1.God accomplishes his work by means of his Word, it is compared to fire for its searching and purifying tendency, a candle or light that discovers hidden things in the darkness, it cuts two ways to discover the thoughts and intents of the heart and divides between the soul and spirit making a discrimination between states and characters by laying down infallible marks of these and applying them convincingly to individuals. It all starts in each man's heart, and God can work with or without the means. 1. point of 5

Read to the end of the New Testament book for the rest of the story and pray for light from He who just says Let there be light and there is.

The whole Book is a good read for a praying people.

CJW wrote:
"In a way, the poll examined the age-old philosophical dilemma: 'If God is good, why is there so much disaster, tragedy and pain in the world?'" - from the article.
There is no dilemma. The reason there is so much disaster, tragedy and in pain in the world is... (Rom 5:12)"
[QUOTE]True, so true. I read in a sermon last evening that there are two reason a Good God baptizes his New Testament people in the Holy Ghost and fire. 1. To separate them from the world and 2. to refine them. A win/win for the elect and a lose/lose for the rest.

I am greatly encouraged by your words. Do you really think Neil is about numbers? I think his difficulties with these things lie elsewhere. Within the true remnant there are a variety of gifts, but the Scriptures tell us that the Jews as a covenant community had gifts and a calling. I believe this means an external gospel call but in the case of the remnant it was effectual. The Jews had/have/ will have "the law of commandments contained in ordinances;" Ephes.2:15 and gifts because in the visible church of the OT. For the Scripture says of the Jew their gifts and calling were without repentance. This seems to agree with Hebrews 6.and Romans 11

Yes, they and their ilk have joined the interaction on Sermon Audio just in case no one has noticed.

I felt bad about laughing at his ironic solution, it is no laughing matter.

Does God have reason to judge this nation? We know he is angry with the wicked every day, and that Peter says in 1 Peter 4:17-19 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?
Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.

jpw you asked what does congress have to do with this - Might I suggest their desire for a job and a nation.
God is still on the throne and according to Psalm 2:4-He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the LORD shall have them in derision. Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure. Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel. Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.

I said to the Lord these (on this forum) are all 'asylum seekers' under attack by the world, the flesh and the devil. Some are more aware of the battle then others but all are in the fray.

There is more to this, than a new generation.