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Firefighter's Prayer When I am called to duty, God, wherever flames may rage, give me strength to save a life, whatever be its age. Help me embrace a little child before it is too late, or save an older person from the horror of that fate. Enable me to be alert, and hear the weakest shout, quickly and efficiently to put the fire out. I want to fill my calling, to give the best in me, to guard my friend and neighbor, and protect his property. And if according to Your will I must answer death's call, bless with your protecting hand, my family one and all.

One of the most widely read books in the Bible, Psalms is filled with verses that honor and exalt God’s presence. Sung as hymns in church or recited in daily life, here are a few psalms of praise. Read more at http://www.beliefnet.com/Faiths/Galleries/Psalms-of-Praise-Best-Psalms-to-Exalt-God.aspx#YahRfKKTUCSER1Qj.99

Myths Debunked Some myths are easy to discredit. Others, not so much. Here are seven urban legends that just aren’t true. Read more at http://www.beliefnet.com/Entertainment/Galleries/7-Urban-Legends-You-Thought-Were-True.aspx#kVcFAKLbUzKTfH2H.99

This dog-eat-dog, the-weak-and-small-are-just-food-for-the-big-and-strong, this principle of nature - survival of the fittest, is it of divine origin?

Ever notice that no matter how big or small a project you have in doing something with your car there is always one, and only one, bolt, nut, screw that ruins the job. Either it won't budge, or is stripped or behind something that requires major work to get to. This one uncooperative piece always makes a fairly short easy job last hours or give up and bring to the mechanic?

I pray that your Sabbath is full of joy and blessings as we gather in honor of our Great God the Father and His Son Jesus the Christ.

Are you referring to the fusion of the Divine and the human, Scuba? THAT aspect of Jesus Christ did not exist prior to Christ's Incarnation...but to say Christ, God the Son, did not exist..sorry, I'd disagree. There is more than enough Scriptural evidence to support the point that God the Father and Christ - God the Son - were, are, and always will be, co-eternal. By Christ's profession in John 17:5 - "Now, Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with you before the world was." If you believe Christ did not exist prior to His Incarnation, then you must necessarily say Christ is but babbling here, for He is claiming pre-existence with the Father since before this world was created. Backing up a couple of verses, in verse 3, we see the words, "and Jesus Christ whom You have sent." One cannot be sent by another unless they are existent at the time the command to go is given. In Colossians 11:15-17, we read, "He (Christ Jesus) is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all Creation, for by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, invisible and visible​, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities - all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold." Either Paul is being overly general and lying to us about Christ...or maybe Christ Jesus is the active Creator of all things, with the Father working through Him to create? Paul is as inclusive as he can possibly be - Christ Jesus created everything...even those aspects of Creation we cannot see or detect. In 1 Corinthians 10, Paul again refers to the pre-existence of Christ...this time through the event associated with Moses and Israel coming forth out of Egypt. Christ it was who led them out of Egypt, and Christ it was who accompanied and led Israel in the wilderness. Christ it was, on Mt Sinai, spoke to Moses and said, "Let them build Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell with them.", foreshadowing His own Incarnation in which to dwell among us (John 1:14). Christ is the ROCK from whom Israel drank...and is the ROCK so frequently mentioned in Psalms by David and the rest of the Psalms composers. Old and New Testament...Jesus has always been God dwelling among us. It is at the Incarnation that Jesus gave up a crucial aspect of His Divinity, in order to complete the fusing of mankind back to the source of all life - the Self-Existent Creator. That crucial aspect was omnipresence. He could not keep His omnipresence and at the same time become leader of the rejoined human race. One, or the other, had to go. Jesus Christ chose to save us, and let go of omnipresence. I do say, I am being extremely abbreviated here, but this suffices for now to provide the Biblical foundation from which my perspective rests. Blessings,

