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Here is a link to show exactly where the Space Station is over earth right now: Click Here
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Yesterday at 04:19 AM
Lesson TEN The Way the Truth and the Life! In the study of the Gospel according to John, we have now come to several chapters recording Jesus last instructions to His disciples. Chapter 13 has the story of the foot washing. The job of a servant -- washing dirty, dusty feet before engaging in a social or religious gathering -- but on this occasion, there was no servant. The disciples were rather often found in discussions and arguments (when Jesus supposedly wasn't listening) which usually centered on "which one of us will get the leading position", who will be the greatest? So none of them were inclined to get down and wash anyone's feet. But Jesus -- 1:3 The One Who created all things, without Him nothing was made , that was made. 13:3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things in His hands and that He had come from God and was going to God. He had a full consciousness of His divinity; God has given the world into the hands of Christ, that He may completely vindicate the binding claims of the law, and make manifest the holiness of every principle. Christ ... by whom also He made the worlds." He was the "brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person." And He upheld "all things by the word of his power." He possessed divine excellence and greatness; and it pleased the Father that in Him all fulness should dwell. Christ exchanged the throne of light and glory which He had with the Father, counting it not a thing to be desired to be equal with God while man was lost in sin and misery. He came from heaven to earth, clothed his divinity with humanity, and bore the curse as surety for the fallen race. He was not compelled to do this; but He chose to bear the results of man's transgression, that man might escape eternal death. -
{BEcho, July 15, 1893 par. 9} Those, hands, when one really thinks about it, were the hands of God! They upheld all things! This was the One Who created all things! Those hand actually formed the first human being out of the dust, and breathed the breath of life, and the first human came to life, in full vigor and maturity. Every human being that ever lived was sustained by the power of life within the owner of those hands! God the Father had place "all things" in His hands. How could those hands do menial servant work? But He did it with a heart full of love for these men, who followed Him, imperfect as they were. Even the feet of Judas, whose feet would take him down a dark path that very night. What love! Amazing love, That love is for each one of us. A cleansing love. A humbling love! The ordinance [foot washing] preceding the Lord's Supper is to clear away these misunderstandings, to bring man out of his selfishness, down from his stilts of self-exaltation, to the humility of heart that will lead him to serve his brother. {1MCP 277.1}
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12/03/24 10:40 PM
We are in the last TIMES AND SEASONS! Watch this timely message -- a sermon by Dan Vis The Times and SeasonsWe have never seen such enormous changes and developments lining up in fulfilment of prophecy as we have seen in the last few years. What Adventists have been warning against is here. Though I'm not sure if America has gone beyond "over the line" into the point of no return yet, though the overwhelming voice of the recent vote demonstrated, that in spite of strong liberal opposition, showed that very many in America wanted someone who would put America right again. We could very well be standing on that line of no return. By the decree of enforcing the institution of the Papacy in violation of the law of God, our nation will disconnect herself fully from righteousness. When Protestantism shall stretch her hand across the gulf to grasp the hand of the Roman power, when she shall reach over the abyss to clasp hands with Spiritualism, when, under the influence of this threefold union, our country shall repudiate every principle of its Constitution as a Protestant and Republican government, and shall make provision for the propagation of papal falsehoods and delusions, then we may know that the time has come for the marvelous working of Satan, and that the end is near.--Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 451. {ChS 160.4} Has that time come? The three forms of Christianity have basically united to vote in a president that promises to give them political power. The three forms of Babylon (apostate church in which are still many of God's people) 1. Papal 2. Apostate Protestants who have lost their Protestantism 3. Pentecostal spiritualistic Christianity, "As spiritualism more closely imitates the nominal Christianity of the day, it has greater power to deceive and ensnare. Satan himself is converted, after the modern order of things. He will appear in the character of an angel of light. Through the agency of spiritualism, miracles will be wrought, the sick will be healed, and many undeniable wonders will be performed. And as the spirits will profess faith in the Bible, and manifest respect for the institutions of the church, their work will be accepted as a manifestation of divine power" . {GC88 588.2} Revelation 18:2 And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. 18:3 For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies. 18:4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.
