Tag: theology
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Stand Firm on Faith in God :: By Nathele Graham
Let’s go back in time to an age of peace. God created everything and deemed it to be good. If God says it’s good, it’s good. Then there was trouble in Paradise. Instead of following God’s direction, Adam and Eve listened to the whispers of Satan. “Now …
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The Great Divorce :: By Jan Markell
I recently read a passionate article by Jonathan Brentner on the divorce of Rapture theology from the gospel and from pulpits. I so resonated with the main points he made. The absence of this topic—and related topics—from our churches today is a great …
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Rethinking the Lie :: By Terry James
Rethinking the Lie :: By Terry James I will ask you to indulge me just a bit while I think on the great lie that is prophesied for the time of Tribulation. Perhaps it’s again the novelist within me struggling to burst forth, but I rather believe the im…
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Tribulation Trigger :: By Terry James
The planet is apparently poised for war. If not nuclear war, certainly conventional war on a horrific scale that will soon engulf the world in the thermonuclear sort seems highly possible. Economies on a global scale, according to a number of fiscal ex…
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Is casting lots considered prophecy?
In Joshua 18:6 (NASB) And you shall write a description of the land in seven divisions, and bring the description here to me. Then I will cast lots for you here before the Lord our God. or in Jonah 1:7 (NASB) (could’ve referenced even mo…
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The Sorrow of Anita Gunn – A patriotic play
This play is written for two reasons. The first is to honor the memory of those American servicemen who died fighting in the Vietnam…
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Is Romans 1:18-23 alluding to Wisdom of Solomon 13?
NIV Romans 1: 18The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, 19since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has…
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A Little Longer, No Problem! :: By Edwin Tan
The world, as everyone is familiar with, has now ended up in the pages of history. A new normal that has quite an unpleasant aftertaste is almost set to be hanging around for some time. For the many that believe in the pre-tribulation rapture of the ch…
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Asbury Outpouring Documentary
There is a new documentary out about the outpouring of the Spirit that recently took place at Asbury University. The film is 52 minutes long and can be watched for free on Redeem TV. If you go to the link below just follow the buttons to watch the movi…
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A Strong Delusion :: By Nathele Graham
It’s coming. Whether you believe in the Harpazō or not, you will be affected by it. If you’ve accepted Christ for salvation, then you will be taken to Heaven to be with Jesus. However, if you’ve rejected Christ’s offer of salvation, you will face God’s…
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Making Thanksgiving Real, Part 2 :: By Paul J. Scharf
In our quest to make Thanksgiving real, we left off by thinking about ways to ground our Thanksgiving in Scripture, following the example of the very Pilgrims who left this treasure as a heritage to our entire nation. The next challenge I would offer i…
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Spirit Encounters in the Bible
Rev. Dr. Reed Carlson specializes in the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament. His current research focuses on accounts of spirits and ecstatic religious experiences in biblical and Second Temple Jewish literature. This podcast highlights parts of the R…
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Does John 7:15 mean Jesus was untaught?
John 7:15 (ESV): The Jews therefore marveled, saying, “How is it that this man has learning,1 when he has never studied?” The footnote is: 7:15 Or this man knows his letters So there are two questions: Which translation g…
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Is there any interpretative room for considering the prophetic predictions of 2 Peter 3:3-13 as already fulfilled?
2 Peter 3:3-13 (ESV): 3 knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires. 4 They will say, “Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, a…
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Earthly-Minded and Evil-Hearted :: By Edwin Tan
“For when they speak great swelling words of emptiness, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through lewdness, the ones who have actually escaped from those who live in error. While they promise liberty, they themselves are slaves of corruption;…
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Of Evil Leaders and Hapless Victims :: By Bill Wilson
Communism and socialism are about control and wealth redistribution. There are leaders, and there are victims. While the leaders of these systems always say they are upholding the rights of the minorities and marginalized (the victims), what they are r…
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Of Evil Leaders and Hapless Victims :: By Bill Wilson
Communism and socialism are about control and wealth redistribution. There are leaders, and there are victims. While the leaders of these systems always say they are upholding the rights of the minorities and marginalized (the victims), what they are r…
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Saved By Grace :: By Dennis Huebshman
Ephesians 2:4-9 is very specific as to how we “qualify” for a home with Jesus in Heaven. “But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by gr…
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2 Peter 3:3 – “last days”
2 Peter 3:1-4 1This is now the second letter that I am writing to you, beloved. In both of them I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder, 2that you should remember the predictions of the holy prophets and the commandment of t…
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Exegesis of Matthew 13 using the socio-rhetorical method
I have read Robbins and Witheringtons different understanding of socio-rhetorical criticism and have better understood Ben Witherington III’s method: “socio-rhetorical criticism” is the study of ancient social history with a particular em…
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In Psalm 40:12: is he surrounded by “evils” or by “iniquities”?
