Why is this not being taught in Church?

  • Christian Chat is a moderated online Christian community allowing Christians around the world to fellowship with each other in real time chat via webcam, voice, and text, with the Christian Chat app. You can also start or participate in a Bible-based discussion here in the Christian Chat Forums, where members can also share with each other their own videos, pictures, or favorite Christian music.

    If you are a Christian and need encouragement and fellowship, we're here for you! If you are not a Christian but interested in knowing more about Jesus our Lord, you're also welcome! Want to know what the Bible says, and how you can apply it to your life? Join us!

    To make new Christian friends now around the world, click here to join Christian Chat.
Mar 28, 2016
15,954
1,528
113
#41
When Jesus speaks to a Jew, He is addressing a praiser of God. In other words He is addressing all who praise God……….Paul elaborates on this in Romans.

Yes it to whom he gives ears to hear what the Spirit is saying to the believer called mankind .
 

rhern

Active member
Jan 29, 2020
192
38
28
#42
It’s not being taught in seminaries.
Yes that is correct. They do not cover these passages especially when they are grouped together.

Don't get me wrong, the foundation of Christian principals are to be based on building our foundation on that which is our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

When you speak of seminaries you should include Denominational Seminaries.

Their foundation may be in Jesus which is very good;

but They ignore details because although they may have good intentions understanding God takes much more than 4 years of seminary.

It's a vicious cycle. they keep teaching each out their denominational beliefs.

If you get 2 or more preachers from different denominations, it will be like republicans and democrats.

As long as they teach Jesus it will have to do.

They is not one person in this world who knows it all, including me.

I'm just one little person reading beyond what is taught in the pulpit .

my word means nothing. But The Word of God means everything, every jot and tittle.

before anyone asks anything, read the scripture first, then ask questions

Thank you, .. Jesus
 
Mar 28, 2016
15,954
1,528
113
#43
Circumcision made one a physical Jew and physical member of Israel. Jesus abolished it on the cross. So after Paul's generation of Jews died off, nothing remained to make anyone a physical member of biblical Israel. Today you have biblical Israel the Church of believers only. And secular Israel who can only be reattached to biblical Israel by faith in Christ.

I was use fulfilled not abolished like no other could fulfill it. It was not a sign to them but to the world.
 
Mar 28, 2016
15,954
1,528
113
#44
Jesus did NOT say His "corrupted flesh" profits for nothing. Stop adding to Scripture!

LOl Stop taking it away.

Peter agreed other disciples that were hoping it could profit walked away in unbelief (no faith)

John 6 :63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.

Romans informs us it must be signified as sinful (corrupting ages toward death and destruction ) in order to do what the letter of the law could not do in order to reveal the "law of faith" .The unseen work of the Son and the father. No father, no Son . No Son, no father . Know the father know the Son. One work of one faith.
 

posthuman

Senior Member
Jul 31, 2013
37,727
13,522
113
#45
i don't get how we can say 'they do/don't teach these things in seminaries' unless we have actually gone not just to one seminary, but all of them, or taken a very comprehensive poll.

i listen to more sermons, by a bigger variety of pastors, than the average person. i have friends who teach preaching in seminary. i'm only saying so in order to qualify this next statement: i get the impression that young pastors are taught and/or otherwise influenced not to preach '
meat' but to preach 'milk' -- to give sermons that presume the congregation is largely unsaved and Biblically illiterate. to give messages catered to whatever will best fill the pews and the offering plates and be the most agreeable and palatable to the audience. to give 'life lessons' and advice rather than to probe and expound the deep truths and hard sayings in the scripture. pastors generally don't teach -- they preach. what that difference means in practice is that even if things like the Christology of circumcision are gone over in seminaries etc, what a pastor learns in these schools is not necessarily reflected by what he stands behind a pulpit and disseminates to his congregation.

so - i can't say '
this is not taught' unless i really know what is actually taught in every theological school. there's no other way to justify such a sweeping statement. also, i can't take as evidence what i hear from preachers who have studied at such schools to be necessarily representative of the breadth and depth of the things that were taught there.
just because i don't talk to you here about topological algebra doesn't mean topological algebra wasn't taught at my university: it means i don't consider y'all to have the background and aptitude to comprehend it if i started talking about it. i think - and have a little bit of experience to justify the statement - i think that the same situation exists in churches all over the country. frankly the pastors don't think the congregation are wise enough to grapple with lectures about certain things, or they don't think it would be a good thing to talk about if their primary goal is to grow church membership, so even if they know something about such things, they won't teach about them.
i'm speaking in broad generalities. obviously there are some pastors who don't fit into the simplistic category i'm describing; i'm describing my own general experience.
 

presidente

Senior Member
May 29, 2013
9,160
1,787
113
#46
If your reference is Matt 26:16: Jesus is talking to Jews not gentiles. There were Jews living/dispersed throughout he world.

