Most everyone knows of two deaths, the natural death that comes to all, and the second death in the lake of fire. But Jesus mentioned a third death – the death to SELF. This death, unlike the other two is something that every disciple of Christ should seek to experience. Dying to self is to deny our personal will, beliefs, …
The Trinity: Trick or Treat?
From the title of this teaching, you might suppose, “John is preaching to the choir.” But of course choir members still need reinforcement of their core beliefs, especially regarding an issue as critical as who is Jesus and what is his relationship to God. And John will take a little different tack to emphasize how this confusing, convoluted notion dilutes …
Man, The Image of God: Can An Icon Be Iconoclastic?
This month lets consider what it means to be made in the image of God, an important but controversial topic about which Christians differ greatly in understanding. Grasping its truth will help you see both yourself and others more like God does. The particular English word, “icon,” means “a picture, image, or other representation; a representation of some sacred personage, …
When Was Jesus Born?
It is established that the eclipse recorded in Josephus occurred on January 9, 1 B.C., and that it was not long before this that Herod interviewed the Magi concerning the appearance of the star (December of 2 B.C.). When Herod discovered that the Magi would not be returning, he arranged to have the children in Bethlehem killed, and specified that …
Only You Can Prevent A Forest Fire—Or Start One
God chose WORDS as the means of communication between Him and us, and between us and us. Logically, mastering their use is critical—and perhaps the key to avoiding sin. There are countless verses in His Word about the power of the tongue—for either good or bad. The tongue is a lethal weapon—the easiest way to sin. At least 25 negative …
Two Roads To Glory
As you know, belief in the Lord Jesus Christ is the only way to everlasting life (John 14:6). But did you know that in one sense, he is a divided highway, and both roads lead to glory? Are you aware that the vast majority of Christians are being taught that most everything Jesus said is pertinent to us Christians today? …
Freedom of Speech
Today in the USA we hear plenty of rhetoric about “free speech,” which is supposed to be what sets us apart from other supposedly more repressive countries. The free expression of thought was one of the main reasons the Pilgrims left England and came here. As soon as God made it clear that He would use WORDS as the source …
How To Take Care of Yourself
I’m trying to pay attention to people’s first impressions on me, and mine on them (e.g., doc and nurse)! At the bottom line, it is about BEING like Jesus, and then DOING the works he did. Understanding that makes it clear that our biggest enemy is SELF. Yes, because if I am going to speak and act like Jesus, I …
What Does The Word “Church” Really Mean?
In today’s culture, the word “church” does not have a positive connotation for many people. Rather than it bringing to mind a vibrant group of people, unified in their beliefs and striving to be like the Lord Jesus Christ whom they love and follow, most people think of a building for public worship. One problem is that most Christians do …
We Uncover So God Can Cover
About 2000 years ago today, a relative handful of Christ’s followers, those aware of his Resurrection, were still in ecstatic shock as they pondered this earthshaking event and what it meant to them. Let us remember that Jesus came to solve man’s two-fold problem of SIN and DEATH, and to regain the Paradise that the first Adam had squandered. The …