Are you still in your sins?

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Devotion/Teaching

22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive. 23 But each in his own order:Christ the first fruits, after that those who are Christ’s at His coming, 24 then comes the end, when He hands over the kingdom to the God and Father, when He has abolished all rule and all authority and power. (1 Corinthians 15:22-24 NASB)

“Christian Universalists” say that God would not send people to burn in Hell for eternity. What is their basis for this? They misquote passages such as the one I placed at the top of this post saying that “all’ and “all’ means all people. The basis for taking this stand is this, “I reject that God will send all unbelievers to burn in Hell eternally!” Really? On what are you basing that? It sure cannot be Sacred Scripture unless you are one who takes a little from here and a little from there and ignores context and the rest of it that states the very opposite. View article →

When Anointings Compete – Rafael Cruz Gets Some Pub From Kenneth Copeland

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Opinion ∙ , ,

This piece over at Pulpit & Pen includes a video showing Arch Heretic Kenneth Copeland laying hands on GOP candidate Ted Cruz’s father. Many supporters of Sen. Ted Cruz are unaware that dear ol’ dad is ensconced in the unbiblical New Apostolic Reformation movement (NAR). Copeland says he believes with all his heart that Ted Cruz “is called and anointed to be next President of the United States.” Really? Five years ago former Texas governor Rick Perry was approached by NAR “prophets” who convinced him that God had told them that he was the “anointed president” and that the state of Texas would lead the U.S. to an economic and spiritual recovery. Obviously the voice that spoke to these self-professed prophets wasn’t God. We know this because Rick Perry flubbed up so badly during one of the debates that he had to drop out of the race. Perhaps Gov. Perry felt he should be the one to cast the first stone at those who prophesied falsely…? We may never know.

So, now to Seth Dunn’s report…

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Kirk Franklin to Appear on Kanye West’s Blasphemous “Gospel Album With a Whole Lot of Cursing”

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Christian News Network reports:

Grammy Award-winning gospel artist Kirk Franklin recently joined blasphemous rapper Kanye West in the studio as he is set to appear on the rapper’s seventh release, which is self-described as a “gospel album with a whole lot of cursing.”

A photo surfaced online days ago showing Franklin with the profanity-laden West, alongside other secular artists such as Kid Cudi, Puff Daddy, 2 Chainz and French Montana. West, who also goes by the name Yeezus, a spin off of Jesus, confirmed Franklin’s contribution to the project this past week.

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Therefore, having been justified by faith…

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Devotion/Teaching

1 Δικαιωθέντες οὖν ἐκ πίστεως εἰρήνην ἔχομεν πρὸς τὸν θεὸν διὰ τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ (Romans 5:1 NA28)

1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 5:1 translated from the NA28 Greek text)

In this post we will look at Romans 4:13-5:1 which is the application of the theology that Paul presents in Romans 3:20-31, which could be summarized with the statement, “By works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight since through the law come knowledge of sin, but the righteousness of God is manifest through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe.”  In this time of “doctrinal indefiniteness” that seems to have overridden most of the “visible church,” we must become determined to define the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ biblically and in no uncertain terms that we truly in Christ know what we believe and why we believe it. Also, that we know it so well that we can defend it against all attempts by our enemy and his people to corrupt it and distract us from obeying it. View article →

Beth Moore Teams Up With Joyce Meyer for LoveLife 2016

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Opinion ∙ , , ,

Pulpit & Pen has the story:

Beth MooreBeth Moore, the preacher highly promoted by Southern Baptists’ Lifeway Christian Resources, is headlining Joyce Meyer’s LoveLife Women’s Conference this year. Joining Moore will be Hillsong Word-Faith ‘pastor,’ Christine Caine, and Kari Jobe, the worship ‘pastor’ at Robert Morris‘ Gateway Church.

Moore, who has for several years boasted of repeatedly and prophetically hearing the words of God (source link), recently started a television show on Trinity Broadcasting Network, which is sponsored by the Southern Baptist book retail outlet, Lifeway (source link).

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Rev. Graham: Gay Marriage, Transgenders, “Just the Beginning of a Moral Onslaught on This Nation”

Posted by ∙ ∙ In News ∙ , , ,

CNS News reports:

Rev. Franklin Graham urged evangelical Christians to get involved in the electioral process and “make their vote count,” adding that the 2016 race is vitally important because homosexual marriage, abortion, and now transgender laws are on the table, marking “just the beginning of a moral onslaught on the nation.”

