Not By Works

  • 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.

ForestGreenCook

Well-known member
Jul 8, 2018
8,441
1,213
113
No that was not directed at you. You seem to be Christian, despite some strange beliefs. Like the one I pointed out, Isaiah 28:9-10, is TOTALLY off the wall, in my opinion. I think your personal THEORY has led you down some Strange paths. I personally think the BIBLE should be Interpreted LITERALLY, unless it is an obvious symbolism. For example:

Dr. Walter Martin, once had an interview that ended with questions from the audience, and a Mormon Missionary got up and said it sounds like you believe every verse in the BIBLE should be taken literally? Dr. Walter Martin, said "Of course not, only the verses that have obvious symbolism, should not be taken Literally, like this Verse:"

Deuteronomy 4:24 (HCSB)
24 For the LORD your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.

Dr. Martin then said, "That does not mean that GOD is literally a BLAST FURNACE."


I take a GREAT DEAL of VERSES absolutely LITERALY, whereas YOU say that is a Mystery, giving you permission to Interperate those verses contrary to Literally. You can find an interpretation of two different verses, that seem to contradict each other, IF YOU FIRST ADMIT YOU MADE AN ERROR IN INTERPRETATION OF ONE OR BOTH VERSES. THERE ARE NO CONTRADICTION IN MY BIBLE WHATSOEVER, AND I BELIEVE MOST OF THE BIBLE SHOULD BE TRANSLATED LITERALLY.

For Example. One time on the Yard, I had a Muslim ask to speak to me, and He quoted three different verses that had the Number of Israelites in that quote, in all three verses, about the same period of time, and ALL THREE WERE DIFFERENT numbers. HE INSISTED THE BIBLE WAS FULL OF ERRORS and Should not be counted as TRUTH. He thought he had me, but I had studied that several months before. The Answer to that SUPPOSED riddle, lies in understanding the Jewish history. There are THREE DIFFERENT Numbering systems in ISRAEL.

One COUNTED MEN ONLY, and not boys.

Another COUNTED ALL MEN AND BOYS.

And the Third COUNTED the entire Family: MEN, Boys, Women, and Girls.

The supposed contradiction DISAPPEARED with that historical input. The three verses he quoted, were not a Contradiction, but the person pushing the Pen, used a different Numbering System.
That is interesting. Could you give me the three scriptures that he used?
 

ForestGreenCook

Well-known member
Jul 8, 2018
8,441
1,213
113
I appreciate your concern. We, indeed, had a good time. They had a good snow the day before we got there, and it was like a winter wonderland, but all of the roads were cleared off. We attended four shows, two of them, being dinner shows.

We stayed in a condo in Blue Eye, Mo.
 

VCO

Senior Member
Oct 14, 2013
11,995
4,615
113
I appreciate your concern. We, indeed, had a good time. They had a good snow the day before we got there, and it was like a winter wonderland, but all of the roads were cleared off. We attended four shows, two of them, being dinner shows.

We stayed in a condo in Blue Eye, Mo.
1608518953062.png

Glad GOD gave you a safe trip home. That Picture from one of my books in my Collection, from the 1880's. It is a drawing of King David, transporting the Arch of the Covenant back to Jerusalem. It looks like everyone left this thread, so I will invite you to one of my threads, as long as you will read it without Presuppositions. I believe I have PROVEN in that thread that has been going for almost 3.6 years, that the TEMPLE never was where the Dome of the Rock stands, and it belongs in the City of DAVID, which was JERUSALEM in David's time. The Sanhedrin when the Jews moved back to 1212 AD from being on exile for almost a 1000 years, VOTED where everything belonged, and they CHOSE the wrong site, for the TEMPLE and Mt. ZION. I think through my research, and Videos by archaeologists, and articles on the building of the Third Temple, some videos are no longer available, I have the Proof, it belongs 600 feet South of the Southern Wall.

Here is the Site: https://christianchat.com/bible-discussion-forum/third-temple-news.155526/
 

VCO

Senior Member
Oct 14, 2013
11,995
4,615
113
View attachment 223763

Glad GOD gave you a safe trip home. That Picture from one of my books in my Collection, from the 1880's. It is a drawing of King David, transporting the Arch of the Covenant back to Jerusalem. It looks like everyone left this thread, so I will invite you to one of my threads, as long as you will read it without Presuppositions. I believe I have PROVEN in that thread that has been going for almost 3.6 years, that the TEMPLE never was where the Dome of the Rock stands, and it belongs in the City of DAVID, which was JERUSALEM in David's time. The Sanhedrin when the Jews moved back to 1212 AD from being on exile for almost a 1000 years, VOTED where everything belonged, and they CHOSE the wrong site, for the TEMPLE and Mt. ZION. I think through my research, and Videos by archaeologists, and articles on the building of the Third Temple, some videos are no longer available, I have the Proof, it belongs 600 feet South of the Southern Wall.

