Hold Fast Apologetics

What Does Scripture Say?

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A former Speech and Language Pathologist for nearly 20 years, I began educating our 3 children full-time in 2015 and have cherished every gifted moment (even the challenges). But what is interwoven into all aspects of daily life (as a wife, via motherhood, teaching, friendship, fitness, etc.) is Christian Apologetics (1 Peter 3:15)… which is why this blog exists.
  • Why Christianity?

    Why Christianity?

    Why should anyone of a quest for truth consider Christianity, first and foremost?

    Per Dr. Craig Hazen, Director of Christian Apologetics at Biola, here are the 4 reasons why Christianity is the worldview you should pursue first:

    1) Christianity is testable, 2) Salvation is a free gift, 3) Christianity has a terrific worldview fit, and 4) Jesus has always been at the center.

    43 minutes with Dr. Craig Hazen.
    “Five Sacred Crossings: A Novel”

    1. Christianity is testable.

    Dr. Hazen points to Christianity as unique from other religions as it is not a “blind leap of faith,” nor dependent upon a subjective, emotional experience. Sisters, Christianity is actually testable! God, in His wisdom and mercy, has provided historical evidence regarding the Truth claims of Christianity. And believe it or not, it all hinges upon Jesus’s Resurrection! Paul (formerly Saul) to the Church in Corinth, highlights the fact that “if Christ has not been raised” then we are still in our sins and the most to be pitied.

    Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, 2 and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.

    3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. 6 Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. 8 Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me.

    1 Corinthians 3-8

    Now look at verses 12-15…

    12 Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. 14 And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. 15 We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified about God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. 16 For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. 18 Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 19 If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied.

    1 Cor 12-19

    Paul wrote this from the perspective of someone who had persecuted the followers of Christ before his conversion (only 2-3 years after Jesus’s crucifixion). If the resurrection wasn’t true then their preaching about Jesus’s preeminent deity (Lordship), death, and resurrection was not only “futile” but “misrepresenting God.” Christianity is verifiable, as it rests upon the empty tomb, eyewitness testimony, as well as the transformed lives of it’s followers. If you or someone you know is wanting to investigate Christianity, you can do so! Pray and look into the historical evidence for the Resurrection…God will help you!

    Resources pertaining to #1:

    2. Salvation is a free gift.

    Another fact that sets Christianity apart from other religious worldviews is God’s Grace. Biblically speaking, Grace (“Charis”), is God’s unmerited favor. A favor that cannot be earned, but is freely given. As explained by Dr. Hazen, “(With Christianity) there’s no crawling over jagged rocks for miles to lay some offering in some temple. There’s no sitting in lotus positions for hours-on-end hoping to move inwardly toward enlightenment, and there’s no ladder to climb unendingly towards the stratosphere of God. Salvation (in relation to Christianity) is just given to you!” Dr. Hazen explains that many of us succumb to the false dogma of working toward salvation; hence, perceiving Christianity as just another religion that requires folks to “do a bunch of stuff.” When we fall into the snare of “building our own ladders” to Heaven, we miss the point of Grace entirely…leaning instead into the trappings of self-reliance! Jonathan Edwards articulated this reality powerfully when stating, “You contribute nothing to your salvation except the sin that made it necessary.” Friends, God made a way back to Himself that only He could make. God sent His one and only Son down from Heaven, in human flesh, (John 1:14; 3:16) to pay a debt that only He could pay. A rescue that only He could make. “Amazing Grace…Who saved a wrtetch like me.”

    But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.  

    Ephesians 2:4-9
    Resources pertaining to #2:

    3. Christianity is a tremendous worldview fit.

    What is a “Worldview?” As defined by Ligonier Ministries, “a worldview is an overall view of the world. It’s not a physical view of the world, but rather a philosophical view, an all-encompassing perspective on everything that exists and matters to us. A person’s worldview represents his most fundamental beliefs and assumptions about the universe he inhabits. It reflects how he would answer all the “big questions” of human existence: fundamental questions about who and what we are, where we came from, why we’re here, where (if anywhere) we’re headed, the meaning and purpose of life, the nature of the afterlife, and what counts as a good life here and now.” 

    For point #3, Dr. Craig Hazen exclaims that, “Christianity has a tremendous worldview fit, as it paints a picture of the world that matches the way the world really is.” For example, Christianity doesn’t look at the existence of evil and suffering in the world and call it, Maya (an illusion). Biblical and Historical Christianity deals with the reality of our brokenness “head-on!” In Hinduism, someone’s suffering is viewed as a part of their karma…to interfere would be harmful to them. In contrast, God’s Word (Scripture) and Grace encourages Christians to get into the “trenches” with those who are hurting. We are comforted by knowing that Jesus Himself suffered on our behalf. Christianity doesn’t ignore evil and suffering but instead provides the history behind it, calls it by name (sin), and delivers a rescue plan that only God could accomplish for us.

    Resources pertaining to #3:

    4. Jesus is at the center of Christianity.

    This final point is essential. When you speak with friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors,…how do they describe Jesus? Do they refer to Jesus as a “good teacher,” “a wise prophet,” or “a highly evolved man?” Or do they call Him, “Lord,” as Jesus claimed to be? Investigating Jesus’s self-made proclamations is the most important research any person could undertake. And Christianity focuses upon these assertions. (We will dig-into this more in the paragraphs below)

    Hazen explains in his talks that “everybody wants a piece of Jesus” in their religious worldview.  He goes on to share that “in Hinduism, Jesus emerges in some Hindus’ minds as either the greatest, or one of the greatest, teachers ever to walk the earth. In Buddhism, Jesus was thought to be an actual incarnation of the Buddha, himself! If not, then he (Jesus) certainly is a great Bodhisattva in the Mahayana tradition…who leads people up to the precipice of enlightenment. “In Islam,” Hazen continues, “Jesus is figured as greater than Mohammad, was considered born of a virgin, and remembered as a miracle worker.” But Christianity has Jesus at the center. Now, for anyone doubting Jesus’s existence, why would most major world religions acknowledge him? (More information on the historical Jesus below)

    Christianity acknowledges the claims made by Jesus, as both historically verifiable and true. You see, Jesus did not mince words when he boldly described himself as both the “Son of Man” and “Son of God.” These two titles pointed to Jesus’s preeminent, divine nature. Jesus was stating that he was/is Lord! Something the other major world religions do not ascribe. This proclamation (as shared by both C.S. Lewis and Josh McDowell) lends itself to 3 possibilities for those researching Jesus’s claims: 1) Jesus was telling the truth, 2) lying, or 3) talking as a Lunatic. Sisters, a “good person,” “prophet,” or “wise teacher” would not be a liar or a lunatic. He is either who He professed to be or not!  Let’s think about this further…Should a liar be esteemed as highly as Jesus is in most world religions?

