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Seems to me that she had done exactly that. But, her son had exercised his free choice and gone in a different direction. The idea that a child who goes in a direction different from that of the parents is due to the failure of the parents to properly train the child is simply garbage. God created with free choice and children can chose to go differently from the parents. Parents are no always at fault.

Now coming up on 4000 human beings killed. Do you think God is only weeping if there turns out to be an Adventist, or someone who through various twisted logics can be made to look like one? They're *all* his children. He died for all of them. If our heart is like his, we weep for all of them.

Doing surgery outdoors because of danger of aftershocks

Perhaps it's not the sexual genders that are being referred to in the Galatians 3:28 text of "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one." Perhaps the reference was to the societal roles of each group mentioned. I rather think it was to say there would be no distinctions in what each of us could or would do in the New Earth...

With the loss of the unity of mission and the sense of urgency, congregations invariably will degenerate into factions, sometimes over the most insignificant things. One of the cures might very well be illegalization of Christianity and its removal from the public to the underground sector. Those still embracing Christianity at the risk of their, or their friends', lives will no longer have a need to quibble over even the most irrelevant and insignificant of church matters.

Unfortunately, instead of bringing in the sheathes, too many (pastors & saints) scatter abroad. It must make God wonder who's side we are on? But that will be determined in the judgment. Amen

I had moved on to revise my current book: America, the Obama Nation. It was published 4/21/15. So when I came back to this thread I was surprised to see Brolove, Goe, and AlienS still discussing Daniel 2 & 7, it was quite a surprise. I read everything to catch up before posting anything. Starting around post #30 there was allot that got my interest. From my in-depth study of Daniel I have concluded that Daniel is relevant to the past, present and future. His day through our day and all the way to the time when Michael stands for His people (and beyond). Here's a brief note from my bio: (http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/DanielsRevelation) God does not reveal things in Bible prophecy that are unimportant! Yesterday's prophecy is TODAY'S NEWS! While the world slept, I watched & explained from Daniel's prophecy (written 2600-years ago) the things that are NOW upon us. Before Pope Benedict resigned I TWEETTED: Pope Benedict XVI has but a very short time left (9/3/11); Benedict XVI marks his last year with a Latin America trip (3/23/2012);& Benedict XVI As I read Daniel’s prophecy ... might last till spring 2013? (9/30/12) [we all know that he did not make it till the spring] I don't claim to know everything, but I am a Bible student that learns and grows as I continue to study. NOW IS THE TIME TO STUDY TO SHOW YOURSELF APPROVED OF GOD, A WORKMAN THAT WILL NOT BE ASHAMED. But too many folks take the wait and see attitude of Noah's day. When the rain was falling, & they were SURE: it was too late to go into the ark. God wants you to live and to bring others to Him. Your loved ones & friends are depending on you. Don't disappoint God. AND DON'T disappoint THE ONES YOU LOVE!

I know of at least 3 SDA pastors of a church I used to attend who left (or were drummed out of) the denomination because of attcks by special interest groups in the congregation who spread lies (or "evil" spins on the truth) about clergy that they found "unworthy" of the calling. I moved my membership because of the congregants; not the pastors. I also know of a few people who left the religion (including Chritianity in general) because of the way they were treated by church leadership AND membership. It seems to work both ways.

The verse says "when he is old he will not depart from it", it doesn't say anything about those middle years.