Psalm 40:12 (KJV) ” For innumerable evils have compassed me about: mine iniquities have taken hold upon me, so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the hairs of mine head: therefore my heart faileth me.” Is it possi…
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Understanding Jesus’ apparent lie in John 7:8
John 7:8: “…You go to the festival. I am not[a] going up to this festival, because my time has not yet fully come.” The all important footnote: [a] John 7:8 Some manuscripts not yet It seems strange that many manuscripts omit…
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Prophetic Roaring in Israel :: By Terry James
Words of prophecy spoken by Jesus have special significance. He is God, the Second Person of the Godhead who spoke all that is into existence. He is the power that holds together all that was created. For Him and by Him all things were made. How can an…
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Prophetic Roaring in Israel :: By Terry James
Words of prophecy spoken by Jesus have special significance. He is God, the Second Person of the Godhead who spoke all that is into existence. He is the power that holds together all that was created. For Him and by Him all things were made. How can an…
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what is the definition of peace?
John 14:27 New International Version says: 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. what does peace mean? what is the definition in …
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The 9 Wars of the End Times :: By Dr. David R. Reagan
Book review by Terry James Anyone who’s heard Dr. David Reagan speak on Bible prophecy understands when I say he has very few peers and no superiors in the ability to hold one’s attention. The same can be said about reading this great teacher’s writing…
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Replace And Be Permanently Erased :: By Edwin Tan
Replacement theology has a huge following; roughly one billion people around the world subscribe to this unbiblical doctrine – one-tenth of this number are Americans. It is all about a brand of Christianity minus the mention of Israel and Jewry in thei…
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Pentecostalism, Cultural Analysis, And The Hermeneutics Of Culture
PNEUMA 37 (2015) 313–316 Pentecostalism, Cultural Analysis, and the Hermeneutics of Culture The cultural linguistic turn in the humanities and social sciences has brought…
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Evidence for/against Romans chapter 16 being a later addition to the text?
There are those who suggest that chapter 16 is a later addition to an originally shorter epistle to the Romans. It strikes me that arguments against the originality of Romans 16 based upon what we do/don’t know about the individuals mentio…
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Evidence for/against Romans chapter 16 being a later addition to the text?
There are those who suggest that chapter 16 is a later addition to an originally shorter epistle to the Romans. It strikes me that arguments against the originality of Romans 16 based upon what we do/don’t know about the individuals mentio…
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The Greatest of Gifts :: By Holly Spate
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” (Luke 2:14) As you prepare for this beautiful time of year we call Christmas, take a moment to slow your steps. Put your “to do” list aside, give yourself the gift of pause, and fi…
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The United States and God’s Judgment :: By Michael Hile
Is the United States mentioned in Bible prophecy? Perhaps the two most frequently asked questions when Bible prophecy is brought up involve the role of the United States in the end times. Specifically, people want to know if the United States is mentio…
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You Can’t Ask Too Much of My God :: By Dennis Huebshman
Matthew 7: 7-11; “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; and the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, it will be opened. Or which one of you, if his son…
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Hebrews Study Lesson 31: The Law Was Not Enough :: By Sean Gooding
Chapter 9:1-10 “Then indeed, even the first covenant had ordinances of divine service and the earthly sanctuary. 2 For a tabernacle was prepared: the first part, in which was the lampstand, the table, and the showbread, which is called the sanctuary; 3…
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Where did Samuel come from when he was summoned by the Medium of En-dor?
Appropriate to today, I was thinking about the time when Saul visited the Medium of En-dor in 1 Samuel 28:8-14 (ESV): So Saul disguised himself and put on other garments and went, he and two men with him. And they came to the woman by …
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In Matthew 24:38
In Matthew 24:38 What is the difference between marrying and giving in marriage in this passage. It appears that the passage is talking about two types of marriages. Matt 24:38 – For as in those days before the flood, they were eating and…
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The Woke Target On Our Children :: By Bill Wilson
One way to destroy a country is to destroy the family core. The “woke” extremists, the current darlings of the Biden Administration and leftist news media, are taking aim at every kid in America. It’s a coordinated attack from the White House on down t…
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Why Hugs Matter :: By Dave Hubley
(There is a special message at the end of this article for those who might happen to read this and do not have Jesus in their life and are looking for peace and a way to better understand the present-day insanity and confusion.) This article will be a …
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What is the “first resurrection”?
