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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 22:17-21

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-raider

Wow. Wow, Wow, wow

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.

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.

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.

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.

by George R. Knight This is actually a daily devotional that I've a read a number of times and last year I read it with my oldest grandson. And this year I've been reading it again. I thought I'd share it with whoever would be interested in learning the formative years of the Adventist Church.

El Shaddai is usually translated as God Almighty in the KJV. YHVH is usually translated as LORD. Rather than use the sacred name, some Jews use the Hebrew term Ha Shem. Ha Shem means "the name." A Jewish legend describes a creature made of sand who could be brought to life by inscribing יְהוָה YHVH in his forehead. Another version of the story says he was activated by putting a piece of paper with the sacred name in his ear. This being, known as a golem, was said to have helped the Jews during difficult times. The Golem of Prague is the best known. Exodus 6:3 says that the patriarchs knew God as El Shaddai but not as YHVH. Why Scripture says this is a puzzle. Several verses in Genesis include the term YHVH in a sense that indicates that the God of Abraham was also known as YHVH, e.g., Genesis 16:2, 22:14. Genesis 15:7, God identifies himself to Abraham as YHVH, yet Exodus 6:3 says the patriarchs did not know God by that name. Any thoughts?

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 article

There is something quietly heartbreaking in a survey that should have been unremarkable. The post When the Shepherd Doubts the Garden: Do American Pastors Truly Believe the Bible? appeared first on ReligiousLiberty.TV. View the full article

They met in a Methodist church because they couldn’t meet in an Adventist one. Eight hours, three livestreams, a roster of men whose names Michigan Conference administrators have spent two… The post The borrowed sanctuary: how institutional grievance became prophecy in Berrien Springs this weekend appeared first on ReligiousLiberty.TV. View the full article

The Oxford handbook of Adventism is a 605-page book on Adventism. It is one of some 1,600+ handbooks produced by the Oxford University Press. Many, not all, of the editors and contributors to the book are Seventh-day Adventists. While its price may be beyond many people, I consider it to be well worth the purchase. For more information check out the review by Reinder Bruinsma Spectrum has published a review of this book which may be accessed at: https://spectrummagazine.org/culture/books-film/does-the-oxford-handbook-of-seventh-day-adventism-accurately-represent-the-faith-community-a-review/ Amazon is currently selling this book. See: https://www.amazon.com/Oxford-Handbook-Seventh-day-Adventism-Handbooks/dp/0197502296/ref=sr_1_1?crid=WMR5ZD1T0VBC&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.O_zzT3LLu3Y9vU7t84-OarxAJ9CPvHCr2fjc_331PJjQCGVRbqqX0nv9oVNUdb1kpXcKCfEzhviYWSrctBWMkhF8tgA2e1MFfu-AZ4Mq136hXEpZMmzUbIzOf-T9wrTX.et6VA9bkmcVSgiILPq76HZ-NR7nFe5Y6jRdoTXQjebo&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+oxford+handbook+of+seventhl-dayl+adventism&qid=1776557123&sprefix=%2Caps%2C156&sr=8-1

“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 YOU

32 More Countries Will Stop Stamping Passports In 2026 https://www.traveloffpath.com/32-more-countries-will-stop-stamping-passports-in-2026/

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?

“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?

If I recall correctly, she gave seven. And even these were limited to being a member of a speical ministry to the world to hold in perspective in our service to others, not something to push on others. The passing of the time in 1844 was a period of great events, opening to our astonished eyes the cleansing of the sanctuary transpiring in heaven, and having decided relation to God's people upon the earth, [also] the first and second angels' messages and the third, unfurling the banner on which was inscribed, "The commandments of God and the faith of Jesus." One of the landmarks under this message was the temple of God, seen by His truth-loving people in heaven, and the ark containing the law of God. The light of the Sabbath of the fourth commandment flashed its strong rays in the pathway of the transgressors of God's law. The nonimmortality of the wicked is an old landmark. I can call to mind nothing more that can come under the head of the old landmarks. All this cry about changing the old landmarks is all imaginary. {CW 30.2}

The following essay is by Michael Peabody. His analysis of Iranian eschatology is spot on in my analysis. Michael’s site is outstanding on many of the issues of today. You can subscribe at the website below. “What the West Gets Wrong About Iran” An analysis of a theology-driven state, the martyrdom doctrine that shapes its […] The post The Role of Eschatology in the Iran War: What You Are Not Hearing in the News appeared first on Jon Paulien's Blog. View the full article

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.