Ah yes! Where is the line? Hello, JoeMo again! The list of sins is long and some people find some sins abhorrent and it offends their delicate sensibilities. If you see a Sinner you can be sure they sin. Ahh But what kind of sin? Can I guess? perhaps. Is it loud? Is it proud? Are they proud of having pride? Can I let them in my house? Are they thieves? Will they take my cutlery? Are they also Murderers? Will they use my own wedding present cutlery on me? Do they gossip? What would happen if they told everyone at church my cutlery is way too pricey and I should have used that money to send to missionaries to spread The Good News. Must I now have to get everyone who Judged me ( a common evil lifestyle choice ,if there was ever) at Church, that I didn't buy it! "IT WAS A GIFT! I swear!" Yes the List of sins is long. And we as Sinners must have sins we like and don't like on others. How could I spend time with my family or God when I'm constantly woodworking (building for the sake of building). Or always being on the Internet? (yes I said it). Having little gods before the Real God is one of the worst things ever. and we don't bat an eye. Forget about two adult people in love wanting their relationship to be given dignity and respect that it deserves (just like your relationships). OH yes, that's where we draw the line! Folks! Us Good Christians We Don't realize that when you take away dignity and respect for people's own personal choices that it ,in fact, blocks the Kingdom of God. God holds us Christians to a higher standard whenever others are involved. To not to lord over them -Matt 20:25-26. To love on the good people and the bad people and to bless Like Your Heavenly Father -Matt 5:45. In order for the wicked to see you are indeed worthy to be called the children of GOD ..We would reflect HIM in all our ways of dealing with them. Showing them what is our gracious kind God we serve. This is the Love that spreads the Gospel. God is relational and you see that in Paul. He knew those people (churches) he wrote to. He was there for the conversions etc. He asks that we ,The Church to be like HIM If we are in relationship with GOD we WILL be like HIM We wouldn't be able to help ourselves! In relationship we share our correction.In relationship we share our concerns. In relationships we warn.Not standing across the street yelling with signs or even by voting against the most personal choices others make. We are not their parents (well some are )and they do not answer to us strangers. We all answer to GOD-Did i do everything in my power to Show them JESUS? God is using us (lil Christs) to reconcile God to them. If only the people in our wonderful church can see what damage we are doing to God's reputation in all of this. Our job is to teach all nations about what Wondrous Love is This oh my oh my soul. Not how abhorrent they are to us.

Gay, there are probably few of us here in this forum who have walked in your shoes and can fully understand what your life is about. Welcome to this forum. We app0reciate you being here and this spirit in which you come. We may differ with you on some of our understandings of Biblical truth and its application to our lives. Please bear with us. We are defective and marred by sin. God alone is imperfect. Regardless of anything else, God loves you as much as God loves us. Some of issues and decisions that are expressed here are not ours to make but belong to God alone who will make them. Our desire is that in your spiritual journey in this forum, we will be able to be of help to you and a safe place for you to come. We in turn may learn from you lessons that we do not even know God would want us to learn. May the blessings of the Lord rest upon you.

That's entirely a political argument, George, not a scientific one. If you can produce a number of peer reviewed scientific papers contradicting (a) the fact of warming and ( the main causes, by all means do. Without that, whether it's 90, 95 or 97% of climate science papers, the overwhelming majority of scientists working in the relevant field with the relevant qualifications accept what the evidence shows: warming is happening and human activities are very significant in a number of the contributing factors.

Awesome Magazine. I also used to get a Archaeology Magazine from Australia, not sure what happen to that. I believe it was called "Archaeology Digging," or something to that effect.

Hi Joe A historist would be similar to SDA theology, that the scriptures specifically prophesy events not in their historical context, but throughout time. This is why a historist will see the Catholic Church and barbarian tribes, Ottoman Empires and then the USA. A Preterist beleives that all prophesy is fulfilled-even the second coming and the white throne judgment. I believe in neither, and I am also a futurist. As we both believe in fulfilled proihesy, our difference is the extent of fulfilled prophesy. We can learn about our faith, but knowledge does not save, accepting the light of God is what saves. We are discussing scripture amongst Spirit filled believers, so while we can discuss it vigorously-we dont have to throw around accusations of who is more saved. There can be theological and social consequences for some beliefs though, even ones that are with the scope of Orthodox Christianity

