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The Churchs of Christ and Instrumental Music

AD #1 INSTRUMENTS OF MUSIC
Christ stated in Matthew 16:18 that he would build his church. The Church of Christ today is that church. Because the Church of Christ is the church we read about in the New Testament, it must therefore follow the commands, instructions, and ordinances found in the Bible. More>>

DOES GOD'S SILENCE PERMIT?
When a discussion about instrumental music in worship takes place, the one in support of it will often say, "The Bible doesn't say not to?" Is there any merit in this line of argument? What can we learn from the scriptures? More>>

ON INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
There are those in the body of Christ who tell us that the use of instrumental music in worship is a "non-issue." If worship truly is a matter of being "in spirit and truth," as Jesus said it should be (John 4:24), then one would expect to find something in Scripture about what constitutes acceptable worship, the truth of God in how He desires to be worshiped. More>>

A MATTER OF HEAVEN AND HELL
In a January 26, 2008 interview of Mark Henderson by Carla Hinton of the "Daily Oklahoman", Mark told about the decision of the Quail Springs Church of Christ to use instruments of music in their worship. More>>

PSALM, HYMNS, AND SPIRITUAL SONGS - A HISTORICAL P
Recently there has been a great deal of public discussion concerning the biblical application of Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs as set forth by God in the Christian Age. From this discussion it is evident that many are confused concerning the New Testament teachings on the subject. More>>

BY WHAT AUTHORITY?
Can we know the mind of God (i.e., God's will)? Has God given mankind authority in religious/spiritual matters today? His word, the Bible, should be the authority men seek out in all matters spiritual. More>>

Marriage, Today and Forever... 9/23/2008

FORWARD - SEX: GOD'S GIFT TO MAN - AD NO. 5
One of our Bible teachers once pointed out a profound principle. "God gave the wonderful gift of sex to mankind. He then put a fence around it. That fence is marriage." Sex outside the bounds of marriage is sin. More>>

JESUS AND MARRIAGE
Jesus in Matthew 19:3-6 states, "The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause? And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? More>>

MARRIAGE VOWS
Most Americans recognize that vows are serious promises. They are an important part of our life. When we join the military or accept political office, we vow to defend our constitution from enemies within and without. More>>

THE HOME AS GOD WOULD HAVE IT
Prior to WWII the traditional home was the norm; single parent families, especially due to divorce, were the exception. Discipline was firm, and we were not as concerned about a child's self-esteem as we were the grades on the report card. More>>

MAKING MARRIAGE LAST
Perhaps you've witnessed two toddlers going at each other, upset over which will get their way. It's usually a short-lived event, but it can be pretty intense while it's happening. Sometimes the relationship between a husband and wife can get pretty intense as well, over who gets their way. More>>

AD No 2 BIBLE STUDY BASICS

FORWARD - THE CHURCHES OF CHRIST AND CHRISTIAN UNI
Christ prayed, in John 17:21, that all "Christians" were to be one even as the Father and the Son were one. The rationale Jesus gave was simple: "that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. More>>

DO ALL IN THE NAME OF THE LORD
The Apostle Paul, writing to the church at Colosse, ends a section of practical instruction with these words; "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him. More>>

"NAILED TO THE CROSS"
Patriarchs of the Old Testament like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and other contemporaries never went to the temple to offer sacriﬁces nor did they observe the Passover. Yet, men like Samuel, Jeremiah and King David did observe the laws of temple worship and the Passover. More>>

HEAR HIM!
Those who are deeply concerned about divine and heavenly matters want to listen to Jesus and obey His words. Long before the Lord Jesus was born of a virgin, God revealed through Moses that a prophet would come whom God would require people to hear and heed: "The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your midst, from your brethren. More>>

RIGHTLY DIVIDING THE WORD
God chose to communicate with mankind by using words. Words have meaning. Words often have different meanings, both literal and ﬁgurative. The context always determines the meaning the user has in mind. More>>

THE OLD AND NEW COVENANT
There is much confusion in the religious world today due to a lack of understanding regarding the two covenants found in Scripture, the Law of Moses and the gospel of Christ. The Law of Moses (what we generally refer to as the Old Testament) is certainly inspired by God ("All Scripture is given by inspiration of God" - 2 Timothy 3:16, NKJV). More>>

AD No 3 IS HOMOSEXUALISM CONDEMNED BY THE BIBLE?

FORWARD: THE HOMOSEXUAL ISSUE AND THE BIBLE
To hear some, homosexualism is simply a matter of life-style. To others, it is a ﬂagrant violation of both natural and revealed law. Many will have the attitude of the zealot, "I have already made up my mind, don't confuse me with facts. More>>

NATURAL AND UNNATURAL
In Romans 1:18-32 there is an interesting discussion by Paul in describing the depth of sin and perversity of human beings who rejected the evidences of God. As a result, God permitted them to delve into every conceivable sin and depravity. More>>

CAN A HOMOSEXUAL BE SAVED?
Some one asks, "Can a homosexual be saved?" The answer is a simple YES. Jesus points out in Matthew 12:31-32, that only the sin against the Holy Spirit "shall not be forgiven neither in this world, nor in the world to come. More>>

HOMOSEXUALISM, NATURE, AND THE BIBLE
There are some sexual perversions that violate both divine and natural law. These perversions are condemned by God in both the Old and New Testament. The horrible truth is that these perversions are taught to our children in our public schools. More>>

DID JESUS CONDEMN HOMOSEXUALITY
There are those who claim Jesus never spoke on homosexuality, thus there is no authority to claim such behavior as sinful. If you were to point out Romans 1:26-27 or 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, they would claim these are not the words of Jesus and therefore not binding. More>>

WHY DO YOU CALL ME LORD (Luke 6:46) AD No 6

FORWARD - JESUS AS LORD
In Luke 6:46 Jesus raised the question, "Why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?" It is as good a question in the twenty first century as it was in the first century. We want to take this opportunity to explore the ramifications of Jesus being our Lord, as well as our Savior. More>>

CAN A GOOD PERSON BE LOST?
Can a good person be lost? It depends. Whenever this question is asked there seems to be an implication that a person can be saved by their works. Jesus said in Matthew 19:17: " . . . there is none good but one, that is, God . More>>

WHAT DO YOU MEAN "JESUS IS LORD?"
Some have suggested that "boss" is the closest we have to "Lord" in our daily lives. I beg to differ. An employer, or supervisor, has control over us but ONLY as relates to our job. More>>

JESUS, SAVIOR AND/OR LORD?
Luke 6:46 says "And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?" A number of years ago it struck this writer that there are many folks today who want to claim Jesus as their Savior, but not their Lord! More>>

WISE OR FOOLISH?
When Jesus asked the question, "But why do you call Me 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do the things which I say?" (Luke 6:46, NKJV), he emphasized this inconsistency with the parable of the wise and foolish builders. More>>

JESUS AND RED LETTER EDITIONS OF THE BIBLE
A number of people consider pure Christianity is reflected only in the sayings of Jesus. As a consequence of this misconception of New Testament Christianity many give little or no consideration to anything other than the actual words of Jesus. More>>

RIGHTEOUSNESS EXALTS A NATION AD No 7

FORWARD - RIGHTEOUSNESS EXALTS A NATION
The book of Proverbs states, "Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people" (Proverbs 14:34). America was once considered a Christian nation. The righteousness of its people has caused us to be blessed above every nation on earth. More>>

CALLING GOOD EVIL AND EVIL GOOD
Proverbs 14:34 states, "Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people." So what is this thing called righteousness? Basically, it is defined as rightness, and justice. How do we know what is right and just? More>>

GOD'S GRACE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
"For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age" (Titus 2:11-12, NKJV). More>>

UNASHAMED AND CANNOT BLUSH
"Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore they shall fall among them that fall; at the time that I visit them they shall be cast down, saith Jehovah" (Jeremiah 6:15). More>>

DOING THE RIGHT THING
John Locke (1632-1704), the English philosopher, had a profound influence on the nation's founding fathers, as well as the Restoration Movement (i.e., the restoring of the New Testament Christianity and the New Testament church), which resulted in the churches of Christ today. More>>

SIN IS A REPROACH TO ANY PEOPLE

BE NOT DECEIVED
Proverbs 14:34 states, "Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.� I think everyone reading this can agree with the proverb. However, our problem arises over our disagreement on what comprises sin. More>>

THE WORKS OF THE FLESH
The book of Proverbs states, "Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people� (Proverbs 14:34). Having defined sin as the transgression of God�s law or standard (1 John 3:4), let us look at one of the catalogs of sin mentioned in the Book of Books. More>>

FORWARD - SIN DEFINED
The book of Proverbs states, "Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people� (Proverbs 14:34). In a previous article in our series, "Let the Bible Speak,� we dealt with the fact that righteousness exalts a nation in God�s sight. More>>

LITTLE WHITE LIES, OR JUST PLAIN LIES
In Proverbs we read, "There are six things which Jehovah hateth; Yea, seven which are an abomination unto him: Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood; a heart that deviseth wicked purposes, feet that are swift in running to mischief, a false witness that uttereth lies, And he that soweth discord among brethren� (Proverbs 6:16-19). More>>

WISE OR FOOLISH?
When Jesus asked the question, "But why do you call Me 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do the things which I say?� (Luke 6:46, NKJV), he emphasized this inconsistency with the parable of the wise and foolish builders. More>>

WHERE ARE THE WATCHMEN? AD No 9

FORWARD - THE IMPORTANCE OF WATCHMEN
When writing to Christians in the first century, the apostle Peter pointed out, "there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction" 2 Peter 2:1. More>>

MEMBERS AS WATCHMEN - AM I MY BROTHER'S KEEPER?
In Genesis 4:9, when God asked where Abel was, Cain answered, "I know not: am I my brother's keeper?" Cain was the father of the movement to deny responsibility for the well-being of each other's body and soul. More>>

PREACHERS AS WATCHMEN
Preachers of the Gospel in the New Testament have much the same responsibility to proclaim God's message to man as did the prophets of the Old Testament. Modern man (or should we say "post modern man? More>>

THE OLD PATHS
"Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein" (Jeremiah 6:16, KJV). More>>

ELDERS AS WATCHMEN - HEBREWS 13:17
"Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit to them: for they watch in behalf of your souls, as they that shall give account; that they may do this with joy, and not with grief: for this were unprofitable for you" (Hebrews 13:17). More>>

CHRISTIANITY AND THE CULTURAL WAR AD No 10

FORWARD - IS AMERICA A CHRISTIAN NATION?
Today, a debate rages in the media as to whether or not the United States of America is a Christian nation. Recently our first black president (our second, counting president Clinton) even stated we are a Muslim nation now because of the number of citizens that are followers of Mohammed and worship Allah. More>>

CULTURE'S WAR ON TRUTH
I believe you can sum up our culture's clash with God's word as being over the concept of truth. Our culture believes that truth is relative and there are no absolutes. Our culture is being formed by many who have the attitude of Pharaoh in Exodus 5:1-2. More>>

THE CHURCH THEN AND NOW
Christ, during His personal ministry, announced that He would build His church or ecclesia and that the gates of Hell or Hades would not prevail against it (Matthew 16:18). That the Lord established His church in the first century is a historical fact. More>>

IS CHRISTIANITY SOCIALISTIC/COMMUNISTIC?
Many reading the early chapters of the Book of Acts in the New Testament have contended that the early church was socialistic concerning ownership and possessions. Acts 4:32 is especially used. Note what it says, "And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and soul: and not one of them said that aught of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common" (ASV, italics mine, ER). More>>

CULTURE WARS: A RETURN TO PAGANISM
It would seem, both in society and the church, there are many running the opposite direction from what the Bible teaches. In the body of Christ there are those questioning the authority of Scripture, reinventing the word of God to mean whatever fits their desires. More>>

DEATH - EVERYBODY IS DOING IT AD No 11

FORWARD: THE TWO ROAD IN THIS LIFE
According to funeral sermons preached by preachers of the Christian faith, Jesus had it wrong in His Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 7:13-14). According to the Gospel of Positivism, Christ should have said, "Enter in at the wide gate: for wide is the gate, broad is the way, that leads to Heaven, and many there be which go in there at: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leads to destruction, and few there be that find it. More>>

