While it’s true that non-Christian elements have been widespread in Christianity, as evidenced in everything from Vatican artwork to Easter bunnies, we overshot the runway on the cross. Here, I’ll address the common arguments against the cross symbol and hopefully answer the questions: Are crosses pagan? Does the depiction of a Latin cross dishonor Christianity, Christ, or the commandments of God?
When we “pray” does the act bear any similarity to the act that Christ, Moses, Paul, and countless others thought of when they spoke about praying? Biblically, prayer was thought to be a verbal act. Praying, like blessing, vowing, praising, and speaking in tongues, required audible speaking. The tradition of spoken prayer was virtually universal throughout the ancient world.
1 Corinthians says the most about Tongue’s use and value. It also has the most descriptive language about it. Read in entirety and context, Tongues is not merely foreign languages. To meet the criteria of being what Paul is talking about in 1 Corinthians 12 and 14, there are some key verses that cannot be dismissed.
Your “higher self” and your “dark side” are atheistic, ego-centric alternatives to God and Satan. A central problem is that they both hinge on the exaltation of your ego and self, which inherently lack objectivity. Thus, Good becomes subjective to your preference. Then, when your “higher self” achieves its self-defined Good, pride is the inevitable outcome. And when your “dark side” inevitably prevails, it’s inseparable from you.
Extramarital sex, pornography, and other forms of idolatry are the gateway to demonic control and oppression. This talk covers Scriptural statements and historic truths and shows how these demonic powers are still very much alive — and as destructive as ever — in the world today.
Hanukkah is almost upon us. Every year, the Hanukkah season brings a new wave of Christians who express interest in celebrating this holiday. For many, it’s a completely new occasion to celebrate. After three decades spent celebrating a Christian Hanukkah, I’m happy to share a few of the ways you can begin to incorporate this holiday into your winter season.
But God isn’t finite. There is no limit to His time, resources, influence, agency, energy, or attention. So maybe there’s no reason to assume that God prioritizes anything. Or perhaps, better asked: Is it plausible that God prioritizes everything equally? If the answer is yes, the consequences are enormous.
Faith develops over time. In the development of our faith, we are tested and influenced by demonic spirits or the Holy Spirit. We then choose a response: sin or righteousness. In the waiting, the fruit of our faith is revealed. This talk explores the essential waiting period and teaches how the Fruit of the Spirit and the Gifts of the Spirit can empower us as we wait for the results of our beliefs and actions.