Mildew and the Cost of Sin

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Devotion/Teaching ∙

The book of Leviticus is probably not the most widely read book in the Bible. With its pages of laws that seem so foreign, it can feel tedious to read. Many an ambitious reader, having embarked on a plan to read straight through the Bible, has gotten bogged down in Leviticus and has quit in frustration.

This is unfortunate. Leviticus, for all its foreignness, is part of our spiritual inheritance as Christians. Without Leviticus, we cannot truly understand Christ. For example, He fulfills the office of the priesthood, which is instituted in Leviticus 8–9 (see Heb. 4:14–10:18). He fulfills the Day of Atonement, the procedure for which is detailed in Leviticus 16 (see Heb. 9:12). And He fulfills the year of Jubilee, a time of celebration and freedom mandated in Leviticus 25:8–22 (see Luke 4:16–21).  View article →

Voting – what does the Bible say?

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Opinion ∙ , ,

Bible teacher and pastor Alistair Begg of Truth For Life offers biblical advice on voting. He writes:

Dear Friend,

In less than a week, those of us in the US will exercise our right to vote. I thought it would be timely to consider what the Bible has to say about the privileges and obligations of citizenship.

Many passages and examples in the Bible clarify our responsibilities as citizens, not the least of which is found in Paul’s letter to the Romans, where he writes, “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment” (13:1–2). Continue reading →

Church covered up priest’s abuse of 50 boys

Posted by ∙ ∙ In News ∙ ,

“Coyle was stripped of his ability to lead Mass and otherwise function as a priest. But he never faced further punishment and lived in Albuquerque, New Mexico, until recently, retaining the title “father” and collecting financial assistance from the diocese.”

(Ryan J. Foley – APNewsBreak)  A Roman Catholic diocese acknowledged Wednesday that it concealed for decades a priest’s admission that he sexually abused dozens of Iowa boys — a silence that may have put other children in danger. Continue reading →

Parents Release Photos of Baby Miscarried at 14 Weeks to Show Humanity of Unborn Children

Posted by ∙ ∙ In News ∙

“Miran died in the womb and was born April 23, Sutherland said. She opted for labor induction rather than a D&C because she wanted to be able to see her son’s body.”

(Micaiah Bilger – Life News)  The dehumanizing of unborn babies by the abortion industry affects more than just families who have abortions. It hurts our culture in ways that stretch far beyond the abortion issue.

Sharran Sutherland, a Missouri mother who miscarried in April, felt deeply how little respect her son’s life received when he died after 14 weeks in her womb, according to The Mirror. Continue reading →

What if…?

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Devotion/Teaching

And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.  1 Corinthians 15:14-19

Paul considers the question, What if …? What would the world be like if Jesus had not been raised? There are six history-changing facts that would have followed if Jesus had not risen. First, without the resurrection all preaching would have been a waste of time. All the messages you have ever heard or read, all the Christian books you have read, all radio and television broadcasts of the gospel you have listened to would have been a total waste of time had Jesus not risen from the dead.  View article →

Sin is at the heart of what is wrong in your life

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Opinion ∙ , , , ,

FLASHBACK FRIDAY

This article by CRN managing editor Marsha West was first published October 8, 2013.

No one has any right to believe that he is indeed a Christian unless he is humbly seeking to obey the teachings of the One whom he calls Lord. Christ once asked a question that can have no satisfying answer, “Why do you call me, `Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” –A. W. Tozer

Bill and Beth (not their real names) are professing Christians.  Bill gave Beth a “promise ring” so she decided that God would be okay with them living together as man and wife.  If the arrangement works out, they’ll marry.  If it doesn’t work out they’ll move on to the next relationship.

Beth’s mom is also a Christian.  Beth opened up to me that when her mom found out she had decided to live in sin her only concern was that she could become pregnant.  Both of Beth’s sisters have children out of wedlock and this understandably distresses Mom as she worries that her youngest may follow in her two older sisters’ footsteps.  To me what’s more troubling than the pregnancy issue is that this Christian mother isn’t all that concerned that by living together Beth and Bill are sinning against God!  In fact, she hasn’t even broached the subject with her daughter. Continue reading →

What the Tree of Life Synagogue Massacre Means

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Opinion ∙ , , ,

“For Jews to blame the most pro-Israel president since Harry Truman — the only president with a Jewish child and Jewish grandchildren, moreover — for increasing anti-Semitism is another example of a truism this Jew has known all his life: Unlike Jewish liberals, who get most of their values from Judaism, Jewish leftists are ethnically Jewish but get their values from leftism.”