[i will copy in this space Rachel's post and I will make comments which I will enclose in [xxxx]'s. I will also put a number by her comments, which she did not use. 1) The REASON WHY the gay movement has fought so hard for legal recognition of gay marriage, is because it is a SYMBOL of societal recognition and normality. [That may be a partial answer. But, I do not believe that it is a total answer. An additional reason, I believe, is that gay couples want the same legal rights that married people have--GM.] 2) Gay couples COULD make legal contracts sharing property, and providing for inheritance. They don't NEED marriage for that. They can even sign documents giving power of attorney for medical or legal decisions, or for hospital visitations and information sharing. [Again, I believe you are partially correct. It is true, as you said, that such documents can be prepared, But, that is a more complicated and expensive process than what is needed for married couple. In addition, Marriage bestows upon those married rights that are not available, in any forum or manner to people who are not married--GM.] 3) They NEED "marriage" to signify acceptance and normality. [Gay couples need marriage for much more than just acceptance--GM.] 4) The big barrier for gay marriage is the informed Judeo/Christian religious community. Most Bible students KNOW that the LORD has forbidden homosexual acts - just as he forbade any sex outside of a man/woman marriage. It was a DEATH PENALTY offense during the theocracy. [i do not disagree with you on the above. Now, the questions becomes: To what extent should civil government impose religious beliefs upon people who do not accept those beliefs? I will also suggest that while you and I would agree as to the Biblical standard, there are others who attempt to follow Christ who do not agree as to the Biblical teaching on this point. It should be for the individual denominations to establish their own standards. I do not argue that point. Again, I ask, to what extent should civil government impose Biblical standards on those who do not accept those standards. My thinking is that civil government should protects the civil rights of its citizens and not impose religious beliefs. Such teachings should be left to the denominations--GM.] 5) We believers always say that we must condemn the sin, while loving the sinner. The gays say that to condemn their behavior IS NOT LOVING THEM. They equate love with overt acceptance of their behavior. [Probably sometimes true. But, there is another factor: Many Christians cannot divorce behavior from the person. In actuality they condemn the person along with the behavior--GM..] 6) I personally have known several homosexual co-workers. I can totally believe that they have an inherited trait for homosexuality. To fight against such an inherited trait is VERY difficult - but not impossible. For them, celibacy is the only option. But that option leaves them lonely for a companion. We ALL have our crosses to bear. Many live with chronic physical pain. Others with chronic emotional pain. [You and I probably are in substantial agreement on this point, although I would differ from you in my wording. The jury is still out as to the genetic influences. I am not ready to say that it has been proven to have a genetic basis. I am ready to say that such is not a choice. neither you nor I chose what we are in this matter--GM.] 7) We ALL have a strong tendency to sins of various sorts. Has any one of us perfectly overcome? Very doubtful.... Does that mean we should declare those sins acceptable now, so as not feel like sinners any longer?????? [Good point--GM.]

Greetings Robert, Many of this forum would be more spiritual, but the following is my assessment. Galatians teaches the same lesson as Romans and the following expresses that the balance will be tipped in the favour of walking a holy life, a life that is not completely governed by the lusts of the flesh. Galatians 5:16-18 (KJV): 16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. 18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. Galatians 5:24-25 (KJV): 24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. The phrase “so that ye cannot do the things that ye would” could at first reading be understood in two ways, that the flesh is triumphant over the Spirit, or the Spirit is triumphant over the flesh. But in the context of the encouragement of v16, then it is the Spirit that will be the victor. Could I suggest that the following is a very sensitive and important part of this process and each part needs to be personally appreciated and made a heart-felt conviction and understanding. Romans 8:2-3 (KJV): 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: It is only when the full realisation of what was accomplished in Jesus, and this is espoused also by following Jesus’ example that the balance between the flesh and the Spirit will start to be tipped in the Spirit’s favour. Paul gives some indication of his walk, or the life that he led after his conversion and identification with Christ crucified and resurrected. Galatians 2:20 (KJV): I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. It is easy to fall into the situation of Romans 7 where a knowledge of the Law, or law in general, does not empower a person to overcome the basic lusts of the flesh. Romans 8 moves into the area of the realisation of the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ, where Jesus was victorious over sin and its effects within himself. We can partake of this in measure when we identify with him and allow all of this to transform our hearts and mind. Yes there will be many and even continuous lapses in some areas, but the balance will be tipped and there will be a gradual transformation if the power of the gospel is allowed to work. Kind regards Trevor

because miserable people love to be around other miserable people... being around happy people makes miserable people even more miserable...and sometimes it can make them infuriated with happy people..