text:
Killing HIV Stigma in the LGBTQ Community
I have touched on this subject before but I feel passionate about it and I think it is something that really needs to be discussed more in the GLBTQ community. We all talk about erasing the stigmas related to HIV and how people need to be educated on the subject, which I fully support and believe in, and also in the GLBTQ community we talk about wanting equality and to just be treated like the rest of humanity, which I also support and agree with.
We can not erase stigmas or be treated as equal until we start treating each other as equals. I can not tell you how many times I have heard stories about people in the GLBTQ community telling each other not to talk to somebody just because that person has HIV or it is rumored that that person might have HIV. I have had it happen to me more times than I can count. That right there is one of those stigmas that need to be erased, last time I checked you could not contract HIV from having a conversation with someone and damn really, if you could, the whole world would be infected. We all know how much the "community" loves to talk about each other, especially in the bar/club scene. For those of you who love to have diarrhea of the mouth and then drive off with your "equal love" stickers plastered all over your car, this message is for you.
You can not go out preaching equal love until you treat others in our community as equals. Just because a person like me has HIV, does not mean that they are beneath you, or "dirty", or any of the other crap you want to talk about them and personally I welcome someone to come up and tell me I am "dirty," I will give them an education like nothing they have every had.
I really believe that if we want to fight and erase stigmas about HIV we need to start by educating the up and coming generation. Most of the generation today is ignorant about HIV and that is simply because they are lacking education on the subject, and most of us (me included) do not remember the HIV/AIDS epidemic of the 80's or were not even around for it. I have said it before and I will say it again, I think social media should be our new frontier for fighting stigmas and for education. I mean everyone already lives plastered to their phones and stays connected to social media all day, so why not use those to reach out to the community?
If we can erase stigmas the GLBTQ community and learn to treat each other as equals, then and only then can we start to erase the stigmas in the rest of the world and be seen as a EQUAL UNITED COMMUNITY. We all want the same thing and that is just to be loved, so why single a group out because of something like HIV?
Visit Brian's live blog at www.AMarineAndHIV.com.
Read Brian's blog AMarineAndHIV.


text:
Infosec Cloud Services
Next Gen Endpoint
Products and services providing proactive and adaptive detection and mitigation for securing the endpoint.
Identity Management & SSO
Award-winning single sign-on (SSO) and cloud identity and access (IAM) management platform.
GDPR PII Discovery
Personal Identifiable Information (PII) Data Discovery & Protection. Solves GDPR Subject Access Requests.
Tokenless Authentication
Tokenless MFA solutions that leverage the devices end users have access to in their day to day work.
Email Security
Protect your organisation against email borne infections before they reach your network.
Web Security
Block viruses, zero-day attacks, malicious web infiltration and other threats with a fully managed service.
Email Encryption
Secure and control information sent by email to both internal and external recipients plus large file transfer
Managed Cloud Services
Enterprise-level cloud services: Email, Web, Endpoint, Firewall & Strong Authentication. 99.9% SLAs.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Report: Former Sioux Falls Skyforce Coach Dave Joerger to be New Memphis Grizzlies Coach
Former Sioux Falls Skyforce head coach Dave Joerger has agreed in principle to become the new head coach of the NBA's Memphis Grizzlies, according to ESPN.com.
Joerger, a Staples, Minnesota native, takes over for Lionel Hollins, who asked out of his contract to look for other coaching jobs.
Joerger spent the last six seasons on the Grizzlies' bench as an assistant coach.
He coached the Skyforce to the CBA title in 2005.


text:
Academic Enrichment
As the Dean of Students Office, we concern ourselves with the concrete and the pragmatic - the short-term decisions William & Mary students have to make on a daily basis. Questions such as, "How much longer do I work on this paper?", "Should I start studying for the exam I have tomorrow instead?", "Is it worth it for me to skip my morning class so I can finish both?", or "Do I dare ask my professor for an extension?"
The Dean of Students Office is a place where you can get help answering these kinds of questions. We meet with students both individually and in group sessions to discuss things like time management, stress management, and study techniques. Despite the misconception that this department is only for students who are struggling to make grades, many students who take advantage of these resources are doing well in their classes, but are looking to gain that competitive edge.
A good place to start is the Academic Compass, your guide to getting the most out of your William & Mary coursework.


text:
Educational Effectiveness
The Athenaeum of Ohio has identified three learning outcomes for each of the following two master's degree programs:
Master of Divinity (MDiv)
Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry (MAPM)
It has identified two learning outcomes for each of the following three master's degree programs:
Master of Arts in Biblical Studies (MAB)
Master of Arts in Catholic Studies (MACS)
Master of Arts in Theology (MAT)
These learning outcomes derive from the goals of their respective degree programs. The learning outcomes for MDiv and MAPM include the ability to engage in the practice of ministry and to integrate theology with ministry. The learning outcomes for MAB, MACS and MAT include the ability to do master's level research.
Achievement of each of these outcomes is regularly assessed using multiple strategies that include both direct and indirect measures of student learning. Since the inception of this formal assessment program, there have been few occasions when the results of an assessment strategy fell below the benchmark established by the faculty. Thus, this assessment program indicates that Athenaeum degree programs produce their intended outcomes, and that they are educationally effective.
All graduates of the Athenaeum's MDiv program are sponsored by a Roman Catholic diocese and are placed upon ordination. 60% of the recent graduates of other Athenaeum degree programs serve as staff members of Roman Catholic parishes or other organizations. The remaining 40%, who earned degrees for personal enrichment rather than employment, serve as high level volunteers in their parishes.
More information about the Athenaeum academic assessment program is available from Mr. Nicholas Jobe, Registrar and Director of Assessment.


text:
Frequently Asked Questions
Wastewater Department
I've noticed a sewer odor in my home, what can I do?
Basement floor drains that have dried up will allow sewer gas to enter the home. These drains need to be checked and refilled with water. Pour a quart or two of water in these drains every week to keep them filled. Adding a tablespoon or two of vegetable oil or mineral oil to the water in the drain will slow down the evaporation of the water in the drain trap.
What causes water to gush from my toilet?
This condition can be the result of preventative sewer maintenance activities. Sewer mains are cleaned from the inside of the pipe by using high-pressure water. Occasionally this can cause a surge in the service line.
What do I do about a sewer backup?
A sewer backup can lead to disease, destruction of your valuables, and damage to your home and/or electrical malfunctions. Prompt cleanup of affected property can help minimize the inconvenience and damage.
* Immediately arrange for the cleanup of your property
* Take before and after photos of the affected areas
* Itemize any property losses
* Wet-vacuum or remove spillage
* Mop the floors and wipe walls with soap and disinfectant
* Flush out and disinfect plumbing fixtures
* Steam clean or remove carpet and drapes
* Clean appliances and ductwork
* Repair or remove wallboard or wall covering
What do I do if my sewer backs up?
Call the Wastewater Treatment Plant at 515-386-4711 during regular business hours. Call the LEC at 515-386-2136 after hours and holidays. A maintenance crew will be notified of the problem and determine if the stoppage is in the city main or your service line. If the city main is found to be clear, it is the responsibility of the property owner to call a plumber or sewer/drain cleaning service to correct the problem. The property owner is responsible for maintaining adequate flow to and through the sewer lateral from the property structure into the city sewer main. If the blockage is in the city main, we will fix it promptly and keep you informed on what is being done.
IMPORTANT: Check your homeowner's insurance policy to see if you have coverage for backups. If you do not have coverage, consider adding it to your policy. In most cases the City's insurance will not cover your damages in the event of a backup.
Where does the City's responsibility end and the property owners begin?
The property owner's sewer extends from the interior plumbing of the building to where the pipe connects to the public sewer main, most frequently located in the center of the street or alley. The sewer main is the city's responsibility.


text:
Topic: A diiferent fett
han solo sared in horror as storm troopers burst into hanger bay 8."cheweie,lets get this crate into orbit fast"he yelled.
oh great he thought as he laid on covering fire,a bounghty from jabba and now really red hot guests.at that momant he heard a jet back and looked up to see somebody he really did not want to see flying in.Boba Fett.Now my day is perfect thought han solo and turned to return fire on fett but a stray blaster bolt caught fetts back back and he crashed head first onto the ladder of the falcon.the kidd in work clothes ran down and hauled fett into the falcon.
Later in hyperspace the millenium falcons was a place with a bad atmosphere.boba fett and the old man sat and stared grimly at each other and the kid looked like he wanted to hide in a corner.han solo felt abit inclined to do the same.
"you jedi killed my father."growled fett.
"it was an act of war and your father was trying to shoor mace windu at the time."
"is that supposed to make me feel better?it does not.who is your new padawan then?"
there was a lomg silence as the two locked eyes.
"the boys name is luke skywalker.his father was killed by the dark lord of the sith vader.there,you know who he is.the son of a jedi and my padawan."
fett sat back and stared at kenobi through his helmet in silence.
"the son of a jedi then."
kenobi let out a breath tat the kid did not see but han solo did.
"i hate to break this up"said han solo but we are about to arrive at alderbannan."
"dont forget ive still got a bounty on you solo."
"your bounty is now meanigless"said old man kenobi"fate has put you in common cause with us."
The Emperor of the Galaxy sat down at the meeting table and stared at his advisors as they came in.Admirals Thrawn and Paelleon bowed low and Jedi Master skywalker nodded gravely,along with the ex rebellion politicians of the new senate.
"tell me your views on this new enemy the vong."said Emperor Fett.


