Tag Archives: traditions

Christmas: Unto us a child is born

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There are lots of stories of Christmas and The First Noel. Instead of worrying about which of these are myths, fables, and traditions, let’s read the actual inspired account. This is just a few short pages and only takes a few minutes, but it’s more thrilling and more uplifting than any mere myth, fable, or tradition could possibly be. Starting with the prophecy of Isaiah written more than 700 years before the birth of Jesus Christ…

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Mankind has divided and conquered! God is not impressed.

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When Jesus prayed for you

The struggle of mankind’s plans versus God’s plans has affected history for thousands of years and it is affecting us today. The church is God’s creation and workmanship. It is eternal in nature and too big to become the exclusive province of one group of partisans. Why not be big and wise enough to see this? Rehoboam and Jeroboam divided the Kingdom of Israel The division has lasted about 3,000 years. But, God is not impressed! It hasn’t changed his plans. Continue reading Mankind has divided and conquered! God is not impressed.→

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Bible scripture study comparing spiritual things with spiritual

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There are many fringe Christian groups who use a misapplication of this verse to justify their own circular reasoning of the scriptures… Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. (1 Corinthians 2:13 KJV) These groups use this verse to teach a strange form of study and teaching that only uses other verses to explain verses. Most of them mistranslate the verse to be Continue reading Bible scripture study comparing spiritual things with spiritual→

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A critical review of a disappointing Ben-Hur remake

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The 2016 remake of Ben-Hur disappoints in almost every way. The story line had too many heroes vying for attention without enough development to make us care about any of them. The CGI graphics were way overdone for a movie that was supposed to be about real life. We can suspend disbelief for live action super-heroes, but not for mere men. The resolution denied the experience of any reasonable person who has ever dealt with longstanding anger issues. The only redeeming thematic feature of Ben-Hur Continue reading A critical review of a disappointing Ben-Hur remake→

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Christian vs. the bunker mentality

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God never intended for Christians to become weird introspective hermits living in a ghostly religious bunker separated from the world. If this is where you have ended up, please prayerfully consider the following… Adam’s disobedience brings curse on the entire world (Genesis 3) Mankind’s disobedience brings curse on the entire world (Genesis 6) Abraham’s obedience brings promise of blessing to the entire world (Genesis 12; Romans 4) The Jews to be an example to the entire world (Isaiah 43) Jesus Christ Continue reading Christian vs. the bunker mentality→

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What about divorce?

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Divorce is serious. It permanently severs the most intimate marriage relationship. It almost always causes emotional, financial, and practical hardships for children and families. What does the Bible say about divorce? What does God think about divorce? As with many things, it’s a good idea to go to the Old Testament Ten Commandment Law to see what God thinks about something.

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What about keeping unity?

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This little verse has caused more fighting, more division, and more heartache than almost any other verse… Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (Ephesians 4:3) There are Christian groups teaching it is your responsibility, it is your work, and it is your endeavor that makes the unity in this verse. These groups teach unity is the result of correct doctrine, the result of correct walk, and the result of correct practices. Therefore, they teach, you have Continue reading What about keeping unity?→

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The sin of sectarianism

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After giving one of the most beautiful greetings of thanksgiving for the church of God in Corinth, the Apostle Paul was forced to address the first of many problems: schisms. This seems to be a common problem among mankind because it is just as prevalent now as it was then. Paul criticizes the sin of schisma (cleft, rent, division of opinion, dissension, sectarianism) and appeals for them to strive for the opposite, using the word katartízō (repair, mend, restore).

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Hatred and betrayal are signs of the end-times

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Throughout history, religious persecution and violence have been common. Millions and millions of people have been tortured and killed in the name of religion. This is sad and a shame on the name of religion. It’s going to get much worse as we approach the end-times. But, there must not be a hint of hatred and betrayal among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people.

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The goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart

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The goal of the Apostle Paul was for believers to be “filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith.” If your fellowship is filled with this kind of gentle instruction, then thank the Lord for his many blessings. But, if your fellowship is filled with “foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights,” that is not what God wants. If you cannot “gently instruct those who oppose the truth,” then maybe it’s time to “have nothing more to Continue reading The goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart→

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