http://www.paradisecafediscussions.net/ Wed, 10 Mar 2010 23:15:23 -0500 MyBB http://www.paradisecafediscussions.net/showthread.php?tid=6005 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:52:16 -0500 http://www.paradisecafediscussions.net/showthread.php?tid=6005
A name after my own hearts :bouncyhearts: ;)

However, I bet your heart is quite big and will grow ever bigger as we look forward to our wonderful future!!:heartbeat::giverose:

I hope you are encouraged by being here among many who seek to learn and grow as followers of our Lord and savior! :thumbsup::grouphug:

Christian love to you, BR :sheepy: :bouncyhearts:]]>
A name after my own hearts :bouncyhearts: ;)

However, I bet your heart is quite big and will grow ever bigger as we look forward to our wonderful future!!:heartbeat::giverose:

I hope you are encouraged by being here among many who seek to learn and grow as followers of our Lord and savior! :thumbsup::grouphug:

Christian love to you, BR :sheepy: :bouncyhearts:]]> http://www.paradisecafediscussions.net/showthread.php?tid=6004 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:22:33 -0500 http://www.paradisecafediscussions.net/showthread.php?tid=6004 When Jesus was baptized, John identified Him as the Lamb of God (Jn. 1:29, 36).

What does this phrase means to you ,and what does the last supper means to you personaly ?

The phrase "Lamb of God" refers to Jesus as the sacrifice for sin, which God provided.

Through Jesus, God reconciled us to Himself by sending Jesus into the world as the propitiation for our sins, thus becoming the Savior of the world (2 Cor. 5:18; 1 John. 4:14).

Jesus, Our Passover
The Passover was instituted by God to protect the Jews from the final plague, the death of the firstborn.
A lamb without blemish was killed, and its blood was sprinkled on the doorposts and lintel of the house, which was a sign, whereby God passed over them, and the firstborn of that house lived.

Today, Jesus is our Passover, who was sacrificed for us
1 Cor 5: 7 Purge out the old yeast, that you may be a new lump, even as you are unleavened.
For indeed Messiah, our Passover, has been sacrificed in our place.

Because of His blood, our sins are forgiven, and God does not destroy us with everlasting death -- He passes over us.]]> When Jesus was baptized, John identified Him as the Lamb of God (Jn. 1:29, 36).

What does this phrase means to you ,and what does the last supper means to you personaly ?

The phrase "Lamb of God" refers to Jesus as the sacrifice for sin, which God provided.

Through Jesus, God reconciled us to Himself by sending Jesus into the world as the propitiation for our sins, thus becoming the Savior of the world (2 Cor. 5:18; 1 John. 4:14).

Jesus, Our Passover
The Passover was instituted by God to protect the Jews from the final plague, the death of the firstborn.
A lamb without blemish was killed, and its blood was sprinkled on the doorposts and lintel of the house, which was a sign, whereby God passed over them, and the firstborn of that house lived.

Today, Jesus is our Passover, who was sacrificed for us
1 Cor 5: 7 Purge out the old yeast, that you may be a new lump, even as you are unleavened.
For indeed Messiah, our Passover, has been sacrificed in our place.

Because of His blood, our sins are forgiven, and God does not destroy us with everlasting death -- He passes over us.]]> http://www.paradisecafediscussions.net/showthread.php?tid=6003 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 06:30:34 -0500 http://www.paradisecafediscussions.net/showthread.php?tid=6003
A common misconception about the separating of the sheep and the goats mentioned in these verses, is that it is speaking of Jesus separating the righteous from the unrighteous for what Revelation 16:16 refers to as, the Battle of Armageddon. However, that doesn’t appear to be the case here, for no battle is mentioned. And according to Revelation 16:13, 14, that great battle is fought against the kings and armies of this world.

Rather, notice that these words of Jesus seem to be a quotation from the prophecy of Ezekiel 34:17, which says (LXX): "‘And from among you, My sheep;’ says Jehovah the Lord, ‘{Look!} I’ll separate sheep from the sheep among you, and the rams from the goats.’"

Then the Prophecy goes on to say (in verses 20-23): "‘Because of this,’ says Jehovah the Lord, ‘{Look!} I’ll separate the strong from the weak. For you pushed them away with your shoulders and sides, and the weak you gored with your horns… you squeezed them out and pushed them aside! So, I will rescue My sheep, and no more will they serve as [your] plunder, for I will judge between ram and ram. I will raise a shepherd for them, and he (My servant David) will tend them… he’ll care for them and be their shepherd.’"

So, this prophecy clearly seems to be speaking of the time when Jesus (My servant David) does this separating work, which Jesus spoke of at Matthew 25:31-33. And if so, what are some of the other features of this prophecy?

Well, notice God’s words that precede the description of the separating work in Ezekiel 34; for in verse 13 we read: ‘Then I will lead them out of the nations, and gather them from many regions, then bring them [back] to their land. And upon the mountains of Israel I’ll graze them… in the ravines and homes of the land.’

So, the separating of the sheep from the goats doesn’t appear to be a separating of worldly nations, but of those among the lost sheep of Israel… and one could conclude that this is a separating of those calling themselves Christians.

Notice that the reward for those who are found to be sheep is that they would ‘Inherit the Kingdom that has been prepared for [them] from the founding of the world.’ And the outcome for those found to be ‘goats’ is to be ‘cursed into the fire of the ages that was prepared for the Opposer and his messengers.’

What is the basis of the judgment that determines who the ‘sheep’ are and who the ‘goats’ are? As Jesus said, it all depends on how they treat his ‘brothers.’ And just who are Jesus’ brothers? He said (at Matthew 12:49): ‘Whoever does all that my Father in heaven wishes, is my brother, sister, and mother.’]]>
A common misconception about the separating of the sheep and the goats mentioned in these verses, is that it is speaking of Jesus separating the righteous from the unrighteous for what Revelation 16:16 refers to as, the Battle of Armageddon. However, that doesn’t appear to be the case here, for no battle is mentioned. And according to Revelation 16:13, 14, that great battle is fought against the kings and armies of this world.

Rather, notice that these words of Jesus seem to be a quotation from the prophecy of Ezekiel 34:17, which says (LXX): "‘And from among you, My sheep;’ says Jehovah the Lord, ‘{Look!} I’ll separate sheep from the sheep among you, and the rams from the goats.’"

Then the Prophecy goes on to say (in verses 20-23): "‘Because of this,’ says Jehovah the Lord, ‘{Look!} I’ll separate the strong from the weak. For you pushed them away with your shoulders and sides, and the weak you gored with your horns… you squeezed them out and pushed them aside! So, I will rescue My sheep, and no more will they serve as [your] plunder, for I will judge between ram and ram. I will raise a shepherd for them, and he (My servant David) will tend them… he’ll care for them and be their shepherd.’"

So, this prophecy clearly seems to be speaking of the time when Jesus (My servant David) does this separating work, which Jesus spoke of at Matthew 25:31-33. And if so, what are some of the other features of this prophecy?

Well, notice God’s words that precede the description of the separating work in Ezekiel 34; for in verse 13 we read: ‘Then I will lead them out of the nations, and gather them from many regions, then bring them [back] to their land. And upon the mountains of Israel I’ll graze them… in the ravines and homes of the land.’

So, the separating of the sheep from the goats doesn’t appear to be a separating of worldly nations, but of those among the lost sheep of Israel… and one could conclude that this is a separating of those calling themselves Christians.

Notice that the reward for those who are found to be sheep is that they would ‘Inherit the Kingdom that has been prepared for [them] from the founding of the world.’ And the outcome for those found to be ‘goats’ is to be ‘cursed into the fire of the ages that was prepared for the Opposer and his messengers.’

What is the basis of the judgment that determines who the ‘sheep’ are and who the ‘goats’ are? As Jesus said, it all depends on how they treat his ‘brothers.’ And just who are Jesus’ brothers? He said (at Matthew 12:49): ‘Whoever does all that my Father in heaven wishes, is my brother, sister, and mother.’]]> http://www.paradisecafediscussions.net/showthread.php?tid=6002 Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:16:49 -0500 http://www.paradisecafediscussions.net/showthread.php?tid=6002 http://www.biblestudylibrary.net
For $9.90 they offer a cd with countless reference books, videos and commentaries. Including Russel's books and reprints.]]> http://www.biblestudylibrary.net
For $9.90 they offer a cd with countless reference books, videos and commentaries. Including Russel's books and reprints.]]> http://www.paradisecafediscussions.net/showthread.php?tid=6001 Tue, 09 Mar 2010 12:33:21 -0500 http://www.paradisecafediscussions.net/showthread.php?tid=6001
Galatians 6
Bear One Another's Burdens
1 Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted.

2 Bear one another's burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.

3 For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.
4 But each one must examine his own work, and then he will have reason for boasting in regard to himself alone, and not in regard to another.
5 For each one will bear his own load.
6 The one who is taught the word is to share all good things with the one who teaches him.
7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.
8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.
9 Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.
10 So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.

How can we "bear one another's burdens"?

Romans 15:1
Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves.

1 Thessalonians 5:14
We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone.

Romans 14:1
Now accept the one who is weak in faith, but not for the purpose of passing judgment on his opinions.

"Fulfilling the law of Christ" is, in part, sharing the Good News about Christ and how his "law of love" expands beyond the Hebrew written laws - important life-saving information for everyone who's weighed down by the religious dogma of this 'system of things' -

Romans 8:2
For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.

Romans 13:8, 10
Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

John 5:39
"You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; it is these that testify about Me;

:heartbeat: Much love to you ALL from
Your sister in Christ, Willa :heartbeat:
]]>
Galatians 6
Bear One Another's Burdens
1 Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted.

2 Bear one another's burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.

3 For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.
4 But each one must examine his own work, and then he will have reason for boasting in regard to himself alone, and not in regard to another.
5 For each one will bear his own load.
6 The one who is taught the word is to share all good things with the one who teaches him.
7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.
8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.
9 Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.
10 So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.

