Month: October 2006

In 2 Peter, chapter 2, the apostle describes false teachers who were endangering the welfare of the saints. He describes their character and lifestyle, and proclaims their eventual judgment before God.

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While it is true that sometimes we may cause others to sin by contributing to their fall, in the end, every individual is accountable for his own actions. To say that others make us sin is to deny our personal responsibility

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In a decision likely to stoke the contentious election-year debate over same-sex marriage, the New Jersey Supreme Court has ruled that state lawmakers must provide the rights and benefits of marriage to gay and lesbian couples.

The high court on Wednesday gave legislators six months to either change state marriage laws to include same-sex couples, or come up with another mechanism, such as civil unions, that would provide the same protections and benefits.

The court’s vote was 4-to-3. But the ruling was more strongly in favor of same-sex marriage than that split would indicate. The three dissenting justices argued the court should have extended full marriage rights to homosexuals, without kicking the issue back to legislators…

…Opponents of same-sex marriage contend the New Jersey decision could have a national impact because the state imposes no residency requirements for people seeking marriage. In essence, it could open the door for gay and lesbian couples from other states to marry in New Jersey and challenge laws against same-sex marriage in their own states.

The gay marriage debate intensified in 2004 when Massachusetts became the first and only state to allow gay and lesbian couples to marry. The state does not allow nonresidents to marry there, however.

Rose Arce, CNN

Analysis:

We have time and again shown that the scriptures reveal homosexuality to be a sin and an abomination before God (cf. Levitcus 18:22; 20:13; Rom. 1:26-28).

We have likewise pointed out that it is God, who established the marriage union, who defines its constituent parts. If God said that a “man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh” (Genesis 2:24), then He defined marriage as a union between a man and a woman. Whatever men say does not change what marriage truly is.

What I may not have emphasized is how sad it is for individuals to define themselves and their lives by their sexual preferences. I can understand someone identifying themselves as a Christian, a parent, an American, or even by their ethnicity. What I can’t understand is defining oneself by their sexual activity. It is a strong indication of just how perverted and obsessed such individuals have become. When someone calls himself an alcoholic it is because alcohol has taken control, likewise a drug addict, glutton or adulterer. When an individual identifies himself as a homosexual, he is not describing a lifestyle, but a sexual act. Truly God has given “them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness…” (Rom. 1:28-29).

Podcast Number 24

The apostle John penned a wonderful treatise on love, found in 1 John 4, which establishes the importance of love, based on on the fact that God Is Love!

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There are certain aspects of the Christian life and demeanor that, when seen by the unbeliever or the true seeker, serve to indicate the true Christian, and the right way to God.

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The gospel of Jesus Christ is unique, and unrivaled in in its effectiveness and importance. As such, we should be ever zealous to share it with others, and to live lives worthy of it.

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Podcast Number 23

In 1 Peter 2:11-17, the apostle gives instructions to his readers as to what is required by God of Christians. Such practical advice will help us greatly in our quest to live acceptably for Christ.

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A comparison between the Almighty God of heaven, and dumb idols shows the absurdity of idol worship. Though worship of idols is absurd, it was common among pagan peoples, was present among the Jews, and is practiced today.

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We have a responsibility to be mature, productive Christians, in benefitting and edifying our brethren But, spiritual immaturity, worldly distractions, being overcome by sin, and neglecting the Word of God all serve to weaken our spiritual resolve.

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We commonly use the phrase “A to Z” to identify the sum total of any particular thing. If a person is knowledgeable on a subject, we say he knows it from “A to Z.” If a person is accomplished in a particular area, we say that he has done it all, from “A to Z.”

In the Bible, similar phrases are used.

Continue reading “Alpha & Omega” →

Willie Nelson, the Country and Western singer with a liberal lean to his politics and an agenda to legalize marijuana use, recently published a book of philosophy called “The Tao of Willie.” In it he talks about everything from politics to God. In response to a question about leaving his Methodist upbringing in embracing new philosophies, Nelson said:

“I believe that all roads lead to the same place. We’re taking different ways to get there, but we all end up in the same place. It’s kind of like Kinky Friedman’s statement, “May the God of your choice bless you.” That’s the main thoughts that I have about life.” (Time Magazine, August 7, 2006)

Nelson, as is typical of many today, has remade God in his image. Scripture clearly reveals that there is one way to heaven (John 4:24), that not all of us are going to get there (Matthew 7;13), and that there is only one true God (Acts 14:15).

Yes, those are Willie’s main thoughts on life. God has given his divine comments on such thoughts, saying in Psalm 94:11, “The Lord knows the thoughts of man, That they are futile.”

Podcast Number 22

Trials and tribulations in life test your faith. However, if you overcome the trial, you become stronger, and prove yourself worthy of the crown of life. (James 1:12).

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There is much to be learned about the Redemption of man in the short salutation Paul gives to the Romans in the beginning of his epistle (Romans 1:1-7).

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The church belongs to Jesus Christ. He built it, He is its foundation, the chief cornerstone, it’s Head. He purchased it with His own blood. As such, the church owes its allegiance to Him, and should submit to His authority.

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I recently read the comments of a referee who said that if at the end of the game both sides were angry with him it was probably an indication that he had done a good job. As my kids are athletes, I can attest to the fact that we parents often have a difficult time being unbiased in our assessment of such efforts.

Perception often colors reality. What we believe to be true may not be. The only way to be sure of a matter is by removing the “filters” or biases that may color our perception. This is especially true and important in spiritual matters. For example, some see the inequity and unfairness that exists in the world, and claim that it is as a result of God. “God is unfair!” is the claim, and, (repeated time and again), becomes the common perception of our day.

Continue reading “God Is Fair!” →