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12/02/24 04:30 AM
Yes, following the French Revolution things really opened up for the Bible truths to be spread across the world! And yes, the Advent movement came into being! But the issue concerning the beast that ascended out of the bottomless pit in Rev. 11:7 also needs to be understood in it's role in the last days. We find this important question in the book Great Controversy The iniquity and spiritual darkness that prevailed under the supremacy of Rome were the inevitable result of her suppression of the Scriptures; but where is to be found the cause of the widespread infidelity, the rejection of the law of God, and the consequent corruption, under the full blaze of gospel light in an age of religious freedom? Now that Satan can no longer keep the world under his control by withholding the Scriptures, he resorts to other means to accomplish the same object. To destroy faith in the Bible serves his purpose as well as to destroy the Bible itself. GC 586 Could that antireligious beast that manifested itself in France, which possessed the moral degradation of Sodom, the atheistic arrogance of Egypt, and the same rebelliousness against the WORD as demonstrated in Jerusalem when Jesus was crucified, be the reason for this departure into darkness? The beast of Revelation 11:7 arose to destroy the Bible and all it stands for. Satan, knowing that he had lost the fight of keeping the Bible away from the people, now moved to another plan. Destroy faith in the Bible. The French Revolution was a drastic picture of what a society that throws out God's law of life looks like. Just because the beast was no longer in OBVIOUS full blown sight after the three and a half years, does not mean it went away. The seeds of this new form of rebellion were planted, they sent deep roots into society and they were growing. Yes, the Bible was spread all over the earth, in the years after 1798, However: The books of the philosophers of the Revolution also became wide spread. "Voltaire became one of Satan's most successful agents to lead men away from God. Thousands will rise up in the judgment and charge the ruin of their souls upon the infidel Voltaire." {CG 196.3}
"Voltaire and his associates cast aside God's Word altogether, and spread everywhere the poison of infidelity." GC 282 Voltaire realized that interesting literary activity was an excellent way of spreading revolutionary ideas. So he embedded his philosophies in entertaining literature, plays and comedies. His philosophical libertinism and hedonism writings are circulating to this day, and honored for their "freedom and equality" themes. Let believers in the truth for this time, turn away from authors that teach infidelity. Let not the works of skeptics appear on your library shelves, where your children can have access to them. Let those who have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, no longer deem it an essential feature of a good education to have a knowledge of the writings of those who deny the existence of God, and pour contempt upon his holy word. Give no place to the agents of Satan, since there is nothing by which to vindicate their doings; a clean thing cannot come out of an unclean.-- Review and Herald, Nov. 10, 1891. Yes, the hour of God's judgment began as Christ was brought before the ancient of Days, in the heavenly court. (Rev. 14:7. Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14 Rev. 3:5) The door to the most Holy Place was opened and the ark of the testimony revealed the ten commandments with the fourth 7th day Sabbath was seen! (Rev. 11:19) But Satan was working through his new atheistic beast to counter all the light that was streaming forth from heaven! DARWIN Wrote his first paper on evolution in 1844. God's message -- worship Him that created heaven and earth. Darwin -- no, the earth sort of created itself, no need to believe in or to worship a Creator. NIETZSCHE Born in 1844 Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche[ii] (15 October 1844 ? 25 August 1900) was a German classical scholar, philosopher, and critic of culture, who became one of the most influential of all modern thinkers. Yet, his philosophy was against God, against the Biblical account of creation, against morality and rules defining right and wrong, basically against everything Biblical. MARXISM 1844 Karl Marx wrote: ?Economic and Philosophic Manuscripts of 1844,? this work was written by Karl Marx that year, even though not published till later. It contained the foundation and philosophies of Communism. SPIRITUALISM 1844 - Spiritualism was a religious movement that gained momentum in America during the mid-1800s. It held that people could communicate with the deceased through mediums. Was it just coincidence that all these events (and more atheistic events) happened in 1844? Or had the world reached a deciding point. 1. God was bringing forth truth. 2. The Devil was equipping his new "beast" to counter everything God was doing. And where are we today? The last couple decades has seen that very beast of Rev. 11:7 coming to full maturity once more, he's not subtle anymore. The antireligion, atheistic, immorality celebrating, calling evil good, and good evil, beast. The difference this time, will simply be a mirror image. Instead of the papal beast being set into the background, devoid of political power, in the very near future the papal beast will be restored to power. The American beast (apostate Protestantism) will unite with the papacy, they will presume to fight against the beast from the bottomless pit. Only problem -- neither side are honoring the God of Creation or His law And yes, history will be repeated (not prophecy, but history will be repeated) The prophecy pointed to France, and what happened in France is a warning of what happens when God and His law are cast aside. A time of trouble even worse than what befell France. Distinct reference is made in scripture