Try reading the ancient writings for comprehension MM. There are stark differences in the messages of the Bible and the Koran. The Bible presents a creator warning of consequences after this life for sin, unbelief, etc. The Koran is fairly clear on consequences in this life for not converting to the Islamic faith. The Bible requires nothing more from a believer than to testify and present ones life as testament to that faith. The Koran has its 5 pillars and never really comes away from conversion by force unto death if necessary. I'm not particularly fond of "religion" as a creation of man, but a serious study of man's most ancient writings on faith and God's revelations to man is a must for any mature mind.
The sweetest part of quitting a bully boss? Watching him stumble around trying to figure out how to replace you and offering you a raise if you'll stay.
And they jointly held the thought that,..."The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized."..., was endowed to every person by their Creator. Not by law or government, but by the "God of nature and nature's God." Law and government can only get in line with "self-evident truth" or it fails the Spicoli test: https://www.youtube.com/watch?...
Thank you Linus, and all the other developers who gave the world an alternative. Think about what this would be like with no solid, open, computing platforms to stay clear of big money/brother.
There's a group making some progress on this... https://movetoamend.org/ Y'all please take a look and support them however you can.
They're not going to be getting much MSM attention... https://movetoamend.org/corpor... , that's the "tell" these days on who's who in this war..... You don't think it's a "war"...? Try standing up against harmful corporate/big-money interests sometime and let me know how considerate and kind they are to you.... It's straight-up Mafia rules anymore.... you're either "made" and play on their side, an enemy to be squashed, or a victim to be used.
I got a +5 with this story last time http://slashdot.org/comments.p... , this time it is even more fitting. And, this IS a true story......
"(I've told this story on here before but it needs re-telling....)
I moved to a rural NC area about 10-12 years ago and desired to start a computer shop but soon discovered that dial-up was all that was available. At that time satellite was prohibitively expensive for my meager funds and not that much faster. I heard about the state legislature enacting a new "E-NC" initiative to facilitate rural connectivity and with a cell tower only a few hundred yards across a field from me I decided maybe I could try a wireless internet service venture instead. I found a contact number and had a very interesting conversation with the director of the E-NC initiative at that time....
I explained my situation and idea to him and asked about the possibility of getting funding to try a start-up to service my local areas internet needs. He told me that they had exhausted the funds set aside on 3 projects already. They had researched each proposed area, contacted the local phone/cable companies and verified that they had no plans of pursuing high-speed internet options in the area, and then released the funds for the start-ups. As soon as the funds were released the phone companies suddenly announced they would begin DSL service in 2 of the areas, effectively killing those start-ups. In both cases it was Sprint(later to become Embarq) who pulled the shenanigans. Of course, they also controlled the area I lived in. We didn't get a DSL option for another 6-7 years when the 3g wireless options came around and finally made them move.....
Big money/corporations are(generally) evil...... jus' sayin'........"
You haven't really lived yet Amiga..... I spent about a year paying child support in NC that was redirected by the state to go to the father of another child by my ex-wife. The other father had a fairly wealthy family and connections to get custody and require support from my ex who couldn't/wouldn't pay so the authorities gave them my payments. My child’s needs were evidently irrelevant. Thank God I was able to get custody of my child eventually by waiving support from my ex.
There is some really sick shit going on in family courts and Social Services departments these days. Thank God we survived, my child is now about to turn 22, but I pray for all those who have to deal with the "system" our officials have put in place.
I suspect Microsoft’s inability to publish and adhere to a FULLY open and documented implementation of their document formats is the culprit. Didn't they get busted for abusing their monopoly position already? Damn shame they didn't get punished for it.......
I believe a large number of those Windows users would be happy Linux users if not for the many years of FUD put forth by Microsoft to maintain their market dominance.
Start a website where voters can come register and log their votes to be reconciled with the government #'s. I'm certainly not alone in being highly skeptical of the process where I hand in a vote sheet that a worker feeds into a hopped up paper shredder looking contraption and tells me I'm done. No receipt for even showing up. Nothing. oops. I forgot about the "I voted" sticker...
"Trust us. It's a better way."
I believe we are well past the point now where one could say "elections can't be rigged". And there's no way for us to know/audit/investigate because we have nothing but so-called "polls" to hint at the truth. I really find it hard to believe that 3rd party votes still come in around 3-5%. I could have sworn that almost everyone I talked to the last cycle agreed that it was time for demoblican/repubocrat thieves to go.....