How can we "bear one another's burdens"?

Romans 15:1
Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves.

1 Thessalonians 5:14
We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone.

Romans 14:1
Now accept the one who is weak in faith, but not for the purpose of passing judgment on his opinions.

"Fulfilling the law of Christ" is, in part, sharing the Good News about Christ and how his "law of love" expands beyond the Hebrew written laws - important life-saving information for everyone who's weighed down by the religious dogma of this 'system of things' -

Romans 8:2
For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.

Romans 13:8, 10
Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

John 5:39
"You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; it is these that testify about Me;

:heartbeat: Much love to you ALL from
Your sister in Christ, Willa :heartbeat:
]]> http://www.paradisecafediscussions.net/showthread.php?tid=6000 Tue, 09 Mar 2010 10:31:42 -0500 http://www.paradisecafediscussions.net/showthread.php?tid=6000
Teaching Changes for 6th Time in April 15, 2010 Watchtower.

I like to hear if anybody have read the article and can't for my own part avoid be thinking of the fairy tale of Hans Christian Andersen, especially when they claim that the Lords pressence in 1914 was invisible and the Watchtower organization was appointed, in opposition to what comes forth in Matthew chapter 24: :read:

The Emperor's New Clothes

A translation of Hans Christian Andersen's "Keiserens nye Klæder"
By Jean Hersholt:

Many years ago there was an Emperor so exceedingly fond of new clothes that he spent all his money on being well dressed. He cared nothing about reviewing his soldiers, going to the theatre, or going for a ride in his carriage, except to show off his new clothes. He had a coat for every hour of the day, and instead of saying, as one might, about any other ruler, "The King's in council," here they always said. "The Emperor's in his dressing room."

In the great city where he lived, life was always gay. Every day many strangers came to town, and among them one day came two swindlers. They let it be known they were weavers, and they said they could weave the most magnificent fabrics imaginable. Not only were their colors and patterns uncommonly fine, but clothes made of this cloth had a wonderful way of becoming invisible to anyone who was unfit for his office, or who was unusually stupid.

"Those would be just the clothes for me," thought the Emperor. "If I wore them I would be able to discover which men in my empire are unfit for their posts. And I could tell the wise men from the fools. Yes, I certainly must get some of the stuff woven for me right away." He paid the two swindlers a large sum of money to start work at once.

They set up two looms and pretended to weave, though there was nothing on the looms. All the finest silk and the purest old thread which they demanded went into their traveling bags, while they worked the empty looms far into the night.

"I'd like to know how those weavers are getting on with the cloth," the Emperor thought, but he felt slightly uncomfortable when he remembered that those who were unfit for their position would not be able to see the fabric. It couldn't have been that he doubted himself, yet he thought he'd rather send someone else to see how things were going. The whole town knew about the cloth's peculiar power, and all were impatient to find out how stupid their neighbors were.

"I'll send my honest old minister to the weavers," the Emperor decided. "He'll be the best one to tell me how the material looks, for he's a sensible man and no one does his duty better."

So the honest old minister went to the room where the two swindlers sat working away at their empty looms.

"Heaven help me," he thought as his eyes flew wide open, "I can't see anything at all". But he did not say so.

Both the swindlers begged him to be so kind as to come near to approve the excellent pattern, the beautiful colors. They pointed to the empty looms, and the poor old minister stared as hard as he dared. He couldn't see anything, because there was nothing to see. "Heaven have mercy," he thought. "Can it be that I'm a fool? I'd have never guessed it, and not a soul must know. Am I unfit to be the minister? It would never do to let on that I can't see the cloth."

"Don't hesitate to tell us what you think of it," said one of the weavers.

"Oh, it's beautiful -it's enchanting." The old minister peered through his spectacles. "Such a pattern, what colors!" I'll be sure to tell the Emperor how delighted I am with it."

"We're pleased to hear that," the swindlers said. They proceeded to name all the colors and to explain the intricate pattern. The old minister paid the closest attention, so that he could tell it all to the Emperor. And so he did.

The swindlers at once asked for more money, more silk and gold thread, to get on with the weaving. But it all went into their pockets. Not a thread went into the looms, though they worked at their weaving as hard as ever.

The Emperor presently sent another trustworthy official to see how the work progressed and how soon it would be ready. The same thing happened to him that had happened to the minister. He looked and he looked, but as there was nothing to see in the looms he couldn't see anything.

"Isn't it a beautiful piece of goods?" the swindlers asked him, as they displayed and described their imaginary pattern.

"I know I'm not stupid," the man thought, "so it must be that I'm unworthy of my good office. That's strange. I mustn't let anyone find it out, though." So he praised the material he did not see. He declared he was delighted with the beautiful colors and the exquisite pattern. To the Emperor he said, "It held me spellbound."

All the town was talking of this splendid cloth, and the Emperor wanted to see it for himself while it was still in the looms. Attended by a band of chosen men, among whom were his two old trusted officials-the ones who had been to the weavers-he set out to see the two swindlers. He found them weaving with might and main, but without a thread in their looms.

"Magnificent," said the two officials already duped. "Just look, Your Majesty, what colors! What a design!" They pointed to the empty looms, each supposing that the others could see the stuff.

"What's this?" thought the Emperor. "I can't see anything. This is terrible!

Am I a fool? Am I unfit to be the Emperor? What a thing to happen to me of all people! - Oh! It's very pretty," he said. "It has my highest approval." And he nodded approbation at the empty loom. Nothing could make him say that he couldn't see anything.

His whole retinue stared and stared. One saw no more than another, but they all joined the Emperor in exclaiming, "Oh! It's very pretty," and they advised him to wear clothes made of this wonderful cloth especially for the great procession he was soon to lead. "Magnificent! Excellent! Unsurpassed!" were bandied from mouth to mouth, and everyone did his best to seem well pleased. The Emperor gave each of the swindlers a cross to wear in his buttonhole, and the title of "Sir Weaver."

Before the procession the swindlers sat up all night and burned more than six candles, to show how busy they were finishing the Emperor's new clothes. They pretended to take the cloth off the loom. They made cuts in the air with huge scissors. And at last they said, "Now the Emperor's new clothes are ready for him."

Then the Emperor himself came with his noblest noblemen, and the swindlers each raised an arm as if they were holding something. They said, "These are the trousers, here's the coat, and this is the mantle," naming each garment. "All of them are as light as a spider web. One would almost think he had nothing on, but that's what makes them so fine."

"Exactly," all the noblemen agreed, though they could see nothing, for there was nothing to see.

"If Your Imperial Majesty will condescend to take your clothes off," said the swindlers, "we will help you on with your new ones here in front of the long mirror."

The Emperor undressed, and the swindlers pretended to put his new clothes on him, one garment after another. They took him around the waist and seemed to be fastening something - that was his train-as the Emperor turned round and round before the looking glass.

"How well Your Majesty's new clothes look. Aren't they becoming!" He heard on all sides, "That pattern, so perfect! Those colors, so suitable! It is a magnificent outfit."

Then the minister of public processions announced: "Your Majesty's canopy is waiting outside."

"Well, I'm supposed to be ready," the Emperor said, and turned again for one last look in the mirror. "It is a remarkable fit, isn't it?" He seemed to regard his costume with the greatest interest.

The noblemen who were to carry his train stooped low and reached for the floor as if they were picking up his mantle. Then they pretended to lift and hold it high. They didn't dare admit they had nothing to hold.

So off went the Emperor in procession under his splendid canopy. Everyone in the streets and the windows said, "Oh, how fine are the Emperor's new clothes! Don't they fit him to perfection? And see his long train!" Nobody would confess that he couldn't see anything, for that would prove him either unfit for his position, or a fool. No costume the Emperor had worn before was ever such a complete success.

"But he hasn't got anything on," a little child said.

"Did you ever hear such innocent prattle?" said its father. And one person whispered to another what the child had said, "He hasn't anything on. A child says he hasn't anything on."

"But he hasn't got anything on!" the whole town cried out at last.

The Emperor shivered, for he suspected they were right. But he thought, "This procession has got to go on." So he walked more proudly than ever, as his noblemen held high the train that wasn't there at all.

-----------------------------------

Warmest regards

Talkactive


Ecclesiastes 1:18!

For in much wisdom is much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow. ]]>
Teaching Changes for 6th Time in April 15, 2010 Watchtower.

I like to hear if anybody have read the article and can't for my own part avoid be thinking of the fairy tale of Hans Christian Andersen, especially when they claim that the Lords pressence in 1914 was invisible and the Watchtower organization was appointed, in opposition to what comes forth in Matthew chapter 24: :read:

The Emperor's New Clothes

A translation of Hans Christian Andersen's "Keiserens nye Klæder"
By Jean Hersholt:

Many years ago there was an Emperor so exceedingly fond of new clothes that he spent all his money on being well dressed. He cared nothing about reviewing his soldiers, going to the theatre, or going for a ride in his carriage, except to show off his new clothes. He had a coat for every hour of the day, and instead of saying, as one might, about any other ruler, "The King's in council," here they always said. "The Emperor's in his dressing room."

In the great city where he lived, life was always gay. Every day many strangers came to town, and among them one day came two swindlers. They let it be known they were weavers, and they said they could weave the most magnificent fabrics imaginable. Not only were their colors and patterns uncommonly fine, but clothes made of this cloth had a wonderful way of becoming invisible to anyone who was unfit for his office, or who was unusually stupid.

"Those would be just the clothes for me," thought the Emperor. "If I wore them I would be able to discover which men in my empire are unfit for their posts. And I could tell the wise men from the fools. Yes, I certainly must get some of the stuff woven for me right away." He paid the two swindlers a large sum of money to start work at once.

