Unity

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Devotion/Teaching

1 Therefore, I encourage you, I the prisoner in the Lord, to walk worthy of the calling by which you were called, 2 with all humility of mind and meekness, with long-suffering, forebearing one another in love, 3 being eager to keep the unity of the Spirit in the uniting bond of peace. Ephesians 4:1-3 (translated from the NA28 Greek text)

Like never before in history, we hear much about unity today. However, much of what we hear is not based on a proper understanding of what true unity is. Unity, for example, is not compromise, or tolerance, when we throw out all doctrine so that everyone can “get along.”… Continue reading →

DAMNING ‘Five-Eyes’ Intel Report: China Suppressed, Destroyed Coronavirus Evidence, Endangered Other Countries

Posted by ∙ ∙ In News ∙ , , , , , , ,

The Five-Eyes report condemns “the suppression and destruction of evidence” carried out under the Chinese Communist Party and points to “virus samples ordered destroyed at genomics labs, wildlife market stalls bleached, the genome sequence not shared publicly, the Shanghai lab closure for ‘rectification’, academic articles subjected to prior review by the Ministry of Science and Technology and data on asymptomatic ‘silent carriers’ kept secret.”

(Tyler O’Neil – PJ Media)  Five Western intelligence agencies have compiled a damning report cataloging the Chinese Communist Party’s deliberate suppression and destruction of evidence regarding the coronavirus outbreak…. Continue reading →

No, Science Alone Can’t Tell Us How to Respond to the Coronavirus

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Opinion ∙ , , , , , ,

“The invocation of science as the ultimate authority capable of settling questions of how we should govern ourselves is a persistent feature of modern Western life going back several centuries, and has always been a mistake. It is especially so in this crisis, when so much is still unknown about the coronavirus and immensely complicated and consequential public-policy questions are in play.”

(Rich Lowry – National Review)  If you thought the coronavirus presented difficult policy questions, don’t worry — we have science.

Governor Gavin Newsom tweeted the other day, “The West Coast is — and will continue to be — guided by SCIENCE.” Continue reading →

Advice for the church: Better call Saul

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Opinion ∙ , , , , , , , ,

“This country was born in a revolution over global taxes imposed by the King of England, as well as rejection of an official state-imposed national religion. Freedom of religion and of the press was supposed to be guaranteed in our First Amendment. Yet, as a result of the coronavirus, freedom of the press has been guaranteed and freedom of religion has not. Most pastors, preachers, and priests acquiesce to their government masters and their demands for empty pews.”

(Cliff Kincaid – Renew America)  A local pastor is walking dozens of miles to raise funds for the poor and hungry, many of whom have been created by the government’s COVID-19 economic lockdown…. Continue reading →

Dirty FBI agent Strzok prevented the end of Flynn probe

Posted by ∙ ∙ In News ∙ , , , , ,

Constitutional law professor Jonathan Turley: “I have been a criminal defense attorney for decades. I have seen abusive tactics. However this is one of the most thuggish records I have seen. Most concerning is that they were trying to create a crime, not investigating a crime.”

(PoliZette Staff)  Disgraced FBI playboy agent Peter Strzok intervened to keep it open when other FBI agents wanted to end the case against General Michael Flynn. Strzok was using Flynn to get to the president. Continue reading →

Rightly Handling God’s Word

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Devotion/Teaching ∙

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.”  – 2 Timothy 2:15

Martin Luther is often identified as one who argued for the right of individual Christians to interpret the Bible for themselves. In large measure, this is correct. After all, Luther himself stood firm on the doctrine of justification by faith alone because he was convinced by his reading of Scripture that the doctrine was true even when much of the medieval church disagreed…. Continue reading →

We cannot let this continue…

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Opinion ∙ , , , , , , ,

Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez announce introduction of public housing legislation as part of the Green New Deal. Reuters/Erin Scott-RC29BD93D4KZ

“Here are just a few of the messages the radical promoters of the Green New Deal were issuing on how to use the Coronavirus tactics to promote their green agenda.”

(Tom DeWeese – Renew America)  I am outraged by what the Progressive Democrats are attempting to do while the nation has been experiencing a crisis.

As you know, Nancy Pelosi and her ilk used the pandemic emergency to try to sneak their own radical agenda into the emergency recovery bill. Specifically, they pushed their attack on private business, private health care and private property as an attempt to enforce the radical Green New Deal. But that is just the beginning! Continue reading →

Collateral damage from lockdowns ‘is extraordinary’

Posted by ∙ ∙ In News ∙ , , , , ,

“I think there’s reason to believe that this disease turned out, outside of certain populations, not to be nearly as severe and dangerous as we thought and certainly the death rates I think will end up reflecting that,”

(WND)  The case for continuing the lockdowns in response to the coronavirus pandemic is getting “weaker and weaker,” contends Fox News senior political analyst Brit Hume.