Sabbath Sermon: Adam and Steve 10 October 2014 | RACHEL LOGAN New Pacific Union College chaplain and PUC Church associate pastor Jonathan Henderson took the university’s week of prayer as an opportunity to deliver a message that has resonated deeply with LGBTQ Adventists and their allies. On Wednesday night, October 8, Pastor Henderson took the PUC Church stage for the third night in a row in a series on relationships. Monday night he highlighted Adam and God; Tuesday focused on Adam and Eve; and on Wednesday, Adam and Steve were the focal point of the conversation. Henderson started his presentation with a humorous tone, noting that he still had his job, despite the intense nature of his sermons. After beginning with prayer Henderson asked the audience to recognize his limitations understanding homosexuality. “You need to hear the perspective of those who have walked this journey,” he said. “I am not an expert. I am not the Holy Spirit. I am not the Judge. I am not the prophet. I am your chaplain, who is still on his journey, and I am wanting to understand even better.” Henderson quoted Matthew 19:3-12 (NIV) to propel his sermon. He focused on verse 8: “Jesus replied, ‘Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning.’” Henderson went on to say that God gave in on this issue of divorce, despite this not having been God’s intent in the beginning. “You need to realize that God has given in often throughout history to us,” said Henderson. He cited God’s giving the Israelites a king when they asked for it, even though God was their King. When David, a “man after God’s own heart” became King, he was good, but after time, he became corrupt. “They [the Israelites] chose to be a part of something that was never God’s original design, but this is the world we live in,” said Henderson. “How I wish we could all go back to the way things used to be,” he continued. “And interestingly enough, God works with us in our own sinful matrix. How often that God has to put up with the way that we chose to do things. It was not God’s will that Eve take the fruit and that Adam also partook in it.” Henderson stated that maybe even up to 90% of the things that happened in the Bible did not happen as God wanted it to happen. “And you’ll say ‘but no, it’s God’s will!’” added Henderson. “God is just willing to allow us have our will. That’s it. Let’s just keep it real….just because God knew it was going to happen, doesn’t mean that God planned it.” Henderson suggested that acting as though God is in control of everything is unhelpful, because then God bears responsibility for every molestation, hungry person, and murderer. “God isn’t in control,” Henderson said. “He gave that over to you, and look what we’ve done with it.” Henderson preached that what really upsets God is when people hurt other people. He cited Nineveh as an example, calling it the city of blood where people walked over dead bodies in the streets. “We keep thinking that ‘Wicked Cities’ was like people at the slot machine in Vegas—people just watching a bunch of porn. When the Bible describes evil, it’s talking about stuff that’s so scary, so disgusting, that even the wicked city doesn’t want to be around itself.” Henderson stated that sin is everywhere, but for some reason, the church has chosen to focus on one sin that some consider worst of all. People in the church will say that God did not choose to create Adam and Steve; He created Adam and Eve. People will say that homosexuals are like rabbits, and all they want to do is have sex. Henderson said this is a problem, because these statements dehumanize. “You create all these images as if they are not people that are having soul connections—relating to one another, identifying with one another. You need to understand the foundation of relationships…and it’s not sex! It’s heart to heart connection.” Henderson admitted that he used to believe it was okay for same-sex couples to “have the soul connection,” but not to engage in sexual activity. As he began to read the Bible, Henderson began to see the situation differently. He realized that God can “call an audible” because the game of life changes. In Jonah 3:10, Nineveh repented and God saw their repentance, so He changed His mind. “Listen, the character of God never changes. His heart never changes. His love never changes. It will never–we could never be separated from that. But God will change His mind because we change! The game changes and God will adjust based on the circumstances. Why wouldn’t He? In fact, coaches get fired because they don’t know how to change their game plan within the game!” Henderson reminded the audience that not everyone will accept or interpret the Bible the same, though some people find that hard to accept. Henderson pointed out that in the Bible, Christ says some people are born asexual. Henderson suggested that it’s possible for people to be born homosexual. Again, this is hard for some people to accept. “‘It just couldn’t be that way, pastor, because then somehow we wouldn’t be able to judge them in the same way that we are used to doing...If they are born that way then we might have to be more compassionate and understanding!’ And there’s something wrong with that picture!” said Henderson. Henderson stated that while some people may be born homosexual, others might be shaped that way by experiences they had as a child. People in the church find this all hard to accept because it is complicated; it isn’t black and white. He went on, noting that people have a tendency to want to fit sins in a box, but one size does not fit all. In the past, people did not believe a white woman should marry a black man, but things change–people change, Henderson pointed out. He asserted that people believe the Bible governs morality, but oftentimes culture shapes our moral beliefs. “We are afraid of what we don’t understand. We are afraid of what’s different,” said Henderson. Henderson drew attention to the fact that there is a ministry on Pacific Union College’s campus called Safe Place. He believes that the fact that this group exists on campus is a “tragedy.” PUC itself should be the safe place. “How do you have a sanctuary within a sanctuary?” he asked. Sometimes, when homosexual individuals “come out,” their parents have a hard time dealing with it. Some unsupportive parents tell their child not to bring their partner around the house. Henderson said that thankfully, this isn’t always where the story ends. Sometimes, parents come around to accept their child, and their child’s partner because they love their child, and nothing can change that. “If your parents can come to that point, how much more will your heavenly Father, who loves you more?” Since Henderson’s talk on Wednesday, his words have prompted an overwhelming response. PUC student David O’Hair, who also works as the editor for the Campus Chronicle, called Henderson’s sermon surprising and great. “The talk addressed the differences between being born, made, or choosing to be part of the LGBTQ community. The honesty and different approach was refreshing to hear,” said O’Hair. “In an age where controversial issues are touched on, but never fully divulged, Pastor Henderson crafted a great message that was able to reach all listeners, not only those personally influenced by this topic.” O’Hair stated that the “Adam and Steve” sermon seemed to draw the biggest crowd of the series so far. “I honestly have not heard one bad review of the talk or its message. It was well received and led to many discussions outside the sanctuary.” PUC professor of psychology, Dr. Aubyn Fulton, spoke highly of Henderson’s talk. “This just may be the most powerful sermon ever preached from the PUC pulpit," he said. “What makes Jonathan's talk last night such a landmark is that it so clearly creates the space for pretty conservative Christians, who still might believe that LGBTQ is not quite what God originally had in mind, to still treat LGBTQ people with love and respect. From now on, no conservative Adventist has an excuse for their hate or rejection. We now know it is possible for people with those views to still be loving and respectful - and (I think) from now on we should expect nothing less than this.” Seventh-Gay Adventists producer Daneen Akers also spoke passionately about Henderson’s sermon. “I was weeping through much of this sermon because I know what a step it is, and it just felt like this—this is what Jesus was talking about when he said his followers would be known by their love,” said Akers. “It’s really just the Gospel, and it’s what Christians should be known for—love and respect, even if we all don’t fully agree. But somehow we’ve gone so terribly wrong, especially around this topic, that tears are shed when someone preaches such a beautiful sermon about what Jesus said it should be all about.” Jonathan Henderson began working at PUC in September 2014. Previously, he served as the head pastor for Grand Advent Seventh-day Adventist Church in Oakland, California for eleven years. Watch Adam and Steve: Rachel Logan is a writing intern for Spectrum Magazine