Finishing up the year in the Bible, I heard this passage: Then I saw thrones, and seated on them were those to whom the authority to judge was committed. Also I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus an…
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Pass Me Not :: By Dennis Huebshman
During our lifetime, we all seem to go through some periods of time when we have feelings of depression. Life just doesn’t seem fair, and the world seems to be a weight on our shoulders. Our Savior told us we would have trials and tribulations, but if …
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Remember Lot’s Wife: Does She Get a Bum Wrap? :: By John Chandler
Recently I heard a well-known prophecy teacher discussing Lot’s wife. He basically said that Lot’s wife was worldly, and she couldn’t let go of the world of the things that entice, seduce, and allure us all. Because of her “worldliness,” she was destro…
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What Have I With You?
I get a kick out of idioms! Idiomatic expressions spice up speech and literature. They can add levity to mundane subjects or technical works. Here are a few idioms to make you hunger for more: Food for thought A piece of cake Pie in the sky Egg on my f…
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Discouragement or Hope :: By Nathele Graham
Along with joy and happiness, this life can hold many trials and unhappiness. It’s up to each individual to decide what to focus on. We need to remember that all blessings come from God, but all evil comes from wicked Satanic forces. God created a worl…
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Thought of the day: When is the last time you…
Thought of the day: When is the last time you set aside a day to hear Him? This Scripure speaks volumes to me. Luke…
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What does “sinning willfully” mean in Hebrews 10:26?
Hebrews 10:26-27 NASB “For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a terrifying expectation of judgment and the fury of a fire which will consume the adve…
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What does “sinning willfully” mean in Hebrews 10:26?
Hebrews 10:26-27 NASB “For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a terrifying expectation of judgment and the fury of a fire which will consume the adve…
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Jesus and the shepherds—Luke 2:1-14
The elite initially ignored him. God chose to reveal him to the nobodies of the day. Because God isn’t impressed with human status. He…
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Two rulers or one ruler in Daniel’s 70 week prophecy?
In Daniel 9:25-27, which the angel (“man”) Gabriel states 25 “Know and understand this: From the time the word goes out to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until the Anointed One (or an anointed one), the ruler, comes, there will be seven…
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Saul and Persecution
Acts 8:1-3. "On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. 2 Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him. 3 But Saul began …
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You Don’t Know What I’ve Done :: By Dennis Huebshman
There are some people who believe they have sinned in such a way that they could never be forgiven. Sadly, they are judging themselves far more harshly than our Heavenly Father would. At the present time, the one unforgivable sin is to take your last b…
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The Bubble of Normalcy :: By Jonathan Brentner
In 1920, Warren G. Harding ran for president with the campaign slogan of “The return to normalcy.” Despite harsh criticism for his use of such an obscure word at the time, the idea of returning to “normalcy” swept him into the Oval Office. His motto ha…
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Holy & Power-Filled Words vs. Hollow and Empty Words :: By Candy Austin
The Holy and Power-Filled Words of The GREAT I AM vs. Hollow and Empty Ones of Fallen Mankind Exodus 3:14 “And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.” What is the m…
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Is the Old Testament Now Obsolete? :: By Gene Lawley
There seems to be a strong and purposeful trend to cancel out the Old Testament of the Bible since Christ has come into human history. It takes off on a theme that Christ took charge, and all prophecy of the future from past utterances of the prophets …
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The Spirit of Antichrist Inspires Glorification of Darkness :: By Jan Markell
This is a disheartening article to write, to be honest. We see darkness rising, yet we are called to be salt and light to a decaying world—even if the world pushes back. Let’s try to counter the enemy wherever we see his presence. The world is implodin…
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Revival Sweeps College Campus in Missouri: Central Bible Institute in 1950
This Week in AG History — March 18, 1950 By Darrin J. RodgersOriginally published on AG-News, 16 March 2023 The recent move of the Holy Spirit on the Asbury University campus, which attracted 50,000 visitors to the small town of … Continue reading →
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Some Thoughts on Easter Monday By Paul J. Scharf
Another Easter season has come and gone. It’s Easter Monday (yes, that’s really a thing) as I write this, and I thought it might be a good time to share a few thoughts about the meaning and significance of the season as I understand it. These ideas rea…
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Why would the Holy Spirit’s coming at Pentecost be different to other occasions when people received the Holy Spirit?