They set up two looms and pretended to weave, though there was nothing on the looms. All the finest silk and the purest old thread which they demanded went into their traveling bags, while they worked the empty looms far into the night.

"I'd like to know how those weavers are getting on with the cloth," the Emperor thought, but he felt slightly uncomfortable when he remembered that those who were unfit for their position would not be able to see the fabric. It couldn't have been that he doubted himself, yet he thought he'd rather send someone else to see how things were going. The whole town knew about the cloth's peculiar power, and all were impatient to find out how stupid their neighbors were.

"I'll send my honest old minister to the weavers," the Emperor decided. "He'll be the best one to tell me how the material looks, for he's a sensible man and no one does his duty better."

So the honest old minister went to the room where the two swindlers sat working away at their empty looms.

"Heaven help me," he thought as his eyes flew wide open, "I can't see anything at all". But he did not say so.

Both the swindlers begged him to be so kind as to come near to approve the excellent pattern, the beautiful colors. They pointed to the empty looms, and the poor old minister stared as hard as he dared. He couldn't see anything, because there was nothing to see. "Heaven have mercy," he thought. "Can it be that I'm a fool? I'd have never guessed it, and not a soul must know. Am I unfit to be the minister? It would never do to let on that I can't see the cloth."

"Don't hesitate to tell us what you think of it," said one of the weavers.

"Oh, it's beautiful -it's enchanting." The old minister peered through his spectacles. "Such a pattern, what colors!" I'll be sure to tell the Emperor how delighted I am with it."

"We're pleased to hear that," the swindlers said. They proceeded to name all the colors and to explain the intricate pattern. The old minister paid the closest attention, so that he could tell it all to the Emperor. And so he did.

The swindlers at once asked for more money, more silk and gold thread, to get on with the weaving. But it all went into their pockets. Not a thread went into the looms, though they worked at their weaving as hard as ever.

The Emperor presently sent another trustworthy official to see how the work progressed and how soon it would be ready. The same thing happened to him that had happened to the minister. He looked and he looked, but as there was nothing to see in the looms he couldn't see anything.

"Isn't it a beautiful piece of goods?" the swindlers asked him, as they displayed and described their imaginary pattern.

"I know I'm not stupid," the man thought, "so it must be that I'm unworthy of my good office. That's strange. I mustn't let anyone find it out, though." So he praised the material he did not see. He declared he was delighted with the beautiful colors and the exquisite pattern. To the Emperor he said, "It held me spellbound."

All the town was talking of this splendid cloth, and the Emperor wanted to see it for himself while it was still in the looms. Attended by a band of chosen men, among whom were his two old trusted officials-the ones who had been to the weavers-he set out to see the two swindlers. He found them weaving with might and main, but without a thread in their looms.

"Magnificent," said the two officials already duped. "Just look, Your Majesty, what colors! What a design!" They pointed to the empty looms, each supposing that the others could see the stuff.

"What's this?" thought the Emperor. "I can't see anything. This is terrible!

Am I a fool? Am I unfit to be the Emperor? What a thing to happen to me of all people! - Oh! It's very pretty," he said. "It has my highest approval." And he nodded approbation at the empty loom. Nothing could make him say that he couldn't see anything.

His whole retinue stared and stared. One saw no more than another, but they all joined the Emperor in exclaiming, "Oh! It's very pretty," and they advised him to wear clothes made of this wonderful cloth especially for the great procession he was soon to lead. "Magnificent! Excellent! Unsurpassed!" were bandied from mouth to mouth, and everyone did his best to seem well pleased. The Emperor gave each of the swindlers a cross to wear in his buttonhole, and the title of "Sir Weaver."

Before the procession the swindlers sat up all night and burned more than six candles, to show how busy they were finishing the Emperor's new clothes. They pretended to take the cloth off the loom. They made cuts in the air with huge scissors. And at last they said, "Now the Emperor's new clothes are ready for him."

Then the Emperor himself came with his noblest noblemen, and the swindlers each raised an arm as if they were holding something. They said, "These are the trousers, here's the coat, and this is the mantle," naming each garment. "All of them are as light as a spider web. One would almost think he had nothing on, but that's what makes them so fine."

"Exactly," all the noblemen agreed, though they could see nothing, for there was nothing to see.

"If Your Imperial Majesty will condescend to take your clothes off," said the swindlers, "we will help you on with your new ones here in front of the long mirror."

The Emperor undressed, and the swindlers pretended to put his new clothes on him, one garment after another. They took him around the waist and seemed to be fastening something - that was his train-as the Emperor turned round and round before the looking glass.

"How well Your Majesty's new clothes look. Aren't they becoming!" He heard on all sides, "That pattern, so perfect! Those colors, so suitable! It is a magnificent outfit."

Then the minister of public processions announced: "Your Majesty's canopy is waiting outside."

"Well, I'm supposed to be ready," the Emperor said, and turned again for one last look in the mirror. "It is a remarkable fit, isn't it?" He seemed to regard his costume with the greatest interest.

The noblemen who were to carry his train stooped low and reached for the floor as if they were picking up his mantle. Then they pretended to lift and hold it high. They didn't dare admit they had nothing to hold.

So off went the Emperor in procession under his splendid canopy. Everyone in the streets and the windows said, "Oh, how fine are the Emperor's new clothes! Don't they fit him to perfection? And see his long train!" Nobody would confess that he couldn't see anything, for that would prove him either unfit for his position, or a fool. No costume the Emperor had worn before was ever such a complete success.

"But he hasn't got anything on," a little child said.

"Did you ever hear such innocent prattle?" said its father. And one person whispered to another what the child had said, "He hasn't anything on. A child says he hasn't anything on."

"But he hasn't got anything on!" the whole town cried out at last.

The Emperor shivered, for he suspected they were right. But he thought, "This procession has got to go on." So he walked more proudly than ever, as his noblemen held high the train that wasn't there at all.

-----------------------------------

Warmest regards

Talkactive


Ecclesiastes 1:18!

For in much wisdom is much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow. ]]> http://www.paradisecafediscussions.net/showthread.php?tid=5999 Tue, 09 Mar 2010 10:09:27 -0500 http://www.paradisecafediscussions.net/showthread.php?tid=5999
Such a compelling story, eh? Here's another variation of this SCAM


Quote:Dear Beloved in Christ.

It is by the grace of God that I received Christ, having known the truth, I had no choice than to do what is lawful and just in the sight of God for eternal life and in the sight of man for witness of God & his Mercies and glory upon my life.

I am Mrs. Sarah Baxter, the wife of Mr. Ricky Baxter, my husband worked with the Chevron/Texaco in Jordan for twenty years before he died in the year 2005.We were married for ten years without a child. My Husband died after a brief illness that lasted for only four days. Before his death we both got born-again and dedicated Christians.

Since his death I decided not to re-marry or get a child outside my matrimonial home which the Bible is strongly against. When my late husband was alive he deposited the sum of US$7.5 Million. (Seven Million Five Hundred Thousand U.S.Dollars) with a Bank in Europe.

Presently, this money is still with the Bank and the management just wrote me as the beneficiary that our account has been DORMANT and if I, as the beneficiary of the funds, do not re-activate the account; the funds will be CONFISTICATED or I rather issue a letter of authorization to somebody to receive it on my behalf (note that you need to activate this account) as I can not come over.

Presently, I am in a hospital in Jordan where I have been undergoing treatment for esophageal cancer. I have since lost my ability to talk and my doctors have told me that I have only a few weeks to live. It is my last wish to see this money distributed to charity organizations anywhere in the World. Because relatives and friends have plundered so much of my wealth since my illness, I cannot live with the agony of entrusting this huge responsibility to any of them.

Please, I beg you in the name of God to help me Stand-in as the beneficiary and collect the Funds from the Bank. I want a person that is God-fearing who will use this money to fund churches, orphanages and widows propagating the word of God and to ensure that the house of God is maintained.

The Bible made us to understand that blessed is the hand that giveth. I took this decision because I don't have any child that will inherit this money and my husband's relatives are not Christians and I don't want my husband's hard earned money to be misused by unbelievers. I don't want a situation where this money will be used in an ungodly manner. Hence the reason for taking this bold decision.

I am not afraid of death since I know where I am going to. I know that I am going to be in the bosom of the Lord. {Exodus 14:14} says that the lord will fight my case and I shall hold my peace. I don't need any telephone communication in this regard because of my soundless voice and presence of my husband's relatives around me always. I don't want them to know about this development.

With God all things are possible.

If you are interested in helping me fulfill this dream, you can email to my
personal email: sarahbaxter_70@hotmail.com

Your Sister in Christ,

Mrs. Sarah Baxter


See the similarities? If you Google Sister(Mrs).Felicia Koroma you will find all sorts of these phony appeals. Admin has sent out PMs to all members to warn against this scam. 4peace has been banned.:readthis:

Love, Rez:P]]>
Such a compelling story, eh? Here's another variation of this SCAM


Quote:Dear Beloved in Christ.

It is by the grace of God that I received Christ, having known the truth, I had no choice than to do what is lawful and just in the sight of God for eternal life and in the sight of man for witness of God & his Mercies and glory upon my life.

I am Mrs. Sarah Baxter, the wife of Mr. Ricky Baxter, my husband worked with the Chevron/Texaco in Jordan for twenty years before he died in the year 2005.We were married for ten years without a child. My Husband died after a brief illness that lasted for only four days. Before his death we both got born-again and dedicated Christians.

Since his death I decided not to re-marry or get a child outside my matrimonial home which the Bible is strongly against. When my late husband was alive he deposited the sum of US$7.5 Million. (Seven Million Five Hundred Thousand U.S.Dollars) with a Bank in Europe.

Presently, this money is still with the Bank and the management just wrote me as the beneficiary that our account has been DORMANT and if I, as the beneficiary of the funds, do not re-activate the account; the funds will be CONFISTICATED or I rather issue a letter of authorization to somebody to receive it on my behalf (note that you need to activate this account) as I can not come over.

