*Light*

He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. (John 12:25)

Ban Rosie because we'll all have glorified bodies one day where our brains will never forget and will function in a capacity which will far exceed any human that has ever lived.

72 is perfect weather to me, and there isn't a cloud to be seen. I would say it's t-shirt weather

I don't know . . . everyone here refers to Oakland as Northern California -- so I refer to my place of residence as located in Northern California as to not CONFUSE others. If I tell someone out of state that I DON'T live in Northern California, but rather I live in Oakland . . . it will only cause them confusion -- and I'm not about that.

That good to hear! 72 is about the average here in Northern California

Ban Rosie for stumping me

And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. (Romans 8:17-18)

Ban Rosie for her modesty.

I certainly hope that you have air conditioning. It's always much cooler or much hotter in my home than it is outside.

Ban Rosie for being correct.

Falling backwards, rolling around on the floor, and laughing incessantly are not the signs or manifestations of the Holy Spirit operating in the individual. As I mentioned in the past: those who experienced the true power of God the Holy Spirit fell FORWARD "on their faces" instead of falling BACKWARDS (Num.20:6; 1 Chron.29:20; 1 Sam.5:3; Lev.9:24; Ezek.1:28; Matt.26:39; Rev.1:17; 7:11). Jesus Himself  (in His humanity) fell on His face before His heavenly Father. The dumb idol and the demon (Dagon) behind it fell on its face because of the power of the LORD (1 Sam.5:3). This is one of those passages in scripture which clearly shows that God has a great sense of humor (even in the midst of His stern commands); as well as Jonah being vomited out by a big fish. Some Charismatics may argue that the soldiers fell backwards when Jesus responded to them by saying, "I Am". The problem with that explanation is that the soldiers who fell backwards were "unbelievers" (Jn.18:6).

How do we know what genuine spiritual gifts that God has given us? If we are "operating" in accordance with, e.g., faith, giving and discernment, then it really is a moot point, a "it'd be nice to know but isn't necessary to know" point; however, if we are convinced by the Spirit and have had it confirmed by much personal experience that we have gifts A, B, C (cf. Rom.12:3-8; 1 Cor.12:7-11), well then . . .  The main thing is that if a person has a gift -- or thinks they have a gift -- which would involve timely preparation (beyond the spiritual growth to maturity we all need in order to have our gifts function properly; 1 Cor.14:9,20; 1 Pet.4:10) -- then such a person does need to "figure it out": there's no point in going to seminary or graduate school to prepare for a teaching ministry if one has not been gifted to be a teacher, e.g., but if that IS one's gift, the sooner the preparation begins the better (Eph.4:11-16). Tongues is not operational today (cf. 2Cor.12:12; Heb.2:3-4). I don't weigh in on anyone else' experience. God does miracles all the time. And people exaggerate all the time. The hyper-miraculous gifts mentioned by Paul in 1st Corinthians chapter thirteen are not being given today. So God may heal miraculously (He often does, in my experience), but no one today has the ability to say, "Arise and walk!" to a crippled person and have that come true because of a spiritual gift, e.g.  Also, it is abundantly clear that some of the spiritual gifts mentioned were specifically given to the "Apostles" (which there are none today) to confirm the message of the Gospel being preached and spread to the Gentile world.

God Bless!

My comments made in previous threads along with the points I brought up are in my view decisive on this issue -- even if there were some truth to the objections that some report. As it is, there is in fact very little of substance to these objections listed by those who wrongly interpret this passage: 

Angels imitating angels does not equal angels imitating human beings;  the latter is unprecedented for fallen angels in scripture, and would seem to fall outside of either their capability or what they are allowed by God to do. This is contrary to use the arguement that a demon or fallen angel is disguising himself as the prophet Samuel.