and Spirit of prophecy to that abnormal national experience known as ?The French Revolution.? (Revelation 11:7-10. And the Great Controversy) The time when the principles of antireligion and infidelity were given full opportunity to bud and blossom and bear fruit, that all the world might judge of their nature; when people were left to show to what deeds of darkness the carnal heart would lead, unrestrained by any principles of righteousness and truth. It was noted in prophecy and history as a warning to us living today. And the descriptions given in inspiration, are such to indicate earth's population will fall to a large extent, if not wholly, under the same principles of evil. It is a serious question, today, whether the final stages of this condition is not already appearing before our eyes, and if we may be standing on the very threshold to see wherein ?history repeats itself? in its worst forms. "The restraint which has been upon the wicked is removed, and Satan has entire control of the finally impenitent . . . . Satan will then plunge the inhabitants of the earth into one great, final trouble. As the angels of God cease to hold in check the fierce winds of human passion, all the elements of strife will be let loose. The whole world will be involved in ruin more terrible than that which came upon Jerusalem of old. {FLB 215.5 }
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12/01/24 09:30 PM
Here is some research into JD Vances connection... "Claim: U.S Vice President-elect JD Vance wrote the foreword to a book by the leader of Project 2025, a conservative blueprint for the next Republican presidency. Rating: True (About this rating?) The claim that U.S. Vice President-elect JD Vance wrote the foreword to a Project 2025-linked book written by Heritage Foundation president Kevin Roberts first spread online when President-elect Donald Trump chose Vance, a senator from Ohio, to be his Republican vice-presidential running mate in July 2024... It is true that Vance wrote the foreword to this book. Roberts leads the Heritage Foundation, which describes itself as the primary organization behind Project 2025. The book has been described by publishing industry outlet Publisher's Lunch as "the book associated with the conservative organization's Project 2025 policy agenda." The book's original title was "Dawn's Early Light: Burning Down Washington To Save America," and it was set to be published in September 2024. An early publisher's description described its author as the head of Project 2025: As reported by Vox, "the book was written and announced before Vance was chosen as Trump's running mate. But there's some indication that people involved had some late second thoughts about it." In a statement about the changed publication date, Roberts said: There's a time for writing, reading, and book tours ? and a time to put down the books and go fight like hell to take back our country. ? That's why I've chosen to move my book's publication and promotion to after the election. The book is now titled "Dawn's Early Light: Taking Back Washington to Save America." As described by its publisher, the themes and ideas in the book track closely with Project 2025's "mandate for America," which Snopes previously covered: Dawn's Early Light blazes a promising path for the American people to take back their country. Chapter by chapter, it identifies institutions that conservatives need to build, others that we need to take back, and more still that are too corrupt to save: Ivy League colleges, the FBI, the New York Times, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, the Department of Education, BlackRock, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the National Endowment for Democracy, to name a few. All these need to be dissolved if the American way of life is to be passed down to future generations. In July 2024, The New Republic published portions of the foreword Vance wrote from an advance copy of the book. The language, at least in that version, echoed Roberts' calls for a "second American Revolution": The old conservative movement argued if you just got government out of the way, natural forces would resolve problems. We are no longer in this situation and must take a different approach. As Kevin Roberts writes, "It's fine to take a laissez-faire approach when you are in the safety of the sunshine. But when the twilight descends and you hear the wolves, you've got to circle the wagons and load the muskets." We are now all realizing that it's time to circle the wagons and load the muskets. In the fights that lay ahead, these ideas are an essential weapon. Because Vance indeed wrote the foreword to a book written by the leader of Project 2025, we rate the claim as true. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/poli...book-by-project-2025s-leader/ar-AA1tHKYzAnd here is more from Walter Veith.. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTYPBIBO0bI
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11/29/24 01:14 PM
There are four pillars in Revelation.
The seven churches (1st pillar)
The seven seals (2nd pillar)
The seven trumpets (3rd pillar)
The seven plagues (4th pillar)
Before the sealing of God (2nd pillar), there "must be hereafter" (Rev. 4:1) event, which is the investigative judgment in heaven. The Ch. 4-5 is a vision of the throne room.
I suggest to read the first seal and then the first church, respectively each element of the second pillar to the first pillar.
We notice there appears an interlude between the sixth and 7th seals, which is Ch. 7, where the vision has a prominence of the seventh day Sabbath.
We find a similar structure in the 3rd pillar that also has an interlude between the sixth and the 7th trumpet, which is Ch. 10, where the advent movement proclaims the Sabbath truth.
Therefore, the visions of Ch. 7 and 10 bring our attention to the Sabbath, implying that the restoration of the Sabbath must occur prior to Jesus' Second Coming.