The “collateral damage from it is extraordinary,” he said in an interview Tuesday night with Fox News’ Martha MacCallum. Continue reading →

Pandemic Is But One of America’s Security Concerns

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Opinion ∙ , , , , , ,

“China, however, will not meekly accept its new reduced post-viral status. Instead, it will act even more provocatively and desperately than ever. … Rumors have spread that China may be conducting nuclear tests in violation of zero-yield global agreements. If true, it reminds us that our adversaries are most dangerous when cornered and wounded.”

(Victor Davis Hanson – National Review)  The world was a dangerous place before — and will be after — the coronavirus pandemic.

While Americans debate the proper ongoing response to the virus and argue over the infection’s origins, nature and trajectory, they may have tuned out other, often just as scary, news. Continue reading →

America open for business: States including Texas, Ohio and Illinois begin relaxing coronavirus lockdown rules

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“While the likes of Georgia and Tennessee began relaxing rules earlier this week, these states are following suit as of today.”

(Chris Irvine – Fox News)  America is slowly but surely reopening for business.

The start of May sees more than half a dozen states relax lockdown measures that were imposed as the coronavirus pandemic began spiralling out of control on U.S. soil. As of Friday morning, the U.S. has seen more than a million coronavirus cases and more than 63,000 deaths. Continue reading →

Strange Fire

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Devotion/Teaching

1 Now Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took their respective firepans, and after putting fire in them, placed incense on it and offered strange fire before the Lord, which He had not commanded them. 2 And fire came out from the presence of the Lord and consumed them, and they died before the Lord. Leviticus 10:1-2 (NASB) 

9 But you are A chosen race, A royal priesthood, A holy nation, A people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 for you once were not a people, but now you are the people of God; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 1 Peter 2:9-10 (NASB) 

Until 2004 I could not stand to read some Old Testament books such as Leviticus and Job. I would read them only to find my mind wandering off in all directions. It was frustrating…. Continue reading →

False Prophets Exposed: Why Modern-Day prophets Never Saw This Pandemic Coming

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Opinion ∙ , , , , , , , ,

“I could go on with so many more face-plants by charismatics. So again, why didn’t their “prophets” know this was about to happen? The biblical answer is much simpler and more excoriating than Dr. [Michael] Brown’s answer. The reason modern-day apostles and prophets didn’t see this coming is because there are no modern-day apostles and prophets. No faith-healer is miraculously clearing out the COVID-19 wards or even daring to set foot in one because there is no such thing as a faith-healer.”

(Gabriel Hughes – The Midwestern Baptist)  Self-proclaimed apostle Chuck Pierce claimed that there would be a “shift” in the pandemic by the end of the Passover season. Self-proclaimed prophet Tracy Cooke also said that by April 16, “the blood of Jesus” would cause the “plague to pass over.”… Continue reading →

David Jeremiah Returns Triumphant to NRB Despite Questionable Financial Dealings

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Opinion ∙ , , , ,

“These twin resignations meant it is likely many leaders in the evangelical world knew of Jeremiah’s activities – and remained silent.  The reason for their silence is simple enough to understand:  It is in not in the interest of either Christian broadcasters or publishers to speak up.  Book publishers are obvious beneficiaries of these retail book sales.  In 2017…Turning Point spent $10.4-million on ‘product fulfillment,’ which is the cost of books and other materials sent to donors.”

(Warren Cole Smith – Ministry Watch)  On the evening of Feb. 28, on the final night of the annual meeting of the National Religious Broadcasters at Nashville’s Opryland Hotel and Conference Center, one of religious broadcasting’s best-known figures, David Jeremiah, took the stage as a conquering hero. Continue reading →

Trump blasts ‘scam’ against Flynn as FBI files raise questions about future of case

Posted by ∙ ∙ In News ∙ , , , , , ,

“The president’s comments come as internal FBI documents were unsealed Wednesday, revealing that top bureau officials openly questioned if their “goal” was “to get him to lie, so we can prosecute him or get him fired,” when interviewing Flynn in the White House in January 2017.”

(Brooke Singman – Fox News) President Trump blasted what he called the “scam” against Michael Flynn as newly released FBI files revealed agents discussing their motivations for interviewing the former national security adviser — in turn, raising serious questions about the future of the case against him. Continue reading →

Soli Deo Gloria

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Devotion/Teaching

31 Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NASB) 

11 Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 4:11 (NASB)  Continue reading →

Warning about ‘The Bible Project’

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Opinion ∙ , , , , , , , ,

“As Hughes makes clear, The Bible Project, despite many wonderful videos, is not to be recommended. Omit propitiation and you have a different doctrine of the atonement. A different atonement means a different Jesus.”