text:
ALAMEDA — There won"t be a quarterback guessing game in Oakland this week.
Raiders coach Dennis Allen confirmed the expected Monday, declaring Terrelle Pryor the starter for Sunday"s home opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars after Pryor"s strong performance Sunday in Indianapolis.
Meanwhile, the Jaguars" starting quarterback job grew less stable. The team announced that starter Blaine Gabbert won"t play due to a hand injury suffered in his team"s opener. Instead, Jacksonville will go with Chad Henne, who relieved an injured Gabbert early in a game against the Raiders in Oakland last season.
Pryor passed for 217 yards and rushed for a league-high 112 yards in the Raiders 21-17 loss to the Colts. He
was intercepted twice, including on the Raiders final play deep in Colts territory.
"The great ones find a way to get in the end zone in the clutch," Pryor said Monday. "I missed out on that. I wasn"t so great (Sunday)."
Pryor started only one game his first two NFL seasons. He received the nod against the Colts based on the fact he outperformed Matt Flynn during exhibition games.
He called his performance Sunday "awful." Allen said that shows Pryor"s passion and dedication. Just the same, there"s plenty of room for improvement.
"I wouldn"t go so far as to say that he was awful," Allen said Monday, "but he also understands that there"s some critical mistakes in the game that we got to get corrected because we can"t have those."
· Running back Darren McFadden managed only 48 yards rushing and averaged 2.8 yards on his 17 carries.
Even so, Allen said he remains convinced that McFadden is on the verge of a breakout season.
"I"m not concerned with who gets the yards," Allen said. "We were able to run and run effectively. Darren"s going to get his touches. Darren"s going to get his yards."
Allen said there were some "opportunities" for the Raiders to spring McFadden for long runs. That failed to materialize, for one reason or other.
Last season, McFadden averaged a career-low 3.3 yards rushing. A switch from a zone-blocking scheme to a power-blocking scheme is expected to benefit McFadden.
"I"m still pleased with where Darren is." Allen said. "I still think he"s going to have a good year."
· First-year player Marquette King replaced veteran Shane Lechler this season not only as the Raiders punter but as their holder on field-goal and extra-point attempts.
Kicker Sebastian Janikowski worked exclusively with Lechler from 2000-12. He said this offseason that he and King concentrated on getting in synch.
On Sunday, Janikowski missed a 48-yard field-goal attempt. After the game, King accepted blame.
Not so fast, Allen said.
"The hold was fine," Allen said. "SeaBass just missed the kick. That"s something he doesn"t do often."
To that end, Allen said, King and Janikowski will spend more time working together to lessen the likelihood of any issues cropping up.
· The Raiders offensive line allowed only one sack Sunday and held up pretty well, by most accounts, despite two new starters and Khalif Barnes moving from right tackle to left.
"All things considered, a pretty good overall performance for the O-line in the first (game)," center Stefen Wisniewski said.
Allen said the offensive line held up its end.
"For mixing and matching some guys and moving some guys around … I was pleased with the way the offensive line played," Allen said.
· Strong safety Tyvon Branch emerged from the Colts game with a sore shoulder. Allen said none of his other players suffered serious injuries.
· Pryor led the league in rushing before Monday"s games after his 112-yard effort. Also, Pryor was one of only two players that rushed for 100 yards or more through Sunday"s games.
Raiders vs. Jaguars
1:25 p.m.