Presently, I am in a hospital in Jordan where I have been undergoing treatment for esophageal cancer. I have since lost my ability to talk and my doctors have told me that I have only a few weeks to live. It is my last wish to see this money distributed to charity organizations anywhere in the World. Because relatives and friends have plundered so much of my wealth since my illness, I cannot live with the agony of entrusting this huge responsibility to any of them.

Please, I beg you in the name of God to help me Stand-in as the beneficiary and collect the Funds from the Bank. I want a person that is God-fearing who will use this money to fund churches, orphanages and widows propagating the word of God and to ensure that the house of God is maintained.

The Bible made us to understand that blessed is the hand that giveth. I took this decision because I don't have any child that will inherit this money and my husband's relatives are not Christians and I don't want my husband's hard earned money to be misused by unbelievers. I don't want a situation where this money will be used in an ungodly manner. Hence the reason for taking this bold decision.

I am not afraid of death since I know where I am going to. I know that I am going to be in the bosom of the Lord. {Exodus 14:14} says that the lord will fight my case and I shall hold my peace. I don't need any telephone communication in this regard because of my soundless voice and presence of my husband's relatives around me always. I don't want them to know about this development.

With God all things are possible.

If you are interested in helping me fulfill this dream, you can email to my
personal email: sarahbaxter_70@hotmail.com

Your Sister in Christ,

Mrs. Sarah Baxter


See the similarities? If you Google Sister(Mrs).Felicia Koroma you will find all sorts of these phony appeals. Admin has sent out PMs to all members to warn against this scam. 4peace has been banned.:readthis:

Love, Rez:P]]> http://www.paradisecafediscussions.net/showthread.php?tid=5998 Tue, 09 Mar 2010 10:00:10 -0500 http://www.paradisecafediscussions.net/showthread.php?tid=5998

The board has been attacked by a scammer, (not a spammer).

This may well be the first of many.

They registered and Hi-Jacked instantly the P.M. facility to send messages to everyone.

Do not give these people any details whatsoever.

Do not give them your e-mail address or any bank details, they are experts at hacking and will empty your bank accounts.

If you spot another one of these dubious ones hit the report button immediately.

The current scam bunch has had their account removed.]]>

The board has been attacked by a scammer, (not a spammer).

This may well be the first of many.

They registered and Hi-Jacked instantly the P.M. facility to send messages to everyone.

Do not give these people any details whatsoever.

Do not give them your e-mail address or any bank details, they are experts at hacking and will empty your bank accounts.

If you spot another one of these dubious ones hit the report button immediately.

The current scam bunch has had their account removed.]]> http://www.paradisecafediscussions.net/showthread.php?tid=5997 Tue, 09 Mar 2010 08:31:23 -0500 http://www.paradisecafediscussions.net/showthread.php?tid=5997
This is a scam artist who will be removed as quickly as possible.

They are using the pm system.

This pile of rubbish was sent to Seraphim.

From Sister(Mrs).Felicia Koroma,

From Sister(Mrs).Felicia Koroma,
Abidjan Cote d Ivoire West Africa

Dearest in the lord,

I am Mrs Felicia.H.Koroma ,from Sierra Leone.I am married to late Mr. Joseph Koroma, who worked with Sierra Leone Embassy in Ivory Coast for Twenty-Six years before he died in the year 2003,after a brief illness that lasted for only five days. We were married for Eighteen years with a duaghter (edvige) who later died in a motor accident.Before the untimely death of my husband,we were both born again Christians(from Moslem to Christianity). And since after his death I decided not to remarry or get a child outside my matrimonial home which the Bible is against. When my late husband was alive he deposited the sum of (US$2.5M )Two Million,Five hundred Thousand United States Dollars) in a General Trust Account with a prime bank in Abidjan Cote d Ivoire. Presently,this money is still with the bank. Following my ill health, being a victim to cancer , I have decided to donate this fund to a Christain organizations (Church) that will utilize this fund the way I am going to instruct herein,according to the desire of my late husband. I want this fund to be used in Christain Activities like,Orphanages,Christain schools, and Churches for propagating the word of God and to endeavour that the house of God is maintained.The Bible made us to understand that "Blessed is the hand that giveth". I took this decision because I don't have any child that will inherit this money and my husband relatives are not Christians and I don't want my husband's efforts to be used by unbelievers.I don't want a situation where this money will be used in an ungodly way. This is why I am taking this decision. I am not afraid of death hence I know where I am going. I know that I am going to be in the bosom of the Lord. Exodus 14 VS 14 says that "the lord will fight my case and I shall hold my peace". I don't need any telephone communication in this regard because of my health as well the presence of my husband's relatives around me .I don't want them to know about this development. As soon as I receive your reply I shall give you the contact of the bank here in Abidjan. My happiness is that I lived a life of a worthy Christian. Whoever that Wants to serve the Lord must serve him in spirit and Truth. Please always be prayerful all through your life as well commit me into your daily prayers. Contact me on this e-mail addressfeliciakoroma@hosanna.net), any delay in your reply will give me room in sourcing another Church for this same purpose. Please assure me that you will act accordingly as I stated herein. Hoping to receive your reply immediately .
Remain blessed in the Lord.
Yours in Christ,
Sister Felicia Koroma,
Avenue 4 Marcory residential
14 bp 211 Abidjan 14

This might be the next type of spamming

Give us time it will be removed and remove the pm that is being sent to all, like a virus.]]>
This is a scam artist who will be removed as quickly as possible.

They are using the pm system.

This pile of rubbish was sent to Seraphim.

From Sister(Mrs).Felicia Koroma,

From Sister(Mrs).Felicia Koroma,
Abidjan Cote d Ivoire West Africa

Dearest in the lord,

I am Mrs Felicia.H.Koroma ,from Sierra Leone.I am married to late Mr. Joseph Koroma, who worked with Sierra Leone Embassy in Ivory Coast for Twenty-Six years before he died in the year 2003,after a brief illness that lasted for only five days. We were married for Eighteen years with a duaghter (edvige) who later died in a motor accident.Before the untimely death of my husband,we were both born again Christians(from Moslem to Christianity). And since after his death I decided not to remarry or get a child outside my matrimonial home which the Bible is against. When my late husband was alive he deposited the sum of (US$2.5M )Two Million,Five hundred Thousand United States Dollars) in a General Trust Account with a prime bank in Abidjan Cote d Ivoire. Presently,this money is still with the bank. Following my ill health, being a victim to cancer , I have decided to donate this fund to a Christain organizations (Church) that will utilize this fund the way I am going to instruct herein,according to the desire of my late husband. I want this fund to be used in Christain Activities like,Orphanages,Christain schools, and Churches for propagating the word of God and to endeavour that the house of God is maintained.The Bible made us to understand that "Blessed is the hand that giveth". I took this decision because I don't have any child that will inherit this money and my husband relatives are not Christians and I don't want my husband's efforts to be used by unbelievers.I don't want a situation where this money will be used in an ungodly way. This is why I am taking this decision. I am not afraid of death hence I know where I am going. I know that I am going to be in the bosom of the Lord. Exodus 14 VS 14 says that "the lord will fight my case and I shall hold my peace". I don't need any telephone communication in this regard because of my health as well the presence of my husband's relatives around me .I don't want them to know about this development. As soon as I receive your reply I shall give you the contact of the bank here in Abidjan. My happiness is that I lived a life of a worthy Christian. Whoever that Wants to serve the Lord must serve him in spirit and Truth. Please always be prayerful all through your life as well commit me into your daily prayers. Contact me on this e-mail addressfeliciakoroma@hosanna.net), any delay in your reply will give me room in sourcing another Church for this same purpose. Please assure me that you will act accordingly as I stated herein. Hoping to receive your reply immediately .
Remain blessed in the Lord.
Yours in Christ,
Sister Felicia Koroma,
Avenue 4 Marcory residential
14 bp 211 Abidjan 14

This might be the next type of spamming

Give us time it will be removed and remove the pm that is being sent to all, like a virus.]]> http://www.paradisecafediscussions.net/showthread.php?tid=5996 Tue, 09 Mar 2010 06:15:49 -0500 http://www.paradisecafediscussions.net/showthread.php?tid=5996
Thank you again for your responses to my question on another thread as to whether the witnesses are your brothers and sisters. Now your response prompted me to ask the next question; Are the Witnesses Christians?

For some of you the question might look just absurd. Afterall, doesn't the witnesses call themselves "Christian Jehovah's witnesses"? In addition, we all know that the witnesses claim to be the only "true Christians", while all others are said to be false christians. But isn't calling other christians false exactly what makes people unchristian?

Really, is someone automatically christian because he/ she claims to be a christian?

In light of thís background, I ask what makes an active Jehovah's Witnesses a christian? Afterall, a witness is not baptised in the name of the father, the son and the holy spirit; a primary prerequisite to become a christian.

Your take is very much appreciated.

:heartbeat:

AR]]>
Thank you again for your responses to my question on another thread as to whether the witnesses are your brothers and sisters. Now your response prompted me to ask the next question; Are the Witnesses Christians?

For some of you the question might look just absurd. Afterall, doesn't the witnesses call themselves "Christian Jehovah's witnesses"? In addition, we all know that the witnesses claim to be the only "true Christians", while all others are said to be false christians. But isn't calling other christians false exactly what makes people unchristian?

Really, is someone automatically christian because he/ she claims to be a christian?

In light of thís background, I ask what makes an active Jehovah's Witnesses a christian? Afterall, a witness is not baptised in the name of the father, the son and the holy spirit; a primary prerequisite to become a christian.

Your take is very much appreciated.