Here is the Site: https://christianchat.com/bible-discussion-forum/third-temple-news.155526/

It is not a place to debate Prophecy, it is a place to report NEWS about the THIRD TEMPLE that you have heard or read about.
 

VCO

Senior Member
Oct 14, 2013
11,995
4,615
113
That is interesting. Could you give me the three scriptures that he used?

There are some of the reasons for discrepancy in the Jewish Census listed on this Jewish Site, as it is ILLEGAL by Jewish LAW to do a Head Count.

https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/896203/jewish/Laws-of-Counting-Jews.htm
https://halachipedia.com/index.php?title=Counting_Jewish_People
https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/1635539/jewish/Why-Do-We-Not-Count-Jews.htm

That Bottom reference will be the most helpful in deciphering the Jewish Numbering of People, how they interpret scripture, they got around their belief that it was a sin to count heads with a different counting method. Because the GOD DID NOT NUMBER the descendants of Abraham, as he used the Stars in the sky as representative. They Counted Half Shekel coins donated at a particular meeting place, or point on the road, or for WAR when every eligible Male had to donate a half Shekel Coin. THEY COUNTED SHEKEL Coins donated.

So for the Military DRAFT, they counted Half Shekel Coins, from only eligible Males and other reasons.

So for How Many Males, including boys, were going to the Tabernacle, they counted Half Shekel Coins, as women were separated.

So for A FULL FAMILY Census, they only counted Half Shekel Coins.

1608667046814.png
In Bible times it was worth about equal to 160 grains of barley,
8 grams of silver is around five dollars today.
 

VCO

Senior Member
Oct 14, 2013
11,995
4,615
113
Are you still there? I missed the question before you went on vacation. You do not find the answer in the BIBLE, but by studying the culture of the Jews, you will see the answer to the riddle for why the answer to the discrepancy in the number of people. They had three numbering systems available, so it depends on which system they used.

I hope you do not think we have all the Wisdom from GOD in the Bible. It contains only the Highlights. Here is an example:

John 21:25 (HCSB)
25 And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which, if they were written one by one, I suppose not even the world itself could contain the books that would be written.
 

ForestGreenCook

Well-known member
Jul 8, 2018
8,441
1,213
113
Are you still there? I missed the question before you went on vacation. You do not find the answer in the BIBLE, but by studying the culture of the Jews, you will see the answer to the riddle for why the answer to the discrepancy in the number of people. They had three numbering systems available, so it depends on which system they used.

I hope you do not think we have all the Wisdom from GOD in the Bible. It contains only the Highlights. Here is an example:

John 21:25 (HCSB)
25 And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which, if they were written one by one, I suppose not even the world itself could contain the books that would be written.
I believe that the manuscripts contained in the KJV were written by men who were inspired by God, and contain all that we need to guide our lives here on earth. I believe that God communicates with us through the words written and revealed to us by the Holy Ghost. I use it as my only source of study.
 

VCO

Senior Member
Oct 14, 2013
11,995
4,615
113
I believe that the manuscripts contained in the KJV were written by men who were inspired by God, and contain all that we need to guide our lives here on earth. I believe that God communicates with us through the words written and revealed to us by the Holy Ghost. I use it as my only source of study.

You do know that the KJV was a Paraphrase, and not a genuine Translation don't you?

King James wanted time to Update the Language to the Style of English He Spoke, and to correct some KNOWN Errors in the 5 earlier English Versions. I am not trying to put you down, but you need to know what the KJV Paraphrase is all about. Their Transation TEAM got all kinds of FLACK from Theologians that did not want the Language tampered with, just like KJV ONLY believer do to Modern Translations. The Translation Team actually said it was not intended to be a new Translation in the ORIGINAL 1611 KJV PREFACE:

You really NEED to READ the Original Preface of the 1611 KJV, they admitted that they paraphrased lots of it from earlier English Versions. I think you will find you have put the KJV on WAY TOO HIGH OF A PEDISTAL. Here, I have pulled some excerpts out for you:

