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The Godhead
Kevin H and 2 others reacted to LynnDel for a topic
I had noticed that Paul often starts and/or ends his letters giving honor to God, Jesus, and sometimes the Holy Spirit, so I went through them to check. Here is my report, using the ESV. New Testament books greetings and closings (G = God, J = Jesus, S = Son, H = Holy Spirit) G JS H Romans 1:1-8 G J Romans 16:25-27 G J 1 Corinthians 1:1-4 J 1 Corinthians 16:23 G J 2 Corinthians 1:1-2 G J H 2 Corinthians 13:14 G J Galatians 1:1-3 J Galatians 6:18 G J H Ephesians 1:3, 13 G J Ephesians 6:23 G J Philippians 1:2 J Philippians 4:21, 23 G J Colossians 1:1-2 G JS H 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5, 10 J 1 Thessalonians 5:28 G J 2 Thessalonians 1:1-2 J 2 Thessalonians 3:18 G J 1 Timothy 1:1-2 G J 1 Timothy 6:11-16 G J 2 Timothy 1:1-2 G J Titus 1:1-4 J H Titus 3:5-6 G J Philemon 3 J Philemon 23 (Jesus G JS Hebrews 1:1-2 G J Hebrews 13:20-21 G J James 1:1 G J H 1 Peter 1:2-3 G J 1 Peter 5:14 (Jesus) G J 2 Peter 1:1-2 G JS 1 John 1:3-4 G J 1 John 5:20 G JS 2 John 1 G JS 2 John 9 G JS Jude 1 G J H Jude 20, 25 G J Revelation 1:1-2 G J ? Revelation 22:17-213 points -
Why Should I Believe?
phkrause and one other reacted to Gregory Matthews for a topic
Why should I believe in the validity of the New Testament? Why should I believe that Christ rose from the dead? Powerful preachers exist in Adventism, whom I never mention in comments that I post in this forum. A new one has arisen on the Adventist scene who cannot be ignored and demands my recognition. That person is Shane Anderson, the senior pastor at Andrews University. The following is an exceptional series of sermons. # 1: https://www.pmchurch.org/service/2026/03/07/part-1-sahara-surprise # 2: https://www.pmchurch.org/service/2026/03/28/part-2-when-knowing-truth-not-enough # 3: https://www.pmchurch.org/service/2026/04/04/part-3-tomb-raider2 points -
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Warning to Pay Attention
phkrause and one other reacted to Joe Knapp for a topic
We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. 2 For since the message spoken through angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, 3 how shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation? Hebrews 2 New International Version We are warned not to drift away. Over the years, I have seen many people drift away. Studying the word of God every day, keeps us from drifting away. I have never seen someone drift away who was studying the bible every day.2 points -
Do All Religions Lead To God?
phkrause and one other reacted to Joe Knapp for a topic
There are many in our church who believe that we have the truth, and that only people who fit a certain mold will be in heaven. Philippines is about 80% catholic. Probably more in my area. There are MANY devoted catholics here. I have had the opportunity to visit, get to know and observe. The faith and dedication to God that some of these people have is humbling. They don't have the truth we have, but they have the faith the bible talks about. Complete trust in God. Sometimes, we are not so smart as we think we are.2 points -
Dr Arthur Willard Weaver , Michigan
phkrause and one other reacted to Joe Knapp for a topic
I was talking to a friend in Michigan this week. He was at Dr Weavers church about 6 months ago. The Doc was teaching his regular Sabbath school. At 102 years old. They had a birthday party for him at the church when he turned 100. I bet it was well attended. He held stop smoking clinics all over the Detroit area for many years. Some of those former smokers are members of that church.2 points -
Dr Arthur Willard Weaver , Michigan
phkrause and one other reacted to Joe Knapp for a topic
Arthur Weaver was 102 years old. He had cancer surgery about two years ago. He was ill with a cold, that later must have become worse. He founded a church with help of others in Plymouth Michigan. It is in a residential area. Very peaceful surroundings. There is one long winding driveway. On the way out is a small sign. I will paraphrase it from memory. You are now entering the most difficult mission field in the world.2 points -
Euthanasia is now 6% of all deaths in the Netherlands
phkrause reacted to Joe Knapp for a topic
A very good article on Euthanasia. https://rmx.news/article/euthanasia-is-now-6-of-all-deaths-in-the-netherlands-experts-urge-caution-against-youths-choosing-to-die/ To long to post here.1 point -
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Lest We Forget
Kevin H reacted to phkrause for a topic
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They’re Coming for Your Phone, Counselor
phkrause reacted to Stan for a topic
A reader asked us to cover Chatrie v. The post They’re Coming for Your Phone, Counselor appeared first on ReligiousLiberty.TV. View the full article1 point -
