Let not be the assumption that I haven't witnessed to this man before. I have. Which is why he reached out to me.

He text me this gesture. And when you text or email, the response can be taken the wrong way because the moment doesn't come face to face. He can't see the look in my eyes or the tone in my voice.

Suppose the next time I see him I say " thank you for your kindness in wishing me a happy Easter. But let me tell you what that really means..."

So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Isaiah 1... one of my favorites.

I will sleep in it. Speak to you in the morning.

Romans 9:6
But it is not as though the word of God has failed. For not all wwho are descended from Israel belong to Israel.

Hebrews8:13 (esv)
In speaking of a new covenant he makes the first one obsolete,and what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.

Matthew 23:37-39
"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! See, your house is left desolate. For I tell you, you will not see me again, until you say, 'blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. '"

Revelation 18:4
Then I heard another voice from heaven saying, "come out of her my people,lest you take part in her sins...

I am no scholar. So I don't have the knowledge of original translation. But it seems to me the individual words like 'king', 'kingdom','He' are important for coming to an understanding of what we are discussing. But above all, it is a mind of wisdom, granted by God through obedience that reveals such things. Thank you for the encouragement to seek it out.

On another note. Considering 'the mother of harlots'... the OT, in particular the prophets (especially the minor prophets) would point to 'earthly Jerusalem' as the whore. If we are to have scripture interpret scripture, there seems to be a strong case. 7 hills? I would say Rome is involved for sure. But the mother?

Dorcas... we have a baby goat! Cute little guy. The kids are having a blast. Praise the Lord for his creation!

I appreciate the manner at which we are conversing. Thank you for going about this kindly. It's clear you understand exactly what my point is.

Why do I work so hard to provide for my family? Because it is right and proper to do so. Otherwise I would be worse than an unbeliever. And it gives me satisfaction when I lay my head on my pillow at night knowing it was a hard days work.

But until Babylon falls, I will have to use paper.
Seems silly.

But soon all who dwell on the earth won't be able to buy or sell without the mark. What then?

It will be those with this mindset that won't take it. Complete reliance on the Lord. As it should be. Whether death or famine.