SpeakItOn: Recent Episodes
LA
LISTED IN PATRION UNDER "SpeakItOn"! https://www.patreon.com/lablackburnLA is putting the "Good" back in "The Good News." Faith-based meets Real-world with entertainment and info for anyone whose willing to consider there is something supernatural going on in the world. LA Blackburn holds an M.S. in Communication Studies, a M.Th in Pastoral Leadership and years of bi-vocational ministry experience with an emphasis on "living-it." He is a Christian author with books currently available on Amazon. No perfect people here, so have a listen and judge for yourself. If you would like to support this ministry, please feel free to join his PATREON account listed under SpeakItOn.
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An anchor keeps a ship in the water from drifting. Scripture can do this for us and well if we'll let it. But, you must make a conscious effort to choose the scripture you need. Here are some thoughts...
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There are churches of all varieties now and I don't just mean denominations. There are cowboy churches, vaquero churches, biker churches and now even "Fight churches" who focus on MMA. Question is - whose church is it anyway? Here are some thoughts...
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Do you read the Bible? What's more, do you really want to read the Bible? Or, do you find it a tired old document with as much fun as reading a math manual? If you've ever struggled with reading the Bible, here are some thoughts...
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What does God want me to do when I grow up? Interesting question to be sure but answers vary. In fact, many today find it hard to think of God as being part of their worklife and vocation. Here are some thoughts...
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Here are two thoughts on Christian growth that could revolutionize your walk. It's not a secret, but these aren't mentioned very much. Have a listen...
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A major problem today is a lack of Biblical preaching and teaching. Many pastors opt to go with social psycology and current events with a watered down approach to scripture. This is mainly because they either don't believe it, or they don't want to put in the work. These "ministers" are robbing their listeners of spiritual growth. Here are some thoughts...
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In these changing times, what should one look for in a church to insure your in a place you can grow spiritually. Opinions vary, so here are some thoughts...
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Have you ever spoken with someone about the Bible and asked about the Biblical languages only to hear, "Oh, Yea. I know Greek and Hebrew". But do they really? Many people, even if they preach behind a pulpit, don't know the Biblical languages anymore. Here are some thoughts...
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Choirs, orchestras and hymns are all but things of the past. Most churches now have praise teams with a front man called the worship leader. Corperate worship is slowing becoming a concert each Sunday. But, is this a bad thing? Here are some thoughts...
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Have you ever wondered why there are some many Christian denominations? I think one clue may be in how they look at the Bible itself. Here are some thoughts...
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Have you ever met a minister and felt you needed to change the way you behave in front of them? That's "Holyman Syndrome". Have you ever met a minister who thought in advance that you should act differently in front of them for some reason. That's is also "Holyman Syndrome". Here are some thoughts on this dreaded disease...
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I just went to an ordination service as it was awesome. However, ordination is something that seems to have evolved into quite a beast and may not even be what it was intended for in the first place. Here are some thoughts...
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Church leadership has become as weird as a three headed cat. Some churches starve their pastors while other pay them like they are kings of a small country. Here are some thoughts from a past church leader about church leadership...
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What's in a word? If that word is - evil, then alot. Just like good, evil can mean quite alot of different things to different people. Let's have a look at how God looks at it. Here are some thoughts...
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I don't usually recommend sources on the internet for research purposes. However, this time, I had to make an exception. There is a tool for denominational research that can give you some insight. If you already know this one, don't tell...
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John Calvin was one of the most influential reformers to have lived. His influence is still felt today and oddly, some denominations can't decide how much of his teaching they want to keep. Here are some thoughts...
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Christmas. It's my favorite time of the year in spite of all the hype and hate that some choose to throw at it. Here are some thoughts on why it is still an important holiday around the world...
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This is the holiday season with Christmas just around the corner. In this time, plenty of ministries begin pumping the believers for donations to their "ministry". Some of these are worthy, but many are not. Here are a few considerations...
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Comparative religion is a tricky business because it's almost impossible to do render complete fairness to all faiths considered. However, when people look at Christianity, Judaism and Islam; I think it's important to take a few ideas under consideration. Here are some thoughts...
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Marriage. Some people swear at it, and some swear by it. A growing number of people today are abandoning the whole idea of getting married and just electing to live together. Others, live together to have a trial period to decide if they want to get married. Here are some thoughts - just thoughts - on the world oldest institution...
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God hears every prayer we mean. What he can do with that prayer has alot to do with our relationship with Him. But one this is certain, God uses people to bring his power to earth and prayer is no exception. Here are some thoughts...