The Translators To The Reader
. . . Zeale to promote the common good, whether it be by devising any thing our selves, or revising that which hath bene laboured by others, . . .
. . .
But how shall men meditate in that, which they cannot understand? How shall they understand that which is kept close in an unknowen tongue? . . . so lest the Church be driven to the like exigent, it is necessary to have translations in a readinesse. . .
. . .
Yet it seemed good to the holy Ghost and to them, to take that which they found, (the same being for the greatest part true and sufficient) rather then by making a new, in that new world and greene age of the Church, to expose themselves to many exceptions and cavillations, as though they made a Translation to serve their owne turne, and therefore bearing witnesse to themselves, their witnesse not to be regarded. This may be supposed to bee some cause, why the Translation of the Seventie was allowed to passe for currant. . . . he holdeth the Authours thereof not onely for Interpreters, but also for Prophets in some respect: and Justinian the Emperour enjoyning the Jewes his subjects to use specially the Translation of the Seventie, rendreth this reason thereof, because they were as it were enlighted with propheticall grace. . . .
. . . This is the translation of the Seventy Interpreters, com- monly so called, which prepared the way for our Saviour among the Gen- tiles by written preaching . . . It is certain, that that Translation was not so sound and so perfect, but it needed in many places correc- tion; . . . {KNOWN ERRORS in the Septuagint} . . .​
(and Saint Jerome affirmeth as much) that the Seventie were Interpreters, they were not Prophets; they did many things well, as learned men; but yet as men they stumbled and fell, one while through oversight, another while through ignorance, yea, sometimes they may be noted to adde to the Originall, and sometimes to take from it; which made the Apostles to leave them many times, when they left the Hebrew, and to deliver the sence thereof according to the trueth of the word, as the spirit gave them utterance. This may suffice touching the Greeke Translations of the old Testament. . . .​
. . . But now the Latin Translations were too many to be all good, for they were infinite (Latini Interprets nullo modo numerari possunt, saith S. Augustine.) [S. Augustin. de doctr. Christ. lib 2 cap II]. Again they were not out of the Hebrew fountain (we speak of the Latin Translations of the Old Testament) but out of the Greek stream, therefore the Greek being not altogether clear, the Latin derived from it must needs be muddy. . . .​
There were also within a few hundreth yeeres after CHRIST, translations many into the Latine tongue: for this tongue also was very fit to convey the Law and the Gospel by, because in those times very many Countreys of the West, yea of the South, East and North, spake or understood Latine, being made Provinces to the Romanes. But now the Latine Translations were too many to be all good, . . . Now the Church of Rome . . . Yea, so unwilling they are to communicate the Scriptures to the peoples understanding in any sort, that they are not ashamed to confesse, that wee forced them to translate it into English against their wills. . . .
. . .​
. . . the same will shine as gold more brightly, being rubbed and polished; also, if anything be halting, or superfluous, or not so agreeable to the original, the same may be corrected, and the truth set in place. {KNOWN ERRORS} . . .
Yet for all that, as nothing is begun and perfited at the same time, and the later thoughts are thought to be the wiser: so, if we building upon their foundation that went before us, and being holpen by their labours, doe endevour to make that better which they left so good; no man, we are sure, hath cause to mislike us; they, we persuade our selves, if they were alive, would thanke us. . . .
. . .
to have the translations of the Bible maturely considered of and examined. For by this meanes it commeth to passe, that whatsoever is sound alreadie (and all is sound for substance, in one or other of our editions, and the worst of ours farre better then their autentike vulgar) the same will shine as gold more brightly, being rubbed and polished; also if any thing be halting, or superfluous, or not so agreeable to the originall, the same may bee corrected, and the trueth set in place. . . .
. . .
Now to the later we answere; that wee doe not deny, nay wee affirme and avow, that the very meanest {poorest} translation of the Bible in English, set foorth by men of our profession (for wee have seene none of theirs of the whole Bible as yet) containeth the word of God, nay, is the word of God. . . .
. . .
Yet before we end, we must answere a third cavill and objection of theirs against us, for altering and amending our Taanslations [sic] so oft; wherein truely they deale hardly, and strangely with us. { The very same thing you do to MODERN Translations. } For to whom ever was it imputed for a fault (by such as were wise) to goe over that which hee had done, and to amend it where he saw cause? . . .
. . .
But the difference that appeareth betweene our Translations, and our often correcting of them, is the thing that wee are specially charged with; let us see therefore whether they themselves bee without fault this way, (if it be to be counted a fault, to correct) and whether they bee fit men to throw stones at us: But it is high time to leave them, and to shew in briefe what wee proposed to our selves, and what course we held in this our perusall and survay of the Bible. Truly (good Christian Reader) wee never thought from the beginning, that we should neede to make a new Translation, nor yet to make of a bad one a good one, (for then the imputation of Sixtus had bene true in some sort, that our people had bene fed with gall of Dragons in stead of wine, with whey in stead of milke, but to make a good one better, or out of many good ones, one principall good one, not justly to be excepted against; that hath bene our indeavour, that our marke. . . . { That makes it a PARAPHRASE and not an actual Translation from the original languages. }

http://www.kjvbibles.com/kjpreface.htm
Note the LINK ABOVE, no longer works. Here are a couple that do work:
(https://library.osu.edu/innovation-...bible/sidebars/the-translators-preface-to-the)


(http://www.ccel.org/bible/kjv/preface/pref1.htm) Easiest to use (leave off the brackets) to reference full version. Read it 4 times.
 