Elijah and Moses will return from the dead; after the crucifixion many were revived; Lazarus and the widow of Nain's son were raised by Jesus; and there is ample evidence to show that after we depart this earth we are most definitely */not/* asleep or unconscious (cf. Lk.16:19-31; 2Cor.5:3 [in Greek]; Rev.6:9-11; 7:9-17). As I discern, the false doctrine of "soul sleep" is a dangerous heresy and entirely untrue.

As pointed out, an evil spirit could not know the future; and as I point out, */the Bible/* calls this person "Samuel". The text is clear, Saul talks to Samuel and /Samuel/* talks to Saul (1Sam.28:15; 28:16; 28:20); the Bible calls the apparition "Samuel" (1Sam.28:12; 20:14). There is no getting around these facts -- for those who pay close heed to scripture. Saul had already turned aside to follow Satan, and his descent into apostasy climaxes with this visit to a demon-possessed woman; however, God turned the tables on all his expectations and did provide an interview with Samuel -- to prophesy Saul's death and the death of his sons (something about which no demon or evil spirit could have any clear idea, since they do not know the future any more than any other creature, apart from what God reveals).

God Bless!

But let him that glorieth, glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD. (Jeremiah 9:24)

I preached once too, and there were a bunch of Eutychus'.

Ban Rosie because that makes three thoughts now. :P

I wanted to add that some may argue that you cannot defend or refute a doctrine based upon one verse alone . . . but I believe that I can. As quoted above: Jesus said, "if a man keep my saying, he will NEVER see death." The contextual meaning of "death" as mentioned by Jesus Himself is *spiritual death* -- or separation from God. Hence, the false doctrine of *soul sleep* is utterly refuted because it teaches that the soul "sleeps" (in an unconscious state) UNTIL it is reunited with the new body that the LORD gives at the resurrection of the justified. There is NEVER a separation ("death") between us and Christ as mentioned by Jesus Himself. The apostle Paul says, "to die is gain." (Phil.1:21).  Let's say hypothetically that soul-sleep is indeed a true doctrine; the soul will be united with the body in an instant even if the soul were to be in an intermediate state. An example woule be similar to surgery as we are rendered unconscious until the surgery is complete; and it will seem like an instant even if many hours were to pass. But as I stated above . . . soul sleep is a false doctrine and doesn't give the assurance of being with Christ and to never experience separation -- even between the moment we transition from this life here on Earth to the presence of God in our interim bodies awaiting our glorified bodies. So as to where bible teachers come up with soul sleep . . . it must be in the "white spaces" between the words.

God Bless!

The issue of Salvation has always been on the forefront of my mind due to its implications surrounding the eternal fate of a person. I was watching a debate between two bible scholars on the subject of Eternal Punishent vs Annihilationism. The one advocating the Annihilationist view had told his listeners how Annihilation is far more terrifying than Eternal Punishment; and how just the thought of him not existing is a horrific concept in his mind. Here's the logical fallacy of that statement: If one ceases to exist after death, then what is there to worry about? The answer is: EVERYTHING! (Matt.5:29; 10:15,28; 13:42; 18:9; 25:46; cf. Lk.16:23; 2 Thess.1:8-10; 2 Pet.2:4; Rev.14:9-11; 20:10,14). A non-existent person is incapable of "worrying" or having any sense of "dread" or fear -- because they WILl NOT EXIST. What are the reasons as to why most non-Christians commit suicide? Because they despise their life and do not want to live anymore (i.e., they're better off dead). They also believe that this life here on Earth is all there is to life; that they will suffer the same fate as an ant when stepped on. I've personally known people who wanted to end their life and had not an iota of concern or desire to live in an afterlife.

