Alan

Bro. Wayne is not the only person here on OnLineBaptist, and in some fine churches, with the personal conviction about  women wearing pants at church.
To call those who have that conviction, out of a heart to develop holiness in their lives, and to cleanse themselves from the worldliness in the church, "Pharisees," and having modern day "Pharisaical tendencies," or "legalistic," or "under the Law," is not the best way to have a brotherly discussion on this, or other issues in the church.
Some of the brethren have a sincere desire to develop holiness in their household that they develop their own convictions about the clothing issue and not because somebody "requires" it.
 

Welcome home! All of us appreciate your duty in the Navy and your sacrifice. We did miss you and are looking to some fine discussions.
I suspect most of us have sometime in our soul winning experienced the lack of visible results and the lack of fruit after an individual says a salvation prayer.
At times, even after we have dealt with an individual for awhile, and went past the Romans Road, and dealt with the clear issues of hell, repentance, sin and the need to true belief, we may not see much fruit.
We need to remember that it is our responsibility to adequately present the full gospel story. The salvation of the soul is between God and the individual we talk too.
Here are some of my thoughts that I tend to keep in mind.
I tend to think of the story of the Parable of the king who made a great supper (Luke 14:15-24), and, after many people refused, commanded his servants to, "... Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be full." Luke 14:23  Even though most people rejected the servants, the king still told the servants to go: the  servants simply obeyed the Kings command. My responsibility is to go.
Most of the people we deal with we spend a lot of time with. We tend to read the scriptures that we are talking about and not quote them. It does help when the individual you are dealing with actually see the words you are talking about.  
The average time limit is 45 minutes and we try to explain fully the message of salvation, a heart belief, we read the scripture where the Rich Man is hell telling folks they need to repent (Luke 16:30), and to trust in the work of Christ on Calvary (1  Cor. 15:1-6).  Most people reject what we have to say and some folks do decide to get saved but they do not come to church. But, thankfully, some folks do decide to trust in the Lord Jesus and we do see them in church.
I just want to encourage you to keep on soul-winning and spreading the seed of salvation to the lost. "In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good." Ecclesiastes 11:6
I also tend to try and remember the real reward of soul-winning is in heaven: not in the church.
Only God in heaven above knows the results of each gospel seed that we sow. Sometimes we see the result of a changed life, most times we do not, either way: "The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise." Proverbs 11:30
 
 

I would repeat my previous answer. I am a Biblicist. Neither John Calvin, nor Jacob Arminius, were correct in there writings.  And, neither one is a standard for doctrine.
If the person is seeking a good answer, and he is a just man, than your answer will help him in his quest for the truth. Proverbs 9:9 "Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning."
If he is a fool, and just looking for an argument, then don't waste your time.

We visited the, "Shuangliu National Forest Recreation Area, in Chinese,「雙流國家森林樂區」. And, after an approximately two hour hike through the forest, saw the, Shuangliu Waterfall 「雙流瀑布」In Chinese, Shuangliu means, “Two Streams.”
Shuangliu Waterfall 「雙流瀑布」

Photo by Alan
Shuangliu Falls Website:
https://recreation.forest.gov.tw/Forest/RA?typ=0&typ_id=0600003
Shuangliu Park Entrance Sign
 

Photo by Rebecca

Brethren,
I am in the process of thinking (for me it my be quite hard sometimes), on how to proceed.
So, sit back, enjoy a cup of tea, and wait.
Alan
 
 
 

As I stated in the original post; eventually, most false religions will supplant the preserved word of God, the Bible, for their own set of scriptures.
Here is another example:
The Jehovah's Witnesses reject the AV, the KJV of 1611, and supplant it with the, "New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures," in order to keep their members from the truth. And, as usual in every false Bible, in the Title Page, of the, New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures," we read these words designed to deceive, "Rendered from the Original Languages by the New World Bible Translation Committee - Revised 1984."  1
As a word of testimony, early on in my Christian walk in life, after reading the Good News Bible in the Air Force (courtesy of the U. S. Air Force Chapel Ministry), and the NASV from a friend, I learned how to read the Title Page and Foreward very carefully and I found out that almost all of the new versions say the same thing but use some different wording. In my learning, all of the versions from the RV of 1881 are designed to deceive the reader from learning the truth of doctrines of the scriptures.
1  Watch Tower and Tract Society, New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures, (Brooklyn, NY: Watchtower Bible & Tract Society, 1961,1981, 1984), Title Page.
 