In Acts 2:3, the Holy Spirit came what seemed to be tongues of fire: 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. This observable phenomenon only mentioned once in Acts. Subsequently, all …
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Not of This World – By Steve Schmutzer
I’m guessing a lot of you are like me. You see very little – if anything – in our world right now that subscribes to common sense and sound judgment. Those of us who have diligently prayed for wisdom and spiritual discernment sense a suffocating cloak …
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Three Crosses on a Hill: A Study in Evangelism :: By Donald Whitchard
Isaiah 53:5-6, Luke 23:39-46, John 14:6, Acts 4:12, Romans 5:6-11, Romans 6:23, Ephesians 2:8-9, Isaiah 64:6 Summary: When we preach about the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for our sins upon the cross, we forget that there were also two men crucified on cr…
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LIVING like we’re new in Christ—Ephesians 4:18—5:2
Paul elaborates what it means to live like we’re new in Christ, concluding that it means, not least, living like Christ (forgiving, loving …)
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What does the prohibition against women speaking in church in 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 mean?
In 1st Corinthians 14:34-35 (NASB), Paul says: 34The women are to keep silent in the churches; for they are not permitted to speak, but are to subject themselves, just as the Law also says. 35If they desire to learn anything, let them …
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Are Christians being licensed not to keep the Sabbath according to Colossians 2:16-17, Romans 14:5-8 and Acts 15?
Is Paul giving Christians license to omit Sabbath observance in Colossians 2:16-17 and Romans 14:5-8? Is this corroborated by Acts 15? Below the passages: Colossians 2:16-17 16 Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of foo…
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Ministry is Bigger in Texas :: By Paul J. Scharf
“What do you think about going to Texas?” Chris Katulka, director of North American Ministries for The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry, posed that question to me in the summer of 2020. “To live?” I think that was my response. Well, he explained, at l…
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Happy Preparation Sabbath day from Zambia. If thou turn away…
Happy Preparation Sabbath day from Zambia. If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath,from doing thy pleasure on the my holy day;and call…
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LIVING like we’re new in Christ—Ephesians 4:18—5:2
Paul elaborates what it means to live like we’re new in Christ, concluding that it means, not least, living like Christ (forgiving, loving …)
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Leviticus 23:40a – Three or Four Trees?
In the instructions for building booths on the feast of Tabernacles in Leviticus 23.40: וּלְקַחְתֶּם לָכֶם בַּיֹּום הָרִאשֹׁון פְּרִי עֵץ הָדָר כַּפֹּת תְּמָרִים וַעֲנַף עֵץ עָבֹת וְעַרְבֵי נָחַל וּשְׂמַחְתֶּם לִפְנֵי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם ש…
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What are the teraphim (household gods) Rachel stole from Laban?
When Jacob flees from Laban, Rachel steals his household gods. When Laban had gone to shear his sheep, Rachel stole her father’s household gods. Genesis 31:19 (NIV) Jacob seems pretty serious about the household gods too. But…
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Who are the saints / holy ones in 1 Thessalonians 3:13 and 2 Thessalonians 1:3–12?
In June 2017 and May 2018, I had email exchanges with Prof. Larry W. Hurtado and Dean Craig C. Hill (two high-caliber NT scholars) about the second coming, the rapture and, more specifically, the saints in 1 and 2 Thess. 1 Thessalonians 3…
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Dr. Oliver McMahan (1954-2024)
On Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at the age of 69, Oliver “Dr. Mac” Lewis McMahan died peacefully at his home in Cleveland, Tennessee. Oliver was…
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Noah and Books :: By Jim Towers
The title of my previous article was “As It Was in the Days of Noah.” Yesterday I went to the nearest Publix supermarket to get some ready-made Cole slaw to go with the fish and chips we were having for supper. I sometimes have arthritic pain in my hip…
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(Isaiah 3:12)’s declaration that women would rule over Jerusalem & Judah suggests that men became irresponsible and/or negligent about leadership jobs
Isaiah 3:12 New American Standard Bible 1995 12 O My people! Their oppressors [a]are children, And women rule over them. O My people! Those who guide you lead you astray And confuse the direction of your paths. Isaiah 3:12 English Stand…
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can Nisan 15 be referred to as “the sabbath”?
6And on the fifteenth day of the same month is the Feast of Unleavened Bread to the LORD; for seven days you shall eat unleavened bread. 7On the first day you shall have a holy convocation; you shall not do any ordinary work. Leviticus 2…
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What word best captures the spirit of לִּילִית in Isaiah 34:14?