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Truly, where have all the heros gone? The comics seemed to be focused on "hero" characters who are just like the villians with few exceptions. Why? To make them "more real" and "more relatable"? Heroes used to be people you wanted to be like and look up too. But not any more, here are some thoughts...
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One mystery, and criticism, is why children get dreaded diseases and why horrible things happen to good people. These questions are held by many are reasons they refuse to believe in God since God should be able to do something about them. Here are some thoughts...
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Trust is something we put every day in organzations, machines and such. However, it's not something people are willing to do with God and his Word. Here are some thoughts...
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Some people see the Bible, and the messages coming from churches, as basic jibberish and not matching what they see. This is may not be what people think on the surface, but there is more to this that a quick judgement. Here are some thoughts...
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How can you know if the Christian God is the true God. Are there any other gods out there that can fill the bill? Can another god help me and bless my life with all that I want? Here are some thoughts...
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I found an article on why some people don't believe in God. Some of the info was very interesting. Here are some thoughts...
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Mega churches growing as fast as the urban centers that host them. Smaller churches are disappearing fast. Is this just the way of things? Possibly, even so, I think there are a few things to consider in the light of the change that's happening. Here are some thoughts...
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Anime (Japanese cartoons) and Manga (Japanese comic/graphic arts books) are sweeping the world and influencing more than anyone actually knows. But are these forms of Japanese entertainment good for a believer in Jesus the Messiah? Here are some thoughts...
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The word "begotten" is used as one of many tests to see if a translation is accurate, or conservative. This comes up in John 3:16 where some translation may not use this word. Is it fair to the translators to call their translation "bad" if it doesn't use a particular word. Here are some thoughts...
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The majority of churches in the west are under 500 people in attendance. However, there are churches that have over 50,000 in attendance. Are these churches better because they have more people going to them? Maybe not, it depends. Here are some thoughts...
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It sounds strange to hear the word "church" and the word "politics" used so close to each other in a sentence. Church politics is something people don't like to think about and never like to talk about. However, it is something that is in every church organization since the Middle Ages. Here are some thoughts...
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Ministry has evolved over the centuries into something that appears to need large auditoriums, spacious buildings, multi-million dollar budgets and more staff members than you can throw a hymnal at. But is that they was it always was? Or even, is that the way it suppose to be? Here are some thoughts...
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Love him, hate him, Paul is probably the most misunderstood Apostle in the Bible. Here are some thoughts...
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Have you ever had a bad experience with a church member? There are plenty of horror stories I'm sure, but that leads to a question. Are you going to let that stop you from growing spiritually? Here are some thoughts...
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I've always heard there were over 33,000 Christian denominations in the world, but never ask myself the question - why? Why is the Christian church so divided? Here are some thoughts?
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Have spiritual gifts like speaking in tongues as mentioned in the Book of Corinthians stopped? To some, it would seem so, but to others absolutely not. Many treat this topic like a UFO. They know they've seen something, but their just not sure what it is. This topic has been used more often that not to divide the Church than to bring it together. Here are some thoughts...
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Eschatology is the study of End Times. End of the World kind of stuff. There are thousands of people that scratch through the pages of the Bible looking for something that correlates to what's happening right now. Got a question: Does God want us to know? Here are some thoughts...
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A friend recently asked me why I care so much about Jesus' Jewish Background. It was an honest question asked with a geniune thought. It made me put my mind in action and here is what I said...
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We all need encouragement sometime. There are times we seek encouragement from the self-help section of the bookstore. Over the years, I've seen many self-help books come-and-go. But before you grab the latest motivational speaker, try this suggestion...
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Everyone who says they belong to Jesus the Messiah is supposed to be sharing the Good News. But, to be honest, it don't happen very often anymore. Why? Well, that is the million dollar question. Here are some thoughts...
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This is the last podcast on the teaching of salvation. Here we look at the decision process that brings us to an encounter with God, or not. Do we believe that Jesus can get rid of sin? Or, maybe we don't believe in sin at all. Here are some thoughts...
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This is Part 2 in Soteriology where we look at God solution to our live being diluted by sin. Protestants tend to focus entirely on the judge and punishment aspect of sin, which is a super important point. But God's main goal is to bring people into his family through Jesus. Here are some thoughts...
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Matt 17:21. Seems like such a simple verse in the Bible. However, it's far from simple as to why it is in some Bible translations and not others. To be sure, there are other verses the don't show in some Bibles and the internet is full of commentary. However, I believe this verse more than others opens the proverbial "can of worms" to me. Here are some thoughts...