For me, the greatest weakness likely being exploited in politics(after voter..... well, just voters) is likely unremovable from the process....... the secret ballot. Your right to vote secretly without coersion or consequence makes a great screen for tomfoolery. Unless.... a statistically significant percentage of us are willing to put aside our right to a secret ballot and are willing to publically display our votes for the purpose of establishing court worthy evidence to investigate official vote outcomes that appear statistically unlikely. Perhaps all participants could indicate willingness to sign affidavit if needed?
I could see a website with anything from just a voter ID #'s and their votes database to a full featured, wizbang, get jiggy wid it US politics portal where you can record your cats vote preferences once they're allowed to vote. But, we've got to have an alternative tally for the US vote, and, voting intentions. For all to see that there is in fact support for non dem/rep candidates, and to provide legally admissable evidence to pursue vote fraud investigations. Does anything like this already exist?
Any web designers around here? Database admins? Security experts?;)
And 99.9% of that 82% are likely within a larger metroplitan area........ I also pulled this from your link.... "Given that approximately 96% of the population has at most two wireline providers, there are reasons to be concerned about wireline broadband competition in the United States."
(I've told this story on here before but it needs re-telling....)
I moved to a rural NC area about 10-12 years ago and desired to start a computer shop but soon discovered that dial-up was all that was available. At that time satellite was prohibitively expensive for my meager funds and not that much faster. I heard about the state legislature enacting a new "E-NC" initiative to facilitate rural connectivity and with a cell tower only a few hundred yards across a field from me I decided maybe I could try a wireless internet service venture instead. I found a contact number and had a very interesting conversation with the director of the E-NC initiative at that time....
I explained my situation and idea to him and asked about the possibility of getting funding to try a start-up to service my local areas internet needs. He told me that they had exhausted the funds set aside on 3 projects already. They had researched each proposed area, contacted the local phone/cable companies and verified that they had no plans of pursuing high-speed internet options in the area, and then released the funds for the start-ups. As soon as the funds were released the phone companies suddenly announced they would begin DSL service in 2 of the areas, effectively killing those start-ups. In both cases it was Sprint(later to become Embarq) who pulled the shenanigans. Of course, they also controlled the area I lived in. We didn't get a DSL option for another 6-7 years when the 3g wireless options came around and finally made them move.....
Big money/corporations are(generally) evil...... jus' sayin'........
"The Bible, incomparably the most widely circulated of books, at once provokes and baffles study. Even the non-believer in its authority rightly feels that it is unintelligent to remain in almost total ignorance of the most famous and ancient of books. And yet most, even of sincere believers, soon retire from any serious effort to master the content of the sacred writings. The reason is not far to seek. It is found in the fact that no particular portion of Scripture is to be intelligently comprehended apart from some conception of its place in the whole. For the Bible story and message is like a picture wrought out in mosaics: each book, chapter, verse, and even word forms a necessary part, and has its own appointed place. It is, therefore, indispensable to any interesting and fruitful study of the Bible that a general knowledge of it be gained.
First. The Bible is one book. Seven great marks attest this unity.
From Genesis the Bible bears witness to one God. Wherever he speaks or acts he is consistent with himself, and with the total revelation concerning him.
The Bible forms one continuous story--the story of humanity in relation to God.
The Bible hazards the most unlikely predictions concerning the future, and, when the centuries have brought round the appointed time, records their fulfilment.
The Bible is a progressive unfolding of truth. Nothing is told all at once, and once for all. The law is, "first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn." Without the possibility of collusion, often with centuries between, one writer of Scripture takes up an earlier revelation, adds to it, lays down the pen, and in due time another man moved by the Holy Spirit, and another, and another, add new details till the whole is complete.
From beginning to end the Bible testifies to one redemption.
From beginning to end the Bible has one great theme--the person and work of the Christ.
And, finally, these writers, some forty-four in number, writing through twenty centuries, have produced a perfect harmony of doctrine in progressive unfolding. This is, to every candid mind, the unanswerable proof of the divine inspiration of the Bible.