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Britain’s Smoke-Free Generation
phkrause reacted to Stan for a topic
The Tobacco and Vapes Bill has cleared both the House of Commons and the House of Lords, and what it says, stripped of the parliamentary language and the press releases, is this: anyone born on or after Jan. The post Britain’s Smoke-Free Generation appeared first on ReligiousLiberty.TV. View the full article1 point -
Can Catholic Publicly-Funded Preschools Reject Kids Based on Their Parents? Supreme Court to Decide
phkrause reacted to Stan for a topic
Note: Earlier today we sent out an article on this case that some readers complained was too difficult to get through on a Monday morning. I re-read it and agree.… The post Can Catholic Publicly-Funded Preschools Reject Kids Based on Their Parents? Supreme Court to Decide appeared first on ReligiousLiberty.TV. View the full article1 point -
Pennsylvania Court Orders Medicaid to Cover Abortions – Review and Path for Appeal
phkrause reacted to Stan for a topic
Allegheny Reproductive Health Center v. Pennsylvania Department of Human Services No. 26 M.D. 2019 (Pa. Cmwlth., filed April 20, 2026) A four-judge majority of the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court ruled April… The post Pennsylvania Court Orders Medicaid to Cover Abortions – Review and Path for Appeal appeared first on ReligiousLiberty.TV. View the full article1 point -
Great Photo Shots!
Rahab reacted to phkrause for a topic
Parting shot: Tide pools! Photo: Melissa Santos/Axios Axios Seattle's Melissa Santos visited Ruby Beach, part of Olympic National Park on Washington's coast. "My oldest is a natural at climbing over driftwood and scuttling over rocks," she writes. Low tide, big wonders. Photos: Melissa Multicolored sea stars and other marine life were among the highlights of their trip.1 point -
Cooperation with Heaven
phkrause reacted to Viktor for a topic
“Remember that Christ is your chief Educator. It is He who waters the seed sown. He inspires you to speak words that will reach hearts.” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9, p. 41) “Consecrate yourselves wholly to the work of God. He is your strength, and He will be at your right hand, helping you to carry out His merciful designs.” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9, p. 41) “When the will of man cooperates with the will of God, it becomes omnipotent. Whatever is to be done at His command may be accomplished in His strength. All His biddings are enablings.” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 333) “In your work for the saving of perishing souls, you have the companionship of heavenly angels. Thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand angels are waiting to cooperate with members of our churches in communicating the light that God has generously given, that a people may be prepared for the coming of Christ.” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9, p. 129) “He who called the fishermen of Galilee is still calling men to His service. And He is just as willing to manifest His power through us as through the first disciples. However imperfect and sinful we may be, the Lord holds out to us the offer of partnership with Himself, of apprenticeship to Christ. He invites us to come under the divine instruction, that, uniting with Christ, we may work the works of God.” (The Desire of Ages, p. 297) “Do you not think that Christ values those who live wholly for Him? Do you not think that He visits those who, like the beloved John, are for His sake in hard and trying places? He finds His faithful ones, and holds communion with them, encouraging and strengthening them. And angels of God, that excel in strength, are sent forth by God to minister to His human workers who are speaking the truth to those who know it not.” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8, p. 17) “In a time like this, every child of God should be actively engaged in helping others. As those who have an understanding of Bible truth try to seek out the men and women who are longing for light, angels of God will attend them. And where angels go, none need fear to move forward. As a result of the faithful efforts of consecrated workers, many will be turned from idolatry to the worship of the living God. Many will cease to pay homage to… [text cut off] They carry out their mission. Angels speak through their voices and work with their hands.” (Education, p. 271) “Christ says: ‘I am at your right hand to help you.’ Make known to Him all your trials and perplexities. He will never fail you—you may trust Him implicitly. There is nothing that Christ values so much as His blood-bought church, as the workers who go forth into all places to sow the seed of truth… Think of Jesus. Surrounded by myriads of heavenly angels, ready to do His bidding, He is not idly waiting in His sanctuary. He is commanding them to go and work for the weakest saints who put their trust in God.” (The Southern Watchman, November 7, 1905) E. G. White. Christian Service. From Chapter 26 “Assurance of Success,” pp. 370–374 JESUS LOVE YOU1 point -