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Salvation is a very churchy word. Sometimes it tends to be overused and sadly has lost alot of its impact in daily lives. However, let's look at it a little closer and see if we can get down to basics on this most important issue for today. Here are some thoughts...
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When we read the Bible, we usually look at it through the lenses of our own experience, past and culture. However, that doesn't always give you a good take on what's going on in the text. Here are some thoughts to consider that can help keep a Bible reader on the path...
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Sometimes we just need someone to give us a message of hope to pick us up, and other times we need to be taught the Word so the hope can spring from us. However, our approach to each is a little different. Here are some thoughts...
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What does it take for you to feel at home in a church? Does the pastor have to blast you with an awesome sermon every Sunday? Or does the music have to be concert level every service? Here are some thoughts I have when I'm choosing a church home...
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In hard times, and we are in hard times, many preacher - "prophets" start making predictions on when Jesus will return or when the end will come. If their predictions don't come true, they always have an excuse. However, God says when you say it comes from him - he takes it personal if you're lying. Here are some thoughts...
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Have you ever listen to a sermon and wondered where the preacher was going? Sermons have a specific purpose in the world of communication and a good one is worth the time. However, there are many preachers who thing, for some reason, that God will endow them with a silver tongue when they surrender to preach. While this can happen, it's pretty rare. Here are some thoughts...
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Preachers are a unique breed of people with "The Calling". However, there are times when ministers are treated as if they are superhuman. And, I assure you, as fantastic as a minister can be - the are all too human just like the people in the pew. It's just God has given them something unique to do. Here are some thoughts...
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In ancient times, Vikings were feared as demons on earth. They killed without remorse and took what they wanted. Then, they went back to their families without another thought. Today, there are still Vikings but I'm not talking about their descendants in Iceland or the Nordic countries. I'm think about situations, people, organizations who want to crush you without another thought. What are you going to do when these type of Vikings come?
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This is Part 2 of the professional ministry training and what that may look like. This podcast is devoted more to the professional setting and the higher degrees that may be required. We look at the "all encompassing" Master of Divinity degree as well as the Doctor of Ministry degree. Here are some thoughts...
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If you think God has called you to be a professional minister then more power to ya!! However, where you get your Bible Education and how you get your Bible Education just became infinitely more important. Here are some thoughts...
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This is Part 2 of the Second Phase of the series Bible Learning. This podcast gives some thoughts when someone decides to go beyond self-study. This is someone who has decided to go to an organization for teaching such as a Bible school or seminary. Here are some thoughts...
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This is Part 1 of Level 2 on getting some serious Bible study in your heart. This podcast talks about Bible school and institutions where the Bible is taught. There are many and being careful who you study with is super important. Here are some thoughts...
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This is Part 2 in a series of 6 podcasts on Bible Education. This edition is designed for those who want to go it alone and learn from sources on the internet and books. Hopefully, this will help dodge some of the crazy stuff that is floating in the ether about Biblical Studies. Here are some thoughts...
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The first place a believer should be able to get Bible traininig from is their church. Even so, many church pastors don't have the desire, or the background knowledge, to teach the Word of God. Which is what a pastor is supposed to do in the first place! However, due to the internet and distance education, there are a host of options to learn from awesome Bible teachers on your own. Here are some thoughts if you're going it by yourself...
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In the past, Heroes have always been a focus during times of crisis and depression. It's during the most stressful times that people need sources of inspiration to look up to. I am convinced that every believer can be such an inspiration if they chose to be. There is no greater superpower than the Spirit of the Living God. Here are some thoughts...
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Bible study is truly the highest for of worship a believer can do. How do you learn more about the Bible? Well, in most cases, your pastor is supposed to be teaching you. Unfortunately, it's a challenge sometimes to find a pastor who will actually teach the Bible. Weird, huh? In this case, you may want to do some study on your own. Here are some thoughts as to how...
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God is an investor, not simply a collector. Many have the idea of salvation as God trying to collection everyone on the planet - "for God so loves the world". While it is true that God wants as many people as possible to accept his salvation, God is investing in servants - not just collecting souls. Here are some thoughts...
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Sharing Jesus with others can't be underestimated in its importance. However, the goal of witnessing is the grow disciples - not just collect believers. "Gettin' people saved" is of utmost importance, but Jesus is called "The Good Shepherd" - not "The Great Collector" for a reason. Here are some thoughts...
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Many people are desperate to empower themselves and feel some sense of control in their lives. This is easy to imagine since everyone wants to feel some control in their lives. For many, Neo-paganism seems like the way. Tattoos and T-Shirts are becoming more common with old-style symbols from gods long ago. Is there power in this? Here are some thoughts...