Pastor Mark was injured in a fall in the woods on northern Virginia. He has had surgery to his hip and is in a wheelchair. The bones heal relatively quick. 6-8 weeks. But the muscles atrophy during this time. Rebuilding muscle is not an easy thing, especially for seniors. As someone who is recovering from a broken ankle, I know he has a long road ahead of him. Let's keep him in our prayers.

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.

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 article

Trump goes nuclear on Leo XIV, then posts himself as Jesus Christ There is something genuinely embarrassing about having to write this story. Not because it lacks importance, but because… The post POPE VS. POTUS appeared first on ReligiousLiberty.TV. View the full article

Ninth Circuit Rejection of Religious Bias Claim Sparks Heated Judicial Debate A divided federal appeals court refused to rehear a case involving a healthcare worker fired for refusing COVID-19 testing… The post Dismissed and Divided: Judges Clash Over Religious "Nexus" in COVID-19 Testing Case appeared first on ReligiousLiberty.TV. View the full article

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.

I don't say automatically the amount of Catholics. There are/were many Catholics who understand the difference between the Catholic office holder, and the American office holder who happens to worship in the Roman Catholic church. What scares me is the number, both Catholic and Protestant, who does NOT know this difference. The issue is liberty of conscience, office holders who respect this in their choices I support no matter where they worship or don't worship. But we are finding too many are being put in office who do not realize this difference. The dragon in Revelation 12 is first of all the devil and direct demonic activity, and their first lie that God is not God and does not have a right to place a law over us. We are all demigods and have our own truth and that the final authority is not God and God's law that we grow towards and set as a goal to travel towards, but our own subjective dispensationa experience are our own personal truths and thus our own final authority. Spiritualism/Despensationalism, where we exalt our subjective, dispensational experience. On a second level it can represent secularism, which reaches to the religion of the French Revolution that evolved into Napoleon and then into Marxism. A counterfeit Holy Spirit. In a lot of ways the beast is the opposit of the dragon. In it's largest sence it is any orginazation that replaces Christ in our lives. A counterfeit God the Father, where we submit our subject, existencial experience to this counterfeit authority. The true trinity has a oneness between an outside ultamate truth but where the God of ultamate objective truth workes with us individually with our subjective experience. The lamblike beast in the fullest sense are us as individuals dealing with the dragon and beast and the true Lamb influencing our lives and making choices. On a second level, we have a version of Christianity focused on the individual, Protestantism, and out of this grew a country based on the individual, the United States of America, a very christlike nation but dragonlike in how we treated the natives and very beastlike in how we tolerated slavery; but had an initial goal to go towards the Lamb. However, the Bible predicts this ends up speaking as a dragon (secularism) but then forms an image to the beast (controling government sticking it's nose where it does not belong and using government to enforce religion.) those who have the mark of the beast in their foreheads are those who really believe that the government has gotten too secular and we need to restore proper religion. Sadly, too many, not only Catholics, but also Protestants want to make this change. Those who accept it in their right hands are those who don't like this control and enforced religion, but sees it as to their existential advantage to go along with it. I think that Biden understands the difference between being a Catholic office holder, and an American office holder who happens to worship in the United States. Yet, his first way of helping Ukraine was by setting into places that limits how people can buy and sell. We have been finding this economic control even growing more. With the uniting the world through economic cooperation, gaining more control over individual lives and bias, comming up with excuses for pushing and crossing the line of dicency, including, making excuses for the picture dressed as Jesus. (the picture dressed as the Pope tends to go along with what we are finding in our current politics). Putting people who want to use their office to set up their religion scares me.

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.

Excuse me, but too quote my question without respect in giving an answer, and steer the topic in another direction by asking a question of your own, seems to demonstrate your need to take control of our conversation. Such behavior does not make for good dialogue. Best Regards.