(Dennis Prager – National Review)  ll my life I have reminded fellow Jews in America that we are the luckiest Jews to have ever lived in a non-Jewish country. I know what I’m talking about. I wrote a book on anti-Semitism, taught Jewish history at Brooklyn College, and fought anti-Semitism since I was 21, when Israel sent me into the Soviet Union to smuggle in Jewish religious items and smuggle out Jewish names. Continue reading →

Why Did Media And Democrats Abandon Their Investigation Into Brett Kavanaugh?

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Opinion ∙ , , ,

“Any reporter who was able to verify the claims against Kavanaugh would be an instant hero and awarded all the journalism prizes. Is anyone even attempting to do so? Democrats took the claims so seriously that they charged Kavanaugh with the crimes in Senate hearings. Did they mean what they said? If they’re telling the truth, he should be impeached and imprisoned.”

(Mollie Hemingway – The Federalist)  What happened to the multiple allegations of sexual misconduct levied against Brett Kavanaugh during his confirmation battle? The claims ranged from Christine Blasey Ford’s remotely plausible if unsubstantiated allegation of a violent attempted rape to Michael Avenatti’s completely outlandish and also unsubstantiated allegation of hosting serial gang rape parties. Continue reading →

The nullifying of the conscience within relativism

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Devotion/Teaching

5 Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience’ sake. Romans 13:5 (NASB) 

In several discussion with friends both online and off-line over past several weeks one of the heart-rending topics was the lack of holiness in the Church along with God’s Holiness and His commands that His children be holy as He is Holy. My brethren, God is patient and that is a good thing, but eventually He is going to cleanse things and bring judgment to pass and the lack of fear of God that we are witnessing in many so-called “Christian” leaders about this is astounding. However, much of what is overlooked in this issue is that these compromises within the visible Church are actually mirrored in the same issues that run very deep within our society. Continue reading →

The First Project Between the Obamas and Netflix Could Be a Trump Takedown

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Opinion ∙ , , ,

Former president and first lady have a major deal with the streaming giant — and they seem to be going political with it.

(Zachery Lehman – LifeZette)  Remember earlier this year when the Obamas got in bed with Netflix?

And remember how they promised that the content they pushed out would highlight “the talented, inspiring, creative voices who are able to promote greater empathy and understanding between peoples” in a public statement? Continue reading →

Roma Downey Promotes New Age Doctrine (God ‘In’ Everyone & Everything)—Christian Leaders Say Nothing

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Opinion ∙ , ,

Pastors Rick Warren, David Jeremiah, Greg Laurie … “The tragedy about this situation between Roma Downey and Christian leaders is that the leaders are using Roma Downey, Roma Downey is using the leaders, and our Adversary is using them both—and countless naïve and undiscerning Christians are buying into the whole thing.”

(Lighthouse Trails)  Proclaim 19

First she’s there; now she’s gone, or is she? New Age sympathizer Roma Downey was scheduled to speak at the National Religious Broadcaster’s 2019 convention, Proclaim 19. … Continue reading →

Political Subversion Moving Christians Into Democrat Party Fold

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Opinion ∙ , , , ,

“Former Obama administration Faith Based and reelection campaign Faith Outreach Coordinator Michael Wear is now working with [Tim] Keller’s TGC. Wear’s book sports endorsements from Keller and Evangelical leaders Russell Moore, Andy Stanley, Ann Voskamp and fellow Obama spiritual advisor Joel Hunter. Wear is also writing for TGC on topics like ‘Holding the Christian Ethic Together.’” 

(Thomas Littleton – Thirty Pieces Of Silver)  Midterm elections demonstrate that the classic battle lines are being redrawn among Evangelical voters. Ongoing and concerted efforts through American conservative Christian seminaries, churches and secular mainstream media are intensifying to reshape the foundations and convictions which drive the Evangelical vote. … Continue reading →

Does Prayer Change Things?