the Drug Enforcement Administration
phkrause reacted to Hanseng for a topic
Why should China care about fentany entering the USA. England and America forced opium on China in the 1840s. How many people died or had their lives destroyed by opium?1 point -
One of my favourite quotes
Kevin H reacted to Stan for a topic
“It is not earthly rank, nor birth, nor nationality, nor religious privilege, which proves that we are members of the family of God; it is love, a love that embraces all humanity. ” EGW So is she saying we do not have to answer 28 questions?1 point -
One of my favourite quotes
Kevin H reacted to Hanseng for a topic
Gustave found a reference to the personality of God as a landmark.1 point -
Latter Day Saints Church Sues Independent Podcaster Over Branding
phkrause reacted to Stan for a topic
A complaint filed in federal court in Utah raises hard questions about intellectual property rights, public confusion, and how religions protect their brands online. The post Latter Day Saints Church Sues Independent Podcaster Over Branding appeared first on ReligiousLiberty.TV. View the full article1 point -
Is American and Iranian Eschaology Virtually the Same?
phkrause reacted to news for a topic
I do not usually expound on political matters knowing that anything I say on the subject will polarize my audience and distract from the biblical/theological focus of the blog site. But the following essay rings too true biblically to ignore. And for those who like Trump Michael Peabody shortly after offered a counter-balancing perspective. Good […] The post Is American and Iranian Eschaology Virtually the Same? appeared first on Jon Paulien's Blog. View the full article1 point -
What Foods are Forbidden or to be avoided.
phkrause reacted to Hanseng for a topic
CDF is probably the best book ever prepared on proper eating. Regardless of the primary source, it contains insights into proper eating that are still being validated. Nathan Pritikin, essentially the founder of modern WFPB eating, considered EGW inspired, said he had read her dietary counsel extensively. He was interviewed for a couple of Ministry magazine articles written years ago.1 point -
Season 4 Episode 7 Out of Darkness
Stan reacted to Dr. Shane for a topic
This episode was the climax of season four. Jesus rose Lazarus from the dead. I appreciate all the detail and story telling that went into this episode. The home of Lazarus is filled with mourners as Jesus arrives days after Lazarus has died. The three Mary's are all there. Mary Magdalena, Mary of Bethany and Mother Mary. The resurrection of Lazarus was a prelude to the resurrection of Jesus and, also to the end-time resurrection when all the saints will rise. I didn't feel like the writers of The Chosen fully highlighted that point. Jesus calls Himself the resurrection and that is a critical component of the Christian faith. Paul makes this point in First Corinthians chapter fifteen. In rising from the dead, Jesus defeated death. Death is also presented as a metaphor in this episode. Calling Lazarus back to life was literally calling him out of darkness. Lazarus was dead inside a dark tomb. Jesus showed up, commanded the stone be rolled away, and called Lazarus back to life and into the light. Metaphorically, this is what Jesus was doing throughout His entire ministry. He cast demons out of Mary Magdalena and call her to serve Him. He called Matthew away from serving Rome as a tax collector. He called Simon out of the zealots. He called each to leave their sin and surrender to Him. He lit the way. Sometimes the death of Christ causes us to overlook His life. Jesus was not only a Man of sorrows on the villa de la rosa. He was not only born into a poor family, he was born at a time when Israel was oppressed by Rome. The Messiah could have come during the glory days of King David when Israel was at the peak of its power. He came during a dark time for Israel. Then He fled to Egypt. Israel was so dark that its king committed genocide in an effort to kill Jesus. When Jesus returned from Egypt, the family went to Nazareth - not the most comfortable village in the territory. His hard life is a light shining for us to follow. Jesus not only calls us out of darkness, He leads the way. At the end of His life came death - and so it will with us (unless His return is very soon). But Jesus rose again - and so will we. The path out of darkness goes through the grave and we are called to walk it with Jesus.1 point -