“[T]his is ridiculous,” said Rev. Graham,” for a person to be able to wake up in the morning and say, ‘You know, I feel like I’m a woman today,’ For a man to say, ‘I feel like a woman, I’m going to go into a woman’s bathroom.’ … This is ridiculous.”

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Perceptions of Kay Arthur and Precept Ministries International

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Opinion ∙ , ,

Bible study author, speaker and blogger Michelle Lesley has done a stellar job of delving into the teaching of conservative evangelical Kay Arthur, who is held up as a “great Bible teacher.” Michelle begins with this clarification:

I want to be clear from the outset of this article that, while I regret that I cannot endorse Kay Arthur’s materials or conferences, I do not believe the content of her written or verbal teaching contains or promotes false doctrine, and I am not labeling her a false teacher or a heretic.

Kay Arthur might be considered, and deservedly so, one of the “founding mothers” of women’s Bible study. Kay and her husband Jack served as missionaries in Mexico for 3½ years before returning to the United States and founding Precept Ministries International in 1970. The teaching goal of Precept is to instruct Christians in the Bible “book by book, verse by verse, using the Inductive Bible Study method.” Now in her eighties, Kay is still going strong. She has written numerous books, teaches all over the world, and hosts Precepts for Life, a daily television, radio, and on-line Bible study program.

Kay seems to be a lovely person with an almost tangible passion for people to study and rightly handle the word of God. She is a fine role model for younger women, showcasing growth to godly maturity, and a solid example to older women that serving Christ is something we never retire from. Kay comports herself like a lady and exudes warmth, grace, kindness, and a sort of motherly love towards those under her teaching. She is the kind of woman I aspire to be, and I would very much like to be able to wholeheartedly endorse her.

Because of the plethora of false teachers in the women’s Bible study realm, and due to other issues in question, several readers have written to me asking if I recommend Kay Arthur as a trustworthy Bible study author and speaker. With most teachers this answer comes easily, because there is ample evidence of the teacher’s Bible twisting (or doctrinal soundness) and/or sinful (or godly) behavior. Kay’s case, however, is more complex, so I would like to address the issues which are components in whether or not I endorse a particular teacher.

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Christian unity through humility

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Devotion/Teaching

12 So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. 14 Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. 15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. (Colossians 3:12-17 NASB)

The number one accusation thrown at those who take up the armor of God and use it in the battle as they are called to do, is that they are full of pride. Those who use this fiery dart are equating certainty with pride. Extra Biblical revelation should never be used in the battle by God’s warriors. Instead, the source of truth that is used is the sword of the Spirit itself, the Word of God. Experience is extra-Biblical. Man’s teachings, if contrary to the Word of God, are extra-Biblical. One’s own private interpretation of Scripture and/or experience is extra-Biblical. Feelings are extra-Biblical.

These battles may appear to cause disunity in the Body, but unity that is held together through compromise is false. Christians should never seek to be yoked up with those who hold doctrine or beliefs that are contrary to the truth from God’s Word or are based solely on extra Biblical sources. Unity in the Body of Christ is commanded in God’s Word, but that unity is not based in compromise, but love and humility within those who are obedient to God’s truth. View article →

Rev. Jimmy Evans to Join Board of Mark Driscoll’s New Church

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A few days ago we reported that disgraced “pastor” Mark Driscoll is starting a new church in Phoenix AZ. Christian Post (a site we do not recommend) has more of the details of Driscoll’s new endeavor.

Jimmy Evans, founder and CEO of Marriage Today and senior elder at Trinity Fellowship Church in Amarillo, Texas, has joined the board of the new church being planted by former Mars Hill Pastor Mark Driscoll in Phoenix, Arizona.

Driscoll and his wife, Grace, recently announced that they have begun work on The Trinity Church which is expected to open in the first half of 2016.

Evans revealed to the Amarillo Globe-News that he feels God wants him to help Driscoll’s effort.

“Early on in my relationship with Mark I felt the Lord was putting us together,” Evans told the publication in a report published Friday. “When Mark asked me to be on his board, I prayed about it and felt the Lord was telling me to do it.”

Also on the board of Driscoll’s new church plant are Gateway Church Senior Pastor Robert Morris, and Randal Taylor, vice president of television at Dunham+Company.

