Alabama State

Texas State

A Child Of God

In Egypt, the cross was used to represent creative power, and the Egyptian gods are often depicted holding a Crux andada, or cross with a handle, which was an emblem of nature's reproductive powers. Luke 9:23-26 [23]And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. [24]For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. [25]For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away? [26]For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels. The word "cross" in Hebrew translates to "rod". For example, the Hebrew idiom "take up your cross" implies that one should not be greedy or self-centered.  Is a cross a pagan symbol? Many people regard the cross as a symbol of Christianity, but it is originally a pagan idol. Long before Christianity was formed, the cross had been used as a symbol of pagan religions. Yes, the cross was used as a symbol before Christ came to Earth, and it had many different meanings: Pagan origin Historians believe the cross symbol originated from the capital letter "T" in the name of the false savior Tammuz, the illegitimate son of the goddess Semiramis in the 23rd century BC. The Assyrians and Babylonians honored the cross as a religious symbol over 800 years before the Christian era. Ancient Egypt The ankh, an ancient Egyptian hieroglyph, is a version of the cross symbol that was used in the worship of the god Aten and represented "life". The cross was also used in Egyptian amulets, such as the Nefer, which combined a male cross with a female orb to symbolize sacred marriage and sexual harmony. However, some Christians do not use the cross in worship because it has pagan origins and is associated with nature worship and sex rites. The Bible condemns idolatry and devotion to pagan symbols, and early Christians may not have used the cross because crucifixion was a shameful form of execution. The first known public image of Jesus's crucifixion is thought to be on the wooden doors of the Basilica of Santa Sabina in Rome, which dates back to the fifth century. 

People In America worship Egyptian gods,

Plants have played a significant role in spiritual and religious practices throughout history. Their unique qualities and symbolic meanings have made them integral to various rituals, traditions, and beliefs around the world. From sacred groves to temple gardens, these plants are revered for their spiritual significance and their ability to connect humanity with the divine. This article explores 30 plants that hold spiritual and religious importance, providing a rich tapestry of cultural and botanical knowledge.

Plants with Spiritual and Religious Significance

Archangels are fascinating celestial beings found in various religious traditions, including Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. These powerful entities often serve as messengers between the divine and humanity. But what makes them so intriguing? Archangels are believed to possess immense power, wisdom, and a unique role in the spiritual realm. From leading heavenly armies to guiding individuals on their spiritual journeys, their responsibilities are vast and varied. Some of the most well-known archangels include Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, each with distinct attributes and stories. Whether you're curious about their origins, roles, or significance, these 50 facts will shed light on the mystical world of archangels.

50 Facts About Archangels

Colorado State

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David Heitz

A bill quietly introduced this spring in the Colorado legislature to decriminalize the possession of drug paraphernalia obtained by harm reductionists has become law. As low-key as the legislation was introduced, the bill was signed into law without fanfare June 6. It garnered little to no media attention.

Colorado legalizes needles, pipes for meth and crack if obtained by harm reduction group

The Lord's Prayer is one of the most well-known and frequently recited prayers in Christianity. But how much do you really know about it? This prayer, taught by Jesus to his disciples, holds a special place in the hearts of millions. It's not just a string of words; it's a profound expression of faith, hope, and love. From its origins in the Gospels to its various translations and interpretations, the Lord's Prayer has a rich history and deep significance. Whether you're a devout Christian or just curious, these 30 facts about the Lord's Prayer will enlighten and inspire you. Let's dive in and uncover the layers of meaning behind this timeless prayer.

30 Facts About The Lord’s Prayer

Jacksonville, FL

Jacksonville Today

A permanent marker will be erected to honor the victims of the racist mass shooting nearly a year ago at a Dollar General store in the New Town community. City Council approved the marker 17-0 on Tuesday night.

Marker will honor victims of racist Dollar General shooting

Ohio State

The Lantern

On Tuesday, licensed Ohio dispensaries began legally selling non-medical marijuana to consumers; however, the drug’s possession, growth and/or usage are still prohibited on Ohio State’s campus. Credit: Jefferee Woo/Tampa Bay Times/TNS [Original caption: Four citizen-led petitions with proposals to update Dallas’ charter hit the 20,000 valid signature threshold to make it on the Nov. 5 election ballot, including one that would ban police officers from arresting or citing people carrying less than four ounces of marijuana.] As of Tuesday, students 21 and older can now legally purchase marijuana in Ohio.

Dispensary sales of recreational marijuana began Tuesday; possession and usage still prohibited on Ohio State’s campus

South Carolina State

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Colleton County, SC

Explore Beaufort SC

Some beachgoers were in for a surprise this week when a bizarre looking prehistoric fish washed ashore in Colleton County along Edisto Beach at Edisto Beach State Park. It turned out to be an atlantic sturgeon.

Rare Atlantic sturgeon washes ashore on South Carolina beach

Actual grace is a concept that often sparks curiosity. What exactly is it? Actual grace refers to the temporary help God gives us to perform good actions and avoid evil. Unlike sanctifying grace, which dwells in the soul, actual grace acts from the outside, nudging us toward goodness. Imagine it as a gentle push when you need it most. This divine assistance can come in many forms, such as a sudden inspiration to do something kind or the strength to resist temptation. Understanding actual grace can deepen your spiritual journey and help you recognize those moments when you feel guided by a higher power.

