If you ask most people what they think of April fool’s day, they will often describe the day of April 1st when people trick others into believing things that are not true as part of a joke. After the victim falls for the deception, the truth is revealed and usually everyone has a good laugh. However, April fools jokes demonstrate deeper truths about characteristics of a fool that can teach us many things. To understand these deeper truths we should... Read more
What is a way that a pastor or preacher can write a good sermon outline? What ways would you suggest? Is an Outline Necessary? Charles Spurgeon is one of the greatest preachers of all time and he wrote out his sermons, word for word so the question is “Is a sermon outline even necessary?” If not, then is it okay to write out sermon outlines or to write out the sermon in full? This depends on the man who is... Read more
People have long been fascinated by the universe. Specifically, the stars and everything in the night sky has fascinated great minds and laypeople alike. Some people center their entire worldview or religion on it, resulting in things like horoscopes and mapping the stars for direction in their life. In fact, take a look at popular movies and literature—the ideas are prevalent! Stars are often viewed as a type of guide, telling people exactly what path they should take in their... Read more
Who were the Amalekites mentioned in the Bible? Why is it important that we should know about them? The Origins of the Amalekites The Amalekites are descendants of Amalek who was the grandson of Esau. Genesis 36:15-16 states “These are the chiefs of the sons of Esau. The sons of Eliphaz the firstborn of Esau: the chiefs Teman, Omar, Zepho, Kenaz, Korah, Gatam, and Amalek; these are the chiefs of Eliphaz in the land of Edom; these are the sons... Read more
There are so many verses about the birth of Jesus. Really, the entire Bible – Old Testament and New – is about Jesus, because God had the plan of redemption worked out from the beginning of time. Micah 5:2-4 (ESV) “But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient... Read more
Who were the Edomite’s mentioned in the Bible? Why is it important enough for us to know about them? The Origins of the Edomite’s The Edomite’s lived in the land of Edom and were largely regarded by the prophets as vehement foes of the nation of Israel. They hated and were always opposed to anything that Israel did. The Edomite’s were typical of the corrupt, hate-ridden world that prevailed in much of the civilized world at that time (Isaiah 34). ... Read more
Have you heard about the ecumenical movement? What is it? Why is it important to know about? The Good and the Bad I can see both pros and cons on this movement but there are serious problems with it. When essential doctrines of the faith are compromised and certain elements of the faith are sacrificed for the sake of unity then the things lost are of greater consequence than those things gained. It’s not so much whether differing religions can... Read more
What is dispensationalism? Why is it important? What are the differing views? What if believers don’t hold to these views? Dispensationalism is… Dispensationalism is basically the view that God uses different means or methods in working with the nation of Israel and the church over differing times throughout human history. Dispensationalist’s hold to a literal biblical translation like salvation has always been a matter of faith as both the Old Testament and New Testament states that the just shall live... Read more
Have you heard of the word ecclesiology? Do you know what it means? Why do we need to know? Meaning of the Word Ecclesiology Ecclesiology is the study of the Christian church or the doctrinal beliefs of the church but that is not all. Another, less important definition might be that of the church’s adornment or architecture but for our purposes here, I want to focus on the primary meaning of the word ecclesiology and why it’s important. And I... Read more
One of the hardest things to do is to forgive. Many people will say that they have forgiven someone, but the next time things get difficult with that person, all the things that they allegedly forgave them for are brought back up for argument. The following three Bible stories about forgiveness will demonstrate what forgiveness is all about. Joseph and his brothers (Genesis 37-50) Most people know the story of Joseph who was one of the sons of Jacob, who... Read more
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