VCO

Senior Member
Oct 14, 2013
11,995
4,615
113
I believe that the manuscripts contained in the KJV were written by men who were inspired by God, and contain all that we need to guide our lives here on earth. I believe that God communicates with us through the words written and revealed to us by the Holy Ghost. I use it as my only source of study.
ARE YOU STILL THERE? I am sorry if I offended your beliefs. I used to use only the KJV myself. But I never thought the Translation Team was INSPIRED BY GOD. The KING JAMES ONLY People, wanted to elevate it to the ONLY INSPIRED ENGLISH VERSION, that they Faked IT. They even Totally CHANGED The PREFACE, probably so that no one would discover what they wanted to keep a secret. IT IS NOT INSPIRED, IT IS NOT EVEN A NEW TRANSLATION, so all it is at best, is a very good PARAPHRASE, updating older Words and Phrases in English, and correcting KNOW ERRORS is the five older English Versions. Like I said, I painstakingly read through the Entire ORIGINAL 1611 KJV PREFACE, just to make sure that I had a handle own what it meant. My favorite version of the BIBLE is HCSB, a genuine legitimate TRANSLATION from the oldest ever found of Original Language Manuscripts. Where as the KJV only used 5 or 6 Older English Translations, the Latin Bible, and the Septuagint. AND both the Latin BIBLE and Septuagint had KNOWN ERRORS IN THEM. One of the KNOW ERRORS was copied over to the KJV is this:

1 John 5:7-8 (KJV)
7 For there are three that bear record in heaven,
the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. (That Phrase in read was added to the KJV.)
8 And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.

1 John 5:7-8 (HCSB)
7 For there are three that testify:
8 the Spirit, the water, and the blood—and these three are in agreement.
 

VCO

Senior Member
Oct 14, 2013
11,995
4,615
113
I need to bring you my traditional Post Christmas message:

How many beliefs are distorted by artists that painted their famous pictures without reading the full story they were trying to paint?
For instance, look at the WISE MEN who were painted besides the Manger.



So HOW many false teaching are implied in that Picture?

Let's see what the BIBLE and History BOOKS really say, and what they do NOT say, that is pure fiction. The BIBLE NEVER SAID they rode camels, it Never said there was ONLY THREE OF THEM, it Never Said there were only three little GIFTS, it never said they were Birthday Gifts for the New King; IT WAS IN REALITY HOMAGE TO THE NEW KING; and Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh are the TRADITION HOMAGE GIFTS, for a new King. They had to RIDE from Village to Village all the way down in the land of the Chaldeans (Kuwait) and back and Forth in Babylon, and Up along the Southern Coast of the Caspian Sea, and the West side of the Caspian SEA; just to Collect the Homage, because the TRIBE OF MAGI were dispersed throughout that entire region. (A lot of this comes from History Books.) IT NEVER SAID they were THREE KINGS, instead they were KING MAKERS, who conducted the Coronation Ceremonies through out the Mid-East. Magi were a very rich TRIBE, and their Major source of Income, was not hiring themselves out as Wise Men; it was, they were the MAJOR source of WAR HORSES, and they Sold Them to almost every Kingdom in the Mid-east. The HOMAGE would have been in at the very least in three Large TRUNKS. MAGI never traveled anywhere with LESS than 10 MAGI, and also 100 of the Fiercest Warriors in the land. So why would ANYBODY NOT WANT TO RIDE ARABIAN WAR HORSES; choosing to ride CAMELS instead? NO THEY DID NOT CROSS THE DESERT. There was a river valley just north of Jerusalem a little ways into Lebanon, plus WATER for the horses, was almost all the way going that route.

The Tribe of Magi, known as Wise Men, were taught by Daniel after he Explained King Nebuchadnezzar dream to him. In Dan. 2:48 it says Daniel was appointed chief of the governors over all the wise men of Babylon. He taught them Prophecies of the Messiah, and they REMEMBERED, while the people of ISRAEL FORGOT.

Magi rode into Jerusalem, with a full compliment of MAGI, and at least a 100 ARMED WARRIORS to protect the HOMAGE TREASURE, TWO Years after Christ's birth, the Magi verified that to Herod, of when the Star first appeared in their sky. At a TIME WHEN ISRAEL WAS OFF at a great distance, in a Vicious WAR. So all King Herod had was His Palace Guards. King Herod had to be PANICKING, figuring they were going to conduct a Coronation Ceremony, and kick him out. Now let's see what really happen next.


Matthew 2:7-12 (NKJV)
7 Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared.
8 And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also."
9 When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was.
10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy.
11 And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
12 Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way.


So could an Artist, negatively effect some one's Faith and Trust in the Lord, by not reading thoroughly researching the story that he was trying to portray?
 