AFTER DEATH THEN WHAT?
"And inasmuch as it is appointed unto men once to die, and after this cometh judgment" (Heb. 9:27).
It's something a lot of people don't take time to think about anymore, but something everyone should. More>>

IF A MAN DIE, SHALL HE LIVE AGAIN?
The question of the title is asked by Job in Job 14:14. It is a question that has piqued man's curiosity and desire from the earliest of times. The Bible answers the question positively. However, when one even thinks about this subject from a logical viewpoint, it makes sense that man will live beyond the grave. More>>

PREPARING FOR DEATH
James tells us, "Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time and then vanisheth away." (James 4:14) He makes two points: We do not know what is going to happen to us tomorrow and that life is short. More>>

A LOOK BEYOND THE GRAVE
There is always an interest in what happens when we close our eyes in death. Most cultures hope there is life beyond the grave. Christianity alone (John 14:6) gives substance to this universal hope. More>>

CONCERNING THE HOMOSEXUAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN AD No 12

FORWARD - A REPSONSE TO A HOMOSEXUAL FULL PAGE AD
Recently a full page ad was placed in a local paper chiding young people for using the term "gay" to mean dumb and stupid. Words do have meaning and the meaning of words, as well as their connotation, change. More>>

CAN A HOMOSEXUAL BE SAVED?
Someone asks, "Can a homosexual be saved?" The answer is a simple YES. Jesus points out in Matthew 12:31-32, that only the sin against the Holy Spirit "shall not be forgiven neither in this world, nor in the world to come. More>>

ABORTION AD No 13

DOUBLE STANDARDS
In our present "politically correct" world, there are a number of inconsistent views that are irreconcilable. As the wise man said, "the legs of the lame are not equal" (Proverbs 26:7).
Consider three inconsistencies in our present world: (1) Say abortion is OK - however, if a pregnant woman is murdered the perpetrator is guilty of a double murder. More>>

FEARFULLY AND WONDERFULLY MADE
"For thou didst form my inward parts: Thou didst cover me in my mother's womb. I will give thanks unto thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: Wonderful are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well" (Psalms 139:13-14, Emphasis mine, ELR). More>>

ABORTION: POINTS FROM THE LAW OF MOSES
Applying the Law of Moses to abortion is very difficult. The closest relevant passage is in Exodus 21:22-25 where it states that if two men are struggling and a pregnant woman is struck and injured which causes her fruit to depart (YASA YELED), and no harm follows, the man who struck her is fined. More>>

THOU SHALT NOT KILL
The Ten Commandments or Decalogue have been held by Americans to be the symbol of God's law to mankind. In an earlier era they were found in almost every court of this great land. The Sixth Commandment reads, "Thou shalt not kill" (Exodus 20:13). More>>

WHAT ABOUT BEING PRO-CHOICE? AD No 14

FORWARD - PRO-CHOICE: THEN AND NOW
In today's world of political correctness being"pro-choice" has reference to a woman's "right" to choose whether or not to have an abortion. However, in a recent national TV advertisement a woman chose to have her baby. More>>

CHOOSING ONE OF TWO PATHS
In our county, everyone likes having a choice. Who would want to only have one set of clothes to buy? or only have one make and model of car to purchase: Or have to eat the same food day after day after day: We want to have the opportunity to decide for ourselves, to determine what course we will follow. More>>

PRO-CHOICE IN WHAT?
"Pro-choice" is a term that is in itself rather meaningless until it is attached to a subject. An individual who is in favor of a woman's "right" to have an abortion may not be in favor of that same woman's right to choose in exchanging sexual favors for money (as long as she doesn�t charge for it, it is all right. More>>

PRO-CHOICE = PRO-MURDER
The above title sounds very extreme, but we believe that it is a logical consequence of the abortion movement in the U.S.. Recently the Oklahoma Legislature passed new legislation designed to better educated pregnant women on their decision as to whether or not to abort a baby. More>>

GENERATIONAL CHOICES
We Americans living in the dawn of the 21st century once more stand at the cross roads and we must make a choice as to which road we will travel. The choices are clear. We will turn to the right or to the left or continue straight ahead. More>>

PRO-LIFE, THE CHRISTIANS CHOICE! AD No 15

FORWARD: PRO-LIFE THEN AND NOW
In our current Alice in Wonderland world, we become more and more reluctant to say what we mean and mean what we say. For example, if our moral position is pro-abortion, we claim to be pro-choice. More>>

PRO-LIFE = THE ABUNDANT LIFE
In John 10:10, Jesus spoke of His motives in fulfilling the will of God, which would ultimately involve His death on the cross. While some may use others for their own selfish gain, Jesus has nothing but our best interest at heart. More>>

CELEBRATE LIFE NOT DEATH!
In the United States, there is at present only one state, Oregon, that allows euthanasia or doctor assisted suicide. "On October 27, 1997 Oregon enacted the Death with Dignity Act which allows terminally-ill Oregonians to end their lives through the voluntary self-administration of lethal medications, expressly prescribed by a physician for that purpose. More>>

PRO-LIFE AND THE EARLY CHURCH
The early Church existed in a time where abortion and infanticide were commonplace in Roman and Greek society. In Roman law, abortion and infanticide were considered the same. An infant did not have legal status until the head of the family accepted it. More>>

PRO-LIVE AND THE LIVING DEAD
There is an interesting statement in 1 Timothy 5:6 concerning certain Christian widows, "But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth." Oh how we Americans have drifted from our roots! Thomas Jefferson, while the ambassador to France, warned his contemporaries against the custom of sending their young people to France for their advanced education. More>>

IS HELL REAL? AD No 16

HEAVEN OR HELL?
Make no mistake of it, when we die we will go either to Heaven or to Hell. Since our authority for the existence of Heaven also tells us there is a Hell, then if Heaven is real, then so is Hell. We are told by Jesus in Matthew 25:41 that the eternal fire was originally prepared for the devil and his angels. More>>

HOW LONG WILL HELL ENDURE?
In the most recent surveys we were able to find concerning how many people believe in a literal Heaven and Hell, there is a difference of about 25%. That is, about 25% more people believe in Heaven than in Hell. More>>

THE REAL HELL
When we let the Bible speak, we find that Hell, as revealed in the Gospel of Christ, is a New Testament (NT) concept. The word hell in the Old Testament is translate by the Hebrew sheol and occurs 65 times. More>>

WHY IS HELL REAL?
When you examine the words of Christ as recorded in the gospel accounts of the New Testament, it is revealing to see Jesus spent more time warning about the dangers of hell than speaking of the joy of heaven. More>>

FORWARD - DO AMERICANS STILL BELIEVE . . .
DO AMERICANS STILL BELIEVE THERE IS A HELL?
According to Bama Research (2003), "the vast majority continues to believe that there is life after death, that everyone has a soul, and that Heaven and Hell exist. More>>

AMERICA MUST TRUST IN THE ALMIGHTY AD No 17

FORWARD - WE MUST ONCE MORE TRUST IN GOD
A humorous business proverb says, "In God we trust, all others cash." This is, of course a take off from the motto, IN GOD WE TRUST, found on our money. America has traditionally believed in Jehovah, the God Almighty of the Bible. More>>

TRUST THE ALMIGHTY IN MORALS
When we speak of God as Almighty, it is more than just a title; it is descriptive of His nature, of His being. God is omnipotent, omnipresent, and omniscient; there is no one like Him. As the Psalmist says, "Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and His greatness is unsearchable" (Psalm 145:3). More>>

NO GOD - NO RIGHT - NO WRONG
In recent years this writer has heard numerous times folks either say or write that "We cannot legislate morality." That statement is patently false. Nearly all the laws of our nation are moral judgments and certainly legislate morality. More>>

TO PRAY OR NOT TO PRAY
On April 15, 2010, a federal judge in Wisconsin ruled that our country's National Day of Prayer is unconstitutional because it calls on Americans to take part in a religious activity and that it violates the Constitution's prohibition against government establishment of religion. More>>

AMERICA MUST TRUST IN THE ALMIGHTY!
America has traditionally accepted the existence of the God of the Bible and recognized his rule in the nations as well as in the lives of individuals. This fundamental faith in Him, His Son, and His book the Bible has made us unique in Western Civilization. More>>

AMERICA - IS OUR LAND BEING DEFILED? AD No 18

FORWARD - DEFILING AMERICA IN THE TWENTY-FIRST CEN
Defile means to make dirty, spoil, or pollute. Americans understand that those that burn or trample on our flag have in fact defiled our great nation. In a moral sense those that trample on our Christian values have also defiled this great nation. More>>

HOW ABORTION IS DEFILING AMERICA
Since the legalization of abortion in the United States, more than 49 million of them have taken place. What was originally promoted as a procedure that would only be used in emergency situations has become a commonplace occurrence. More>>

HOW IS SAME SEX MARRIAGE DEFILING AMERICA? A QUEST
In recent years, the homosexual organizations have been very vocally pushing to have their perversions legitimatized. There many searches for a "gay gene," which will prove that some were born with that propensity. More>>

HOW IMMORALITY IS DEFILING AMERICA
Morality is defined as "principles concerning the distinction between right and wrong or good and bad behavior." In Western Civilization the Bible has always been considered the bedrock of what constitutes right and wrong. More>>

HOW EASY DIVORCE IS DEFILING AMERICA
In Proverbs 14:34, it states that "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people." Divorce is rampant in our society today. There is no one reading this article that has not either been in a divorce or knows someone that has experienced a divorce. More>>

WHAT ABOUT ISLAM? AD No 19

FORWARD - ISLAM IN PERSPECTIVE
To most Americans, Islam is simply one of the three major religions that worship the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This myth has been encouraged in the past but deserves a closer look in today's world. More>>

ISLAM: IS JESUS THE SON OF GOD?
What does Islam say about Jesus Christ? As stated on one Muslim website, "Muslims do not believe that Jesus is God, nor they believe that God ever chose to come down to earth in a form of a man to die for our sins to purify us and forgive us. More>>

COMPARING RESPONSES TO CRITICISM
Last year, in response to Islamist threats against Trey Parker and Matt Stone's making fun of the prohibition against portraying Mohammed on "South Park", Molly Norris, in the Seattle Weekly, published a cartoon proposing an "Everybody Draw Mohammed Day. More>>

WILL WE EVER ADOPT SHARIAH LAW?
What is Shariah law? Basically, it is the common law that is used in Muslim or Islamic countries. Here in the United States, all people are answerable to the laws of our nation. However, in Islamic countries, since there is no separation between church (religion) and state, Shariah is the common law that governs all citizens of that country. More>>

TWO SWORDS - MUSLIM VS CHRISTIAN.
The Muslim jihad and Christian warfare are worlds apart. Although moderate (read "liberal") Muslims tend to define jihad as a struggle to be faithful to Islam or the effort to improve their society. More>>

WHAT ABOUT SATAN WORSHIP?

