http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/general-religion/ en-us Thu, 24 Jul 2008 04:48:20 GMT Focus Forum 15 http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2050375/posts July 24, 2008                                     Thursday of the Sixteenth Week                                 in Ordinary Time       Reading 1Responsorial PsalmGospel Reading 1Jer 2:1-3, 7-8, 12-13 This word of the LORD came to me:Go, cry out this message for Jerusalem to hear! I remember the devotion of your youth,how you loved me as a bride,Following me in the desert,in a land unsown.Sacred to the LORD was Israel,the first fruits of his harvest;Should any presume to partake of them,evil would befall them, says the LORD. When I brought... USCCB.org/New American Bible http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2050375/posts#comment Thu, 24 Jul 2008 04:48:20 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2050285/posts The Chosen “Grandpa Abyssal, what did he mean today at Synagogue, that the Jews are the chosen? Chosen for what? What were we chosen to do?” “Ahh, Chaadrean, that is a long story. We would have to venture far, far out into the future to try to see that clearly. It is too late now. I came up here to tell you that your light was supposed to be off fifteen minutes ago. If your mother sees your light on, there will be trouble…. Now go to sleep!” “But grandpa! Deep religious questions are torturing my mind, they will not... my writing http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2050285/posts#comment Thu, 24 Jul 2008 01:28:21 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2050265/posts In Israel, a resurgence in the number of Jews who believe in Jesus is getting a lot of attention. Many leaders say it's the strongest growth since the time of Jesus and that the Messianic movement could be on the brink of a great revival. "This is the first time where we've seen Israeli society in general being so open to consider who Yeshua is," said Messianic leader Asher Intrater. "This is a real miracle, and there's beginning to be grace and favor with us in the land." Although Jesus and the early disciples were Jewish, for nearly 2,000 years... CBN News http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2050265/posts#comment Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:59:45 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2050153/posts Yes, the sad little cracker has met its undignified end, so stop pestering me. The cracker, the koran, and another surprise entry have been violated and are gone. You'll have to wait until tomorrow for the details, what little of them there are. I must quickly apologize to all you good Catholics who were hoping to attend Mass, since you can't anymore — I have been told many hundreds of times now that cracker abuse violates your right to practice your religion. I guess you'll have to adapt. Secular humanism is a good alternative, if you aren't already flocking to... Pharyngula http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2050153/posts#comment Wed, 23 Jul 2008 21:24:41 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2050064/posts    Just over four hundred years ago, in late October, a young Augustinian monk, professor of theology and pastor in Whittenburg, Germany, in the fire of his zeal for Christian truth, nailed 95 thesis to the door of the Castle Church.  He had left the study of law and entered the priesthood, seeking to be justified before God.  His name was Martin Luther.  As a result of studying the Scriptures, he discovered biblical truths that had long been covered and obscured by the ritual and rubble of Rome.  One of the great truths then restored to the Church was... Grace Sermons http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2050064/posts#comment Wed, 23 Jul 2008 18:23:53 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2049861/posts How Do You See Yourself? Today's Scripture “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7). Today's Word from Joel and Victoria Your imagination is extremely powerful. God created you as a visual being. Choosing the right images in your mind's eye is important because your life will move in the direction of your thoughts. The way you see yourself in your mind's eye, over time, will drop down into your heart and become your reality. If you'll create a picture in your imagination of something you want, or a dream coming to pass and keep... Email http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2049861/posts#comment Wed, 23 Jul 2008 11:45:06 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2049855/posts Sanctification (2) " But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us . . . sanctification . . . " —1 Corinthians 1:30 The Life Side. The mystery of sanctification is that the perfect qualities of Jesus Christ are imparted as a gift to me, not gradually, but instantly once I enter by faith into the realization that He "became for [me] . . . sanctification . . . ." Sanctification means nothing less than the holiness of Jesus becoming mine and being exhibited in my life.The most wonderful secret of living a holy life does... My Utmost for His Highest (The Golden Book of Oswald Chambers;1992) http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2049855/posts#comment Wed, 23 Jul 2008 11:34:08 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2049818/posts Perpetual Virginity The belief among Roman Catholics and Eastern Orthodox that Mary remained a virgin her entire life, never having sexual relations with Joseph after the birth of Christ. Most Protestants object to this doctrine believing that the Bible teaches that Mary had other children and that this doctrine arose out of a philosophical disdain for the act of sex adopted by the early church. Martin Luther and Huldrych Zwingli both accepted the doctrine believing it to be non-essential, while John Calvin rejected it. Despite its lack of biblical support, it does find substantial support throughout church history. TWOTD http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2049818/posts#comment Wed, 23 Jul 2008 07:56:16 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2049801/posts July 23, 2008                                  Wednesday of the Sixteenth Week                                 in Ordinary Time       Reading 1Responsorial PsalmGospel Reading 1Jer 1:1, 4-10 The words of Jeremiah, son of Hilkiah,of a priestly family in Anathoth, in the land of Benjamin. The word of the LORD came to me thus: Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,before you were born I dedicated you,a prophet to the nations I appointed you.