ForestGreenCook

Well-known member
Jul 8, 2018
8,441
1,213
113
ARE YOU STILL THERE? I am sorry if I offended your beliefs. I used to use only the KJV myself. But I never thought the Translation Team was INSPIRED BY GOD. The KING JAMES ONLY People, wanted to elevate it to the ONLY INSPIRED ENGLISH VERSION, that they Faked IT. They even Totally CHANGED The PREFACE, probably so that no one would discover what they wanted to keep a secret. IT IS NOT INSPIRED, IT IS NOT EVEN A NEW TRANSLATION, so all it is at best, is a very good PARAPHRASE, updating older Words and Phrases in English, and correcting KNOW ERRORS is the five older English Versions. Like I said, I painstakingly read through the Entire ORIGINAL 1611 KJV PREFACE, just to make sure that I had a handle own what it meant. My favorite version of the BIBLE is HCSB, a genuine legitimate TRANSLATION from the oldest ever found of Original Language Manuscripts. Where as the KJV only used 5 or 6 Older English Translations, the Latin Bible, and the Septuagint. AND both the Latin BIBLE and Septuagint had KNOWN ERRORS IN THEM. One of the KNOW ERRORS was copied over to the KJV is this:

1 John 5:7-8 (KJV)
7 For there are three that bear record in heaven,
the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. (That Phrase in read was added to the KJV.)
8 And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.

1 John 5:7-8 (HCSB)
7 For there are three that testify:
8 the Spirit, the water, and the blood—and these three are in agreement.
No, you did not affende me. I realize that my interpretation of the scriptures af very different than most every ones, and I am very used to being criticised, but they seem to me to harmonize together better than any doctrine that I have witnessed, and I really enjoy discussing them with fellow christians.

I will turn 86 January 15, and try to keep myself busy, mostly at landscaping and carpentry. I retired from being a letter carrier with the Postal Service in 1994. After I retired, I bought three acres, three miles from a small town in Oklahoma, and built a three bedroom house. Sense that time I have surpassed two deceased wives and am married to a third one, and we have been married for seven years. I built my house in the year 2000, and have made many additions and improvements sense that time.

Such as; a 10'x8'x4' deep fish pond that recycles water from a six foot rock mountain waterfall that meanders under a wooden bridge and over a Mealhouse water wheel that dumps back into the pond. I then decided to build a 12'x16' covered deck next to the pond.

My latest project was a 12'x32' dyed cement patio designed by 1'x2' sections divided by stained 2x4's. One end of it has a 5' diameter fire pit, with a half circle bench, with back, built out of landscape retaining wall stones, and the other end I built an arbour covered swing.

I am now in the process of converting a carport into an enclosed garage with automatic door opener.

I do not know what possessed me to dup all of this on you, but feel comfortable with you as being a friend.
 

VCO

Senior Member
Oct 14, 2013
11,995
4,615
113
No, you did not affende me. I realize that my interpretation of the scriptures af very different than most every ones, and I am very used to being criticised, but they seem to me to harmonize together better than any doctrine that I have witnessed, and I really enjoy discussing them with fellow christians.

I will turn 86 January 15, and try to keep myself busy, mostly at landscaping and carpentry. I retired from being a letter carrier with the Postal Service in 1994. After I retired, I bought three acres, three miles from a small town in Oklahoma, and built a three bedroom house. Sense that time I have surpassed two deceased wives and am married to a third one, and we have been married for seven years. I built my house in the year 2000, and have made many additions and improvements sense that time.

Such as; a 10'x8'x4' deep fish pond that recycles water from a six foot rock mountain waterfall that meanders under a wooden bridge and over a Mealhouse water wheel that dumps back into the pond. I then decided to build a 12'x16' covered deck next to the pond.

My latest project was a 12'x32' dyed cement patio designed by 1'x2' sections divided by stained 2x4's. One end of it has a 5' diameter fire pit, with a half circle bench, with back, built out of landscape retaining wall stones, and the other end I built an arbour covered swing.

I am now in the process of converting a carport into an enclosed garage with automatic door opener.

I do not know what possessed me to dup all of this on you, but feel comfortable with you as being a friend.

There are only two things will get your attention when seen in your REVIEW MIRROR; a State Patrol Car, and THIS:

1609133240873.png

I retired from being a letter carrier in 2005. Started in the Post Office 3 days after High School. Took the Civil Service exam during my senior year in High School.

Yeah it was a major let down when I found out what the translation team said about the 1611 KJV. However is was a blessing because it got me search for a better Translation. I found the Holman's Christian Standard Bible, to be the best for me. The main reason is they did not try to change GOD's name, for example:

Isaiah 43:10-11 (HCSB)
10 “You are My witnesses”— ⌊this is⌋ the LORD’s declaration— “and My servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe Me and understand that I am He. No god was formed before Me, and there will be none after Me.
11 I, I am Yahweh, and there is no other Savior but Me.

Major PROOF that JESUS IS GOD.

Malachi 3:6 (HCSB)
6 “Because I, Yahweh, have not changed,
you descendants of Jacob have not been destroyed.

Major PROOF that GOD DID NOT CHANGE, HE saved O.T. Saints the Same way HE saves N.T. Saints; By GRACE they were SAVED, not because of their Works. They only thought they were saved by their works.