FORWARD - SATAN WORSHIP THEN AND NOW
It is not only odd but weird, that in our present Age of Enlightenment (i.e., the twenty first century), the worship of Satan seems to be on the increase. It seems amazing that in Western Civilization's flight from the cesspool of ignorance, superstition, and idolatry in the first century world, we find ourselves returning to this same pagan cesspit of iniquity today. More>>

WHAT ABOUT WITCHCRAFT?
Witchcraft, or sorcery, has always been condemned throughout the Bible. Leviticus 19:26 states, "Ye shall not eat any thing with the blood: neither shall ye use enchantment, nor observe times." Deuteronomy 18:10-14 states, "There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, 11 Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. More>>

SATAN WORSHIP AND HUMAN SACRIFICE
While there have been many persistent rumors that there are groups of folks here in America and other nations who practice human sacrifice as part of their "Satanic rituals,� we have found it impossible to document. More>>

WHERE DOES FOLLOWING SATAN LEAD?
According to the church of Satan�s website, from their nine Satanic statements, "Satan represents indulgence instead of abstinence� (statement 1), and "Satan represents all of the so-called sins, as they all lead to physical, mental, or emotional gratification� (statement 8). More>>

TO CHRISTIANS THERE IS BUT ONE GOD AND ONE LORD
In writing to Christians at Corinth in the first century the Apostle Paul pointed out, "we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one. For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many) But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him� (1Corinthians 8:4-6). More>>

WHAT ABOUT THE OLD AND THE NEW TESTAMENTS AD No 21

FORWARD - CONFUSION ABOUNDS
The apostle Paul, in writing to the young preacher Timothy (2 Timothy 2:15) admonished him to rightly divide "the word of truth.� As students of God�s Word, we too must learn to handle aright (American Standard Version) the Bible in order to be approved of God. More>>

BECAUSE CHRIST IS OUR HIGH PRIEST
The Hebrew writer speaks of Christ and what faith in Him should mean when he writes, "Having then a great high priest, who hath passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession� (Hebrews 4:14). More>>

THE OLD AND NEW CONTRACTS WITH GOD
The Old and New Testaments are founded on the idea of a covenant (or contract) between God and man. The contract in the Old Testament is between God and the Israelites. In Deuteronomy 5:1 Moses told the Israelites that, "These be the words which Moses spake unto all Israel on this side Jordan in the wilderness, in the plain over against the Red sea, between Paran, and Tophel, and Laban, and Hazeroth, and Dizahab. More>>

WHY THE OLD AND THE NEW TESTAMENTS
All most everyone understands that the Bible is made up of two parts called the Old and New Testaments (or to be precise "Covenants�). Most church people believe these Scriptures come from God. As the Apostle Paul expressed it, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works� (2 Timothy 3:16-17). More>>

HAS THE OLD TESTAMENT BEEN ABOLISHED?
Often many folks have difficulty making the distinction between the Old Testament and the New Testament. Occasionally, some of our Bible translations muddy the issue. The original word rendered "destroy� (Matthew 5:17-18) is intensive, and describes the violent tearing down of something much like a heavy wrecking ball that is used to tear down an old building to make way for the new. More>>

WHAT IS TRUTH IN TODAY'S WORLD AD No 22

FORWARD - CAN WE KNOW TRUTH TODAY?
Sadly, In today�s world, there are many who feel we cannot know truth. Others feel truth is relative. Then there are those who affirm, "Truth is what I want it to be.� A dictionary definition states that truth is that which is in accordance with facts or reality. More>>

THE GOSPEL IS THE TRUTH FOR TODAY
Our Islamic friends argue that: as the Gospel of Christ replaced the Law of Moses in the first century, so the Koran (or Quran, if you insist) replaced the New Testament as the law of God in the seventh century - and therefor the Shariah law of Islam is the law or truth of God for today. More>>

CHRIST IS THE TRUTH PERSONIFIED
When Jesus stood before Pilate, "Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end have I been born, and to this end am I come into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. More>>

THE BIBLE REVEALS ALL RELIGIOUS TRUTH
Many would probably say that the title above is arrogant! However, we do not intend it to be. The Bible has stood the test of time, and despite all it�s critics, is still the most widely distributed religious book in the world! More>>

WE ARE TO WORSHIP IN SPIRIT AND IN TRUTH
Worship is defined in the Oxford American Dictionary as "The feeling or expression of reverence and adoration for a deity. The acts or rites that make up a formal expression of reverence for a deity; a religious ceremony or ceremonies. More>>

HOW GRAY IS GREY? AD No 23

FORWARD - HOW GRAY IS GREY?
Over the years, in the world of spelling, grey has turned to gray. We thought we would cover both American and British English! Carl Sanburg correctly made the distinction. In contemporary mores or values, gray deals with "an ill-defined area of activity that does not readily conform to an existing category or set of rules. More>>

THE GOD OF ABSOLUTES
Man has long contended that truth is relative and not universal and unchanging. Pilate expressed it best in John 18:37-38 when Jesus told him that everyone that is of the truth hears his voice: Pilate responded, "What is truth? More>>

MORALITY - OLD AND NEW
It is obvious to any right thinking individual that the "new morality" is simply the old immorality gone to seed! Morality is defined as "principles concerning the distinction between right and wrong or good and bad behavior" and as "a system of values and moral principles. More>>

RIGHT OR WRONG?
"It is always wrong to judge anyone!� Many folks, even some "Christians� have echoed these sentiments, without recognizing the contradiction in that statement. In our nation, and even our culture, for least the past one hundred years or so, there has been a determination to eliminate the very concept of God. More>>

SALVATION IS NOT A GRAY ISSUE
Scripture is inspired by God (2 Timothy 3:16), as "man spake from God, being moved by the Holy Spirit� (2 Peter 1:21). What is written in it, then, carries the authority of God. Peter reminded his readers they had "been begotten again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, through the word of God, which giveth and abideth� (1 Pet. More>>

THE KORAN AND THE NEW TESTAMENT AD No. 24

FORWARD - THE KORAN IN PERSPECTIVE
In response to our study ad on Islam, the Islamic Society of Greater Oklahoma City contacted us with a letter. They stated their goal was to educate, unite and build bridges with other faith groups. More>>

JESUS AND MOHAMMED - ONE DIVINE, ONE HUMAN
Characteristics of their life:
When one looks at the life of Jesus, we have to be impressed with the quality, humility and sinlessness of it. Although the gospels focus on only about three and a half years of His life, His relations with others, including those who were immoral were spotless. More>>

WHO IS GOD'S TRUE MESSENGER?
"Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.� (1 John 4:1) As can be seen from this verse, Christians have a responsibility to question any messenger that says he is from God. More>>

COERCION OR CONVERSION?
While some have called Islam a religion of peace, not all agree this is true when it comes to accepting Islamic beliefs. Coptic priest Zakariya Boutrus, on Al-Hayat TV, June 16, 2005, said, "Islam, as portrayed in the encyclopedia of Islam, in the Koran, and the Hadith, was spread by means of the sword. More>>

ATTITUDES ON GOVERNMENT
As we observe the application of Shariah law in the Muslim world, most moderns are horrified. We hear, and sometimes see, stoning for adultery, the cutting off of a hand for theft, or some other bizarre punishment for a crime. More>>

THE KINGDOM AND THE CHURCH AD No 25

FORWARD - DID JESUS FAIL TO ESTABLISH HIS KINGDOM?
In much of our religious world (i.e., Christendom) there is a good bit of confusion concerning the church (Matthew 16:18) Jesus came to build, and the kingdom (Mark 9:1) He came to establish. To a great many believers, Jesus came to establish his kingdom but was thwarted by the Jews and substituted the church instead. More>>

JESUS AS KING OF HIS KINGDOM
That the church is described as a kingdom in Scripture is seen in Jesus� words to Pilate, when questioned whether or not He was a king. "Jesus answered, �My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence�� (John 18:36). More>>

THE KINGDOM HAS COME
There seems to be a question out there as to if the kingdom of God was established after the death of Christ. We know that it was wished for because when Jesus taught his Jewish disciples to pray in Matthew 6:10, they were to pray for the kingdom to come. More>>

THE PROPHETS PROVE THE CHURCH AND THE KINGDOM ARE
There are many folks today who believe the church Jesus established in the New Testament and the Kingdom of God prophesied about in the Old Testament are two different things. One of the premier scriptures that show they are the same thing is Isaiah 2:2-4. More>>

THE KINGDOM IN THE PARABLES
THE KINGDOM IN THE PARABLES
To the serious student of God�s Word, the parables produce one of the strongest evidences, that in the mind of Christ, the kingdom of God and the Gospel (or His Church) was one and the same. More>>

WHAT ABOUT HEAVEN AND HELL? AD No. 26

FORWARD - BIBLICAL HEAVEN AND HELL
It is interesting to observe that most Americans actually believe in the God of the Bible as well as a home in Heaven when they die. Furthermore, they believe that most of us will spend eternity in that heavenly home. More>>

HEAVEN AND HELL: ARE THEY REAL?
It is shocking to see how far folks will go in their quest to attract people. We suppose it shouldn�t be shocking, since we can see illustrated thousands of years ago, this same difficulty. In Isaiah, the prophet lamented how the people rejected the truth, and coerced the prophets to "See not; and. More>>

THERE IS A GREAT DAY COMING!
If one is to believe the Bible, there is a great day coming. Jude 6 states, "And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day. More>>

JESUS' TEACHING ON HELL
There seems to be a debate in some religious circles today regarding Jesus� teaching about eternity. Specifically, there are those questioning whether He actually taught about hell, eternal punishment, or if He did, that the number of times He mentioned it are so few that it doesn�t warrant our attention. More>>

THE BIBLE ON HELL OR GEHENNA
To most Bible Believers the emphasis of the Gospel (reduced to "good news� in some versions) is on our promised home in heaven and the joys of paradise throughout eternity. Too often dedicated believers are embarrassed to use "hell� with reference to the lost. More>>

NATIONS THAT FORGET GOD AD No. 27

FORWARD - ARE WE A CHRISTIAN NATION?
To most American we are indeed a Christian nation. The founders of this great nation so understood it, and would not have had it any other way. In the Declaration of Independence passed by congress July 4, 1776, the founders mention Nature�s God and state that "all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights . More>>

NATIONS USUALLY FALL FROM WITHIN
There is a statement in Daniel concerning Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, about God�s overruling providence, even in the kingdoms of the world that says "The sentence is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones; to the intent that the living may know that the Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the lowest of men� (Daniel 4:17; ASV, emphasis mine, ER). More>>

WHAT GOD EXPECTS OF US AS A NATION
Anytime we ask the question of what God expects from us individually or as a nation we have to turn to God�s Word for the answer. In Proverbs 16:12 it states, "It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: For the throne is established by righteousness. More>>

HOW DOES A NATION GET BACK IN THE GRACE OF GOD?
"Righteousness exalteth a nation; but sin is a reproach to any people� (Proverbs 14:34). As God is our Creator and Sustainer, it should not surprise us that He desires nations to walk according to His will, to live by His principles of righteousness. More>>

FORGETTING GOD
When Alexis de Tocqueville (a French statesman and author 1805-1859) visited America, he was truly impressed with our religious uniqueness. In his Democracy in America (1835), he wrote, "Moreover, almost all the sects of the United States are comprised within the great unity of Christianity, and Christian morality is everywhere the same. More>>

ABOMINATIONS ARE STILL ABOMINATIONS AD No. 28

FORWARD - WORDS HAVE MEANING
God chose to communicate to mankind by using words. Words have meaning. The Bible (i.e., the Scriptures) is the way God has chosen to make known His will to us (2 Timothy 3:16-17). When God reveals that sins are an abomination in His sight, they remain an abomination, no matter what you or I may think or feel. More>>

SODOMY - AN ABOMINATION
"There shall be no prostitute of the daughters of Israel, neither shall there be a sodomite of the sons of Israel Thou shalt not bring the hire of a harlot, or the wages of a dog, into the house of Jehovah thy God for any vow: for even both these are an abomination unto Jehovah thy God� (Deuteronomy 23:17-18; ASV). More>>

WITCHCRAFT
Last year at this time I wrote an article on witchcraft, which stated that it was a quest for power and control. I would like to point out here that Christianity in comparison is a quest of obedience and service. More>>

CROSS-DRESSING IS AN ABOMINATION TO GOD
Fashion trends come and go, and have seemingly always done so. Some of these trends may simply have to do with style and colors, while others may convey deeper messages about the attitudes and mores of society. More>>

ADULTERY IS STILL AN ABONINATION
If our Puritan forefathers, or the founders of Methodism for that matter, were to come from the grave and find themselves in our permissive society of open adultery, easy divorce, and homosexualism they would be shocked at what they beheld. More>>

THANKSGIVING DAY - OUR NATIONS HOLY DAY AD No 29

COUNTING OUR NATIONAL BLESSINGS
Historically the United States was established as a Christian nation. This country was uniquely blessed by the God of Creation in every way. We welcomed immigrants from every continent. In the past these divers peoples were homogenized and not polarized. More>>

COUNTING OUR FAMILY BLESSINGS
Thanksgiving is a very special time for family. We will have one of our four daughters and two granddaughters with us with lots of good food. However, there are many in our nation today who would destroy the nuclear family as it has been for thousands of years. More>>

COUNTING OUR COMMUNITY BLESSINGS
In assessing current trends in our society, the word self is frequently mentioned. Most appraisals speak of how strong the desire for individual rights is today. For many, the concept of the good of others has been abandoned for "my rights. More>>