Isaiah 34:14 in the Masoretic Text is the following: גְשׁוּ צִיִּים אֶת-אִיִּים, וְשָׂעִיר עַל-רֵעֵהוּ יִקְרָא; אַךְ-שָׁם הִרְגִּיעָה לִּילִית, וּמָצְאָה לָהּ מָנוֹח Here, לִּילִית is supposedly the only known mention of “lilith” in …
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About The Cross :: By Dennis Huebshman
With all that’s taking place in this world today, there is less and less focus on the cross and the true meaning of our Savior’s sacrifice. Please know that the cross was an evil and cruel instrument of death, and no one should worship that image or an…
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When at the Point of Death: A Christian Perspective :: By Ron Ferguson
[1]. THE INTRODUCTION – THOUGHTS NEARING DEATH I would estimate very few want to face death, but the committed Christians are prepared and happy to because they know the truth of the verses – 2 Corinthians 5:7-8 “for we walk by faith, not by sight. We …
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The Mark of the Beast
When interpreters consult the pages of Scripture, rather than frontpage news, the biblical connotation of the mark becomes clearer. Revelation describes the mark being…
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Societal Characteristics of the Last Days: Part 5 :: By Mark A. Becker
Romans 1:28-29 Introduction This is a continuation of our Societal Characteristics of the Last Days series. In Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, and Part 4, we studied Paul’s societal characteristics given to Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:1-7. Part 5, Part 6, and Part …
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Practical Advice Before you Pursue a Doctor of Ministry Degree
In this blog, I want to share some advice for those considering a Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) degree. I have taught in the D.Min. program at Oral Roberts University for several years. During this time I gained some valuable insights into the purpose of…
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Third Article Theology A Pneumatological Dogmatics, Edited By Myk Habets
368 book reviews Myk Habets (ed.) Third Article Theology: A Pneumatological Dogmatics(Minneapolis,mn: Fortress Press, 2016). xx + 487. $59.00 paperback. This hefty volume represents…
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Thomas J. Norris, The Trinity‐Life Of God, Hope For Humanity Towards A Theology Of Communion (Hyde Park, NJ New City, 2009). 174 Pp., $17.95, Paper.
162 Book Reviews / Pneuma 32 (2010) 123-175 Thomas J. Norris, The Trinity–Life of God, Hope for Humanity: Towards a Theology of Com- munion…
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Winter 2023: Other Significant Articles
Douglas Stuart, “Gordon Fee – A Tribute” Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (November 1, 2022). “The Relatable Zeal of Puritan Women: They were extremely into religion without being extreme” Christianity Today (January 3, 2023). Catherine Parks inte…
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What does Gen 4:7 mean in the Septuagint?
Most of the translations of Gen 4:7 read something like (LEB): If you do well will I not accept you? But if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. And its desire is for you, but you must rule over it. I also re…
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Why Devil’s sin didn’t bring death?
1 John 3:8 King He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. Romans 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin Since the devil sinned before Adam and sin will bring d…
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Prophecy: God’s Sadness Relief Valve :: By Dave Hubley
“And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!” (Mark 13:37). (There is a special message at the end of this article for those who might happen to read this and do not have Jesus in their life and are looking for peace and a way to better understand the …
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Pentecostal Theological Seminary: Doctor of Philosophy Program Announcement
**Doctor of Philosophy Program Announcement** For several years, a significant goal of the PTS vision has been the inauguration of the PhD degree program….
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Extreme Weather in Prophecy: Part 1 of 3 :: By Nathan Jones
According to Genesis 1, at the beginning of human history at the Creation, everything that exists was made by God to be originally perfect. But then, sin entered and corrupted everything, so God placed a curse upon the world (Genesis 3). Mankind has lo…
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What is meant by “loose the loins of kings”?
What is meant by “loose the loins of kings” in Isaiah 45:1?
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What was Onan’s sin?
Genesis 38:6-11 (NJPS): Judah got a wife for Er his first-born; her name was Tamar. But Er, Judah’s first-born, was displeasing to the Lord, and the Lord took his life. Then Judah said to Onan, “Join with your brother’s wife and do you…
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F.F. Bosworth featured in Dean Merrill’s book, ‘50 Pentecostal and Charismatic Leaders Every Christian Should Know’
By Roscoe Barnes III, PhD Author, F.F. Bosworth: The Man Behind “Christ the Healer” Copyright © 2021 #FFBosworth #BosworthMatters F.F. Bosworth is one of many Pentecostal leaders featured in Dean Merrill’s book, “50 Pentecostal and Cha…
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Five Reasons Why Decreasing the Number of Worship Services Might Be the Best Move
For years, the conventional wisdom has been that increasing the number of worship services is the best path to go. You rarely heard leaders advocating decreasing the number of services. The concern is that the reduction of choices results in lower over…
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Five Reasons Why Decreasing the Number of Worship Services Might Be the Best Move
For years, the conventional wisdom has been that increasing the number of worship services is the best path to go. You rarely heard leaders advocating decreasing the number of services. The concern is that the reduction of choices results in lower over…