    Another argument utilized by skeptics as to counter Jesus’s assertions of Lordship is to accuse his followers of writing-in these claims later in history. This could be termed the, “Legend argument.” However, as Dr. Gary Habermas explains, the claims of Jesus’s deity go back to the empty tomb and resurrection. Too soon for legends to be forumulated. Those who saw Jesus resurrected (500+ eyewitnesses) were both teaching and singing creeds that prolifically pointed to 3 distinct components: Jesus’s place in the Godhead, his death, as well as his resurrection. These teachings (homologia) fueled the persecutions of Jesus’s followers by those who were zealous for God’s old covenant. Numerous Christians were martyred for sharing these passionate convictiond, one of whom was Stephen. Saul was present when Stephen was stoned (Acts 7), which happened before Saul’s Damascus Road experience… which historians place just 2 to 3 years (A.D. 32-33) after Jesus’s crucifixion (A.D. 30). The implications of the early teachings and creeds is not only foundational in debunking the Legend Argument but further testifies to the personal convictions of the early Christians regarding the Lordship of Jesus. This evidence regarding Jesus’s life, death, and empty tomb is unchallenged by most non-Christian scholars. Notable mentions would be Bart Ehrman, Gerd Ludemann, and John Dominic Crossan.

    “Jesus’ death by crucifixion under Pontius Pilate is as sure as anything historical can ever be. For if no follower of Jesus had written anything for one hundred years after his crucifixion, we would still know about him from two authors not among his supporters. Their names are Flavius Josephus and Cornelius Tacitus.” – Crossan

    Friends, it’s my hope and prayer that this post encourages you to examine the claims of Christianity. In His mercy, God has provided all of us with abundant evidence for defending the reasons for the hope that we have in the Gospel of Jesus. You might not need these facts, and yet someone you know…might. But don’t put someone’s salvation upon yourself, as that is something only the Holy Spirit accomplishes.

    “And if some folks walked away from Jesus not believing, why would we think that most will walk away from us believing?! At the least, we can put a stone in their shoe.”

    Dr. Gary Habermas
    Resources pertaining to #4:
    6 minutes
  • Bucket Lists

    Bucket Lists

    Friends, if you were like me, you grew-up with images of heaven as a location where angels perched themselves upon fluffy, white clouds…lounging peacefully, without a care-in-the-world. Beautiful and yet, if we are completely transparent, dull and impersonal. In addition to these characterizations of the afterlife, Scripture was taught predominantly via flannel graph and cartoons. Most often portrayed as “stories” to be memorized, not as God’s inspired Words, both rational and historical. It’s no wonder that our postmodern minds receive what the Bible says with skepticism! And our hearts abandon the solid ground of absolute truth for the shifting sands of emotionalism!

    Because of this, we often find ourselves “wishing” our days away with unspoken lists of what we hope to accomplish before we die! Our self-bent hearts holding ever-so-tightly to the temporary rewards of this world (money, self-esteem, power, the praises of others, etc)…and our weary minds just wanting to be numb (ie., binging Netflix in lieu of reading the Bible, etc).

    But, please consider this…

    The same Creator who intentionally fashioned the entire universe, along with every living organism within, has promised to provide both a new Heaven and a new earth one day! The Maker of all things will have a brand new home for us! Why would we create bucket lists for this fleeting moment when all of eternity contains God’s perfect design!? A beautiful world without brokenness and heartbreak! Who can fathom it?!

    Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

    Luke 12:33-34

    With this in mind, Sisters, take a deep breath and relinquish your Bucket List into His hands. Being in God’s presence for all of eternity is one’s best life! A gift which only God could provide. A gift that came through God’s rescue plan. A rescue plan which involved God’s one and only Son coming to earth and paying a debt that we deserved to pay. It’s a reality that should both humble and amaze us daily. Gals, let’s live this life not making temporary lists which change “with the seasons, but instead let’s rely upon God’s strength in sharing the Gospel! It’s the most important endeavor we could undertake. (1 Peter 3:15; Gal 2:20)

    “I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better.”
    ‭‭

    Philippians‬ ‭1:23‬

    His,

    Meridith

    65 minutes with Sean McDowell and Lee Strobel
    20 minutes with David Wood “Image of God”
    3 minutes with Greg Koukl
    53 minutes with Gary Habermas, Darrell Bock, and Mikel Del Rosario
    60 minutes with Krista Bontrager
  • Matthew 7 and Psalm 40

    Matthew 7 and Psalm 40

    Matthew 7:24

    Matthew 7

    Judging Others

    7 “Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. 3 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.

    6 “Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you.

    Ask, and It Will Be Given

    7 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. 9 Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent?11 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!

    The Golden Rule

    12 “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

    13 “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy[a] that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. 14 For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.

    A Tree and Its Fruit

    15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.16 You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. 18 A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.

    I Never Knew You

    21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ 23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’

    Build Your House on the Rock

    24 “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. 26 And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. 27 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”

    The Authority of Jesus

    28 And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, 29 for he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes.

    Footnotes
    1. Matthew 7:13 Some manuscripts For the way is wide and easy

    Psalm 40

    My Help and My Deliverer

    To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David.

    I waited patiently for the Lord;
    he inclined to me and heard my cry.
    2 He drew me up from the pit of destruction,
    out of the miry bog,
    and set my feet upon a rock,
    making my steps secure.
    3 He put a new song in my mouth,
    a song of praise to our God.
    Many will see and fear,
    and put their trust in the Lord.

    4 Blessed is the man who makes
        the Lord his trust,
    who does not turn to the proud,
        to those who go astray after a lie!
    5 You have multiplied, O Lord my God,
        your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us;
        none can compare with you!
    I will proclaim and tell of them,
        yet they are more than can be told.