text:
We're going to take a few weeks off our of study of 1 Timothy in order that we might identify ourselves with this wonderful time of year, the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ. And I would encourage you, if you will, to take your Bible and open it to Matthew chapter 1. I want to read a couple of portions regarding His birth from Matthew and then Luke, and emphasize in the message this morning the significance of the virgin birth of Christ.
Matthew's gospel, chapter 1 and verse 18 says, "Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: when His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph before they came together, she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit. And Joseph her husband being a righteous man and not wanting to disgrace her desired to divorce her secretly. But when he had considered this, behold an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream saying, Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for that which has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit and she will bear a son and you shall call His name Jesus for it is He who will save His people from their sins. Now all this took place, that what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet might be fulfilled saying, Behold, the virgin shall be with child and shall bear a son and they shall call His name Emanuel which translated means God with us. And Joseph arose from his sleep and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took her as his wife and kept her a virgin until she gave birth to a son and he called His name Jesus."
And then in Luke chapter 1 beginning at verse 26, "Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city in Galilee called Nazareth to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph of the descendants of David and the virgin's name was Mary. And coming in he said to her, Hail favored one, the Lord is with you. But she was greatly troubled at this statement and kept pondering what kind of salutation this might be. And the angel said to her, Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son and you shall name Him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever and His kingdom will have no end. And Mary said to the angel, How can this be since I am a virgin? And the angel answered and said to her, The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you and for that reason the holy offspring shall be called the Son of God."
Now in both of these passages the emphasis of the text is clearly upon the truth that Jesus was born of a virgin woman, that His mother who bore Him had no knowledge of a man in the physical sense. This birth is without question the most startling, amazing of all births in the annals of human history. And history has some pretty amazing births. The birth of Isaac to nearly 100-year-old parents who were barren all their life and who laughed at the thought of a barren woman giving birth at that age and yet the miracle happened and Abraham and Sarah brought forth Isaac.
And then there was the amazing and miraculous birth of Samson. The wife of Manoah was also barren all her life long but the Lord opened her womb and gave her a child, a child not like any other child who had ever lived, a child who could turn a lion inside out, who could tie the tails of foxes together, set them on fire and send them through a field, a child who could kill a thousand men with a jawbone of an ass, a child who could pull down a temple on thousands and thousands of the enemies of God. A miracle child and a miraculous birth.
And then there was the birth of Samuel to the barren Hannah who longed so much to have a child. And having had her womb closed, the Lord also opened her womb and she brought forth that Samuel, that unique prophet, priest and anointer of kings.
And then there was the astounding birth of John the Baptist to Zacharias and Elizabeth who was also called barren. But in old age by a miracle of God was given a child of whom Jesus said he was the greatest man who ever lived up until his time.
Biblically then there have been some amazing births and even historically. We won't take the time to chronicle all the amazing births. I think back to the famous Dionne quintuplets born in 1934, receiving international attention. And even more recently the Stanic(?) sextuplets born in Colorado in 1973. And then I think to little Louise Brown in 1978, the first test-tube baby, an incredible result of twelve years of research, the mother's egg being fertilized outside the mother's body by the father's sperm, conceived in a test tube, placed back in the womb, carried to full term until the child was born. That's an amazing birth. And the world, by the way, has made some monumental issues out of its capabilities in terms of childbirth in these days.
But even though the births that I've mentioned to you were amazing, in some cases the biblical ones were even divinely the result of God's action, yet none of them even comes near the incredible birth of Jesus Christ. Now science has done some interesting things in the area of quote/unquote virgin birth. I don't know if you realize this but if you take the word parthenos which is the word for a virgin and you take the word Genesis which is the word for birth or beginning and put them together you have parthenogenesis which is a historic scientific pursuit. Scientists even today are studying partheno genetics...in other words, the capability of producing a child from a virgin. It literally means virgin birth. And so, partheno genetic lab experiences go on all the time as they attempt to produce parthenogenic life among lower forms of life.
And there has been a modicum of some interesting results. For example, within the world of honeybees, unfertilized eggs develop into drones and they are sort of parthenogenesis. In 1886, Tacommeroth(?) a scientist developed the capability for artificial parthenogenesis in the unfertilized eggs of silkworms by creating an environment in which that took place. Around 1900 Morgan and Mead were able to start the eggs of sea urchins and marine worms to develop by placing them into various salt solutions and sea water.
And then perhaps most interesting of all, in 1939 and 1940 there was a scientist named Pinkus(?) who produced several rabbits through chemical temperature effects upon the ova. Now this has been part and really the extent of the capability of parthenogenetic science but no success has ever been known in the higher forms of life and none at all in the human level, of course. Virgin births at the human level are biological impossibilities. And no explanation of science can in any way, shape or form explain the birth of Jesus Christ. Science has no explanation.
The best that science could do would be to trump up some kind of imaginary possibility of Mary partheno genetically producing a child because some circumstances might have been made right within the environment of her body. But the best that that could accomplish is very interesting. That absolutely impossible dream could never bring forth a son...and I'll tell you why. Geneticists have demonstrated beyond a shadow of a doubt that mammals, including man if you look at man from the standpoint of his physiology, have two x chromosomes in the females and in the males there is an x and a y chromosome. Thus when an unfertilized egg cell would duplicate its chromosomes in response to some artificial stimulation, since it can only happen in a female and since a female only has two x chromosomes, a female if it could parthenogenetically reproduce could only reproduce another what? Female. And so there is absolutely no scientific possibility for a parthenogenetic birth that can be explained in any natural way at all. Even if we can allow for some natural thing, Mary would have produced a daughter not a son, but that even producing a daughter is an utter impossibility. When Mary gave birth to Jesus without a father, Jesus was a son, the theory of any natural explanation was forever eliminated. And since the human male determines the sex of the child, it is obvious that the sex of Jesus' human nature was determined by a miracle of God. He was God the Son and not to be parthenogenetically produced as God the daughter...in spite of what Women's Liberationists would like to think.
God divinely created male chromosomes, planted them in the body of Mary so that she without any contact with a man her life time could produce a male child. The birth of Jesus Christ then stands alone as utterly inexplicable from any natural vantage point. He was born of a woman who had never known a man and He Himself was a son, produced by no earthly father at all but by the heavenly Father who because He created all that is found it not difficult at all to produce the God/Man Jesus Christ. No thing is hard for God, no thing is easy for God, all things are equally done by God at the express purpose of His will and intention.
The message of Christmas, people, is not gifts and trees and presents around the tree and cards and manger scenes and all of that, that's peripheral. The message is the incarnation God born in human flesh. And that's what we want to communicate when given the opportunity.
Some Jewish leaders at the time of the birth of Christ, no doubt, believed that the promised Messiah would be the son of David. They must have believed that. They were happy to sing hosannas to the Son of David at His triumphal entry. They assumed the Messiah would come through the line of royalty based on 2 Samuel 7, the promise of God to David. But they really didn't know anything more than that and there certainly was no pervasive belief that the Messiah would be a virgin born incarnation of the very God of Gods Himself. In fact, when Jesus claimed to be God incarnate, they accused Him of...what?...of blasphemy. And the same denial persists today. The virgin birth is attacked constantly. And it's attacked because people deny the deity of Christ. Whether they are atheists, skeptics, liberals, or occultists, typically two of which came to my door yesterday while I was studying and they were the Jehovah's Witnesses who wanted to argue with me that Jesus is not God.
Well, I'm ready for that. But it's amazing to me...it's amazing to me that even within the framework of Protestantism, for example, the last available survey that I saw of students in Protestant seminaries in America, indicate that about 56 percent of them believe in the virgin birth. And 59 percent of the people in the major denominations believe in the virgin birth. And it's on the decline. Now if you deny the virgin birth, you have a major problem. One, the Bible is lying so you've just lost your authority. Two, you have eliminated the possibility of Jesus Christ being God. Therefore the whole of the gospel is destroyed. But fortunately truth is not established by the vote of seminary students...nor is it established by the vote of people in the major denominations. Paul said, "Let God be true and every man a liar." If God loses by 20 million to one, God is still right. We don't determine truth by majority vote.
But the virgin birth is so essential and that's why it's constantly being attacked. But the attack on the virgin birth is simply a way to deal with the issue of denying the deity of Christ.
Go to Matthew 16 for a moment as we begin to look at the Scripture a little more closely. In Matthew 16 we find a typical scenario that can be pulled into our own time today. When Jesus came to the district of Caesarea Philippi, which is way in the north area above Galilee, He began asking His people saying, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" In other words, what is the latest Gallup Pol1 tell us the popular viewpoint about Jesus is? And here comes the answer. "Well they said, some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, others Jeremiah, and still others say one of the prophets."
Now what do all of those have in common? They are all...what?...men...people, human beings. Common opinion is that Jesus is a man, maybe a reincarnated man, maybe...not a reincarnated man really but a resurrected man, but nonetheless a man. He is John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah, one of the prophets. Nobody's saying He's God. "But He said to them, Who do you say that I am? And Simon Peter at that very moment was compelled by the Holy Spirit to open his mouth and say, Thou art the Christ the Son of the living God." Men say He's a man, but God says He's God. And that is the crux of the issue. If you go out today to survey the world around you, you will find that the popular viewpoint is that Jesus was a man, Jesus was a good man, Jesus was the best of men, Jesus was the noblest example of humanity who ever lived. The answer is wrong, He is God. And a real incarnation, a real incarnation of God in human flesh demands a virgin birth. You cannot have a being who is God and man unless the progeniters of that being are God and man. And so God fathers and Mary mothers the product being the God/Man, the incarnate eternal Son of God.
Now let's look at the virgin birth from a couple of angles. Okay? I want you to understand it. The foundations, first of all, of the virgin birth, why do we believe this? Well, first of all, we just affirmed why we believe it from the standpoint of Scripture, right? So the first foundation on which the virgin birth is built is the veracity, authenticity, inerrancy and inspiration and truthfulness of the Word of God. It's very clear in Matthew 1:18 to 25 and in Luke 1:26 to 33 and following that Jesus is said to be born of a virgin. Now if you deny the virgin birth, you are denying the truth of Scripture. If you deny the truth of Scripture, you are denying the truthfulness of God. If you are denying the truthfulness of God, then you have an unholy God. And if you have an unholy God, we can pack the whole thing in and forget it and live like animals because nothing matters anyway. So you tear the whole of the seamless garment and rip it to shreds if you attack only the virgin birth. Everything else goes down, too.
So, the first thing is the New Testament document very clearly says He was born of a virgin. In fact, to just illustrate that a bit further, Matthew chapter 2 having followed up, of course, the statement of the angel with the details of the birth of Christ affirms this. You will find something conspicuously absent in the testimony of chapter 2 and that is any identification of Joseph as the father of Jesus. None exists. And there's ample opportunity for that to have been stated, if indeed it should have been. For example, verse 11, it says, "And they...being the wise men, the Magi...they came into the house, saw the child with Mary His mother." Then you'll notice further in verse 13, "When they had departed, behold an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph...it doesn't say Joseph His father but Joseph...arise and take the child and His mother." Verse 14, "And he arose...it doesn't say the father arose...he arose, took the child and His mother." And down in verse 20, "Arise and take the child and His mother." Verse 21, "And he arose and took the child and His mother."
Now you'd have to be blind not to understand the emphasis there. Mary is the mother but nowhere is Joseph ever alluded to as the father...nowhere, because he wasn't the father. In fact, the father is designated in verse 15, "And there, it says, they went into Egypt and were there until the death of Herod, that what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet," this is from Hosea verse 1 of chapter 11..."the prophet might be fulfilled saying, Out of Egypt did I call My Son," and that's God speaking. God is Father, Mary is mother. And with a divine Father and a human mother, you have the God/Man Jesus Christ.
So, the first foundation of the virgin birth is found in the pages of the New Testament. The second one is in the Old Testament. Let's go back to Genesis chapter 3 to a somewhat familiar text and just make mention of it. The foundation of the virgin birth is not only in the New Testament but also in the Old. When the serpent is cursed by God because of his part in leading the human race into sin, verse 15 of Genesis 3, the judgment of God comes upon that serpent, Satan, and God says, "I will put enmity," that is antagonism, hatred, opposition, "between you and the woman and between your seed, the offspring of Satan, and her seed. He shall bruise you on the head and you shall bruise Him on the heel."
Now there's a general sense in which this could be understood to be nothing more than a statement that the children of Satan and the children of the covenant, or the promise, the righteous seed that will eventually come out of Eve will fight against each other. It could be a very general statement that Satan in the end is going to be defeated by man. But it has to be seen as more specific than that because what man is it who will ultimately defeat Satan? If Satan and his children are set against mankind and the children of men, and if Satan will bruise the heel of mankind but Satan's head will be bruised by mankind, what man is it who bruises the serpent's head? There's only one man and that man here, I believe, is most interestingly identified as HER seed, between your seed, Satan, your offspring and HER seed. It is obvious that no one woman has ever had a seed. No woman has ever produced a child parthenogenetically, and yet here is the prophecy that the seed of the woman would bring about the devastation of the serpent. And we know that in the cross of Christ and the victory that He gained there, He accomplished the devastation of Satan and his eternal damnation. And so there is a sense in which the very term "her seed" alludes to the reality of a virgin birth because the only time a woman ever had a seed was when Mary was impregnated by the Spirit of God to bring forth Christ.
Now I want you to look to a second passage in the Old Testament, Isaiah 7:14, a very familiar one, we won't take the time to develop the whole context. We've done that on other occasions. Simply to read Isaiah 7:14 and then allude to the commentary on it which comes in Matthew 1:22 and 23. Isaiah 7:14 says, "Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign, behold a virgin," and the word here is almah in Hebrew, it appears nine times in the Old Testament, eight of those times it means pure virginity, and so that is its predominant meaning and certainly its meaning here because that's the way it is interpreted by the inspired writer Matthew. And Matthew being inspired and interpreting Isaiah gives us its true interpretation. So it should be translated a virgin. Some people say no, it just means a young woman. Well if it means a young woman shall be with a child and bear a son, that's nothing special. Why and how would that be a sign of any significance? But when a virgin is with child and bears a son and then calls his name Emanuel, the last two words...pardon me, the last to letters "el" is the name of God. The first part means with us. When a virgin has a child named "God with us," that is unusual. So Isaiah predicts here the birth of a child born of a virgin whose name will be "God with us."
Now as I said, in Matthew 1:22 and 23 that is very directly interpreted. Now all this took place that was spoken by the Lord through the prophet might be fulfilled saying, Behold the virgin. And Matthew uses parthenos which means virgin and nothing else but virgin. She will be with child and bear a son and call his name Emanuel, translating that it means God with us. So Matthew tells us essentially what Isaiah meant. The total absence of sexual intimacy is bound up in the word parthenos or virgin.
Jesus used that word three times in the parable of the ten virgins to emphasize their virginity. Luke used it twice of Mary and used it also of Philip's four daughters when he wrote the book of Acts. Paul carefully in 1 Corinthians 7 distinguished between a virgin and an unmarried woman who was married prior and been divorced and a wife who was presently married. John records the word as descriptive of men who had no sexual relationships with woman but were totally yielded to God, he so speaks in Revelation 14. So sexual abstinence is essential to the meaning of parthenos. Mary was a virgin and a virgin with child is a miracle. In fact, the text can be literally translated, "Behold, the pregnant virgin is bearing a son and she calls His name God with us." God has come down, joined in this miracle, that seed of a man with the egg of a woman to produce the God/Man. This is the sign, the divine miracle.
And then there is Jeremiah 31:22, you don't need to turn to it. But in Jeremiah 31:22 it says this, listen to this, "The Lord hath created a new thing in the earth." Having a baby is not a new thing. The Lord has created a new thing. Listen, "A woman shall encompass a man." Now we cannot be explicitly dogmatic on that but it is interesting if you look at the rabbis' interpretation of Jeremiah 31:22. They said, for example, this is a Messianic context to be sure, they said, quote: "Messiah is to have no earthly father." Another rabbi said, "The birth of Messiah alone shall be without any defects." Another said, "His birth shall not be like that of other men." Another said, "The birth of Messiah shall be like the dew of the Lord as drops upon the grass without the action of man."
So when the rabbis looked at the Messianic text of Jeremiah 31 and looked at that verse, they saw in it a miraculous birth. It may well be that even at the time of the birth of Christ, though the vast majority of people did not expect Him to be virgin born, though the vast majority of people obviously didn't believe He was virgin born. There may have been some who understanding this rabbinic interpretation of Jeremiah 31:22, understanding the meaning of Isaiah 7:14 and Genesis 3:15 may not have been surprised at all when Jesus claimed to have been born of a virgin. By the way, that claim must have gotten out. It must have been known. The testimony was that this Jesus was born of a virgin. That was not hidden.
For example, in John 7:27 speaking of Christ as compared to the Messiah, there's an interesting statement made by the people. The people say, "We know where this man is from." In other words, we know Jesus came from Nazareth. "But whenever the Christ may come, no one knows where He's from." In other words, they just couldn't accept that Jesus was the Messiah because everybody knew He came out of Nazareth and they may have had this lingering feeling that there would be some kind of grandiose supernatural birth and Jesus seemed to be such a normal common person. So some people may have assumed the Messiah was going to be born in a miraculous way. Others may have known Jesus was born in a miraculous way. And some wouldn't have believed that Jesus was born in a miraculous way at all.
But the Old Testament was clear. If they had understood Genesis 3:15, Isaiah 7:14, Jeremiah 31:22 and even Psalm 2, "Thou art My Son, this day have I begotten Thee." And so the Old Testament, the New Testament lays the foundation for the virgin birth.
Can I give you a third foundation? The doctrine of the trinity. The Bible very clearly teaches that God is one God. Deuteronomy 6:4 and 5, "The Lord our God is one...the Lord our God is one." We believe in one God, there are no other gods, God will not tolerate any other gods. And the Scripture says you are to love the Lord your God with all your heart and soul and mind and strength.
What that means is you have no affection left for any other deity. You have no love for any other God. You are to love the one true God with all the capacity to love that you have because there is no other God and so you give everything to Him.
Now only if God was one God could we love Him with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. We couldn't love more than one with all our whole being, anymore than you could love one husband with all your heart and soul and mind and strength and love somebody else the same way. If there were three gods, as some would like us to believe, then we could love two and leave one off or love one and leave two off, or give a third of our love to each, but there's only one God and we are to love that one God with all our capacity and that one God reveals Himself in three persons. You say, "Do you understand that?" Of course not, I only believe that. I do not understand that. And there is no illustration that I've ever heard that makes it more understandable to me. Any illustration I've ever heard of the trinity confuses me and diminishes the reality of the trinity.
But even though God is one and we are to love Him totally as one, He has three persons. In fact, in Genesis 1 He uses the term God in the beginning, God created and the term is plural. Elohim is plural. In Genesis 1:26, "Let us make man in...what?...our image." That's plural personal pronoun. In Isaiah 6:8, "Whom shall I send and who will go for us, says God." God speaks as a plurality. In Isaiah 48:16, "Come ye near unto me and hear ye this, I have not spoken in secret from the beginning, from the time that it was there am I and now the Lord God and His Spirit have sent Me." That's Christ talking, preincarnate, about the Father and the Spirit and Himself.
In Matthew 3 at the baptism of Christ, Jesus in the water, the voice of the Father, "Thou art My Son in whom I am well pleased." The Spirit descends as a dove, you have all three at the same moment in time at the same event. In John 15 Jesus talks about going and He will ascend and He will send from the Father the Holy Spirit...Father, Son and Holy Spirit are there as well. At the end of 2 Corinthians, you know that beautiful benediction that comes in verse 14 of chapter 13, "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all." All three members of the trinity in one verse. They are three and yet one.
Now if Jesus Christ is really God, then the virgin birth occurred, then the incarnation is real. This is a logical sequence. Putting it in frail human terms, you cannot have God born into this world unless God is born to God. You can't have God born to man being God. God has to be born to God to be God, but born to man to be man, so He is God impregnating a woman. The Old Testament demands it. The New Testament demands it. The doctrine of the trinity demands it. And so I say, if you attack the virgin birth, you wipe out the veracity of the New Testament, you wipe out the veracity of the Old Testament and you have just wiped out the heart and soul of everything we know to be true about the nature of God and that is that He is three in one.
And then fourthly, Messianic prophecy comes into the picture also. The Messiah had to be God in human flesh. He had to be God in human flesh. And this because of what the Old Testament has to say about God. Now let me give you what I mean then. There's so many Scriptures but I'm going to boil it down to just a very brief look at Isaiah 43...Isaiah 43. Messiah has to be God in human flesh, thus His birth has to be a miracle of deity and humanity united. But notice Isaiah 43 verse 11, listen to this, "I...God speaking here...I, even I am the Lord." Okay? He just said in verse 10, "Besides Me there's no other God...no other God," before Me or after Me. "I even I am the Lord," no one else, "and there is no Savior beside Me." There is no Savior beside Me, now God says that.
You know what Matthew 1:21 says? "Call His name Jesus for He shall...what?...save His people from their sins." Now if there's only one Savior and God says I'm that Savior and Jesus says I'm that Savior, the logical conclusion is Jesus is God. The testimony of Messianic anticipation demands the affirmation of Jesus as God. And if He is God, then His birth has to be a miracle of deity and humanity united.
Verse 14 of Isaiah 43, "Thus says the Lord your Redeemer...the Lord your Redeemer." God takes on the title of redeemer, the one who buys back the sinner from sin and death and judgment. In verse 22 of Isaiah 45, "Turn to Me and be saved all the ends of the earth." God alone is able to redeem men and yet in Galatians chapter 3, the testimony of the Apostle Paul comes in verse 13, "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law." Now if there's only one redeemer and God is that redeemer and Christ is that redeemer then those two must be one. They must be one. And if Christ is one with God, then He must have been born of God, therefore there must be a virgin birth of God and man coming together to produce the God/Man.
Look at verse 15 of Isaiah 43, "I am the Lord your Holy One," and here God takes the title of the Holy One, the one set apart from all evil. Back in verse 14 He said it also, "The Lord your redeemer, the Holy One of Israel." And yet in Luke 1:35 it calls Jesus that holy offspring. If God is the Holy One and Christ is the Holy One, then Christ is God. And verse 15 also says, "I am your king." God says I am your king. You can't have two kings, only one king. And yet in Revelation it says that Jesus Christ is King of kings and Lord of lords, Revelation 19:16. In Deuteronomy 6:13 it says you are to worship the Lord your God and Him only shalt thou serve...and yet God in Hebrews 1:6 says Christ is to be worshiped. He says, "Let all the angels of God worship Him." If God says worship only Me and then God says worship Christ, Christ must be the same as God. And it just goes on and on like that.
Isaiah 45 verse 22, "Turn to Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth, for I am God and there is no other. I have sworn by Myself that the word has gone forth from My mouth in righteousness and will not turn back," then this line, "that to Me...that is to God, listen...every knee will bow, every tongue will confess allegiance." Does that sound familiar to you? Is there a New Testament passage like that? Philippians 2:9 to 11 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow and every tongue should confess Jesus as Lord to the glory of God. Here it says you bow to God, in the New Testament you bow to Christ and therefore Christ is God. There is no alternative to that...no alternative. And I could go on and on with a myriad such Scriptures.
But the point is the foundation of the virgin birth is bound up in New Testament revelation, in Old Testament prophecy, it's bound up in the doctrine of the trinity, the nature of God and it's tied together in the link between the deity of God and the deity of Jesus Christ which Scripture makes so very clear when you compare the Old Testament statements about Christ with the New Testament statements...pardon me, the Old Testament statements about God with the New Testament statements about Christ. The foundation then is solid.
Now that leads me to digress for a moment to talk about the fallacies about the virgin birth...the foundation is solid but the fallacies are abundant. This doctrine is incessantly attacked. I was talking to a friend of mine yesterday who said that one of the leaders in the church he just left affirms the deity of Christ but denies the virgin birth. How in the world you could ever come up with that is beyond me. You really are saying I just have committed intellectual suicide but I choose to do that. I have eliminated all logical thought from my mind and so I believe this utterly illogically.
When anyone denies the virgin birth of Christ and anybody buys into such a denial, that denial is based upon the desire to eliminate Christ as deity...to deny His deity. That's what they're after. It's not as if the virgin birth stood alone and people are saying, "Well, I can't believe that, just too far fetched." The idea is they want to deny the deity of Christ and the only way to really cut that apart is to attack His virgin birth.
For example, a very well-known book of some few years back, "The Christian Understanding of God," written by Nels Faray(?) who is a hopeless liberal, absolutely lost in his own confused degenerate unregenerate mind, Nels Faray who writes about a Christian understanding of God doesn't know God, doesn't understand and isn't a Christian, and yet that's what he titled his book. It reminds me of Christian Science, you know. Christian Science isn't Christian or scientific, it's like Grape Nuts, there not grapes or nuts...I don't know what they are. But anyway, Nels Faray in his book, "A Christian Understanding of God," which a lot of philosophers have read claim that if Jesus was not the natural son of Joseph then He had to be the illegitimate child of a Roman soldier. So he said you Christians can decide for yourself if you'd rather have Him be legitimate or illegitimate.
And, of course, the rock opera "Jesus Christ Superstar" has that one song that's the most popular song that says over and over, "He's a man, just a man." The title of the song is "I don't know how to love Him," or something like that. He's a man, just a man. And that's the heart of the issue. That's the real agenda. Let's get Jesus down from being God and make Him a man.
And even the religious leaders of Jesus' day, I think, were into this sort of illegitimate child idea. For example, I don't know if you ever noticed John 8:41. It's a very interesting statement. He is in this dialogue with the Jews who are very angry with Him, the Jewish leaders. And He says to them, "You're doing the deeds of your father." They were saying, "We're Abraham's children, we're Abraham's children." He's saying no, you're the devil's children and you're doing the deeds of your father. And so they said to Him, listen to this, "We were not born of fornication...what do you think they meant by that?...at least we aren't illegitimate." That was really a...really the intimation of the fact that Jesus was illegitimate. There may have been even at that time the rumbling rumor that He was born out of wedlock, that yes Joseph had not come together with Mary and yes Mary was a virgin in so far as Joseph, but that in fact she had had an affair with a Roman soldier.
Following that up, the next couple of verses down to verse 48 of John 8 is most interesting. "The Jews answered and said to Him, "Do we not say rightly that You are a Samaritan and have a demon?" They said to Jesus. Now what is a Samaritan? A Samaritan is a half-breed Jew and what? Gentile. They said, "Are we not right in saying You're a Samaritan?" Now that may be again another indication that the common belief among them was that Jesus was the result of Mary being impregnated by a Roman soldier or some Gentile. In fact, some liberals have even suggested that in John 8 where Jesus defends the woman taken in adultery and remember He says to the leaders, "Let him that is without sin cast the first stone," that Jesus is defending this adulteress woman because He's defending His own heritage. This is the way His mother was and it was very emotional with Him so He's defending another harlot like His own mother. Blasphemous.
And, of course, Nazareth was located on the main highway between Jerusalem and the Phoenician cities of Tyre and Sidon. It was loaded with Roman soldiers. It was loaded with merchants. It was notorious with corruption, prostitution and vice. And so these Jews might have thought, "Out of Nazareth You've come...oh ho, that explains everything." Nathaniel's comment in John 1:46 was, "Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth?"
So out of this grew what became known as the "Pandera" tradition, that a soldier named Pandera lay with Mary and produced the child. this appears again in the sixth century and in the eleventh century in Jewish writings. This is a very common Jewish explanation of where Christ came from.
Another Jewish explanation was that Joseph Pandera was married to Mary in a prior marriage. But a neighbor by the name of Jochanin(?) was actually the seducer of Mary. One night when Joseph was away on business, Jochanin sneaked in the darkness and Mary thought it was Joseph and he got with Mary and she conceived. Joseph when he found out stayed around until the birth and then deserted the family but Mary always believed Joseph was the real father. Poor victim Mary.
What's the purpose of such blasphemy? The purpose is not because of confusion in fact in Scripture, there's no confusion at all. The purpose is not because the Old Testament isn't clear. The purpose is not because it doesn't make sense in the trinity. The purpose is not because you can't compare Old Testament statements about God with New Testament statements about Christ. The purpose is a Satanic purpose to deny the deity of Jesus Christ, that's the purpose...to remove His Kingly right and His divine nature.
In recent years the book that I have become most familiar with in this subject is the book written by Hugh Shoenfield(?) called "The Passover Plot." Some of you may have seen or read that book. He's a Jewish writer. He claims that Jesus is the natural son of Joseph and Mary, that the Bible lies in what it says. That Jesus grew up to be a master conspirator who thought He could become the Messiah and so He plotted to fulfill all of these Messianic prophecies. He planned it all out...The Passover Plot. Only He didn't plan on getting executed at the end, that's where He goofed up His plans. And the whole book, the whole book from beginning to end is an attempt to deal with one issue, Shoenfield is mad that the Jews have been guilty of crucifying God's son, and so in order to get the Jews off the hook for killing the Son of God, since history is clear that they were involved in doing it, he has to prove Jesus wasn't the Son of God. And so the Jews simply killed a plotting phony Messiah and instead of then being victims of the judgment of God they become heroes because they eliminated one more phony Messiah. So the agenda is simply to deny the reality of Christ and who He is.
Shoenfield says, "There was nothing peculiar about the birth of Jesus." Isn't that brilliant? Nothing peculiar..where did he get that information? Right out of his own degenerate evil heart...right out of his own denial. He was not God incarnate, he says, and no virgin mother bore Him. The church in its ancient zeal fathered a myth and became bound to it as a dogma.
And you know, people believe that book. They believe it even though there's no evidence. Boslooper(?) another writer said, I like this line, "The virgin birth is a myth in the highest and best sense of the word." Really? I didn't know there was a highest and best sense of a lie. This is a common approach that liberal theologians call "demathologizing" the Bible. Shoenfield says, "That the virgin birth story takes the reader...get this...out of the world of sober reality into the world of fairy tale." And he charged that the evangelicals have applied to their eyes the fairy dust of faith. Bishop Robinson from England ranks the story of the virgin birth with Andy Capp comics. He says both are the same kind of myth.
But, you see, a Christ without a virgin birth would be no Christ at all. You don't have a God/Man. But that's the whole point, isn't it? That's what they're denying. So Satan attacks by flat out denial. But there's a second way, and this is most interesting, Satan attacks the virgin birth by counterfeiting it. I don't know if you know this but the world of religion is filled with virgin births, did you know that? In fact, current mother/child kind of cultic orientation in Roman Catholicism is not a direct product of the Scripture but it's a product of an amalgama of all kinds of mother/child counterfeits that Satan has postulated in myriads of religions.
Let me show you what I mean. Satan figures that if I can proliferate virgin birth and make it a common thing, that Christian reality of the virgin birth of Christ isn't going to stand up. So I don't know if you know this, but in Roman mythology, Zeus somehow impregnated Semele without contact. He thought her pregnant in his mind. And she gave birth as a virgin to Dionysius, the Lord of the Earth. Now who do you think invented that? Satan invented that and that was part of the mother/child cult. The mother was Semele and the Lord of the Earth was Dionysius. And you can look in Roman mythology and you will see there this mother/child cult, the counterfeit of the true Christ and Mary.
And then study Babylonian cultism, mystery religions that come out of the Babylonian time. Symeramus(?) who was the first priestess of the occult and the wife of Nimrod, the mighty hunter, she conceived a son whose name was Tammuz...you can see Jeremiah 44 and Ezekiel 8 and it tells about it there. And the record of the Babylonian occult says that Tammuz was conceived in Symeramus by...are you ready for this?...a sunbeam, a phony virgin birth. By the way, when Tammuz was born he was killed by a wild boar and died and his mother cried for him for 40 days and he rose from the dead, and that's where Lent comes from, not from the Bible. It strictly comes out of Babylonian myths.
The legend of Symeramus and Tammuz then passed all over the world. If you go to Egypt, it's the story of Isis who gave birth in a virgin way to Osiris. If you go to India it's Ecee(?) and Eswara(?). If you go to China, do you know they have a mother/child cult, it's Ching Muu(?) the holy mother with a baby in her arms. Now did you know about Ching Muu, the holy mother, and the baby? How about Asteroth and Baal in Phoenicia? Or how about Aphrodite and Keros in Greece? It's a very common myth that Satan has proliferated. In an ancient Samarian Acadian story described on a building which archaeologists have discovered, a certain Tu Kulte Orta II who lived in 890 and down to 884 B.C. or reigned at that period of time, he told in his document which he wrote on this building how the gods created him in the womb of his mother without a human father. It was even claimed that the goddess of procreation superintended the conception and the womb stages of King Sennacherib who was around 700 B.C.
How about Buddhism? At the conception of Buddha his mother has this dream and it's recorded in the Buddhist literature...A noble elephant white as silver or snow, having six tusks, well- proportioned trunk and feet, blood-red veins, adamantive firmness of joints and easy pace has entered my belly...and ten months later Buddha was born. She was impregnated by a mystical elephant. Now when I take a look at Buddha, I'm not surprised because there is definitely a resemblance... I don't know if you've done any study of Hinduism, but Hinduism claims that the divine Vishnu after seven reincarnations...I don't know if you remember but Vishnu was reincarnated as a fish, a tortoise, a boar, a lion and then finally descended into the womb of Divoki(?) and gave birth to a virgin born son by the name of Krishna. And that's why the Beatles can sing, "Krishna" and switch over to "Lord" and back to "Krishna" and over to "Lord" because the convoluting of the whole virgin birth thing has mixed that up. And that's why Buddhists and even Hindus can find a place for tolerance to some extent of the story of the birth of Christ.
In Greek mythology, Greek-Roman mythology, the mother of Perseus(?) conceived him as a virgin because Jupiter made it rain golden rain on her and she gave birth to a child. And there was even a legend, you may have read this in some of your studies about Alexander the Great saying he was virgin born because one night a snake was sharing the bed of Olympus..that was the wife of Philip of Macedon, the father of Alexander, and the snake got in bed and the snake somehow put a seed into Olympus and the seed was actually from Zeus through the snake and she conceived Alexander the Great.
There is the pagan account of the birth of Dallas Athena who had no mother and he was born, get this one, by springing out of the head of Zeus, full grown in full armor. Bizarre counterfeits of Satan...but Satan will attack the virgin birth by outright denial whether they're Jehovah's Witnesses or liberals or whoever, he'll attack it by convoluting the understanding of the virgin birth with a whole pile of other bizarre impossible virgin births that he has invented.
But that doesn't move the foundation for me, does it for you? In fact, when I read those things, if they weren't so tragic they'd be laughable.
But what is the end result of this? What is the point of the virgin birth? Look with me finally to Galatians chapter 4 and verse 4 and I just want to close with this. Please listen carefully. "But when the fullness of the time came," in other words, on God's perfect clock, within God's perfect timetable, when the time was right, "God...did you get that?...sent forth His Son." There's the Father...God sent forth His Son. The second person of the trinity became incarnate. The eternally existing second person of the trinity, fully God, became incarnate. God sent forth His Son. Then the human half, "Born of a woman," not born of a couple, not born of a father and mother, born of a woman...fully God and now fully man.
Why did He come? Verse 5, "In order that He might redeem those who were under the law that we might receive the adoption as sons." What does it mean to be under the law? I'll tell you what it means. God made a law, we broke it, we're under the law in reference to the consequence of breaking it. We're under the law in the sense that we're under the chastisement, punishment, penalty of breaking that law. So here are all these sinners in the world about to be blasted into eternal hell because they have broken God's law and here comes Christ into the world, the God/Man, His agenda is to redeem those who were under the law and take them out from under the law and make them sons of God. Verse 6 says, "And when we are sons, God sends forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts and we cry, Abba Father." In other words, we are intimately identified with God, we are no longer a slave but a son and if a son, then an heir through God. He takes us out from under the judgment of the law and makes us heirs of all that God possesses as His own sons. That's why He came.
If you deny the virgin birth, you deny the veracity of the New Testament. If you deny the virgin birth, you deny the veracity of the Old Testament. If you deny the virgin birth, you deny the essence of the nature of God as trinity. If you deny the virgin birth, you deny the very statements of Old Testament about God and New Testament about Christ which are demanded to be paralleled. If you deny the virgin birth, the sum of it all is this, that you deny your own redemption. There is no salvation. There is no redemption. And we are under the law, as to its curse. We are under the law, as to its damnation.
But Jesus Christ did come born of a virgin. God of very Gods and man as well, He...and this is important to understand...He as God had the power of salvation. He as man could fill the privilege of substitution...the perfect God/Man who died for us. Let's bow together in prayer.
Affirm in your heart in this moment of silent prayer before the Lord your belief in the virgin birth of Christ...affirm that to the Lord, thank Him for sending His Son. Do you believe? Is He your Lord? Have you bowed your knee to Him? Have you accepted the salvation, the redemption that He came to bring? That's what Christmas is about. It's about something so profoundly beyond the silly stupid things that occupy men at this season, it's something so profound that only God can fully understand it while man can reap the full benefit of it. It's something so profound that to spend ourselves in the shallows and trivialities of the world's preoccupation with its own indulgence is an affront to the holiness of this remembrance. You affirm in your heart the significance of the birth of Christ. And if He is your Savior, you thank Him. And if He's not, invite Him to be.
This article is also available and sold as a booklet.
This sermon series includes the following messages:
Please contact the publisher to obtain copies of this resource.Publisher Information