Sorry Scuba, I don't agree with you here. If no man has seen God, who did Adam walk with? Who did Abraham meet with prior to the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah and prior to the birth of Isaac? Who was the One that looked like "A Son of Man" in the fiery furnace? Who was the writer of Proverbs discussing when he said "Who has gone up to heaven and come down? Whose hands have gathered up the wind? Who has wrapped up the waters in a cloak? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and what is the name of his son? Surely you know!" (Proverbs 30:4)? Who was John talking about in John 1 when he says "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (John 1: 1-5)? Who was theothe Person in the "we" (Elohim) spoken of in Genesis 1? There are scores of other references to God's Son and His pre-existence before His human birth.

ACCEPTANCE OF OTHER WITH LOVE

I love the public transportation to and in New York City and Philadelphia and Washington DC and Boston. Don't know enough about going to Boston yet but I only need to drive 2 hours of nice country driving and take the train to avoid the city traffic and parking problems. Can find all sorts of international foods, including a Norwegian Deli, in New York City. Disneyland, Knotts Berry Farm, Sea World, Universal Studios.

Some years ago, a woman joined Club Adventist. She had been born and raised in the Seventh-day Adventist Church. But, her life was very hard and with the passage of time and circumstances, the time came when she was no longer associated with the denomination. But, God was not finished with her. Sitting on a stool in a bar on a Friday evening she had a life-changing experience. On that evening she began her return to the Lord and to the SDA Church. But, her spiritual journey was not an easy one. While she achieved her goal to return to the Lord, she died prior to returning to the SDA Church. The first part, of the introduction to her spiritual journey has been posted on the Internet. It may be accessed at: http://atoday.org/welcome-home-maybe-part-one.html This is the first part of an introduction to a series on her life that may last for as much as six months. The introduction sums up the major issues that she faced in her life. Some of the members of Club Adventist will recognize her and may be generally aware of what is published in the introduction. However, the following extended material on her life will likely contain much new material. My goals in being involved in the posting of this material are to stimulate thought: 1) As how former SDAs may be treated when they start a spiritual journey back to God and the SDA Church. 2) As to the efforts of God to do whatever is needed to effect the salvation of every person. Adventist Today is publishing this story because the editors believe that there is a message there. The story is being published in the Internet edition, rather than the print edition as the Internet edition has a larger audience. The story is being published in a restricted section of the Internet edition. That section is open to people who are subscribers to the print edition and to others who have paid a fee of $10 to obtain access for a year. While I do not have an exact figure for the time that it will take to publish the full story, I am expecting about six months. I will later open this thread up for comments. I that time I will strictly moderate it; The following will not be allowed:: 1) The mention of actual names, to include the name of the member, her family members, and others. 2) Negative comments directed against people. Positive comments will be accepted. 3) A focus on the problems and failures of the SDA Church and its congregations. All human organizations can be criticized, but that is neither the focus, nor my intent. Personally, I believe that this story, while it has its sad parts, will be helpful as can be related to my two listed goals above. Later I will open this thread up for comments and discussion. NOTE: It was the desire of the woman that her story be published and prior to her death she worked with me in assembling the material for publication.

When we dwell in the new earth, do you think we will build cities or dwell in gardens as did Adam and Eve...? Would we even build houses for that matter? I know there will be the New Jerusalem city. I am not dogmatic about any position just interested to see what others think - any scripture would be great :)

God saw fit to build up the Adventist church through the study of Bible prophecy. One of the most prominent prophecies taught amongst our people is the “1260 days” of Revelation 11:3 & 12:6, etc. It was during the 1260 years that the great Catholic power was in the ascendancy, wearing out the saints of the Most High. With regards to the beginning and ending points of this period, a large body of historical material is available to the student of history. It has been my purpose to condense that material into note form, that the reader might see at a glance the fundamental historical contexts in which these two significant dates – 538AD and 1798AD – are set. It is my hope also, that this little work might dispel some of the misconceptions that have grown up beside these two prophetic “marker posts”. Those that look here for a display of eloquence, or pages of private judgment and interpretation, must, I fear, turn away with little satisfaction, but for those that enjoy working with plain facts, I hope to supply a few of these for their edification and profit. This paper is companion to “A Historical Context For 538AD”.

... to returning to this forum in 2017 when fewer threads are about Obama.

(please have a conversation about this with out the word Liberal Conservative Democrat Republican Obama.) While a lot of trash talking is 'out there' let's talk about the good things, I will start with 3 Grocery stores have a better selection of food overall. Interstate highway system, and the numbering of it is great Lots of choice of over the air TV in many places.