    6 In sacrifice and offering you have not delighted,
        but you have given me an open ear.[a]
    Burnt offering and sin offering
        you have not required.
    7 Then I said, “Behold, I have come;
        in the scroll of the book it is written of me:
    8 I delight to do your will, O my God;
        your law is within my heart.”

    9 I have told the glad news of deliverance[b]
        in the great congregation;
    behold, I have not restrained my lips,
        as you know, O Lord.
    10 I have not hidden your deliverance within my heart;
        I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation;
    I have not concealed your steadfast love and your faithfulness
        from the great congregation.

    11 As for you, O Lord, you will not restrain
        your mercy from me;
    your steadfast love and your faithfulness will
        ever preserve me!
    12 For evils have encompassed me
        beyond number;
    my iniquities have overtaken me,
        and I cannot see;
    they are more than the hairs of my head;
        my heart fails me.

    13 Be pleased, O Lord, to deliver me!
        O Lord, make haste to help me!
    14 Let those be put to shame and disappointed altogether
        who seek to snatch away my life;
    let those be turned back and brought to dishonor
        who delight in my hurt!
    15 Let those be appalled because of their shame
        who say to me, “Aha, Aha!”

    16 But may all who seek you
        rejoice and be glad in you;
    may those who love your salvation
        say continually, “Great is the Lord!”
    17 As for me, I am poor and needy,
        but the Lord takes thought for me.
    You are my help and my deliverer;
        do not delay, O my God!

    Footnotes
    1. Psalm 40:6 Hebrew ears you have dug for me
    2. Psalm 40:9 Hebrew righteousness; also verse 10

    How to Read the Bible

    32 minutes with Alan Shlemon, Video 1

    All 10 videos by Alan Shlemon 🎞 (click here)

  • What About Those Who Have Never Heard?

    What About Those Who Have Never Heard?

    What about those who have never heard about the Gospel of Jesus? Will they go to Heaven? These two questions are pondered deeply by many-a-heart when considering Christianity as a worldview for reality. And at the heart of this, when we dig deeper, is the question of whether God is both good and just.

    Per 1 Timothy 2:4, God “desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” I may not understand why some choose Him and others don’t, but what is certain is that we can know God cares more about His creation (i.e., us and our loved ones) infinity more than we ever could endeavor. And to example this abundant love are the cross and the empty tomb. Both of these are historically testable…Neither are a leap of faith to believe. Friends, God made a way back to Himself that only He could make. God sent His one and only Son down from Heaven, in human flesh, (John 1:14; 3:16) to pay a debt that only He could pay. A rescue that only He could make. When Adam and Eve heeded the voice of the serpent, Sin then had bent our hearts inward, inhibiting their ability to acccurately discern the will of God. This inward focus is seen in how readily we worship creation over the Creator. Humans are constantly attempting to create God in their/our own image instead of worshiping the One who created us in His. Pastor Mike Winger provides a visual of this screwed authority structure. Winger suggests that we often make Jesus a “bobble head” savior. A feeble icon which nods to our personal wants and wills, instead of a Savior who sits on the throne of our lives. Sin tempts us to live under the banner of “our will be done,” versus “God, Your will be done.” Sisters, God alone could do what man is unable to do. Only God could make a way back to Himself.

    “You contribute nothing to your salvation except the sin that made it necessary.”

    Jonathan Edwards

    Ladies, we are all sinners in need of a Savior. Every, single one of us. (Romans 3:23) We are not the center of the story of reality, God is. We need to worship Him for who He is, not for whom we want Him to be. For this reason, we need to be living a life of dependency upon Jesus…Praying constantly, reading the Bible daily, and sharing the Gospel (Truth) with anyone and everyone. And why some choose this way and others don’t…I don’t understand. But we can trust God.

    “If you found Christianity to be true, would you believe?”

    Frank Turek
    6 minutes with Frank Turek and CrossExamined

    “Most people aren’t on a Truth quest. They are on a happiness quest.”

    Frank Turek
    5 minutes with Pastor Mike Winger

    What is the Gospel?

    20 minutes with David Wood
    3 minutes with Greg Koukl

    The Ressurection

    2 minutes with Lee Strobel
    65 minutes with Dr. Gary Habermas

    Who is Jesus?

    6 minutes
    44 minutes with Mikel Del Rosario
    18 minutes with Nabeel Qureshi

    Why Christianity?

    10 minutes with Jon McCray
    10 minutes with Alan Shlemon

    Scripture Says

    John 14:6
    Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

    Acts 4:12
    And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

    1 Timothy 2:5
    For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,

    John 3:16
    “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

    John 10:9
    I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.

    Romans 10:9
    Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

    John 3:36
    Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.

    John 1:14 ESV
    And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

    John 3:18
    Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.

    John 1:1
    In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

    John 8:24
    I told you that you would die in your sins, for unless you believe that I am he you will die in your sins.”

    Romans 6:23
    For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

    John 17:3
    And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.

    John 5:23
    That all may honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him.

    John 8:58
    Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.”

    1 John 5:20
    And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.

    John 3:3
    Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

    Isaiah 44:6
    Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts: “I am the first and I am the last; besides me there is no god.

    Isaiah 9:6
    For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

    Romans 3:23
    For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

    Hebrews 4:15
    For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.

    Ephesians 2:8-9
    For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

    John 20:28
    Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!”

    John 10:30
    I and the Father are one.”

    John 10:30-33
    I and the Father are one.” The Jews picked up stones again to stone him. Jesus answered them, “I have shown you many good works from the Father; for which of them are you going to stone me?” The Jews answered him, “It is not for a good work that we are going to stone you but for blasphemy, because you, being a man, make yourself God.”

    John 6:35
    Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.

    1 Corinthians 8:6
    Yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.

    John 14:9
    Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?

    1 John 5:11-12
    And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.

    John 11:25-26
    Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

    John 3:16-18
    “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.

    John 11:25
    Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live,

    1 John 2:23
    No one who denies the Son has the Father. Whoever confesses the Son has the Father also.

    Acts 16:30-31
    Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”

    Matthew 25:41
    “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.

