Play online chess!

Pages:  « Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 Next »
From	Message
apatzer 01-Jun-25, 08:21	Frank I really don't intend for the following to anger you. I know that you and I have a very contentious past history of arguments. With that said, I offer you to read the following without judgement and assure you that it is being said without judgement. Who does the Bible say is the prince of this world? Take a wild guess? What did he say the Jesus, when Jesus was lead out into the desert to be tempted? Luke 4: 5-8 5 Then the devil led Him up to a high place and showed Him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. 6 “I will give You authority over all these kingdoms and all their glory,” he said. “For it has been relinquished to me, and I can give it to anyone I wish. 7 So if You worship me, it will all be Yours.” 8 But Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.’c” Did Jesus dispute his claims as false? Or did he answer him by saying ... ... “Get behind Me, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve’”. This response directly quotes Deuteronomy 6:13, affirming exclusive worship and service to God! The prince of this world has been given all the kingdoms of the world until the appointed time. That has been set since before this world began. This includes America, you aren't just fighting evil. You are fighting evil while serving evil. Your real loyalty is to America it's history and the far right wing of the political buzzard bird. And yes both wings are on the same bird and that bird is Satan's pet. To prove what I say. Let's go back to Deuteronomy. Deuteronomy 6:13 – Meaning and Text Text (NIV): Fear the LORD your God, serve him only and take your oaths in his name. Summary and Interpretation: This verse commands reverence ("fear") for God, exclusive service to Him, and that oaths should be made only in His name, emphasizing exclusive loyalty and worship. The instruction is foundational for Israel’s faith, warning against following other gods and underscoring God’s jealousy for His people’s devotion. Jesus later cites this verse when resisting temptation, highlighting its importance in maintaining faithfulness to God alone. Fear (reverence) for God Serve only God! Swear oaths only by His name, not by other gods. Now don't get me wrong Frank. If you want to serve America and the right wing and Donald Trump. By all means keep doing what you are doing. But be warned that , the empty hole you have right in the center of you. That you currently fill with reading social media slander and gossip, only to have that hole re appear the very next morning. Is only meant to be filled with one thing. You can't serve two masters. Nor can you straddle the fence and tell yourself in your heart that God will Understand. No Frank, God has long understood, well before you were even born. That is why God gave us instructions through his word. You sir are one of God's many miracles on this earth. So it makes sense that the enemy would try and corrupt you. Take this however you wish.
apatzer 01-Jun-25, 08:27	Thumper 31-May-25, 11:42 That was a truly awesome post! Very true and profound!
valley_forge 02-Jun-25, 20:54	In response to Apatzer's post @ 01-Jun-25, 08:21 Thank you for being so sensitive and noble to preface your post with the qualifier to highlight the fact your POV is presented with the stated purpose to not incite any anger on my part. Reading through the first paragraph I quickly surmised your intention to give me a morality lesson in the Christian faith. As important as morality is for any person professing Christianity as a personal faith, the bigger issues of misunderstanding my emphasis on these forums stands out bold and loud. No where have I suggested or endeavored to promote American patriotism as a substitute for the Christian faith. Whatever a man’s personal convictions regarding their relationship with God through faith in Christ Jesus is THEIR business, not mine or anyone’s else's. Getting that out of the way please, read carefully this run down for what I am most interested in promoting on these forums. It isn’t a Christian Nationalism or a program to install Christianity as a national requirement for our citizens. America's patriotism originated with the desire to establish a nation that exulted liberty of conscience, rather than being solely a nation of Christians. The founding fathers sought to create a country where individuals could freely practice their religions without interference from a state-imposed religion. This principle was enshrined in the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition. The emphasis on liberty of conscience was a key factor in motivating the colonists to seek independence from Britain, as they felt oppressed by British policies that did not respect their religious freedoms. This focus on religious freedom and liberty of conscience was articulated by figures such as John Locke, whose ideas influenced the Founding Fathers. Locke argued that governments should protect the natural rights of individuals, including the right to freedom of conscience, rather than impose a state religion. Thus, the spirit of patriotism in the United States was built around the principles of liberty and freedom, including the freedom of conscience, rather than being centered on establishing a specifically Christian nation Patriotism www.ebsco.com UNDERSTANDING PATRIOTISM www.jfklibrary.org patriotism www.britannica.com What is Patriotism in the United States? m.egwwritings.org Patriotism plato.stanford.edu
apatzer 03-Jun-25, 08:15	Frank, thank you. But you certainly don't need to explain yourself to me and besides my post was rhetorical. Good luck sir.