Before God pour out the seven last plagues (4th pillar), He will warn the judgment coming by the seven trumpets' message (3rd pillar).
I suggest to read the first plague and then the first trumpet to discover complementary understanding and do the same all the way to the seventh element. Undoubtedly each element
relates to respective element.
The structure and overview testify to careful student that 4th pillar of the seven plagues correspond to the seven trumpet (3rd pillar), as of God's waring before the wrath of God
poured out to the wicked(4th pillar).
Therefore, the visions of Ch. 12, 13, and 14 unmask Satan's identity for humanity to make ultimate fateful decision whom they want to pay allegiance.
Picture in mind the trajectory of the four pillars:
The Seven Churches => Judgment => The Seven Seals. Reverse perspective also provides clear understanding.
Before the sealing of God => judgment in heaven "must be" happening => the sealing completes in the seven churches (144,000).
The Seven Plagues => Satan's identity unmasked => The Seven Trumpets are for the warning of the Seven Plagues.
Reversely, the Seven Trumpets proclaim "woe, woe, woe" "hereafter" => the three angels' message unmask Satan's ID => the Seven Plagues fall.
Between the 1st and 2nd pillars the prominent message is the Sabbath(Ch. 7).
Between the 3rd and 4th pillars the prominent message is the Sabbath (Ch. 10).
Blessings,
Karen
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11/26/24 02:56 PM
The question was if preconceived ideas were in harmony with John 14.
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11/26/24 02:54 PM
At least in the U.S. I believe postal workers in general make pretty good money.
This may not be good for the postal system in Canada. This may be a time of innovation. With businesses standing to lose lots of money, they or someone else may create something that makes the postal service not needed.
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11/22/24 10:41 PM
I cant believe they are still cut off, with roads being rebuilt by the people themselves and horses and donkeys being used to get through and volunteers bringing supplies to the isolated...
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11/16/24 12:26 AM
That is such a perfect summation of our current situation, Dedication!
The time is so very short. We must be about our Father?s work!
People are open to spiritual discussions more than I have seen for a long time.
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11/15/24 06:19 AM
Ignatius of Antioch Tradition tells us he was a disciple of John the Apostle. And later became the bishop in Antioch. He died in 108 A.D. Ignatius is often quoted as an early witness to Sunday (or Lord's Day) observance. The supposed reference to Lord's Day observance from the Magnesian letter, as it is often translated, is here quoted from Walter Martin's book "The Truth About Seventh Day Adventist, p. 152. reads as follows: If, then, those who walk in the ancient practices attain to newness of hope, no longer observing the Sabbath , but fashioning their lives after the Lord's Day on which our life also arose in Him, that we may be found disciples of Jesus Chris, our only teacher. The quote, as quoted by Walter Martin and others appears at first glance to establish the early Christian usage of "Lord's Day" as referring to Sunday and replacing God's Sabbath. Whether or not Ignatius actually referred to Sunday as the Lord's day is open to question. Scholars acknowledge that there are ambiguities in understanding the original text. For one thing the word "day" seems to be a later insertion. The meaning with the modifier "Lord's" can be "life" not "day" at all. Fashioning their lives after the Lord's life, Living according to the Lord's life, in which our life also springs up. Makes far more sense than "living after the Lord's Day". Copies close to the time of Ignatius, are pretty much non existent and what is found is fragmented, by the time we find complete copies of Ignatius letter, copied centuries later, Sunday worship had already gained a foothold. By that time the Latin word "dominicam" was commonly used to mean "Lord's day" for the first day of the week. However, that in no way proves Ignatius had that thought in mind when he wrote (in Greek). Let's look at this portion in a wider context of Ignatius Magnesian letter: VIII
Be not led astray by strange doctrines or by old fables which are profitless. For if we are living until now according to Judaism, we confess that we have not received grace. For the divine prophets lived according to Jesus Christ. Therefore they were also persecuted, being inspired by His grace, to convince the disobedient that there is one God, who manifested himself through Jesus Christ, his son, who is his Word proceeding from silence, who in all respects was well pleasing to Him that sent him.