Spring Meeting--2026
phkrause reacted to Gregory Matthews for a topic
The General Conference has just concluded an important meeting. The following article informs on what occurred.. https://spectrummagazine.org/news/gc-executive-committee-reviews-finances-approves-germany-reorganization-advances-onevoice27-at-2026-spring-meeting/ One aspect of the meeting, interesting to me dwelt with finances. See: "Audited figures showed total assets reaching about $677 million, with net assets increasing by roughly $32.7 million and an operating gain of approximately $25 million. Much of the surplus was driven by investment income, which contributed about $27 million, while tithe remained stable at around $89 million. Expenses rose modestly to about $281 million, with nearly 80 percent directed toward mission activities." I found other aspects of the meeting to be of interest. I found it interesting that the former President Wilson attended and participated by sharing his views on life and Adventist policy. Personally, I would prefer that former Presidents go into retirement and leave the operation of the Church to the new administration. President Wilson had his time in office. Now, give others the full freedom to reign.1 point -
Paper Tiger or King of the North? What Erdogan’s Israel Threats Reveal About Power, Prophecy, and the New Middle East
phkrause reacted to Stan for a topic
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told the world Sunday, April 12, 2026, that Turkey could invade Israel. “Just as we entered Karabakh, just as we entered Libya, we will do… The post Paper Tiger or King of the North? What Erdogan’s Israel Threats Reveal About Power, Prophecy, and the New Middle East appeared first on ReligiousLiberty.TV. View the full article1 point -
Breaking News: Whose God Is This? Trump, Leo XIV, and the Escalating Clash of Competing World Orders
phkrause reacted to Stan for a topic
The fight between Donald Trump and Pope Leo XIV is not a personality clash. It is a contest over who gets to define what comes next, and beneath it runs… The post Breaking News: Whose God Is This? Trump, Leo XIV, and the Escalating Clash of Competing World Orders appeared first on ReligiousLiberty.TV. View the full article1 point -
Liberty and the Incarnation
phkrause reacted to Hanseng for a topic
Christian liberty consists of freedom from legalistic observance of commandments, statutes, and laws of both human and divine origin. Ga 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. Ga 5:13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only [use] not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. 1Pe 2:16 As free, and not using [your] liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. Ironically, Jesus, in securing our liberty, sacrificed his own. Exodus 21 and Deuteronomy use an illustration from the slave culture of those times. Normally, a purchased servant would serve for six years and be released in the seventh year. If his master had given him a wife who had children, they would not be released. The servant could refuse his freedom, if he loved his family and master. In that case, he would be brought to a place of judgment, to the doorpost, and have his ear pierced with an aul. He would then serve his master forever. Jesus took upon Himself the form of a servant. He was made in the likeness of men. He allowed Himself to be pierced at the place of judgment, the doorpost of Calvary. He would forever bear elements of the humanity he died to save. He will, in a sense, be a servant forever, encumbered with a human form. Jesus didn't just die for us. He sacrificed an element of His divinity, that we might be partakers of the divine nature.1 point -
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The Investigative Judgment or Pre-Advent Judgement.
phkrause reacted to Hanseng for a topic
I hope so. Primary sources are essential. Review articles by E.G. White can't be denied, although highly prejudiced people as well as ignorant ones will read into her articles things which are not really there. If I say EGW said such and such in this article, it usually can't be disputed. If I say EGW said such and such or EGW believed such and such, that may be questionable if she said other things to different people in different situations at different times that appear to contradict what she seemed to say under different circumstances. There is a bit of an art to it, collecting data and assembling it in a way that appeals and makes sense to others way. The Jesuit articles, I'm just posting a link so every one can draw their own conclusions. People with an agenda are unreliable and should not be believed.1 point -
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Great Photo Shots!