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Wheaton College hijab-wearing professor who declared “we all worship the same God” will leave

Posted by ∙ ∙ In News ∙ ,

Religion News Service has the latest on the Christian-identified Wheaton College professor who was suspended after she posted photos of herself on Facebook wearing an Islamic hijab to show solidarity with Muslims and declared, “We all worship the same God.” At the time, Wheaton officials stated that her views were inconsistent with their “doctrinal convictions.” On February 6, Wheaton president Philip Ryken notified students and faculty to let them know that the controversy has “come to a place of resolution and reconciliation. With a mutual desire for God’s blessing, we have decided to part ways.”

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For Necco, a different kind of “Sweethearts”

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Opinion ∙ , ,

The different kind of sweethearts is an 80-something newly married gay couple. In The Briefing, Albert Mohler observes that we see “the importance of the United States Supreme Court handing down its decision, legalizing by judicial fiat same-sex marriage in all 50 states. And so now we have confectioners hiring an advertising campaign feeling that they have political cover by the United States Supreme Court to feature two 80-year-old men as their sweetheart couple for 2016.”

The Boston Globe has the story:

Valentines DayThe ad for Necco Sweethearts candy, features two 80-something men on a couch, plucking conversation hearts out of a box as they discuss their 55 years together.

How a newly married gay couple from Texas became the spokesmen for an iconic New England brand involves a one-of-a-kind convergence of history, romance and candy — 150 years’ worth of tiny, heart-shaped confections.

With the anniversary approaching, the New England Confectionery Co., (Necco) based in Revere, hired Boston’s Hill Holliday to create a digital ad campaign inviting people to share their love stories.

All roads lead to Valentine’s Day for Sweethearts, and a member of Hill Holliday’s creative team, Steve Callan, quickly realized that this will be the first Valentine’s Day in history in which all couples, gay or straight, across the United States are allowed to be married.

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Trump Promises “More Forward Motion” on “Gay Equality” Under Presidency

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Christian News Network reports:

Donald Trump told a lesbian publisher in New Hampshire on Thursday that the American people will see “more forward motion” on “gay equality” under his presidency, citing it as a part of his effort to bring people together.

Trump was interviewed in Exeter by Susan O’Connell, the publisher of Bay Windows, which according to its website is “New England’s largest publication for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender readers.”

“I’m a lesbian,” she told Trump. “And we’ve had some great progress for the gay and lesbian community through politics, through all sorts of judicial actions and elected actions over the past 20 years.”

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Sola Scriptura and unbelief

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Devotion/Teaching

Sola Scriptura       In Sacred scripture alone we find Sola Gratia            Salvation is by grace alone Sola Fide               Through faith alone Solus Christus      In Christ alone Soli Deo Gloria!    For the glory of God alone!

3 And the tempter came and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” 4 But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘ Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.'” (Matthew 4:3-4 NASB)

Unbelief is the fruit of arrogance. I hear nearly every day from some Emergent/Post-Modern know-it-all that certainty is the product of pride and the only ones who are truly humble are those who view uncertainty in all things as a virtue. What is unbelief in this context? To define it we must first define its opposite, belief.

35 Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst. (John 6:35 NASB)

Those who “believe in Jesus” are those who do what? Those with belief come to Jesus to partake of this promise instead of seeking fulfillment elsewhere. These believe God; therefore, those in unbelief are those who do not believe God. They may believe Him in some things, but they do not do so to the level that causes them to place all their trust in Him and His promises as their Lord. Those in belief live within the context of Jesus Christ being their Lord while those in unbelief do not. Oh, they compensate to be sure. They create their own Jesus who is more to their liking. Since they created him, they have him being “lord” in their context, but most certainly not according to that which we are clearly given in Sacred Scripture. View article →

False Prophet Claims Panthers Win in Super Bowl Will Usher in Third Spiritual “Great Awakening”

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Christian News Network (CNN) quoted Chris Rosebrough of Fighting for the Faith. who said jokingly: “You better not be rooting for those Denver Broncos, folks! That’s to be rooting against the Holy Spirit and His plans for the ‘greatest in-gathering’ harvest of all time.”

Don’t hold your breath waiting for the Third Spiritual “Great Awakening” for the reason that if wolves in sheep’s clothing were rated on a scale of 1-10, the highest being a 10, Rick Joyner would receive a 9.9.