In Matt 28 where he actually say's go preach to All nations. This verse is post death, burial & resurrection. Prior to His once for all sin payment gentiles were without hope Eph 2:12.

Additional scriptural context:

Messiah's, earthly/walk, fleshly/ministry. Was to and only to the Jews = the circumcision.

Rom 15:8 I say that Messiah was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers:
(NOTE: Messiah came to preach to the circumcision (Jews only) & to fulfil promises made to the circumcision's fathers, NOT GENTILES)

Acts 10:28 Peter said unto them, Ye know how that it is an "unlawful" thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean
(NOTE: Peter tells Cornelius a gentile. "IT'S UNLAWFUL" for a Jew to keep company with a gentile)

Jews to include Jesus (the Canaanite woman Matt 15:26) referred to Gentiles as "dogs". (See Matt 7:6; Lk 16:21)

Gentiles were considered so ungodly, being in their presence could make a Jew ceremonially unclean (Jn 18:28)

Matt 10:5 Messiah sent forth the 12 & commanded them. To not go the Gentiles or into any city of the Samaritans
(NOTE: Samaritans were Jewish descendants from Ephraim and the half-tribe of Manasseh. They had inter married & were considered 1/2 breeds by the Jews. What part of DON'T go to GENTILES is unclear people?)

6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
(NOTE: Messiah is sent, & sends his disciples to, the lost sheep of the ""House of Israel"" NOT to GENTILES!)

Matt 15:24 Messiah answered & said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
(NOTE: Messiah say's; He has been sent, ONLY, to the lost sheep of the ""House of Israel"" NOT GENTILES)
I typed the wrong digit. I should have typed Matthew 28. Part of Jesus' role is to be a Light to the Gentiles.

Peter said it was unlawful for him to go into a Gentile house. The Shammai group had taken over the Sanhedrin and had issued 18 edicts against Gentiles. We are not sure what they were, but this could have been one of them. However, Peter realized that what God had cleansed, he should not call common.
 

Dino246

Senior Member
Jun 30, 2015
25,369
13,730
113
#47
LOl Stop taking it away.

Peter agreed other disciples that were hoping it could profit walked away in unbelief (no faith)

John 6 :63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.
Is the word "corrupted" in that verse? Anywhere?
NO!
 
Dec 12, 2013
46,515
20,401
113
#48
Why do the Lord teach Paul through an abundance of revelations things that were never made known if Paul was simply preaching the things Christ taught at His first coming? Further revelation had to be given because times had changed. The body of believers, made up of mostly Gentiles, had to be taught how to live in this fallen world. Things that were never taught in the four gospels to the Jews.
Geesh....do you ever read or retain what people say....I have said 50 times that Jesus had MANY THINGS TO SAY BUT THEY WERE NOR READY AND OR MATURE ENOUGH TO BEAR IT OR HEAR IT.....<---the words of Jesus through Paul....!
 

rhern

Active member
Jan 29, 2020
192
38
28
#49
Not understanding your conclusion? Something may not be being taught because it isn't sound doctrine. Or not in line with congregational interpretations. Or important enough to feed salvation seeking sinners within 1 hour a week services. Or your progressive church is habitually only teaching feel good and politically correct (to the progressives that is) scripture.

Maybe just ask why your church doesn't teach whatever conclusion you felt wasn't being taught.
Let me start by saying Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior.

He was raised from the dead and He sits at the right hand of the Father.

I look fore ward to His second coming.

What do you mean by sound doctrine. I'm not attacking, I just want us both to understand.

If Jesus commanded to me stay away from the purple people, what should I do? stay away from purple people

Not trying to be funny; What are the 10 commandments? I think you see my point.

I'm just trying to simplify for everyone who read my post so they will have an objective view.

The reason I picked these passages was to see if they would 1.study the passages or 2. put up a big stop sign; and most do.

These passages are directly from the Bible.

Why would God loving Christians all of a sudden get offended want to call me names.

If Jesus gave a commandment, we need too stop and think.

The one and only commandment that He gives, and He must be serious otherwise He would not say it. And here it is:

Matthew 10:5-6 from KJV
5 These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:
6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
simple straight forward, He didn't studded

He meant what He said; Has Your Church gone over this passage to explain it.

The answer is NO they don't preach passage that goes against their doctrine.

Why are there so many denominations. It is because all denominational Doctrines conflict.

It's like putting republicans and democrats in the same room.