Rahab reacted to phkrause for a topic
🌺 Parting shot: Channel the sea breeze Photo: David Moehring Finish Liner David Moehring graced us with a family vacation photo from Maui earlier this month. David snapped this shot on an iPhone 12 Pro from his family's Airbnb.1 point -
Do All Religions Lead To God?
phkrause reacted to Kevin H for a topic
As I understand it, God has always had a special people who have been open to a larger amount of the truth and have a job to help others increase their growth. We can call this "The Remanant Church." Now, this does NOT mean they are uniform. Sadly too many are looking for a type of church unity and perfection that the church had ONLY ONCE, Maybe TWICE in all of her history. The one time that we know of was Adam before he took a nap, and MAYBE Abram before he met Sari. Abraham and his followers (We think too much of him alone, but he was a tribal chief) were THE Remanant church, but did did not mean that he did not have room for Melchizedek, and we find others who had a good relationship with Abraham that could well have been salvational to them. (As well as a kindness where archaeology and word studies indicate that despite his helping those like the king of Sodom, that he did not see them as having a good relationship.) In the story of Jonah, we find that the Phoenician sailors (The Phoenicians would flirt with monotheism from time to time, even without becoming outright Yahwehists.) who had a special relationship with the Yahwehist nations were converted to Yahwehism, They joined the remanant church. But the people in Nineveh were converted to "God" and we find the entire Assyrian Empire becoming monothiests, but worshiping the god who the Assyrians believed to be the most high god. This made them better and kinder people until eventually that generation passed and an aposticy eventually occured. The Lord took this as worshiping of the one true God. (The story of Jonah and the Leviathan gives a wonderful study on the role of the Remanant Church and others.) We have Naaman the Lepper who joined the Remanant Church, and took some earth from Israel to kneel and pray, but asked for the one exception to kneel in helping his king in the king's worship. We would dissagree with Elisha, Elisha SHOULD have said that Naaman needs to tell his king that he is worshiping in the wrong religion, worshiping a demon and to bring enough dirt for his king to kneel to worship the God of Israel, otherwise he is lost... We don't like Elisha's message of allowing Naaman to support religions freedom. Another powerful lesson on the job of the Remanant Church. As we look at the old Yahwehist religion (Judaism came from Yahwehism just as Christianity came from Judaism.) there appears to be two denominations. One based more on the book of Leviticus and the priesthood of Aaron. The other based more on the book of the Law (which became Deuteronomy) and focused more on the priesthood of Moses through maybe one of Aaron's other sons. (and even among these two there appears to be a bit more northern and southern influences as well as various degrees of feelings for the royal houses.) Christianity seems to have variations between James and the ministry to Jews, and among the ministry to gentiles the more Peter views and the more Paul views, with John preventing those two views from breaking into two very different religions, but remaining aspects, maybe as far as denominations within one overall group. So we find in the Bible evidence for God having a "Remanant Church" with room for growth and differences. This church is how God is reaching out to others,1 point -
What Foods are Forbidden or to be avoided.
phkrause reacted to Joe Knapp for a topic
Life was much simpler back then, before snack foods, factory farming, and convenience foods. As someone who has tried to get thin for 30 years, I can tell you it's not easy today. The odds are against you. It is highly complex.1 point -
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Has he returned?