text:
149 Series Overview
The Incon Lighting 149 Series linear ceiling fixture is a great lighting solution for institutional and commercial applications. With a variety of available finishes, wattage and bulb types as well as additional options the 149 Series is a very versatile product that is American Compliant.
The 149 has a heavy gauge steel housing, ABS molded trim and a white translucent acrylic lens and a 120/277V 50/60Hz Electronic HPF ballast or LED 120V 50/60Hz Electronic HPF driver depending on what wattage and bulb type option you choose. It is ceiling mountable only and is certified for damp locations. Lamps are sold separately.
The available color temperatures range from warm (3000K), medium (3500K) and cool (4100K) white to full spectrum (5000K) and day light (6500K) kelvin temperature. This fixture can also be equipped with:
- Philips Advance Ballast
- Remote Battery Backup (CFL Only)
- Custom Wattage
- EnergyStar Rated
- Philips Lamp (Sold Separately)
- Sylvania Ballast
- Sylvania Lamp (Sold Separately)
- ULT (Brand) Ballast
Ask a Question or Find a Rep
Please fill out the contact form below.
Comments or questions are welcome.
Specification Sheet
NOTE FOR PDF DOWNLOADS : Some browsers may open the PDF in a new tab instead of downloading it. If this happens to you, right click on PC (or command on Mac ) and save link as… (or save target… something along those lines, varies from browser to browser).


