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Tony, somewhere between your synapses firing and you saying you pray for the rapture coming soon you lose me.
And man, can you not admire this Pope Francis? Beautiful role model and he practiced the charitable, inclusive side of Christianity.
I think it's like this John, I found the Pope to be meddlesome in the affairs of nations and their borders. Particularly when the Vatican has walls, gates and doors, and the most luxuriant art and architecture collection in the world...I think.
But I understand looking out for all peoples on a planet where "God sees no borders." And I understand the Popes's pursuit of those ideals. And I understand that if he did not do that, he would not stand for much else. And I understand that his intent (Aristotle) is benevolent.
But not Tony and MTG. The zealots who want the world purged by God with fire of what they deem evil. And they can't wait for it to happen.
And MTG can't even let a man who is the symbol of something greater for 1 billion people lay quietly in a coffin without an undercut.
No one hates you Tony. I know you wish we would because that adds cred to your zealous persona, but I don't hate you and John dont seem the type to hate anyone. You'll have to hate us instead.
And I agree with you about the truth, but not about compromise.
Dirk Willems was an Anabaptist martyr from Asperen, Netherlands, who lived in the 16th century. His story is particularly famous and revered within Mennonite and Amish traditions due to an act of compassion he showed towards his pursuer.
Here's a breakdown of his life and the events leading to his martyrdom:
Anabaptist Beliefs: Dirk Willems was an Anabaptist, a radical Protestant movement that believed in adult baptism, the separation of church and state, and non-violence. These beliefs were considered heretical by the Catholic Church, which was the dominant religious and political power in the Netherlands at the time, leading to severe persecution of Anabaptists. Imprisonment and Escape: In 1569, Dirk Willems was arrested for his Anabaptist faith and imprisoned in a castle in Asperen. He managed to escape by making a rope out of rags and lowering himself from a window onto the frozen moat surrounding the castle. The Act of Compassion: As Dirk Willems fled across the ice, he was pursued by a "thief-catcher" (a type of guard or law enforcement officer). However, the ice broke under the weight of his pursuer, and the guard fell into the freezing water, crying for help as he was in danger of drowning. Returning to Help: Despite his own precarious situation and the risk of being recaptured and facing certain death, Dirk Willems turned back to rescue his pursuer. He helped the guard out of the icy water, saving his life. Recapture and Martyrdom: Although the guard was initially inclined to let Dirk Willems go due to this act of kindness, the burgomaster (mayor) insisted that the guard uphold his oath and rearrested Willems. Dirk Willems was then imprisoned in a church tower under stricter conditions. Trial and Sentence: Dirk Willems refused to recant his Anabaptist beliefs. He was tried and condemned by a council of seven judges for "persisting obstinately in his opinion" against infant baptism, holding unlawful religious gatherings, and rebaptizing adults. Execution: On May 16, 1569, Dirk Willems was executed by being burned at the stake outside Asperen. It is said that a strong east wind blew the flames away from his upper body, prolonging his suffering. His cries of agony were reportedly heard in the nearby village of Leerdam. Moved by his suffering, a sheriff ordered the executioner to end his life quickly. Significance:
The story of Dirk Willems is a powerful example of Christian love, compassion, and the Anabaptist commitment to non-resistance, even in the face of persecution. His willingness to risk his own freedom and life to save his enemy has made him a highly respected figure in Mennonite and Amish history. He is remembered for embodying the teachings of Jesus, particularly the command to love one's enemies.
Legacy:
Dirk Willems is prominently featured in the Martyrs Mirror, a significant book documenting the stories of Christian martyrs, particularly Anabaptists. He is considered a folk hero in his hometown of Asperen, even among non-Mennonites. A street in Asperen is named after him. A historical drama based on his life, Dirk's Exodus, was written in 1989. In 2018, a statue of Dirk Willems was unveiled at the Mennonite Heritage Village museum in Steinbach, Manitoba, Canada. His story continues to be shared and serves as an inspiring example of faith and unconditional love within Anabaptist communities worldwide. It's important to note that while there is a "Coolea Cheese" from Ireland that uses a very old Dutch Gouda recipe, there is no direct historical link established between this cheese and Dirk Willems himself. The connection seems to be the Dutch origin of the Gouda recipe.