    2 Corinthians 5:21
    For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

    Romans 10:13
    For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

    Hebrews 7:25
    Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.

    1 John 2:2
    He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.

    John 3:13
    No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man.

    Romans 10:9-11
    Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.”

    1 Timothy 2:5-6
    For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.

    John 1:3
    All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.

    Isaiah 53:4
    Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted.

    Isaiah 7:14
    Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

    1 Peter 3:15
    But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,

    1 Peter 2:4
    As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious,

    John 5:18
    This was why the Jews were seeking all the more to kill him, because not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God.

    2 Corinthians 5:17
    Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

    Revelation 1:17-18
    When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, “Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.

    Romans 3:10
    As it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one;

    Matthew 7:13-14
    “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.

    John 3:16-17
    “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

    Ephesians 2:1-22
    And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. 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 grace you have been saved— …

    1 John 1:7
    But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.

    Colossians 2:9
    For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily,

    Romans 3:20
    For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.

    Matthew 28:18
    And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

    2 Peter 3:9
    The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.

    Hebrews 12:2
    Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

    Philippians 2:5
    Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,

    John 8:12
    Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

    John 1:29
    The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!

    John 1:18
    No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known.

    Acts 13:38-39
    Let it be known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and by him everyone who believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses.

    John 6:50-51
    This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.”

    John 8:51
    Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death.”

    Romans 5:1-21
    Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. …

    Matthew 28:19
    Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

    2 John 1:9
    Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son.

    2 Peter 1:1
    Simeon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ:

    Hebrews 2:14
    Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil,

    1 Timothy 3:16
    Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.

    Matthew 11:27
    All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.

    Revelation 1:5-6
    And from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

    1 John 5:10-12
    Whoever believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself. Whoever does not believe God has made him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has borne concerning his Son. And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.

    Ephesians 4:4
    There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—

    Acts 16:31
    And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”

    Revelation 1:18
    And the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.

    Hebrews 5:8-9
    Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him,

    Revelation 14:12
    Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus.

    Ephesians 2:18
    For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.

    Romans 8:2
    For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.

    Romans 5:21
    So that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

    1 John 2:1-2
    My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.

    1 Timothy 2:3-6
    This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.

    Romans 4:25
    Who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.

    1 Peter 2:24
    He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.

    Hebrews 9:14-15
    How much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God. Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant.

    John 1:4
    In him was life, and the life was the light of men.

    Hebrews 10:20
    By the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh,

    Hebrews 9:11-12
    But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) he entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption.

    1 Timothy 2:1
    First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people,

    Matthew 7:15
    “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.

    Hebrews 9:24-28
    For Christ has entered, not into holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true things, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf. Nor was it to offer himself repeatedly, as the high priest enters the holy places every year with blood not his own, for then he would have had to suffer repeatedly since the foundation of the world. But as it is, he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.

    2 Thessalonians 1:7-10
    And to grant relief to you who are afflicted as well as to us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might, when he comes on that day to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at among all who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed.

    John 1:2
    He was in the beginning with God.

    Matthew 10:32-33
    So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.

    Acts 2:38
    And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

    Luke 10:25-37
    And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” He said to him, “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?” And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” And he said to him, “You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live.” But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” …

    OpenBible.com

  • Truth in Love

    Truth in Love

    “We often sacrifice others when we give them what they want, but we sacrifice ourselves when we give them what he or she needs.” – Frank Turek

    This statement by Christian Apologist, Frank Turek, during a Q&A at Grace Community Church in Sarasota, genuinely gave me reason to pause and pray… This hits home. How much do I fear the responses of my children, family, friends, or neighbors versus lovingly sharing Truth with them?

    “Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, growsand builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”

    Ephesians 4:15-16

    Friends, loving others well takes humility. And humility takes sacrifice. Sacrifice entails placing God on the throne of our lives instead of ourselves. A heart full of itself (self-confidence and self-reliance) will lend itself to “wants,” but a heart brought low will look-up and find God faithful…and true to His Word. Sisters, let’s abandon the man-centered fear that sacrifices for self, and humbly carry the cross of the One who boldly sacrificed for others. The Grace of God be the strength you need as you lovingly side with Truth in the lives of others. He, Jesus, is who they need.

    Scripture about Truth

    What does Scripture?

    John 18:37 Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness (testify) to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.”

    John 18:38 Pilate said to him, “What is truth?” After he had said this, he went back outside to the Jews and told them, “I find no guilt in him.

    John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

    John 17:7 Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.

    John 8:32 And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

    Matthew 22:29 Jesus replied, “You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.”

    Colossians 2:8 See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.

    Psalm 86:11 Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.

    2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

    1 Corinthians 15:3-4 “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures,” (testifying to history and promises fulfilled)

    1 Corinthians 15:6 “Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep.”

    Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

    Proverbs 14:12 There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.

    Ephesians 5:6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.

    1 Corinthians 2:1-16 And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.

    Psalm 12:17 Whoever speaks the truth gives honest evidence, but a false witness utters deceit.

    Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.

    2 Timothy 3:13 while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.

    Colossians 3:1-3 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

    Psalm 119:160 The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.

    John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

    2 Corinthians 10:5 We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,

    Judges 2:10 And all that generation also were gathered to their fathers. And there arose another generation after them who did not know the Lord or the work that he had done for Israel.

    Colossians 2:1-23 For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments. For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.

    Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

    John 4:23-24 But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”

    John 3:3 Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

    John 16:13 And they will do these things because they have not known the Father, nor me.

    Psalm 5:9 For there is no truth in their mouth; their inmost self is destruction; their throat is an open grave; they flatter with their tongue.

    Psalm 25:5 Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.

    Psalm 119:151 But you are near, O Lord, and all your commandments are true.

    Psalm 45:4 In your majesty ride out victoriously for the cause of truth and meekness and righteousness; let your right hand teach you awesome deeds!

    Psalm 43:3 Send out your light and your truth; let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling!

    Psalm 145:18 The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.

    John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

    John 8:31-32 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

    2 Peter 1:3 His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to His own glory and excellence,

    1 Timothy 2:4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

    John 3:20-21 For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. 21 But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.”

    Ephesians 5:8-11 for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.

