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Just sayin'

had to post this for Bravus!

See: http://atoday.org/my-transfigured-son.html

I'm thinking of the paralytic, let down thru the roof. His legs were DEAD. Right? So then HOW could he "rise" or take up his bed? His legs were "made alive" as the spirit of God flowed into them - giving them life. But this happened AS the man used his WILL, attempting to "rise". It did NOT happen before the man made the effort. The man did not KNOW that he had been healed BEFORE he made the effort to rise. His healing took place AS he made the effort. As the man made the EFFORT to obey the command of Christ, life from God flowed into those legs - giving them life. It's the same way with every person who obeys the command of Christ to "walk in newness of life". As we make the effort, the spirit of Christ flows into us - giving us the power to do. We don't "do" without Him. His spirit enables the doing. And that includes believing. Believing is NOT something we DO for God. It is something we do, with the help of His spirit - touching our minds. Abraham BELIEVED God, and it was counted for righteousness (Gal 3:6). Abraham was "counted righteous" WHEN he "believed God". Not before. If Abraham had resisted the Spirit of God, he would NOT have been "counted righteous".

Baptism is the OUTWARD EXPRESSION of belief in what Christ did. This ceremony is REQUIRED of all those capable of it. The disciples taught baptism, as Jesus commandment. Those who are baptized in faith, are "buried with Him". Romans 6:4 "Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death." The "old man" of sin dies, and a "new man" is raised from death to life - BECAUSE of the man's belief in the ability of Christ, to give him life. This change (in the man) does not happen without the man's knowledge of Christ, and the man's belief in Christ. Christ did not "save" this man, without his knowledge or consent. Peter told the jailer, "Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be (future tense) saved" (Acts 16:31). 2 Corinthians 5:17 "So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! (NRS) IF every human being (who ever existed, or would exist) was rendered "in Christ" when He died on the cross, then for most people physically born since Christ died, there was nothing "old" to pass away. In Robert's scenario (and Samie's) those people born since Christ died, were all born "in Christ" and therefore "new". There was no "old" in their lives, prior to their knowledge of Christ, or belief in Him as Savior. Looking at ISIS terrorists, or drug lords, or most criminals in prisons - these people have NOT "become new". They have NOT been "born again". The "old" has NOT "passed away". It is still very much present, in their thinking and in their behavior. The same could be said of those who died as criminals, pagans, or terrorists. The "old" may have died when they physically died, but nothing became "new".

In Indonesia and Malaysia, SDA's also refer to God as Allah. I wonder whether the Allah of the Arab Muslims which is the same Allah of the Indonesian and Malaysian Muslims, is different from the Allah of our Adventist brethren in Indonesia and Malaysia.

Sometimes I think affliction is God allowing satan to "test" us. But I don't think it's necessarily God trying to "chasten" or discipline us.. Sometimes, it is God saying "Have you considered my servant (put your name here)? Satan says "withdraw Your hand and let me test him/her". God tells satan (go for it"; because God knows how faithful we really are to Him; and our faithfulness defeats satan. Any defeat to satan is a victory for God.

I actually like them both!

Hmm. I live amidst the cats whiskers!

GREETINGS AND BENEDICTIONS Romans 1:7 “To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (two Beings) 1 Corinthians 1:3 “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (two Beings) 2 Corinthians 1:2-3 “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,” (two Beings, and the Father is God OF Christ) Ephesians 1:2 “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (two Beings) Ephesians 6:23 “Peace to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (two Beings) Philippians 1:2 “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (two Beings) Philippians 4:19-20 “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.” (two Beings) Colossians 1:2-3 “To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are in Colossi: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,” (two Beings. And the Father is God OF Christ, long after He returned to Heaven.) 1 Thessalonians 1:1 “Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Thessalonians 1:1-2 “Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Two Beings) 1 Timothy 1:2 “To Timothy, a true son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Two Beings) Titus 1:4 “To Titus, a true son in our common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Savior.” (Two Beings) Philemon 1:3 “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 John 1:3 “Grace, mercy, and peace will be with you from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.” (Two Beings) Note that Jesus is "the Son of the Father" - not one of three co-equals.) Jude 1:1 “Jude, a bond servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, To those who are called, sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ:” (Two Beings) ________________ Fourteen times Paul greeted believers in the name of the Father and the Son. Paul believed that he spoke FOR Christ and His Father - God. Putting all the verses up just makes a statement I think. I don't believe that Paul FORGOT to include the Spirit in his greetings. Once Paul prayed that the grace of Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Spirit would be with the followers of Christ (2Cor 13:14). Does this one mention convince me that the Spirit is a third divine being. NO. God our Father beget a Son, and sends forth the Spirit of His Son - into our hearts (Gal 4:6). This indwelling of the "spirit of His Son", results in fellowship with both Father and Son. It results in sweet "communion" between fellow believers. “Our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son” (1John 1:3, 1John 2:24). Respectfully, Rachel Cory, http://www.prophecyviewpoint.com/htdocs/44d-Part%204%20TR-2%20Div%20Beings.pdf