text:
Share buttons are inside each retail product
The selection has been added to your shopping cart
Starting From $ 30.95
See labels for organic ingredients.
Quadruple Patented - over 40 million sold because they work!
100% Non-GMO, plant derived (colors & flavors from fruit & plants)
Works quickly - unique delivery system
4g Carbs
28 Calories
2 Grams of Raw Cane Sugar
Guarana (Paullinia Cupana Plant)
L-Tyrosine (Amino Acid)
Citrimax® (Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Extract)
Vitamins B6 & B12 to support energy
Trace amounts of Non-GMO corn syrup (required binding agent)
NOT made with high fructose corn syrup
19 Flavors: order assorted bags or all-one-flavor bags
Supports the suppression of appetite and cravings, metabolism, energy
Supports fat burning, calorie burning, weight management
Directions & Daily Dosage: 1/2 hour before each meal drink an 8oz glass of water with a Power-Pop®, WATER REQUIRED TO ACTIVATE INGREDIENTS. To Boost Results: Follow the above directions, then drink a 2nd 8oz glass of water afterwards to flush. Daily Dosage: 3 Power-Pops®. Do not exceed daily dose.
See labels for organic ingredients.
Ingredients: Guarana (Paullinia Cupana Plant), L-Tyrosine (Amino Acid), Citrimax® (Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Extract), Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Non-GMO Corn Syrup, and Raw Cane Sugar (trace amounts of Corn Syrup & Raw Cane Sugar are necessary binding & hardening agents), Natural Colors & Flavors (Fruit Derived).
Suggested use:
Take 1 Power Pop, 30 minutes before each meal, with water. Enjoy extra Power Pops, as needed throughout the day, to support metabolism, cravings, and energy levels.
If your toxic free product doesn't outperform every other product, email us within 30 days for an exchange or refund. Return shipping & a 15% processing fee apply.
You can make a difference just by changing brands. Proceeds from every purchase are donated monthly to charities that support those in need. Your purchase impacts you, our planet & others.
Ingredients are our moral fabric. We focus on raw, alkaline, wholefood, ToxicFree®, wildcrafted & organic ingredients. Nothing else is permitted. See labels for organic ingredients.
Essanté Organics is proud to partner with over 300 organic family farms. We formulate the best products on earth through sustainable farming & packaging practices. Even our packing peanuts are biodegradable. Kids love making them disappear in their bath water.
The problem:
Other products can be time consuming, contain synthetic chemical ingredients, cause toxic build up and harm the body. Ingredients including Ma Huang, Ephedrine and others should be avoided. Uncontrolled weight is a serious issue for 6 out of 10 people. Doctors refer to it as a "catastrophic worldwide weight loss epidemic".
The solution:
Quadruple-patented Power-Pop lollipops! Enjoy synergistic ingredients that work powerfully and quickly! You will feel and see the benefits immediately. This product is revolutionizing the multi-billion dollar weight industry because it is an easy product that really works! Power pops are a simple proven way to manage weight.
A note from President, Dr. J.J. Levine, D.C.:
We have sold 40 million Power Pops to date. Why? Because they work. We supply a constant demand by making new batches of each flavor every week. The synergy of all Power Pop ingredients (including B vitamins) coupled with drinking water as you consume the pops is where you gain the full benefit. Our CEO and formulation team took 10 tries and over 1 million dollars to create a triple patented formula that produces results. Power Pops were not originally sold via direct sales, but in a mall kiosk. The mall asked our CEO to leave because sales were creating too large of a traffic jam and thus a fire hazard for the mall. Sales continue to rise. USA weight loss clinics place $8,000.00 recurring monthly orders, for their clients. When taken as directed Power Pops are a completely safe product, proven to assist in managing weight, increasing energy, suppressing appetite and losing fat. The record-breaking media exposure and sales of this 1 product is responsible for the funding and creation of Essante' Organics, The Organic Living Company.
Voted Best Global Products by BusinessForHome.org
USDA Organic®, Toxic-Free®, and wildcrafted ingredients & nothing else
See label (top left) for premium organic ingredients
Cruelty Free ingredients and products
Greenpeace® awarded palm oil
pH balanced, gluten free, vegan ingredients from non-GMO whole foods
Ingredients offer therapeutic, anti-aging, organ and system support
Eco friendly/sustainable farming, ingredients, packaging & packing materials
Dietary supplement ingredients: never heat pasteurized so enzymes remain in tact
Dietary supplement ingredients: low GI values, high ORAC and/or nutrient values
All purchases support people, endangered species and the environment
Proceeds from every purchase are donated through the Essanté Foundation
2 year shelf life on all products thanks to Mother Nature
30 day satisfaction guarantee
Farming, distilling, testing, and certifying methods: Guarantee & Green Seals
No worries, if it's not organic, toxic-free or wildcrafted it's not permitted
No GMOs, no gluten, no whey, no synthetic ingredients
No heat pasteurizing
No harmful chemical ingredients
No pesticides or antibiotics
No neurotoxins
No hormone disruptors
No carcinogens
No toxic fluoride, triclosan, petroleum, parabens, glycols, PEGs, etc.
No toxic thickening, foaming, smoothing or exfoliating agents
No artificial flavors, colors or fragrances
No high fructose corn syrup or chemical sweeteners
No toxic preservatives: 2 year shelf life on all products thanks to Mother Nature
No animal testing, no BPA