    Ephesians 4:14-15 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,

    2 Timothy 2:24-26 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.

    Ephesians 6:14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,

    3 John 4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

    Titus 1:2 in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began

    John 8:44 You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

    Romans 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.

    2 Timothy 3:3-7 heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. For among them are those who creep into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and led astray by various passions, always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth.

    2 Peter 2:2 And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed.

    2 Timothy 4:3-4 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.

    2 Thessalonians 2:10 and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.

    Colossians 1:10 so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;

    Proverbs 18:17 The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him.


    Additional Biblical Perspectives

    3 minutes with Greg Koukl
  • God’s Purposes: Peter, James, and Paul

    God’s Purposes: Peter, James, and Paul

    Sis, do you need encouragement, today? Gary Habermas has some for you! In a recent message delivered by Dr. Gary Habermas to the Evangelical Philosophical Society, he provided 3 examples of how God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purposes:

    Peter, James, and Paul

    Peter, a Disciple of Jesus, readily denied Jesus 3 times after Jesus’s arrest. James, the 1/2 brother of Jesus, had grown-up in the same home with Jesus but rejected Jesus’s claims of Deity as well as thought Jesus to be “out of his mind” when teaching his disciples (Mark 3). And then there was Paul. Paul, formerly Saul, was responsible for the deaths of numerous Christians…one of those being Stephen. Luke chronicles Saul’s participation in the stoning death of Stephen, as the synagogue members threw their garments at Saul’s feet (Acts 7). Peter, James, and Paul were sinners just as we are…and yet God had a plan! And that plan involved Himself!

    Despite their heartbreaking mistakes and infamous failures, all three men were gifted the opportunity to see the risen Jesus! They were saved not by their works, but by grace through faith in Christ! And this should be an immense encouragement to all of us! Friends, God works to accomplish His purposes in spite of our quirks, failures, and current propensities. The good He accomplishes is through His strength, not our own. As Dr. Habermas tenderly asserts: “God uses wounded lives” for purposes beyond what we could imagine. Let that sink in! God, in His wisdom and mercy, works through our suffering and hardships for the Kingdom! This type of faithfulness is not of this world! Sister, no matter how much the remorse of past mistakes may bring you low, God is with you and will use it for good,…according to His purposes. There is everlasting hope from God for you and I. Every…single…day. And it all comes through the death and resurrection of Jesus. His Grace is enough.

    “But God demonstrates His own love for us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

    Romans 5:8
    46 minutes with Gary Habermas (3/15/2022)
    3 minutes with Greg Koukl
  • A Collection of Scripture about Hope

    A Collection of Scripture about Hope

    Dear Sister, you might be gazing at this post with a deep longing for encouragement. For this very reason, it’s my genuine prayer that the words shared below (Scriptures) will fill your heart and mind today,…as they are the only ones which can truly meet the real need you hold.

    Elisabeth Elliot, one of my favorite authors, penned trust with these words “If my life is surrendered to God, all is well. Let me not grab it back, as though it were in peril in His hand but would be safer in mine!” Be encouraged, friends- what is unknown to us, is known by God. (Psalm 139; Hebrews 4:13) What appears impossible to us, is not to God (Luke 1:37) And while we may not understand His plans, we can certainly trust His heart. (James 4:7; Proverbs 3:5) Wherever you may be right now, take a breath and pray. No question is too lofty; no sorrow is too deep; and no past is beyond His Grace. The hope God provides through His Son and in His Words (Bible) will be sufficient. God’s got you!

    What is the Gospel? 3 minutes with Greg Koukl

    Jeremiah 29:11
    For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

    Romans 15:13
    May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

    Romans 12:12
    Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

    Psalms‬ ‭34:18‬ “The Lord is near the brokenhearted; he delivers those who are discouraged.”

    Hebrews 11:1
    Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

    Isaiah 40:31
    But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

    Romans 8:24-25
    For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

    1 Peter 1:3
    Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

    Romans 15:4
    For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

    Psalm 39:7
    “And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in you.

    1 Corinthians 13:13
    So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

    Colossians 1:27
    To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

    Romans 5:5
    And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

    Deuteronomy 31:6
    Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”

    Romans 8:25
    But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

    Romans 5:2-5
    Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

    Revelation 21:4
    He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

    Proverbs 23:18
    Surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off.

    2 Corinthians 4:16-18
    So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

    Proverbs 24:14
    Know that wisdom is such to your soul; if you find it, there will be a future, and your hope will not be cut off.

    Psalm 71:5
    For you, O Lord, are my hope, my trust, O Lord, from my youth.

    Isaiah 41:10
    Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

    Titus 3:7
    So that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

    1 Peter 3:15
    But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,

    Zephaniah 3:17
    The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.

    Hebrews 6:19
    We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain,

    1 Thessalonians 5:8
    But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation.

    Psalm 31:24
    Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord!

    Lamentations 3:24
    “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.”

    Hebrews 10:23
    Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.

    Psalm 119:114
    You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in your word.

    Jeremiah 17:7
    “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord.

    Romans 8:24
    For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees?

    Titus 2:13
    Waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,

    Ephesians 1:18
    Having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,

    Psalm 71:14
    But I will hope continually and will praise you yet more and more.

    Psalm 33:18
    Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love,

    Mark 9:23
    And Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.”

    Proverbs 13:12
    Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life.

    1 Thessalonians 1:3
    Remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

    Psalm 130:5
    I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope;

    Psalm 33:22
    Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in you.

    John 3:16
    “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

    Psalm 147:11
    But the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love.

    1 Corinthians 15:19
    If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied.

    Galatians 5:5
    For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness.

    1 John 3:3
    And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.

    Titus 1:2 ESV
    In hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began

    Psalm 9:18
    For the needy shall not always be forgotten, and the hope of the poor shall not perish forever.

    Titus 1:1-2
    Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness, in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began

    Romans 8:28
    And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

    1 Peter 1:13
    Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

    Job 11:18
    And you will feel secure, because there is hope; you will look around and take your rest in security.

    Psalm 42:11
    Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.

    Psalm 146:5
    Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God,

    Ephesians 4:4
    There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—

    Psalm 62:5
    For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him.

    Micah 7:7
    But as for me, I will look to the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me.

