Radrook

Some attend church for the socializing and gossipping opportunities it provides.
A pity that the same fervor they show in that activity isn't channeled into doing the Lord's work which is preaching the gospel.

pollyesther

You are right, that is why I avoid churches (no offense)

Radrook

In 1 Corinthians 14:34-35, Paul wrote: “As in all the congregations of the saints, women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the Law says. If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church” (vv. 33-35).


Some denominations apply this strictly. Others seek a way of understanding that allows women more freedom. Interestingly, the same women who would vehemently tag the literal application of this scripture as bigoted are sometimes the same ones who enjoy trying to deprive others of their freedom of speech.


My opinion?

Well, it's definitely not the ridiculously narrow-minded opinion which I'm accused of having so there has obviously been a serious misunderstanding.

pollyesther

God certainly cares how we treat the planet. Nearly all of the parables and analogies used throughout the Bible have something to do with gardening or growing things.
Revelation 11:18
The nations were angry, and Your wrath has come, And the time of the dead, that they should be judged, And that You should reward Your servants the prophets and the saints, And those who fear Your name, small and great, And should destroy those who destroy the earth.”

pollyesther

Chelydra, it is good to get another perspective on the Bible and the Tree of Life.
The fascinating thing about the Bible is that it has truth packed in layers and mirrors and on many different levels and as Lolla said different things will come to light as it speaks to you.
Here is an interesting parable from Ezekiel 17: 2 “Son of man, pose a riddle, and speak a parable to the house of Israel, 3 and say, ‘Thus says the Lord God:


“A great eagle with large wings and long pinions,
Full of feathers of various colors,
Came to Lebanon
And took from the cedar the highest branch.
4 He cropped off its topmost young twig
And carried it to a land of trade;
He set it in a city of merchants.
5 Then he took some of the seed of the land
And planted it in a fertile field;
He placed it by abundant waters
And set it like a willow tree.
6 And it grew and became a spreading vine of low stature;
Its branches turned toward him,
But its roots were under it.
So it became a vine,
Brought forth branches,
And put forth shoots.


7 “But there was another[a] great eagle with large wings and many feathers;
And behold, this vine bent its roots toward him,
And stretched its branches toward him,
From the garden terrace where it had been planted,
That he might water it.
8 It was planted in good soil by many waters,
To bring forth branches, bear fruit,
And become a majestic vine.”’

9 “Say, ‘Thus says the Lord God:


“Will it thrive?
Will he not pull up its roots,
Cut off its fruit,
And leave it to wither?
All of its spring leaves will wither,
And no great power or many people
Will be needed to pluck it up by its roots.
10 Behold, it is planted,
Will it thrive?
Will it not utterly wither when the east wind touches it?
It will wither in the garden terrace where it grew.”’”