text:
The Women's Board of the Joffrey Ballet presented its 16th annual Nutcracker Family Dinner on Dec.8 at the Standard Club. Five hundred and seventy-five guests enjoyed a matinee of Robert Joffrey's take on Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker" at the Auditorium Theatre before being whisked to the club in festive trolleys for a family-friendly event.
Activity stations offered face painting, customized graffiti T-shirts, holiday manicures, and cookie and cupcake decorating; Allegro Dance Boutique provided ballet pointe shoes for kids to decorate; and The Great Frankini, Frank Glab, dazzled children with magic tricks.
Holiday decor by Kehoe Designs transformed the club with fanciful candy sculptures and Magnolia Bakery cupcakes on tabletops. Pierre Lockett, Joffrey's director of community engagement, welcomed guests to a dinner that began with dessert in a nod to the event's "Land of Sweets" theme. Lockett introduced Ballet Master Gerard Charles and acknowledged "Nutcracker" dancers Jeraldine Mendoza and Alberto Velazquez. Children from "The Nutcracker" cast engaged the audience in a singalong that featured the "Jingle Bells Thank You Song," a tradition at the event.
After dinner, DJ Brad Blumenthal and Energy Productions had the crowd on the dance floor, and games and contests were held throughout the evening.
Co-chaired by Laura Kofoid and Carol Stone, the event raised more than $140,000 for the Joffrey Ballet's productions as well as for its community engagement programs. "The world knows the Joffrey for its incredible artistry and skill, but we also know its heart whose mission is to bring the discipline, skill, magic and opportunity of dance to everyone regardless of income," Kofoid said.
Freelance writer Candace Jordan is involved with many local organizations, including some whose events she covers.
Click here to see photos from these events.
Visit Candid Candace's website here.