    Psalm 10:17
    O Lord, you hear the desire of the afflicted; you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear

    Philippians 3:13-14
    Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

    1 Thessalonians 4:13
    But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope.

    Hebrews 6:18-19
    So that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us. We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain,

    1 Timothy 6:17
    As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.

    2 Corinthians 3:12
    Since we have such a hope, we are very bold,

    Hebrews 3:6
    But Christ is faithful over God’s house as a son. And we are his house if indeed we hold fast our confidence and our boasting in our hope.

    Psalm 43:5
    Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.

    1 Corinthians 2:9
    But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him”—

    Psalm 119:81
    My soul longs for your salvation; I hope in your word.

    Romans 5:2
    Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

    2 Timothy 1:7
    For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

    Matthew 11:28
    Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

    Psalm 23:1-6
    A Psalm of David. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. …

    1 Timothy 1:1
    Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope,

    2 Corinthians 5:17
    Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

    Matthew 25:21
    His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’

    Romans 4:18
    In hope he believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been told, “So shall your offspring be.”

    Romans 8:18
    For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

    Joel 3:16
    The Lord roars from Zion, and utters his voice from Jerusalem, and the heavens and the earth quake. But the Lord is a refuge to his people, a stronghold to the people of Israel.

    Psalm 130:7
    O Israel, hope in the Lord! For with the Lord there is steadfast love, and with him is plentiful redemption.

    Proverbs 10:28
    The hope of the righteous brings joy, but the expectation of the wicked will perish.

    Romans 5:3-4
    More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope,

    Zechariah 9:12
    Return to your stronghold, O prisoners of hope; today I declare that I will restore to you double.

    Matthew 12:21
    And in his name the Gentiles will hope.”

    Numbers 23:19
    God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?

    1 Peter 5:10
    And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.

    1 Peter 1:21
    Who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.

    Colossians 1:23
    If indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister.

    Lamentations 3:21
    But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope:

    Job 13:15
    Though he slay me, I will hope in him; yet I will argue my ways to his face.

    Colossians 1:5
    Because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel,

    Psalm 78:7
    So that they should set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments;

    Ephesians 2:12
    Remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.

    Hebrews 6:11
    And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end,

    Acts 24:15
    Having a hope in God, which these men themselves accept, that there will be a resurrection of both the just and the unjust.

    Psalm 25:5
    Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.

    2 Corinthians 4:17-18
    For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

    Psalm 38:15
    But for you, O Lord, do I wait; it is you, O Lord my God, who will answer.

    Ephesians 3:20-21
    Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

    Proverbs 18:10
    The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.

    John 14:27
    Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

    Philippians 1:6
    And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

  • Did Jesus Teach “Christ Consciousness?” (By Steven Bancarz)

    Did Jesus Teach “Christ Consciousness?” (By Steven Bancarz)

    What exactly is, “Christ Consciousness?” Below you will find an article written by Steven Bancarz, a former New Age writer and teacher, which not only provides a definition of Christ Consciousness but also includes a Biblical Perspective. Per his apologetics website, Reasons for Jesus, Steven gave his life to Jesus in 2015, and “has since been in full-time ministry after exposing the deception of the New Age movement.” It’s my hope and prayer that Steven’s post below provides the Biblical answers you need as to confidently answer the question provided in the title, “Did Jesus Teach Christ Consciousness?” Keep reading God’s Word (the Bible), Sisters…and by it, test everything that is said, and hold on to what is good! His, Mer

    A brief answer to the title? No, Jesus didn’t.

    Facebook Post written by Steven Bancarz:

    March 1, 2022

    Did Jesus teach Christ Consciousness? In the New Age, it’s believed that “Christ” references the I Am Presence within all things. Jesus is thus someone who became Christ by realizing His intrinsic connection to Source, and it’s claimed that His real teachings lead us to the state of Higher Consciousness that He obtained that we may be Christ too. Jesus taught us how to access our own divinity and live from the Christ Consciousness He accessed in Himself. I used to teach this myself, **but Jesus actually teaches something much different, and we can be sure of this for several reasons:

    1) Jesus warned twice in Mat. 24 against those who claimed to be “Christ”, claiming this would be a sign of deception before the end of the age. “I Am Christ” is what many will say to deceive others. This teaching of Christ consciousness is not only absent from Jesus ministry, it’s something He warned of as a coming deception.

    2) The promise of god-hood is the first lie told to man by Satan in the Garden (Gen. 3:3-5). Jesus came to “destroy the works of the devil” (1 Jn. 3:8), the first of which was to convince man they could become God. Jesus came into the world to clean up the mess that unfolded when people (Adam and Eve) were allured away from the truth into the pursuit of self-godhood.

    3) Jesus says John the Baptist was the most spiritually advanced man ever (next to Himself), and John denied being “Christ” twice. If greatest man ever isn’t Christ and didn’t become it, then “Christ” is not a state of consciousness belonging to the spiritually advanced. Moses, David, Abraham, and every other spiritual giant in history couldn’t knock at John’s door. If John still wasn’t a Christ, than neither are we.

    4) “Christos” in the Greek is used hundreds of times in the NT, and every time it references a person; Jesus. It never references an “it”, but only a “he”. This word is never used in a sense compatible with an impersonal force or a state of mind, or any other “it”. It is only used in just one sense; as a title for the personal Messiah. “Christ” is said to have died for our sins, been buried, and raised bodily from the dead. “Christos” is a personal word referencing Jesus, and never anyone or anything else.

    5) The Bible tells us that we are not divine beings who can ascend to godhood. We are “but men” (Ps. 9:20), “men and no gods “ (Ez. 28:9), and “man and not gods” (Eze. 31:3). We are not gods with amnesia, and all those in Scripture who claimed to be gods were issued the death penalty by God (Acts 12:20-23, Eze. 28:1-10, Isa. 14:12-22). The Bible has a lot to say about the pursuit of Godhood, but only in the context of it being sin worthy of judgement.  

    What Jesus really taught is that He is the divine Saviour, we are human sinners in need of redemption, that in His life, death, and resurrection Heaven has been earned for us, and if we repent of our sins and trust in Him we will receive the free gift of eternal life and be reconciled unto God.  