“Ah, Lord GOD!” I said,(I know not how to speak; I am too young.” But the LORD answered me,Say not, “I am too... USCCB.org/New American Bible http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2049801/posts#comment Wed, 23 Jul 2008 05:39:26 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2049455/posts Can anyone out there enlighten me as to just what constitutes the differences among the Karaites, Sadducees, and Samaritans? Each is supposedly a "more ancient," "more authentic" form of Judaism (chas veshalom!) which rejects the Oral Torah and the authority of the Rabbinate, so why aren't they all the same thing? Does anyone out there have any insights on this topic? Self http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2049455/posts#comment Tue, 22 Jul 2008 17:12:11 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2049313/posts The trained elephant of India is a perfect picture of the power of psychological captivity. Tamed and utilized for its enormous strength, the great beast stands nearly 10 feet tall and weighs up to 5 tons when fully grown. Its tasks may include uprooting full-grown trees, hauling great boulders, and carrying enormous loads on its shoulders. And yet, when the day’s work is done and this powerful beast must be kept from wandering off during the night, its owner simply takes a piece of twine, attaches it to a small branch embedded in the ground, and ties it around the... The Rebelution http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2049313/posts#comment Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:00:54 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2049273/posts Completely Satisfied Today's Scripture “Blessed, fortunate, happy and spiritually prosperous…are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, uprightness and right standing with God, for they shall be completely satisfied” (Matthew 5:6 AMP). Today's Word from Joel and Victoria God longs to pour out his abundant blessing on every area of your life. He wants you to live completely satisfied. When you hunger and thirst for righteousness--God’s way of doing things--then you will live in complete satisfaction. You direct your hunger by choosing what you focus on. For example, if you focus on your favorite food, if you start thinking... Email http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2049273/posts#comment Tue, 22 Jul 2008 11:34:44 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2049270/posts Sanctification (1) " This is the will of God, your sanctification. . . " —1 Thessalonians 4:3 The Death Side. In sanctification God has to deal with us on the death side as well as on the life side. Sanctification requires our coming to the place of death, but many of us spend so much time there that we become morbid. There is always a tremendous battle before sanctification is realized— something within us pushing with resentment against the demands of Christ. When the Holy Spirit begins to show us what sanctification means, the struggle starts immediately. Jesus said,... My Utmost for His Highest (The Golden Book of Oswald Chambers;1992) http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2049270/posts#comment Tue, 22 Jul 2008 11:26:15 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2049241/posts Immaculate Conception The belief among Roman Catholics that Mary was conceived without original sin. Though not taught in the Scripture, Roman Catholics believe that this doctrine is a theological necessity in order for Christ to be born without the stain of sin. Protestants reject this doctrine citing insufficient biblical support. As well, Protestants would argue that the theological reasoning is problematic sense Mary’s mother would have to be born without sin to protect Mary, and this would continue all the way back to the first woman. This doctrine was dogmatized by the Roman Catholic Church in 1854 in the Constitution... TWOTD http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2049241/posts#comment Tue, 22 Jul 2008 08:01:14 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2049223/posts July 22, 2008                                  Memorial of Saint Mary Magdalene       Reading 1Responsorial PsalmGospel Reading 1Mi 7:14-15, 18-20 Shepherd your people with your staff,the flock of your inheritance,That dwells apart in a woodland,in the midst of Carmel.Let them feed in Bashan and Gilead,as in the days of old;As in the days when you came from the land of Egypt,show us wonderful signs. Who is there like you, the God who removes guiltand pardons sin for the remnant of his inheritance;Who does not persist in anger forever,but delights rather in clemency,And will... USCCB.org/New American Bible http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2049223/posts#comment Tue, 22 Jul 2008 05:43:13 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2048978/posts QOM, Iran -- Iran's president believes Allah has chosen him to prepare the world for the coming of an Islamic 'savior' called the Mahdi. But before the Mahdi's return, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad believes there must be global chaos - even if he has to create it himself. Whether it's his belief that Israel should be wiped off the map, denials of the Holocaust, obsession with going nuclear, or support for radical Islamic terrorist groups, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is a man on a divine mission. To understand him, and that mission, you have travel to the small dusty village of Jamkaran tucked in... CBN News http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2048978/posts#comment Mon, 21 Jul 2008 20:57:40 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2048960/posts BERLIN (Reuters) - More than 1,600 years after it was written in Greek, one of the oldest copies of the Bible will become globally accessible online for the first time this week. From Thursday, sections of the Codex Sinaiticus, which contains the oldest complete New Testament, will be available on the Internet, said