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/

When we think of Jesus, we often think about his life hereon earth. It's only natural, because so much of the bible talks about Him here. The whole new testament is about the life of Jesus and His instructions for our life. This is good and important. Very important. In Hebrews it says: 1 God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, 2 [a]in these last days has spoken to us [b]in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom He also made the [c]world. NASB. But there is more to Jesus. through whom He also made the [c]world. NASB. So the bible clearly says Jesus created the world. There is no doubt about it. Jesus is the creator God. Now lets look at something else. Luke 15 Now all the tax collectors and [a]sinners were coming near [b]Jesus to listen to Him. 2 And both the Pharisees and the scribes began to complain, saying, “This Man receives sinners and eats with them.” 3 And so He told them this parable, saying, 4 “What man among you, if he has a hundred sheep and has lost one of them, does not leave the other ninety-nine in the [c]open pasture and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he puts it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, because I have found my sheep that was lost!’ 7 I tell you that in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance. NASB Who does not need repentance? Everyone on this planet. So Jesus is referring to 99 other planets HE created. In the Hebrews text above, some translations say worlds, plural. Some say ages. Some say the universe. All of them fit. Jesus created our planet and all the others. The Jesus that we reference in the New Testament, is only a portion of Jesus. When we understand the bigger picture of Jesus, it is difficult to comprehend. The very great in size, extent, and complexity of Jesus, is beyond our human understanding. - We can better appreciate, the sacrifice he made for us. The humility of Jesus, the compassion that is beyond any human compassion. - We can better understand the great slander that the evil ones perpetrate. The whole picture becomes clearer. Much clearer.

Gustave, I agree. Let's step back a moment and survey the damage done in the Middle East recently. As I watch smuggled videos about Israel, it appears the area above ground is 90% destroyed. Gaza is destroyed, Lebanon is pretty much destroyed. Syria is pretty much destroyed. Iran has been damaged, but it is hard to tell how much. However, things are not over, and I think it is likely to be destroyed like the others. In our lifetime, or the last 250 years, we have never seen war and destruction like this in the Middle East. The destruction is almost as complete as Europe in the 1940s. This is very historic. The Middle East will not recover economically for another 20-30 or 40 years, if the pattern of post-war Europe is followed. What does this mean? Many people are focusing on the trees and not seeing the forest or the future.

🎢 Parting shot: Lunar incline Photo: Michael Probst/AP For fairgoers in Frankfurt, one ride offered two thrills for the price of one: riding a rollercoaster alongside a full moon.

Many Evangelical Christians will argue that there is no such thing as “Christian antisemitism.” For them, it is a contradiction of terms—an oxymoron. They do not believe a “true” Christian can be antisemitic. Unfortunately, history has proven otherwise. https://www.crosswalk.com/sponsored-content/why-christian-antisemitism-is-making-a-dangerous-comeback.html?

We should be concerned! It won't be long and many blue laws that are the books that haven't been enforced in the past number of years, but they're there and can easily be re-enforced when needed and become Sunday laws with no problem!!

Well, we have Elijah and Moses... Matthew 17:3-4 3 And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him. 4 Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. 2 Kings 2:11 And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. Jude 1:9 Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee. And then Enoch... Genesis 5:24 And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him. And then wave of saints which we have no idea of numbers or names... Matthew 27:52-53 52 And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose,53 And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.

In the opening post Jon Paulien is mentioned. In the following post, about a dozen pages, dr. Paulien comments on Armageddon. In my superficial review of that material, I did not see Michael mentioned. But, some of you might find his comments interesting. https://revelation-armageddon.com/

His Father did "save" Him - from death. He would not have "saved" Him from sin. IF Christ had sinned, the Father would have left His Son dead in the grave. We've gone over it a dozen times. "Could" He sin, is not the same as "would" He sin. Of course He "would not". The Father sees the future and knew He would not. Therefore the prophecies all said He "will not". Is there one that says "He cannot?" One who believes that "God" IS "the Father", "the Son", and "the Holy Spirit" - three divine persons, cannot help but believe that "God the Son" cannot act any differently from "God the Father" or "God the Holy Spirit". The "three" are one, and are not separate. One who believes as I do - that "God" is not a Trinity, but IS rather "our Father", who beget a Son, can believe that Son could act differently from His Father - could even act against His Father if He chose to do so. He had a separate will and mind. Because Church "councils" - under the control of Roman Emperors - later decided points of doctrine, does not constrain me to agree always with their conclusions. Neither do later decrees of Popes, or Lutheran councils, or Episcopal councils, or SDA councils. The majority is not always right. Those in power, with authority over members of the congregation, are not always right - as Old Testament prophets right up to Christ clearly showed, and Christ Himself so clearly pointed out. Acts 17:11 "Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true." (NIV) We should respect authorities, and should not try to overthrow authorities by violent means, but we must search the Scriptures for ourselves - to find what is truth. For a thousand years Church "authorities" kept the Scriptures away from the common people. (Lest they search and understand?) Just that action, would make me doubt those "authorities" and any doctrinal teachings they pushed. In rare places, even Bible translations themselves have been altered to facilitate a certain view or teaching. Thank God those instances were very rare. Sometimes - we must simply agree to disagree, with casting moral dispersion s. One is not immoral, because he/she holds a certain doctrinal view.

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.

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".