    For more on this teaching of Christ consciousness from a Biblical perspective:

    13 minutes by Steven Bancarz

    Additional Resources

    ✏️What is Christ Consciousness by GotQuestions.org

    ✏️ Reasons for Jesus

    ✏️Christian Answers for the New Age

    3h 12m with Steven Bancarz and Alisa Childers
    33 minutes
    48 minutes
  • The 7 Letters to the 7 Churches

    The 7 Letters to the 7 Churches

    The following 7 sermons were both prepared and delivered by Pastor Brock Graham from Redeemer Bible Church in Greenwood, Indiana: https://www.redeemerbible.church/sermons/

    It’s my prayer that these messages from the Book of Revelation not only get us into God’s Word with greater fervency, but also with hearts which listen. Also included at the end of this post is a documentary called, “Trial and Triumph: Revelations’ Churches,” produced by Appian Media (not directly connected to Redeemer Bible Church). Sisters, let’s keep His Word close throughout the day…as God’s Words are the ones we need filling our hearts and minds the most. Love, Mer

    Revelation 1:1-20 “The Prologue”

    The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, 2 who bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw. 3 Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near.

    Greeting to the Seven Churches

    4 John to the seven churches that are in Asia:

    Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, 5 and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth.

    To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood6 and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. 7 Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen.

    8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”

    Vision of the Son of Man

    9 I, John, your brother and partner in the tribulation and the kingdom and the patient endurance that are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos on account of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. 10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet11 saying, “Write what you see in a book and send it to the seven churches, to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.”

    12 Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around his chest. 14 The hairs of his head were white, like white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire, 15 his feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace, and his voice was like the roar of many waters. 16 In his right hand he held seven stars, from his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining in full strength.

    17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, “Fear not, I am the first and the last,18 and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades. 19 Write therefore the things that you have seen, those that are and those that are to take place after this. 20 As for the mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lampstands, the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.

    Teaching begins at 33 minutes

    To the Church of Ephesus

    Revelation 2 :1-7

    “To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: ‘The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands.

    2 “‘I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. 3 I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name’s sake, and you have not grown weary. 4 But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. 5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent. 6 Yet this you have: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 7 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.’

    Message begins around the 33-minute mark

    To the Church in Smyrna

    Revelation 2:8-11

    And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: ‘The words of the first and the last, who died and came to life.

    9 “‘I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich) and the slander[a] of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10 Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. 11 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death.’

    Message begins @ 30-minute mark

    To the Church in Pergamum

    Revelation 2:12-17

    And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: ‘The words of him who has the sharp two-edged sword.

    13 “‘I know where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. Yet you hold fast my name, and you did not deny my faith even in the days of Antipas my faithful witness, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. 14 But I have a few things against you: you have some there who hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, so that they might eat food sacrificed to idols and practice sexual immorality. 15 So also you have some who hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans. 16 Therefore repent. If not, I will come to you soon and war against them with the sword of my mouth. 17 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it.’

    Message begins @ 32-minute mark

    To the Church in Thyatira

    Revelation 2:18-29

    “And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write: ‘The words of the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and whose feet are like burnished bronze.

    19 “‘I know your works, your love and faith and service and patient endurance, and that your latter works exceed the first. 20 But I have this against you, that you tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and is teaching and seducing my servants to practice sexual immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols. 21 I gave her time to repent, but she refuses to repent of her sexual immorality.22 Behold, I will throw her onto a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her I will throw into great tribulation, unless they repent of her works, 23 and I will strike her children dead. And all the churches will know that I am he who searches mind and heart, and I will give to each of you according to your works. 24 But to the rest of you in Thyatira, who do not hold this teaching, who have not learned what some call the deep things of Satan, to you I say, I do not lay on you any other burden. 25 Only hold fast what you have until I come. 26 The one who conquers and who keeps my works until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations,27 and he will rule[c] them with a rod of iron, as when earthen pots are broken in pieces, even as I myself have received authority from my Father. 28 And I will give him the morning star. 29 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’

    Message begins around the 28-minute mark

    To the Church in Sardis

    Revelation 3:1-6

    And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: ‘The words of him who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars.

    “‘I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead. 2 Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God. 3 Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent. If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come against you. 4 Yet you have still a few names in Sardis, people who have not soiled their garments, and they will walk with me in white, for they are worthy. 5 The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels.6 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’

    Teaching starts around the 30-minute mark

    To the Church in Philadelphia

    Revelation 3:7-13

    “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: ‘The words of the holy one, the true one, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, who shuts and no one opens.

    8 “‘I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. 9 Behold, I will make those of the synagogue of Satan who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie—behold, I will make them come and bow down before your feet, and they will learn that I have loved you. 10 Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth. 11 I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown.12 The one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. Never shall he go out of it, and I will write on him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down from my God out of heaven, and my own new name. 13 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’

    Sermon Notes: https://notes.subsplash.com/fill-in/view?page=DeNqFvcHiB

    Message begins around the 28-minute mark

    To the Church in Laodicea

    Revelation 3:14-22

    And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: ‘The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s creation.

    15 “‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! 16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. 17 For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see. 19 Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.21 The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. 22 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’”

    Message begins around the 37-minute mark
    1h 55m
  • 💌 An Email to Friends About the Enneagram

    💌 An Email to Friends About the Enneagram

    Dear Sister,

    Would you please pray alongside me for the Church?

    This prayer request is specifically regarding the Enneagram and it’s surprising impact upon numerous hearts. You see, while the Enneagram is marketed primarily as a personality assessment…there is more to it than our friends realize. Please allow me to explain…

    When the nine-pointed shape was designed around the turn of the 20th century by early New Ager, George Gurdjieff, it was done with a Gnostic worldview in mind. Gnosticism is the belief that everyone is inherently divine (given a “divine spark”)…and that with extra help, someone can obtain “hidden knowledge” (gnosis) regarding that spark. This concept led Gurdjieff to create the shape as a way of gleaning secret wisdom particularly about the universe.