COUNTING OUR EMPLOYMENT BLESSINGS
A great number of Americans have become very much aware of one of God�s blessings that is becoming hard to experience in the last couple of years, and that is the one of gainful employment. However, the majority of us are still experiencing this blessing and should be giving thanks to God for it. More>>

FORWARD: THANKSGIVING NOW AND THEN
Most of us remember Thanksgiving at grandmother�s house, the family clan gathered together, and turkey with all the trimmings. At public school we learned how the Pilgrims came to America, how their Indian neighbors helped them survive, and how, after a bountiful harvest, they shared a thanksgiving feast with these same neighbors. More>>

JESUS THE PRINCE OF PEACE AD NO 30

FORWARD: PEACE ON EARTH AND GOOD WILL TOWARD MEN
The birth of Jesus took place in Bethlehem of Judea. The day of his birth is unknown and was not celebrated in the first century. The angel of the Lord appeared to shepherds watching over their flock at night (Luke 2:8). More>>

NOT THE CHILD, BUT THE MAN
This is the time of year when many people focus on the birth of Christ. Scripture records this event in both Matthew and Luke as significant, with a multitude of the heavenly host praising God at his birth (Luke 2:13). More>>

THE PRINCE OF PEACE AND THE PEACE THAT PASSES UNDE
Philippians 4:6-9 says, ". . . do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. More>>

PRINCE OF PEACE OR DIVIDER OF MEN?
Jesus was to be the "Prince of Peace" according to Isaiah 9:6. However, Jesus Himself made the following statement from Matthew, "Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. More>>

BLESSED ARE THE PEACE MAKERS
In the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) Jesus stated, "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God" (Matthew 5:9). Although it is not always possible, the followers of the Prince of Peace should make every effort to work for peace and good will among men. More>>

CHRISTIAN GIVING - AD No. 31

FORWARD: GIVING THEN AND NOW
Most individuals and denominations have their own ideas on what constitutes acceptable giving to God. However, there is one basic, fundamental, fact the remains. Most if not all religions practice giving to their deity. More>>

TO TITHE OR NOT TO TITHE
One of the questions many religious folks ask is, "Do I have to give a tithe (or 10%) of my income to the church?" Although the New Testament does not bind a specific percentage or portion of the Christian's income, we often gloss over the answer, and never really give a biblical answer to it. More>>

GIVING ONESELF
In Luke 9:23-25, Jesus says, "...If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. More>>

GIVING AND ALMSGIVING
Giving is an important aspect of Christian living. It doesn't take a lot of reflection to realize how richly blessed we are by God through Jesus Christ. Peter tells us "that his divine power hath granted unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness" (2 Pet. More>>

STEWARDSHIP GIVING
The concept that everything we have belongs to God and that each of us are simply His stewards in regard to our possessions is quite popular. It is true that in the beginning God created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1). More>>

DO WE REALLY LOVE GOD? AD No 4

FORWARD: THE GOSPEL OF LOVE AND THE GOSPEL
To many, the only thing that matters is that we love God. The real question is NOT, "Does God Love us?" BUT do we love God? The concept seems to be that we merely feel good toward God in our heart of hearts. More>>

MAN'S LOVE FOR GOD
It is not a question of God's love for man; in fact, the question never really has been does God love mankind, as John 3:16 states, "For God so loved the world, that he gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. More>>

GOD IS LOVE
Over and over in the Bible we read that God is a loving God (1 John 4:8, 16). There are so many folks today however, that feel that a God who loves cannot hurt, punish or otherwise cause harm to a person. More>>

REAL LOVE
One of the greatest needs in the lives of so many today is love. Oh, there may be plenty of things out there called love, but they are not the genuine article. What many call love is nothing more than lust and unbridled desire, which promises much but delivers pain, hurt, and disappointment instead. More>>

DO I LOVE JESUS?
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten so, that whosoever believeth on Him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16). Most people who are familiar with the Bible probably know this verse. More>>

THE WORKS OF THE FLESH - AD 32

FORWARD: GALATIANS 5 - THE SPIRIT AND THE FLESH
In Galatians chapter five, Paul is pointing out that Christians are made free from the Law of Moses. Christians are justified by their faith in Jesus as the Christ and it does not matter whether they were a Jew [circumcised] or a Gentile [uncircumcised] (verses 4-6). More>>

GALATIANS 5:21
ENVY, MURDERS, DRUNKENNESS, REVELINGS
Jesus told his disciples, "That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man" (Mark 7:20). He also went on to say to them, "All these evil things come from within, and defile the man" (7:23). More>>

RELIGIOUS AND SOCIETAL SINS
GALATIANS 5:20 - IDOLATRY, WITCHCRAFT, HATRED, VARIANCE, EMULATIONS, WRATH, STRIFE, SEDITION, HERESIES

Following the listing of the sexual sins in verse 19 of Galatians 5, Paul then lists the works of the flesh that can be classified into two groups. More>>

GALATIANS 5:19
ADULTERY, FORNICATION, UNCLEANNESS, LASCIVIOUSNESS
SEXUAL SINS

"Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness. More>>

GALATIANS 5:21 - AND SUCH LIKE
The apostle Paul closes his list of the "the works of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21) with "and such like." This implies that there are other common practices God considers abominable. The dictionary definition of sin is "an immoral act considered to violate divine law. More>>

IN GOD WE TRUST AD 33

THE GOD OF HOLLYWOOD
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, "No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon" (Matthew 6:24). More>>

THE GOD OF THIS WORLD
What god(s) do you serve? Paul reminded the Christians in Corinth, ". . .we know that no idol is anything in the world, and that there is no God but one" (1 Cor. 8:4). In other words, Paul was emphasizing that, although idolatry was prevalent during his day, there was no reality behind those idols. More>>

IN GOD WE TRUST
"In God We Trust" is a phrase that all Americans are familiar with since it appears on our currency. Act of Congress approved this motto for placement on our coins on April 22, 1864. Did you know that God is constantly referred to throughout our history in our government documents (both federal and state) starting with the Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776? More>>

FREEDOM AND RELIGION
To some Americans freedom of religion, as implied in our Constitution (First Amendment) means freedom FROM religion. The AAA (American Association of Atheists) is making a serious effort to remove God from every aspect of our culture. More>>

FORWARD - WHICH GOD DO WE TRUST?
"IN GOD WE TRUST" is emblazoned on our coins, and is a part of our pledge of allegiance - recited in our schools, civic clubs, and veterans' organizations. Judging by the media, electronic and printed, our country's intelligentsia is having difficulty determining which god, if any, we have in mind. More>>

WHAT ABOUT INTELLIGENT DESIGN? AD 34

FORWARD: INTELLIGENT DESIGN PHOBIA
The concept of "intelligent design" and the existence of the universe have always had credence in the scientific community. Scientists in the fields of physics and chemistry have always had doubts about Darwinian evolution. More>>

EVERY HOUSE IS BUILT BY SOMEONE
In the book of Hebrews, we read the following, "For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God" (Hebrews 3:4, KJV). We well remember many years ago while walking in the woods deer hunting and following a trail through the forest, that we came upon something that piqued our interest. More>>

WHAT ABOUT ADAM AND EVE?
There are many who identify themselves as Christians who either do not believe that Adam and Eve were historical people or believe it is not a big deal either way. I suggest to you that they were historical people, and if they did not exist, then Jesus of the New Testament is not the Son of God nor were the writers of the New Testament inspired by the Holy Spirit as they claimed. More>>

IRREDUCIBLE COMPLEXITY
Evolution has been defined as a process of continuous change from a lower, simpler state to a higher, more complex one. The process of human evolution, then, is the theory that our origin comes from simpler, preexisting types of life forms, and that differences are due to modifications in successive generations, from simpler to more complex. More>>

CREATION IS GOD'S INTELLIGENT DESIGN
The Psalmist wrote, "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge." (Psalms 19:1-2). One of the greatest evidences for the existence of God is the marvelous craftsmanship of the universe. More>>

IS SIN SERIOUS

FORWARD: IS SIN REALLY SERIOUS?
To many Americans, sin is no longer serious. This is not the mark of a God fearing nation. This is not the mark of a Christian nation. It ought not so to be in America today. For example: A prominent politician is found hiding a sexual affair with a mistress and a child born out of wedlock - the media response is that it may be a sin but not a crime. More>>

SIN AND THE GARDEN OF EDEN
In the beginning, the first two humans were in a state of innocence and everything was good. They had purpose: God had placed them in the Garden of Eden to work it and keep it. God provided for them: they could eat freely from every tree in the garden with one exception. More>>

GOD WILL PUNISH SIN - ISRAEL OUR EXAMPLE
Most folks today do not believe that a loving God as described in John 3:16 will really punish them because of their sin! In 2 Kings 17:7-18 the northern kingdom of Israel had become so corrupt and sinful that it was said of God, "Therefore the Lord was very angry with Israel, and removed them out of his sight: there was none left but the tribe of Judah only" (2 Kings 17:18). More>>

JESUS AND THE SERIOUSNESS OF SIN
While the term sin has fallen out of use for the most part in our nation, and many of those activities formerly classified as sin are now considered acceptable, it doesn't mean God has changed his mind on what sin is, or how serious the consequences of sin are. More>>

SIN AND NATURE'S LAWS
There is an interesting passage in Leviticus chapter 18. God is speaking of Palestine to Israel at the time they are about to conquer the Promised Land. The whole chapter deals with the abominable practices of the Heathen World, both in Egypt and Palestine (verse 3), at that time. More>>

ARE WE GOD FEARING? AD #35

Forward: Watering Down the Message
The great commission to the church of the first century was to preach the gospel to "every creature" and he that believed and was baptized was to be saved (Mark 16:15-16). The Gospel was more than the "good news" concerning the death, burial, and resurrection of the Christ (Galatians 1). More>>

Fear God, Not Man!
Our loving Savior said, "And be not afraid of them that kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell" (Matthew 10:28). It is amazing to this writer that so many today do not feel that a loving God who sent Jesus to die for us on the cross (John 3:16), should be feared at all! More>>

The Fear of God
In Proverbs 1:7, we are told "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: But fools despise wisdom and instruction." This is expanded on when Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes 12:13, "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. More>>

Words Have Meaning - The Meaning of Fear
The Bible is written in covenant language, expressing our relationship to God and God to us. Heaven and hell depend on our understanding God's will for us, of how we must respond to His will (Deuteronomy 30:15-20; John 3:36). More>>

Where There is No Fear of God
Most Americans are unaware of the effect atheism is having on our culture. The atheist denies, not only the existence of the God of the Bible, but any god. Today they have no respect for religion of any kind but they take a special delight in ridiculing Christianity and the Bible. More>>

THE TRUTH ON JUDGING

FORWARD: THE CHRISTIAN AND JUDGING
To most of us judging is un-Christian. The root of this misconception seems to be based on Jesus' statement in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). Jesus said, "Judge not, that ye be not judged" (Matt 7:1). More>>

"JUDGE NOT" - THE CLASSIC PASSAGE ON JUDGING
"Judge not, that ye be not judged" (Matthew 7:1). Even if you are unfamiliar with many passages from Scripture, this one is probably familiar. It is typically referred to when someone knows their life will not stand inspection in some area. More>>

ALL JUDGING IS NOT CONDEMNED
Have you ever talked to someone about his or her actions and lifestyle choices and they tell you "Judge not, that ye be not judged." (Matthew 7:1)? This would imply that we are unable to say someone else's actions or lifestyle choices are wrong. More>>

AREAS THAT WE ARE NOT TO JUDGE ANOTHER
Many today have gone to the extreme in our overly tolerant culture, to claim that there is absolutely no sense that we can judge another. Those who affirm this are speaking nonsense! An example of this extreme is when one who is supposed to be a Christian says that it cannot be determined whether or not one is saved, or is a Christian. More>>

MAKING RIGHT JUDGMENTS
Part of being a person, made in God's image, involves making judgments each and every day. Although as children, our parents make many of our decisions (or judgments) for us. We still decide with whom we will associate, for the most part, as we do in later life. More>>

WHAT IF A NATION REJECTS GOD AD 41

The Consequence of Rejecting the God of the Bible
The fact that the founding fathers established our republic as a Christian nation is, or should be, incontrovertible. This fact is confirmed when we pledge our allegiance to the flag: "I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. More>>

