The "Law of Sin and Death" was mentioned in another post. Are there more than one set of Laws other than the Ten Commandments?

With the progression of life, as individuals or collectively as a nation, we progress through trials and errors. Learning from the past for a better tomorrow, while building on a present for a peaceful future. We improve our surroundings, we teach ourselves to adapt to that which is the norm of the day. However, at the core of mankind, one thing stays the same. The driven force for changes, is the sustaining of life. There are those who rise to the stage of renown and accomplishments, and they become leaders. Whereas, there are those who live in content, away from the spotlight they flourish. Somewhere between the two, are those who for many reasons cannot find themselves a place of accomplishment, nor a life of content, such is not always permanent, rather a transition. This is society as we know it. Where there is life, the success of life is predicated on the order of life. From the dwelling of a family home, to the halls of governmental bodies, the absence of authority is the manifestation of a dysfunctional family, or the chaos of anarchy in a society without an authority. Today, authority is in question, but in the mind of the "civilized" world, no one is at fault. Consequently, every action is justified by a reason. The louder one speaks and the furthest they are heard, is the new platform for being in the right. The voices that are unheard of, for the lack of a platform, they are forgotten and unaccounted for. The theme of this segment is the concern of Authority in question. The place is the United States of America, the result is division. The success of the United States is seen through the envy of its enemies to see its downfall at all cost, and the desire of its admirers to be a part of it. If the people of the Land no longer are aware of the envy of their enemies and the danger thereof, and the admiration of their admirer for what they have, they soon will cease from protecting it. Benjamin Franklin, one of the founding fathers once said; A nation of well-informed men who have been taught to know and prize the rights which God has given them cannot be enslaved. It is in the region of ignorance that tyranny begins. How shall they continue to know their God given rights if they know not God? Why do they not know of God? For those who proclaim the name of God, they are ostracized from public places, and lampoon as crazies. For the others, they know God, but they do not give Him the honor that belongs to him, nor do they thank him. Instead, their thoughts have become complete nonsense, and their empty minds are filled with darkness. They say they are wise, but they are fools. As the curtains of the year of 2018 draw to a close, the nation of America is as a tree, willing to yield its fruits, but the wedge of politics is in its trunk. Driven into the tree by the hammer of the news media, being held by the politicians and activists, comfortable in their wealth while causing deeper division among the people. Once again Christians are in the crossfire, while somewhat being blamed for the political unrest of the division in the country. For many, Christians are the cause, for their decision to come together and supported one of two of the Presidential hopefuls for the 2016 American election. The Christian voters overwhelmingly went in support of candidate Donald J. Trump, now president of the United States. With the tension of border security at the country, southern borders, there are two sides to the narrative. There are those who uphold the United States Law of 8 U.S. Code § 1325 – any illegal entrance into the United States by an alien, for the first commission of any such offense, is fined under title 18, United States Code, or imprisoned. (The main criminal code of the federal government of the United States. It deals with federal crimes and criminal procedure.) Beyond the other side of the wedge are those who do not see the need for such law. Some of whom accuse the Christians by hypocritically quoting the words of Christ. I was a stranger, and you took me not in: naked, and you clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and you visited me not . . . Verily I say unto you, inasmuch as you did it not to one of the least of these, you did it not to me. They conclude in the question; do you serve God or serve a man? The argument and accusation against the Christians are, how can a Christian vote for a president who is upholding a law, to deny Illegal entry of aliens into the United States, did not Jesus say, care for the least of these? Now, without questioning the spiritual status of those seeking entries through the southern border, into the United States. Nevertheless, this we ought to know, the word "least" spoken of here by Jesus, has nothing to do with social class or poverty. Instead, the least has to do with those who are His disciples. What are the commands of Christ to His disciples? Let every soul be subject to higher authorities, (Governments) for there is no authority except from God, but the existing authorities have been ordained by God. Although, this is not saying that all people in governments are godly individuals, but the idea is, the institution of government is ordained by God, so we ought to respect the office and the law enforced by the government. (Romans 13:1) The last of the two questions is rather a statement, a Christian should have nothing to do with the government most especially in Trump’s government. If a Christian does, isn’t the Christian serving man than serving God? Such was the same Accusation faced by Jesus. Those who opposed Him, sought to destroy Him through His spoken words. And watching carefully, they sent spies, pretending themselves to be righteous, in order that they might seize upon a word of His, so as to deliver Him to the power and to the authority of the governor. And they questioned Him, saying, Teacher, we know that You say and teach rightly, and do not receive a face, (meaning, you pay no attention to anyone's status) but You teach the way of God with truth. Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not? But perceiving their slyness, He said to them, why do you tempt Me? The answer from Jesus, should be the answer for America in this hour of the division and pretense. In response, the Lord said, and wisely so. Show Me a penny. Whose image and superscription does it have? And answering, they said, Caesar's (the ruling government of that day) And He said to them, then give back the things of Caesar to Caesar, and the things of God to God. Therefore, take a Dollar, whose superscription is there on? Not of one man, but The United States of America. So then, let us all render what The United States of America require from all, its law. While not forsaking the principal duty of the Gospel, reaching others with the good news of Jesus Christ. However, without praying for the Government, through respect, the Church cannot carry out its duty peacefully. The Apostle Paul by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit said, I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour. (1 Timothy 2:1-3) If the people cannot respect their government and the laws of their land, how can those seeking to come in, respect the land? Without respect, there is no order, the presence of an ongoing division. Today, for the success, wealth of the United States and its freedom, people from all walks of life desire to come into the Country, Illegally and legally. Others are waiting and watching from the borders of the land to enter, while its people fight within to destroy themselves. Where is the logic? A house divided against itself cannot stand.