CNN has the full story:

Wolf pack 5A false prophet from South Carolina is predicting that if the Carolina Panthers win the Super Bowl on Sunday, it will user in the third spiritual Great Awakening in America and possibly “the greatest in-gathering of all time.” Rick Joyner of MorningStar Ministries in Fort Mill, South Carolina explained his position on his broadcast “Prophetic Perspectives” on Tuesday, which was also posted online. He said that the first person to make the prediction was the late Bob Jones, who he also billed as a prophet.

“[Jones predicted that] when our Carolina Panthers won the Super Bowl, major revival, awakening, moves of God are going to break out in America,” Joyner said.

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Who is El-Shaddai?

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Devotion/Teaching

1 Now when Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am God Almighty; Walk before Me, and be blameless. 2 “I will establish My covenant between Me and you, And I will multiply you exceedingly.” (Genesis 17:1-2 NASB)

In these last days it is imperative that God’s people have a more complete knowledge of God. So, in light of this, let us look at one of the names of God that speaks much about His power and provision. God keeps His part of the covenants He makes and it is this name, El-Shaddai, that God used for Himself that gives us much comfort as we come to understand that He helps and blesses His people. El-Shaddai (   אל שׁדּי  ) – We must never forget that in Hebrew we read from right to left and this name of God is two separate words,  Ēl ( אל), meaning, “might,”  and Shaddai  (שׁדּי ) , meaning , “the Almighty, the Powerful One, or the Mighty One.” As a combined name of God, El Shaddai, which occurs seven times in Sacred Scripture, was the covenant name for God to the Patriarchs until the time of Moses. The Jewish rabbis believed  that the term meant the “One who is self-sufficient.” God’s covenant was moral and ethical in character, not ritualistic or orgiastic. View article →

Mark Driscoll rises from the ashes in Phoenix

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Opinion ∙ , ,

Mark DriscollLaura Turner, columnist for Religion News Service, reveals what’s going on with disgraced “pastor” Mark Driscoll. As previously reported, in July Driscoll confirmed his move to Phoenix, AZ but said he had no plans to start a church. Shortly thereafter he was listed as a director of The Trinity Church. In this piece, Turner reports the details of Driscoll’s new church and then she drops this bombshell:

Driscoll has left a wake of destruction so severe that the entire network of churches he founded had to shutter its doors. He has never taken full responsibility for his abusive tactics, never apologized to many of the individuals who he wronged, and doesn’t appear to have absorbed much of a lesson at all from his failings. But he’s back again, like a whack-a-mole. This is what happens when church leaders don’t take responsibility for their actions, and don’t engage in the kind of counseling they need: They simply pop up somewhere new to wreak the same havoc in a different place.

Although we don’t always agree with Laura Turner, we do agree with her that Mark Driscoll has not taken responsibility for his actions. Thus, “he should find a new job for a while; one that doesn’t involve leading anyone or taking a paycheck from a church. His family needs to heal.”

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Rob Bell, Aaron Rodgers and ‘How To Be Here’

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Opinion ∙ , ,

Berean Research shares the latest on life coach Rob Bell — another book!

Rob Bell’s new book, How to Be Here: A Guide to Creating a Life Worth Living, is going to hit the bookstores soon. And Rob will start a multi-city tour. And do the Oprah thing.

The doctrine-denying author’s latest book promises yet another round of worldly, self-focused fulfillment. Not in Christ, but in, you know, you.

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Christian clichés: The Hedge of Protection

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Opinion ∙ ,

“The popular cliché has managed to develop a mystical quality of cosmic proportions,” says Cameron Buettel of Grace to You. According to Buettel, God may put up a “hedge of protection” but He may also remove it, as he did in Job’s case in order to put his faith to the test. “When He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold” (Job 23:10). Jesus told the apostles to expect trials: “But you will be betrayed even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death, and you will be hated by all because of My name. Yet not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your lives. (Luke 21:16–19)

So, with this in mind is it biblical to pray for a hedge of protection?

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Deepak Chopra Helps M.B.A.s Get in Touch With Their Spiritual Side

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Opinion ∙ , ,

Students are paying big bucks to find out “who am I”? New Age guru Deepak Chopra, spiritual guide to Oprah and Lady Gaga, ask students to “slip into their inner being” to find the truth within and let it out. The Wall Street Journal has the story:

Hindu goddessIn a classroom at Columbia Business School on a recent afternoon, roughly 65 students sat in silent meditation, eyes closed, their smartphones and laptops stashed out of sight.