Second. The Bible is a book of books. Sixty-six books make up the one Book. Considered with reference to the unity of the one book the separate books may be regarded as chapters. But that is but one side of the truth, for each of the sixty-six books is complete in itself, and has its own theme and analysis. In the present edition of the Bible these are fully shown in the introductions and divisions. It is therefore of the utmost moment that the books be studied in the light of their distinctive themes. Genesis, for instance, is the book of beginnings--the seed-plot of the whole Bible. Matthew is the book of the King, & etc. Third. The books of the Bible fall into groups. Speaking broadly there are five great divisions in the Scriptures, and these may be con- veniently fixed in the memory by five key-words, Christ being the one theme ( Luke 24:25-27 )........."
I certainly recommend following the link above for the full introduction to any of you who find the Bible truly incomprehensible, and to any of faith who have not seen it before. Simply one of the best overviews of the Bible I've ever encountered.
They never give me mod points when I want them the most..... Someone please take care of acoustix for cutting through the noise and making the most important point to be made.
KJV Genesis 1 14And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years: KJV Psalm 19 1The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.
Amen. I'll say it again, actually... I'll just quote Mr. Schofield: "The Bible, incomparably the most widely circulated of books, at once provokes and baffles study. Even the non-believer in its authority rightly feels that it is unintelligent to remain in almost total ignorance of the most famous and ancient of books. And yet most, even of sincere believers, soon retire from any serious effort to master the content of the sacred writings. The reason is not far to seek. It is found in the fact that no particular portion of Scripture is to be intelligently comprehended apart from some conception of its place in the whole. For the Bible story and message is like a picture wrought out in mosaics: each book, chapter, verse, and even word forms a necessary part, and has its own appointed place. It is, therefore, indispensable to any interesting and fruitful study of the Bible that a general knowledge of it be gained. "
And from Scripture... KJV 2 Timothy 2 15Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. KJV 2 Timothy 4 3For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
Good teachers,references, and such can certainly be beneficial.....but in this day and age there is no substitute for knowing that you know what is, and isn't, in the Scripture from your own reading and studying.
KJV Isaiah 55 8For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. 9For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
"I noticed that conservative Christian organizations often do the opposite of what Jesus preached, which I don't understand." I notice it too AC. I don't understand it either. But, consider the recorded reactions of those who witnessed Jesus raising Lazarus from death: KJV John 11 45Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him. ***46But some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done.***
Amongst other evidences, it is the ability of the Author of Scripture to capture the nature of mans character, the condition of the hearts of men, that compels me to continue exploring the seemingly infinite Wisdom contained in that finite book.
I would suggest that this "schmo" being able to call it before it happened(as witnessed by many who gave their lives for that witness) might have something to do with the "Thousands of years of retardation" that followed.....
In fact, there's quite a remarkeable string of strange coincidences, impluasiblities, and straight up miraculous events recorded by many who suffered all manner of persecutions for their testimony. Check it for yerself...... http://bibleontheweb.com/ And please, don't give up on it until you're certain noone can deceive you on what it contains........
I post these apparently redundant verses to suggest that the Author of Scripture seems to intend a point be made..... KJV Matthew 12 38Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee. 39But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas: 40For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.
KJV Matthew 16 1The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven. 2He answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red. 3And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowering. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times? 4A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And he left them, and departed.
KJV Mark 8 11And the Pharisees came forth, and began to question with him, seeking of him a sign from heaven, tempting him. 12And he sighed deeply in his spirit, and saith, Why doth this generation seek after a sign? verily I say unto you, There shall no sign be given unto this generation.
KJV Luke 11 29And when the people were gathered thick together, he began to say, This is an evil generation: they seek a sign; and there shall no sign be given it, but the sign of Jonas the prophet. 30For as Jonas was a sign unto the Ninevites, so shall also the Son of man be to this generation.
And then this makes a good summation of the point... KJV 1 Corinthians 1 18For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 19For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. 20Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 21For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. 22For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: 23But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; 24But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. 25Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 26For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: 27But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 28And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: 29That no flesh should glory in his presence.
Slashdot Mirror
Try reading the ancient writings for comprehension MM. There are stark differences in the messages of the Bible and the Koran. The Bible presents a creator warning of consequences after this life for sin, unbelief, etc. The Koran is fairly clear on consequences in this life for not converting to the Islamic faith. The Bible requires nothing more from a believer than to testify and present ones life as testament to that faith. The Koran has its 5 pillars and never really comes away from conversion by force unto death if necessary.