IX
If then they who walked in ancient customs came to a new hope, no longer living for the Sabbath, but for the Lord's day on which also our life spring up through him and his death, - though some deny him. and by this mystery we receive faith, and for this reason also we suffer, that we may be found disciples of Jesus Christ our only teacher, if these things be so, how then shall we be able to live without him of whom even the prophets were disciples in the Spirit and to whom they looked forward as their teacher? And for this reason he whom they waited for in righteousness, when when he came raised them from the dead. Is the contrast between between Judaizing and living according to the Lord's day, or is the contrast between Judaizing and living according to Christ's life? The latter reading makes sense, we know the Jews burdened the Sabbath with hundreds of legalistic rules, Christ didn't do away with the Sabbath, nor is there any record of Him changing the date, He freed the seventh day Sabbath from the bondage of those hundreds of rules and invites us to worship Him in spirit and in truth. If, then, those who walk in the ancient practices came to newness of hope, no longer observing the Sabbath in the manner of the Jews , but fashioning their lives after the Lord's
life, by which our life also arose in Him, that we may be found disciples of Jesus Christ, our only teacher. Who are "those who walk in the ancient practices"? Are they the " divine prophets who lived according to Jesus Christ." (mentioned in VIII) They kept the Seventh-day Sabbath, did they not? But not in the manner of the Jews, for they had found the newness of hope and were living according to their hope in Jesus Christ. The long recension of the letter reads as follows: Let us therefore no longer keep the Sabbath after the Jewish manner, and rejoice in days of idleness; for "he that does not work, let him not eat." For say the holy oracles, "In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat thy bread" But let everyone of you keep the Sabbath after a spiritual manner, rejoicing in meditation on the law, not in relaxation of the body, admitting the workmanship of God, and not eating things prepared the day before, nor using lukewarm drinks, and walking within a prescribed space, nor finding delight in dancing and paudits which have no sense in them. Observe the Sabbath in the matter of keeping it in the original sense of spiritual, rather than by traditions that the Pharisees have setup for the sabbath. Even in today's world, the word "sabbatizing " doesn't automatically mean Seventh-day Sabbath keeping. That word is equivalent to the general idea of Judaizing, or setting up of rules, rather than a day of worship in spirit and truth. In looking at these writings of early Christians we need to realize they are all translations and often hundreds of years rest between the writer and the translation. We need to be careful not to place upon them the meaning that the Sunday keeping church placed upon them hundreds of years later in their attempt to link their departure from God's commandments back to early Christians.
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11/14/24 08:00 PM
[O.K. what is the "doctrine" of Balaam? The doctrine is now largely taught that the gospel of Christ has made the law of God of no effect; that by "believing" we are released from the necessity of being doers of the Word. But this is the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which Christ so unsparingly condemned (Signs of the Times Jan. 2, 1912). {7BC 957.6}
But this is the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which Christ so unsparingly condemned.
Those who are teaching this doctrine today have much to say in regard to faith and the righteousness of Christ; but they pervert the truth, and make it serve the cause of error. They declare that we have only to believe on Jesus Christ, and that faith is all-sufficient: that the righteousness of Christ is to be the sinner's credentials; that this imputed righteousness fulfills the law for us, and that we are under no obligation to obey the law of God. ... Such teaching is a gross deception, and Christ becomes to these persons a stumbling block as He did to the Jews,--to the Jews, because they would not receive Him as their personal Saviour, to these professed believers in Christ, because they separate Christ and the law, and regard faith as a substitute for obedience.
Men may talk of freedom, of Gospel liberty. They may assert that they are not in bondage to the Law. But the influence of a Gospel hope will not lead the sinner to look upon the salvation of Christ as a matter of free grace, while he continues to live in transgression of the Law of God. When the light of truth dawns upon his mind, and he fully understands the requirements of God, and realizes the extent of his transgressions, he will reform his ways, become loyal to God through the strength obtained from his Saviour, and lead a new and purer life. {ST, February 25, 1897 par. 9} Indeed the fact that Balaam taught Balak to put a stumbling block before Israel is part of it. But is it the whole "doctrine", or just one part of it. It's what Balaam did, and what people who believe Balaam's doctrine do. Or did Balaam actually believe that, that obedience was not necessary? Balaam was himself struggling with that concept. He KNEW obedience was part of the relationship with God! That's why he spent so much time praying about going to the meeting with Balak. But he was praying to be released from obedience to God's answer in Num.22:12 "And God said unto Balaam, Thou shalt not go with them" He wanted to go, yes there were monetary rewards involved, and he wanted that. So he was praying, asking God to change His mind. So God let him go, but he could NOT curse Israel. Which was highly embarrassing to Balaam. What I see here, is a man who KNEW obedience was necessary But was fighting against that concept. The very mercy of God in getting a donkey to speak to him instead of letting Balaam die right there on his journey of disobedience, seems to have emboldened Balaam to go ever deeper on his rebellious journey. We see that today as well, it's those who KNOW the truth, who fight against it the hardest, and will try to lure the faithful away from obedience. 2 Peter 2:15 Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam [the son] of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;
2:16 But was rebuked for his iniquity: the a donkey speaking with man's voice forbad the madness of the prophet.
