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The word of God is inerrant, not a particular version of the Bible that one prefers to make a point. I know I opened that proverbial can of worms. The KJV is the most hell friendly version (in English). Other versions render the Greek and Hebrew in different ways that seem to be more accurate.

Most Christians today aren’t very familiar with the Hebrew word sheol and how it relates to the old testament. (a good study http://sheol-know.net ) Most Christians are also afraid to enter into a study on the subject because they don’t want to be branded a heretic if the question the widely accepted belief in eternal torture in hell.

How about the word hell as it is interpreted into our English Bibles - where did we get that word? Many times the original Greek word was gehenna which was a garbage dump that burn as long as trash was heaped upon it.

The Bible doesn’t teach that the unbeliever will “go free”, it seems they will suffer for a time and then be no more. It will be a just punishment - not a one size fits all - eternity.

Remember we serve a God that said eye for an eye. Is eternity in unspeakable torment the just response for a person who lived without Christ for 12 years?

I embarked on a study of hell for not particular reason. I didn’t lose someone close to me that was an unbeliever. I just studied for over a year (and still) - taking every verse in the Bible (old and new testament) to see for myself what they say.

It is amazing to me that God did not warn Adam and Eve that the penalty of there disobedience was hell but death. We seemed to have attached another meaning to the word death by calling it spiritual death.

I John 3:16 we again interpret perish as eternal torment in hell fire - when it means death - end of life. The opposite of life is death. The opposite if eternity is ceasing to exist.

It is difficult to convince anyone of anything by a few words, but I promise you that if you seek His truth it will set you free.

I’m still your brother, a fellow believer in the finished work of our Lord Jesus Christ. I find it amazing that He came from Heaven above to save me from eternal separation - giving me the free gift of eternal life! This corruption (someday) will take on incorruption and this mortality will take on immortality.

If Hitler was not a believer in Jesus (he didn’t have the fruit it seems) than he will not be given eternal life - he will die. He is not given immortality, he remains mortal - he will cease to exist. I don’t believe the Bible teaches ultimate reconciliation or universalism - the wages of sin is death, the gift of God is eternal life!

After studying the Bible extensively on this subject - I am left with the inescapable conclusion that not all are given eternal life (IE immortality) but only those who are believers in Jesus. The lie began in the Garden – God said the day you eat of the forbidden tree you will die (IE you will no longer live forever – be immortal but you will die – become mortal). The serpents response was you will not die – meaning you will not become mortal, meaning you will remain immortal and be as God. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish (die – because they are mortal), but have everlasting life (be immortal). Immortality is a gift of God – death is the consequence of sin. Two excellent places for information on this subject are as follows. (not a study for the faint of heart). http://www.sheol-know.org http://www.hell-know.net I find it interesting that this is a place (Free Republic) with so many educated, rational and well informed people – many of which came from error into truth. They were taught the things they were taught previously by (often times) very well intentioned and loving people – then they grew a brain ☺ and began to think for themselves and became conservatives. These same people try to convince others of the truth they have learned and are amazed at how blind people could be. Never be afraid of where the truth will lead you – seek and you will find. Deep in your hearts you know that you question why God would punish His unbelieving creation for eternity in fire. You are loving parents and know there could never be an offense that would ever have you respond in punishing your child for eternity. You will always love them – even if they hate you. We are like that because God is like that – loving His enemies, love those who are in error! I implore you to look for yourselves – the majority are not always right. Immortality is a gift of God. Your unbelieving loved ones who have died are not rotting in hell – they have not been granted immortality. Remember – death and hell will be thrown into the lake of fire. Study to show yourselves approved – the truth will set you free!

I agree. After much research, I concluded ADHD is a fraud. I was among the first generation (born 1956)to be (mis)diagnosed as having, then called, ADD and put on Ritalin. I think that every kid could arguably be positively diagnosed with ADHD. Be wary - please - drug have many very dangerous side effects, particularly damaging to the heart.

