the earth (identifies the false prophet (Rev 13:11-18, 16:13, Rev 20:10), Rev 13:1 Man of Sin (Rev 13:11 false prophet)

The Mighty Angel & Little Book

Rev 5:2 And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to lose its seals?

Rev 5:7 And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne. Rev 5:8 And when he had taken the book, the four living beings, and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odors, which are the prayers of saints.

Rev 10:1 And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire: Rev 10:2 And he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his right foot upon the sea, and his left foot on the earth, Rev 10:3 And cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roars: and when he had cried, seven thunders uttered their voices

John Reads the Little Book

Rev 10:10 And I took the little book out of the angel's hand, and ate it up; and it was in my mouth sweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter.

Rev 10:10 And I (John) took the little book out of the (Mighty) angel's hand, and ate it up (read the little book); and it was in my mouth sweet as honey (desire to know): and as soon as I (John) had eaten read) it, my belly was bitter. (knowing what it says).

Rev 10:9 And I (John) went unto the (Mighty) angel (Rev 5:2,7,8 Rev 10:1-3), and said unto him, Give me the little book (Rev 5:1-8). And he (Mighty Angel) said unto me (John), Take it (little book), and eat (read) it (the little book) up; and eat it up (read Rec 10:10); and it shall make your belly bitter (knowing what it says), but it shall be in your mouth sweet as honey (wanting).

John wants the Little Book

Rev 5:1 And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, who is worthy to open the book, and to lose its seals? Rev 5:3 And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look upon it. Rev 5:4 And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open, and to read the book, neither to look upon it. Rev 5:5 And one of the elders says to me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the book, and to lose its seven seals. Rev 5:6 And I beheld, and lo, in the midst of the throne, and of the four living beings, and in the midst of the elders stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns, and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. Rev 5:7 And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.

Rev 10:8 And the voice which I heard from heaven spoke to me again, and said, Go, and take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel which stands upon the sea and upon the earth. Rev 10:9 And I went to the angel, and said to him, Give me the little book. And he said to me, take it, and eat it, and it shall make thy belly bitter, but it shall be in your mouth sweet as honey. Rev 10:10 And I took the little book out of the angel's hand and ate it; and it was in my mouth sweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it my belly was bitter.

Spoken Words from the Seven Thunders Sealed

Rev 10:11 And he said unto me, you (John) must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings.

Rev 10:11 And he (Mighty Angel) said unto me (John), You must command (prophesy) again before a substantial number of people, and nation, and tongue, and kings.

John Begins the Prophecies

Rev 1:1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave to him, to show to his servants’ things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel to his servant John: Rev 1:2 Who bore testimony of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. Rev 1:3 Blessed is he that reads, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.

Nations

Rev 11:9 they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations will see their dead bodies 3 1\2 days and will not suffer the dead bodies to be put in graves.

Rev 18:3 For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.

Rev 18:23 the light of a candle will shine no more at all in you; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride will be heard no more at all in you: for your merchants were the great men of the earth; for by your sorcery were all nations deceived.

Rev 13:7 it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.

Rev 14:8 saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.

Rev 11:18 the nations were angry, and your wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that you should give reward unto your servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear your name, small and great; and should destroy them which destroy the earth.

Rev 16:19 the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nation’s fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath.

Tongues

Rev 13:7 it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.

Rev 16:7 I heard another out of the altar say, even so, Lord God Almighty, true, and righteous are your judgments.

Kings

Rev 6:15 the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains;

Rev 17:2 With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication

Rev 18:3 For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.

Rev 18:9 the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, will bewail her, and lament for her, when they will see the smoke of her burning,

Rev 16:14 For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the entire world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.

Rev 19:18-19 That you may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great. [19] I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army.
You might find this interesting. The word thunder (or a form of the word) [outside of Rev 10] is found [you guessed it] 7 times in the book of Revelation:

*[[Rev 4:5]]* And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.

*[[Rev 6:1]]* And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see.

*[[Rev 8:5]]* And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast it into the earth: and there were voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake.

*[[Rev 10:3]]* And cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roareth: and when he had cried, seven thunders uttered their voices.

*[[Rev 10:4]]* And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not.

*[[Rev 11:19]]* And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.

*[[Rev 14:2]]* And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps:

*[[Rev 16:18]]* And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great.

*[[Rev 19:6]]* And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.

The answer to what is the mystery should be found in those 7 instances. Something to take into account is WHAT the mystery is will be revealed/ understood when the 7th trumpet angel sounds. But we see three mentions of thunder before the 7th Trumpet sounds: in Rev 4,6 and 8. So, at the thundering at those times, the mystery remains a mystery. Rereading and rereading and rereading Rev 11 (when the 7th trumpet sounds) is key to understanding what that mystery is. I hope this helps.
Be Blessed
The PuP
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The Victory of the Cross

Jesus is on the “Mount of Olives opposite the temple area” talking about the end of the world (Mk 13:3).

That’s significant because according to prophecy it is from the Mount of Olives that the Lord will begin the last battle against Israel’s enemies (Zec 14:14). Jesus — having just come from the temple, having foretold its destruction — is casting his conflict with the day’s religious and secular authorities in prophetic, cosmic and eschatological terms.

No mere peasant uprising, no mere religious squabble, Jesus’ struggle (and in short order his suffering and death) should be understood in grander terms. That is, what is about to happen in Jerusalem will involve no less than the covenantal promises made by God himself. It will also involve the final meaning of history.

Son of Man​


Continued below.

Chaldean bishop voices hope for peace under new U.S. administration

As a leading voice for Middle Eastern Christians, Bishop Bashar Matti Warda, head of the Chaldean Eparchy of Erbil, expressed hope that the election of a new U.S. president would positively impact the efforts for peace in the region.

Speaking with ACI Mena, CNA’s Arabic-language news partner, Warda noted that “Christians in the region have borne the brunt of ongoing conflicts and wars in their homelands. Despite fears that rising tensions could bring more violence, they continue to hold on to a realistic yet profound hope of living in safety alongside their compatriots. They believe their shared future hinges on the promise of peace, prosperity, and nation-building.”

Warda said people around the world now have their eyes fixed on Washington, D.C., watching closely to see if the president-elect will fulfill his campaign promises to end conflicts in the Middle East.

Continued below.
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