Tag Archives: doctrine

The Bible teaches how to be a godly husband [updated]

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Watch, stand fast in the faith, be men, be strong.

There are lots of self-help books on marriage that describe what a husband should do. Some are good, and some are junk. Some are popular for a while and some burst on the scene with a lot of noise and then disappear just as fast. But, there is one book, which was written thousands of years ago, that has stood the test of time, and still contains the best advice ever written. That book was written from the authority of Continue reading The Bible teaches how to be a godly husband [updated]→

How to test prophecy in the last days

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BibleVizArc

In the last days, people will prophecy. There will be godly prophecy and false prophecy. The Bible tells us not to despise prophecies, but test all things and hold fast to what is good. (1 Thessalonians 5:219-21; 1 John 4:1-6) How can we determine the difference? God will pour out his Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions (Joel 2:28). For false messiahs Continue reading How to test prophecy in the last days→

A balanced look at “Rightly Dividing”

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Two extremes of Bible Study, random reading and rightly dividing Random Reading Randomly fan the pages of an open Bible and stick a pin in a random verse on a random page and sing this little ditty as you try to apply that verse for you today… This can’t be correct because the Bible contains the true and accurate accounts of many historical situations. The Bible contains quotations from God, angels, godly men and women, ungodly men and women, Satan, Continue reading A balanced look at “Rightly Dividing”→

Who is a cult?

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Who is a cult?

The word “cult” has many connotations and many definitions, from harmless fan clubs, to dangerous systems of religious beliefs and rituals. But, I think the best definition of a dangerous religious “cult” that should be avoided by Christians is… Exclusive. They may say, “We’re the only ones with the truth; everyone else is wrong; and if you leave our group your salvation is in danger.” Secretive. Certain teachings are not available to outsiders or they’re presented only to certain members, Continue reading Who is a cult?→

Final exhortations to a fledgling church (1 Thessalonians 5:12-22)

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Final exhortation to a fledgling church

The Apostle Paul closes his first letter to a fledgling church with these final exhortations. This letter was written after Timothy returned with mostly good news about their spiritual growth in the Lord. It is full of thanksgiving to God for the faith, love, and hope of the new church. It also contains things he didn’t have time to teach them. It answers their questions about the future resurrection and rapture. And, it contains strong rebukes against sexual immorality and Continue reading Final exhortations to a fledgling church (1 Thessalonians 5:12-22)→

Abstain from all appearance of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:22)

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Abstain from all appearance of evil (the final slam of the door at the end of a contentious argument)

The 400 year war about “appearance of evil” The King James translation of this verse using “appearance” has probably been responsible for more fighting among Christians during the last 400 years than any other verse in the Bible. When it is quoted in an argument about some activity, it is used to enforce one Christian’s belief, conscience, and opinion on another Christian. It is supposed to be the final slam of the door at the end of a contentious argument. Continue reading Abstain from all appearance of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:22)→

I was born this way (and God doesn’t make junk)

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I was born this way (and God doesn't make junk)

Just because you were born this way does not mean that you should stay this way Everyone is born a natural person with a human nature. They have instinctive needs for food, water, clothing, shelter. They have human desires for love and care. They have normal goals to grow up, raise offspring, and leave a legacy. They have innate tendencies to think, act, behave, or proceed in a particular way. And, the Bible tells us, everyone has inherited a fallen nature Continue reading I was born this way (and God doesn’t make junk)→

Should Christians celebrate Halloween?

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There are 3 different perspectives among Christianity. Part of each perspective is absolutely true. But, as always, the truth is more nuanced and more complicated than any one of these individual perspectives. We will try to present the perspectives and leave it between you and the Holy Spirit to lead your conscience to make choices for your situation. The history of Halloween is easily researched in any dictionary, encyclopedia, or simple web search… Halloween – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Halloween or Hallowe’en (/ˌhæləˈwiːn, Continue reading Should Christians celebrate Halloween?→

What is predestination? (Is it foreknowledge?)

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What is predestination:

Predestination means foreordain, predetermine, decide beforehand, and appoint beforehand. This is different than foreknowledge (pre-knowing or prior knowledge). Almost all Christians agree with these 2 statements, but the biggest disagreement is what is predestined. It is a shame that Christianity has been so divided over the meaning of these words when used in 2 passages in the New Testament. Good, honest, God-fearing brethren in Christ have fought each other for centuries over these meanings. I do not pretend to be Continue reading What is predestination? (Is it foreknowledge?)→

Critical Review of Shepherding a Child’s Heart by Tedd Tripp (eating the meat and spitting out the bones)

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Shepherding a Child’s Heart by Tedd Tripp

Shepherding a Child’s Heart by Tedd Tripp is required reading in many Christian courses and is a very popular book with high ratings on Amazon. But, it is based on a flawed doctrine from a flawed paradigm that leads to a flawed conclusion. Therefore, I fear it could destroy your family and drive your children away from you and away from God. Shepherding a Child’s Heart is a dogma for predestinated parents to act as agents of God to deliver Continue reading Critical Review of Shepherding a Child’s Heart by Tedd Tripp (eating the meat and spitting out the bones)→