There is a good book in the subject: The ADHD Fraud: How Psychiatry Makes “Patients” of Normal Children by Fred A. Baughman Jr. check it out on Amazon.com.

“...has he really done a 380?”

I think you meant 180 (an about-face) or did you mean 360 (a full circle) or maybe you meant a 20? (not sure what that would denote?) :-)

Try Delete Now - http://www.slashbackassociates.com/deletenow.html - I think it is freeware or shareware.

And that edifying, fellowship and worship can be given in a “house church” as it is being done in many “church” buildings throughout the world.

Be blessed by God as you seek to know Him and serve Him completely!

“I would like to encourage you to keep looking for a REAL church - one that isn’t afraid to preach God’s Word as it is intended - “rightly dividing the Word of Truth” (2 Timothy 2:15)”

I think he is understanding that he is “a church” and his wife is “a church” and together with all believers - we are “the church”. A building will not accomplish what His people could, should and will.

The priesthood was given to all believers the moment the veil was ripped in half! One does not need to be a Levite - only needs to have the the “birth certificate” or “adoption papers” showing that we are one of His. Then we without the aid of a “minister” are able to enter into the “most holy place”.

May the Lord guide you (us) in the quest for true communion with Him!

“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” by way of the “simple church” “organic church” or “house church”. Google it - it’s not weird - it’s biblical. Then get yourself a copy of Pagan Christianity by George Barna and Frank Viola - it might just change the way you r think about the institutionalized church. I believe in the Acts church - house to house.

Costo:

We are very disappointed in your decision to exalt Al Gore and to belittle Glen Beck in a recent article in your magazine. As a shopper in your store I would expect you to be apolitical. I frequent the book area, noticing the disproportionate number of left-leaning material. I reasoned that there was still a number of conservative selections available - concluding that Costco was making an attempt at being fair (albeit a vain attempt in light of this obvious bias in the following excerpt).

“Let’s talk about Al Gore and Glenn Beck. One of them appears on our cover this month, having penned an article for us concerning his ideas about climate change. The other’s book was promoted in a full-page paid advertisement in last month’s issue.

These two people have little in common in terms of politics or stature. (There is only one person I can think of who has both a Nobel Peace Prize and the title of vice president of the United States on his resume.)”

I always shop at your stores around the Christmas season - not this year - unless I get an apology. I don’t think I stand alone - you have a lot of people to answer to.

Their response:

At times we publish articles that may be seen as controversial to some and acceptable to others. It is our policy to let our members decide what is acceptable by what they choose to read. Our member’s opinions and views on personally controversial persons or articles are always welcome and their refusal to purchase any products or read any article for personal, political, or religious reasons is respected and honored.

In terms of the articles we publish in the magazine, our coverage has included – and will continue to include- everyone from Tim LaHaye to Howard Stern. Again, we rely on time for the balance and on each member’s judgment to choose what he or she wants to read.

We have forwarded your comments to our business executives for their review. Thank you for taking the time to share your comments with us.

Thank you for your e-mail to Costco Wholesale.

Thank you,

Judah
Costco Wholesale Corporation

My wife came to the US in 04 from Russia and is now homeschooling our daughter (11th grade A student). Since moving here, she has learned English but our daughter began learning English while still in Russia. I am giving this info to say “you surely can do it if it is your desire to do it!”

We are homeschooling through A Beka Academy (https://www.abekaacademy.org). We opted to enroll her in the FL school even though we are from NJ. It cost us about 1000.00 for the year (for all the books, answer keys, teacher guides and DVD’s). They hold all her records and check all her finals, reports and term papers. They also issue her a diploma.

You could opt for the whole course by books only, but we like the idea of being accountable to the the school - a safeguard against becoming lax.

I read a book by Bruce Shortt called The Harsh Truth About the Public Schools - I don’t call them public schools anymore - I call them government schools! A scary book that everyone should read. (and very well documented).

I pray for you to honor God in you decision!

Joe (joe@kingcarpenter.com)