:heartbeat:

AR]]> http://www.paradisecafediscussions.net/showthread.php?tid=5995 Mon, 08 Mar 2010 18:45:53 -0500 http://www.paradisecafediscussions.net/showthread.php?tid=5995
Such an interesting part of this account. It was a chain reaction pretty much down the line. :rose: and after this nothing was the same again....

''''The LORD God called to the man, ''Where are you?'' (9)

''He answered, ''I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.'' (10) :rose:

''And he said, ''Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?'' (11) :rose:

''The man said, ''The woman you put here with me--she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.'' (12) ..... :rose:

''The the LORD God said to the woman, ''What is this you have done?''
(13) :rose:

''The woman said, ''The serpent deceived me, and I ate.'' :rose:

This reminds me of a plaque hanging in a Dr.'s office here. It says
''Mistakes will be made--others will be blamed.'' :love: :rose:

and from there all three were disciplined.... :rose:

Adam sounds a bit resentful to me in verse 3. He sounds a bit like he would even be inclined to blame God for giving Eve to him as his wife.
He sounds really immature. However--the marriage arrangement was done for the good of Adam and is a part of the story that I find most tender: :heartbeat: :rose:

''The LORD God said ''It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.'' Genesis 2:18 :rose:

Now the LORD God had formed out of the ground all the beasts of the field and all the birds of the air. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name.'' (19) :rose:

''So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds of the air and all the beasts of the field.
But for Adam no suitable helper was found.'' (20) :rose:

''So the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man's ribs and closed up the place with flesh. (21) :rose:

''Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man and he brought her to the man. (22) :rose:

''The man said,
'This is now bone of my bones :rose:
and flesh of my flesh;
she shall be called woman,
for she was taken out of man.'' (23) :rose:

and so went the first marriage ceremony. :heartbeat: :rose:

I am also sure Adam and Eve made peace with each other. They had lots of time to work on it-- :heartbeat:

Marriage is a blessed union--and a gift from God along with a divine commission to fulfill. :rose:

''So God created human beings in his image. In the image of God he created them. He created them male and female. God blessed them and said, ''Have many children and grow in number. Fill the earth and be its master. Rule over the fish in the sea and over the birds in the sky and over every living thing that moves on the earth.''
Genesis 1: 27-28 :rose:

For the married friends among us :heartbeat: :rose:
may the journey--the voyage --be a joyous one ...

The Voyage :rose:

''I am a sailor, your're my first mate.
We signed on together, we coupled our fate. :rose:
We hauled up our anchor, determined not to fail.
For the heart's treasure, together we set sail. :rose:

With no maps to guide us, we steer our own course.
We rode out the storms when the winds were gale force. :rose:
We sat out the doldrums in patience and hope.
Working together, we learned how to cope. :rose:

Life is an ocean, love is a boat.
In troubled waters, it keeps us afloat. :rose:
When we started the voyage, there was just me and you. :rose:
Now gathered round us, we have our own crew.

Together we're in this relationship. :rose:
We built it with care, to last the whole trip.
Our true destination's not marked on any charts.
We're navigating for the shores of the heart. :rose:

Life is an ocean and love is a boat.
In troubled waters, it keeps us afloat. :rose:
When we started the voyage, there was just me and you.
Now gathered round us, we have our own crew.'' :rose:
(Celtic Thunder)

good night friends :love: be blessed :heartbeat: :grouphug:]]>
Such an interesting part of this account. It was a chain reaction pretty much down the line. :rose: and after this nothing was the same again....

''''The LORD God called to the man, ''Where are you?'' (9)

''He answered, ''I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.'' (10) :rose:

''And he said, ''Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?'' (11) :rose:

''The man said, ''The woman you put here with me--she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.'' (12) ..... :rose:

''The the LORD God said to the woman, ''What is this you have done?''
(13) :rose:

''The woman said, ''The serpent deceived me, and I ate.'' :rose:

This reminds me of a plaque hanging in a Dr.'s office here. It says
''Mistakes will be made--others will be blamed.'' :love: :rose:

and from there all three were disciplined.... :rose:

Adam sounds a bit resentful to me in verse 3. He sounds a bit like he would even be inclined to blame God for giving Eve to him as his wife.
He sounds really immature. However--the marriage arrangement was done for the good of Adam and is a part of the story that I find most tender: :heartbeat: :rose:

''The LORD God said ''It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.'' Genesis 2:18 :rose:

Now the LORD God had formed out of the ground all the beasts of the field and all the birds of the air. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name.'' (19) :rose:

''So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds of the air and all the beasts of the field.
But for Adam no suitable helper was found.'' (20) :rose:

''So the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man's ribs and closed up the place with flesh. (21) :rose:

''Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man and he brought her to the man. (22) :rose:

''The man said,
'This is now bone of my bones :rose:
and flesh of my flesh;
she shall be called woman,
for she was taken out of man.'' (23) :rose:

and so went the first marriage ceremony. :heartbeat: :rose:

I am also sure Adam and Eve made peace with each other. They had lots of time to work on it-- :heartbeat:

Marriage is a blessed union--and a gift from God along with a divine commission to fulfill. :rose:

''So God created human beings in his image. In the image of God he created them. He created them male and female. God blessed them and said, ''Have many children and grow in number. Fill the earth and be its master. Rule over the fish in the sea and over the birds in the sky and over every living thing that moves on the earth.''
Genesis 1: 27-28 :rose:

For the married friends among us :heartbeat: :rose:
may the journey--the voyage --be a joyous one ...

The Voyage :rose:

''I am a sailor, your're my first mate.
We signed on together, we coupled our fate. :rose:
We hauled up our anchor, determined not to fail.
For the heart's treasure, together we set sail. :rose:

With no maps to guide us, we steer our own course.
We rode out the storms when the winds were gale force. :rose:
We sat out the doldrums in patience and hope.
Working together, we learned how to cope. :rose:

Life is an ocean, love is a boat.
In troubled waters, it keeps us afloat. :rose:
When we started the voyage, there was just me and you. :rose:
Now gathered round us, we have our own crew.

Together we're in this relationship. :rose:
We built it with care, to last the whole trip.
Our true destination's not marked on any charts.
We're navigating for the shores of the heart. :rose:

Life is an ocean and love is a boat.
In troubled waters, it keeps us afloat. :rose:
When we started the voyage, there was just me and you.
Now gathered round us, we have our own crew.'' :rose:
(Celtic Thunder)

good night friends :love: be blessed :heartbeat: :grouphug:]]> http://www.paradisecafediscussions.net/showthread.php?tid=5994 Mon, 08 Mar 2010 16:00:15 -0500 http://www.paradisecafediscussions.net/showthread.php?tid=5994 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qhRvWiWM...re=related]]> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qhRvWiWM...re=related]]> http://www.paradisecafediscussions.net/showthread.php?tid=5993 Mon, 08 Mar 2010 13:52:11 -0500 http://www.paradisecafediscussions.net/showthread.php?tid=5993
I just joined today.

I was invited to this site from a person who befriended me from JW Support Forums.

I know first impressions are important; but I have somewhat of a humorous side, so I created a picture of myself for those who care to see: http://richkelsey.org/CONE%20HEAD.htm

No. I am not from France.

I look forward to getting to know some of you here. As an author, I have written various articles. Please check out Joseph Smith on Trial if you care to have some fun reading:

http://richkelsey.org/an_incredible_story_part_iii.htm

God bless you all,

Rich Kelsey]]>
I just joined today.

I was invited to this site from a person who befriended me from JW Support Forums.

I know first impressions are important; but I have somewhat of a humorous side, so I created a picture of myself for those who care to see: http://richkelsey.org/CONE%20HEAD.htm

No. I am not from France.

I look forward to getting to know some of you here. As an author, I have written various articles. Please check out Joseph Smith on Trial if you care to have some fun reading:

http://richkelsey.org/an_incredible_story_part_iii.htm

God bless you all,

Rich Kelsey]]> http://www.paradisecafediscussions.net/showthread.php?tid=5992 Sun, 07 Mar 2010 20:04:02 -0500 http://www.paradisecafediscussions.net/showthread.php?tid=5992
“This night there stood near me an angel of the God to whom I belong.”—ACTS 27:23.

“ON THE basis of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, have you repented of your sins and dedicated yourself to Jehovah to do his will?” This is one of the two questions answered by baptismal candidates at the conclusion of a baptism talk. Why do Christians need to dedicate themselves to Jehovah? How does being dedicated to God benefit us? Why can one not worship God acceptably without being dedicated to him? To understand the answers, we first need to consider what dedication is.

2 What does dedicating oneself to God mean? Note how the apostle Paul described his relationship with God. Before many others aboard an imperiled ship, he called Jehovah “the God to whom I belong.” (Read Acts 27:22-24.) All true Christians belong to Jehovah. In contrast, the world in general is “lying in the power of the wicked one.” (1 John 5:19) Christians come to belong to Jehovah when they make an acceptable dedication of themselves to him in prayer. Such a dedication is a personal vow. It is followed by water baptism.

3 Jesus provided an example for us when he made a personal choice to do God’s will. Because he had been born into the dedicated nation of Israel, he was already dedicated to God. Still, at his baptism he did something more than what was required under the Law. God’s Word indicates that he said: “Look! I am come . . . to do your will, O God.” (Heb. 10:7; Luke 3:21) So Jesus’ baptism symbolized his presentation of himself to God for the doing of his Father’s will. His followers imitate his example when they offer themselves for baptism. However, in their case, water baptism is a public demonstration that they have made a personal dedication to God in prayer.

How Dedication Benefits Us

4 Christian dedication is a serious matter. It is more than a mere commitment. How, though, does making a dedication benefit us? By way of comparison, let us consider how making a commitment in human relationships brings benefits. One example is friendship. To enjoy the privilege of having a friend, you have to accept the responsibility of being a friend. That involves a commitment—you feel an obligation to care about your friend. One of the most outstanding friendships described in the Bible is that of David and Jonathan. They even made a covenant of friendship with each other. (Read 1 Samuel 17:57; 18:1, 3.) Although friendships with that level of commitment are rare, most friendships flourish when companions are committed, or feel some obligation, to each other.—Prov. 17:17; 18:24.