I'll tell I've been to the Church of Christ but not going to a Baptist church. been to church all my most of my life.

I'm not telling you to leave your church by no means.

I just want people to open there eyes and read what God intended for all to understand, it's not found in man-made doctrines.

The Bible, the unadulterated Word of God is God's Doctrine.

Please refer to the passages and ask me what ever you want.

It's taken me 30 years. I study every Word every jot and tiddle and I still have much to learn.

If you take these passage to you pastor He might be enraged. Thank you Lord Jesus
 

FlyingDove

Senior Member
Dec 27, 2017
1,267
432
83
#50
I typed the wrong digit. I should have typed Matthew 28. Part of Jesus' role is to be a Light to the Gentiles.

Peter said it was unlawful for him to go into a Gentile house. The Shammai group had taken over the Sanhedrin and had issued 18 edicts against Gentiles. We are not sure what they were, but this could have been one of them. However, Peter realized that what God had cleansed, he should not call common.
Peter argues vehemently against the order to go. After 3 repeats he capitulates. Most importantly this this verse also happens after Christ's death, burial & resurrection. Prior to His once for all sin payment gentiles were without hope Eph 2:12.

None of following versions don't state a gentiles house alone

KJV
Acts 10:28 And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation;
(NOTE: 28 Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation;

NASB
Acts 28:28 And he said to them, “You yourselves know how unlawful it is for a man who is a Jew to associate with a foreigner or to visit him
(NOTE: You know how unlawful it is for a man who is a Jew to associate with a foreigner or to visit him

ASV
Acts 10:28 and he said unto them, Ye yourselves know [d]how it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to join himself or come unto one of another nation;
(NOTE: it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to join himself or come unto one of another nation

AMP
Acts 10:28 He said to them, “You know that it is unlawful for a Jewish man to associate with or befriend a Gentile, or to visit him;
(NOTE: it is unlawful for a Jewish man to associate with or befriend a Gentile, or to visit him)

NIV
Acts 10:28 He said to them: “You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with or visit a Gentile.
(NOTE: against our law for a Jew to associate with or visit a Gentile.)
 
E

eternally-gratefull

Guest
#51
Let me start by saying Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior.

He was raised from the dead and He sits at the right hand of the Father.

I look fore ward to His second coming.

What do you mean by sound doctrine. I'm not attacking, I just want us both to understand.

If Jesus commanded to me stay away from the purple people, what should I do? stay away from purple people

Not trying to be funny; What are the 10 commandments? I think you see my point.

I'm just trying to simplify for everyone who read my post so they will have an objective view.

The reason I picked these passages was to see if they would 1.study the passages or 2. put up a big stop sign; and most do.

These passages are directly from the Bible.

Why would God loving Christians all of a sudden get offended want to call me names.

If Jesus gave a commandment, we need too stop and think.

The one and only commandment that He gives, and He must be serious otherwise He would not say it. And here it is:

Matthew 10:5-6 from KJV
5 These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:
6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
simple straight forward, He didn't studded

He meant what He said; Has Your Church gone over this passage to explain it.

The answer is NO they don't preach passage that goes against their doctrine.

Why are there so many denominations. It is because all denominational Doctrines conflict.

It's like putting republicans and democrats in the same room.

I'll tell I've been to the Church of Christ but not going to a Baptist church. been to church all my most of my life.

I'm not telling you to leave your church by no means.

I just want people to open there eyes and read what God intended for all to understand, it's not found in man-made doctrines.

The Bible, the unadulterated Word of God is God's Doctrine.

Please refer to the passages and ask me what ever you want.

It's taken me 30 years. I study every Word every jot and tiddle and I still have much to learn.

If you take these passage to you pastor He might be enraged. Thank you Lord Jesus
What church does not teach that passage?

the gospel was to go to Israel first. Then Samaria, then to the ends of the earth. That’s why he sent the disciples only to Jerusalem.
He also has plans to send someone else to the gentiles. Which occured later in acts at the conversion of Saul.
i still do not get the jist of your op.

are you saying as gentiles we should all be circumcised. A law given to Jews. As a means to seperate themselves for the gentiles?

or are you wanting to discuss is spiritual implication?
 

Roughsoul1991

Senior Member
Sep 17, 2016
8,845
4,497
113
#52
Let me start by saying Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior.

He was raised from the dead and He sits at the right hand of the Father.

I look fore ward to His second coming.

What do you mean by sound doctrine. I'm not attacking, I just want us both to understand.

If Jesus commanded to me stay away from the purple people, what should I do? stay away from purple people

Not trying to be funny; What are the 10 commandments? I think you see my point.