At the front of the class, Deepak Chopra encouraged them to direct their analytical skills inward.

“Bring your awareness into your heart,” he instructed. “Ask, ‘who am I?’ ”

Intro to Accounting, it was not. Mr. Chopra’s course, Just Capital & Cause-Driven Marketing, invokes Hindu goddesses, features a band of urban yogis and asks students to diagram their “soul profile.” With guest lectures from chief executives and storytelling exercises, the three-day seminar aims to teach M.B.A.s how to design and market ventures that both make money and do good somehow.

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Justification by what?

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)

 

Justification by Faith is a doctrine that was the storm center of the Reformation. It was also a major concern of the Apostle Paul. As we study his epistles we can plainly see that he considered this doctrine to be the heart of the gospel. (Romans 1:17; 3:21-5:21; Galatians 2:15-5:1) It also shaped both his message (Acts 13:38-39) and his devotion and spiritual life (2 Corinthians 5:13-21; Philippians 3:4-14) View article →

Ed Young Jr. spearheads effort to get “Christian” messages on Netflix

Posted by ∙ ∙ In News ∙ , ,

The messages on Netflix people are going to hear will come from false teachers such as Ed Young Jr., Steven Furtick and Joyce Meyer, so this is really really bad news. People who are seeking truth will not hear it from those mentioned here. Christian Examiner has the report:

Netflix viewers can now get more than entertainment from their monthly subscriptions. They can find Christian teaching from the on-demand video service.

Ed Young Jr., Steven Furtick, Joyce Meyer and Andy Stanley now all have teaching series available on the entertainment venue. According to a Religious News Service article, Young spearheaded the effort.

“I believe if Jesus were on planet Earth today in the flesh he’d be on Netflix,” Young, pastor [wolf in sheep’s clothing] of Fellowship Church in Grapevine, Texas, told RNS.

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Obama Calls Upon Muslims, Christians to “Build Bridges”: “We’re All Descendants of Abraham”

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Christian News Network reports:

During his first trip to an Islamic mosque during his presidency, Barack Obama called upon Christians to “build bridges” with Muslims and vice versa, urging greater tolerance for the Islamic religion, which he contended “has always been a part of America.”

As previously reported, Obama’s visit to the Islamic Society of Baltimore on Wednesday was to serve as a gesture to “celebrate the contributions Muslim Americans make to our nation and reaffirm the importance of religious freedom to our way of life.” His 40-minute speech sought to portray Muslims as being an integral part of the fabric of the nation, and to call upon Americans to speak more positively of the Islamic religion.

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Let’s stop snuggling the wolves

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Opinion ∙ , ,

“No matter how much love and humility Bereans have, they tend to take a lot of arrows from their own when contending,” says Amy of Berean Research. She feels that well-meaning scolders are venting at the wrong people. So she provides the brethren with some food for thought:

Many times when those who stand firm in God’s Word as truth are told they have a critical spirit, it is because we have stepped on the tender toes of a teacher that is teaching the opposite of what biblical Christianity teaches. We are told that they are humble people with good hearts, and we need to stop bashing them.

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Supply of the Spirit of the Lord Jesus Christ

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Devotion/Teaching

18 What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice. 19 For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. (Philippians 1:18-20 KJV)

The ESV translates the passage above as:

18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, 20 as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. (Philippians 1:18-20 ESV)

The NASB translates the passage above as:

18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice, 19 for I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 20 according to my earnest expectation and hope, that I will not be put to shame in anything, but that with all boldness, Christ will even now, as always, be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. (Philippians 1:18-20 NASB)

What is this “provision” or “help” or “supply” Paul is talking about and how can we “tap” into it ourselves as we stand firm in these Laodicean days? Let’s see… View article →

Top generals recommend women for military draft

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Christian Examiner reports:

Women may soon have to register with the Selective Service System – the military draft – if Congress alters regulations about who is eligible for call up during a time of war.

On Tuesday, the Army and Marine Corps’ highest ranking officers both said during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on the integration of women in the military that they favored the change, especially since the restriction on women serving in forward combat units was lifted in 2013. The military has also announced it will soon open all combat roles to women – even, presumably, special operations.

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