    In addition to the shape, the Types were also formulated via practices that did not include God. In the late 1960’s, Claudio Naranjo, a Chilean Psychologist, derived the personality types via Automatic Writing…which is a form of Divination. This means that he was “channeling” and/or “dictating” information given to him via spirit guides, which we can also term, “disobedient spirits.” Why seek wisdom from these sources? The basic premise of this tool was to uncover what the New Age Movement calls the “True Self” or the “Divine Self.” A divine nature that (in their worldview) was given to all of creation…to God and Jesus, as well. Yep, they believe both God and Jesus were created beings.

    Biblically, two major red flags jump-out at us here: 🚩First, the act of Divination is strongly prohibited by God in both the Old and New Testaments (Deut 18; Lev 19; Acts 16 & 19). Seeking guidance and wisdom through any spirit other than the Holy Spirit is dangerous…It’s putting oneself in a position to receive potentially harmful influence from that spirit. 🚩Secondly, we were not created equal with God, nor are we permitted to worship anything or anyone but God alone. These two red flags need to be taken seriously!

    – Marcia Montenegro’s CANA (Christian Answers for the New Age) Facebook Page

    The Enneagram was a tool hence utilzied as a way to discover one’s “True Self” that was masked by sin (their belief). Richard Rohr is someone who promotes this viewpoint. His book, “The Enneagram: A Christian Perspective” ushered an increased usage of this occult tool in the Emergent, now Progressive Christian Church (not Christian), and is now in Evangelical Churches. Per Marcia Montenegro, a former Astrologer (now Christian), there are now churches advocating that the Enneagram will help you know your “Divine Personality” and show you the “face of God.” Oh my...🚩

    This is tragic. Rohr further teaches that we have never been separated from God but that we all have the “Universal Christ” within all of us. He shares that Jesus and the Christ were two seperate beings (Jesus created and Christ, Divine). Rohr claims that the Christ in Jesus declared that it was the way to God…and that Jesus showed us that way, by being an example. Rohr’s faith is that of both Panentheism and Perinnialism, not Christian.

    To tolerate this New Age protocol under the premise of “entertaining different viewpoints,” is far from discussing end times eschatology, Calvinism and Arminianism, etc…Promoting the Enneagram is spiritual syncretism! And combining other spiritual worldviews with Christianity is not Biblical (click here for why)! Friends, slapping Bible verses upon a New Age tool does not make it Christian…No more than, per GK Chesterton, “standing in a garage makes someone a car!”

    “What you tolerate today, you accept tomorrow. What you accept today, you embrace tomorrow. What you embrace today, you promote tomorrow.”

    Hillary Morgan Ferrer, Mama Bear Apologetics

    By this point of the email, you get my genuine concern…There are legitimate red flags for which to examine Biblically! As prayer warriors, we need to pray for our friends and family who are really immersed in this tool. They are not only placing their identity in a self-focused tool with a self-reliant gospel, but they are hearing unbiblcal information about God, Jesus, and their need for the cross. Gals, if Peter could get off-track and add to the cross (as recorded in Galatians 2), we all can and possibly will. Paul corrected Peter as we all should do… both by praying for one another and by sharing scripture (2 Tim 3:16-17). If you ever want to pray together about this or anything else, please do not hesitate to email me (gal220bkack@gmail.com)…I love you, ladies!! Thank you for praying!

    His, 
    Meridith 

    “As Christians, it is important to investigate any new practice or teaching prior to use, and the Enneagram is no different.” – Dr. Chris Berg

    Q͟u͟i͟c͟k͟ L͟i͟n͟k͟s͟:

    🎞Occult Origins…Marcia Montenegro

    🎞Alisa Childers interviews Marcia

    🎞Sean McDowell interviews Dr. Chris Berg

    📝Psychometrics w/ Jay Medenwaldt

    📝Theology Mom examines the Enneagram

    🔍Christian Answers for the New Age

    🎞What is the Gospel?

    🎞Who is Richard Rohr? (Bancarz and Childers)

    🎞Made in the Image of God (David Wood)

    http://gal220life.com/2022/01/25/examining-the-enneagram-a-biblical-perspective/


    For more information regarding Gnosticism, here is a 6-hour teaching by Dr. Michael Heiser: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBVGGeN5GXM&t=3251s

    Ryan Reeves teaches about Gnosticism and the Early Church: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXc-vvCivp4&t=1236s

  • Holy

    Sisters, we need to be in God’s Word.

    When we neglect the Bible, we tend to look at God through the lens of our emotions and circumstances. We create an inaccurate view of God which looks a lot like us, with desires like our own. We mold Him into what we are able to perceive through experience, when in reality, His ways are not like ours at all! You see, if we are honest with ourselves, we would admit that we are broken…and that we are in desperate need of help. We would be quick to admit our selfishness, and how tentative we are to trust. But thankfully, God knew this…and planned accordingly.

    You see, at the perfect time…God came down, put on flesh, and paid the debt that you and i deserve to pay. Jesus made a way back to God that only He (the 2nd Person of the Trinity) could make. Not so we can revel in ourselves…but so that we know God accurately. For when we know God accurately, we witness Him in His Holiness. And when we are captured by His Holiness, we are humbled in comparison. It’s when we look to God in His Word that we see our need all the more, and run to repentance readily…Worshipping Him rightly!

    This is why the focused message of our churches should not be relevancy but God’s Holiness. For the Gospel is the only true refreshment for a weary soul…when it knows how parched it truly is. Worship the God of the Bible, friends…For He is Holy, and worthy to be praised!

    And I said: “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts!”

    Isaiah 6:5


  • Set Your Mind

    Set Your Mind

    Friends, I’ve written this before but it certainly bears repeating…What we focus upon can eventually consume us. And what consumes us, ultimately leads us. And what leads us, inevitably rules our hearts. And what rules our hearts, most assuredly becomes our hope.

    Sisters, in what or in whom are you placing your Hope? In a world where many voices compete for your attention, please open-up that Bible and focus upon what God says. Fill your mind with Truth, and be utterly consumed with the Gospel that saved you…No other words are more important. Set your mind on things above…Hope in Him!

    God wants to renew our minds, not remove them.

    RC Sproul

    How to Read the Bible

    What is the Difference Between Exegesis and Eisegesis? By GotQuestions ✏️

    55 minutes with Professor Walt Russell, “Why We Need Hermeneutics”
    3 minutes with Mike Winger. We need the Bible as to “test the spirits” (1 John 4:1).