I would repeat my previous answer. I am a Biblicist. Neither John Calvin, nor Jacob Arminius, were correct in there writings.  And, neither one is a standard for doctrine.
If the person is seeking a good answer, and he is a just man, than your answer will help him in his quest for the truth. Proverbs 9:9 "Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning."
If he is a fool, and just looking for an argument, then don't waste your time.

According to a reliable source: the whale died of indigestion. The SPCA arrested Jonah and was fined for cruelty to an animal.  ? ??

Just wanted to let you know that I have been praying for the missionaries in Myanmar (Burma), that God would give them safety and wisdom in what course of action to take due to the current distress. As with Paul the apostle, the missionaries in Myanmar (Burma), are asking, "Pray for us ..." Hebrews 13:18

We were reading Psalm 9 in our devotions this evening and while we were reading verse 8 the situation in Myanmar, Burma, came to mind. "The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble." Psalm 9:8. It our  prayer that the Lord will bring refuge for the Christians in Myanmar in the current  oppression and troubles that they are going through.

We were reading Psalm 9 in our devotions this evening and while we were reading verse 8 the situation in Myanmar, Burma, came to mind. "The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble." Psalm 9:8. It our  prayer that the Lord will bring refuge for the Christians in Myanmar in the current  oppression and troubles that they are going through.

We were reading Psalm 9 in our devotions this evening and while we were reading verse 8 the situation in Myanmar, Burma, came to mind. "The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble." Psalm 9:8. It our  prayer that the Lord will bring refuge for the Christians in Myanmar in the current  oppression and troubles that they are going through.

I'm using the correct interpretation, it's the only clear and obvious one.

There is no way the bible can have contradiction. 
In the Garden of Eden, God specifically made every creature ( already existing on the earth, chapter 1 ) for Adam to see and name. If God did not do this Adam would have had to travel the globe to find, see and name them all, but in Eden they all ( every kind ) lived in there, it's an imagery of Noah's ark and Christ's salvation. 
You are really off right here, I really really hope you can look upon your self and see your error.
If you do not understand what I'm saying, I'm happy to help you out. 
Blessings Hugh
 

The situation in Myanmar, or Burma, has affected Chinese, or Taiwanese, businesses in Burma. Because there are both Chinese businesses from Mainland, or Communist China, and Chinese, or Taiwanese, businesses from Taiwan. Many local Burmese citizens can hardly distinguish from the two countries. So, the Taiwan Government Agency, “The Overseas Community Affairs Council has suggested that all Taiwanese citizens fly the Taiwan flag on their business.
“The Overseas Community Affairs Council (OCAC) yesterday warned Taiwanese businesses operating in Myanmar of the highly risky situation in the nation after a Taiwanese company was damaged in a fire amid protests against a military coup on Feb. 1, while the nation’s representative office in Myanmar advised Taiwanese firms to fly the national flag at their premises. … “The nation’s representative office in Myanmar had earlier advised Taiwanese companies to fly the national flag and hang signs stating that they are Taiwanese to avoid being confused with Chinese businesses.”1
As there is no end in sight as of yet in Myanmar the situation is bound to not only affect Taiwan but other countries in Asia.
1 Taipei Times, Myanmar firms urged to fly flag, Accessed on: 18 March 2021. Available on: https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2021/03/16/2003753909

The situation in Myanmar, or Burma, has affected Chinese, or Taiwanese, businesses in Burma. Because there are both Chinese businesses from Mainland, or Communist China, and Chinese, or Taiwanese, businesses from Taiwan. Many local Burmese citizens can hardly distinguish from the two countries. So, the Taiwan Government Agency, “The Overseas Community Affairs Council has suggested that all Taiwanese citizens fly the Taiwan flag on their business.
“The Overseas Community Affairs Council (OCAC) yesterday warned Taiwanese businesses operating in Myanmar of the highly risky situation in the nation after a Taiwanese company was damaged in a fire amid protests against a military coup on Feb. 1, while the nation’s representative office in Myanmar advised Taiwanese firms to fly the national flag at their premises. … “The nation’s representative office in Myanmar had earlier advised Taiwanese companies to fly the national flag and hang signs stating that they are Taiwanese to avoid being confused with Chinese businesses.”1
As there is no end in sight as of yet in Myanmar the situation is bound to not only affect Taiwan but other countries in Asia.
1 Taipei Times, Myanmar firms urged to fly flag, Accessed on: 18 March 2021. Available on: https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2021/03/16/2003753909

