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Just imagine, if we had the unconditional love to others as dogs do to us.

Thank you Stan for your kind remarks, both public and private. It means a lot to me.

Mr. Murphy was always in charge of security...

As I mentioned before, obviously not!! Because then, how could God then have asked us to multiple??

One more time: the sins of Sodom were primarily (as stated in the Bible) in their treatment of the vulnerable and poor, not homosexuality. Certainly America has much to fear if it is to be called to account for those particular sins.

Below is our traditional interpretation of the number 666 found in Revelation 13 and below is one of the challenges and which incidentally is the positon of most of our respected theologians nowadays. Isn't it time to officially abandon this traditonal interpretation? The papacy clearly claims to be the Vicar of the Son of God, "Vicarius Filii Dei," in her own language. Note the "number of his name": V = 5 I = 1 C = 100 A = 0 R = 0 I = 1 U = 5 (U is the same as V) S = 0 F = 0 I = 1 L = 50 I = 1 I = 1 D = 500 E = 0 I = 1 ________________ TOTAL: 666 Read more: http://www.christiansermonsandmusicvideos.com/2015/01/revelation-chap-13-beast-from-sea.htm Below is the challenge from http://www.amazingfiction.org/666-pope.shtml Uriah Smith, J.N. Andrews and other early Adventists adopted the teaching and used it in their evangelistic efforts. The main weakness of the SDA position is that the title "Vicarius Filii Dei" was never officially used by the Catholic Church as a title for the Pope. In fact, the one document in which it appears, the Donation of Constantine, is widely recognized as a forgery. Some have claimed the title appeared on the papal tiara or mitre, but of the thousands of images painted and photographed over more than 1,000 years of Catholic history, the title does not appear on any image. No evidence has ever been produced by Seventh-day Adventists to substantiate the claim that the title "Vicarius Filii Dei" is used to designate the Pope. Since real evidence was lacking, some Adventists resorted to fraud and trickery to substantiate their groundless claim about "Vicarius Filii Dei" being the title of the pope: To promote the claim in the mid 20th century, one Adventist book included a doctored photograph of a papal tiara with the words "Vicarius Filii Dei" added by an artist. The book was a republished edition of Uriah Smith's Daniel and Revelation, by the Southern Publishing Association (now merged with Review and Herald). The original photograph was taken by English evangelist C. T. Everson at the Vatican Museums, on assignment from W. W. Prescott. However Prescott, the leading opponent of the interpretation in his day, was shocked when he saw the modified photograph in the book. The General Conference gave orders to cease the book's printing until the photograph be removed.5 In conclusion, Seventh-day Adventists are unable to substantiate the claim that the number 666 can be connected to the papacy, and in recent years SDA scholars have abandoned that view, while at the same time, others in the sect continue to foist the fraudulent teaching upon unsuspecting people. Source

Interesting comment by Doug Batchelor on Amazing Facts today, something I had not ever really considered before. "What did the devil say to Adam and Eve? Listen to me you'll be like God. Why did he say that? That is what he wanted, - people often superimpose on others their desires"..

As an RN (now retired), I have cared for HIV patients and held their hand while they were dying in their 20's. One young man lived with "friends" that were often sitting around in drag (socializing) when I would arrive at the home to care for him. [The female nurses were not comfortable in that setting so I was asked to take the assignment.] I like to think that I gave him high quality care and never went judgmental on him, his roommates, or any of my other HIV patients. But choices have consequences, and they are not always pretty. I'd like to be settled in the knowledge that everyone was on solid footing, following God's revealed will, and that no one would wake up too late to see that the consequences of their lifestyle choices were but the hurtful thorns rather than the beautiful flowers gracing the garden.

Divorce has what to do with the gay marriage ruling,other than to deflect from a lifestyle you seem to enjoy. Perhaps start a topic on women bobbing their hair. Has absolutely nothing to do with He calls an abomination

It is not really clear, from the scriptures, that a fetus is equal with a breathing person. I know there are a couple of things about the LORD knowing someone from the womb, or in the womb, or a fetus leaping in Elizabeth's womb. So the SCOTUS ruling on abortion might not be regarded as clearly - in terms of God's Law - as this latest ruling on Gay Marriage. Homosexuality is clearly condemned as "an abomination" in the Torah and Apostolic Writings. What the highest court in our nation esssentially SAID on Friday, was that this nation is NOT under Judeo-Christian Law. Essentially - we recognize NO GOD. That's what they said. That being said, I don't think they should hold a prayer breakfast, or celebrate a national day of prayer. This nation - as a nation - recognizes NO GOD. Now - how will God respond? We'll have to wait to see. I do not foresee great blessings coming henceforth, for this nation.