5 The Law that God gave to Israel describes another relationship in which people benefited by making a commitment. If a slave wanted the security of belonging permanently to a good master, he could enter a permanent and binding agreement with him. The Law states: “If the slave should insistently say, ‘I really love my master, my wife and my sons; I do not want to go out as one set free,’ then his master must bring him near to the true God and must bring him up against the door or the doorpost; and his master must pierce his ear through with an awl, and he must be his slave to time indefinite.”—Ex. 21:5, 6.

6 Marriage is a relationship that requires a high level of commitment. It is a commitment, not to a contract, but to a person. Two people who merely live together without getting married can never enjoy real security; neither can their children. But partners who are committed to each other in honorable marriage have an impelling Scriptural reason for striving to resolve their difficulties with love when problems arise.—Matt. 19:5, 6; 1 Cor. 13:7, 8; Heb. 13:4.

7 In Bible times, people benefited from having binding contracts in business and employment. (Matt. 20:1, 2, 8) Today, the same holds true. For example, we benefit from having a binding written agreement, or written contract, before we begin a business venture or start working as an employee in a company. Hence, if commitment enhances relationships such as friendship, marriage, and employment, how much more will making an unreserved dedication benefit you in your relationship with Jehovah! Let us now consider how people in the past have benefited from being dedicated to Jehovah God and how this was far more than just a commitment. How Dedication to God Benefited Israel

8 The nation of Israel as a whole became dedicated to Jehovah when they made a vow to God. Jehovah had them assemble near Mount Sinai, and he said to them: “If you will strictly obey my voice and will indeed keep my covenant, then you will certainly become my special property out of all other peoples.” The people answered unanimously: “All that Jehovah has spoken we are willing to do.” (Ex. 19:4-8) Being dedicated meant much more for Israel than being committed to do something. It meant that they belonged to Jehovah, and Jehovah treated them as his “special property.”

9 The Israelites benefited from belonging to Jehovah. He was loyal and cared for them as a loving parent cares for a child. To Israel, God said: “Can a wife forget her suckling so that she should not pity the son of her belly? Even these women can forget, yet I myself shall not forget you.” (Isa. 49:15) Jehovah gave them the guidance of the Law, the encouragement of the prophets, and the protection of the angels. A psalmist wrote: “He is telling his word to Jacob, his regulations and his judicial decisions to Israel. He has not done that way to any other nation.” (Ps. 147:19, 20; read Psalm 34:7, 19; 48:14.) As Jehovah cared for the nation that belonged to him in the past, so he will care for those who dedicate themselves to him today.

Why We Should Dedicate Ourselves to God

10 While contemplating Christian dedication and baptism, some may wonder, ‘Why can I not worship God without dedicating myself to him?’ The reason becomes clear when we consider the reality of our present standing before God. Remember, because of Adam’s sin, we are all born outside God’s family. (Rom. 3:23; 5:12) Dedicating ourselves to God is a vital requirement for being accepted into his universal family. Let us see why.

11 None of us have a natural father who could pass on to us life as it should be—perfect life. (1 Tim. 6:19) We were not born as sons of God because when the first human pair sinned, the human race was separated from its loving Father and Creator. (Compare Deuteronomy 32:5.) From that time onward, the world of mankind has lived outside Jehovah’s universal family, alienated from God.

12 Nevertheless, as individuals we can request that God accept us into his family of approved servants.* How is that possible for sinners such as we are? The apostle Paul wrote: “When we were enemies, we became reconciled to God through the death of his Son.” (Rom. 5:10) At baptism we make a request to God for a good conscience so as to be acceptable to him. (1 Pet. 3:21) Prior to baptism, however, there are steps we must take. We must get to know God, learn to trust him, repent, and change our ways. (John 17:3; Acts 3:19; Heb. 11:6) And something else remains to be done before we can be accepted into God’s family. What is that?

*ftn: Jesus’ “other sheep” will not become sons of God until the end of the thousand years. However, since they have dedicated themselves to God, they can properly address God as “Father” and can rightly be considered members of Jehovah’s family of worshippers.—John 10:16; Isa. 64:8; Matt. 6:9; Rev. 20:5.

13 Before someone who is alienated from God can become a member of God’s family of approved servants, he first needs to make a solemn promise to Jehovah. To understand why, imagine a respectable father who shows kind interest in an orphaned youth and wishes to adopt him as a member of his own family. The father is known to be a good man. Still, before accepting the youth as his son, the man wants the boy to make a promise. So the man says, “Before I accept you as a son, I need to know that you will love and respect me as your father.” Only if the youth is willing to make a solemn promise will the man admit him into his family. Is that not reasonable? Similarly, Jehovah accepts into his family only those who are willing to make a vow of dedication to him. The Bible says: “Offer your very selves to him: a living sacrifice, dedicated and fit for his acceptance.” —Rom. 12:1, The New English Bible.

An Act of Love and Faith

14 Making a vow of dedication to God is an expression of our heartfelt love for Jehovah. In some ways it is similar to a wedding vow. A Christian bridegroom expresses his love by vowing to be loyal to his bride, come what may. It is a pledge to a person rather than merely a promise to do something. A Christian bridegroom understands that he could not have the privilege of living with his bride if he would not make a marriage vow. In a similar way, we cannot fully enjoy the benefits of being a member of Jehovah’s family without making a vow of dedication. So we dedicate ourselves to God because, in spite of our imperfection, we desire to belong to him and are resolved to be loyal to him, come what may.—Matt. 22:37.

15 When we dedicate ourselves to God, we perform an act of faith. Why is that so? Our faith in Jehovah makes us confident that drawing close to God is good for us. (Ps. 73:28) We know that it will not always be easy to walk with God while living among “a crooked and twisted generation,” but we trust in God’s promise to support us in our efforts. (Phil. 2:15; 4:13) We know that we are imperfect, but we are confident that Jehovah will deal mercifully with us even when we make mistakes. (Read Psalm 103:13, 14; Romans 7:21-25.) We have faith that Jehovah will reward our resolve to keep our integrity.—Job 27:5.

Dedication to God Leads to Happiness

16 Being dedicated to Jehovah results in happiness because it involves the giving of ourselves. Jesus stated a basic truth when he said: “There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving.” (Acts 20:35) Jesus fully experienced the happiness of giving during his earthly ministry. When necessary, he went without rest, food, and comfort so that he could help others to find the road to life. (John 4:34) Jesus found delight in making his Father’s heart rejoice. Jesus said: “I always do the things pleasing to him.”—John 8:29; Prov. 27:11.

17 Thus, Jesus pointed his followers toward a satisfying way of life when he said: “If anyone wants to come after me, let him disown himself.” (Matt. 16:24) Doing so draws us closer to Jehovah. Could we place ourselves in the hands of anyone else who could care for us more lovingly?

18 Dedicating ourselves to Jehovah and thereafter living in harmony with that dedication by doing his will brings more happiness than being dedicated to anything or anyone else. For example, many people devote their life to the pursuit of material wealth without attaining true happiness and genuine satisfaction. However, those who dedicate themselves to Jehovah find long-lasting happiness. (Matt. 6:24) The honor of being “God’s fellow workers” makes them happy, yet their dedication is not to a work but to our appreciative God. (1 Cor. 3:9) No one could be more appreciative of their self-sacrifice than he is. He will even restore his loyal ones to their youth so that they can benefit from his care forever.—Job 33:25; read Hebrews 6:10.

19 Dedicating your life to Jehovah brings you into a close relationship with him. The Bible says: “Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you.” (Jas. 4:8; Ps. 25:14) In the following article, we will consider why we can be confident about making the choice to belong to Jehovah.

(Excluding the loaded questions to ease severity of victim impact ... sw)]]>
“This night there stood near me an angel of the God to whom I belong.”—ACTS 27:23.

“ON THE basis of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, have you repented of your sins and dedicated yourself to Jehovah to do his will?” This is one of the two questions answered by baptismal candidates at the conclusion of a baptism talk. Why do Christians need to dedicate themselves to Jehovah? How does being dedicated to God benefit us? Why can one not worship God acceptably without being dedicated to him? To understand the answers, we first need to consider what dedication is.

2 What does dedicating oneself to God mean? Note how the apostle Paul described his relationship with God. Before many others aboard an imperiled ship, he called Jehovah “the God to whom I belong.” (Read Acts 27:22-24.) All true Christians belong to Jehovah. In contrast, the world in general is “lying in the power of the wicked one.” (1 John 5:19) Christians come to belong to Jehovah when they make an acceptable dedication of themselves to him in prayer. Such a dedication is a personal vow. It is followed by water baptism.

3 Jesus provided an example for us when he made a personal choice to do God’s will. Because he had been born into the dedicated nation of Israel, he was already dedicated to God. Still, at his baptism he did something more than what was required under the Law. God’s Word indicates that he said: “Look! I am come . . . to do your will, O God.” (Heb. 10:7; Luke 3:21) So Jesus’ baptism symbolized his presentation of himself to God for the doing of his Father’s will. His followers imitate his example when they offer themselves for baptism. However, in their case, water baptism is a public demonstration that they have made a personal dedication to God in prayer.

How Dedication Benefits Us

4 Christian dedication is a serious matter. It is more than a mere commitment. How, though, does making a dedication benefit us? By way of comparison, let us consider how making a commitment in human relationships brings benefits. One example is friendship. To enjoy the privilege of having a friend, you have to accept the responsibility of being a friend. That involves a commitment—you feel an obligation to care about your friend. One of the most outstanding friendships described in the Bible is that of David and Jonathan. They even made a covenant of friendship with each other. (Read 1 Samuel 17:57; 18:1, 3.) Although friendships with that level of commitment are rare, most friendships flourish when companions are committed, or feel some obligation, to each other.—Prov. 17:17; 18:24.