Things are indeed growing worse. There is so much I was going to say, but as an update, I will simply copy/paste what a local wrote:
Dear praying brethren I am writing this Report with a broken and trembling heart. My eye is filled with sadness and tears of hurt. First of all I want to beg you to pray for our safety and protection. It is my prayer that the angel of the Lord will continue to surround every home in our country.   Latest Update From the day that the M-C took control over the country which was February 1, there was a constant peaceful protest from our people. I can say it is the whole country uprising against the injustice act. About One week everything was calm with nonviolent.   But starting from March 6 to 9, the Soldiers received ordered from their general to shoot as much as they want to these peaceful protestors. They used Machine Guns, Rifles, Snipers and even Air craft (Particularly to attack Kachin State) in their shooting,. Every day we needed to collect dead bodies on the road with tears and pains. They killed a school teacher who was just walking on the street; they also shoot a pregnant woman hid a young peaceful protestors. They would go to any house they want and bring people into prison. A lot of women were captured, and according to their testimony they were raped and beaten before they were released.   From March 10- to 14, things even got worse; they captured the former NLD elected people. One of them is a president of a public school and much respected person. They brought him to their office and the next morning they called his wife to collect his body. His face was disfigured already. Things get worse and worse they took over a very importance places like University, Hospital, and any kind of school building by force. They entered into any house , they kick out or imprison the family and they occupy the place. No Bank is opened and I don’t know how long it will be. Internets are cut off, we can use only a few hours. And it is dangerous to post anything that against them. If they check and see we are in danger.   From March 15-16, Today is the day of mourning and biggest shooting day. Our “ Hlaing tha yar” state started their protesting. Not very long the Soldiers came and shoot them with M-16, within one day we have 76 dead. A lot of them are young people who have such a bright future. It break my heart so much. Everywhere is filled with smoke and fire. They burned the chinese factories and they blamed over the civilian. There were 7 factories burned and destroyed. Thousands of people don’t have work, food and a place to stay now. Almost all of our church members ran back to their village now.   There is neither market nor shop where we can buy food because every road is blocked now. How long we will last if it continues like this!? Just a while ago, the soldiers’ truck came and stop near our house. We were terrified; they captured six people who were having tea in the shop. We don’t know what they will do to them. God is my only Hope   All missionaries are suffering greatly the misery of this. My missionary friend has a wife who is about to give birth and there is no hospital opened. He said to me , they will do it by themselves in their small house by trusting God.   Dear friends…. I have two small little girls one is two year and another is six month, I don’t care if I don’t have food to eat but I am thinking much for them and their safety. May you continue to uphold us in your prayer for our safety, provision and protection." ________   Another Christian wrote much the same thing but added this: "Last night, S. came to our Bible College area and tried to occupy our building. We fervently prayed and they turned in another direction. We did hear gunshot sounds the whole night."   The pastor I mentioned in my first post said: ”Thank you so much.  I need to delete all my posts about the protests. They began going into houses and check their FB posts.”   ___________   Please do not forget to pray for the people of Myanmar!

Here is a good video from Answers in Genesis, called, "Science Confirms a Young Earth - The Radioactive Dating Methods are Flawed," given by Dr. Andrew Snelling from Australia.
Dr. Snelling examines the science, and assumptions, used in the Carbon Dating method. Dr. Snelling proves that the carbon dating method is flawed with three major assumptions. Therefore, proving that the carbon dating method is not accurate but flawed.  

No. Chapter 2 is about the creation of Eden, which does not contradict Chapter 1. Please re-read a KJ Bible. 

Well of course, the dating doesn't match biblical timelines, so no, a 10, 500 year old basket cannot exist, and doubtful there's a 6000 year old skeleton, as this area wouldn't have been excepted from the flood. I suspect they're all from roughly the same time period, probably around the 2nd century AD, though the only items they could actually definitely date would be the coins, since coins are datable due to either an actual date on them, or the imagery on them.  

Whoever said it, I like it.
 

"The Missionary Conference is the business meeting of the church to determine the fate of the heathen." Dr. Charles Keen, First Baptist Church, Milford, Ohio