text:
Mark Alcorn, California, recently wrote that he's a descendent of Jesse Alcorn, 1781-1852, who lived in Wayne County, Kentucky. Here's Mark's lineage:
Jesse Alcorn (1781-1852)
William Russell Alcorn (1813-1862?)
Charles Alfred Alcorn (1846-1884)
George Washington Alcorn (1876-1939), Mark's great grandfather
"I am especially interested in finding out more info about the Alcorn relatives above, as well as linking Jesse to possible parents John and Jane Breckenridge Alcorn," he wrote. " A long-time researcher who spent time researching in Kentucky warned me to be slow to link anyone to Jesse (1781-1852) due to lack of evidence. I would be very curious to see if you have made connections regarding this."
The advice Mark was given is excellent advice for anyone trying to untangle the Alcorn's tangled routes, but in this case, the evidence for Jesses' parentage is fairly strong, though circumstantial. We know from census data that there were two men named Jesse who could be John and Jane's son -- the one born in 1781 who lived in Wayne County, Kentucky, and the one born in 1806 who lived in Gallatin County.
The Wayne County Jesse married Polly Duncan on April 4, 1806. She was the daughter of George Duncan and Catherine Smiley. She was born about 1781 in North Carolina and died about 1820 in Wayne County. Jesse married Sinah Ann Jones on Jan. 28, 1824 in Wayne County. Sinah was the daughter of James Jones. She was born 1794 in Virginia and died 1864 in Wayne County. Jesse died Nov. 26, 1852, in Wayne County.
The Gallatin County Jesse married Sarah Darbro on April 16, 1830. She lived her whole life in Gallatin County, 1816-1849. He married Phoebe Ann Mulligan, born 1810 in Kentucky, on Oct. 26, 1849 in Gallatin County. They later moved to Greene County, Indiana.
If we can agree that Mark's ancestor must be one of these two men, then we're left with the question: Is the Wayne County Jesse the son of John and Jane Breckenridge Alcorn, or the son of Robert and Susannah Welch Alcorn?
Since we know that Robert lived in Gallatin County, that Susannah died there, and that several of their children married Darbros, it's a logical assumption that the Jesse who lived in Gallatin County is their son. That would make Jesse of Wayne County the son of John and Jane Breckinridge.
No, it's not proof, but it may be as close as we can get. If you have more information on Jesse and his descendents, we'd love to hear from you. Let's help Mark solve this puzzle.
I'll be following up with more information from Mark, along with some pictures he's contributed on my next posting.


text: Home Military US Wings US Air Force – 10 most expensive Aircraft to operate MilitaryUS Wings US Air Force – 10 most expensive Aircraft to operate Share on Facebook Tweet on Twitter RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR US Wings F-35B Ramp Test US Wings A-6 Intruder ejection. Airplane: I Am Free!!! I Am Free!!! US Wings B-1B buzzes troops on takeoff Russian Wings USAF F-15Cs, Bulgarian MiG-29s and Romanian MiG-21s at Thracian Eagle 15 Russian Wings Close Encounter Between NATO F-16 And Sukhoi Su-27 Escorting Russian Defense Minister Over The Baltic RECOMMENDED VIDEOSRussian WingsRussian Pilots Are Crazy!admin - 09/04/2018Russian WingsPolish MiG-29 showing off at an airshowadmin - 09/04/2018Russian WingsSukhoi Su-35 Defying the Laws of Physicsadmin - 09/04/2018Russian WingsExtreme low pass by Anatoly Kvochur in a Sukhoi Su-30admin - 09/04/2018 POPULAR Russian Pilots Are Crazy! Russian Wings 09/04/2018 Polish MiG-29 showing off at an airshow Russian Wings 09/04/2018 Sukhoi Su-35 Defying the Laws of Physics Russian Wings 09/04/2018 Extreme low pass by Anatoly Kvochur in a Sukhoi Su-30 Russian Wings 09/04/2018 MiG-35 – Russia's Answer to the F-35? Russian Wings 09/04/2018


text:
Producer-songwriter Sam Lindley, a.k.a. the Legendary Traxster, has leased a home in the Sunset Strip area for $6,500 a month.
The two-story contemporary Mediterranean, built in 1976, has a step-down living room with vaulted ceilings, an open kitchen, a media room, four bedrooms and three bathrooms in its more than 3,200 square feet of living space. A pool with spa and a built-in barbecue are in the backyard.
Lindley, 37, has worked as a producer for Ludacris, Mariah Carey and Twista.
Timothy Enright of the Enright Co. was the listing agent. Luis Pezzini of Sunset Strip Realty represented Lindley.