Jude 1:11 Woe unto them that ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, He knew the truth, but resented it, and fought against it, thinking it restricted his freedom to fulfil his dreams of riches and improvement. Having fought against obedience himself, he then used his knowledge that God DOES require obedience, to destroy Israel. rev. 2:14 Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. He returns to Balak and explains that God is protecting Israel, because they have consecrated themselves to God and are following Him, BUT if Balak could get them to disobey God by openly disregarding God's laws, then God would not protect of help them anymore. Infiltrate their camp, be friendly, seduce them into sin of Idolatry and fornication. So Balaam first fought against obedience to God himself, seeing obedience as restricting his freedom for improving his life. Thus he was drifting away from the true source of life and freedom, till he operated under satan's influence to lure God's people into sin and destruction, in the hopes he would gain position and wealth in the process. He didn't gain anything from his "doctrine" but soon died in the battles.
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11/13/24 11:13 PM
I agree! The polarization of the nation with forces working constantly to create high emotions of fear and urgency in the population to clash together. They are all working together in a Hegelian Effect to bring in a new solution. I kind of think a supernatural power, as in the serpent, is the real leader and organizer of all this whole mess. Here is quite an article Originally Written and Published by + Carlo Maria Vigan?, Archbishop former Apostolic Nuncio to the United States of America He was excommunicated from the Catholic Church by the pope, July 2024, found guilty of schism - meaning he has split from the Catholic Church - after years of fierce disagreement with the pontiff. Though in disagreement with the pope, whom he feels is in apostacy, he is still Catholic of the true doctrine as perceived by him. Serious Considerations after Trump's ElectionConsiderations after Trump's Election[/url]
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11/13/24 09:04 PM
And they went, and came into an harlot's house, named Rahab, and lodged there.
Would Rahab be a model Christian to mimic? Did she sin by being a harlot? I always thought a good response was when soldiers came in asking if there were any Jews there, to say, search for yourselves. Is that lying? Is that implying that there aren't any? Do we answer questions, by giving an answer we know they want to hear, even if we ourselves don't agree with our own answer?
Like saying, I'm fine? Maybe we should say, I'm glad you asked. Let me tell you about all the troubles I've been going through. Have a seat. Someone proudly asks you if you like their new hairstyle that you think looks terrible, but you answer "it looks pretty impressive!"
Or maybe, it sure makes a bold statement!
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11/13/24 08:06 PM
Maybe this is all a sign to get further out into the country where we can have wood burning stoves with plenty of firewood in place before they ban our furnaces.
Aren't they already banning wood stoves? But then how would we get to town for supplies without a gas powered vehicle, and probably not enough power for an electric car to get us anywhere. Bingo! Keep in mind, the ultimate goal is to herd the herd into 15 minute cities where no one is allowed out. Where you own nothing and are under total control. It's for the common good...
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11/13/24 06:23 AM
One of the most powerful pictures of Christ is found in Zechariah chapter Three.
There we see Joshua, who was chosen to be the earthly priest. But he is filthy, sinful. How can such a man be a servant of the living God.
Beside Joshua stands the prosecutor attorney, with a long record of all Joshua's sins. He has a lot of evidence against Joshua and he levels his accusation day and night against Joshua. Joshua will surely be judged guilty and totally unworthy.
But Joshua has chosen a powerful Advocate! One who is more than a match for Satan. He is able for all time to save those who draw near to God through him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. (Heb. 7:23) He gave His life, the lamb slain from the foundation of the world, pledged to take our sins, and ratified that covenant at the cross.
"And the Lord said to satan; The Lord rebuke you, Satan! Is this not a brand plucked from the fire?
And then the Lord says "Take away the filthy garments from him. and I will clothe him with rich robes."
In the historical context the Israelites had returned from captivity, like a brand plucked from the fire, and restored to their homeland. They had gone into captivity because of their unfaithfulness to God, and now they were given a new chance, to be clean and a holy people unto God. Satan was on hand to discourage and harass them and make them doubt God and forsake their commitment to God.
But God had chosen Jerusalem and rebuked Satan and promised them;
"If you will walk in My ways, and if you will keep My command then you shall also judge my house and likewise have charge of my courts,
Yet there is a much broader meaning here.