I have also overheard one Christian brother who desired for his atheist father to be saved because his time was short (i.e., his father was in his 90's). The other Christian brother had told him, "Well . . . I am an Annihilationist, so if your Dad so happens to pass away in an unregenerate state, you can rest assured that he won't suffer eternal punishment. Don't overwhelm yourself over this." We have a duty and a responsibility to, without hesitation, correct the false teachings of those who are entrenched by the damnable heresies of apostates with fear (cf. Rom.16:18); otherwise we ourselves may be contaminated and defiled with such apostate doctrines. Annihilationism is a VERY dangerous doctrine (2 Pet.2:1) that has the persuasiveness to sway people in the wrong direction in life, and ultimately seal their fate resulting in a Christless hell and an Eternal Lake of Fire as their final abode (Matt.7:13-14).

And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. (Jude 23)

Their rebuttals (Annihilationists) are nothing more than suppositions with emotional appeals. These are all "arguments from vocabulary", and no such argument can be decisive. That is to say, what a modern English reader "thinks" a Greek word "must" mean is one thing (and it may be incorrect); but to take that and then say that "since the word usually means X" we can deduce that "the Bible is saying Y" is always dangerous. And when the Bible directly refutes Y, then we have a case of false teaching:

And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. (Revelation 20:10)

Notice 1) the beast and the false prophet, who were thrown into the lake of fire at the beginning of the Millennium "are" still there a thousand years later; and 2) all these (and all unbelievers and fallen angels), "shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever". How could the Bible say this any more clearly? Contrast the verse above with any of the passages adduced where it is definitely NOT clear that there is some annihilation -- that is a deduction these people have made from the vocabulary and what they say it "must" mean. We must remember too that the Bible describes being in the lake of fire "the second death", a fate so terrible that it is called "death" (Rev.20:14; 21:8), even though those in that state are going to be conscious and suffering for all eternity (which is their choice, we have to keep in mind). There are plenty of verses which likewise make clear that the terrible eternal state of unbelievers is just that: eternal (Dan.12:2; Isa.66:22-24; Matt.18:8; 25:31,41,46; cf. Mk.3:29; 9:44,48; 2 Thess.1:9; Jude 7,13; Rev.14:11). There is no annihilation. That is a pagan (Epicurean) teaching, but not a biblical one.

How can a most loving and merciful God send anyone to an Eternal Lake of Fire? Those who end up there are there because they want no part of God whatsoever. Unbelievers love the darkness rather than the light; and they refuse to go to the light so that their deeds may be reproved. Therefore, God gave them over to their reprobate minds (Rom.1:28). Those who refuse to submit themselves to a Sovereign God are condemned already (Jn.3:18) -- and they will continue and remain to live in their sins and immorality as the verse below clearly shows. Even after God's wrath is poured out at times to get men to repent; they still will not repent . . . but rather they blaspheme God and refuse to give God His Glory (Rev.2:21-23; 9:21; 16:9,11; Ex.9:12). God's wrath is not only poured out in hell, but we see in the book of Revelation that God's wrath is also poured out towards unrepentant sinners -- and they refused to repent. This is why hell and the Lake of Fire is Eternal for such people. They will continue (even in hell) to remain in their sins for all of Eternity and will NEVER repent.

He that is unjust, let him be [unjust still]: and he which is filthy, let him be [filthy still]: and he that is righteous, let him be [righteous still]: and he that is holy, let him be [holy still]. (Revelation 22:11)

God Bless!

I fell asleep quite early yesterday while listening to sermons; I think it might have been the preacher's monotone voice.

Ban Rosie for banning me twice

And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. (Luke 9:23)

12 hours ago, Jim_Alaska said:

Yes it is Omega. But even better, I did up a whole rack of baby back ribs last night. More is always better. That amount you have in the picture would just make me hungry.

That was just the first portion of my meal. I had three more servings of that afterwards.

On 2/2/2018 at 10:10 AM, Tonya88 said:

Hi there! I'm actually a UMC pastor and I'd be happy to share my understanding of our belief on backsliding with you. We basically believe there are 2 ways, based on Hebrews 6&10.  If someone willfully, publicly, and explicitly rejects Jesus as Savior after having confessed him, or if someone blasphemes against the Holy Spirit by declaring that the works of Jesus are the works of the evil one. I hope this answer is helpful! 

