Speaking evil of others is wrong! Donât be judgmental! The book of James tells us so, end of story. But is there an important nuance to truly understand this seemingly straightforward instruction? âDo not speak evil of one another, brethren. He who speaks evil of a brother and judges his brother, speaks evil of the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. There is one Lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy. Who are you to judge … [Read more...] about Speak No Evil
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Gnosticism: Why John Wrote 1 John
The New Testament Church began with a bang. We note in the book of Acts that one day 5,000 people were added to the church. Soon after another 3,000 were added. But over time, Satanâs influence sapped some of that initial âfirst loveâ that the Church had when it began. False teachers began to worm their way into the Church. We know this from Christâs words regarding the Churches in Revelation, particularly the Church in Ephesus. It was significant enough for Christ to … [Read more...] about Gnosticism: Why John Wrote 1 John
Benefits of Parental Love
There is an article on FocusOnTheFamily.com which lists five benefits of parental love. The five benefits and descriptions are listed below and I would like to apply them to our families and to our spiritual lives. Spiritual Growth Love is a physical need for children. When children receive and learn to give love, they wonât be as thirsty for love from people outside the family. The authentic love of parents helps children develop an identity as a beloved child of God, one who has the … [Read more...] about Benefits of Parental Love
Why Western Values are Shifting
A British columnist who writes for The Times of London, recently wrote: âWhy is so much of the political, cultural and business establishment meekly going along with the onslaught against normative western values and the repudiation of rationality itself? The answer lies in whatâs been happening to the west over the past half century. The current culture wars reflect decades of cultural Marxist chickens coming home to roost. Thereâs been a revolutionary long march through the institutions aimed … [Read more...] about Why Western Values are Shifting
The Abrahamic Covenant
The next several calendar years are looking more and more like they will continue to be years of upheaval. Nothing certain can be predicted, but there are indications that the world order as we have known it is changing. An important focus is what is happening in the United Kingdom and in America. These two nations are in turmoil and what happens to them will have major ramifications for the world at large. As followers of Christ, we need to always keep the big picture in mind. We should not … [Read more...] about The Abrahamic Covenant
Unity in the Church
What is Church unity and where does it come from? Having been drawn out of the world, as followers of Christ our position regarding unity is decidedly different than the common ideas about unity which surround us. There are two important aspects of unity of which we need to be mindful: our calling and our baptism. The Apostle Paul emphasized these factors when he wrote a letter to the Church in Ephesus. Paulâs message conveys, among other important teachings, the fact that God provides both … [Read more...] about Unity in the Church
When Right is Wrong
There is ample and graphic evidence to be seen in world events that underscores the fact that there is an evil âprince of the power of the airâ at work (Ephesians 2.2). This power motivates the human mind in a particular way. This is not new understanding to students of the Bible; however, the ever-increasing scope of this influence is becoming frighteningly more visible. Satan is the prince of the power of the air and stirs the spirits of humans injecting into them attitudes, moods, and … [Read more...] about When Right is Wrong