""Joshua, standing before the angel of the Lord with defiled garments, represents our faulty life. We have been overcome by Satan's temptations, and are unworthy of God's favor.
Humans stand before God with defiled garments. All their righteousness is "as filthy rags" (Isaiah 64:6). Satan stands there mocking them with his masterly accusing power, pointing to their imperfections as evidence of their unworthiness. He points scornfully at the mistakes of those who claim to be God's people and seeks for permission to destroy them.
But they trust in Christ, and Christ will not forsake them. He came to this world to take away their sins, and to impute to them His righteousness. He declares that through faith in His name they may receive forgiveness, and perfect Christlike characters. They have confessed their sins to Him, and have asked for pardon, and Christ declares that because they look to Him and believe on Him, He will give them power to become sons and daughters of God.
Their characters are defective, but because they have not trusted in their own merits nor excused their sins, and they have asked for forgiveness through the merits of Christ, the Lord receives them, and rebukes Satan. Because they have humbled themselves, confessing their sins, He has abundantly pardoned the penitent ones, and will carry forward in them His work of redeeming love if they will continue to believe in Him and to trust Him. {taken from Letter 173, Aug. 5, 1903}
?Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment.? ?So they set a fair mitre upon his head, and clothed him with garments.? Even so will all those who come to Jesus in penitence and faith receive the robe of Christ's righteousness. {HS 155.4}
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11/12/24 11:31 PM
Historical-critical methods, are generally anti-supernatural interpretations of things we read in Biblical historical narratives. This became popular in the post-Enlightenment era, with the assumption that history follows reasonable patterns with no supernatural interference. History, then is in need to be explained by remaining evidence. Traditional meaning or understanding is not really its goal,
Historical Criticism tends to be a great way for the more liberal scholars to make the biblical text fit more to modern thinking . But how does looking at the historical culture lead to more modern thinking?
Could it be by linking to our emotional response to situations?
Could the nature of historical criticism be a psychological operation that is conducted on the mind to change our thinking and/or behavior?
A central concept of any psychological operation is to use accepted terms or words that we tend to understand to mean certain things, but to change their meaning to one that is decidedly different . This confusion of the meaning of words can infiltrate the mind with conflicting concepts and change how people think and understand the message.
British writer George Orwell warned of the manipulation of words and their meanings as an important key influencing how people think about things. Words are changed from their original meaning to create new ways of thinking. Double talk is another term.
I remember trying to talk to someone who believed everyone is eventually saved. The whole conversation was built on this principle of changing word meanings. Death didn't mean death, perish didn't mean perish, even the references of heaven didn't mean heaven. The home in heaven wasn't a "home" but was a new body. Every bible verse used, was explained away as not saying what it was saying.
And considering the on going debates on "There are three living persons" the word "persons" receives volumes of attempts to prove it doesn't mean "persons". By changing the meaning of words, one can adjust anything to match what they wish to promote.
One writer explained it thus:
"At its heart, historical criticism is neither "historical" or "critical" in the traditional sense of the term. It does not genuinely believe Biblical revelation contains history in the sense of what actually happened in a time-space continuum. Instead, historical criticism is post-modernistic that asserts all history is by nature a subjective interpretation of surviving traces of events."
This isn't just concerning Biblical history. The trend is turned on all history. In our modern times, rewriting history to fit modern movements has reached new heights.
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11/12/24 10:39 PM
When does the WHITE THRONE JUDGMENT take place.
JESUS AND THE HOLY CITY DESCEND TO EARTH.?At the end of one thousand years, Jesus, the king of glory, descends from the Holy City, clothed with brightness like the lightning, upon the Mount of Olives?the same mount from whence He ascended after His resurrection. As His feet touch the mountain, it parts asunder, and becomes a very great plain, and is prepared for the reception of the Holy City in which is the paradise of God, the Garden of Eden, which was taken up after man?s transgression. Now it descends with the City, more beautiful, and gloriously adorned than when removed from the earth. The City of God comes down and settles upon the mighty plain prepared for it.?3SG 83, 84. {Hvn 122.1}
THE RESURRECTED WICKED.?Then Jesus in terrible, fearful majesty called forth the wicked dead; and as they came up with the same feeble, sickly bodies that went into the grave, what a spectacle! what a scene! At the first resurrection all came forth in immortal bloom; but at the second, the marks of the curse are visible on all.?1SG 214. {Hvn 123.1}
THE FINAL STRUGGLE.?Now Satan prepares for a last mighty struggle for the supremacy. While deprived of his power and cut off from his work of deception, the prince of evil was miserable and dejected; but as the wicked dead are raised and he sees the vast multitudes upon his side, his hopes revive, and he determines not to yield the great controversy. He will marshal all the armies of the lost under his banner and through them endeavor to execute his plans. {Hvn 123.2}
Satan works wonders to support his claims. He makes the weak strong and inspires all with his own spirit and energy. He proposes to lead them against the camp of the saints and to take possession of the City of God.?GC 663. {Hvn 124.1}
SATAN AND HIS FOLLOWERS MARCH AGAINST THE HOLY CITY.?At last the order to advance is given, and the countless host moves on?an army such as was never summoned by earthly conquerors, such as the combined forces of all ages since war began on earth could never equal. Satan, the mightiest of warriors, leads..