I'm not particularly fond of "religion" as a creation of man, but a serious study of man's most ancient writings on faith and God's revelations to man is a must for any mature mind.
The sweetest part of quitting a bully boss? Watching him stumble around trying to figure out how to replace you and offering you a raise if you'll stay.
Mebbe you're just a bit too sensitive...?
My God son, grow a pair.
And they jointly held the thought that, ..."The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized."..., was endowed to every person by their Creator. Not by law or government, but by the "God of nature and nature's God." Law and government can only get in line with "self-evident truth" or it fails the Spicoli test: https://www.youtube.com/watch?...
Thank you Linus, and all the other developers who gave the world an alternative. Think about what this would be like with no solid, open, computing platforms to stay clear of big money/brother.
https://thegranddisillusion.wo...
"The love of money is the root of all evil."
There's a group making some progress on this... https://movetoamend.org/ Y'all please take a look and support them however you can.
They're not going to be getting much MSM attention... https://movetoamend.org/corpor... , that's the "tell" these days on who's who in this war.....
You don't think it's a "war"...? Try standing up against harmful corporate/big-money interests sometime and let me know how considerate and kind they are to you....
It's straight-up Mafia rules anymore.... you're either "made" and play on their side, an enemy to be squashed, or a victim to be used.
I got a +5 with this story last time http://slashdot.org/comments.p... , this time it is even more fitting. And, this IS a true story......
"(I've told this story on here before but it needs re-telling....)
I moved to a rural NC area about 10-12 years ago and desired to start a computer shop but soon discovered that dial-up was all that was available. At that time satellite was prohibitively expensive for my meager funds and not that much faster. I heard about the state legislature enacting a new "E-NC" initiative to facilitate rural connectivity and with a cell tower only a few hundred yards across a field from me I decided maybe I could try a wireless internet service venture instead. I found a contact number and had a very interesting conversation with the director of the E-NC initiative at that time....
I explained my situation and idea to him and asked about the possibility of getting funding to try a start-up to service my local areas internet needs. He told me that they had exhausted the funds set aside on 3 projects already. They had researched each proposed area, contacted the local phone/cable companies and verified that they had no plans of pursuing high-speed internet options in the area, and then released the funds for the start-ups. As soon as the funds were released the phone companies suddenly announced they would begin DSL service in 2 of the areas, effectively killing those start-ups. In both cases it was Sprint(later to become Embarq) who pulled the shenanigans. Of course, they also controlled the area I lived in. We didn't get a DSL option for another 6-7 years when the 3g wireless options came around and finally made them move.....
Big money/corporations are(generally) evil...... jus' sayin'........"
You haven't really lived yet Amiga.....
I spent about a year paying child support in NC that was redirected by the state to go to the father of another child by my ex-wife. The other father had a fairly wealthy family and connections to get custody and require support from my ex who couldn't/wouldn't pay so the authorities gave them my payments. My child’s needs were evidently irrelevant. Thank God I was able to get custody of my child eventually by waiving support from my ex.
There is some really sick shit going on in family courts and Social Services departments these days. Thank God we survived, my child is now about to turn 22, but I pray for all those who have to deal with the "system" our officials have put in place.
I suspect Microsoft’s inability to publish and adhere to a FULLY open and documented implementation of their document formats is the culprit.
Didn't they get busted for abusing their monopoly position already? Damn shame they didn't get punished for it.......
I believe a large number of those Windows users would be happy Linux users if not for the many years of FUD put forth by Microsoft to maintain their market dominance.
I just got my hands on a 6 string after too long without and was toying with 'ubuntu offerings this weekend. Rakarrack is pretty neat so far......
Start a website where voters can come register and log their votes to be reconciled with the government #'s. I'm certainly not alone in being highly skeptical of the process where I hand in a vote sheet that a worker feeds into a hopped up paper shredder looking contraption and tells me I'm done. No receipt for even showing up. Nothing.
oops. I forgot about the "I voted" sticker...
"Trust us. It's a better way."
I believe we are well past the point now where one could say "elections can't be rigged". And there's no way for us to know/audit/investigate because we have nothing but so-called "polls" to hint at the truth. I really find it hard to believe that 3rd party votes still come in around 3-5%. I could have sworn that almost everyone I talked to the last cycle agreed that it was time for demoblican/repubocrat thieves to go.....