the University of Leipzig, one of the four curators of the ancient text worldwide. High resolution images of the Gospel of Mark, several Old Testament books, and notes on the work made over centuries will appear on www.codex-sinaiticus.net as a first step towards publishing the entire manuscript... Yahoo News http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2048960/posts#comment Mon, 21 Jul 2008 20:30:15 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2048894/posts The Temple Mount in Jerusalem is one of the most sacred places on earth, and one of the most contested. For Jews, it's the place where the Holy Temple once stood. Today Muslims control the Temple Mount and Jews are forbidden to worhip there. But that hasn't stopped some people from making plans to build the next temple. Everyday, three times a day, Jews recite this prayer: "May it be your will that the temple be speedily rebuilt in our own time." It's a prayer they've prayed for almost 2,000 years. But today, Jews here in Jerusalem are doing more... CBN>org http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2048894/posts#comment Mon, 21 Jul 2008 18:03:46 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2048748/posts Sydney, Jul. 18, 2008 (CWNews.com) - Meeting on July 18 with a group of young people recovering from drug addiction and other problems, Pope Benedict XVI (bio - news) told them that they could be "ambassadors of hope to others." The Pope saluted the young people for having shown "courage in choosing to turn back onto the path of life." The Holy Father began his speech by citing the words of Moses to the people of Israel: "I set before you life or death, blessing or curse." In response, he observed, the Hebrews "had to turn away from other gods... Catholic World News http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2048748/posts#comment Mon, 21 Jul 2008 13:25:10 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2048705/posts The Place of Blessing Today's Scripture “Then the word of the Lord came to Elijah: Leave here, turn eastward and hide in the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan. You will drink from the brook, and I have ordered the ravens to feed you there” (I Kings 17:2-4). Today's Word from Joel and Victoria As a child of the Most High God, your steps are ordered by Him. He has a specific place of blessing prepared for you. When you live a life of obedience to the Word of God, He promises to supply every one of your needs.... Email http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2048705/posts#comment Mon, 21 Jul 2008 11:41:24 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2048700/posts The Doorway to the Kingdom " Blessed are the poor in spirit . . . " —Matthew 5:3 Beware of thinking of our Lord as only a teacher. If Jesus Christ is only a teacher, then all He can do is frustrate me by setting a standard before me I cannot attain. What is the point of presenting me with such a lofty ideal if I cannot possibly come close to reaching it? I would be happier if I never knew it. What good is there in telling me to be what I can never be— to be "pure... My Utmost for His Highest (The Golden Book of Oswald Chambers;1992) http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2048700/posts#comment Mon, 21 Jul 2008 11:30:42 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2048641/posts Mormons focus on accessible, social aspects of their religion. Although the Mormon system of doctrine is genuinely attractive to many of its members, many have argued that the primary "glue" of Mormonism is the heritage, culture, and family ties, not the doctrine and theology. In other words, the typical allegiance to the Mormon organization primarily stems from something other than doctrinal concerns. The average Mormon sitting in a pew does not care how or why their religion works, they only care that it works for them. They are not concerned with the real character of Joseph Smith or how the... One Living Truth Ministries http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2048641/posts#comment Mon, 21 Jul 2008 04:36:13 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2048629/posts July 21, 2008                                     Monday of the Sixteenth Week                                      in Ordinary Time       Reading 1Responsorial PsalmGospel Reading 1Mi 6:1-4, 6-8 Hear what the LORD says:Arise, present your plea before the mountains,and let the hills hear your voice!Hear, O mountains, the plea of the LORD,pay attention, O foundations of the earth!For the LORD has a plea against his people,and he enters into trial with Israel. O my people, what have I done to you,or how have I wearied you? Answer me!For I brought you up from the land of Egypt,from the... USCCB.org/New American Bible http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2048629/posts#comment Mon, 21 Jul 2008 04:06:13 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2048598/posts The 23rd Psalm rolled off the Rev. Jason Strand's tongue with soothing familiarity, the way it had since he memorized it as a boy. "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside still waters ..." But up on the 16-by-24-foot screens flanking Strand, the PowerPoint version displayed the updated words "quiet waters" instead of the "still waters" of Strand's memory. Amy Anderson noticed the problem instantly. She began scribbling notes in her three-ring binder, then flipped to a new page to catch up with what... Minneapolis Star/Tribune (aka The Red Star) http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2048598/posts#comment Mon, 21 Jul 2008 02:26:45 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2048314/posts Dependent on God’s Presence " Those who wait on the Lord . . . shall walk and not faint " —Isaiah 40:31 There is no thrill for us in walking, yet it is the test for all of our steady and enduring qualities. To "walk and not faint" is the highest stretch possible as a measure of strength. The word walk is used in the Bible to express the character of a person— ". . . John . . . looking at Jesus as He walked. . . said, ’Behold the Lamb of God!’ " ( John 1:35-36 ).... My Utmost for His Highest (The Golden Book of Oswald Chambers;1992) http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2048314/posts#comment Sun, 20 Jul 2008 11:44:02 GMT