Lesson # 5b
Revelation 1:4 & 11, “The Calling Out of the New Testament Church From the Earth.”
The objective of this study, “The New Testament Church,” has been to discuss the passages of scripture that pertain to the local church. I have attempted to abide by that objective. The objective in this lesson is one: At what point does the local church, the body of Christ, cease to be on the earth and all of the saints in the church are assembled in heaven. In this lesson we will be looking at two passages, the words of the Lord Jesus in Revelation 1:19 and the fulfillment as written in Revelation 4:1.
In Revelation 1:19 the Lord Jesus stated, “Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter.” The things that the apostle John were to write down were: (1) The things which thou hast seen. (2) The things which are. (3) The things which shall be hereafter.
The phrase, ‘things which thou hast seen’ are the events as recorded in Revelation 1:1-20. This includes the calling of John as a prophet in revealing the end times, the characteristics of the Lord Jesus, the Lord Jesus as the Almighty, the vision of the Lord Jesus in His glory, and the vision, along with the interpretation, of the seven candlesticks.
The phrase, ‘and things which are’ are the events, and admonitions, of Revelation 2:1 to 3:22, as depicted by the seven local congregations, or churches, or local assemblies, in Asia that are representative of all of the churches throughout the church age.
The phrase, ‘and things which shall be hereafter’ is a clear reference to the events after the events of the church age, or from Revelation 4:1 to 22:21.
In Revelation 4:1 we read of the start of the events of, ‘ the things which must be hereafter,’ “After this I looked, and, behold a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.” (Revelation 4:1).
The first phrase in Revelation 4:1, ‘After this’ is a reference to the events in the seven churches as recorded in Revelation 2:1 to 3:22. After these events describing the characteristics of the church age marks the beginning of the apostle John being caught up into heaven and the beginning of, ‘things which must be hereafter.’
Therefore, the prophecy of the Lord Jesus, ‘’the things which shall be hereafter,’ is fulfilled ‘after’ the departure of the church age saints as revealed in the Revelation 4:1 phrase, ‘’After this’ and then, ‘things which must be hereafter.’
According to the words of the Lord Jesus in Revelation 1:19, ‘the things which shall be hereafter,’ and the words as of a trumpet talking in Revelation 4:1, ‘things which must be hereafter,’ the coming of the Lord Jesus, commonly called the ‘rapture,’ for the saints marks the end of the church age and the calling out of the church from the earth to the clouds to meet the Lord as written in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Furthermore, the calling out of the New Testament church, the Body of Christ, as written in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 occurs before the events of the beginning of the 7-Year Tribulation Period as recorded in Revelation 6:1 and following. This is why the rapture of the church age saints is called, ‘the pre-tribulation rapture of the church.’

Enoch – A Type of the Church Age Saints
Enoch was a saint, a man of faith, who lived a holy life in the wickedness of the ante-antediluvian age. Enoch walked with God and pleased God. “Amos 3:3, “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” The mind, the thoughts, and the daily life of Enoch was in heart agreement with God and all of His ways. The Chinese have this proverb to explain the mind of Enoch with the mind of God, 俗語說「同心同德。」Translated to English it means, “To be of one mind.” Or, “Same heart, same virtue.” Enoch is a saint that is an example for every Christian to emulate.
Enoch is a type of the saints who are alive when the Lord Jesus comes in the air at the rapture and will never experience the death of the body. Genesis 5:21-24, “And Enoch lived sixty and five years, and begat Methuselah: And Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred years, and begat sons and daughters: And all the days of Enoch were three hundred sixty and five years: And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.” Enoch, as with many other saints of God, walked with God. His walk with God was so intimate that God decided to take Enoch home into heaven without dying. Thus, Enoch became a type of saint who enters into heaven, in the rapture, without dying.
The prophet Amos explained how to walk with God, “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God.” Amos 6:6. The Lord Jesus explained how to walk, or abide, with Him, “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit; for without me ye can do nothing.” John 15:4-5. Enoch, by faith, walked, or abideth, with God.
Hebrews 11:5, “By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.” Because of his relationship with God, Enoch escaped physical death and is a type of the saints in the church age who will escape death at the coming of Christ; the rapture. 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17 “ For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” When the Lord comes again for the saints in the church age those that are alive will, like Enoch, never taste the sting of the death of the body.
Also, besides escaping physical death, after Enoch was ‘translated’ or, ‘caught up’ from the earth into heaven, those left behind wondered where he was, ‘and was not found.’This is also like the coming of Christ for the church in the rapture. 1 Thessalonians 5:2, “For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.” The world will not see the saints caught up to heaven in the rapture as the Lord Jesus is coming as a thief in the night. A thief does his work in secret. A thief is extremely careful not to let anyone know what he is doing or when he takes something. A thief secretly sneaks in a house, or business, or bank, by night, to steal the family jewels, valuables or precious stones, and departs by night, or secretly, in order to not be seen.
In the mind of the Lord Jesus, His saints are like precious jewels. “And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.” Malachi 3:17. The Lord Jesus is coming for His jewels, that rightly belongs to Him, as a thief in the night.
 

The next installment will occur as soon as I get out of this traffic jam.