I'm just trying to simplify for everyone who read my post so they will have an objective view.

The reason I picked these passages was to see if they would 1.study the passages or 2. put up a big stop sign; and most do.

These passages are directly from the Bible.

Why would God loving Christians all of a sudden get offended want to call me names.

If Jesus gave a commandment, we need too stop and think.

The one and only commandment that He gives, and He must be serious otherwise He would not say it. And here it is:

Matthew 10:5-6 from KJV
5 These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:
6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
simple straight forward, He didn't studded

He meant what He said; Has Your Church gone over this passage to explain it.

The answer is NO they don't preach passage that goes against their doctrine.

Why are there so many denominations. It is because all denominational Doctrines conflict.

It's like putting republicans and democrats in the same room.

I'll tell I've been to the Church of Christ but not going to a Baptist church. been to church all my most of my life.

I'm not telling you to leave your church by no means.

I just want people to open there eyes and read what God intended for all to understand, it's not found in man-made doctrines.

The Bible, the unadulterated Word of God is God's Doctrine.

Please refer to the passages and ask me what ever you want.

It's taken me 30 years. I study every Word every jot and tiddle and I still have much to learn.

If you take these passage to you pastor He might be enraged. Thank you Lord Jesus
Let me start by saying Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior.

He was raised from the dead and He sits at the right hand of the Father.

I look fore ward to His second coming.

What do you mean by sound doctrine.
This above quoted is a example of sound doctrine. Sound doctrine is the core beliefs that is very easily defended in scripture. To say Jesus isnt Lord and Savior or deny the resurrection is just unfounded doctrine.

Doctrine is simply highly agreed theological principles that is evident in scripture.

These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:
6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
This is taught. Found in Matthew. It is just part of Jesus's ministry leading up to the cross. Directed at the 12. Simple.

Why are there so many denominations. It is because all denominational Doctrines conflict.
Glad you asked. So which denominations do you consider not Christian? Which ones are going to Hell in your opinion?

I just want people to open there eyes and read what God intended for all to understand, it's not found in man-made doctrines.
Man made? Are you talking about interpretation? There are core doctrines that are evident not man made like what you stated above at the beginning. Then minor doctrines have interpretations that some church divide over like over drinking wine.

Some clearly go against the evident commands of scripture. This is corrupt doctrine to say homosexuality isnt a sin. That is extremely dangerous due to its connection to soul salvation.

Issues with rather should females where jewelry, what are demons, old or new earth, etc are issues that regardless even if you dont understand them or get them right. They are not a danger to soul salvation.
 

Dino246

Senior Member
Jun 30, 2015
25,369
13,730
113
#53
If you take these passage to you pastor He might be enraged.
You may have had bad experiences with a handful of pastors, which is unfortunate, but you lump all of them together and condemn them. That is not sound reasoning. You cannot possibly have attended every seminary, and you certainly haven't discussed your findings with every pastor, so stop your broad-brushing. Some pastors do a better job of teaching integrated biblical theology than others, but that certainly doesn't make them all bad.

Has all your study made you more humble? Has it taught you that you are fallible, and that your understanding may be incomplete or just plain wrong about something? Or has it made you arrogant, that you criticize God's servants en masse?

Bear in mind that pastors have very challenging jobs, and that many are not scholars. Bear in mind also that your decades of study on specific topics might give you a slight advantage over someone who spent four years studying a broad range of topics. Bear in mind also that your pastor may actually know more than you and may have very sound reasons for rejecting your conclusions. Learn to disagree respectfully.

Consider also that those whom God calls to be pastors and teachers are given the task of building up those whom they teach in the faith, not tearing them down for their supposed ignorance. If those to whom you present your findings disagree with you, pray for them. Don't come here and slander them.
 
Mar 28, 2016
15,954
1,528
113
#54
Is the word "corrupted" in that verse? Anywhere?
NO!
It would seem you keep forgetting God is not a man as us. God is Spirit. God is light. God is Truth. God has no DNA

You will not find it if you close your eyes to the context. Scriptures informs us it must be sinful (corrupted ) A theophany like that of Melchedik, a vision . . .no literal corrupted flesh and blood would not, could work for the one time demonstration needed to perform what the letter of the law which kills could not do. Which the law of faith did . Making the two laws (seen and unseen) one perfect law. performed by the perfect Son of man Jesus seen. . . working with unseen God signified as a Father. Completing the government of God the government of peace as that which establishes the church . Two working as one.
 

posthuman

Senior Member
Jul 31, 2013
37,727
13,522
113
#55
Even the Son of man said his corrupted flesh profits for nothing.
Christ's flesh was never corrupted

And that He raised Him from the dead, no more to return to corruption, He has spoken thus:
‘I will give you the sure mercies of David.’
Therefore He also says in another Psalm:
‘You will not allow Your Holy One to see corruption.’
“For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell asleep, was buried with his fathers, and saw corruption; but He whom God raised up saw no corruption.
(Acts 13:34-37)
He was among us like Adam before the fall; there was no sin found in Adam until that day, and no corruption - and in Jesus there is no sin, ever, and no corruption in His flesh.
 