There's a calm on my face But there's a lion in my cage Biding time for my rage
The whip stings, body's tired As the brand glows in the fire Putrid smoke rising higher
I face the Eastern sky My faith will never die Can't blame me, can't change me No no no I will survive Aaaah... Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done Aaaah... I stand... unyielding
My prison stands on a hill A faded icon tests my will But freedom's heart is beating still
There's a calm on my face And a lion in my cage Biding time for my rage
I face the Eastern sky...
Sweat stings my eyes Back bent against the sun The trumpet sounds Prophecy fulfilled Armageddon has begun
I face the Eastern sky...
DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME HERE... CANCEL CULTURE IS ALIVE AND WELL @JPF! YOU'LL NEVER KNOW WHAT'S ALREADY BEEN DELETED...
Politicians and their ambitions Pride all over their faces Assume dominion over public opinion Evil in high places Playing fools and changing rules But their lies never bind Till they lose a mile in my shoes I’ve got better things in mind I’ve got something else on my mind…
Gender bender, how d’you figure I should be ashamed I simply favor mother nature And don’t care who’s to blame Play your part like a work of art Yeah', we all know your kind I disagree so stay away from me I’ve got something else on my mind I've got something else on my mind….
Now, pay attention... children It’s all just mental masturbation Once you pay for your Ivy league indoctrination
Some ragged raisin in the sun Tryin’ to change the way I live Preachin’ submission to a god That’s all take and no give Pardon me and my sanity But I must decline Bring your war to my front door you'll find Something else on my mind
DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME HERE... CANCEL CULTURE IS ALIVE AND WELL @JPF! YOU'LL NEVER KNOW WHAT'S ALREADY BEEN DELETED...
Heavenly Father I failed again today The world is going to Hell And I have nothing left to say
Lord Jesus I'm all alone again I face the day in your name But no one sees a stupid man
Holy Spirit I believe in prayer My brother scoffs and spurns me Judging me for my behavior
Dear trinity of eternity I've never seen a miracle My neighbor thinks I'm crazy My enemy just laughs at me I bow my head, I close my eyes And faithfully question why Love... Why love
God, please tell me What's the point of living There's no everlasting hope Or holy saint to forgive me
The Devil's laughing Gloating in hypocrisy I'm a cringe-worthy cliché Condemned for my honesty
Judge them, Lord They know precisely what they've done
Dear trinity of eternity... Why love
DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME HERE... CANCEL CULTURE IS ALIVE AND WELL @JPF! YOU'LL NEVER KNOW WHAT'S ALREADY BEEN DELETED...
a portion of a book i will probably never be happy enough with to call it finished...
He wondered “Why are there earthquakes, mudslides, volcanos, and storms that kill and hurt so many people? How could a loving God make those happen? Why wouldn’t he prevent them?””
As he formulated this question, he was oblivious to a nearby gardener. The gardener was turning over the soil in a flower bed. In the process, some worms were killed by the gardener’s shovel. The gardener did not mean to hurt the worms, he was merely loosening the soil to make the flower bed better suited for worms to live in.
Another question formed in Fred’s mind. “How can mankind be a creation of God, when mankind is so far from perfect? So hateful, so putrid, so amazingly and incredibly far from perfect.”
He was oblivious to another gardener that was tending to rose bushes. None of the roses had flowers yet, only thorns. But some had buds that would some day become roses.
As a tag on question, Fred asked “and how can a god that represents goodness allow so many truly evil rotten people to exist. What purpose could that possibly have?”
He was oblivious to another gardener that was spreading manure in a flower bed.
He was oblivious to a potter making a vase. The vase would be beautiful sometime in the future, but right now it was still an ugly blob of clay.
T-rump is the worst president since T-rump. His cabinet is more like a junk drawer.
