âForewarned is forearmed,â is an old and wise saying. Thus, the relevant message to believers is that we should always be aware of what is going on around us in our culture from a spiritual perspective. Thatâs the very thing that the Apostle Paul warned of in 1 Timothy 4:1: âNow the Spirit speaks expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons.â Godâs spirit, the Holy Spirit, made it clear that from Paulâs day on down … [Read more...] about Guard Against Seducing Spirits
Satan
Causes of Division
One of Christâs primary concerns in His prayer in the garden the night before His crucifixion was unity: "I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in … [Read more...] about Causes of Division
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
God’s Image
Since the beginning of time, there have been many man-devised idols of bizarre appearance. Men have bowed down to the ground before carved stones, wood or even photographs. Man has indeed created many gods, and lords. However, the ideas that mankind have labeled "God" fall far short of the God of the Bible. This God is dynamically alive. He does not allow mankind to decide who He is, what Heâs like or how He is to be worshipped. The Creator God of the Bible has distinct characteristics and a … [Read more...] about God’s Image
Willing or Willful?
In his book written in 1637, entitled Discourse on the Method, RenĂŠ Descartes published a phrase in Latin that became one of the central tenets or teachings of Western philosophy. That phrase in Latin is cogito ergo sum. In English it is: I think, therefore I am. The main theme of the book addresses skepticism, a philosophical school of thought that questioned whether knowing something was âfor sureâ is possible. Everything is relative. Descartes refused to accept the authority of previous … [Read more...] about Willing or Willful?
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
Giving Wisdom to the Wise
The Prophet Daniel recorded many significant prophecies in the Book of Daniel. We may think of the interpretation of the dreams of Nebuchadnezzar, as well as various visions given to Daniel. The events surrounding the first vision recorded in Daniel 2 are noteworthy. Nebuchadnezzar had a dream during the second year of his reign, which troubled him greatly. The king not only wanted an interpretation of his dream but also demanded that the magicians, astrologers, sorcerers, and the Chaldeans … [Read more...] about Giving Wisdom to the Wise