GOD IS STILL IN CHARGE
Let any natural disaster occur, where there is loss of property or life, and the question is inevitably asked, "Where was God in this?" Let there be some human tragedy, as in the recent shootings in Colorado, or those which have followed, and the question is raised, "Where was God in this tragedy? More>>

HAVE WE PUT GOD IN THE CLOSET?
If coming out of the closet means making something public, then putting something in the closet means taking it out of public view. It used to be in this country that references to God and acknowledgment of God was public. More>>

ENEMIES WITHIN
Many great nations have fallen, not necessarily because an enemy destroyed their defenses, and then conquered their people, but because their own citizens became so dissolute and complacent in their personal lives. More>>

WILL GOD DAMN AMERICA?
Jeremiah Wright is now infamous for using the expression, "God Damn America." In context, the statement was a part of his liberation theology, concept of social justice, and redistribution of wealth. More>>

GOD'S SCHEME OF REDEMPTION - AD 42

Forward: Words have Meaning
The concept of redemption is central in Christianity. Unfortunately, the average American does not have the foggiest idea as to the meaning of redemption, or salvation for that matter. Actually redemption and salvation are inseparably connected. More>>

What Does it Mean to be Lost?
"Lost, lost, oh what a cry," one of our hymns goes. When one is lost, he/she is destined for eternity in hell, apart from God forever and ever. Most people today believe that anyone, anytime, can call upon God and God will readily grant that which they desire or need. More>>

What Does it Mean to be Saved?
Most of the time when thought is given to the word "saved" it revolves around the question, "Are you saved?" I would like for us to give some thought to what it means to be saved.
Being saved means we have had our sins forgiven; for we cannot enter heaven with our sins. More>>

The Redemption of the Body
"And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, in whom ye were sealed unto the day of redemption" (Ephesians 4:30). Redemption is one of the great themes of salvation expressed in the pages of Scripture. More>>

The Redemption of Our Souls
James wrote, "For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also" (James 2:26). Man, it seems, has always known that there is a part of man that lives beyond the grave. More>>

Is Marriage Relevant In Today's World Ad 43

Forward: Is Marriage Relevant Today?
To concerned Christians and religious peoples everywhere - the whole world seems to be collapsing by the onslaught of ungodliness on every hand. The cultural war against Christianity, and morality of any kind, seems to be winning on every front. More>>

What About The Children?
Both Mothers and Fathers are Important. To those who believe the Bible there is no question as to the importance of both genders to constitute the family as God intends. However, those who are either indifferent or atheistic need other kinds of evidence. More>>

What Is In It For Me?
If you are a person who asks what is in a marriage for me as an individual, then none of the items that follow will be meaningful to you. This question already indicates that you are self-centered and marriage is not for you. More>>

Marriage Versus Living Together
"And he answered and said, 'Have ye not read, that he who made them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh? More>>

What About Homosexual Marriage?
To be perfectly blunt, homosexual marriage is stupidity gone to seed! If and when two homosexuals desire to live together in their ungodly union, they can simply go to a lawyer (rather than a preacher) and form whatever kind a legal partnership their unrighteous hearts desire. More>>

The Five Steps and God's Plan of Salvation

Forward: Salvation and the Individual
It was the great English poet Kipling who pointed out that "the sins we do two by two, we must answer for one by one." Solomon, the wisest of the wise, in summarizing the issues we call life stated, "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. More>>

Step One and Two - Hearing and Believing
"For the grace of God hath appeared, bringing salvation to all men" (Titus 2:11). We are saved from our sins by the grace of God (Eph. 2:8), which is in Christ Jesus (2 Tim. 2:1). But how do we become recipients of God's grace in Christ? More>>

Step Three and Four - Repentance and Confession
Jesus, just before being carried into heaven, told his disciples in Luke 24:46-47 that it behoved Him to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, "46And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: 47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. More>>

Step Five - Baptism Into Christ
Must One Be Baptized In Order To Be Saved?
For many years there has been a controversy among many religious folks concerning whether or not baptism is necessary in order to be saved. Most feel that faith only is all that is necessary. More>>

Step Six - Staying Saved By Being Faithful. . .
Staying Saved By Being Faithful Until Death

Becoming a Christian or child of God, is not the end of God's Plan of Salvation for the individual. The next step involves living the Christian life as revealed in the Gospel (Romans 1:16-17). More>>

The Christian Case for Same Sex Marriage-Reviewed

The Christian Case for Same Sex Marriage-Reviewed
C. S. Pearce is the director of media relations for Claremont School of Theology and authoress of an article on the "Christian Case for Same Sex Marriage" as well as a book entitled, This We Believe: The Christian Case for Gay Civil Rights. More>>

The Sanctity of Scriptural Context
C. S. Pearce published an article by the above title in the Los Angeles Times December 2, 2012. One of the main arguments that Pearce uses is that in the first century historical context the passages in the New Testament refer to a special kind of homosexual practice not applicable today. More>>

Marriage is Still He and She
Can there ever be a Christian case for same-sex marriage? Only if you leave God's word out of the case being made. But if you do that, then it cannot be a Christian case for same-sex marriage. More>>

Rationalizing Same Sex Marriages
The Bible is God's inspired word (2 Timothy 3:16), literally meaning God-breathed, coming directly from God to men, moved by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:21). The very words of Scripture are inspired, as Paul reveals by arguing such to show Christ as the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham (Galatians 3:16). More>>

Anathema is Still Anathema
In presenting her case for justifying same sex marriage, she observes, "If you surmise that in 30 AD two men or two women marrying would have been anathemahad it even been under consideration, you're probably right. More>>

What About the Church Jesus Built? No. 46

The Church in the First Century
The church Jesus built (Matthew 16:18) in the first century was quite different from that which most of us visualize. It was very different from the churches we are familiar with in the 21st century. More>>

The Church as the Family of God
When one becomes a Christian, one becomes a member of the family of God. 2 Corinthians 6:17-18 states, "17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. More>>

The Church as the Kingdom of God
One of the ways the church is described to us in Scripture is as a kingdom. Jesus spoke of this when He told Peter that, upon his confession of Jesus as the Son of God, He would build His church (Matthew 16:18), the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 16:19). More>>

The Church in the Parables of Christ
The common misconception prevalent today is that although Jesus intended to establish his kingdom while here He changed His mind and substituted the church. The simple truth is that the church and the kingdom are the same. More>>

The Undenominational Church
What denomination should you join? Why join any? For example: as our nation pushed westward in the process of being settled, there would be many small villages or communities, nearly all of whom were divided religiously! More>>

What About the Bible Itself? No. 47

The Integrity of the Bible Text
In recent years books and movies such as the "DaVinci Code" and others along with an increasingly skeptical culture, at least in the liberal media, have cast many doubts on the integrity of the Bible. More>>

The Bible as Myth
The average American usually has one of two attitudes toward the Bible as the Word of God. One is that the Bible is full of allegories and myths. This is the result of the undermining influence of rationalism for the past few hundred years and is now too often held by the common man. More>>

The Bible as History
When we use the term history, we use it in two senses: what really happened in the past, or about what happened in the past. The Bible in one way or another fits these terms since it asserts certain facts or events that occurred in the past. More>>

The Bible as Allegory
Many contemporary Believers have trouble harmonizing the Bible with current scientific concepts such as the Big Bang theory of creation. As a consequence, they have embraced the position that the Bible is not to be taken literally but as allegorical. More>>

The Bible as Science
The Bible is a book unlike any other work of literature, as it comes to us by the inspiration of God. "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works" (2 Tim. More>>

What About the Christian Religion Ad 48

Religion and Morality
Some religions are seeped in immorality. The morality of the pagan religions of the Old Testament world were so bad that they made Mother Nature herself sick. The practices of the native nations were so bad that God stated, "the land is defiled: therefore I do visit the iniquity thereof upon it, and the land itself vomiteth out her inhabitants" (Leviticus 18:25). More>>

Is There a Wall Between Church and State?
Our present generation has been coerced to believe that religious folks, especially those of the "Christian" faith can be legally required to keep silent about their practice of religion. A good deal of this has been because of the so-called "wall between church and state. More>>

Evangelism Versus Proselytism
This year a great deal of commotion was raised over a news story reporting that individuals in the military could be court-martialed for sharing one's faith. On May 2, 2013, Lt. Cmdr. Nate Christensen, a spokesman for the Department of Defense (DoD), clarified an earlier statement about restricting religious discussion in the military by stating, "Service members can share their faith (evangelize), but must not force unwanted, intrusive attempts to convert others of any faith, or no faith, to one's beliefs (proselytization). More>>

Christianity and Hate Speech
By definition, hate speech is a controversialterm for speech intended to degrade, intimidate, or incite violence or prejudicial action against someone based on their race,ethnicity,national origin, religion, sexual orientation, or disability. More>>

Neo-Atheism and Christianity
Without argument, Christianity and the Bible is the foundation of our American culture. The first amendment of our constitution decrees that there should be no church state (read state denomination of the Christian religion). More>>

What About Christian Worship? Ad 49

Foreword: The Basis of Our Worship
Christ laid down the foundation of Christian worship in John 4:24. Jesus stated, "God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth." In the Old Testament, the formal worship services of the Temple were laid out in detail, as in the days of king Hezekiah of Judah (2 Chronicles 29). More>>

Does God Accept All Worship?
The vast majority of folks would answer the above question in the positive. However, many would do so in ignorance of what the Bible teaches. For example, at least four times in the Sermon on the Mount Jesus plainly condemns the worship of those who are hypocrites (Matthew 6:2, 5, 16; 7:5). More>>

Preaching and Prayer in Worship
When the disciples came together to worship God in the first century, two of the public acts of worship they engaged in were teaching and prayer.Preaching is a critical aspect of our worship. 1 Corinthians 1:21 states, "For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. More>>

Music In Worship
Music undeniably plays an important part in the life of our society. It makes up the largest part of programming on radio, and what television program or movie does not use music in some way? Music not only plays an important part in the secular realm, but particularly so spiritually, as it is to be directed in worship to praise God, glorifying Him, and edifying each one involved. More>>

Giving As Worship
Giving gifts to the gods has always been considered an act of worship. But how does one give to God, who in the words of Paul in describing the Creator and the Lord of heaven and earth, "dwelleth not in temples made with hands; neither is he served by men's hands, as though he needed anything, seeing he himself giveth to all life, and breath, and all things" (Acts 17:24-25)? More>>

The Bible and Sex AD 50

Forward: Sex And Society
To make the point clear - God gave man the wonderful gift of sex and then fenced it in. That fence, as defined by God in the Bible is MARRIAGE. I know - how narrow minded can you get? We must understand that preachers and teachers of the Bible are obligated (2 Timothy 4:1-5) to point our God's will rather than man's. More>>

The Hookup Generaton
Our current college culture has enthusiastically embraced what is termed as "hookups." On July 14, 2013, the New York Times devoted seven pages of the paper to basically promote this nauseating practice among college women. More>>

Sex Before Marriage
Marriage is an institution created and defined by God. Jesus said in Matthew 19:4-6, "Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? More>>

Divorce and Remarriage
While the Bible affirms how marriage is to be a permanent relationship between a man and woman, it also recognizes due to one's "hardness of heart" that sometimes it ends prematurely in divorce (Matthew 19:8). More>>

Sexual Perversions
Sex outside of marriage is considered a sexual perversion by God. One of the Ten Commandments states, "Thou shalt not commit adultery" (Exodus 20:14). Adultery is defined as having sexual intercourse with a person other than your spouse. More>>

Thou Shalt Not Kill And Capital Punishment Ad 51

Foreword: What About The Ten Commandments?