5 The Law that God gave to Israel describes another relationship in which people benefited by making a commitment. If a slave wanted the security of belonging permanently to a good master, he could enter a permanent and binding agreement with him. The Law states: “If the slave should insistently say, ‘I really love my master, my wife and my sons; I do not want to go out as one set free,’ then his master must bring him near to the true God and must bring him up against the door or the doorpost; and his master must pierce his ear through with an awl, and he must be his slave to time indefinite.”—Ex. 21:5, 6.

6 Marriage is a relationship that requires a high level of commitment. It is a commitment, not to a contract, but to a person. Two people who merely live together without getting married can never enjoy real security; neither can their children. But partners who are committed to each other in honorable marriage have an impelling Scriptural reason for striving to resolve their difficulties with love when problems arise.—Matt. 19:5, 6; 1 Cor. 13:7, 8; Heb. 13:4.

7 In Bible times, people benefited from having binding contracts in business and employment. (Matt. 20:1, 2, 8) Today, the same holds true. For example, we benefit from having a binding written agreement, or written contract, before we begin a business venture or start working as an employee in a company. Hence, if commitment enhances relationships such as friendship, marriage, and employment, how much more will making an unreserved dedication benefit you in your relationship with Jehovah! Let us now consider how people in the past have benefited from being dedicated to Jehovah God and how this was far more than just a commitment. How Dedication to God Benefited Israel

8 The nation of Israel as a whole became dedicated to Jehovah when they made a vow to God. Jehovah had them assemble near Mount Sinai, and he said to them: “If you will strictly obey my voice and will indeed keep my covenant, then you will certainly become my special property out of all other peoples.” The people answered unanimously: “All that Jehovah has spoken we are willing to do.” (Ex. 19:4-8) Being dedicated meant much more for Israel than being committed to do something. It meant that they belonged to Jehovah, and Jehovah treated them as his “special property.”

9 The Israelites benefited from belonging to Jehovah. He was loyal and cared for them as a loving parent cares for a child. To Israel, God said: “Can a wife forget her suckling so that she should not pity the son of her belly? Even these women can forget, yet I myself shall not forget you.” (Isa. 49:15) Jehovah gave them the guidance of the Law, the encouragement of the prophets, and the protection of the angels. A psalmist wrote: “He is telling his word to Jacob, his regulations and his judicial decisions to Israel. He has not done that way to any other nation.” (Ps. 147:19, 20; read Psalm 34:7, 19; 48:14.) As Jehovah cared for the nation that belonged to him in the past, so he will care for those who dedicate themselves to him today.

Why We Should Dedicate Ourselves to God

10 While contemplating Christian dedication and baptism, some may wonder, ‘Why can I not worship God without dedicating myself to him?’ The reason becomes clear when we consider the reality of our present standing before God. Remember, because of Adam’s sin, we are all born outside God’s family. (Rom. 3:23; 5:12) Dedicating ourselves to God is a vital requirement for being accepted into his universal family. Let us see why.

11 None of us have a natural father who could pass on to us life as it should be—perfect life. (1 Tim. 6:19) We were not born as sons of God because when the first human pair sinned, the human race was separated from its loving Father and Creator. (Compare Deuteronomy 32:5.) From that time onward, the world of mankind has lived outside Jehovah’s universal family, alienated from God.

12 Nevertheless, as individuals we can request that God accept us into his family of approved servants.* How is that possible for sinners such as we are? The apostle Paul wrote: “When we were enemies, we became reconciled to God through the death of his Son.” (Rom. 5:10) At baptism we make a request to God for a good conscience so as to be acceptable to him. (1 Pet. 3:21) Prior to baptism, however, there are steps we must take. We must get to know God, learn to trust him, repent, and change our ways. (John 17:3; Acts 3:19; Heb. 11:6) And something else remains to be done before we can be accepted into God’s family. What is that?

*ftn: Jesus’ “other sheep” will not become sons of God until the end of the thousand years. However, since they have dedicated themselves to God, they can properly address God as “Father” and can rightly be considered members of Jehovah’s family of worshippers.—John 10:16; Isa. 64:8; Matt. 6:9; Rev. 20:5.

13 Before someone who is alienated from God can become a member of God’s family of approved servants, he first needs to make a solemn promise to Jehovah. To understand why, imagine a respectable father who shows kind interest in an orphaned youth and wishes to adopt him as a member of his own family. The father is known to be a good man. Still, before accepting the youth as his son, the man wants the boy to make a promise. So the man says, “Before I accept you as a son, I need to know that you will love and respect me as your father.” Only if the youth is willing to make a solemn promise will the man admit him into his family. Is that not reasonable? Similarly, Jehovah accepts into his family only those who are willing to make a vow of dedication to him. The Bible says: “Offer your very selves to him: a living sacrifice, dedicated and fit for his acceptance.” —Rom. 12:1, The New English Bible.

An Act of Love and Faith

14 Making a vow of dedication to God is an expression of our heartfelt love for Jehovah. In some ways it is similar to a wedding vow. A Christian bridegroom expresses his love by vowing to be loyal to his bride, come what may. It is a pledge to a person rather than merely a promise to do something. A Christian bridegroom understands that he could not have the privilege of living with his bride if he would not make a marriage vow. In a similar way, we cannot fully enjoy the benefits of being a member of Jehovah’s family without making a vow of dedication. So we dedicate ourselves to God because, in spite of our imperfection, we desire to belong to him and are resolved to be loyal to him, come what may.—Matt. 22:37.

15 When we dedicate ourselves to God, we perform an act of faith. Why is that so? Our faith in Jehovah makes us confident that drawing close to God is good for us. (Ps. 73:28) We know that it will not always be easy to walk with God while living among “a crooked and twisted generation,” but we trust in God’s promise to support us in our efforts. (Phil. 2:15; 4:13) We know that we are imperfect, but we are confident that Jehovah will deal mercifully with us even when we make mistakes. (Read Psalm 103:13, 14; Romans 7:21-25.) We have faith that Jehovah will reward our resolve to keep our integrity.—Job 27:5.

Dedication to God Leads to Happiness

16 Being dedicated to Jehovah results in happiness because it involves the giving of ourselves. Jesus stated a basic truth when he said: “There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving.” (Acts 20:35) Jesus fully experienced the happiness of giving during his earthly ministry. When necessary, he went without rest, food, and comfort so that he could help others to find the road to life. (John 4:34) Jesus found delight in making his Father’s heart rejoice. Jesus said: “I always do the things pleasing to him.”—John 8:29; Prov. 27:11.

17 Thus, Jesus pointed his followers toward a satisfying way of life when he said: “If anyone wants to come after me, let him disown himself.” (Matt. 16:24) Doing so draws us closer to Jehovah. Could we place ourselves in the hands of anyone else who could care for us more lovingly?

18 Dedicating ourselves to Jehovah and thereafter living in harmony with that dedication by doing his will brings more happiness than being dedicated to anything or anyone else. For example, many people devote their life to the pursuit of material wealth without attaining true happiness and genuine satisfaction. However, those who dedicate themselves to Jehovah find long-lasting happiness. (Matt. 6:24) The honor of being “God’s fellow workers” makes them happy, yet their dedication is not to a work but to our appreciative God. (1 Cor. 3:9) No one could be more appreciative of their self-sacrifice than he is. He will even restore his loyal ones to their youth so that they can benefit from his care forever.—Job 33:25; read Hebrews 6:10.

19 Dedicating your life to Jehovah brings you into a close relationship with him. The Bible says: “Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you.” (Jas. 4:8; Ps. 25:14) In the following article, we will consider why we can be confident about making the choice to belong to Jehovah.

(Excluding the loaded questions to ease severity of victim impact ... sw)]]> http://www.paradisecafediscussions.net/showthread.php?tid=5990 Sun, 07 Mar 2010 10:01:40 -0500 http://www.paradisecafediscussions.net/showthread.php?tid=5990

http://www.thelaughingapostate.com/story...nd-the-wts

Warm Christian Love
Bangalore]]>

http://www.thelaughingapostate.com/story...nd-the-wts

Warm Christian Love
Bangalore]]> http://www.paradisecafediscussions.net/showthread.php?tid=5989 Sun, 07 Mar 2010 08:26:15 -0500 http://www.paradisecafediscussions.net/showthread.php?tid=5989
Leviticus 26
Blessings of Obedience
1 You shall not make for yourselves idols, nor shall you set up for yourselves an image or a sacred pillar, nor shall you place a figured stone in your land to bow down to it; for I am the LORD your God.
11 Moreover, I will make My dwelling among you, and My soul will not reject you. 12 I will also walk among you and be your God, and you shall be My people.

Deuteronomy 27:15
'Cursed is the man who makes an idol or a molten image, an abomination to the LORD, the work of the hands of the craftsman, and sets it up in secret ' And all the people shall answer and say, 'Amen.'

Deuteronomy 32
12 The LORD alone guided him(Jacob),
And there was no foreign god with him.