THE FINAL CORONATION OF CHRIST TAKES PLACE BEFORE THE ENTIRE UNIVERSE.?Now Christ again appears to the view of His enemies. Far above the city, upon a foundation of burnished gold, is a throne, high and lifted up. Upon this throne sits the Son of God, and around Him are the subjects of His kingdom. The power and majesty of Christ no language can describe, no pen portray. {Hvn 124}
In the presence of the assembled inhabitants of earth and Heaven takes place the final coronation of the Son of God.?4SP 479, 480. {Hvn 126.1}
THE WICKED AT GOD?S JUDGMENT BAR.?And now, invested with supreme majesty and power, the King of kings pronounces sentence upon the rebels against His government and executes justice upon those who have transgressed His law and oppressed His people. Says the prophet of God: ?I saw a great white throne, and Him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.? Revelation 20:11, 12. {Hvn 126.2}
The whole wicked world stand arraigned at the bar of God on the charge of high treason against the government of heaven. They have none to plead their cause; they are
without excuse; and the sentence of eternal death is pronounced against them. {Hvn 126.4}
THE WICKED ACKNOWLEDGE GOD?S JUSTICE.?As if entranced, the wicked have looked upon the coronation of the Son of God. They see in His hands the tables of the divine law, the statutes which they have despised and transgressed. They witness the outburst of wonder, rapture, and adoration from the saved; and as the wave of melody sweeps over the multitudes without the city, all with one voice exclaim, ?Marvelous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints?; and, falling prostrate, they worship the Prince of life.?4SP 484. {Hvn 127.3}
GOD IS VINDICATED BEFORE THE UNIVERSE.?Every question of truth and error in the long-standing controversy has now been made plain. The results of rebellion, the fruits of setting aside the divine statutes, have been laid open to the view of all created intelligences. The working out of Satan?s rule in contrast with the government of God has been presented to the whole universe. Satan?s own works have condemned him. God?s wisdom, His justice, and His goodness stand fully vindicated. It is seen that all His dealings in the great controversy have been conducted with respect to the eternal good of His people and the good of all the worlds that He has created. ?All Thy works shall praise Thee, O Lord; and Thy saints shall bless Thee.? Psalm 145:10. {Hvn 128.1}
THE WICKED TURN AGAINST SATAN.?Notwithstanding Satan has been constrained to acknowledge God?s justice, and to bow to the supremacy of Christ, his character
remains unchanged. The spirit of rebellion, like a mighty torrent, again bursts forth. Filled with frenzy, he determines not to yield the great controversy. The time has come for a last desperate struggle against the King of Heaven. He rushes into the midst of his subjects, and endeavors to inspire them with his own fury, and arouse them to instant battle. But of all the countless millions whom he has allured into rebellion, there are none now to acknowledge his supremacy. His power is at an end. The wicked are filled with the same hatred of God that inspires Satan; but they see that their case is hopeless, that they cannot prevail against Jehovah. Their rage is kindled against Satan and those who have been his agents in deception. With the fury of demons they turn upon them, and there follows a scene of universal strife.?4SP 487. {Hvn 128.3}
A TERRIBLE MERCY.?It is in mercy to the universe that God will finally destroy the rejecters of His grace. ?The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.? Romans 6:23. While life is the inheritance of the righteous, death is the portion of the wicked. Moses declared to Israel: ?I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil.? Deuteronomy 30:15. The death referred to in these scriptures is not that pronounced upon Adam, for all mankind suffer the penalty of his transgression. It is ?the second death? that is placed in contrast with everlasting life. . .
Thus will be made an end of sin, with all the woe and ruin which have resulted from it.. {Hvn 130.3}
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