So I was thinking the other day, obviously before the fall in Eden men and beasts lived together without any aggression. Now we have so many animals that could cause serious damage or total destruction to a person. So even for the ones that are harmful now, but do you sometimes think what they would have been like? A scorpion for an example. They can be so deadly, but what could they have been like before the fall and which other animal do you wonder about that is now harmful?

Is it possible for a Christian to live under a curse or be liable to a curse?

Hey everyone, I read somewhere on the site about the two witnesses but I can't seem to find it again. I'm just needing other takes on the subject.

Today, as we observe the Thanksgiving holiday, may we be thankful for knowing our past, not to hold on to the past for a hindrance to the present, but rightly knowing who we are, will enable us as individual, and a collective to hold firmly to that which is dear to us. 399 years ago, on November of 1620, the Pilgrims signed the Mayflower Compact, this was the beginning of their Plymouth Colony, and what would grow and transform into the United States of America. Through many toils and dangers, they were presented with the opportunity to ease the many burdens through the gratification of the heart. Therein, the Pilgrims met with a native of the land, Squanto, of the Patuxet tribe. In spite of modern interpretations to mislead and divide, on the contrary Squanto became a teacher to the Pilgrims, and they became friends, working together and helping one another. Early founder Governor William Bradford described Squanto as a special instrument sent of God for their good beyond their expectation. With unity came content, and with the content of the heart, men will learn to be at peace in all situations by seeing the best thereof. Likely due to the Pilgrims account of their past and their encounters with the Jews of Europe, before voyaging to the New World, having arrived, the influence of the Jews was felt throughout the New World. One of such was the Thanksgiving proclamation of June 20, 1676 in Massachusetts, likely based on the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles, or (Sukkot) Now, the Pilgrims and the natives joined together in thankfulness to the Lord as they celebrate and feasted for days. This doesn’t sound like modern literature wherewith the white man is always at enmity with the natives. For such narrative is of one reason, to divide and destroy anything that is good about the United States of America. The Lord once said to those who followed after Him, the world shall hate you, because they hate Me. As individual and collectives, we do not claim perfection. So then, if we are aware of our shortcomings, let us be thankful for any victory, by the grace of God, attributing to His preservation for us. While learning from our mistakes and glorying in the new day, from where we were, to where we are now. To those we encounter like Squanto, and that which is to come. To all, God be the glory. Happy Thanksgiving Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. (Philippians 4:20)

Is there a special timing when paintings from the gallery are added to the shop? I haven't seen a change lately. I'm just thinking out loud.

What have we learn of them, or personal experience?