Hebrews 6:4-6 is probably one of the most difficult passages to interpret if one does not take into consideration that CONTEXT IS KING.

For it is impossible for those who were once [enlightened], and have [tasted] of the heavenly gift, and were made [partakers] of the Holy Ghost, And have [tasted] the good word of God, and [the powers of the world to come], If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. (Hebrews 6:4-6)

An almost PERFECT example and parallel of that passage can be found during Jesus' ministry while on Earth when He confronted the religious hypocrites of his day. Jesus said that the blasphemy of the Holy Ghost can NEVER be forgiven. Why? The miracles of Jesus was one of the CLEAREST proof that they could have only be accomplished if He was God in the flesh, or one sent by God. What do I mean? The Pharisees:

1). HEARD the message of the Gospel from God Himself. (TASTED THE GOOD WORD)
2). EXPERIENCED and SAW the countless miracles that Jesus had performed.(TASTED THE POWERS OF THE WORLD TO COME)
3). Had FOLLOWED Jesus around for years during His earthly ministry as He taught in the synagogues. (PARTAKERS)
4). WRONGFULLY accused Him (Jesus) of working under the influence of Satan.
5). REJECTED Jesus and His message after having heard the full revelation of the truth. (FALL AWAY/ENLIGHTENED)

If one were to REJECT the way of Salvation after having experienced ALL OF THE ABOVE. Hebrews 10:26 says that there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, if we REJECT all of the above; because the full revelation of the truth has been given. Such a one would NEVER turn their life over to Christ if that were to be the case (cf. Lk.16:31).

Renew them AGAIN unto repentance: Justification has ALWAYS been by putting our trust in God ALONE for Salvation (Rom. 3:28; 4:5; 5:1; 11:6; Gal. 2:16,21; Phil. 3:9; Jas. 2:23). Some of the brethren (ethnic Jews) had "fallen away" from Grace (cf. Gal. 5:4) which was found throughout the Old Testament, and Abraham being an example for them. However, they were given the admonition that if they were to attempt to attain righteousness through the law having received the FULL REVELATION (see above); to renew them "again UNTO repentance" (i.e., renewing them to the true way of righteousness by Grace through Faith) would be IMPOSSIBLE since no more revelation of the truth can be given. Not that they were once saved or repentant; but to "renew" them (to revert them back to the way of justification taught by the Apostles and the writer) UNTO the Grace of God and salvation originally taught to them after having departed (fallen away) from its truth; and by attempting to be justified or to have a righteous standing with God through the works of the law. Again, not that they were once repentant, but rather to bring them to the state of repentance (UNTO justification and Salvation) after departing from the doctrines of Grace revealed to them in its ENTIRETY.

We can clearly see by observing the next section of the chapter in Hebrews 6 that vv. 9-11 mentioned by the writer, that those spoken of in vv. 4-6 are not directed towards born-again believers. In any case . . . it is still a warning to ALL, not only to the brethren ("ethnic Jews" -- not brothers or sisters in Christ) of the dangers of falling away.

But, beloved, we are persuaded [better things of you], and [things that accompany salvation], though we thus speak. For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: (Hebrews 6:9-11)

God Bless!
 

It is always a "judgment call" to determine when to give the gospel and when to refrain, when not enough has been said and when too much has been said.  On the one hand, we would not wish for a person to be deprived of the good news about Jesus Christ because we have been too shy or not forthcoming enough; on the other hand, we would not wish to "poison the well" against a possible future response by being too aggressive in our approach. Much depends upon the person being witnessed to, but not a little depends on the person doing the witnessing. Even then, the particular time and circumstances can also change the calculus to no little degree. I tend to believe in "over-kill" in principle, but more often skew to understatement in practice. 

God Bless!

Now this is some mighty fine BBQ if I may say so. Camera has poor image quality though . . . :(

Everything is so bright in Florida . . . or is it just Miami?