Scuba I have been an Adventist for many years and was in supporting ministries for decades and heard many wonderful preachers including basically all of the well known moderate or moderately conservative SDA ones. In all the thousands of sermons I have heard, none of them has ever suggested Jesus did not exist before He was born in Bethlehem. Not Mark Finley not Doug Batchelor not Dwight Nelson Steve Bohr or any of them. The fact that I see this point differently than you does not indicate I am in Babylon. The Pharisees did misunderstand many things Jesus said. However, in this one they did understand Him. He was saying He existed before Abraham. This is also what John 1 says- He was the Creator. The Scripture clearly explains itself.

How quickly people forget....the birthers and every other tom, dick and harry were all over Obama's past and still hasn't stopped!!! So now its the Press's fault??? TO, put your bright mind back to work and come to the reality side!!

Celebrating Black History Month with Unsung Pioneers By Patricia L. Dickson Black History month is set aside for celebrating the contributions and accomplishments of black Americans. However, the month of February has instead been hijacked by race-baiters masquerading as Civil Rights leaders, angry black celebrities, and Democrats as a time to air grievances. During Black History month, they trot out the same blacks that they deem worthy to be celebrated year after year while ignoring those who have made important contributions in spite of facing real racism and discrimination while paving the way for other black Americans. Many of these pioneers were able to accomplish great things just a few years after the abolition of slavery, prior to the Civil Rights Act and without the help of Affirmative Action. For this reason, I have decided to celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of these courageous brilliant black pioneers: Charles Henry Turner Educator, Zoologist, Scientist (1867–1923) He was the first person to discover that insects can hear and alter behavior based on previous experience and the first African American to receive a Ph.D. in zoology from the University of Chicago. He pioneered research techniques in the study of animal behavior and made several important discoveries that advanced our understanding of the natural world. His father worked as a custodian and his mother was a practical nurse, both actively encouraged him to read and learn. Turner excelled at his studies, graduating from Gaines High School in 1886 as class valedictorian. Kelly Miller Mathematician (1863–1939) He became the first black man to be admitted to study at Johns Hopkins University, where he did postgraduate work in mathematics, physics, and astronomy until 1889. He earned his undergraduate degree from Howard University having excelled in Latin and Greek as well as math and sociology. His father, Kelly Miller Sr., was a Confederate soldier, and his mother, Elizabeth Roberts, was a former slave. Allen Allensworth Military Leader, Chaplain, Nurse (1842-1914) He was the first African American to reach the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. In 1908, he founded Allensworth, California, the only town in the state to be founded, financed, and governed by African Americans. Allen Allensworth was born into slavery in Kentucky. After he was sold to another man, he escaped in 1862 with the help of union soldiers, became a member of 44th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment, and served as a civilian nursing aide. He later joined the Navy and served two years. After being honorably discharged from the Navy, he was ordained as a minister, and served as Kentucky’s only black delegate to the Republican National conventions of 1880 and 1884. After a two-year campaign in which he solicited the support of Congressmen John R. Lynch of Mississippi and Senator Joseph E. Brown of Georgia, President Grover Cleveland signed his appointment as Chaplain of the 24th Infantry Regiment. He served in the US Army for 20 years, retiring in 1906. Mary Jane Patterson Educator (c. 1840–1894) became the first African-American woman to receive a college degree when she graduated from Oberlin College in 1862. The daughter of fugitive slaves, she went on to have an illustrious career as an educator. After graduation, Mary Jane Patterson taught at the Institute for Colored Youths in Philadelphia, and then accepted a teaching position in Washington D.C at the Preparatory High School for Colored Youths. In 1871, she became the first black principal of the newly founded Preparatory High School for Negroes. Phillis Wheatley Poet (c. 1753–1784) at the age of eight, she was kidnapped and brought to Boston on a slave ship. Upon her arrival, John Wheatley purchased the young girl as a servant for his wife, Susanna. The Wheatleys educated Phillis and she soon mastered Latin and Greek, and began writing poetry. She published her first poem at age 12, and her first volume of poetry, Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral, in 1773. Marian Anderson Diplomat, Singer (1897–1993) the first African American to perform with the New York Metropolitan Opera; the first African American ever to receive the honor of being invited to perform at the White House for the President and First lady. Much of Anderson's life would ultimately see her breaking down barriers for African-American performers. Anderson’s was denied the opportunity to perform at Washington, D.C.'s Constitution Hall because of a policy put in place by the D.A.R. (Daughters of the American Revolution) that committed the hall to being a place strictly for white performers. When word leaked out to the public about what had happened, an uproar ensued, led in part by Eleanor Roosevelt, who invited Anderson to perform instead at the Lincoln Memorial on Easter Sunday. In front of a crowd of more than 75,000, Anderson offered up a riveting performance that was broadcast live for millions of radio listeners. Benjamin Banneker Astronomer, Scientist (1731–1806) became a self-educated astronomer by watching the stars and in mathematics by reading borrowed textbooks. Banneker's acclaim came from his almanac, which he published for six consecutive years between 1792 and 1797. These almanacs included his own astronomical calculations as well as opinion pieces, literature, and medical and tidal information, among other things. He was appointed by President George Washington to the District of Columbia Commission. He was the son of an ex-slave named Robert, whose wife, Mary Banneky, was the daughter of an Englishwoman and an African ex-slave. Carter G. Woodson Historian (1875–1950) African-American writer and historian known as the "Father of Black History Month." Woodson lobbied schools and organizations to participate in a special program to encourage the study of African-American history, which began in February 1926 with Negro History Week. The program was later expanded and renamed Black History Month. Woodson chose the month February to honor the birth months of abolitionist Frederick Douglass and President Abraham Lincoln. He was one of the first African Americans to receive a doctorate from Harvard; Woodson dedicated his career to the field of African-American history and lobbied extensively to establish Black History Month as a nationwide institution. Reading about the lives of these black Americans has been a welcomed breath of fresh air in contrast to the negative grievances playing out daily in the mainstream media. Every black child should be required to read about the accomplishments of these black pioneers rather than spending Black History month celebrating rappers, professional athletes and race-baiters. Christian Commentary (http://patriciascornerblog.com), or contact the author at dicksonpat@sky.com. Follow me on twitter@Patrici15767099.