For me, the greatest weakness likely being exploited in politics(after voter..... well, just voters) is likely unremovable from the process....... the secret ballot. Your right to vote secretly without coersion or consequence makes a great screen for tomfoolery.
Unless.... a statistically significant percentage of us are willing to put aside our right to a secret ballot and are willing to publically display our votes for the purpose of establishing court worthy evidence to investigate official vote outcomes that appear statistically unlikely. Perhaps all participants could indicate willingness to sign affidavit if needed?
I could see a website with anything from just a voter ID #'s and their votes database to a full featured, wizbang, get jiggy wid it US politics portal where you can record your cats vote preferences once they're allowed to vote.
But, we've got to have an alternative tally for the US vote, and, voting intentions. For all to see that there is in fact support for non dem/rep candidates, and to provide legally admissable evidence to pursue vote fraud investigations.
Does anything like this already exist?
Any web designers around here? Database admins? Security experts? ;)
I think many of us could agree that the "opinion" of the Supreme Court needs to be "revisited" in a number of areas these days.....
And 99.9% of that 82% are likely within a larger metroplitan area........
I also pulled this from your link.... "Given that approximately 96% of the population has at most two wireline providers, there are reasons to be concerned about wireline broadband competition in the United States."
(I've told this story on here before but it needs re-telling....)
I moved to a rural NC area about 10-12 years ago and desired to start a computer shop but soon discovered that dial-up was all that was available. At that time satellite was prohibitively expensive for my meager funds and not that much faster. I heard about the state legislature enacting a new "E-NC" initiative to facilitate rural connectivity and with a cell tower only a few hundred yards across a field from me I decided maybe I could try a wireless internet service venture instead. I found a contact number and had a very interesting conversation with the director of the E-NC initiative at that time....
I explained my situation and idea to him and asked about the possibility of getting funding to try a start-up to service my local areas internet needs. He told me that they had exhausted the funds set aside on 3 projects already. They had researched each proposed area, contacted the local phone/cable companies and verified that they had no plans of pursuing high-speed internet options in the area, and then released the funds for the start-ups. As soon as the funds were released the phone companies suddenly announced they would begin DSL service in 2 of the areas, effectively killing those start-ups. In both cases it was Sprint(later to become Embarq) who pulled the shenanigans. Of course, they also controlled the area I lived in. We didn't get a DSL option for another 6-7 years when the 3g wireless options came around and finally made them move.....
Big money/corporations are(generally) evil...... jus' sayin'........
Like the records of some ancient civilizations maybe....?
http://tech.slashdot.org/story...
Poor Ubi....... and it was soooo cute.......
http://apple.slashdot.org/stor...
Did Apple know something, or Ubi not know?
I'd suggest everyone take note of C.I. Schofield's "Biblical Overview": http://www.biblestudytools.com...
"The Bible, incomparably the most widely circulated of books, at once provokes and baffles study. Even the non-believer in its authority rightly feels that it is unintelligent to remain in almost total ignorance of the most famous and ancient of books. And yet most, even of sincere believers, soon retire from any serious effort to master the content of the sacred writings. The reason is not far to seek. It is found in the fact that no particular portion of Scripture is to be intelligently comprehended apart from some conception of its place in the whole. For the Bible story and message is like a picture wrought out in mosaics: each book, chapter, verse, and even word forms a necessary part, and has its own appointed place. It is, therefore, indispensable to any interesting and fruitful study of the Bible that a general knowledge of it be gained.
First. The Bible is one book. Seven great marks attest this unity.
From Genesis the Bible bears witness to one God. Wherever he speaks or acts he is consistent with himself, and with the total revelation concerning him.
The Bible forms one continuous story--the story of humanity in relation to God.
The Bible hazards the most unlikely predictions concerning the future, and, when the centuries have brought round the appointed time, records their fulfilment.
The Bible is a progressive unfolding of truth. Nothing is told all at once, and once for all. The law is, "first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn." Without the possibility of collusion, often with centuries between, one writer of Scripture takes up an earlier revelation, adds to it, lays down the pen, and in due time another man moved by the Holy Spirit, and another, and another, add new details till the whole is complete.
From beginning to end the Bible testifies to one redemption.
From beginning to end the Bible has one great theme--the person and work of the Christ.