The bible is unfolding right before our eyes, especially Revelation, but most don't see it because they don't read the bible.
I read the Word and watch the news I write a song with my guitar I see the mystery of eternity In the sun, In the moon, In the stars Right before my eyes
I recall all the stories That have blessed so many lives Now holy destiny manifests its glory Right before my eyes
The desert blooms by His hand The dusty bones dance again A rising lion in the sand Right before my eyes
I read the Word and watch the news I write a song with my guitar I see the mystery of eternity In the sun, In the moon, In the stars Right before my eyes
History and prophetic verse Ancient proof for the wise A Holy God keeps His promise Right before my eyes
Those who only sow confusion Suffer from a strong delusion And refuse to hear, refuse to see
I read the Word and watch the news I write a song with my guitar I see the mystery of eternity In the sun, In the moon, In the stars Right before my eyes
DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME HERE... CANCEL CULTURE IS ALIVE AND WELL @JPF! YOU'LL NEVER KNOW WHAT'S ALREADY BEEN DELETED...
The bible is unfolding right before our eyes, especially Revelation, but most don't see it because they don't read the bible.
Well good I'm tired of working and paying bills to survive , I hope it ends before rent is due again I don't see Trump doing anything but ruining the economy .I'm old and tired of being taxed , The billion -airs are getting away with fraud with high power lawyers , while middle class suffer , I've read the Bible several times , Some events line up with revelations. I hope Trump gets rid of the IRS , But I doubt it . Businesses are afraid to invest over Trumps Tariffs. I see nothing religious over business aspects on 2025 fiscally .
The bible is unfolding right before our eyes, especially Revelation, but most don't see it because they don't read the bible.
Well good I'm tired of working and paying bills to survive , I hope it ends before rent is due again I don't see Trump doing anything but ruining the economy .I'm old and tired of being taxed , The billion -airs are getting away with fraud with high power lawyers , while middle class suffer , I've read the Bible several times , Some events line up with revelations. I hope Trump gets rid of the IRS , But I doubt it . Businesses are afraid to invest over Trumps Tariffs. I see nothing religious over business aspects on 2025 fiscally .
I thought you sold your guitar...?
DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME HERE... CANCEL CULTURE IS ALIVE AND WELL @JPF! YOU'LL NEVER KNOW WHAT'S ALREADY BEEN DELETED...
Revelation is a hard book to understand but it is mostly telling what will and is happening in the last days. The Babylon talked about could be the USA and /or the church of Rome. The bible is based mostly around the Jewish nation of Israel, they are God's chosen people to deliver the Gospel to the world, but they failed to do so, that is why God blinded them spiritually, they are still looking for their Messiah, which is Jesus but they didn't recognize Him and had Him crucified, but He rose three days later, He will be returning when the time is right, which is about now. Jesus told the signs to watch for when He would be returning, those signs are happening now.
The bible is unfolding right before our eyes, especially Revelation, but most don't see it because they don't read the bible.
Well good I'm tired of working and paying bills to survive , I hope it ends before rent is due again I don't see Trump doing anything but ruining the economy .I'm old and tired of being taxed , The billion -airs are getting away with fraud with high power lawyers , while middle class suffer , I've read the Bible several times , Some events line up with revelations. I hope Trump gets rid of the IRS , But I doubt it . Businesses are afraid to invest over Trumps Tariffs. I see nothing religious over business aspects on 2025 fiscally .
I may not be Gospel... but I try to be "Christian Friendly"
Gospel means good new, so Gospel music can and does come in many genres. I write it in country, bluegrass and Southern, others write it in genres that they like in secular music, the lyrics is the message and it is good news. The main purpose of Christian music is to tell about Jesus and what He did for mankind on Calvary. It has a darker side that tells what Satan does to oppose God's plan of salvation. A Gospel song is really a short sermon set to music which people will happily sing over and over, while they will not listen to a spoken sermon over and over. Music styles change over the years but the word of God does not change, but it can be delivered in up to date music styles.Churches will use music that suit their members. Somber churches will not likely play country style Gospel music, even if the Gospel message is contained. We all have different tastes when it comes to music, but the Gospel (good news) message is for all people, just delivered in different music style.
