From the Romans to the Biden era, the word âliberalâ has taken on many meanings. It is one of those âit all dependsâ words. Yet, it has not always had a negative connotation as it does today in political/social circles. The cradle of its development, which impacts us today, was in 18th and 19th century Europe. It was a response to absolute monarchical rule. Liberal was the idea of individual freedom and liberty, through limiting the powers of government. Government was expected to protect … [Read more...] about The Liberal Mind
Modernism
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
Prophecy: Knowing the Future in Advance
When Paul began to address problems in the Church in Corinth, he clearly explained that the wisdom of God is a mystery, but that the things of God are revealed through His Holy Spirit. Christ addressed this stating that the Holy Spirit will guide us into all truth and will tell us of things to come (John 16:13). Here we have a combination of truth and "things to come" as an aspect of the Holy Spirit. Peter said that those who, upon repentance and baptism, were given the Holy Spirit now have … [Read more...] about Prophecy: Knowing the Future in Advance
The Missing Dimension in Morality
We have a very real problem that pervades our world â and that problem is the missing dimension of morality. As one political commentator noted, âThis is not a constitutional problem. It is a moral crisis.â The lack of morality is a disease of the mind, and one definition of madness is âextremely foolish behavior.â Why do so many of societyâs influential people do things that leave us shaking our heads in bewilderment and asking the question, âWhat were they thinking?â What characterizes … [Read more...] about The Missing Dimension in Morality
The Humanist Philosophy of Life
It would be no overstatement to say that one of this modern worldâs most pervasive worldviews is that of humanism. The American Humanist Association defines humanism as âa progressive philosophy of life that, without supernaturalism, affirms our ability and responsibility to lead ethical lives of personal fulfillment that aspire to the greater good of humanity.â As the term implies, humanism is the reliance upon the human self. When this is coupled with secularism then God is eliminated from … [Read more...] about The Humanist Philosophy of Life
Death and Beyond
While we all know something about living a physical life, it is important to gain an understanding of death and what is beyond. Paul's perspective in I Corinthians 15:19-26 is very enlightening: "If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable. But now Christ is risen from the dead and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since by man came death [through Adam], by Man [Christ] also came the resurrection of the dead. For as … [Read more...] about Death and Beyond
Our True Citizenship
In the aftermath of an emotionally charged political election in the United States, it is a good time to reflect on the great truth God has shared with His people. God informs us that our citizenship is not of this earth. As future citizens of Godâs Kingdom, we wait for Christ to return and establish that kingdom over all nations and people (Philippians 3:20-21). Our attention and focus are on Christ, the savior of mankind. During His ministry, Jesus Christ not only proclaimed the coming … [Read more...] about Our True Citizenship