ELLEN GOVLD VVHITE = 50+50+5+500+1 = 666 Maybe we shouldn't abandon the historical interpretation; but we should at least be open to different iterpretations. As can be seen in the example above, trying to tie the number to a specific person can lead to some goofy results.

There are a few problems with this pastor's interpretation of things. 1. As usual, he seems to be saying because others do something wrong, engaging in (whatever your hobby horse of the moment is) is OK. So, no you don't support "equality" with a smile on your face. 2. Getting a divorce is different than a lifestyle. Engaging continuously in a sinful lifestyle is different than a sinful event. I would more equate divorce with a one time act of homosexual behavior that is repented of, but you cannot equate divorce with a continuing state of being such as living a gay lifestyle. 3. I suspect the pastor may not be familiar enough with his Bible to really preach on the topic when he says the Bible does not list any consequences for immoral behavior: "But for the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and immoral persons and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their part will be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” Revelation 21:8 The 2nd death kinda sounds like a consequence to me!

What's your point????? What does "not that many years ago" mean to you? 5, maybe 10? or maybe even 15!! I have been a SDA for nearly 50+ years, I have never, at least not at the churches I have attended, seen one member disfellowshipped because of divorce. I have known a few, and when I say a few I mean like 3 that had divorced and on there own decided not to return, because of guilt of being divorced.

What I learned or was taught many years ago. Was that "777" represented the Holy Trinity, and that "666" represented the unholy trinity.

Of course it wasn't an American Apple, it was a Garden of Eden Apple.

There are more and more women who keep their maiden name. However, a few men are taking on the name of their wife. In a homosexual marriage on person is considered to be the husband and the other the wife. Yes, you do raise an interesting issue. We can only wait and see how it develops.

It just can't get much plainer,no matter how many"christians" twist and turn the words. (2) HOW DOES THE BIBLE DEFINE HOMOSEXUAL BEHAVIOR? Let's read what the Bible says about homosexual behavior and see how God feels when we turn our backs on His laws and embrace an "anything goes" attitude: Romans 1:24-28, "Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonor their own bodies between themselves, who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: and likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the women, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly (shameful), and receiving in themselves the recompense of theirerror which was meet. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient." Here the Bible shows us that homosexuality is defined as something that is unclean, a dishonoring of the body, a vile passion, something that is against nature and unnatural, shameful, something that occurs when you have a mind that has sunken to a place away from God. It is an act that people engage in when they do not retain God in their knowledge and when they have changed the truth of God for a lie.

To by like God and have the ability to create a new world is foundational to understanding why Eve (and Adam) ate the mango. O.K. I know it was not a mango. But, there is no reason to believe it was an American apple.

My study indicates that this is also true: Since 666 is only one of the characteristics described in the Word as identifying the beast (man), eliminating him from purview only causes more confusion (Babylon) to quibble over, during an age when even the Word seems to be viewed with uncertainty as from God (the Creator).

It is so good to see the pictures of Mr Murphy ... a handsome fellow.

Mr. Murphy was a handsome dog.

If Mr. Carson were miraculously elected, the sharks would rip him to pieces for his conservative beliefs. He kind of reminds me of Jimmy Carter, a very good man, while maybe somewhat naïve, but Mr. Carson seems like he would be no match for the hungry sharks looking for fresh meat.

When it comes time to accept the command that is prefaced by "remember", while all our neighboring professors are calling for our death penalty, then will be clearly seen those who are the friends of Jesus. God is Love! Jesus saves!

Since 666 is only one of the characteristics described in the Word as identifying the beast (nation), eliminating it from purview only causes more confusion (Babylon) to quibble over, during an age when even the Word seems to be viewed with uncertainty as from God (the Creator). Each will have to face their own part as expressed in the words they speak, in the coming great judgement day. 36But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment.....Matthew 12: God is Love! Jesus saves!

so very sorry, Richard..

We had a few pets we lost with tears shed. We always comforted ourselves with this promise, made doubly sure after prayer, since the love for the pets comes from the Originator of love. 4Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.....Psalm 37 19“Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven....Matthew 18 you will be reunited in the Kingdom. Keep looking up. God is Love! Jesus saves!

Its the greatest thing given to mankind, and displayed in his moral law. Lets not forget his dieing for each and everyone of us.