Dino246

Senior Member
Jun 30, 2015
25,369
13,730
113
#56
It would seem you keep forgetting God is not a man as us. God is Spirit. God is light. God is Truth. God has no DNA

You will not find it if you close your eyes to the context. Scriptures informs us it must be sinful (corrupted ) A theophany like that of Melchedik, a vision . . .no literal corrupted flesh and blood would not, could work for the one time demonstration needed to perform what the letter of the law which kills could not do. Which the law of faith did . Making the two laws (seen and unseen) one perfect law. performed by the perfect Son of man Jesus seen. . . working with unseen God signified as a Father. Completing the government of God the government of peace as that which establishes the church . Two working as one.
You keep adding to Scripture, and there is no "seem" about it.
 
Mar 28, 2016
15,954
1,528
113
#57
Christ's flesh was never corrupted

And that He raised Him from the dead, no more to return to corruption, He has spoken thus:
‘I will give you the sure mercies of David.’
Therefore He also says in another Psalm:
‘You will not allow Your Holy One to see corruption.’
“For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell asleep, was buried with his fathers, and saw corruption; but He whom God raised up saw no corruption.
(Acts 13:34-37)
He was among us like Adam before the fall; there was no sin found in Adam until that day, and no corruption - and in Jesus there is no sin, ever, and no corruption in His flesh.
I agree .He knew no sin.

Jesus as the Son of man was born in into earthen body a corrupted flesh and blood (no power from the flesh ) Power from the Spirit of holiness.

Why do you think he said in John 6 Jesus said his flesh profits for nothing other than a one time demonstration of the unseen work of Him and the father. It is the unseen Spirit that does do the unseen work to those who do walk by faith, the unseen eternal. .

Romans say it must by signified a corrupt . The body did age toward destruction a product of corruption. And for three day the father kept if corrupting totally by pouring out his Spirit on flesh, like he did with Lazarus 4 days.

How else could he demonstrate what the written law could not? Its not a salvation issue. More of like "how can we hear" what the Spirit is saying by rightly dividing the living word .. Why was the demonstration of our High Priest continually, not satisfied with a vision Melchezedek rather that literal corrupted flesh and blood. it could never enter the new order .

Hebrews 7 King James Version (KJV) For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him;To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace; Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually.

If we do not wrestles against the corrupted things of this world But do against unseen spirits and principalities in high places seen.

How would we reckon flesh and blood could have a good effect?

Like for instance calling the Son of man Jesus in respect to what the eyes see as Good Master? Good a word used throughout the bible reserved for the unseen approval. . .Like for instance; "Let there be the light of God's glory. . And it was good".

I think in that way we are not taking away the hidden glory of the unseen God by making the flesh without effect. But rather placing it as the government of God. Loving authority (father unseen) + willing submissiveness (Son the temporal seen) = peace of God surpassing human understanding. .It would seem Jesus placed it in a proper place of faith, the unseen eternal . Giving glory to God not to the corrupted flesh of mankind

Matthew 19:16-18 King James Version (KJV) And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,
 
Mar 28, 2016
15,954
1,528
113
#58
You keep adding to Scripture, and there is no "seem" about it.

Please point out where you see this adding? Did you mean defining parables according to the signified tongue of God, prophecy? .

What is it I have offered? My private interpretation of how I hear or fingerprint ? Whose interpretation do you offer?
 
Mar 28, 2016
15,954
1,528
113
#60
Christ's flesh was never corrupted
I would offer. What God calls separate the father of lies calls it together(one).What God calls one, the father of lies, the counterfeiter separates.

There is a eternity of deference between the phrases. "Son of man" and "Son of God"

Christ the anointing Holy Spirit of God as the Son of God never had flesh . He is not a man as us. (Job 9:33) He is eternal Spirit like no other.

Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually. hebrews 7

The Son of man, Jesus like us did have earthen flesh. He had the excellency of the power of Christ. . . the anointing Holy Spirit of God working in him to both will and do the good pleasure of the father . This is from birth until he vanished away never again to appear.

In that way he was the only one born into this world who did not as soon as being born . . .go forth telling lies.

2 Corinthians 4:7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.