The following two abstracts from scientific papers indicate that increased levels of the amino acid leucine, which meat and dairy foods supply in high amounts, can increase aging (reduce lifespan) by a molecular mechanism called “TOR Signaling,” as well as enhance the development of adult onset (type 2) diabetes and obesity. Please note especially the highlighted passages. Someone among my email contacts to whom I sent the above has expressed the wish that my previous mailing were “written in English.” ☺ I tried to keep it simple and understandable by only using the abstracts that introduce and summarize the papers. I had to include some technical detail, because I also sent this same mailing to a number of technically trained people, including my doctor. Maybe I can explain it in "English." Proteins are comprised of amino acids. There are nine amino acids that we have to have in our diet. One of them is leucine. However, extensive research over the past ten years has revealed that if there is too much leucine, it increases something on a molecular level in the cells in our bodies called "TOR signaling," which has been shown to contribute to the development of adult onset (type 2) diabetes, and also to obesity. Further studies have shown that this same mechanism also causes more rapid aging--shortening lifespan. There are certain chemicals in plant foods ("plant-derived polyphenols and flavonoids") that help to inhibit the kind of TOR signaling that causes diabetes, obesity, and accelerated aging. It is believed that by avoiding meats and dairy products, which supply leucine in high amounts, the result also will be prevention of diabetes, obesity, and rapid aging--thus resulting in extended lifespan. So the vegans are right--we need to avoid all dairy products, as well. Of course, we have known these things have to be true, because of the famous government-sponsored study of Seventh-day Adventists, which showed that vegetarian Adventists live seven years longer than Adventists who eat meat, and that vegan Adventists who also eat no dairy products, on average live 12 years longer than Adventists who eat meat. We always assumed that this was because of various general undesirable characteristics of meat and dairy products, like increased disease, cholesterol, etc. But now, for the first time, we have the actual, exact biochemical mechanism identified which explains why these things are so.

Robert, I've been told that you've posted here for some 15 years. I'm NOT posting because I believe that I can change your understanding of the Gospel. You quote the same verses that I read. I just understand them differently. What your posting has done, is to push me to read those verses again, and again - with prayer - digging deeper for the meaning. In the process, I have been strengthened in my understanding. So - I thank you for your posting.

"in Christ" "in" - Strong's #1722 evn en {en} Meaning: 1) in, by, with etc. Origin: a primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), i.e. a relation of rest (intermediate between 1519 and 1537); TDNT - 2:537,233; prep Usage: AV - in 1874, by 141, with 134, among 117, at 112, on 46, through 37, misc 321; 2782 Robert always quotes the word "in" - to complement and strengthen his teaching that every human being was metaphysically merged with Christ's body on the cross. But the word translated "in", can just as legitimately be translated "through" or "by". Try going through this list of verses, substituting "by" or "through" - for "in".

There is no good reason to "go therefore and teach" or "make disciples" if all humanity was "saved" the moment Christ died. Just leave them be. Why risk their salvation? In fact - teaching them only makes them more responsible. They may reject the teaching - and be "lost", when they WERE "saved" before they HEARD the Gospel. We've all heard about crazy mothers killing their "innocent children" so they can go to Heaven. If a mother believed like Robert, it wouldn't be so "crazy". It would guarantee their salvation.

When Christ cried out "It is finished" - His "work" as Lamb of God - was finished. He would never need to die again. "for this He did once for all when He offered up Himself" (Heb 7:27 NKJ) But the Tabernacle presents Christ as our High Priest also. And that is another work - which is NOT YET "finished".

The paralytic made the effort BECAUSE he believed Christ - not because he already felt movement in his legs. You could say that he rose "by faith" in the power of Christ.

As you know - I believe that those who died without the knowledge of Christ, whether as infants, ignorant pagans, or mentally handicapped, will be resurrected with "the rest of the dead" to HEAR the Gospel, and to CHOOSE whether they will serve Christ Jesus, or rebel against Him. This during the 8th millennium. Therefore my understanding of the Gospel of Christ, does provide for such persons. They were/are NOT "saved" without their understanding or consent. They will NOT be transported into immortal bodies, to serve Christ - without their awareness or consent. Their minds will NOT be magically/supernaturally changed, to bring them into submission to Christ. THAT is MANIPULATION. My God is NOT a manipulator!!! It is NOT "smug, self-righteous, or cliquish" to believe that consent and submission are required, for citizenship in Christ's forever dominion. Obedience is simply an outward confession of belief and submission. "Narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it." Jesus said, "I am the way" (Jn 14:6). So - if Jesus is "the way" and "few" will find this "way", how does this FIT with the view that everyone was "saved" when Jesus died? That would mean no one had to "find it". They were already there - "in Christ", simply because they once lived, or would live.

