Boasting is Excluded

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Devotion/Teaching

21 But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, 22 even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction; 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus; 25 whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness, because in the forbearance of God He passed over the sins previously committed; Romans 3:21-28 (NASB)  (Read verses 26 & 28 on the site)

Our pastor has been preaching through the first several chapters of Acts. In our small groups we have been taking a deeper look at the passages from which he gets his sermons. Last night was interesting because we talked a great deal about how each of us came to faith…. Continue reading →

Spiritual Warfare Is Real

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Opinion ∙ , , , ,

By Gustave Doré

“I’m not necessarily saying we should look for a demon behind every incident that doesn’t go our way, but perhaps we’re underestimating the influence of the kingdom of darkness.”

(Alan Shlemon – Stand To Reason) Angels and demons exist. I’ll admit that even though I believe that, I tend to downplay their reality. Daniel 10, however, offers us a glimpse of spiritual warfare that helps us glean some insights into their activity and their real-life impact. Continue reading →

Top 5 Excuses When Radicals Corrupt Children

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“Playing the suicide card is a frequent part of the game here, where parents are told, “If you don’t affirm your daughter in her new identity as a male, she will kill herself. Do you want a live son or a dead daughter?” So against your common sense, your faith, and everything you knew about your child prior to the current corruption overload, you are persuaded by an “affirming” counselor that mutilating her healthy body is the best course of action.” 

(Linda Harvey – Mission:America)  Progressives are busy smashing the innocence and dreams of our youth, but they aren’t doing it without thought. They have their reasons. Continue reading →

Walking in the Light

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Devotion/Teaching

1 See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are. For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. 2 Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is. 3 And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure. 1 John 3:1-3 (NASB) 

God’s truth is knowable. Also, His truth is as His attributes and character. He is immutable. His truth is never changing. He is Holy. His truth is Holy, separate from the corruption of the world. His truth, the Word of God, is precise….. Continue reading →

Kanye West Defends Joel Osteen to Standing Ovation During Lakewood Service: ‘God Is Not the Negative Part’

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Osteen’s message on Sunday again touched on God opening doors and opportunities for His people, advising those listening to make positive confessions over themselves, such as “I am enough,” “I am strong enough” and “I am attractive enough.”

(Heather Clark – Christian News) Rapper turned gospel artist Kanye West, who referred to himself as “the greatest artist that God has ever created,” spoke to the defense of motivational speaker and author Joel Osteen on Sunday, resulting in a standing ovation from many in attendance at Lakewood and Osteen joking that he had “made it” by having West’s support. Continue reading →

ERLC Website Says Not to Preach Against Abortion from Pulpit OR at Clinic

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“So, you don’t have to post internet memes and videos, display bumper stickers, or make rude comments to tell me how terrible abortion is. Nor do you need to shout it from street corners or pulpits—I know. My mother knows. Over 66% of women know.” 

(Pulpit & Pen)  A new blog post at the ERLC tells Christians not to preach against abortion from the pulpit, on the street corner, and not to use pro-life/anti-abortion bumper-stickers or slogans in social media. It is hurtful to women, they argue. Continue reading →

Trump Pastor Paula White Tells Followers To Give $229 For ‘Prophetic Instruction’ On How To Defeat Their Enemies

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People who cannot pay $229 are invited to instead pay $31, a number reached by adding the numbers of the verse in the Bible—22 and 9.  “But I believe that God was very clear when I received this word that the $229 seed given in faith can break any chains,” the email adds, again urging people to pay the full $229.

(Tufayel Ahmed – Newsweek)  President Donald Trump’s personal pastor and spiritual adviser Paula White is asking followers to give her $229 in order to receive “prophetic instruction” on how to defeat the enemies in their lives this November. Continue reading →

False Teachers and True Contentment

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Devotion/Teaching

10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity. 11 Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. 12 I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. 13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:10-13 (NASB) 

When I see or hear so-called Christians speak of God prospering them because of their faith or see Pastors or “Evangelists” with their own private jets, huge homes and limousines there is a bad taste that forms in my mouth…. Continue reading →

Living a Godly Life in these Apostate Last Days

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Devotion/Teaching

1 This is now, beloved, the second letter I am writing to you in which I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder, 2 that you should remember the words spoken beforehand by the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior spoken by your apostles. 3 Know this first of all, that in the last days mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts, 4 and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation.” 2 Peter 3:1-4 (NASB) 

I am a Southern Baptist. I am Reformed in my Theology, but I am still a Southern Baptist. This causes friction at times when my brethren get confused about the Gospel. What I find troubling is that those who are opposed to “Calvinism” the most, don’t have a clear understanding of the Gospel the way the Bible teaches it…. Continue reading →

The Unspeakable Pride of False Teachers

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“As a side note, if you wonder why Beth Moore is always in the news, it isn’t because the mean people won’t leave her alone, it is because she does exactly as the verse says false teachers do: stir up controversies. In fact, false teachers have a unhealthy interest in quarrels and they promote malicious talk and evil suspicions.”