Christian rock like the radio channel K-love sticks to good news of the Bible https://www.klove.com. From the ones I've heard its mostly conversational lyrics Where as your song, in leans more on poetry. I guess it depends how you were raised on believing the Bible. Death and taxes is the only 2 things that happens to all of us. I can only listen to religious songs so much , They are a dreamlike and Bible concepts , while reality dictates the real world and how we exist from day to day. They are a comfort zone for 3 minutes from the harsh reality's of life . The genre it self is just as competitive as secular music in the real music business world .My Jesus song is better that your Jesus song judged by music peers and what's going to be on radio.
Christian rock like the radio channel K-love sticks to good news of the Bible https://www.klove.com. From the ones I've heard its mostly conversational lyrics Where as your song, in leans more on poetry. I guess it depends how you were raised on believing the Bible. Death and taxes is the only 2 things that happens to all of us. I can only listen to religious songs so much , They are a dreamlike and Bible concepts , while reality dictates the real world and how we exist from day to day. They are a comfort zone for 3 minutes from the harsh reality's of life . The genre it self is just as competitive as secular music in the real music business world .My Jesus song is better that your Jesus song judged by music peers and what's going to be on radio.
You are right, some Christian artists are in it mainly for the money, they produce high quality music and perform live with all the bells and whistles that secular artist do, but are they really touching hearts for Jesus. Sometimes a simple song, simply sung with the right message will touch a soul for God. So who is successful in God's eyes.
Christian rock like the radio channel K-love sticks to good news of the Bible https://www.klove.com. From the ones I've heard its mostly conversational lyrics Where as your song, in leans more on poetry. I guess it depends how you were raised on believing the Bible. Death and taxes is the only 2 things that happens to all of us. I can only listen to religious songs so much , They are a dreamlike and Bible concepts , while reality dictates the real world and how we exist from day to day. They are a comfort zone for 3 minutes from the harsh reality's of life . The genre it self is just as competitive as secular music in the real music business world .My Jesus song is better that your Jesus song judged by music peers and what's going to be on radio.
You are right, some Christian artists are in it mainly for the money, they produce high quality music and perform live with all the bells and whistles that secular artist do, but are they really touching hearts for Jesus. Sometimes a simple song, simply sung with the right message will touch a soul for God. So who is successful in God's eyes.
I'm sure the lines get blurred on money and being a real Christian , its big business
The whole concept of Christian music seems fraudulent to me always did...
You hoping God will allow you to use your gifts to spread the word...
But , in so doing you are involved in a competition between other Christians artists, and your hoping YOU, are the chosen one.
It's largely a selfish plot to become famous for making music, and making money doing it.
Somewhere along the line, service to God got lost.no different than being an evangelist, and getting rich that way ..or making anything.
I understand that Christian music business is cut throat and people walk on each other to get where they wanna go.
I'm sure there are some successful Christian artists who are the real deal, but to sit there and think gee, God got me on the radio, and God bought me this house, or car, is utter Insanity.
What about the millions of would be s that never got the chance
I think it's a business, you can believe what you write but still be full of [naughty word removed] too.
Just curious how many here identify asbelievers in Christ? We see a lot of talk, but how many walk the walk?
Thanks for posting this. I am a believer in Jesus Christ as the Son of God who came to pay for our sins. I was 37 or 38 years old before I realized that I needed to be born again, which I did. It is a growing process in faith through grace, you never reach perfection in your own eyes, but in God's eyes we are saved and made holy through the blood of His Son.
Just curious how many here identify asbelievers in Christ? We see a lot of talk, but how many walk the walk?
Thanks for posting this. I am a believer in Jesus Christ as the Son of God who came to pay for our sins. I was 37 or 38 years old before I realized that I needed to be born again, which I did. It is a growing process in faith through grace, you never reach perfection in your own eyes, but in God's eyes we are saved and made holy through the blood of His Son.