The Ten Commandments or the Decalogue, although intended for and given to Israel at Sinai, has become a symbol of God's Law to Americans. We see this in the effort of infidels to remove God and His laws from the American culture. More>>

Distinction Between Manslaughter And Murder

The main distinction between murder and manslaughter both in the Bible and law as recognized in our nation today is malice and intent! There are many bleeding hearts who take the statements, "Thou shalt not kill" (Exodus 20:13; Matthew 5:21; Romans 13:9), as a blanket condemnation of all killing without any qualifications whatsoever. More>>

Does The Bible Allow Capital Punishment?
Capitalpunishment, or what is commonly known as the death penalty, is the execution carried out by the state of those guilty of certain crimes. God allows for capital punishment to be exercised by the state. More>>

The Christian And Self-Defense
Our society, in many ways, is a violent society. Headlines in the newspaper, breaking news on television, reports on talk radio, all testify to how many people can be prone to use destructive and deadly force against others. More>>

God's Basic Law On Shedding Of Blood
God destroyed the ancient world with a flood. At one time every child in America knew about Noah and the flood. Much of our current crop of children are woefully ignorant of this as well as much of the rest of the Book of Books. More>>

America's Roots And Christianity Ad 52

Foreword: In The Beginning

In the beginning, Europeans poured into America, each bringing their own brand of Christianity. To them religion was not only important, it was a vital part of life. More>>

America's First Amendment
Today we have a small minority of American Atheists who believe that they have the right to "freedom from religion" and they are willing to sue and throw tantrums to get their way! They want no public contact whatsoever with any religious symbols, teachings, or those who would attempt to teach or advertise their religious convictions. More>>

America As The City Set On A Hill
"A city upon a hill" is a phrase that appeared in Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. In Matthew 5:14 He stated, "Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid." Jesus emphasized in verse 16, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. More>>

America's Purpose: Economy Or Religious Liberty?
The events of the Pilgrims coming to North America are usually recalled during the Thanksgiving holiday. Almost everyone knows the voyage on the Mayflower from England was difficult at best, and that few of those who landed at Plymouth Rock knew what challenges they would face. More>>

America At The Crossroads
In the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17), God warned Israel against worshiping other gods by stating, "I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; and shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments" (verses 5-6). More>>

Is It Ever Right To Lie? Ad 53

Foreword: Have We Become A Nation Of Liars?
America's culture has Christianity as a foundation. It is the foundation upon which our nation rests. Destroy the foundation and you have successfully destroyed the nation. Regardless of how difficult it is to accept - we DO have a segment of our society that hates America and everything it stands for. More>>

God Hates A Lying Tongue
God Hates A Lying Tongue "These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren" (Proverbs 6:16-19). More>>

God Cannot Lie - The Limitation Of God
Did you know that God has limitations? He has imposed them on Himself and without them He would not be God. He is the only being that is unable to lie. In Hebrews 6:18 we are told "...it is impossible for God to lie. More>>

Lying And The New Morality
We are a nation of liars. This statement is not so much an opinion, as it is the conclusion of researchers regarding the speech patterns of many in our nation. Surveys tell us 91% of Americans believe there is nothing wrong with lying, depending on the circumstances. More>>

What About Swearing Oaths?
There are two kinds of oaths commonly used in our culture. The most common, of course, is the vulgar, obscene, and blasphemous expression in which an individual asks God to damn this or that. This violates the Third of God's Ten Commandments - "Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain" (Exodus 20:7). More>>

Repent of What? Ad 54

Foreword: Why Repent?
One of the wonderful things about today is that we evidently live in a sinless world. There is no longer right or wrong, good or bad, nor black or white. We live in a lovely world where everything is gray. More>>

What is the Meaning of Repent?
There are certain terms found in Scripture that have spiritual significance, but are not used very often in the secular realm. Repent (verb), or repentance (noun), is one of these terms. Just because it is not used in everyday occurrence, however, does not negate its importance to us in Christian living, either in the kingdom of God or the world in which we live. More>>

The need for Repentance in Today's World
If we look at the world through the lenses of God's Word, we can all agree that there is a need for repentance in today's world. However, many in the world today will not see a need for repentance since they do not recognize God's definition of what is right or wrong. More>>

Is it ever to late to Repent?
Is It Ever Too Late To Repent? The apostle Paul, describing the honor God has conveyed upon Jesus wrote, "Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Philippians 2:9-11). More>>

Repentance as part of becoming a Christian
Both John the Baptist and Jesus, during His personal ministry, preached that Israel must repent for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand (Matthew 3:1-2 and 4:17). Repentance has been defined as a change of heart that leads to a change of life. More>>

Did God Really Write the Bible? AD 55

The Bible Has Stood The Test Of Time
The New Testament has stood the test of time. It has brought peace to the hearts of the troubled, hope to those without hope, and salvation to those that will walk in its way. Although unceasingly attacked and undermined by skeptics, infidels, and atheists - it has stood and will stand until the final Judgment Day of the Almighty. More>>

Did God Actually Write The Bible?
Did God literally write the Bible? The only part of the Bible that God literally wrote were the two tables of testimony. It is recorded in Exodus 32:16, "And the tables were the work of God, and the writing was the writing of God, graven upon the tables. More>>

The Integrity Of The Text
The Bible is a book unlike any other work of literature, as it comes to us by the inspiration of God. "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works" (2 Tim. More>>

Science Proves God Wrote The Bible
It may seem ironic to some that we would even write such a statement as the title above. However, it is a fact that God inspired men who wrote the Bible as much as fifteen hundred (1,500) years before Christ with information that modern science has only confirmed in recent years! More>>

Man's Need For God's Revelation
It seems like it was Plato that declared, "We cannot know God except He reveal himself to us." It was Paul addressing the philosophers at Athens (Acts 17), that pointed out that the ignorance of the God of Heaven and His will was once overlooked but that NOW He commands all men everywhere to repent (verse 30). More>>

The Danger of Drugs Ad 56

Of Drugs and Druggies
In 1947 I was stationed with the Navy in the Federal Building in, what was then, beautiful San Francisco. Then there was the Mission Street slum with Winos cluttering the sidewalks. It reminded me of Detroit's Third Street when I was sworn in. More>>

The Positive Benefits From Prohibiton
Statistics can be deceptive at times, depending on how they are collected and interpreted. When considering the effects of the 18th Amendment of the Constitution, which dealt with Prohibition of alcoholic beverages, all kinds of conclusions have been promoted from statistical analysis, not only during the ban on alcohol production and consumption, but before and afterwards. More>>

What Does the Bible say about Drugs?
The class of drugs I am addressing are mood altering drugs. Some of these drugs are legal (with and without a prescription) and the remainder are illegal.
It is very simple for Christians to stay away from illegal drugs. More>>

Mood Altering Drugs
As we write this, at least two states have decriminalized the recreational use of marijuana. It and many other drugs or substances have been used to change or alter the mood of individuals. This writer is not a medical doctor, or psychologist, and disclaims any medical expertise. More>>

America's War Games on Drugs
On June the 18th, in the year of our Lord 1971, President Richard Nixon declared a War on Drugs. The Obama administration, with a number of states declaring marijuana legal, tacitly considers the war over and the term "War on Drugs" counterproductive. More>>

THE WAR ON MARRIAGE AD 57

Foreword: The Wrong Side of History

The ancient Chinese curse, "May you live in interesting times" certainly fits America in the 21st century. Our nation faces tremendous challenges and therefore must make fundamental decisions concerning our direction in the future. More>>

Love and Marriage
There is a song made popular by Frank Sinatra many years ago. The lyrics of the first verse are as follows:
Love and marriage, love and marriage
They go together like a horse and carriage
This I tell you brother
You can't have one without the other

It is a great song and generally expressed the attitude of committed love. More>>

The Family As God Defines It
My iMac computer dictionary defines family as "a group consisting of parents and children living together in a household." This is fairly in line with the Bible when it states in Ephesians 5:31, "For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. More>>

Should A Family Have Two Moms?
There are those today who contend the rapidly changing patterns of morals in society reveal the traditional father/mother home is now just one possibility among many. Along with this, the typical portrayal of fathers in the home is that of a self-absorbed person who has no clue how to parent his children, along with no desire to do so. More>>

The Cultural War On Marriage
The cultural war in America includes the current war on marriage. The normal definition of marriage is, "the formal union of a man and a woman, by which they become husband and wife."
This traditional definition is certainly in harmony with what God revealed in Genesis. More>>

GOD'S WELFARE PLAN AD 58

Foreword: Welfare Then and Now
When it comes to disaster relief, Americans as a nation and as individuals are most generous in coming to the aid of those in need - at home and abroad. This is, of course, part of American exceptionalism, which in turn is based, in part or in whole, on the teachings of the Bible and Christianity. More>>

Work is Good for the Soul
Is"work" considered a profane four-letter word today? Many do not appreciate the biblical teachings concerning our requirement to work for the things we need. God placed the word "work" with its derivatives at least seven hundred and fifty times in the Bible! More>>

Remember the Poor
In Matthew 7:21 Jesus tells us, "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven." So what is the will of God for the church and Christians in regard to benevolence? More>>

The Family and Benevolence
Perhaps you have heard the saying, "Charity begins at home." It is a saying that emphasizes the need for helping one's family, those closest to you, along with others that you have the opportunity to do good (Galatians 6:10). More>>

Welfare under Moses
Although the Law of Moses was nailed to the cross (Colossians 2:14), it does give us an insight as to how God would have the poor and needy taken care of. In giving commands concerning the poor God observed, "the poor shall never cease out of the land" (Deuteronomy 15:11). More>>

WILL GOD HEAR YOUR PRAYER? AD 59

Foreword: All About Prayer
Prayer is an integral part of Christianity; and most other religions as well. This is made clear by Paul's admonition when writing to the Christians at Thessalonica (1 Thessalonians 5:17), in the Bible. More>>

The Sinner's Prayer
Many religious groups, to supposedly lead someone into a saved relationship with God, have people pray something referred to as "the sinner's prayer." There are different models used for this prayer, but typically, it contains an acknowledgment of contrition and repentance, a request of God for forgiveness and renewal, and a commitment to a more spiritually focused life. More>>

Does God Hear Prayers Unconditionally?
"Does God hear prayers without condition?" This is a good question. The only way we can answer that is by letting the Bible speak concerning this matter.
If you answer this question with a "Yes," then how do you explain the following scriptures? More>>

God Will Not Hear Sinner's Prayer's
Somewhere in the human psyche most have had drummed into our minds the concept that God will hear and answer anyone's prayer anytime! In fact, we would guess that many who read this will become enraged that we would have the nerve to suggest anything else! More>>

Prayer And The Father Child Relationship
In the great Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), Jesus gave His disciples what we usually call The Model Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13).Christians are instructed to address the Creator as, "Our Father which art in heaven" (verse 9). More>>

The Church In The Bible Ad 60

Foreword: The Church Then and Now
When we consult the Bible, we find the church of the first century is different from the church (as we see it) in the twenty first century. The Renaissance not only had an effect on the arts and sciences but a rebirth of learning of the Scriptures. More>>

The Church as the Kingdom of God
In the pages of Scriptures, the church is referred to in various ways, each of which emphasizes a different aspect, an important characteristic of its importance to God and to us. It is called the body of Christ (Ephesians 1:22-23), as well as the bride of Christ (2 Corinthians 11:2). More>>

The Church as the Family of God
The Church has many aspects that are identified throughout the New Testament. In Ephesians 1:22-23 the church is referred to as a body with Christ as its head. In Colossians 1:13-14 the church is referred to as the kingdom of God's dear Son. More>>

The Church as the Temple of God
When one thinks of the Temple of God, most will go back in the Old Testament to the beautiful and valuable temple built by Solomon after his accession to the kingdom. Beginning in 1 Kings 6 we have the description of that temple. More>>

The Church Jesus Built
During the personal ministry of Christ, He announced to Peter, "I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it" (Matthew 16:18). The promise was based on the fact that He was "the Christ, the son of the living God" (Verse 16). More>>

WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO HELL? AD 61

Foreword: Political Correctness Gone to Seed
There was a time in America when most Americans put on their "Sunday go to meeting suit" and assembled at the church. They knew God loved them and sacrificed His Son on the Cross that they might escape the judgment of the ungodly (Romans 1:18ff). More>>

The Terminology of Eternal Punishment

Is eternity real? Scripture reveals to us that the opportunity for eternal life is available by the grace of God through the blood of Jesus Christ. "Though he was a Son, yet learned obedience by the things which he suffered; and having been made perfect, he became unto all them that obey him the author of eternal salvation" (Hebrews 5:8-9). More>>

What is Hell Really Like?
When you ask someone what they think Hell is really like, they will tell you it is a place of torment and suffering, or it is an unknown bad outcome after death. The only way to answer this question is to go to the scriptures to see what they say about Hell. More>>