To see God's wonderful creation and imagine what it would've been like and how it will be restored. Also all the wonderful man made wonders that God's children have created! To be able to travel throughout the USofA

When Jesus said that his father was greater than he, that was true while he was on earth. As our savior, he had to live as one of us. He did all of his healing by faith and prayer rather than using his own power. He went through his trial just as we would have to do - he did not obliterate his enemies who were seeking to kill him even though he had the right and the ability to do so, but which we have neither the right nor the ability to do. He had to live as our example in every respect and therefore he could not use his own power to do anything that we cannot also do. Thus, he reduced himself to the role of living as the second Adam, which meant that as a man while on earth, indeed he was less than his Father, but this was by his own choice. But, when he returned to heaven, then he resumed being God and this meant that he was equal to God in every way then except that he could no longer be omnipresent. The following verses explain this: Php 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Php 2:6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not a thing to be grasped to be equal with God: Php 2:7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: Php 2:8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Php 2:9 Therefore God also has highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: This indicates both that he was God before he became a man and it makes it clear that while he was human, he was less than God in what he did. He had to act as we have to do in the same circumstances. Upon returning to heaven, his previous position was resumed.

Bonnie said: Somewhat judgmental. It may have some truth, although it is still a somewhat judgmental statement. However, I do not believe that it applies to the majority of SDA clergy who do conduct services on Sunday and I doubt that Bonnie has any understanding of why they may be doing so. The Biblical emphasis is on the quality of the Sabbath day, which is the 7th day. The Biblical emphasis is not on a battle against any other day. Rather it is on the blessings that are reserved for the Sabbath. Bonnie may speak from experience when she mentions what dilutes the Sabbath. I can only say that others may have a different experience and those who participate in such may actually not dilute the meaning and experience of the Sabbath but they may enhance it.