phkrause reacted to Stan for a topic
I think all three of his wives and all of his concubines over the years would agree with you.1 point -
The Passion of the Christ — Biblical Truth
phkrause reacted to Viktor for a topic
Sooner or later, life inevitably presents each of us with various difficulties, as if testing our strength. Sometimes these hardships seem insurmountable until we encounter others struggling with much greater problems than our own. Then, empathizing with them, we realize we are not going through the worst of times. Someone once said: “Will a soldier on the battlefield complain about his wounds when he sees his commander bleeding out?” The “Strength Test” column of this issue is dedicated to the never-surpassed Great Commander of many believers—Jesus Christ, who, through His feat of love, conquered and continues to conquer not earthly riches, but human hearts. Why, being the Son of God, was He crucified? How could He allow this, and what was the meaning behind it? The Absurdity The news of the death of Jesus, called the Christ, created an extraordinary resonance in the 1st century AD across a significant part of the Roman Empire. This was not because it was “breaking news” for sensation-seekers. The news of a crucified Jewish preacher would hardly have surprised, let alone agitated, the Near Eastern world of that time. The resonance was provoked by the incompatibility of the concepts of three intersecting cultures—Jewish, Greek, and Roman. For them, the crucifixion of Christ for the sins of all humanity was the highest degree of absurdity and even madness. First, “Christ” is not just a person’s name. It is a high title indicating royal and priestly status, especially in the context of salvation. Christ is the same as the Messiah. Second, in the view of the compatriots of Jesus of Nazareth, execution on a wooden cross was a clear sign of God’s curse poured out upon the victim. “…for he that is hanged is accursed of God,” says the Holy Scripture (Deut. 21:23). For the Greeks, whose culture was inherited by the Romans, a person crucified on a cross was associated with a rebel. And for the Romans, execution on a cross was so loathsome that they did not crucify their own citizens at all; it could only happen to traitors of the Fatherland. This “absurdity” shocked the world of that time through the tireless and fearless preaching of Jesus’ inspired disciples. Yet, this very absurdity proved to be salvific for sincere people, not only from the standpoint of persuasive words but also from common sense. “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God… But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness…” (1 Cor. 1:18, 23). The Passion of the Christ — The Director’s Cut “As many were astonished at thee; his visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men” (Isaiah 52:14). This is part of Isaiah’s prophecy about Christ’s suffering, delivered approximately seven hundred years before its exact fulfillment. The most touching words in this part of the prophecy are: “visage was so marred more than any man,” which suggest that the character and severity of this suffering exceeded the results of any human suffering that has ever existed. In 2004, a film notorious for its plot was released by Hollywood actor and director Mel Gibson, titled The Passion of the Christ. For many, it overturned their perception of what the Son of God endured in the last twenty hours of His life. Many, weeping, could hardly watch the film to the end, while some were unable to do so at all because of the continuous bloody horror depicted. From a dramatic standpoint, and in comparison with other films about Jesus Christ, the movie succeeded. The world moved one step closer to the truth about the courage, suffering, and endurance of the Savior. But alas, from the standpoint of the reality recounted by the Bible as the primary source, not all viewers were able to discern the nature of the true passion of Christ. The film’s plot is saturated with the horrific abuse of the innocent Messenger of God by sub-humans, culminating in His death on the cross. One immediately gets the impression that Mel Gibson tried his best to depict what happened down to the smallest detail. The crux of the problem lies elsewhere. In the Hollywood director’s film, there is a clear emphasis on the physical pain of the Son of God, which was not actually paramount in the Savior’s suffering. Contrary to the film’s plot, one can confidently assume that throughout human history, facts of physical abuse and violence against people can be found that far exceed those seen in The Passion of the Christ. This further confirms that the Hollywood narrative of Christ’s passion is far from the biblical one. No makeup artists, actors, or directors can film or show what the Bible calls “marred more than any man” for one reason—it is impossible. Against the background of Jesus Christ’s true pain, the mere physical suffering caused by other people, which Mel Gibson so vividly depicted, was quite insignificant. Although this does not mean that the Son of God did not experience monstrous physical pain. What Did Christ Die From? The pain that marred and killed the Savior was of a different nature. On the cross, Jesus lived for only a few hours, which could not help but surprise Pilate. After all, one nailed to a cross could live much longer. It is known that besides Jesus Christ, two thieves were crucified to His left and right. It was also impermissible to leave the condemned hanging on the crosses for the approaching Passover holiday. Therefore, the problem