In fact Jesus did not use the word CHURCH, and nor did the Apostles. The word they used was the ASSEMBLY. The O.T. ASSEMBLY and the N.T. ASSEMBLY was the TWO FOLDS that Jesus was talking about that will become one Flock at the RAPTURE, in my opinion.

John 10:14-17 (HCSB)
14 “I am the good shepherd. I know My own sheep, and they know Me,
15 as the Father knows Me, and I know the Father. I lay down My life for the sheep.
16 But I have other sheep that are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will listen to My voice. Then there will be one flock, one shepherd.
17 This is why the Father loves Me, because I am laying down My life so I may take it up again.


Here is Proof that JESUS called Both FOLDS, the ASSEMBLY.

Matthew 16:18 (YLT)
18 `And I also say to thee, that thou art a rock, and upon this rock I will build my assembly, and gates of Hades shall not prevail against it;

QUOTE:
Greek Strong's Number:
1577
Greek Word: ἐκκλησία
Transliteration: ekklēsia
Phonetic Pronunciation:
ek-klay-see'-ah

Root: from a compound of <G1537> and a derivative of <G2564>
Cross Reference: TDNT - 3:501,394
Part of Speech: n f
Vine's Words: Assembly, Congregation
Strong's Talking Greek & Hebrew Dictionary.
:END QUOTE.


So the WORD JESUS and the Apostles used was ASSEMBLY. Sometime after the Bible was completed, the ASSEMBLY started to use the Word CHURCH as a substitute for ASSEMBLY, so that by the time the BIBLE was translated to ENGLISH, this practice was common practice. So almost ever TRANSLATION does not translate the word ekklēsia literally.

I have to be Glad that you at 86 are strong enough to take on major construction challenges as you have. AT 72 in Feb., I am wearing out. In family history, I have three genetic flaws. Heart Disease, Aneurisms, and Strokes, and in the last 4 years I have had 7 Strokes, 2 were MAJOR, and 5 minis. They finally go me on the right Stroke Medication, it is called: XARELTO.
 

ForestGreenCook

Well-known member
Jul 8, 2018
8,441
1,213
113
There are only two things will get your attention when seen in your REVIEW MIRROR; a State Patrol Car, and THIS:

View attachment 224000

I retired from being a letter carrier in 2005. Started in the Post Office 3 days after High School. Took the Civil Service exam during my senior year in High School.

Yeah it was a major let down when I found out what the translation team said about the 1611 KJV. However is was a blessing because it got me search for a better Translation. I found the Holman's Christian Standard Bible, to be the best for me. The main reason is they did not try to change GOD's name, for example:

Isaiah 43:10-11 (HCSB)
10 “You are My witnesses”— ⌊this is⌋ the LORD’s declaration— “and My servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe Me and understand that I am He. No god was formed before Me, and there will be none after Me.
11 I, I am Yahweh, and there is no other Savior but Me.

Major PROOF that JESUS IS GOD.

Malachi 3:6 (HCSB)
6 “Because I, Yahweh, have not changed,
you descendants of Jacob have not been destroyed.

Major PROOF that GOD DID NOT CHANGE, HE saved O.T. Saints the Same way HE saves N.T. Saints; By GRACE they were SAVED, not because of their Works. They only thought they were saved by their works.

In fact Jesus did not use the word CHURCH, and nor did the Apostles. The word they used was the ASSEMBLY. The O.T. ASSEMBLY and the N.T. ASSEMBLY was the TWO FOLDS that Jesus was talking about that will become one Flock at the RAPTURE, in my opinion.

John 10:14-17 (HCSB)
14 “I am the good shepherd. I know My own sheep, and they know Me,
15 as the Father knows Me, and I know the Father. I lay down My life for the sheep.
16 But I have other sheep that are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will listen to My voice. Then there will be one flock, one shepherd.
17 This is why the Father loves Me, because I am laying down My life so I may take it up again.


Here is Proof that JESUS called Both FOLDS, the ASSEMBLY.

Matthew 16:18 (YLT)
18 `And I also say to thee, that thou art a rock, and upon this rock I will build my assembly, and gates of Hades shall not prevail against it;

QUOTE:
Greek Strong's Number:
1577
Greek Word: ἐκκλησία
Transliteration: ekklēsia
Phonetic Pronunciation:
ek-klay-see'-ah

Root: from a compound of <G1537> and a derivative of <G2564>
Cross Reference: TDNT - 3:501,394
Part of Speech: n f
Vine's Words: Assembly, Congregation
Strong's Talking Greek & Hebrew Dictionary.
:END QUOTE.


So the WORD JESUS and the Apostles used was ASSEMBLY. Sometime after the Bible was completed, the ASSEMBLY started to use the Word CHURCH as a substitute for ASSEMBLY, so that by the time the BIBLE was translated to ENGLISH, this practice was common practice. So almost ever TRANSLATION does not translate the word ekklēsia literally.