Is it Reasonable to Believe in Hell?
Most folks today believe there is a better place, for those who live well or righteously, after their death. Nearly every religion understands and teaches some form of afterlife. Jesus certainly taught this when He stated, "Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation" (John 5:28-29). More>>

Life's Freeway Leads to Hell
Most of us are only too familiar with freeways. We like them. They take us were we want to go and in a hurry. We appreciate the limited access and lack of stoplights. We do not have to slow down for schools or stop for trains. More>>

GOD'S LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT AD 62

FOREWORD: OF WILLS AND TESTAMENTS
When we consult a dictionary, it will tell us a testament is a persons will. We understand that a will contains our instructions to the living concerning our desires, after we die. However, in Bible usage the Greek term (diatheke) often carries the concept of a covenant or dispensation. More>>

IS CHRIST'S TESTAMENT THE ONLY WAY?
A survey by the Pew Forum of Religion and Public Life asked respondents about religious beliefs and practices. The results of the survey showed overwhelming majorities of Americans believe in God (or a "universal spirit"), but substantial majorities from all major religious categories say they believe their religion is not the only path to eternal life, and that there's not just one correct version of their faith. More>>

WHY THERE ARE TWO TESTAMENTS
When I speak of two testaments, I am referring to the Law of Moses as the Old Testament and the Gospel of Christ as the New Testament. The Law of Moses was a covenant established only with the Jews and not with anyone else (Deuteronomy 5:2-3). More>>

MUST ONE BE A CHILD OF GOD TO INHERIT?
A Will or Testament is a formal document that defines the disposition of the properties or estate that one possesses after their death (Hebrews 9:15-17). In the sense that we use these terms today, one does not have to be related to a person to inherit, but only to be named in the Will of the person. More>>

COMMUNICATING THE LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT
Does God really talk to people today? If the New Testament, is in fact, the last Will and Testament of Jesus Christ (Hebrews 9:15-17) we will of necessity consult His will to learn what He desires of us. More>>

TELLING THE TRUTH IN TODAY'S WORLD AD 63

Foreword: Shall We Become a Nation of Liars?
America was founded on the Bible as God's inspired word. It was considered God's revelation to mankind. As the apostle Peter expressed it, "Prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost" (2 Peter 1:21). More>>

An Interpreted Lie is Still a Lie
According to Webster, a lie is to make an untrue statement with intent to deceive; to create a false or misleading impression. The terms used in the New Testament carry the same idea. God is characterized by truth and cannot lie (Titus 1:2), and such is also true of Jesus (John 14:6). More>>

What About When We are Expected to Lie?
Each day America is resembling the people of Crete of the first century as Paul describes them in Titus 1:12-13. Paul states that one of their own declares that Cretians are always liars and that this witness is true. More>>

What About Honor and Integrity?
Earlier in the history of America, many thousands of dollars were committed to others with simply a handshake or the giving of their word. One was expected to do exactly what he said he would do! This is directly related to respect for the teachings of Jesus, and the Old Testament (see Proverbs 19:1). More>>

Why the Greatest Generation was Great
Tom Brokaw wrote The Greatest Generation, published in 1998. Tom once lived in the little town of Bristol, South Dakota. Bristol was founded by Tom's great-grandfather and is still considered this writer's "home town. More>>

GOD'S WOMAN IN TODAYS WORLD AD 64

Foreword: Real Progress Due to Christianity not Social Engineering
Contemporary society has done a commendable job of distorting God's design of the social structure of mankind as He intended for it to be. God's revelation of His will to man (that is the Bible) begins by stating, "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth" (Genesis 1:1). More>>

Women in the Ministry of Christ
"And there were also women beholding from afar: among whom were both Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome; who, when he was in Galilee, followed him, and ministered unto him; and many other women that came up with him unto Jerusalem" (Mark 15:40-41). More>>

God and Radical Feminism
The online Merriam-Webster dictionary defines feminism as "The belief that men and women should have equal rights and opportunities." This definition does not address what feminism has become and that it is pushing equality without distinction and that men and women are interchangeable and are the same. More>>

Motherhood in God's Family
Modern Feminism has robbed many families today of the true portrait of Motherhood as shown in the Bible. The biblical picture of the family and the roles of father and mother probably seem, to many, today to be antiquated or Victorian, but this relationship is greatly needed in our modern culture where so many are adrift. More>>

Are You a Mary or a Martha?
Women were prominent in the ministry of Christ. They often supported Jesus out of their substance (Luke 8:1-3). In this group, Mary Magdalen is listed. In our post-Puritan age, she is often falsely said to be a mistress of Christ. More>>

IS THE BIBLE REALLY GOD'S WORD? AD 65

Foreword: How does God communicate with man?
God is the author of two great books -- the book of Nature and the Book of Revelation (that is the Bible). The book of Nature is reflected in the world of Science, as man explores the intricacies of God's creation. More>>

Is the Bible really History?
Many today who watch "biblical" shows on Discovery channel, or the History channel believe that the Bible is not an accurate account of history, especially that which is before the time of Jesus. We surely admit that not every incident, battle, king or other person mentioned in the Bible can be identified with certainty. More>>

Is the Bible really Scientific?
The Bible is a book unlike any other work of literature, as it comes to us by the inspiration of God. "All scripture is given by inspiration of God" (2 Timothy 3:16-17). There can be no error in what Scripture communicates to us, as the perfect God is its author and source. More>>

Is the Bible Reasonable?
The Age of Reason became a part of Western Civilization in the 18th century. It centered on the power of the mind to think, understand, and form judgments logically. It was seeped in the concept that man could reform society with toleration, science, and skepticism. More>>

Creation or Chance?
There are two ways of explaining the world around us. It was put here by design or it is here by pure chance. These two views are respectively defended by the Bible and the theory of evolution and they cannot be harmonized. More>>

AMERICAN ATHEISM IN TODAY'S WORLD AD 66

Foreword: America and Atheism
According to my trusty dictionary, Atheism is defined as "the belief that God does not exist." It also points out that the word comes from the Greek combining "without" and "theos" (God). Although that pretty well summarizes their condition, it is another subject. More>>

Atheism and a purpose in Life
The "New Atheists," as they are called, are new in the sense of their vitriolic opposition to those who disagree with their position. It is more aggressive than the intellectual discussions atheists of the past held with those who hold to a belief in the existence of God. More>>

Atheism and Morality
For the purpose of this article I am using the terms "ethics," "morals," and "morality" synonymously. Morals relate to principles of right and wrong in our behavior. The Judeo-Christian behavior is governed by the truth and moral principles revealed in the Scripture. More>>

Atheism and the Family
There are not many societies today that can claim to have a majority that are atheistic except the Communist states of Russia, China or North Korea. One of the great problems with this is that the information from these nations is questionable as to its accuracy. More>>

Atheism Verses Charity
America has the reputation for being the most charitable nation in the world. Whenever and wherever mother nature strikes, Americans are quick to respond with individual and collective aid. This aid is provided regardless of the religious, ethic, or political background of the people in need. More>>

GOD'S SUPREME COURT TRUMPS MAN'S SUPREME COURT A

Foreword: U.S. Supreme Court Reaches a Queer Decision
Queer is defined as strange or odd. The US Supreme Court has ruled that same sex marriage is to be no longer strange or odd, and is to be legally acceptable throughout the United States. The ruling in itself is weird; inasmuch as the function of the Supreme Court is to make sure laws made by the legislative branch is in harmony with the Constitution rather than to produce new laws. More>>

A Slippery Slope to Man's Decisions
In the New Testament, one of the words for sin comes from the Greek word "hamartano." The word means "to sin, to miss a mark on the way, not to hit the mark" (The Complete Word Study Dictionary -- New Testament). More>>

When God's Law Conflicts with Man's Law
Mark 12:17 states, "And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. And they marvelled at him." This was the response of Jesus when certain Jews asked him if it was lawful for the Jews to give tribute to Caesar. More>>

Christian: Prepare for Persecution!
The last week of June 2015, the Supreme Court issued several decisions that are as disastrous for the Christian since the Roe vs. Wade in 1973 that has caused about sixty million babies to die as a result of abortion since then. More>>

Hating the Haters
Advocates of the current fad of same-sex marriage contend that those that disagree with their aberration are guilty of hating them. Hate is defined as to "feel intense dislike for or a strong aversion towards. More>>

ARE BIBLICAL MIRACLES REAL? AD 68

Foreword: The Background of Unbelief
There was a time when all Believers believed! As I remember, back in the 60's, there was a professor and theologian that called himself a "Christian Atheist." Back when words had meaning, this would blow your mind. More>>

Biblical Miracles Defined
In affirming the great salvation that is in Christ, the writer of the book of Hebrews attests to its authority and validity by reminding his readers, "How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will? More>>

The Purpose of Miracles
The Bible is the record of God's dealings with man and His efforts to save man from his sin. There is a purpose for everything that appears in the Bible. That being so, there is a purpose for the miracles that are documented within. More>>

The Test of a Prophet
In recent years, there has been much interest in nearly anything mystical. Witchcraft, Satan worship, along with the eastern religions of Hinduism, Taoism, Islam and nearly anything that can be imagined have been attempting to replace biblical Christianity. More>>

Distinguishing Between Providence and Miracles
Miracles were peculiar to biblical times. These signs, wonders, and miracles were used by God to demonstrate to man that His message was from the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. As Nicodemus, one of the believing rulers of the Jews, pointed out when he visited Jesus by night, "we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him" (John 3:2). More>>

WHAT ABOUT UNCONDITIONAL LOVE? AD 69

Foreword: Must I Love Your Dog Too?
Recently a presidential candidate was asked about having a homosexual son or daughter. His response seemed to be highly regarded by the media and astute on the part of the candidate. He responded to the effect that because God gave him unconditional love, he would give his child unconditional love no matter what. More>>

Responding to God's Love
God's love for humanity is, without question, one of the great themes to be found in the pages of Scripture. Most of the religious world is acquainted with John 3:16, and its emphasis on the love of God for the world as a whole, and by implication, each one of us individually. More>>

Is There such a Thing as unconditional Love?
Unconditional love is defined on the on-line dictionary as affection with no limits or conditions; complete love. I was unable to find the term "unconditional love" in the Bible, so I turned to John, the apostle of love, to see what is said about God's love and our love. More>>

Love Demands Correction
Unconditional love has become a popular theme, both from religious as well as secular voices. What is love? We can illustrate this from the following example. In the old newspaper column "Dear Abby," many teenagers wrote to the effect that their parents did not love them. More>>

The Prodigal Must Come Home!
As parents, we are often faced with difficult decisions. Sometimes we are faced with a seemingly impossible decision. A child's actions can become so dishonorable or gross it can become necessary to actually, disown him (or her). More>>

WICKEDNESS - GOD'S WORLD AND WICKEDNESS AD 70

Foreword: Adam: In the Beginning
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1). God then said, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. More>>

Moses: The Servant of God
When Joshua was given leadership over Israel after the death of Moses, he referred to Moses as the servant of God (Joshua 1:13). The idea of being a servant carried the meaning of submission, of yielding to the will of another, which in the case of Moses, was to obey God, and see that His purpose was fulfilled in doing all that God had commanded him. More>>

Abraham: The Destruction of Sodom
In Genesis 18:1 through 19:24, we find the account of Abraham, Lot, Sodom and Gomorrah. What follows is a synopsis of the story and I urge you to read the full account in Genesis. This is the account of what happens when God's patience with man's wickedness comes to an end. More>>

Noah: The Preacher of Righteousness
Shortly after the Bible mentions that Noah was born of Lamech (Genesis 5:29), the condition of the earth became extremely wicked. It is recorded that"...God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually" (Genesis 6:5). More>>

Christ: The Son of God - Man's Last Chance
Toward the close of Christ's ministry, Jesus pointed out, "I came not to judge the world, but to save the world" (John 12:47). The most casual reader of the Bible is familiar with John 3:16-17, where it is stated that "God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. More>>

TODAY'S CIVIL WAR IN AMERICA AD 71

Foreword: The War against God and Christianity Continues
America's civil war today is a cultural war between Christianity and Atheism. The forces of Atheism continue their efforts to remove God from our historical Christian culture. However, we must not ignore the war of terrorism from Muslim extremists from without. More>>