Discussions... Bible studies with normal people just shooting the breeze on a biblical topic. Like a good Sabbath School class.

Robert - you are being dismissive - which is disrespectful!! Leave out the dismissive words. Simply state your position, and the reasons for your position.

As far as whether Christ had a "beginning" or not, I have to side with Arius. However, being "begotten" out of the exact same "God-stuff" as the Father happened prior to the "creation of anything. Scripture makes it clear that Christ was the Creator. So as far as "creation" is concerned, Christ might as well be eternal, in that He existed prior to all creation.

The experience that Green mentions with his grandfather is well known in clinical practice. I once worked with a man who had a similar situation after an auto accident. However, his experience differed somewhat from what Green describes. In this situation there would be unexpected times, permanently, when that man would break out into talking in his mother language and he seemed unable to control it. In my opinion, our ignorance of the human brain is greater than our knowledge of it.

And missed by us who appreciate her work. For about the past century and a half (interesting timing for Adventists) we have been blessed with the study of archaeologists to learn more about the Bible and investigate it as never before.

I think Bravus posted a video dealing with an initiative for all SDA institutions to uses the official SDA logo on signs and in publications as a branding strategy. It seems to have worked for McDonald's and Starbucks.

Hacksaw Ridge, the $55 million Mel Gibson-directed World War II film that tells the story of Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Desmond Doss completed filming in December 2015 and is now in post-production with a targeted release date of early November 2016 in time for Oscar consideration. The post Gibson's "Hacksaw Ridge" Enters Post-Production: Release Target in Time for Oscar? appeared first on ReligiousLiberty.TV - Celebrating Liberty of Conscience. View the full article

Read More Daily Jesus Scripture: Ephesians 1:16-19 Starting Question: When you are being creative, what do you like to create? Image Bearers God has created us to be curious and creative creatures. As He knelt in the middle of Eden’s proverbial pile of creative clay and formed Adam and Eve, Genesis tells us that God formed the woman and the man in His image. He had spent our first week building a temple like no other - a temple that only God could build. The foundation was established by transmuting chaos into order. The walls were a planet. The ceiling was a starry universe. The rooms were expanses of land, water and sky. And then He filled His living temple with life and in the midst of it, He built a special garden - a holy place - at the heart of a holy creation. Now, kneeling in the midst of that Garden, God formed the image that would reveal Him - male and female He created them. And He placed this holy couple in the perfect place He had set apart for them - The Garden of Eden. He showed them all that He had made and told them to be, as He was, creative. He said, “Be fruitful and multiply.” He was blessing them with the ability to create more creatures in their image. He gave this command to all forms of life that He created that week - be fruitful and multiply - birds make more birds, fish make more fish, trees make more trees. But humans were special. They were endowed with the desire to grow more like their Creator. Our curious and creative nature has a purpose. To know more. To be more. It was God’s purpose to grow His image-bearers to become more and more like Him as He walked with them and talked with them. Puppies become dogs. Kitten become cats. But humans are designed to never fully become. We are shaped to seek the image of our Creator. And to grow, ever more like Him. It’s an odd act of creative prowess, really. God made us, not to be gods, but to be truly human only as we seek His glory. He created an infinite loop in our character that grows ever more like Him - revealing His character and love - without ever becoming Him. In seeking Him we become our best selves. The most curious and creative humans - our best doctors, scientists, artists, musicians, philosophers and teachers - are seeking to know more and be more because they are image-bearers. It’s in our DNA. And this excellence in humanity is because we have a truly curious and creative nature, like our Creator. But only God truly fulfills the longing of the human heart. Earthly wisdom, as useful and amazing as it is, cannot satisfy the deep-seated seeking to know and represent God. And it is only in Jesus that God’s image in lost humanity is rediscoverable and His nature knowable. In worshiping and praying through Jesus our nature is rejuvenated and our curious and creative role as image-bearers is once again possible. Reflection Question: How can you use your creative and curious nature to reveal God today? Prayer time: Before you pray together, ask: What would you like to say to Jesus today? Further Reading: Education, 14-16 -x-x-x-x-X-x-x-x-x GET ONE OF DAVE'S BOOKS, FREE! Support this project by clicking here and pledging a small monthly amount. View the full article

My current ride is a Yamaha V Star 1100 Classic. Color is black.