had to be solved quickly. The Roman soldiers solved it in a way that seems strange at first: “…they brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him. But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs” (John 19:32-33). Why was it necessary to break the legs of the two thieves, and why was this not done to Christ? The fact is that the lifespan of those crucified depended on the ability to breathe, as the breath of those nailed in such a way would be convulsively restricted by the weight of their own motionless body. Every breath was taken with horrific pain. The unfortunate person had to periodically lift themselves up by pushing against the nails in their feet. Therefore, to deprive the thieves of this possibility, the soldiers broke their legs, thereby condemning them to a faster death by suffocation. Jesus Christ did not need this, because at that moment, to their surprise, He was already dead. To ensure the authenticity of Jesus’ death, “one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water” (John 19:34). According to some doctors, the water and blood flowing from the wound may indicate a massive heart attack. What did the Son of God experience that His strong heart could not withstand, causing Him to die prematurely? According to the Holy Scriptures, the Savior experienced indescribable, monstrous pain and agony from the weight of the sins of all humanity, which fell upon Him as a curse by His own will. This was the result of a natural separation from God the Father, from whom He had never been parted, as sin and God are incompatible concepts. That Is Why He Came “He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth…” (Isaiah 53:7). The suffering of the Son of God began even before anyone inflicted physical pain on Him. In the Garden of Gethsemane, shortly before His arrest, drops of blood and sweat appeared on Christ’s brow from agony. There, with a deep heaviness in His heart, Jesus struggled to say: “My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death…” (Matthew 26:38). This was the hour for which He was born. He not only knew this well but spoke about it to His disciples, who did not want to believe or delve into it. Jesus knew the many detailed prophecies predicted by the Holy Scriptures about His voluntary mortal fate for the sake of saving the human race from eternal destruction. The Savior also knew the specific prophecy recorded by the prophet Daniel in the 6th century BC: “…shall Messiah be cut off…” (Daniel 9:26). Jesus not only knew but did not avoid His fate; He intentionally moved toward it. When the Apostle Peter angrily attacked one of those who came with the mob in Gethsemane, Christ stopped him, saying: “Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?” (Matthew 26:53). Peter had witnessed many miracles performed by the Lord and hardly doubted an army of a legion of angels for each apostle. The most incomprehensible thing for Peter and the other apostles was—why did their Teacher allow Himself to be illegally arrested? Why? “Why?”—this question arose not only among the bewildered apostles but also among His enemies: “…He saved others; himself he cannot save…” (Matthew 27:42). Why did the One who claimed to be the Christ and performed great miracles suddenly appear so helpless? “Christ on the cross is madness and absurdity. The true Christ promised by the prophets cannot be cursed, but this one is an impostor,” thought those who did not understand all the prophecies about the Savior. “Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah 53:4-6). Who Is He? To answer “why?” for oneself, one must first answer another question: “Who is Jesus Christ?” Unfortunately, the vast majority of professing Christians have not bothered to open the Book of books to see Jesus as more than a Great Man. In the opinion of many people seen every day, the Son of God remains merely someone born about two thousand years ago through the Holy Spirit to the Virgin Mary. He died for our sins and rose again. Knowing only this, any thinking person will ask not only “why?” but also “why did He have to die for my sins?” Here is what the Holy Scripture truly tells us about the Son of God: “Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.” And: “Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands” (Hebrews 1:8-10). Based on this text, we see that the Son of God is the Great Creator God, the same as God the Father. And His birth from the Virgin Mary is merely the incarnation of the eternally existing God the Son. “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh…” (1 Tim. 3:16). Thus, if Jesus Christ is the Creator God involved in the creation of the Universe, then why should God take upon Himself the sins of our world? Read the full article on the website - https://jesus-love.net/the-passion-of-the-christ-biblical-truth/1 point -
Good deeds
phkrause reacted to Joe Knapp for a topic
There is an EGW quote I learned in my first year in the church. It has always stuck with me. crowd all the good deeds we can into this life. Think about that. Crowd is such a powerful word. We only have a finite amount of time on this planet. She says we should crowd all the good deeds we can. What if that was our motto. Our mantra for the day. To crowd some good deeds into the day. Good deeds do not have to cost money. We all have the ability to do good deeds. This text is from a letter to her son Willie in 1874. https://text.egwwritings.org/read/14052.3471009?query=good deeds we can into this life.&highlight=1#14052.3471009 What a blessing that woman was.1 point -
Great Photo Shots!