(Elizabeth Prata – The End Time) Regarding the strange video Beth Moore made of herself and posted on Instagram. She filmed herself working out in pajamas, slippers, and bed head. The point of her video was to reassure her followers just how normal she is. Continue reading →

Obama Left An Ambassador to Die, But We’re Supposed to be Outraged Over Trump’s Yovanovitch Tweet?

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

But what really gets me is how it’s been almost seven years since Barack Obama left one of his ambassadors to die in a terrorist attack on a U.S. consulate, and the same people who defended the Obama administration endlessly over that, are feigning outrage over Trump’s tweet expressing his opinion. Democrats have been crying “impeach!” over everything for years, and now every time Trump expresses an opinion, we’re hearing “intimidation.”

(Matt Margolis – PJ Media)  On Friday, as former Ambassador Maria Yovanovitch was testifying, President Trump made a series of tweets criticizing her performance as ambassador, which got Democrats so triggered, his tweets were read soon after they were made, and the narrative presented was that the tweet was witness intimidation. Continue reading →

Which Movies Are ‘Culturally Outdated’?

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We’re informed the “woke” syllabus of Disney errors is much longer, and more recent. In The Jungle Book (1967), somehow King Louie and the orangutans were stand-ins for “foolish and criminal” African-Americans.  The “churlish hyenas” in “The Lion King” (1994) could represent “racial minorities who live on the wrong side of the tracks.”

(Brent Bozell & Tim Graham – News Busters) Disney is launching its “Disney Plus” live-streaming service, which promises to be tremendously popular, which is unfortunate. “Experts” from the enlightened side of the tracks are unscrolling their grievances about how the Disney film catalogue is full of racism, sexism, and loathsome bigotry of all sorts. Continue reading →

Southern Baptist and Evangelical Leaders Have Launched Concerted Attack on Conservatives

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“Three of the latest examples of this are recent attacks on conservative resurgence leader, Paige Patterson, Reformed apologist James White, and the highly regarded pastor, author, and theologian, John MacArthur.”

(Jeff Maples – Reformation Charlotte)  Those who tend to lack the sophistication of intellectual discourse tend to be well-versed in personal attacks and insults. This truth is couldn’t be made more clear than in today’s Evangelical environment. The leftward leadership of the Evangelical Church, particularly the Southern Baptist Convention, have abandoned all logic and reason and launched an outright tirade against conservatism. Continue reading →

I Will Fight For Your Young People. Will You? A Pastor’s Plea to Christian Parents

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“Here are five ways parent’s can join in the spiritual fight for their young people to help stop the trend…#2 Speak well of your pastor and leaders. Great damage is done when you speak evil of the church, the pastor, or the leaders before your children. If you want them to have a positive view of the church, you must show them one. Please realize that before disgruntlement often comes a refusal to accept God’s Word. A disgruntled and complaining spirit is a certain recipe to drive them out.”

(Chris Gordon – Abounding Grace Radio) This essay comes from the heart as a passionate plea to parents out of our shared concern for our covenant children. It is difficult to pastor a flock in a conservative church today, but not for the reasons that you might think…. Continue reading →

Sprite Argentina Ad Celebrates ‘Pride,’ Depicts Mother Applying Makeup to Son, Another Binding Daughter’s Breasts

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“The advertisement then ends with the statement: “Orgullo: lo que sentis cuando alguien que quieres elige ser feliz,” meaning, “Pride: what you feel when someone you love chooses to be happy.” The song “You’ll Never Walk Alone” plays throughout the duration of the video.”