20 Facts About Actual Grace

Polk County, FL

Fort Meade, FL

Uncovering Florida

The Polk County Sheriff's Office has made an arrest after conducting an investigation into a case of credit card fraud involving 28-year-old Burger King employee, Kellyn Miley. The incident was discussed in detail during this morning's briefing with Sheriff Grady Judd.

Burger King Employee Caught Using Customer's Credit Card for Food at Former Job

The word “revival” is typically used when referencing a church and an up-and-coming event. Recently, our pastor referenced seeking revival for ourselves...as in a personal revival. This was never really something I had thought much about before. An interesting thought was that revival in our churches could only begin after we’ve had a revival in our own hearts. I thought, wow!

Preparing for a personal revival

Inside one of the most extensively researched historic sites—the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, where Jesus was crucified and buried—researchers have discovered the largest known medieval altar, which had been considered lost for decades. After its unveiling in 1149, the magnificently carved ‘high altar’ made a...

Lost Altar Discovered on the Site Where Jesus was Crucified: It’s ‘Sensational’ and was Sitting in Plain Sight

Writers represent independent, third-party users who have joined our contributor program and self-verified their accounts. Writers are expected, like all users, to adhere to our Community Standards.

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Emily Standley Allard

In the mystical realm where astrology intersects with spiritual beliefs, certain zodiac signs are thought to possess inherent qualities that offer protection against malevolent entities and negative energies. This intriguing concept has roots in ancient astrology and cultural traditions worldwide, where the alignment of the stars at one's birth is believed to influence not only personality traits but also spiritual protection. This post delves into the 5 celestial shields of the zodiac, highlighting signs that are particularly noted for their protective aura against evil spirits.

5 Zodiac Signs That Possess a Protective Aura Against Evil Spirits

Herbie J Pilato

After being forced to cancel recent tour performances, famed Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash, who just turned 59, shared the tragic news that led to his decision:. The music legend took to social media on July 22, 2024, mentioning the death of his stepdaughter Lucy-Bleu Knight.

Legendary Rock Guitarist Slash Turns 59 and Cancels Tour Amid the Tragic Death of His Stepdaughter

Los Angeles County, CA

It's been 33 years since the handsome actor and Emmy award-winning TV game show host Bert Convy died of a brain tumor at 57 in 1991. This is his story. Bert Convy was born July 23, 1933, in St. Louis, Missouri. His father was in the shoe business, while his parents separated when he was just seven years old. His mother moved the family to California in the San Fernando Valley, where Convy attended North Hollywood High and was named the "class clown."

In Memory of Actor/Game Show Host Bert Convy: 33 Years After His Tragic Death From Brain Cancer

Phoenix, AZ

Editor's note: This article was originally published on February 16, 2022. It has since been updated. A Catholic priest resigned after an investigation found that he used one wrong word for more than 20 years while performing baptisms. All baptisms performed by Father Andres Arango were declared void because he mistakenly used "We" instead of "I." Bishop Thomas Olmsted of the Diocese of Phoenix announced the decision. The investigation revealed that Father Arango consistently said, "We baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and the Holy Spirit." Olmsted clarified that he was supposed to say "I baptize" and not "We baptize," reported CNN. The pastor apologized for using the 'wrong formula.'

Pastor baptized people for decades but he used one wrong word and now they're all invalid

Lay communion is a practice that has intrigued many, blending tradition with modern faith. But what exactly is lay communion? In simple terms, it refers to the act of non-ordained members of a church distributing the Eucharist, or Holy Communion. This practice can vary widely among different denominations and communities. Some see it as a way to involve more members in worship, while others view it as a necessity in the absence of clergy. Understanding lay communion involves exploring its history, significance, and the diverse ways it is practiced. Whether you're curious about its origins or its role in contemporary worship, this guide will provide you with 20 intriguing facts to deepen your knowledge.

20 Facts About Lay Communion

Kansas State

Missouri State

CJ Coombs

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) helps to locate missing children. Since July 1, 2024, according to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), 174 children have been reported missing in the U.S. Since January 1, 2024, there was a total of 1,445 reported missing in the country.

Missing Missouri children as of July 17, 2024, according to the NCMEC

[Note: Unless otherwise indicated, quotes and commentary that appear in this article are from an interview conducted by the author with those mentioned.]. Beloved, Tony Award-winning actress Alice Ghostley, who died at 81 in 2007, found mainstream fame in three hit TV shows: Bewitched (ABC, 1964-1972), Mayberry R.F.D. (CBS, 1968-1971), and Designing Women (CBS, 1986-1993). However, she initially declined participation in of those landmark series. What follows is what happened.

'Bewitched' Actress Alice Ghostley Refused "2nd Mrs. Kravitz" Role After Friend Alice Pearce Died

Quincy, MA

Dianna Carney

Get ready for an afternoon filled with live music, fun activities, and local vendors. The Friends of Ruth Gordon Amphitheater has invited the community to join them for the Friends Rock Music Festival on Sunday, August 11th from 2 PM until 8 PM. This free-to-attend festival promises a day filled with a diverse lineup of artists and bands, offering something for every music lover. Performances will include:

Watchmen prayer group celebrates 20 years of service

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