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Devotion/Teaching

16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. 17 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months. 18 Then he prayed again, and the sky poured rain and the earth produced its fruit. James 5:16-18 (NASB) 

I participate in many online and offline theological discussions. Some them have to do with today’s topic and for those whose faith is focused on the here and now rather than the eternal it is perplexing. However, just so we can address this issue, let us ponder it in the correct fashion. In light of the fact that God is sovereign over all and has ordained whatsoever comes to pass according to the good pleasure of His will (Ephesians 1:11), why should we pray? If God already knows what is going to happen and, indeed, if He has already determined what will happen, what is the point of praying at all? View article →

Reformation Day Should be Bible Appreciation Day

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Opinion ∙ , ,

“I think it’s appropriate today to thank the Lord for the Bible that you hold in your hand.”

(Jordan Standridge – The Cripplegate)  October 31 should be Bible Appreciation Day.

While the world’s children appreciate candy and playing dress up, we Christians ought to appreciate those who shed their blood in order for us to hold the Bible.

If only Wycliffe, Hus, and Tyndale could have seen a vision of my iPhone as they were being killed for their hard work! They would have seen the dozens of translations I hold in my Bible gateway app, or my Logos app, that allows me to have access to so many tools, including the ability to parse Greek words at the drop of a hat! Continue reading →

‘Churches’ Celebrate Halloween With Zombies, Dancing Skeletons, ‘Haunted Hayrides’ and ‘Spooktaculars’

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Opinion ∙ , ,

“Matt Chandler of The Village Church…released a video last week in which he opined that Halloween is, to most people, ‘probably far less about demons and witches’ and ‘far more about candy and costumes and fun for the kids.’”

“Demons are for real. Witches are for real. Sorcery is for real. There is nothing good or clean or funny about any of it,” wrote Alan Morrison of Diakrisis International. “To encourage children to be involved in such things in any way is surely irresponsible and can ultimately be damaging to their spiritual health.” Continue reading →

Four Things You Can Do Right Now to Harden Your Place of Worship Against a Shooter

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Opinion ∙ , ,

“It is critical for everyone on the security team to understand that church members are the first responders. If someone gets through security and starts attacking, you cannot wait for the police to show up.”

(Jeff Sanders – PJ Media)  Sadly, America has experienced yet another maniac shooting up innocent people at a house of worship. On Saturday, a man armed with an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle (which is NOT an “assault rifle” since it cannot fire automatically as only a true assault rifle can) and three semi-automatic pistols murdered 11 people in a Pittsburgh synagogue and wounded several others (including four police officers). This kind of attack on houses of worship is no longer unheard of. Continue reading →

Denying reality at a steep price

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Opinion ∙ , ,

“This is about much more than some people claiming to be the other sex and trying with the help of the media to rig the culture and legal system to their version of reality. It’s a power struggle. The ruling elites aim to make us say that up is down, right is wrong, sweet is bitter and life is death.”

(Robert Knight – The Washington Times)  The idea of two distinct sexes has been acknowledged as fundamental reality for thousands of years by billions of people, biology and every major religion. Continue reading →

Christian faith and hope

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Devotion/Teaching

1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. Romans 5:1-2 (NASB) 

What is the difference between faith and hope? Are they the same thing? They are not the same, but, so-to-speak, they are two sides of the same coin. If I want my old college to win in football against our biggest rival that is hope. On the other hand, if I believe it will happen then it is faith. With this faith, my hope is enhanced. It becomes active. On the other hand, if I have little faith that it will happen then my hope becomes simply wishful thinking. What about our faith through which we are saved by grace? Is this faith simply working up enough belief so that our hope becomes strong, or is there more to it than that? View article →

When Do We Use the Word Sin, and Why?

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Opinion ∙ , ,

“Are we as a church clearly communicating to one another and the watching world what sin really is?” 

(Aimee Byrd – Mortification of Spin)  A couple days ago, I wrote about how even the world of Reformedish evangelicalism is contributing to the sad “State of Theology” that is evidenced in the Ligonier Ministries’ survey. Bad theology is perpetuated in our own circles when ethics is prioritized over our theology of God, his Word, man, and the gospel. Continue reading →

White Coat Sorcery Can’t Hide Child Mutilation and Death

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Opinion ∙ , ,

“On Friday, November 9, a Planned Parenthood clinic on the east side of Columbus, Ohio will hold an interfaith “blessing” on their facility, a place where the lives of unborn children up to 19 weeks’ gestation end.”