valley_forge 06-Jun-25, 07:34	When a Holy Spirit led Conscience is Our Guide "What happens when we do not have a holy reverence for God? Something else will take over our hearts and it will dull, sear, or kill our conscience. Reflect on the point below: ·The fear of man or the need to please is inversely proportional to the fear of God. i.e., the more you want to please others or be seen as a nice guy the less you will fear God." From the YouVersion Bible study Two Book Ends; The Fear of the Lord & Being Kept by His Love/ 4th lesson of 10
valley_forge 06-Jun-25, 07:38	Beware of Trolls In response to Apatzer's post @ 03-Jun-25, 08:15 "Rhetorical", huh? Meaning N G Club members can never tell when we should take anything you say as worthy of consideration. Gotcha
apatzer 06-Jun-25, 08:17	VF Sir, I no one is required to take what anyone says or posts seriously. You absolutely shouldn't take my post seriously, unless what I posted was true. Then you probably should, but the. Again that's up to you. I understand that when you can't answer anything with a truthful answer because it will make what you support or condone look bad. That tells me you KNOW, but... But.... One other thing, judging by your post. It isn't clear to me that you know what Rhetorical actually means or how it is applied in human discourse. I have found that sometimes I think I'll know a words meaning and application. Only to find out that I wasn't quite accurate. Here allow me to be helpful to you... "Rhetorical" A rhetorical question or post, for example, is asked not to elicit an answer but to make a point or provoke thought—such as when someone asks, "Can’t you see what’s happening?" to emphasize urgency rather than seek information. Overall, rhetorical techniques are commonly found in speeches, literature, advertisements, and everyday conversation to engage emotions, clarify complex ideas, or highlight key messages. A more simplified answer... The word rhetorical means using words in a special way to make people listen, understand, or feel something. It’s like when someone asks a question but doesn’t really want an answer, like, “Who doesn’t like ice cream?” They just want you to think about how yummy ice cream is! People use rhetorical words and questions in stories, speeches, and even when talking with friends to make what they say more interesting or to help others understand better.
valley_forge 07-Jun-25, 09:17	Pretending Grievance Were there no history of misunderstandings and differing POV between us your post above could be received in a true spirit of offering me assistance. However, your tone I'm sure you'll agree to was not really friendly and inviting IMO. Just saying . . .
apatzer 07-Jun-25, 10:24	VF That is why I prefaced the original post with .. "I really don't intend for the following to anger you. I know that you and I have a very contentious past history of arguments. With that said, I offer you to read the following without judgement and assure you that it is being said without judgement" Also, I will point out that how you interpret tone through text is largely up to you.
valley_forge 07-Jun-25, 10:37	@ Apatzer Your post @ 01-Jun-25, 08:21 Is this or is not your POV of the Biblical passage from Luke 4:5-6 and Deuteronomy 6:13? Also, isn't your purpose to correct me for supporting American Patriotism? What part of classic American Patriotism are you disagreeing with me about as regards those two Bible passages?
apatzer 07-Jun-25, 11:03	VF I am not correcting you, and I'm certainly not correcting patriotism. I am sharing with you and others what the Bible actually says. I should have included Exodus 20, "you shall have no other Gods before me" The Bible is exceedingly clear. As is who it is, you actually are serving. Other people have the potential of being led astray by your heretical teaching and equations. So I offer the truth. Now if anything I said is untrue, I welcome your attempts at correction.
valley_forge 07-Jun-25, 12:46	Classic American Patriotism Reflects Genuine Christian/ Biblical Principles IMO, nothing Robert has posted minimizes or otherwise proves Classic American Patriotism doesn't adhere, promote and practice Christian faith principles. Classic American patriotism emphasizes loving one's neighbors as oneself and loving God supremely. According to C.S. Lewis, patriotism can move individuals beyond selfishness and conceit to give, share, and sacrifice, particularly during times of duress and violence, encouraging higher loves and duties beyond mere natural impulses. Additionally, Marya Hayes suggests that as Christians, our primary job is to love our neighbors as ourselves and pray for our enemies, which can help convert sinners and bring about change through actions of love. Patriots are also expected to support their country's principles and stand up against injustice, reflecting a deeper commitment to the welfare of their nation and its people. How to Love a Country, Part 2: Patriotism as Love for Our Neighbor holyjoys.org Historical Documents Orders & Speeches www.usmcu.edu Patriotism: For Love of God and Country www.catholicmom.com Patriotism 101 www.aei.org C.S. Lewis on Love of Country and Love of God: An Independence Day Reflection religiousfreedominstitute.org So, Robert, can you please cite any evidence or valid documentation refuting my POV speak now or put a lid on it, if you would be so kind?