'Socialism', in the broadest definition, is the idea that society exists and that we have some responsibility for others, not just for ourselves. That is often understood in relation to governments having an active role in sharing that responsibility. The Bible definitely strongly supports the first concept - responsibility for others, particularly the vulnerable. Many Christians say it should do that through charity rather than through government, and it's great when it's done, but when the political system is set up in such a way to actively undo the results of charity, I think there's a responsibility to also challenge that. Perhaps, too, as Naomi has indicated, many see charity itself as a problem - at least incoming if not outgoing. In practice, as I said earlier, everyone contributing here thinks government should have some role. No one is calling for anarchy. What that role should be, and how it should be shared between the federal, state and local levels is what we are largely discussing here.

What, you should want everyone to be on the same page? Where is the fun in that!!

My 2 cents, -> Love the sinner, hate the sin. I love homosexual people. I have some friends that are. However, I don't like the lifestyle. I try not to be hateful of it, rather just love and hopefully project Christ through my actions. Recently I came to an epiphany of it all and now I look at it this way... 1. I don't believe their are levels of sin. That one is worse than another. We as humans would say that well yeah, murder is worse than stealing. But does God see it that way? Doesn't the Bible say the wages of sin are death? If you break it down, cut and dry, sin is sin -> Transgression of the Law. 2. I've often wondered, why all the debate of homosexuality? Yea I see the flaws in it but shouldn't we be focused on murder or something else. Then I had this epiphany. 3. Homosexuality is a sin. We need forgiveness of our sins. But! most people arguing for it don't see it as a sin. That's the issue! I think the problem is that people don't see it as a sin therefore they keep living in sin, and thus, preventing a more deeper relationship with Jesus and are neglecting His sacrifice of forgiveness for this sin. I mean, we all live in sin everyday but most of are actively trying to overcome our sins, addictions, and what have you. They don't see it as a sin and they're not trying to overcome therefore they're allowing the "mark" to be on them. Does Jesus forgive sins we don't ask to be forgiven? Can we get to Heaven with sins still bound to us? We need to let Jesus wipe us clean of ALL sin. A man having sex with a man is wack. But is the actual action any worse that taking a life? I don't think so. i'm not concered with the phyical part of it. Its the spiritual part I think that matters. Homosexuality, murder, stealing, lies, its all the same to me. I think it boils down to if we don't ask forgiveness for our sins Jesus can't wipe the slate clean. I hope my thoughts make sense. I know I'm a little wordy. Also, I don't mean to offend anyone. I believe the Bible says its a sin, an abomination. I can't imagine going through that problem, trying to re orientate my sexuality. But, I believe its all possible if we allow Jesus to take charge.

RIP Mr Murphy... you were loved.

My husband and I were married by a Justice of the Peace at the courthouse more than 53 years ago. Yes we are legally married in the eyes of the state and God. Neither a pastor or J.P know in advance if the marriage will meet God's ideal.That is up to the husband and wife. Two men or two women can never have anything except a perverted relationship A pastor that believes what the bible says knows that a civil or religious marriage ceremony will never reach Gods ideal 100 % of the time.

stinsonmarrie, Your post is waaaaaaay to long. No one is going to READ a post this long.

I am really going to miss him sorely. Some of you here may remember my loving companion. Everything has changed here so I can't even post pictures of him anymore the way I would like. Oh well

there are many kinds of love i think 8 or more kinds in the Greek language, not just three. Divine love is to be our study throughout eternity. it has unfathomable depths.

I don't want to change the topic to alcoholism but do want to clarify the disorder. Some do get confused because hard drinking is seen as alcoholism. There are many hard drinkers that drink like alcoholics but they are not. What distinguishes them is that when they have a good reason to quit drinking, they can. These are the types of people using alcohol as an escape. When alcohol causes them more trouble than it is worth, they walk away from it. For alcoholics, drinking may have started out as an escape but it becomes a prison they cannot escape from. They make promise after promise that they will stop but they never do. The success rate of those seeking treatment is even low. The success rate of AA has been shown to be the best at about 24%. To me, a 24% success rate does not exactly sound like a lot of hope. There is a sound consensus within the medical community that alcoholism is a mental disorder. He is how the founders of AA described it. Gays that have no religious conflict may live wonderfully happy lives. However those with a religious conflict seem to struggle to break away from the lifestyle in a very similar way that an alcoholic struggles to quit drinking. The easy answer for some is to change their religious beliefs. However the ancient words recorded in the Bible do not change and many of these gay individuals seeking change are too honest with themselves to simply change their religious belief. They are caught in that struggle between their sexual orientation and religious beliefs. The gay lifestyle holds them very much like the bottle holds the alcoholic. Being an alcoholic myself, in addition to my work with gays in the past, helps me be very compassionate toward them. I am a lucky one - if one believes in luck. I am part of the 24%. This year in September I will celebrate 30 years of sobriety.

please keep the gay threads down to 2-3 threads, Am not against it, it like every other topic should be focused. We had one guy who started so many threads, and changed existing ones over to stuff about the Jesuits.