(Linda Harvey – Mission: America) It’s not a Halloween horror flick, and it’s not some gruesome, colossal joke.

Child mutilation and sacrifice are becoming so widespread in America that they are now considered sound health care and even “blessings” from God. Continue reading →

Ken Ham Pushes Back After Conservative Commentator Matt Walsh Argues Against a Young Earth

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Opinion ∙ , , ,

“Jesus, the Creator, makes it clear that the first marriage between man and woman (Adam and Eve) came at the beginning of creation. From the chronological information given in Genesis 5 and 11 and in other biblical passages, Jesus was speaking about 4,000 years after this creation,” [Ken Ham] said, noting that the genealogy from Adam to Jesus is 4,000 years.

(Heather Clark – Christian News)  Apologist Ken Ham of Answers in Genesis is pushing back after conservative commentator Matt Walsh recently released a lengthy video explaining why he is not a young earth creationist, but rather believes that the text of the Book of Genesis leaves room for interpretation as to how long a day was at the time that God created the heavens and the earth. Walsh also asserted that advocating for a young earth can “put obstacles in the way” from people coming to Christ because it pits faith against science. Continue reading →

Environmentalists: To Save The World, Dump Your Pets

Posted by ∙ ∙ In News ∙ , ,

“Reducing the rate of dog and cat ownership, perhaps in favor of other pets that offer similar health and emotional benefits would considerably reduce these impacts,” 

(Emily Zanotti – Daily Wire)  According to a study out Monday on global climate change, your dog (or your cat) is probably killing the environment, and if you want to stem the tide of global warming, it’s time to say “good-bye” to Fido and Fluffy.

The study, which appears in the online journal PLOS, claims the human compulsion to seek out animal companionship is one of the primary factors affecting our climate, particularly in the United States where there are 163 million companion animals — roughly one pet for every two Americans — the highest number of any country in the world. Continue reading →

God’s disipline

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Devotion/Teaching

1 Simon Peter, a bond-servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have received a faith of the same kind as ours, by the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ: 2 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord;  2 Peter 1:1-4 (NASB) (Read verses 3 & 4 on the site)

Last night I posted a short piece titled Be Anxious for Nothing which is about how Christians are not immune from suffering, but are called to not be anxious about anything since God is Sovereign and is using our tests and trials for His own purposes. Also, our main weapon in this battle is prayer. After I posted it I received several emails and some comments from readers requesting prayer and thanking me for that post. I take no credit for that. I wrote it as one of you since I am going through pretty much the same trials and tribulations as the rest of the Body of Christ. In this post we will look at another aspect of Christian suffering. What do I mean? … View article →

Should Christians Participate in Halloween? 7 Scriptures to Consider (Repost)

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Opinion ∙ , ,

Is it appropriate for evangelicals to celebrate Halloween? Some say “absolutely not” while others say “what’s the big deal anyway?” Bible study author, speaker and podcaster Michelle Lesley goes right to the scriptures to help Bible believing Christians make their decision. She writes:

Since there is no specific Bible verse that says, “Thou shalt/shalt not participate in Halloween and its related activities,” this is an area of Christian liberty that must be decided by each individual or couple on the basis of scriptural principles and prayer. If there are Halloween activities available to you that do not violate scriptural principles or your conscience or cause you to become a stumbling block to someone weaker in the faith (which may even be your spouse or child), you are free to participate in those aspects of Halloween.

Here are some Scriptures and principles that may be of help as you make your decision:

1 Corinthians 10:23: “All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up.”

Is it helpful? Does it build you/your family up?

1 Corinthians 10:24-30: Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor. 25 Eat whatever is sold in the meat market without raising any question on the ground of conscience. 26 For “the earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof.” 27 If one of the unbelievers invites you to dinner and you are disposed to go, eat whatever is set before you without raising any question on the ground of conscience. 28 But if someone says to you, “This has been offered in sacrifice,” then do not eat it, for the sake of the one who informed you, and for the sake of conscience— 29 I do not mean your conscience, but his. For why should my liberty be determined by someone else’s conscience? 30 If I partake with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of that for which I give thanks?

Who is watching what your family does? Are you serving your neighbor and drawing him closer to Christ by the activities you participate in?    View article →

Research:

Occult – Sorcery

Discernment