I have to be Glad that you at 86 are strong enough to take on major construction challenges as you have. AT 72 in Feb., I am wearing out. In family history, I have three genetic flaws. Heart Disease, Aneurisms, and Strokes, and in the last 4 years I have had 7 Strokes, 2 were MAJOR, and 5 minis. They finally go me on the right Stroke Medication, it is called: XARELTO.
I sensed there was something that we had in common. The wife that I am married to now is a retired pharmacy tech with the same pharmacist for 48 years. They had four retired postal workers who made deliveries for them. when she told her former boss that she was going to marry a retired letter carrier, he had a big surprised laugh.

Sorry to hear about your genetic setbacks. I pray you are feeling well. I have developed two genetic ailments one is called macular degenerative disease. I am thankful that it is the dry eye type instead of the wet eye, and pray that it does not turn into the wet eye type. The other genetic disease that I have is blood clots. I have had two episodes in my right leg, which has done no damage so far, but I have to stay on a blood thinner called elliquist for the rest of my life, and wear thigh high support hose.

I have a damaged thumb that will not heal from running two many letters over it that killed the skin. The dermatologist said that it will never heal. I also have had to replace both knee joints due to all the walking carrying too heavy a load, with the old leather bag that was overloaded, until we negociated (misspelled) a weight limit.
 

VCO

Senior Member
Oct 14, 2013
11,995
4,615
113
I sensed there was something that we had in common. The wife that I am married to now is a retired pharmacy tech with the same pharmacist for 48 years. They had four retired postal workers who made deliveries for them. when she told her former boss that she was going to marry a retired letter carrier, he had a big surprised laugh.

Sorry to hear about your genetic setbacks. I pray you are feeling well. I have developed two genetic ailments one is called macular degenerative disease. I am thankful that it is the dry eye type instead of the wet eye, and pray that it does not turn into the wet eye type. The other genetic disease that I have is blood clots. I have had two episodes in my right leg, which has done no damage so far, but I have to stay on a blood thinner called elliquist for the rest of my life, and wear thigh high support hose.

I have a damaged thumb that will not heal from running two many letters over it that killed the skin. The dermatologist said that it will never heal. I also have had to replace both knee joints due to all the walking carrying too heavy a load, with the old leather bag that was overloaded, until we negociated (misspelled) a weight limit.

Oh, I am feeling well, as I med I am on now, for a year, Made the difference. I thought that bad stroke I head a year ago, I was just waiting for another one to take me out of here. It took away my memory on how to use the Computer completely. I could not even know how to turn it on. Had to learn it all, but about 6 weeks later I started to get most of it back. Spelling is still bad, but I guess that is what Spellcheck is for. Yeah I had a night mare for a boss the last four years in 5 years in the P.O. He retired 6 months before I did, so it ended peacefully.
 

ForestGreenCook

Well-known member
Jul 8, 2018
8,441
1,213
113
Oh, I am feeling well, as I med I am on now, for a year, Made the difference. I thought that bad stroke I head a year ago, I was just waiting for another one to take me out of here. It took away my memory on how to use the Computer completely. I could not even know how to turn it on. Had to learn it all, but about 6 weeks later I started to get most of it back. Spelling is still bad, but I guess that is what Spellcheck is for. Yeah I had a night mare for a boss the last four years in 5 years in the P.O. He retired 6 months before I did, so it ended peacefully.
We may differ on scripture, but we agree in life.

Kind of strange, what we have in common.

The beginning of my last five years, I was shop stewart when we got a new, young postmaster who was promoted from being a supervisor in some other office.

The first thing that he ask was who was the shop stewart for the letter carries. He then zeroed in on me trying to increase productivity to make him look good to postal management. When He walked with his clipboard one whole day with one of our young letter carriers that I had briefed for the inspection. He proceeded to scare him into walking at a higher pace, and added 30 minutes to his route.

He tried the same tactic with me, saying that I was not taking enough steps within a minute. I knew the contract that voided steps per minute for letter carriers over 50 years of age and came out with 30 minutes longer than my average, but do you think that he took 30 minutes off of my route?

I loved my career as a letter carrier until the last five years of filing many greevience against the postmaster for breaking the contract in the way he treated the letter carriers.

His practice was to throw a party for retiring letter carriers, but did not plan one for me. Thankfully, the letter carriers footed the expense of my retirement party.
 

VCO

Senior Member
Oct 14, 2013
11,995
4,615
113
We may differ on scripture, but we agree in life.

Kind of strange, what we have in common.

The beginning of my last five years, I was shop stewart when we got a new, young postmaster who was promoted from being a supervisor in some other office.

The first thing that he ask was who was the shop stewart for the letter carries. He then zeroed in on me trying to increase productivity to make him look good to postal management. When He walked with his clipboard one whole day with one of our young letter carriers that I had briefed for the inspection. He proceeded to scare him into walking at a higher pace, and added 30 minutes to his route.

