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The need for Bereans to walk extra circumspectly – Part 2
For part one of this article, please click here. Waking Up God opened the eyes of a certain disciple eight years ago, and has been his leader keeping him from greater error though certainly not error proof. This disciple threw out certain teachings not witnessed to by the early church which he had gotten in a former time. He began with the motto “test all things, hold fast that which is good.” And, “test the spirits.” Some things he kept – teachings leading to holiness, and utter dependence upon the Lord. God the refining fire also began a work of deliverance and repentance in him. It is ongoing, and…
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The need for Bereans to walk extra circumspectly – Part 1
What can pass for “Christianity” today is enough to test the faith of anyone who is paying attention, and not otherwise hunkered into a mental niche or theological comfort zone. Estimates have been there are tens of thousands of denominations. Within “Christendom” are myriad permutations. Sectarianism is itself written against in 1 Corinthians 3 as sinful, and sects do now come in brands or flavors spanning the gamut. It may be a motto of the secular humanists to “celebrate diversity,” but among those who name the name of Christ, there is reason to take pause. “Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye…
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Why do we live?
The topic of why we live, or “what is the meaning of life” could fill books, lead to long debate, but let’s settle it in brief with what the Bible says. John said “eternal life is to know God,” and we are called to thus know Him, really, deeply, personally now and into eternity after we die. The Word says also those who are Christians, or “in Christ” are new creations, and the New Creation is the focus of God’s attention. A lot of so-called “carnal Christians” balance in and out of two worlds – the old creation – also known as the natural realm of realities as they are…
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Can a Christian Never Lose Salvation?
God loves all people, and salvation through Jesus Christ is a free gift, received through faith, not of works, but does that mean it can never be lost? Not according to Jesus, who warned His followers several times and explicitly said to the church at Sardis names could be blotted from the Book of Life: He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels. – Rev. 3:5 Some may retort Jesus did not address the “elect” or true “sheep” but an honest reading of…
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Occupational Hazards of Being a Christian Today
Christians in the western world may not have much risk of death by martyrdom, but they do risk eternal death by their own ignorance. That is, if it is a false teaching that “all future sins are forgiven” to born again believers – including murder, suicide, willful walking away, unforgiveness, and other sins – then those who believe this are at risk. The answer to this admittedly controversial question will not be fully documented in this article – we’ll save it for its own post. This article will work under the assumption it is a real risk, while offering practical nuances relevant for the earnest seeker of the Christian life.…