15 But Jeshurun grew fat and kicked--
You are grown fat, thick, and sleek--
Then he forsook God who made him,
And scorned the Rock of his salvation.
16 They made Him jealous with strange gods;
With abominations they provoked Him to anger.
17 They sacrificed to demons who were not God,
To gods whom they have not known,
New gods who came lately,
Whom your fathers did not dread.
18 You neglected the Rock who begot you,
And forgot the God who gave you birth.
19 The LORD saw this, and spurned them
Because of the provocation of His sons and daughters.
20 Then He said, 'I will hide My face from them,
I will see what their end shall be;
For they are a perverse generation,
Sons in whom is no faithfulness.
21 They have made Me jealous with what is not God;
They have provoked Me to anger with their idols
So I will make them jealous with those who are not a people;
I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation,

Jeremiah 10
A Satire on Idolatry
1 Hear the word which the LORD speaks to you, O house of Israel.
2 Thus says the LORD,
"Do not learn the way of the nations,
And do not be terrified by the signs of the heavens
Although the nations are terrified by them;
3 For the customs of the peoples are delusion;
Because it is wood cut from the forest,
The work of the hands of a craftsman with a cutting tool.
4 They decorate it with silver and with gold;
They fasten it with nails and with hammers
So that it will not totter.
5 Like a scarecrow in a cucumber field are they,
And they cannot speak;
They must be carried,
Because they cannot walk!
Do not fear them,
For they can do no harm,
Nor can they do any good."
6 There is none like You, O LORD;
You are great, and great is Your name in might.
7 Who would not fear You, O King of the nations?
Indeed it is Your due!
For among all the wise men of the nations
And in all their kingdoms,
There is none like You.
8 But they are altogether stupid and foolish
In their discipline of delusion--their idol is wood!

14 Every man is stupid, devoid of knowledge;
Every goldsmith is put to shame by his idols;
For his molten images are deceitful,
And there is no breath in them.
15 They are worthless, a work of mockery;
In the time of their punishment they will perish.

Our God is not One to be mocked!

Zechariah 13:1, 2, 9
1 In that day a fountain will be opened for the house of David and for the inhabitants of Jerusalem, for sin and for impurity.
2 It will come about in that day," declares the LORD of hosts, "that I will cut off the names of the idols from the land, and they will no longer be remembered; and I will also remove the prophets and the unclean spirit from the land.
9 And I will bring the third part through the fire,
Refine them as silver is refined,
And test them as gold is tested
They will call on My name,
And I will answer them;
I will say, 'They are My people,'
And they will say, 'The LORD is my God.'"

Idols are not only those made of wood and metal, but also those made of flesh and blood. We can find much comfort in God's promise to ''cut off'' idols from the land, including those 'prophets' employing lying "unclean spirits", who lead God's people into idolatry with their perverse "discipline of delusion".

:heartbeat: Lots of love to you ALL from
Your friend and sister in faith, Willa :heartbeat: ]]>
Leviticus 26
Blessings of Obedience
1 You shall not make for yourselves idols, nor shall you set up for yourselves an image or a sacred pillar, nor shall you place a figured stone in your land to bow down to it; for I am the LORD your God.
11 Moreover, I will make My dwelling among you, and My soul will not reject you. 12 I will also walk among you and be your God, and you shall be My people.

Deuteronomy 27:15
'Cursed is the man who makes an idol or a molten image, an abomination to the LORD, the work of the hands of the craftsman, and sets it up in secret ' And all the people shall answer and say, 'Amen.'

Deuteronomy 32
12 The LORD alone guided him(Jacob),
And there was no foreign god with him.

15 But Jeshurun grew fat and kicked--
You are grown fat, thick, and sleek--
Then he forsook God who made him,
And scorned the Rock of his salvation.
16 They made Him jealous with strange gods;
With abominations they provoked Him to anger.
17 They sacrificed to demons who were not God,
To gods whom they have not known,
New gods who came lately,
Whom your fathers did not dread.
18 You neglected the Rock who begot you,
And forgot the God who gave you birth.
19 The LORD saw this, and spurned them
Because of the provocation of His sons and daughters.
20 Then He said, 'I will hide My face from them,
I will see what their end shall be;
For they are a perverse generation,
Sons in whom is no faithfulness.
21 They have made Me jealous with what is not God;
They have provoked Me to anger with their idols
So I will make them jealous with those who are not a people;
I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation,

Jeremiah 10
A Satire on Idolatry
1 Hear the word which the LORD speaks to you, O house of Israel.
2 Thus says the LORD,
"Do not learn the way of the nations,
And do not be terrified by the signs of the heavens
Although the nations are terrified by them;
3 For the customs of the peoples are delusion;
Because it is wood cut from the forest,
The work of the hands of a craftsman with a cutting tool.
4 They decorate it with silver and with gold;
They fasten it with nails and with hammers
So that it will not totter.
5 Like a scarecrow in a cucumber field are they,
And they cannot speak;
They must be carried,
Because they cannot walk!
Do not fear them,
For they can do no harm,
Nor can they do any good."
6 There is none like You, O LORD;
You are great, and great is Your name in might.
7 Who would not fear You, O King of the nations?
Indeed it is Your due!
For among all the wise men of the nations
And in all their kingdoms,
There is none like You.
8 But they are altogether stupid and foolish
In their discipline of delusion--their idol is wood!

14 Every man is stupid, devoid of knowledge;
Every goldsmith is put to shame by his idols;
For his molten images are deceitful,
And there is no breath in them.
15 They are worthless, a work of mockery;
In the time of their punishment they will perish.

Our God is not One to be mocked!

Zechariah 13:1, 2, 9
1 In that day a fountain will be opened for the house of David and for the inhabitants of Jerusalem, for sin and for impurity.
2 It will come about in that day," declares the LORD of hosts, "that I will cut off the names of the idols from the land, and they will no longer be remembered; and I will also remove the prophets and the unclean spirit from the land.
9 And I will bring the third part through the fire,
Refine them as silver is refined,
And test them as gold is tested
They will call on My name,
And I will answer them;
I will say, 'They are My people,'
And they will say, 'The LORD is my God.'"

Idols are not only those made of wood and metal, but also those made of flesh and blood. We can find much comfort in God's promise to ''cut off'' idols from the land, including those 'prophets' employing lying "unclean spirits", who lead God's people into idolatry with their perverse "discipline of delusion".

:heartbeat: Lots of love to you ALL from
Your friend and sister in faith, Willa :heartbeat: ]]> http://www.paradisecafediscussions.net/showthread.php?tid=5988 Sun, 07 Mar 2010 06:25:04 -0500 http://www.paradisecafediscussions.net/showthread.php?tid=5988
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,588172,00.html

http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/dpp/news/nat...n_62854312

Warm Christian Love
Bangalore]]>
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,588172,00.html

http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/dpp/news/nat...n_62854312

Warm Christian Love
Bangalore]]> http://www.paradisecafediscussions.net/showthread.php?tid=5987 Sat, 06 Mar 2010 17:21:59 -0500 http://www.paradisecafediscussions.net/showthread.php?tid=5987 from the Sovereign Lord comes escape from death.'' Psalm 68:20

So much faith and belief in the Goodness and Saving Grace of God :heartbeat: :rose:

''He is strong and can help you not to fall. :rose:
He can bring you before his glory without any
wrong in you and can give you great joy.'' Jude 24 :rose:

''Now we hope for the blessings God has for his children.
These blessings, which cannot be destroyed or be spoiled :rose:
or lose their beauty, are kept in heaven for you.
God's power protects you through your faith until
salvation is shown to you at the end of time.'' :rose:
1 Peter 1: 4-5 :rose:

''When you pass through the waters, I will be with :rose:
you. When you cross rivers, you will not drown. When
you walk through fire, you will not be burned, nor will the :rose:
flames hurt you.'' Isaiah 43:2

''The everlasting God is your place of safety, and his
arms will hold you up forever. He will force your enemy :rose:
out ahead of you.'' Deutronomy 33:27

and of course Jesus Christ :rose:

''May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father
encourage you and strengthen you in every good thing you do and say. God loved us, and through his grace he gave us
a good hope and encouragement that continues forever.''
2 Thessalonians 2: 16,17 :rose:

It truly is about faith :heartbeat: :rose:

''The Good News shows how God makes people :rose:
right with himself--that it begins and ends with faith.
As the Scripture says, ''But those who are right with
God will live by trusting in him.'' Romans 1:17 :heartbeat: :rose:

have a wonderful week-end friends--keep the faith :friends: :heartbeat:]]> from the Sovereign Lord comes escape from death.'' Psalm 68:20

So much faith and belief in the Goodness and Saving Grace of God :heartbeat: :rose:

''He is strong and can help you not to fall. :rose:
He can bring you before his glory without any
wrong in you and can give you great joy.'' Jude 24 :rose:

''Now we hope for the blessings God has for his children.
These blessings, which cannot be destroyed or be spoiled :rose:
or lose their beauty, are kept in heaven for you.
God's power protects you through your faith until
salvation is shown to you at the end of time.'' :rose:
1 Peter 1: 4-5 :rose:

''When you pass through the waters, I will be with :rose:
you. When you cross rivers, you will not drown. When
you walk through fire, you will not be burned, nor will the :rose:
flames hurt you.'' Isaiah 43:2

''The everlasting God is your place of safety, and his
arms will hold you up forever. He will force your enemy :rose:
out ahead of you.'' Deutronomy 33:27

and of course Jesus Christ :rose:

''May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father
encourage you and strengthen you in every good thing you do and say. God loved us, and through his grace he gave us
a good hope and encouragement that continues forever.''
2 Thessalonians 2: 16,17 :rose:

It truly is about faith :heartbeat: :rose:

''The Good News shows how God makes people :rose:
right with himself--that it begins and ends with faith.
As the Scripture says, ''But those who are right with
God will live by trusting in him.'' Romans 1:17 :heartbeat: :rose:

have a wonderful week-end friends--keep the faith :friends: :heartbeat:]]> http://www.paradisecafediscussions.net/showthread.php?tid=5986 Sat, 06 Mar 2010 07:29:12 -0500 http://www.paradisecafediscussions.net/showthread.php?tid=5986


Warm Christian Love
Bangalore]]>


Warm Christian Love
Bangalore]]> http://www.paradisecafediscussions.net/showthread.php?tid=5985 Sat, 06 Mar 2010 07:06:27 -0500 http://www.paradisecafediscussions.net/showthread.php?tid=5985
:heartbeat:

AR]]>
:heartbeat:

AR]]>