He tried the same tactic with me, saying that I was not taking enough steps within a minute. I knew the contract that voided steps per minute for letter carriers over 50 years of age and came out with 30 minutes longer than my average, but do you think that he took 30 minutes off of my route?

I loved my career as a letter carrier until the last five years of filing many greevience against the postmaster for breaking the contract in the way he treated the letter carriers.

His practice was to throw a party for retiring letter carriers, but did not plan one for me. Thankfully, the letter carriers footed the expense of my retirement party.

I told you about the Nightmare Post Master that I had. He was totally into INCREASED PRODUCTIVITY, for the BONUS money he GOT. We discovered on year He got $15,000 dollars, and he bragged, the next year the Post Office is going buy me a new car. It was a Nightmare working for that man after that. If I pushed myself to make the quota, they only RAISED the quota to get him their bonus money. Two years before I Retired, he pushed me until I started to make mistakes, and when he thought he had enough, to FIRE me, and replace me with a younger faster carrier, HE DID. It took a whole year for the Union to Get my job back with PAY, but they had to pay me a whole year's pay, but it only covered the Credit Card Bills.

But GOD was good to me, as I worked at the Prison as Friends Outside Representative, and Loved the Job, but when my grievance was settled, they would not approve an early out, so back to the P.O. I went.
 

ForestGreenCook

Well-known member
Jul 8, 2018
8,441
1,213
113
We may differ on scripture, but we agree in life.

Kind of strange, what we have in common.

The beginning of my last five years, I was shop stewart when we got a new, young postmaster who was promoted from being a supervisor in some other office.

The first thing that he ask was who was the shop stewart for the letter carries. He then zeroed in on me trying to increase productivity to make him look good to postal management. When He walked with his clipboard one whole day with one of our young letter carriers that I had briefed for the inspection. He proceeded to scare him into walking at a higher pace, and added 30 minutes to his route.

He tried the same tactic with me, saying that I was not taking enough steps within a minute. I knew the contract that voided steps per minute for letter carriers over 50 years of age and came out with 30 minutes longer than my average, but do you think that he took 30 minutes off of my route?

I loved my career as a letter carrier until the last five years of filing many greevience against the postmaster for breaking the contract in the way he treated the letter carriers.

His practice was to throw a party for retiring letter carriers, but did not plan one for me. Thankfully, the letter carriers footed the expense of my retirement party.
I told you about the Nightmare Post Master that I had. He was totally into INCREASED PRODUCTIVITY, for the BONUS money he GOT. We discovered on year He got $15,000 dollars, and he bragged, the next year the Post Office is going buy me a new car. It was a Nightmare working for that man after that. If I pushed myself to make the quota, they only RAISED the quota to get him their bonus money. Two years before I Retired, he pushed me until I started to make mistakes, and when he thought he had enough, to FIRE me, and replace me with a younger faster carrier, HE DID. It took a whole year for the Union to Get my job back with PAY, but they had to pay me a whole year's pay, but it only covered the Credit Card Bills.

But GOD was good to me, as I worked at the Prison as Friends Outside Representative, and Loved the Job, but when my grievance was settled, they would not approve an early out, so back to the P.O. I went.
When I first went to work for the postal service in 1964, you could set your clock by what time the letter carrier would be at your house, but that changed drastically when they started cutting down on their services.

When I first started, we had the pony express shoulder patches.
 

VCO

Senior Member
Oct 14, 2013
11,995
4,615
113
When I first went to work for the postal service in 1964, you could set your clock by what time the letter carrier would be at your house, but that changed drastically when they started cutting down on their services.

When I first started, we had the pony express shoulder patches.

EXACTLY, the Worst chewing out I got the first year, 1967, was for going to fast.

No one locked their doors, and a lady that worked downtown, got made because I did not stop for Milk and Cookies in the Kitchen of her house, when she was not at home. What a turn around!
 

VCO

Senior Member
Oct 14, 2013
11,995
4,615
113
When I first went to work for the postal service in 1964, you could set your clock by what time the letter carrier would be at your house, but that changed drastically when they started cutting down on their services.

When I first started, we had the pony express shoulder patches.

Have you met mailmandan?

He is still a U.S Mail Carrier.


I have told him a number of times the best type of Mail Carrier is a Retired Mail Carrier! LOL.
 

VCO

Senior Member
Oct 14, 2013
11,995
4,615
113
When I first went to work for the postal service in 1964, you could set your clock by what time the letter carrier would be at your house, but that changed drastically when they started cutting down on their services.

When I first started, we had the pony express shoulder patches.
There is the kind of hat that I first wore in 1967, and I still have in in a box, with the Badge too. It is in a box, and I am sure it is moth eaten as it was wool

1609309357913.jpeg

Yes, after I was saved in 1977, as I quickly thought the SERMONS were way to short in the LUTHERAN CHURCH.