1. Let the one who is without sin cast the first stone (though I'm far from convinced homosexual actions and orientations are sinful, still those throwing rocks might be better occupied looking in the mirror). 2. As a generalisation, women's sexuality is more fluid than men's. 3. There is a lot of evidence that these 'conversion' therapies lead mainly to two things: backsliding and suicide.

Gayatthefootofcross said:The United States is a country that has a massive racism problem, a massive violence problem, a massive greed problem, a massive war problem and a massive injustice problem; and you think God's going to judge you because people are equal before the law? I totally disagree with you. Have you ever lived in other country? To the contrary, American people are most generous, giving, and friendly people I know. I lived in other country. If you find other country that you think is better than this USA I do not think any one will prohibit you from emigrating to that country.

I would agree - "as much". Don't know about "more". I personally believe the Ram of Daniel 8, is Islam. And the "two horns" are Sunni and Shia - the two houses of Islam. I think the West is going to crush the Islamic expansion. After that battle we will see the "notable horn" (I believe that's the United States) "broken without hand" through economic collapse. Then four LAST great powers will vie for dominance. The "terrible" 4th Beast will win dominance worldwide, and the little horn (on the Beast) will persecute the people of God, who will not violate God's commandments in service to that power.

I believe that fundementalist Islam is as much (or more of) a candidate to be the antichrist power than the RCC.

The current drive to remove confederate flags is a positive step. Germans continue to remember and honor their dead from WW2 without displaying the Nazi flag.

I agree with you on this. Names such as these divide. They do not bring about a greater closeness, nor greater understanding and acceptance.

Then again, if you belong to the body of Christ__________ There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.....Galatians 3 God is Love! Jesus saves!

God is Love Jesus saves!

​John saw one. He recorded it in Rev 13:1. So Yes. Scriptures say so. BTW, I was the one who first asked you a question, to which you replied with a question, instead of answering my question. Yet I answered your question. Now, can you answer my question? Here again: ​

​ Brotherly Love, Are you claiming to know more about this matter than Ellen White? She clearly stated: "The books of Daniel and the Revelation are one." {7BC 971.5} "The book of Revelation, in connection with the book of Daniel, especially demands study." {Ed 191.2} "As we near the close of this world's history, the prophecies recorded by Daniel demand our special attention, as they relate to the very time in which we are living. With them should be linked the teachings of the last book of the New Testament Scriptures. Satan has led many to believe that the prophetic portions of the writings of Daniel and of John the revelator cannot be understood. But the promise is plain that special blessing will accompany the study of these prophecies. "The wise shall understand" (verse 10), was spoken of the visions of Daniel that were to be unsealed in the latter days; and of the revelation that Christ gave to His servant John for the guidance of God's people all through the centuries, the promise is, "Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein." Revelation 1:3." {PK 547.2} Since Daniel (and Revelation) relates to the very time in which we are living, this whole thread that is focusing on Daniel's application to the past is missing something that relates to the time in which we are living. The consequences of your ideas will not bring light. Christian regards

Not outside of context, brother: just allowing Scripture to explain itself (Isa 28:10). You seemed to have missed out some texts in Daniel 8 that tells you Dan 8:17 & 19's time of the end is the same "end" our Lord referred to in Matt 24:14, 15. Daniel 8:23-25 23 "In the latter part of their reign, when rebels have become completely wicked, a stern-faced king, a master of intrigue, will arise. 24 He will become very strong, but not by his own power. He will cause astounding devastation and will succeed in whatever he does. He will destroy the mighty men and the holy people. 25 He will cause deceit to prosper, and he will consider himself superior. When they feel secure, he will destroy many and take his stand against the Prince of princes. Yet he will be destroyed, but not by human power. From Scriptures, this stern-faced king is easily identified as the beast of Rev 13 = the little horn king of Dan 7= the vile-person king of Dan 11 = the man of sin of 2 Thes 2.

It is shown in this chart that the 2300 days will end at the Second Coming.