victoriasas 07-Jun-25, 13:19	@valley_forge More and more, I think your definition of patriotism is defined as unwavering allegiance to a man (President Trump) and not to ideals that exist apart from him or the political movement that he started and which seems to vacillate depending on circumstances and his whims. It’s actually patriotic to question this country’s elected leaders and to criticize them when appropriate. It’s unpatriotic to attack those who question and criticize elected leaders. America is a democracy – not an authoritarian state. Therefore Robert has no obligation to “put a lid on it” but should feel free to express his opinions on President Trump and his administration.
valley_forge 07-Jun-25, 13:43	In response to Vic's post @ 07-Jun-25, 13:19 You're certainly entitled and our Moderator encouages alternative POV. This notwithstanding, IMHO because your POV above does not include anything I said as endorsing President Trump , it is not referring to what I did support. Does that mean you don't understand my POV? What part of my post above which does not include any reference to Trump, is difficult to understand?
victoriasas 07-Jun-25, 13:46	Simple. What is your definition of patriotism? As I said, your definition of patriotism seems to be unwavering allegiance to President Trump. Is that wrong?
valley_forge 07-Jun-25, 15:48	<< What is your definition of patriotism? As I said, your definition of patriotism seems to be unwavering allegiance to President Trump. Is that wrong? >> Thank you for your fair and evenhanded question/ inference. My definition of classic American Patriotism is rooted in the historical evidence of the recorded history of the American Revolution which established the American Republic. This Revelation is historically based on the fact that Colonial Christian people who had made a Holy Covenant with the God of the Bible through their fervent commitment to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to one another became convinced that the King of England was determined to destroy this Covenant. According to their Church ministers who prayed fervently for God's answers and leading what to do in response, invariably determined that they had but one direction to go. Typical authority which dared to oppose God's Word and the prayers for the people who have devoted their lives for the spreading of the Gospel had to be defied and opposed! Up and down the Eastern seaboard the Colonists gathered in their respective churches their ministers determined that same thing. Their ancestors almost unanimously had left England for the expressed vision of spreading the Gospel. This is Classic American Patriotism. As far as my support for President Trump goes you may be correct that it is an allegiance. Why shouldn't any American not be in allegiance to him? No other politician in the last 75 years at least have been as loyal to defending America's patriotic values as he. Of course, it goes W/O saying that President Trump has not ever openly declared that he intends to lead the United States back into the kind of Holy Covenant which established the American Republic, it's obvious to me and many other Americans he is attempting to return us back to many Biblical principles which have been eroding steadily for years.
thumper 07-Jun-25, 16:08	To me patriotism can be closely related to loyalty. You can argue degrees of each but they're basically the same thing.
victoriasas 07-Jun-25, 16:09	Thanks for your reply. I think the earliest settlers of America left England due to religious persecution and not to spread the Gospel. It’s a fine distinction but a distinction nevertheless. But the First Amendment gives everyone the right to express his or her opinion and prohibits the government from establishing a state religion or interfering in the free exercise of any religion. Which is all to say that Americans are free to criticize President Trump and free to criticize Christianity (or any other faith/religion.) Trump is somewhat of a genius at marketing, which is why opponents of his MAGA political movement can be labeled as those who don’t want to make America great again. I’m not a “never Trumper” and I don’t despise him, but I do disagree with some of his policies, such as profligate spending and eliminating the debt ceiling, cutting health insurance for the poor (Medicaid,) and lack of respect for the authority of the Suprene Court and Congress. I don’t agree with governing by executive orders and defying court rulings. I also have trouble accepting his repeated claim that the 2020 election was rigged when (as far as I know) he and his administration haven’t produced evidence of widespread voter fraud (though I agree that mass mailing ballots based off outdated voter rolls was highly suspicious.) I also disliked his making an obscene profit off the Bible and his misrepresenting the way of salvation in an interview. And though you like to repeat it, no evidence exists that God entered into a covenant with early Americans. It takes two parties to enter into a covenant, and God is conspicuously absent from the covenant sought by early Americans. And not to beat a dead horse, but it took a long time for America to live up to the “all men are created equal” ideal expressed in its founding documents, though eventually this country did, at least overtly. But two standards of justice obviously exist in this country.