(John Lanagan – The Word Like Fire)  “Hell–or evil or sin, the various names it’s called in the Bible–is something that humans have created.” — Tim Mackie, creator of The Bible Project (9:35 in video)

Huh? Continue reading →

Amazon, FedEx, Walmart Workers Plan To Walk Out On Friday, Demanding Hazard Pay, Better Working Conditions

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“While we respect people’s right to express themselves, we object to the irresponsible actions of labor groups in spreading misinformation and making false claims about Amazon during this unprecedented health and economic crisis.” 

(Ashe Schow – Daily Wire) Workers from major companies including Amazon, FedEx, Walmart, and others are planning to walk out on Friday over a lack of health and safety standards. They’re also demanding hazard pay for having to work during the coronavirus lockdown. Continue reading →

Former GOP chair blasts Newsom’s broad stay-at-home order: California too big for ‘one man to try to control’

Posted by ∙ ∙ In News ∙ , , ,

“Where do restaurants fall in this plan? It’s not clear and there’s already an estimate that 30 percent to 40 percent of restaurants in California will never reopen.”

(Talia Kaplan – Fox News)  Former chairman of the California Republican Party Tom Del Beccaro pushed back on the state’s stay-at-home order on Wednesday, saying he thinks “things are going to unravel” for Gov. Gavin Newsom.

“California is a big place and treating northern California or the eastern counties the same as L.A. makes no sense,” Del Beccaro said on “Fox & Friends First” on Wednesday. “There’s a lot of rumblings, a lot of lawsuits, a lot of counties that are fighting back.” Continue reading →

Abortion and the Misshaped Conscience of Southern Baptists

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Opinion ∙ , , , , ,

“It is time for Southern Baptists to repent of their complicity in searing the conscience of a nation that has yet to cease the slaughter of unborn innocents. A resolution calling for such repentance was going to be submitted to the 2020 Resolutions Committee of the SBC. Since the convention was cancelled, that will have to wait until next year. But Southern Baptist churches and leaders do not have to wait to take stronger actions to abolish abortion from our nation’s land.”

(Tom Ascol – Founders Ministries)  In 1974, one year after the United States Supreme Court created a law to legalize abortion on demand in the Roe v Wade case, the pop rock duo, Jim Seals and Dash Crofts, released a song called “Unborn Child.” That song damaged their music careers and cost them dearly. Consider the lyrics. Continue reading →

Solus Christus

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Devotion/Teaching

13 For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. 15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. 17 He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. 18 He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything. Colossians 1:13-18 (NASB) 

As we have seen, Sola Scriptura is essential to genuine Christianity. Sacred Scripture is supreme and authoritative over the Church. It is the only ultimate and infallible authority for faith and practice…. Continue reading →

Prominent Southern Baptist Preacher Says Prayer Gives God Permission to Interfere on Earth

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Opinion ∙ , , , , , ,

Correction: Reformation Charlotte changed the title to “Prominent Evangelical Preacher Says Prayer Gives God Permission to Interfere on Earth”

“But since Evans, and his daughter, Priscilla Shirer, are contributors to LifeWay’s Sunday School curriculum, The Gospel Project, it is unlikely that you’re going to hear any prominent Southern Baptist leaders or The Gospel Coalition mention this.”

(Jeff Maples – Reformation Charlotte)  It’s amazing what can pass for Christianity these days and rarely does anyone bat an eye. It’s easy for The Gospel Coalition to (rightfully) point out how drastically false and dangerous the prosperity gospel is. It’s easy to pick on Joel Osteen or Steven Furtick…. Continue reading →

Producers Warn America Is Facing Protein Shortage in Coronavirus Era

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“I’ll tell you why there will be shortages.  Right now there aren’t shortages because there was a supply of meat that was destined for restaurants, and the demand at the restaurants was curtailed when they were shut down. It’s frozen meat, and [restaurants] are repackaging it and diverting that supply to the grocery stores.”

(Penny Star – Breitbart)  Toilet paper was the first product to disappear from retailers’ shelves at the start of the coronavirus outbreak in the United States, but the nation’s meat and poultry producers warn the strain on the supply chain could result in shortages and cost increases. Continue reading →

Social distancing guidelines applies to pets, CDC says

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“If infected or suspected to have the virus, the best practice is to have another member of the household take care of your pet, according to the agency. If that’s not possible, you should wear a cloth face covering and wash your hands before and after interacting with them.”

(David Aaro – Fox News) Until we know more about how the coronavirus impacts animals, social distancing guidelines are now being recommended for family pets in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Wednesday. Continue reading →

‘Wow, What Is That?’ Pentagon Formally Releases Three UFO Videos

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“Hovering 50 feet above the churn was an aircraft of some kind — whitish — that was around 40 feet long and oval in shape. The craft was jumping around erratically, staying over the wave disturbance but not moving in any specific direction, Commander Fravor said. The disturbance looked like frothy waves and foam, as if the water were boiling.”

(Stephen Green PJ Media)  The Pentagon on Monday approved the release of three “unidentified aerial phenomena” videos taken over the years by U.S. Navy aviators…. Continue reading →