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In most sermons, you'll hear the preacher mention the Greek language of the Bible about 90% more times than you will hear them reference Hebrew. Why? Is it because they don't know the language? Is it because they think it's too hard to understand? Or, maybe the preacher doesn't think its important to mention. Here are some thoughts...
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Many people, both Christian and non-Christian, have a real dislike for the word "religion". In fact, you'd be hard-pressed to find many who get a warm comforting feeling when they hear that word. But why is that? After all, the word religion is in the Bible isn't it? Here are some thoughts...
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It's always good to be trained in First Aid so we can help others when they need it most. However, very few churches teach spiritual First Aid. When a wounded soul comes to you for some spiritual help. Are you prepared to give it? Here are some thoughts...
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I have a friend who is just getting into Jewish Roots study and learning to appreciate the blessing that the Jewish people and faith is. However, the path to understanding is full of people who get way to "zealous" and hyper-critical on how other believers are coming to this knowledge. Here are some thoughts...
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Lately, I've heard another round of "Pharisee bashing" in the church. Many believers are uninformed that this practice is a punch in the face to the Living God and he takes it personal. Also, I'm certain they don't view it as unjustified because Christian ministers have been preaching Pharisee bashing for centuries. Here are some thoughts as to why it pains and angers Jesus the Messiah...
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Have you ever been taught something and wondered if it were right? There are many things that get taught in church that have either weak basis, or no basis, in scripture yet are accepted as if it were fact. So why do we listen? Here are some thoughts...
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A teacher I follow once said, "What you do today...lasts forever". I really didn't get the full impact behind that statement until I did some Bible study on it. Here is what I found...
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A teacher I follow once said, "What you do today...lasts forever". I really didn't get the full impact behind that statement until I did some Bible study on it. Here is what I found...
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Over the years, there have been many thought about the Bible and what it's for...some good...some bad. Is it sacred? Yes. Is it practical? Also, yes. Here are some thoughts...
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Over the years, there have been many thought about the Bible and what it's for...some good...some bad. Is it sacred? Yes. Is it practical? Also, yes. Here are some thoughts...
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If you had to pick one behavior that you thought God valued most, what would it be? Memorizing the Bible, prayer or going to church? All these are fantastically important, but I think the Word makes this one is important as well. Here are some thoughts...
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If you had to pick one behavior that you thought God valued most, what would it be? Memorizing the Bible, prayer or going to church? All these are fantastically important, but I think the Word makes this one is important as well. Here are some thoughts...
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To grow, believers need the Word of God and the Fellowship of the Saints. There is a reason the Church is referred to as "The Body of Christ". A body is organic and its members can't grow without each other. Here are some thoughts...
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To grow, believers need the Word of God and the Fellowship of the Saints. There is a reason the Church is referred to as "The Body of Christ". A body is organic and its members can't grow without each other. Here are some thoughts...
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How long does it take you to say a quick prayer? Are you open to praying for someone you barely know? If you are, and are listening to the Spirit, you may have a ministry opportunity. Here are some thoughts...
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Who do you think you are? Or better yet, who do you think Jesus is to you? These two questions appear to be seperate, but are really inseperable from each other. Here are some thoughts...
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Goals are important for everyone. But how many people have spiritual goals? I don't mean, "a goal to become more spiritual". I'm referring to a goal to do what God says in him word. Here are some thoughts...
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Jesus practiced messy faith. Why? Because humans are messy. We have all kinds of issues to deal with that may require outside intervention. So, the question is: Are you practicing the kind of faith Jesus taught? Here are some thoughts...
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Have you ever heard someone ask: Are you full of the Joy of the Lord? Sometimes, this churchy language sounds kind of creepy. However, Jesus wanted us to have his kind of joy. His joy is real and tangible. Here are some thoughts...
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Many churches hire married pastors because they get "a two-fer". That's is two people for the price of one. But it that right, fair or even Biblical? Here are some thoughts...
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What do you do when you find something in scripture you don't agree with? Forget it? Or, maybe you go with the idea that "that doesn't apply to today". There are many scholars who are simply ignoring so things Paul has to say just because they don't agree. Here are some thoughts...
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There are some who toy with the Bible like is a collection of wishful thinking. Even the famous James Cameron gave it a go back in 2007. However, have these people ever stopped for a moment and considered that what it says may be accurate. There are a fair share of scholars who deny the accuracy of the Biblical record itself. Why? Here are some thoughts...