Rahab reacted to phkrause for a topic
⛲ Parting shot: Pittsburgh rainbow Point State Park Fountain in full glory. GIF: Chrissy Suttles/Axios As Pittsburgh prepares to show off for NFL Draft crowds later this month, Point State Park's iconic fountain is flowing — fresh off the park's multimillion-dollar makeover, Axios Pittsburgh's Chrissy Suttles reports. The facelift is part of Gov. Josh Shapiro's broader 10-year, $600 million plan to revitalize the city's downtown.1 point -
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SDAs, The Trinity & Christ Sinning
Enabled reacted to Hanseng for a topic
Do you have a verifiable reference for that assertion?1 point -
They’re Not Coming for Hate Speech. They’re Coming for Theology.
phkrause reacted to Stan for a topic
Finland just convicted a parliamentarian for a 20-year-old church pamphlet. In Canada, legislators want to take away the religious-opinion defense entirely. Americans should stop assuming the First Amendment makes them… The post They’re Not Coming for Hate Speech. They’re Coming for Theology. appeared first on ReligiousLiberty.TV. View the full article1 point -
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What should we preach in these last days?
phkrause reacted to FLO for a topic
Yeah, well said. I agree. I would just add that The Passover is to the Sabbath what Easter is to Sunday. Both the Passover and the weekly Sabbath were commanded by God. Neither Easter nor Sunday were commanded to replace the Passover or the weekly Sabbath. Even what we refer to as the Lord's Supper was just the Messiah and His disciples keeping the Passover just like they kept the weekly Sabbath. Neither of those appointed times (mo'edim in Hebrew) got replaced.1 point -
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SDAs, The Trinity & Christ Sinning
Enabled reacted to 8thdaypriest for a topic
Gustave, You and I have different views concerning the Scripture's "definition" of God. You believe the Scripture's "define" God as a Trinity. I do not.1 point -
SDAs, The Trinity & Christ Sinning
Enabled reacted to phkrause for a topic
I agree 100%. Don't see any reason why he would not have known who he was!!1 point -
SDAs, The Trinity & Christ Sinning
Enabled reacted to 8thdaypriest for a topic
I spent more time in public schools than in SDA schools. Doubt I spent a lot of time thinking about God as a Trinity. My Mom read us the Bible Stories by Maxwell. But my parents were in turmoil. My Dad was a depressed drunk, and my Mom bi-polar. She ended up hospitalized with a nervous breakdown when I was 12. I had a supernatural experience that confirmed the existence of God to me. I began to read the Bible voraciously. I discovered the 7th Day Sabbath, and ended up at the local SDA church, because they were the only ones honoring the Sabbath, while recognizing Jesus as God's Son. I began reading Ellen White. Her books like PP and GC, present Father and Son. Not much about the "third person of the godhead" in there. Only as I continued to attend did I become more and more uncomfortable with worship of three divine persons. EGW did confirm it, so I accepted it because I accepted her "gift". That's a brief on my belief in God as "three persons". I came to believe in the "one God" as "God our Father" back in 1986. Have never doubted since then. God's Son IS in one sense "our Father". He created mankind. The Hebrew has no word for "grandfather" - meaning our father's father. If it did, the Being we call "God our Father" would be called "God our Grandfather".1 point