Coolhand

Man, it would be cool to be Raphael and have that job. Im trying to experience that scene there, like I want to go there. This verse plays in my head over and over day and night, im hoping to use its momentum to get there: "Holy holy holy is the Lord God almighty, who was, who is, who is to come"

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses......"

Would anyone be interested in meeting up in Modesto on a Saturday for fellowship, then make the Sunday service? Maybe make it a reoccurring thing.......who knows.

This morning I was rolling through Romans......... ......something I've been doing more lately. I used to be more of a Tanakh kinda guy, then more of a prophet kinda guy, then the teaching of Jesus exclusively for a while. Lately if been getting into what Paul wrote. I honestly and intentionally avoided Paul for while because of how misunderstood Paul's writings are. He was a real smart guy and he has layers on top of layers and though Paul claims to be a servant of Jesus Christ, many choose to interpret Jesus through Paul. Regardless, I'm finding a lot of peace and encouragement in the introduction parts of his letters. Something spoke to me this morning from Romans chapter one: 11 For I want very much to see you, so I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you, 12 that is, to be mutually encouraged by each other's faith, both yours and mine. (HCSB) Looking back at everyone that I have known on this board, and the current members, and those that I've known here that have died. You can't help but notice the protentional for what Paul was talking about there to happen. And it did and does happen for sure, but not on the scale that it could be. Disagreements over details become exaggerated and cost is unknown. We can totally be an encouragement and a spiritual strengthening to one another. I look forward to giving and receiving that encouragement.

I'd be interested in hearing more on this Rev Richard.

Has anyone watched the Bart Ehrman series on Prime called "When Jesus Became God"? I just got started, finished the second episode.

It sound me to me like he is a Libertarian.......... I agree with him on the following: 1) Conservatism is overtly Christian. Ill also say that brand of Christianity in Conservatism is also what pushes me away from Conservatism, but like him I like Conservative ideas. 2) Morality is separate from religion. The irony is that you would think the religion would cultivate better morality in general, but it only seems to in some religious people. 3) Morality is individual. I think this become obvious if we disregard the parroting of religious texts and observe actions.

On and off through the years I have been interested in the New Testament book of Revelations. I would get excited about it, want to bring it up and talk about about, use the book for Bible Study topics only to move on to something else after the disagreements would start. Lately I have been fascinated by Revelations again and very much back into it. The imagery and symbolism is captivating to me, and it seems to me like the expectation of the writer of the book presupposed that the readers would have a knowledge and maybe even a mastery of other books that were known at his time. It seems that some of the loudest interpretational opinions on the book are informed by the protestant 66 book Bible even though that intentionally limits what "John" may have been referring to, and that probably cannot be known at this point. In regard to this (REV Chapter 4): 4 After this I looked, and there in heaven a door stood open! And the first voice, which I had heard speaking to me like a trumpet, said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.” 2 At once I was in the spirit, and there in heaven stood a throne, with one seated on the throne! 3 And the one seated there looks like jasper and carnelian, and around the throne is a rainbow that looks like an emerald. 4 Around the throne are twenty-four thrones, and seated on the thrones are twenty-four elders, dressed in white robes, with golden crowns on their heads. 5 Coming from the throne are flashes of lightning, and rumblings and peals of thunder, and in front of the throne burn seven flaming torches, which are the seven spirits of God; 6 and in front of the throne there is something like a sea of glass, like crystal. Around the throne, and on each side of the throne, are four living creatures, full of eyes in front and behind: 7 the first living creature like a lion, the second living creature like an ox, the third living creature with a face like a human face, and the fourth living creature like a flying eagle. 8 And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all around and inside. Day and night without ceasing they sing, “Holy, holy, holy, the Lord God the Almighty, who was and is and is to come.” 9 And whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to the one who is seated on the throne, who lives forever and ever, 10 the twenty-four elders fall before the one who is seated on the throne and worship the one who lives forever and ever; they cast their crowns before the throne, singing, 11 “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” The Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1989), Re 4:1–11. What are some impressions/ opinions (educated or not) that you have when reading this?

Joy Robinson, the wife of JohnE308 passed away yesterday. John is on Facebook as "John E Robinson". Those that knew here were blessed. Please pray for comfort and direction for John.

Some additional discussion regarding Jesus from Hebrew perspective:

This could spark some interesting discussion: Comments on: Why bother to make Christianity more and more liberal/leftistwhy not just be true to ones self Suprised when talking to those outside thier church up bringing Presupposition of having "no traditions". Various comments on "inerrancy" The "Emergent Church" Learning from people we do not agree with History Revision Rascism Barbarians Offence versus adulthood Erasing history as a way of cheating

This is a pretty amazing little piece of Scripture to meditate on. For me anyway....... https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5%3A1-12&version=MSG

lol.......nice........

Yeah, good point.

I would say the 'cockroach in the muffin' so to speak is the point the Rabbi DID NOT address, which was the resurrection of Jesus itself, of which all 4 Gospels are all in agreement that it did happen. Anyone see that? The 4 gospels mention people who are there and things that were said. The Rabbi is presenting it as if each Gospel writer is saying that the only people mentioned were there. No one is saying that. The events following that were mentioned would be an issue if they excluded or somehow made impossible what the other gospel witnesses said, which they didnt. The accident witness example the Rabbi gives misses the same point that his dealing with the resurrction does....the fact that no one said the accident DID NOT happen. Same with the Gospel accounts. So how would that happen? The witnesses all agree the accident happened but not on the details, so the case would be thrown out and then say it never happened because they each mention certain things that are left out by others? The point is that they all agree that the resurrection happened. The main point of the Gospels is to inform of that, and the Rabbi is focusing on MAKING detail conflicts in order to toss the whole "muffin" . I would argue the cockroach is in the muffin he is serving.

https://toptenproofs.com/blogs/articles/evidence-for-the-resurrection-of-jesus-christ

Ahhh....very nice.

What does that mean?

I would argue are that it is not a contract, but rather it is a suzrain covenant. A contract is between equals, there is no way to read the Bible and come away with the idea that God thinks we are equals......lol......

Yeah, totally agree.....there is a lot in there. And......as it turns out......there are "2 sides every coin." To continue the conversation...... https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Leviticus+26&version=MSG

You say that like its a bad thing.....lol

https://levaire.com/40-bible-verses-on-seeking-god/

Right........