There's no doubt in my mind that you are a true believer, Everett.
If somebody is, you'd expect to see that reflect in their personality and every day doings.
After all Jesus commanded " Do unto others as you do unto me"
I'd expect to see humbleness. Many I've seen show arrogance or even aggressiveness, ud expect t to see kindness and willingness to help
For example. A few months ago, a lady friend brought me to her church a few times, it is Catholic, but much different than the standard fare.
There is a chapel, where the folks that come in are REALLY, into prayer. They bow when they walk in, they get on their knees , head nearly to ground, deep prayer.
Never seen anything like it , especially in a Catholic chapel.
So, one of those trips I lost my phone lol. I went out if chapel into the church to pee. Left a bag at step of Church, figuring it was only a minute.
When I came out my phone/bag was gone. Tried to get back into church but was locked, I'm like shittt.
So I go back into chapel to tell her I lost my phone...she gives me a sneer, ahhh Dom, ok.
So we began talking to others, asking what we could do where it might be.
You shoulda seen the faces on the people. Like we were these evil people interrupting them from their deep prayer.
Few didn't even answer when asked directly for help. I had other valuables in bag too.
Well we got almost no help or ideas. My first thought was how are these people of God?
Just sit and pray their asses off, but no interest in a fellow human being.
I thought it was classless and exposed them as non staunch believers Jesus woulda tried to help.
Well, happy ending. An old lady says, you know what you can do? This chapel closes with a mass, and then somebody will have to come here to close the building, maybe ask them where somebody mighta taken it.
I say good idea, thank you.
Sure enough a Deacon comes in to do a service, we wait patiently for it to end, and he started walking away, I chased him down lol.
Anyway, his wife was there, she says no, I don't believe anybody would steal your things, I refuse to believe that. I'm going to open several areas to see if somebody left it there for safe keeping.
First room she tried... bingo.
That's difference between real and fake Christians
You are right, there are christians and there are Christians. The bible says not all those that say Lord, Lord will make it into Heaven, Jesus will say to some, get thee from me, I never knew you. Jesus also said I would rather you be cold or hot, if you are lukewarm I will spew you out of my mouth. Nobody is perfect, we all have our failings, we will fall short at times, as Peter did, but God knows our hearts and will forgive if we ask. Jesus' sacrifice on the cross is for the forgiveness of all sins of all mankind, but we have to believe that and accept Jesus as our Saviour, those that don't are still in their sins and will face those sins at their death. I spent the first half of my life serving Satan, not realizing it of course, but I've spent the second half serving Jesus the best I could. Some have been saved on their deathbed, they will make it to Heaven but with no rewards waiting. It is risky waiting till just the last minute because we don't know when that will be, death can happen in an instant when we least expect it. Don't wait, do it now.
Born in sin, reborn in Spirit The shepherd calls, the faithful hear it Faith comes to fruition At the moment of redemption
The war is already won The saints battle on And wait for a louder voice To call us home
The faithful pray for Unity of purpose The laughing pigs Are always nervous...
Hate the weapon, love the murder Teach the children anger and fervor And call it free speech Tie a millstone around your neck Walk the plank and pray what's next God's truth is preached
The saint falls, his soul draws near it Heaven awaits the penitent Faith comes to fruition At the moment of redemption
The war is already won The saints battle on And wait for a louder voice To call us home
The faithful pray for Unity of purpose The laughing pigs Are always nervous...
Provoking discourse, lyrical venom Rejoicing deceit, bloodshed ad nauseam Bleeding the system Assassination, celebration Joyous fatality, deadly infection Dehumanize the victim
Focus of the sanctimonious The liar does not concern himself With the opinions of the righteous
Eternal works, holy books The children sing of promise Faith comes to fruition At the moment of redemption
DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME HERE... CANCEL CULTURE IS ALIVE AND WELL @JPF! YOU'LL NEVER KNOW WHAT'S ALREADY BEEN DELETED...
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