(Heather Clark – Christian News)  A video advertisement posted to social media by Sprite Argentina celebrates “pride,” depicting — among other things — mothers taking pride in their teenage children by helping them present themselves as “transgender.” Continue reading →

God’s Wrath on Unrighteousness

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Devotion/Teaching

5 But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, Romans 2:5 (NASB) 

I was online today on a friends Facebook page reading about an issue he is dealing with in which a school is disciplining someone who called a “transgender” a girl. He was discussing how he would get involved because he writes and how he needed to get involved because the local press in that city is ignoring the whole thing…. Continue reading →

4 Reasons Why You Should Never Join a Church that Does Not Practice Church Discipline

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“When joining a church, you want to be certain that the pastors who oversee the church and the members who make up the church take spiritual accountability seriously. A church that condones sin is a dangerous place for your soul. Not only your soul, but you must consider the spiritual wellbeing of your entire family (your spouse and children).”

(Josh Buice – Delivered By Grace)  On a fairly regular basis, I have people who reach out to me for local church recommendations as they’re planning a big move across state lines. Sometimes I have connections to that area and sometimes I have no church that I could recommend…. Continue reading →

Lessons Not Learned From WW2

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“We can be astounded by the alacrity with which the British news media—the owners, not the frustrated reporters whose urgent dispatches were willfully buried or ignored—stifled what should have been alarming news, necessitating, in the interests of national self-preservation, a powerful response. The news giants, one and all, mocked and belittled anyone who tried to alert the nation to its peril. In the course of their labors, they invented fake news. That was when it started.”

(Lee Duigon – News With Views)  Imagine you’re all of 22 years old, and you already have your own reality show on British television, you’re famous—and you’re what they call an “influencer.” Continue reading →

Tony Evans Incites Disunity and Division, Encourages Protest of ‘Dove Awards’

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“If evangelicals are so intent on finding ‘black leadership’ they need to look right past Tony Evans. Not only is he a Pelagian, inclusivist, and limited theist, but he is leading young black men into anger and resentment, making racial reconciliation next to impossible. That’s not the kind of leadership that should be sought.”

(Pulpit & Pen)  Instead of using his platform to promote unity and reconciliation, Tony Evans has capitalized on the color of his skin to sow seeds of discord in American evangelicalism. He is now encouraging the racist, divisive protests against the Dove Awards by Social Gospel proponents, Lecrae and Kirk Franklin. Continue reading →

Franklin Graham Slams Democrat Impeachment Hearing as ‘Day of Shame’

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Rev. Franklin Graham said Wednesday that the House Democrats’ first public impeachment hearing amounts to a national “day of shame.”

(Sean Moran – Breitbart)  House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff (D-CA) held his first public impeachment hearing over President Donald Trump’s call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Graham said that while the media have called the “Democrat-led impeachment inquiry ‘historic,’” it is, instead, “historically shameful.” Continue reading →

Sonship through the Spirit

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Devotion/Teaching

34 “Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. Matthew 25:34 (NASB) 

I am a Calvinist. In this age of not saying things in order to avoid causing offense I refuse to subject myself to that. I know who saved me. I know that without God’s sovereign grace working in me I would never have been saved. It would never have happened because I know what I was. Just a sinner…. Continue reading →

Texas pregnancy centers offer mixed messages by offering abortifacient contraceptives

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The Source rejects the premise that offering contraception encourages promiscuity, and frames its services as an intentional contrast from the rest of the pro-life movement. “It helps to show that not every pro-life activist says, ‘Put an aspirin between your legs and don’t have sex.’”

(Calvin Freiburger – LifeSiteNews) – As the Trump administration opens the door to legitimate health organizations receiving money that previously went to the abortion industry, pro-life pregnancy centers are hoping to seize the opportunity to grow. But one Texas-based pregnancy center alliance is trying to do so with an inconsistent stand on birth-control methods that can function as abortifacients. Continue reading →

Where Are the Prophets to Our Church and Culture?

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“Autonomous freedom! How the voices of our day cry out! I must be free to kill the child in my womb. I must be free even to kill the newborn child if I don’t think he or she measures up to my standards of “quality life.” I must be free to desert my husband or wife, and abandon my children. I must be free to commit shameless acts with those of my own sex….”

(Bill Muehlenberg – Culture Watch) Amazing and much-needed prophetic words from the late, great Francis Schaeffer:

The good news is this: when the times get the darkest, God will raise up prophets to confront the situation, speak to his people, and declare much-needed truth. But the bad news is this: these prophets are invariably rejected. When they are the most needed, they are often the least heeded. Continue reading →