The Next Civil War:The Education Front
It has been said, "Give me the child until he is seven, and I will show you the man." Of all the various implications such a statement has, the role of education in the life of children, from a young age, is significant. More>>

The Battle of the Home Front
The family as God defines it is under siege in our country. The intellectual elite in our country are achieving this through entertainment, education and government efforts. From the redefining of marriage, reversing the roles within marriage and family, to zero tolerance which eliminates the ability to discern and not question authority. More>>

Islam's War on Chirstianity
Many citizens of America naively look at the ongoing wars in the Middle East with ISIS and think that this cannot happen here in America. However, our president and a willing media have been "soft-pedaling" many of the attacks throughout the world and even in our own nation! More>>

The Battle on the Ethics Front-The War on Ethics
Ethics or moral philosophy has to do with what is right and what is wrong. Natural law has to do with right and wrong based on natural or universal concepts. Revealed law has to do with right and wrong based on concepts revealed by God. More>>

WHERE DO YOU STAND? AD 72

Foreword: America at the Crossroads
Jesus pointed out that a kingdom (nation) divided against itself cannot stand (Matthew 12:25). We Americans seem to be divided as never before. This time it is not between warring denominations but rather between Christianity and Secularism. More>>

Standing with Jesus on Sin
Scripture is our only reliable source of information regarding the nature of Jesus. He is the Son of God and one with God the Father (John 10:30). He became flesh and blood to offer Himself a perfect, sinless sacrifice for our sins, that we might be saved from sin and its power to condemn us eternally (1 John 3:8). More>>

Standing with Jesus as Lord
God states about Jesus in Matthew 17:5, "...This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him." It was by His blood we were bought as we see in 1Peter 1:18-19, "Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, for your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:" Therefore, Jesus is our Lord and to stand with Him is our required service to Him. More>>

Standing with Jesus as the Messiah
Perhaps the best known confession of Jesus is found in Matthew 16:16 in the King James Version, it reads: "And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God." The word "Messiah" is the Hebrew form of the Latin word "Christ. More>>

Standing with Jesus at the Judgment
Relatively few Americans give very little thought to the Judgment, which is a cornerstone of Christianity. Without the Judgment Day there was no need for the sacrifice of Christ on the cruel cross of Calvary. More>>

CHRISTIANITY AND ISLAM AD 73

Foreword: Radical Islam Versus Radical Christianity
Radical Islam is credited with worldwide atrocities in the media. Radical is used to distinguish moderate or liberal Muslims from those who accept and practice the teachings of the Koran (or Qur'an or Quran if you prefer) and Sharia Law. More>>

Radical Islam's Sword Versus the Sword of Christ
The steadily mounting violence witnessed in radical Islamist groups, such as ISIS, evidences those who believe the use of aggression is a valid means to accomplish their agenda. Videos of those who profess to be Christians, being beheaded, along with the recent attacks in Paris, speak of how such atrocities are used against those deemed "infidels. More>>

Is Islam the People of the Book?
The online Merriam-Webster Dictionary translates Islam (an Arabic word) as submission (to the will of God). First known use was in 1817. The full definition is, "the religious faith of Muslims including belief in Allah as the sole deity and in Muhammad as his prophet. More>>

Is Islam Really a Religion of Peace?
One who keeps reasonably abreast of the daily news would think this title is non-sensical. Nearly every day horrendous reports of Islamic terrorist attacks fill our newspapers and TV news. Not only that, but masses of Muslims are shown rejoicing when Americans or other Westerners are killed in such accounts. More>>

Jesus Versus Mohammad
Two men, Jesus of Nazareth and Mohammad (570-632 AD) of Mecca, although 520 years apart, are said to be prophets and are founders of two worldwide religions. Both claim to be the final spokesman of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. More>>

CHRISTIANITY'S CONSTITUTION AD 74

Foreword: Attitudes and Constitutions
The basic question is: does Christianity have a constitution? Secondly, if so, what is the Constitution of Christ's Church (Matthew 16:18)? In other words, what is the body of fundamental principles or established precedents by which His organization is governed? More>>

Authority of a Constitution
In an election year, there is lots of talk about the Constitution among the candidates, and the attention they will give to upholding it. The concept of abiding by the Constitution is important, as it is the rule of the land for the United States. More>>

Can Man Amend God's Constitution?
The U.S. Constitution is a document created by man and is thus subject to change. The men who created this document provided the means and capability to amend it. However, only through these procedures can the U. More>>

Affluenza: Is it a Valid Defense?
There is a relatively new term that has been used as a defense against wrongdoing. It is the term "affluenza." It is loosely defined as, "The term 'affluenza' has also been used to refer to an inability to understand the consequences of one's actions because of financial privilege, notably in the case of Ethan Couch"(Wikipedia). More>>

Constitutional Concepts
Are constitutions living or dead? Words have meaning -- but meaning is determined by context. In other words, the meaning of a word is how the author is using it. The Scriptures were written in dead languages, which means in context, they are unchanging languages. More>>

GOD'S JUDGMENT AD 75

Foreword: God's Judgment Days Through the Ages
The Bible starts by pointing out that "in the beginning God created the heavens and the earth" (Genesis 1:1). It also states the He made man in His image (Genesis 1:27). God also gave man dominion over His creation (Genesis 1:26). More>>

God's Judgment against Jerusalem
The prophets of God spoke against the nation of Judah, and the city of Jerusalem specifically, regarding its sins, and the consequences that would come, if the people refused to repent and return to God. More>>

The Flood and the Judgment of God
The flood is one of many examples of God's judgment we can find in the Bible. However, the flood is the most inclusive judgment (since it affected all of mankind) mentioned in the Bible short of the final judgment. More>>

God's Judgment upon Sodom and Gomorrah
With the political climate of today, we know that whatever is written here is going to enrage those who are of the "progressive" mindset. However, we have no alternative but to show clearly what the Bible and history teaches about this historical event in the Bible. More>>

God's Final Judgment Day
The final Judgment Day is obviously one of the fundamentals of Christian doctrine (Hebrews 9:27), "it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment." The contemporary Gospel of Love and Positiveness has driven, for the most part, this truth from both the pulpit and the pew. More>>

WHY ON EARTH ARE WE ON EARTH? AD 76

Foreword: Today's Views about the Planet Earth
Scientists have no knowledge on how the universe came into being. Of course, they present a number of ideas, most of which are hypothesis (the scientific term for guess or supposition). None of which reach the next scientific step of theory; and none of which reach the statutes of Scientific Law. More>>

We are to put God first in this Life
In The Sermon on the Mount, Jesus spoke of how much God cares and provides for us. He sums up God's provision for us by saying, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you" (Matt 6:33). More>>

We are here to please God
In Revelation 4:11 we read, "Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created." This verse records the praise of the 24 elders as they gathered around the throne of God. More>>

Why did God Create A Condemned World?
Why man? The mysteries of human creation and purpose have been answered by insurmountable imaginings of theorists. Despite the vain philosophies and mythologies of man that have polluted the original design of human beings, God communicated the duty and purpose of humanity through the manifestation of His power (Ecc 12:13; 2 Peter 1:3). More>>

Then There is the Judgment Day
There was this cartoon, it was a Dog convention. This friendly pup marches up to another dog and says, "My name is Bad Dog, what is yours?" Although created in God's image, man is expected to please his master and maker (Rev 4:11). More>>

OUT OF THE CLOSET AND IN YOUR FACE AD 77

FOREWORD: Amoral Evolution In America
It is interesting to trace the evolution of homosexualism in the mores or attitudes toward sex in general and homosexualism in particular. Someone has said (or at least, should have said), history, for most of us, began when we were born. More>>

Is Homosexuality Really Okay in God's Sight?
Today's society is driven by feelings over an objective criterion, as it is how one feels that governs how one tends to live. For example, most of us have heard of a person discussing what his or her options are on a matter, and the choice on how to respond is, "I just do not feel like doing that" or "that is not what I want to do. More>>

Such Were Some of You
Corinth was a major city in the Roman Empire, which was located on the major trade routes and had a population of half a million. It was a city known for its immorality, so much so, that a popular saying of the day was, "to act like a Corinthian" meant "to practice fornication;" somewhat or similar to our "what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. More>>

Approving Those That Practice Such
Homosexuality has always existed in the world as long as mankind has indulged their lusts, but more recently than before homosexuality has been put on display and aired as normal. The advocates of sodomy have portrayed this lust as an alternative lifestyle, as romantic, as harmless, as loving, and as equality. More>>

Words Do Have Meaning
In the field of communication, words do have meaning. The greatest piece of English literature was put together in the early 1600's. Sorry, it was not Shakespeare's works. It was the King James Version of God's Word. More>>

ABORTION: FETUS OR BABY?

FOREWORD: Moral Evolution in America
The subject of abortion brings up a covey of words or terms that need to be understood alike. The word "abort" itself is used to stop a planned operation or in our context birth. I believe the medical term for a miscarriage is spontaneous abortion. More>>

Abortion and the Psalms
Abortion has been part of our nation's culture for the last 46 years. In this period of time, the lives of human infants in the womb that have been eliminated is close to 62 million, a tragic and wanton destruction of human life. More>>

Pre-Born in the Old Testament
In this article we will first be examining how the pre-born were viewed in the Old Testament excluding the Psalms (which is addressed in another article). Then finally, we will see if the old law addressed the status of the pre-born infant. More>>

Pre-Born in the New Testament
In 1973, a landmark decision was announced by the United States Supreme Court in the court case of Roe vs. Wade. The justice ruled 7 to 2 that a right to privacy under the due process laws of the 14th Amendment extended to a woman's right to abort her unborn child. More>>

Is Abortion the Right to Death?
The Founding Fathers of our "one nation under God" made a confession of faith in the Declaration of Independence July 4, in the year of our Lord 1776. They stated, "we hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. More>>

AMERICA'S PANTS ARE ON FIRE! AD 79

FOREWORD: Which America is your America?
It was a while back, when I was in the sixth or seventh grade, when someone would tell a whopper, we would chant, "Liar, liar, your pants are on fire!" Then Disney came out with the popular movie called Pinocchio in 1940. More>>

What is Nihilism?
Nihilism is defined as a viewpoint that espouses traditional values and beliefs are unfounded and that existence is senseless and useless. It is a doctrine that denies any objective ground of truth and especially of moral truths, a doctrine or belief that conditions in the social organization are so bad as to make destruction desirable for its own sake, independent of any constructive program or possibility (Merriam-Webster online). More>>

What Happened to Honor?
Honor is defined by my computer's on-line dictionary as "honesty, fairness, or integrity in one's beliefs and actions." The words used in this definition are words that are in conflict in our society. More>>

What about Lying to Ourselves?
Numerous believers who claim to be Christians have deceived themselves through fallacious strongholds, false hopes and unscriptural philosophies where the stubborn may fortify themselves in vain deceit. More>>

When is the Truth a Lie?
We do not know about today, but in yesteryear, courtroom oaths were with your hand on the Bible. The oath was, "Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?" This was followed by, "So help me God. More>>

WHAT GOD DO YOU SERVE?

FOREWORD: The God of the Bible
Christianity is one of the great world religions. It is based on the book called The Bible or the Holy Scriptures. The Bible is the foundation of Western Civilization. The Scriptures are the moral fiber of America as a nation. More>>

The God of Your Life
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you" (Matthew 6:33).
When we think of New Testament Christianity, we must ask ourselves where God comes in the priorities of our lives. More>>

The God of Self
The following of the God of Self is very prevalent in our society and is practiced to varying degrees. This practice was recognized by the United States Supreme Court in 'Casey v Planned Parenthood' when the ruling noted that there is a way that will seem right to each one of us, and it is each person's right, privilege, and duty to choose and pursue that way. More>>

The God We Serve
Popular Christianity often portrays God as an all-loving, all-tolerant, all-forgiving Father above who would never send someone to hell for some small infraction of the law because God loves His creation too much to see a 'good' person suffer in eternal punishment. More>>

The God of the Koran
More and more Americans find themselves worshiping and serving Allah, the god of Islam. Mosques (a Muslim place of worship) are found in more and more American cities. As the cross symbolizes Christianity and the star of David, Judaism, so the crescent moon symbolizes the Islam religion. More>>

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