America - as it was founded - the recognition of our God-given, inalienable rights to Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. Blessings,

Obama and the JournoList members do but bring this upon themselves. If the Press was as neutral as it claims to be...Obama would never have been elected the first time. BUT...they persist, so it will only get worse before it gets better. The Washington Post sends investigative reporters to dig up Scott Walker's college career...but none for Obama? At least the class Mr. Walker should have graduated with remembers Scott being there! The same cannot be said for Obama. Obama has received a major pass on many very important things...things that make or break any politician who just happens to have a "R" by his/her name. When that kind of coverage is given even-handedly, call me. I believe the Press could not even attempt to nail a high-profile Democrat to the wall without permission from their handlers. President Hillary Clinton? Maybe...but she will have to defeat Elizabeth Warren, because the Democrat core does not see Clinton nor Obama as being far enough to the left. And that is the direction the Media will willingly go, for that is their position as well. Ask Dan Rather. A Government-bought Press is worse than a Government-owned Press. If he could view today from the grave, Joseph Goebbels would be maniacally jealous of the propaganda machine so popularly and affectionately known as the "Main Stream Media". He would realize his mistake was in not taking over the academic institutions first, THEN buying out the Press, to hire people who have been educated to hire in and willingly repeat the desired perspective. Later,

It's best to look at one verse at a time because it can become overwhelming to answer so many at once. In order to understand the existence of Jesus prior to His birth you have to understand how the Hebrew mindset thinks. When God speaks of Jesus, and even us, He speaks of what is contained within His mind as a plan before it becomes reality. He speaks of things as though they are real before they become real. Jesus was crucified before the foundation of the world according to the foreordained plan of God, which was contained within His mind before it became reality. Jesus Himself was crucified 2000 years ago. This is the glory that Jesus spoke of. (1 Peter 1:11) - They wondered what time or situation the Spirit of Christ within them was talking about when he told them in advance about Christ’s suffering and his great glory afterward. Even we ourselves were foreordained and had glory before the foundation of the world according to God's mind according to His plan. (1 Corinthians 2:7) - We speak about the mystery of God’s wisdom. It is a wisdom that has been hidden, which God had planned for our glory before the world began. (Ephesians 1:4) - Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love. Listen to how Jeremiah preexisted in the mind of God according to His plan. (Jeremiah 1:5) - “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.” All through the Old Testament we read of Jesus in prophetic language as a future Son in the foreordained plan of God but it wasn't until 2000 years ago when the Son became reality. (1 Peter 1:20) - Jesus indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last days for you. Some say Jesus was sent by God or sent into the world so that means He preexisted in heaven first but this does not mean He literally preexisted anymore than it does for us when we're sent from God or sent into the world or not of this world. (John 17:18) - As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. (John 1:6) - There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. (John 17:14) - I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. (John 17:16) - They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. (John 15:19) - If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Another thing that must be understood is the two creations. The first creation took place when God created in Genesis and the second creation took place when God created the world to come through Jesus. Many people miss this and become confused between the two creations. Listen to Hebrews 1:1-2 speak of how the Son did not exist prior to these last days but then it says He made the worlds. (Hebrews 1:1-2) - God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds. Some take the fact that Jesus made the worlds to mean Genesis but its not. The world here is referring to the new creation or the world to come. Listen how Hebrews confirms which world its referring to. (Hebrews 2:5) - For it was not to angels that God subjected the world to come, of which we are speaking. The world to come is referring to the new creation or the age to come. (Matthew 12:32) - Anyone who speaks against the Son of Man can be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven, either in this world or in the world to come. (Luke 18:30) - Who shall not receive much more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting. (Mark 10:30) - But he shall receive an hundredfold, now at this present, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands with persecutions, and in the world to come, eternal life. There is so much more but I'll stop here for now.

Jesus said Before Abraham was I am. And they took up rocks to stone Him. Clearly He was saying He was the preexistant God and that is why they were going to stone Him. Also John 1. The Word was in the beginning with God and all things were made by Him.And the word was made flesh and dwelt among men and we beheld His glory full of grace and truth.