The Lord has need of you. Our answer will become who we are. As we observe Palm Sunday this day, the commemoration of our Savior's triumphal entry into Jerusalem, wherein the multitude strewed palm branches in the way. Today, may we open our hearts to Him, for a triumphant entrance into our lives. As the evergreen of old were prostrated in His honor, may our hands be of praise and worship to His glory and honor. Of the many accounts preceding this event, to this we observe: Mark 11:2-3. He (Christ) said to them, (disciples) Go into the village opposite you. And going into it, at once you will find a colt tied, on which no man has sat. Untying it, bring it. And if anyone says to you, why do you do this? say, The Lord has need of it. And he will at once send it here. To this we say, may we be the ones that are sent. As it was into the village, let us go into the world, and as it was with the tied colt, may we be loosened from our place of commonality for the serving of His purpose, and His purpose only. Let us yield in gladness, in all urgency by obeying the Lord’s claim upon us. Christ Jesus our Lord is a debtor to no man. Therefore, anything we give to Him, it shall be returned to us, the more. Luke 6:38. In closing, let us remember the words of Alexander Maclaren Possessions yielded to the Lord are recompensed a hundredfold in this life. He is still calling, and we are still needed. Let us surrender ourselves, and all that we are to Him. As He was hailed Hosanna, in His entrance into Jerusalem on this day. A phrase meaning “save, we pray thee.” May our lives surrendered to Him, be a platform from which the world would be saved. The Lord has need of you. Our answer will become who we are, for His Kingdom.

will we ever see our lost pets again?

For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. There are certain passages in the Scripture, though we accept, but the mind at times cannot fathom the idea thereof. Consequently, the reader seldomly attempts the analysis of the passage, or the verse. In Christendom, we accept before we understand, this is the act of faith which is needed at times. Nevertheless, God does not elevate ignorance above comprehension and understanding. So then, the lack of understanding and the desire to comprehend shouldn’t be seen as the questioning of Scripture. Rather, the desire to learn with a pure heart, and the reverence toward God shall be the beginning of wisdom. Herein are the words of Jesus to His followers and disciples. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. To understand this is a gain, the lack of understanding thereof will be of a hindrance to the believer in his or her daily living. First and foremost, what the passage is not saying. It is in no ways advocating reckless living, on the part of the Christian. Nor the pursuit of martyrdom. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it. The word “Life” used in the passage bear two ideas, the temporary life that is now, and the comfort that is within the world through worldly living. Such life, will be the desire to procure for oneself the worldly rewards of the world, in hope for peace, but an illusory peace, and the temporal pleasure thereof. These are the acts of saving one’s life. The finding of protection and peace from the world. The closer the believer is to the world, the further they drift from the Lord. If this is the mindset of the individual, their focus is now, with the disregard of the eternal glory of that which is to come. Clarke said, the very evil he wishes to avoid shall overtake him; and he shall lose his soul into the bargain. Whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. On the contrary, whosoever will lose his life for My sake, (Christ said) the same shall save it. As previously stated, this does not refer to martyrdom. To better understand the statement is to revisit the preceding verse which reads; If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his Cross daily, and follow me. (Luke 9:23) Note, the act of denying of oneself, doesn't speak of asceticism – The renunciation of all things pleasurable as a means to achieve a high spiritual or intellectual state. This is wrong. Neither does the denying of self speaks of isolation from the world and our surroundings. The phrase denying of oneself daily through the taking up of his or her Cross, cannot merely be summarized through a quick step process for an instant victory. It is a way of life, and every day of living brings a different circumstance to act upon. Let the mindset of the individual be about doing the right thing, but not for his or her glory. Let the follower of Christ ask themselves when they are faced with a decision or a choice to enact upon, what will Christ do? In this manner, the human self-will of arrogance, pride, vengeful, greed, jealousy, temper, hate and untrustworthiness. These will gradually be laid aside, while he or she take up their Cross. The symbol of the bearing of the Cross, is unpleasant for those who endured it, but the reason and the ultimate result is greater than the temporal discomfort, pain, shame, lost and the hurt it causes. This is the “lose” Christ spoke of, saying, whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. The highness of sin is the pride it erects in the heart and the life of the individual. That life must end, figuratively speaking, so that it may live again, but in the newness of life. (Galatians 2:20) Imagine a seed of a great potential, but if the seed is kept, it brings forth nothing but a lost in the end, but if the seed is let go and sowed, it dies in the earth. Though it tarry, but in the end, it shall live again, not as a single seed, but in life's abundance it shall flourish. Such is humanity, wonderfully created, but due to sin, man is trapped in himself, without a change unto degradation. However, if he or she will let go, then comes forth the life's abundance. Though the discomfort is now for a while, but greater is the reward in the end, if the will of the Lord is done. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. Thy will be done.