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Israel, Gaza, and the Church- How should we respond?

Daniel 12:1- "At that time shall arise Michael, the great prince who has charge of your people. And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation till that time. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone whose name shall be found written in the book." The only Nation in the Bible that has an Archangel from Heaven appointed for its protection is the Nation of Israel. This reality reminds us of the extent to which God has gone in order to ensure that His covenant promises to the Jewish people are fulfilled, and also that the conflicts we are seeing in the earthly realm originate in the spiritual realm. God’s unwavering commitment to preserve the Jewish people is not based upon their “deeds of righteousness” but rather upon His covenant promises given to their forefathers Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Therefore, we must understand that there is a war in the spiritual realm against the covenant promises of God that is manifesting in...

How do I win my non-believing family and friends to Christ?

The recent surge in highly progressive ideals places significant pressure on many Christians as they strive to share their faith with friends and family. For example it's important not to enable someone's gender dysphoria by unquestioningly affirming their beliefs about reality. Similarly, taking an overly confrontational approach when discussing the truth with someone genuinely struggling can be counterproductive. Striking a balance is crucial – we shouldn't sacrifice objective reality for the sake of love, nor should we forfeit kindness while addressing differing perspectives. Many of us have family and friends who adhere to secular views on gender, sexuality, and morals, regardless of their religious stance. In our efforts to guide them towards understanding, sometimes our enthusiasm inadvertently leads to defensiveness and retreat. This highlights the significance of interpreting "he who wins souls is wise" (Proverbs 11:30) within Scripture. Engaging in conver...

How do I live victoriously after deliverance?

In the journey of post-deliverance discipleship, we come to the profound realization that we cannot "cast out the flesh" or "crucify a demon." While deliverance sets us free from the power of darkness, we still face the reality of living in a fallen world where temptation lingers. How then can we reckon ourselves dead to sin? Romans 6:11 exhorts us, "Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts." The key lies in actively opposing the lusts that reside within our mortal bodies by the power of the Holy Spirit. Sin, which is always initiated by temptation, stirs within us, but we must never allow it to reign over us because Jesus has given us power to be free of it's dominion. The moment we become aware of any lust, we must reckon ourselves dead to sin, just as Romans 6:11 instructs. What this means is that we must renew our mind to agree with what God's Word says, that our old rebellious self is dead and b...

What is "the spirit of religion?"

James 1:26–27- "If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world." Here in the book of James, we encounter a passage that sarcastically addresses the notion of "religion" in a manner that challenges empty piety and superficial religious practices. James, with a hint of irony, sheds light on the fallacy of outward displays of religiosity, emphasizing the need for genuine transformation and a reliance on the Holy Spirit rather than hollow forms of worship. While some contend that the Bible provides us with a definition of "true religion" in this passage, it can be observed from the context that James is actually addressing individuals who were arrogantly boasting about their "religion." Consequently, he employs thei...

Can a Christian need Deliverance from Demons?

The question of whether Christians can be demonized and in need of deliverance is a th ought-provoking topic that ignites intense debate within Christian circles. While opinions may differ, this chapter aims to present a comprehensive overview of how Christians can benefit from the ministry of deliverance, supported by scriptural evidence. By delving into biblical passages, studying the original Greek, and examining the theological perspectives surrounding this topic, we can gain a deeper understanding of the possibility of Christians requiring deliverance from demonic influence/oppression. Oftentimes you will hear it said in Christian circles: "a person can either be possessed, oppressed, or influenced by the devil." However, this terminology is not used in the Bible, especially as it relates to the word "possessed." In fact, the Greek word "daimonizomai," used in some Bibles to mean "demon-possessed" is often improperly translated. Scholars ar...

The solution to church hopping and disengagement

In a consumeristic culture like ours, it's common for people to hold high expectations when it comes to their choice of a church or pastor. They may believe that they can find a church or pastor that aligns with their beliefs and values 100%. However, this expectation is often unreasonable and can lead to unhealthy church hopping or disengagement from church altogether. Being part of a church community is important because it provides a support system of like-minded individuals who can encourage, challenge, and uplift one another. The Bible instructs us to gather together regularly for worship, fellowship, and teaching in Hebrews 10:25, which says, "And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near." The church community also offers opportunities to serve others and use our spiritual gifts to make a difference in the lives of those around us, as seen in 1 Corinthians 12:7, ...

Why "progressive christianity" is an entirely different Religion.

As a pastor, I am deeply concerned about the growing trend of so called "progressive christianity", which seeks to depart from the core beliefs and practices of our faith in favor of a more humanistic and secular worldview. It's imporatant to understand that "progressive christianity" is a completely separate worldview from the Historic Christian Faith and this why I use quotation marks when using the term. By borrowing Christian terminology, concepts, and ecclesiology this worldview has had surprising success at deceiving people to think that it can be considered Christian in the Historic sense of the word. Nothing can be furter from the truth... As I reflect on this issue, I am reminded of several biblical passages that speak to the challenges faced by this worldview.  One of the main concerns I have with "progressive christianity" is its rejection of the Bible as the infallible Word of God and the final rule of faith for Christian practice and belie...