In the wilderness, Israel "did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ." (1Cor 10:4) And when Paul speaks about the difference between angels and the Son, he says that the Father has spoken to the Son (prior to His incarnation into humanity,) saying, "Thy throne of God, is for ever and ever..." (Heb 1:8)

I think the European chocolate is best, but I still have to give allegiance to my Hershey family once in awhile! :)

My experience there is limited ...most impressed with the west Coast scenery... but also the general friendliness and helpfulness of the people I met I will add one negative,,,, I do not think the chocolate is as good as this side of the big ocean

There are several verses referring to Jesus teaching /attending the synagauge on Sabbath as was his custom. Same is true of Paul. I feel reasonably safe in assuming we should be doing same

lol... cockroaches have "personalities" ?? I can just see a whole new field opening up: "Entomological Psychology," with subsections of "Abnormal Behavior of Insects," "Psychological Attributes of Larval Growth," and the up and coming topic of "Do young male cockroaches refuse to inhabit churches when their fathers have been victims of insecticide abuse?"

There's no place like home...

Diversity of restaurants and innovations of new ones.

Pinching one of Lazarus', but I was thinking of it when I opened the thread. I think America in general has a 'can do' spirit, a sense of opportunity and a willingness to roll up its sleeves and get to work to seize opportunity. I also think it makes a huge range of fascinating media, from games and movies to music and podcasts. Not all of it is to my taste, and not everything that's to my taste is American, but there's so much of it and it's so diverse that there's lots of good stuff.

John Ortberg spent an hour in telling The One Project people that discipleship requires full obedience to Christ. I will comment more on his talk which extended well beyond one hour when I post in my church section.

Three things.... Distinct seasons where I live in Maryland. By February/March I long for the temperature to warm up and it does. By August/September I long for the days to cool down and they do. Diversity, Diversity, Diversity everywhere. Americans are generally positive, upbeat, optimistic by nature. IMHO.

Our sermon on Sabbath dealt with this and other issues/changes creeping into the church. Absolutely the best sermon I have heard in years. It was interesting that the sermon itself went for over 1 1/2 hours and even kept the attention of the children. It dealt with giving sin a new sanitized name to make it more comfortable for people to remain where they were at. Church service was now more to entertain than the original purpose of the church service and above all,nothing in a sermon should tweek or offend anyone

I likewise agree. Yet there are babies who were incapable of believing at the time of their death, but were seen in vision by the prophet Isaiah at the holy mountain of God (Isa 11:6-9). These babies could not possibly be born in the holy mountain of God as product of procreation because the Savior tells us there will no longer be marriages among the people of God after resurrection (Luke 20:35). This leads us to the inevitable conclusion that these babies were resurrected among the righteous at the Second Coming (John 5:28, 29), where all in the graves will be resurrected! Since Scriptures explicitly say that only those whose names are in the book of life will be allowed entry into the heavenly kingdom (Rev 21:27), this to me, is a clear indication that names of babies are in the book of life, otherwise there would be no babies in the holy mountain of God. And we all pure descendants of Adam & Eve, had been babies, ergo, our names had been written in the book of life. Isn't this good news to all - Christians and non-Christians alike? Unless deleted from the book of life for not overcoming evil with good (Rom 12:21; Rev 3:5), we all are heaven-bound. This is grace-based salvation. Grace that had been given us in Christ BEFORE the foundation of the world! KJV 2 Timothy 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began Believe to be written? No. Believe we were written. To be in the book of life is to be in Christ. Apart from Him, He said, we can do nothing (John 15:5). "Nothing" obviously includes the act of believing, a spiritual act. If we teach people "believe to be written", then, we are in fact telling people we can do something apart from Christ. Clearly, this is against what the Savior said. But sadly enough, "believe to be written" characterizes the brand of gospel popularly being preached to the world today.

In my thinking, we build homes for more than shelter and protection. We build them to have a place that we can call home, a place where we can rest and relax, where I can visit with friends, a place where we can spend time to read and study the world in which we live. The future live as I see it has all of that. .

I get very annoyed with nonprofessionals who masquerade as counselors..