And, finally, these writers, some forty-four in number, writing through twenty centuries, have produced a perfect harmony of doctrine in progressive unfolding. This is, to every candid mind, the unanswerable proof of the divine inspiration of the Bible.
Second. The Bible is a book of books. Sixty-six books make up the one Book. Considered with reference to the unity of the one book the separate books may be regarded as chapters. But that is but one side of the truth, for each of the sixty-six books is complete in itself, and has its own theme and analysis. In the present edition of the Bible these are fully shown in the introductions and divisions. It is therefore of the utmost moment that the books be studied in the light of their distinctive themes. Genesis, for instance, is the book of beginnings--the seed-plot of the whole Bible. Matthew is the book of the King, & etc. Third. The books of the Bible fall into groups. Speaking broadly there are five great divisions in the Scriptures, and these may be con- veniently fixed in the memory by five key-words, Christ being the one theme ( Luke 24:25-27 ). ........"
I certainly recommend following the link above for the full introduction to any of you who find the Bible truly incomprehensible, and to any of faith who have not seen it before. Simply one of the best overviews of the Bible I've ever encountered.
They never give me mod points when I want them the most.....
Someone please take care of acoustix for cutting through the noise and making the most important point to be made.
KJV Genesis 1
14And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years:
KJV Psalm 19
1The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.
I gotcha covered M.... ;)
Amen.
I'll say it again, actually... I'll just quote Mr. Schofield:
"The Bible, incomparably the most widely circulated of books, at once provokes and baffles study. Even the non-believer in its authority rightly feels that it is unintelligent to remain in almost total ignorance of the most famous and ancient of books. And yet most, even of sincere believers, soon retire from any serious effort to master the content of the sacred writings. The reason is not far to seek. It is found in the fact that no particular portion of Scripture is to be intelligently comprehended apart from some conception of its place in the whole. For the Bible story and message is like a picture wrought out in mosaics: each book, chapter, verse, and even word forms a necessary part, and has its own appointed place. It is, therefore, indispensable to any interesting and fruitful study of the Bible that a general knowledge of it be gained. "
And from Scripture...
KJV 2 Timothy 2
15Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
KJV 2 Timothy 4
3For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
Good teachers,references, and such can certainly be beneficial.....but in this day and age there is no substitute for knowing that you know what is, and isn't, in the Scripture from your own reading and studying.
KJV Isaiah 55
8For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.
9For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
"I noticed that conservative Christian organizations often do the opposite of what Jesus preached, which I don't understand."
I notice it too AC. I don't understand it either. But, consider the recorded reactions of those who witnessed Jesus raising Lazarus from death:
KJV John 11
45Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him.
***46But some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done.***
Amongst other evidences, it is the ability of the Author of Scripture to capture the nature of mans character, the condition of the hearts of men, that compels me to continue exploring the seemingly infinite Wisdom contained in that finite book.
I would suggest that this "schmo" being able to call it before it happened(as witnessed by many who gave their lives for that witness) might have something to do with the "Thousands of years of retardation" that followed.....
In fact, there's quite a remarkeable string of strange coincidences, impluasiblities, and straight up miraculous events recorded by many who suffered all manner of persecutions for their testimony.
Check it for yerself...... http://bibleontheweb.com/
And please, don't give up on it until you're certain noone can deceive you on what it contains........
I post these apparently redundant verses to suggest that the Author of Scripture seems to intend a point be made.....
KJV Matthew 12
38Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee.
39But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas:
40For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.
KJV Matthew 16
1The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven.
2He answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red.
3And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowering. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?
4A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And he left them, and departed.
KJV Mark 8
11And the Pharisees came forth, and began to question with him, seeking of him a sign from heaven, tempting him.
12And he sighed deeply in his spirit, and saith, Why doth this generation seek after a sign? verily I say unto you, There shall no sign be given unto this generation.
KJV Luke 11
29And when the people were gathered thick together, he began to say, This is an evil generation: they seek a sign; and there shall no sign be given it, but the sign of Jonas the prophet.
30For as Jonas was a sign unto the Ninevites, so shall also the Son of man be to this generation.
And then this makes a good summation of the point...
KJV 1 Corinthians 1
18For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
19For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.
20Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?
21For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
22For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:
23But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;
24But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.
25Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
26For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:
27But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
28And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:
29That no flesh should glory in his presence.