text:
Or Login using BecomeGorgeous
Please fill the form below and follow the further instructions.
You are about to receive a email from us please make sure to check your spam or junk folder and add our email [email protected] to your contact list.
Thank you!
Choosing the right hairstyle is absolutely essential if you are looking to capture attention with your fabulous beauty and style. Along time hair styles have transformed as a variety of new styling techniques have been developed. Choosing a fabulous updo hairstyle can make a big difference when it comes to physical appearance as this type of hairstyles revel greatly the facial features and soften them to enhance natural beauty.Updo hairstyles have been popular since they were first invented due to their beauty, stylish look as well as comfor... Read More


text:
Yesterday I turned 30.
(Yes, I was born on Valentine's Day.)
I'm just about the lamest 30 year old ever, and I warned my husband that if I got any kind of party action he'd likely get punched in the stomach. I took comfort in knowing it would be a relaxing, comfortable day. We spent the day running errands with the kids and hitting up the library. There's nothing like treating myself to a few good borrowed books on my big day.
Then I hunkered down cozily on the trusty papasan and finally finished my current book.
My wonderful husband made an early dinner for the kids, engaged in birthday song shenanigans and made me a lovely salmon and asparagus dinner. To truly appreciate the dinner, you need to be filled in on a little secret. My husband totally, completely, 110% abhors fish and on a normal day will not touch it with a ten foot pole. But by golly, he cooks up the most delicious salmon I've ever eaten. Since it's quite the rare beast around these parts, I take it whenever I can get it.
To finish off my low-key day, I hunkered down with some chocolate cake and Breaking Dawn for a guilty pleasure ending to my happy birthday. No shame.
Happy Valentine's Day to you. Happy birthday to me.


text:
Learn how MacUpdate Desktop can install apps on MacUpdate with the simple click of the icon. Plus, keep all your apps updated.
The Adobe InDesign CC ACE Exam Aid is specifically written in order to help you prepare for and to pass the corresponding Adobe Certified Expert (ACE) product proficiency exam. It is based on the multiple-choice question format. The content is divided into Study, Review and Practice modes in order to make it easier to learn, and to absorb the information.
The topics recommended for study by Adobe are comprehensively covered. Extended answers, and relevant hyperlinks to the application's Help pages are included for further study should you require it.
You can use the exam aid to test your mastery of InDesign
What's New in Adobe InDesign CC ACE Exam Aid
- Release notes were unavailable when this listing was updated.
Requirements for Adobe InDesign CC ACE Exam Aid
- OS X 10.6 or later
- Java Runtime Environment (JRE)


text:
Acting Deputy Spokesman Mark Toner released a statement on the fighting in Côte d'Ivoire on April 9, 2011. He said, "The United States condemns the renewed assault by forces loyal to former President Gbagbo against the Republican Forces of Côte d'Ivoire. It is clear that Gbagbo's attempts at negotiation this week were nothing more than a ruse to regroup and rearm. Gbagbo's continued attempt to force a result that he could not obtain at the ballot box reveals his callous disregard for the welfare of the Ivoirian people, who will again suffer amid renewed heavy fighting in Abidjan.
"We call on Gbagbo to cease these hostilities, direct his supporters to stand down, and surrender to President Ouattara's legitimately-elected government. We reiterate to all forces the urgent need to respect the rights of civilians and to fulfill United Nations Security Council Resolution obligations and requirements of the international community. We salute President Ouattara's affirmation of the need for credible investigations of abuses perpetrated by any party, and welcome his commitment to govern for all Ivoirians."
You can also read Acting Deputy Spokesman Toner's statement here.
Dr. G. in West Virginia writes:
Let the French handle this.
Nate in Indiana writes:
You have got to be kidding me. Are you living in the dark. Look at all massacre's that are happening from Outtara. Why have you taken sides when you don't need to. Let the truth be known. We are watching. Communicate the truth. Take the side of truth, not a political agenda.


text:
Household Hazardous Waste Facility Recycles Used Cooking Oil From Your Holiday Feast
The holidays are a time when it's all right to indulge a little, and nothing's more indulgent than a delicious fried turkey. But what do you do with all the oil from your deep fryer once the table is cleared and family has all gone home? You don't want to throw it in the garbage, and it will only clog your sink if you try to pour it down the drain.
Let the Household Hazardous Waste Facility clean up after your holiday feast! Bring your used cooking oil to our facility at 1015 East Chambers Street, just off North Cliff Avenue. Disposal is free, and the oil will be recycled as a renewable fuel. (Sorry, no waste from businesses or organizations is accepted.)
Make the most of your trip!
The Household Hazardous Waste Facility also recycles holiday lights (no trees), household cleaners, automotive fluids, paint, rechargeable batteries, and electronics like TVs, stereos, phones, and computers. For a more comprehensive disposal list, please visit www.siouxfalls.org/green and download our Residential Guide to Sustainability, or call our office, 605-367-8695, Ext. 3, to speak with a representative.
Household Hazardous Waste Facility
1015 East Chambers Street
(Corner of Cliff Avenue and Chambers Street)
(Sorry, no business waste accepted.)
Hours of Operation:
Closed: Sundays and Mondays
Open: Tuesday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m.–noon
Safety Note: Turkey fryers are a popular cooking alternative during the holidays, but they can have disastrous consequences when safety precautions aren't followed. Follow cooking instructions and manufacturer's instructions for a safe cooking experience. If you have fire safety-related questions, please contact Sioux Falls Fire Rescue, Fire Prevention Division, at 367-8093, or visit their website at www.siouxfalls.org/fire-prevention.


text:
Ben 10 is a kid's show revolving around a young boy, his cousin, and his grandfather. While touring the US during summer vacation in his grandfather's RV, Ben (a young boy) finds an alien watch that allows him to turn into ten strange alien forms. Adventure inevitably ensues. For the upcoming Ben 10: Protector of Earth, brawling inevitably ensues as you take control of Ben and five of his forms to fight your way across the US. We got hands-on time with Protector at publisher D3's recent E3 preview event, and were pleasantly surprised with the brawler we found under the license.
I Have No RV, Yet I Must Road Trip
The game has a bold cell-shaded engine, capturing the feel and appeal of the show's visuals nicely. Only five of Ben's forms are actually available, based on both which forms are most popular and which ones are most useful for a video game. You start with access to Fourarms and Heatblast, but gain access to Wildvine, Cannonbolt and one other form as the game goes on. It's an easy button tap to switch into your form of choice, and although you are technically on a time limit when shifted, it's easy to extend that time in combat. Plain old Ben does, technically, have the same range of combat abilities as his alien forms, but you're best off using his "special attack" of rolling out of the way to stall until his shape-shifting power recharges.
Our demo level took place in the Grand Canyon, where a huge alien robot was awakening. The core of the gameplay was to proceed from left to right, smashing robots and aliens as we went, with some occasional platforming on the rocks of the Grand Canyon as we went. During the stage, we could see the giant robot rising and beginning to wreck havoc in the background. Eventually, we ran into him for our first big boss fight. The details of that are still top-secret, but getting there is half the fun.
As Fourarms, we were the game's heavy-duty brawler. Our light and heavy attacks were simple swings, but with our special attack we could rip a chunk of stone out of the ground and throw it at an enemy. As Heatblast, we enjoyed greater ranged attack ability, and a wide variety of stupidly fun special attacks. Although there may be some reason to just do a light or heavy attack, we had much more fun turning into a fiery tornado, throwing fireballs, or raining an apocalypse of fire down from the sky. Our play time wasn't great enough to see how well the game actually plays over the long term, but it's certainly fun in half-hour doses.
The Wii controls were simple enough, with shakes of the Wii Remote and Nunchuk creating the various attacks and the analog stick used for movement. However, what we really appreciated was the option to use button inputs on the Wii controllers. Being able to use the controls you prefer is something every Wii game should support.
There are some puzzle elements, which seem to revolve around using the right form at the right areas. At one point, we faced an impenetrable fiery barrier; Heatblast gave us the ability to simply absorb the fire and move on. Faced with an insurmountable cliff, Fourarms gave us the strength to move a nearby boulder close enough to jump atop and clear the barrier. Some jumps were only possible using Heatblast's improved double jump -- during a jump he can summon a surfboard of fire and use it to drift across distances Ben and Fourarms couldn't. Add in the ability to jump in as a co-op player (don't worry about why there are two Bens) at any time, and Protector could turn out to be a fun little action game when it releases.


text:
The news that Stefan Jacoby suffered a mild stroke last week provided a somber reminder that life doesn't always respect our plans. I heard about the Volvo CEO's troubles on Monday while preparing materials for an interview we had planned for today at the Paris auto show.
I will miss speaking with Jacoby because he's always well-informed and he's a straight-talker. He proved this during our first chat, which came two years ago at Paris, as he was able to provide concise, complete answers on two tough topics in just 5 minutes.
At the 2011 Detroit auto show, he was able to provide a full, detailed summary of Volvo's ambitions for the next decade for Europe, China and the United States in less than 30 minutes. The only other CEO I know with this type of talent for communication is Renault-Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn.
The last time Jacoby and I met, which was just three months ago, he gave an inspired speech to the 2012 Automotive News Europe Rising Stars in which he provided the next-generation CEOs, CFOs and board members the following tips:
- Be flexible because the side roads lead to the most interesting places
- Take risks because fear of failure can be a road block to success
- Live for today and don't worry about tomorrow because if you do a good job the future will take care of itself
- Find a work-life balance so that your job is stimulating and challenging but it is not the only focus.
That night in June, Jacoby said that he continued to struggle with No. 4 on his list, but he vowed to never stop trying. His body sent him a clear message that the his work-life balance needed to be addressed immediately.
The good news is that Jacoby is a fighter and he's already well on the road to recovery. In a statement this week, the 54-year-old German said he is focused on resting and exercising so that he can get back to work as soon as possible.
Everyone at Automotive News Europe wishes him a quick and full recovery, and we look forward to meeting up with him again very soon.