apatzer 07-Jun-25, 16:18	Thumper 16:08 Yes, it's all a matter of what the object of the loyalty is. For Americans that is to the Constitution, the Flag and the Republican on which it stands. Were Caesars legions loyal to Caesar? Or were they loyal to Rome?
thumper 07-Jun-25, 16:31	One point. The Constitution created no rights (Bill of Rights), it simply recognizes pre-existing rights. You can call them 'Natural Rights' or rights 'Endowed by our Creator', whichever you prefer. We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. - Preamble to the Declaration of Independence
apatzer 07-Jun-25, 16:31	VF You are blending two things that in our very own constitution separates and in doing so you are not being loyal to either. You would twist both to suit a vision that is being spoon f d to you through gossip and slander. And you ask for seconds. Which is your absolute right sir. Live the way you want to. But when you make a public post, you are subject to public reply. As I said when you have to keep from answering certain questions (that are absolutely obvious) and then either go on an attack or change the subject. Then that tells me you already know what the truthful answer was and have to do anything you can to avoid answering it. That is not how someone who is loyal to God operates. That is how someone who is loyal to the father of lies and this world operates. Which again is perfectly fine for you to choose with your own free will. But again when you post, you are subject to reply. Now if you are able to refute anything in the post of mine to you. That you have successfully buried with the shovel of copy paste avoidance. I'm all ears. Have at it. The subterfuge of changing a topic or changing the focus while you simultaneously ignore what lead up to it. Doesn't work on me.
apatzer 07-Jun-25, 16:34	Thumper I absolutely agree, and it is the job of Government to enforce those natural rights for all citizens.
thumper 07-Jun-25, 16:44	Loyalty to Caesar was usually encouraged with a good flogging to keep one's mind right.
apatzer 07-Jun-25, 17:12	Thumper That is true. However if Caesar's legions were loyal to Rome. When he crossed the Rubicon things would have happened much differently. But they weren't they were loyal to Caesar. Then afterwards had to suffer through far more wicked emperors than he.
valley_forge 08-Jun-25, 08:22	World Ready for the Antichrist The phrase "Send us such a man and be he god or devil, we will receive him" is attributed to Paul Henri Spaak, who was the first president of the UN General Assembly, the first president of the European Parliament, and the former secretary general of NATO.
valley_forge 08-Jun-25, 08:27	In response to Apatzer's post @ 07-Jun-25, 16:31 Blending two things; Did the Christian Covenants of the Puritans and the Pilgrims give rise to the Constitution, or did the Constitution give rise to the Covenants of the Pilgrims and the Puritans?
victoriasas 08-Jun-25, 08:55	@valley_forge Can you say what the obligations of the puritans and pilgrims in these alleged covenants were and what the obligations of God were?
valley_forge 08-Jun-25, 09:27	Historical Documents are Easily Verified In response to Vic's post @ 08-Jun-25, 08:55 I've posted these several times previously. If you're actually interested in seeing them I'm sure they you're sauvy enough to look them up, okay?
valley_forge 08-Jun-25, 09:33	Hebrews 12:6 In response to Thumper's post @ 07-Jun-25, 16:44 Curious you would mention that about flogging. God doesn't use flogging as such, but IMHO because He loves us there's a thing known as the chastening of the Lord. What does it mean to be chastened? www.gotquestions.org "For those whom the Lord loves He disciplines, And He scourges every son whom He receives.”
victoriasas 08-Jun-25, 09:35	@valley_forge I’ve seen no specific obligations of the puritans and pilgrims in these alleged covenants, and God was very specific about the Jews’ obligations in the Old Covenant (not just the Ten Commandments but the 600+ laws in the Torah) and in His instructions to man about building structures (the ark and the Temple) and in how the Promised Land should be divided among the tribes of Israel. God has always been very specific in His dealings with men. But I don’t recall seeing anything specific about the pilgrims’ and puritans’ obligations in their alleged covenants with God. Was there anything specific?
Pages:  « Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 Next »

GameKnot: play chess online, monthly chess tournaments, Internet chess league, chess teams, chess clubs, online chess puzzles, free online chess games database and more.