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I've heard believers say when they are witnessing, "Do you have Jesus? Or, "Do you believe in Jesus?" These are both valid questions. However, I wonder what would happen if we asked "Does Jesus Have You?" And if we asked ourselves, how much of us Jesus actually has. Here are some thoughts...
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What does it mean to deny Christ? Is it a one-and-done situation where God writes you off? Here are some observations from the film "Silence" that deals with the topic of being a martyr and also denying Christ...
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Sometimes Christians behave like they get a pass from judgment because they are believers. The God of Israel resists pride and arrogance in any form, from any one, at any time - including from believers. There are believers that live in constant punishment for their behavior and never get to see the full blessings that God wants to give because of they think they get a pass on judgment on earth. Here are some thoughts...
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Did Jesus dabble in politics? Was he on the cutting edge of the political system during his day? There are those who argue at length that he did. But did he? Here are some thoughts...
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If believers are chosen to be Jesus' "light" in this world, then how do we show it? How can we get this light in us to share? Here are some thoughts...
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What does it mean to be "devoted"? People say they are devoted to their job, sports team, husband, wife, boyfriend, girlfriend, best friend, pet...etc. But what IS Devotion? Here are some Biblical thoughts...
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Have you every wondered why certain church worship in a certain order? There are rituals within each tradition that shouldn't be looked down on until we know WHY they use them. Here are some thoughts...
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Leadership of a church is critical. First, Jesus has to be the first person on the list. Next, the pastor needs to be mature enough to teach and grow the congregation. But does mature mean older? Here are some thoughts...
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Bible memory always seems like such a chore, but it should be the one thing that we run too when things go wrong. Having the Bible locked in our hearts and minds give the Spirit ammo to use against Satan when he tries to mess up our lives. Here are some thoughts...
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Have you ever run into someone who loves to compare themselves to others who are Christians? They may say things like "well I'm no as bad as that person". The problem is God doesn't judge our salvation based on what we think of other people. He judges us on our relationship with his Son, Jesus. Here are some thoughts...
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God has a system worked out where He starts at ground zero and then draws everyone too Him. It's this growing potential that can make the difference in staying encouraged with Him even in troubles. Here are some thoughts...
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Passover should be a special time for BOTH Jews AND Christians. The "Last Supper" Jesus instituted was performed during a Passover Celebration meal. Although, many would argue otherwise. When it began, Passover was a time when the Death Angel passed over obedient Hebrews in Egypt and the times were very hard. Ask yourself, during these troubled times - What would you like to pass over you? Here are some thoughts...
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Have you ever wondered why some people just treat you horrible, even it they don't know you? Could be, they see Jesus in you - and it makes them mad. Jesus told his disciples to expect this kind of treatment from people in the world. Here are some thoughts...
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John chapters 14 and 15 are often passed quickly since it is just before Jesus' betrayal and crucifixion. However, I think it is there he gives some of the most crucial encouragement to his disciples that we can still use today. Here are some thoughts...
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Prayer is nothing less than unlocking the power of God on earth. However, it is also the one thing that Satan and his peps don't want you doing. Prayer changes things even though it doesn't seem that way immediately. Here are some thoughts...
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Matthew chapter 23 shows us Jesus' view of the "End Times". There is alot going on now days in the news and "end times" prophecies abound. What's going to happen in the end? Here are some thoughts...
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When people are under stress and crazy seems to be the standard of they day, it's easy to look at things in a physical way. That is - with our senses. And, when we don't see God directly intervening in events the natural thing is to assume He's not there at all. However, I think God expects His people to see things on a different level. Here are some thoughts...
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Have you ever been given an opportunity to re-dedicate your life? Many churches make this a standard option at the end of the service. But what does it mean? Here are some thoughts...
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Joseph is one of my favorite Biblilical people because he is so real. He is falsely accused and spends time in jail for things he never committed. But the fact is, God never leaves him. Here are some thoughts...
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How do you order your world? Do you think God wants to have a say in it? I'm pretty sure he does but do you want Him to help? We are all responsible for organizing our little part of the world. So, how do we start? Here are some thoughts...
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Learning Biblical languages is a sure way to up your game in the Bible area. Also, through the language, you will see a wealth of things that the history and culture of the people who spoke the language can give. But, one way to start that journey is by examining the translations that are out there. Here are some thoughts...
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I was blessed to hear a missionary from Africa. It is always amazing to hear their perspective on faith and living the Christlike life. They see a reality that few actually see. The thing he said that really stuck in my heart was "Take Christ - not Christianity". Here are some thoughts...
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Shakespeare said, "Life is a stage..." If so, then everyone is an actor on God's stage whether we know it or not. But what kind of actor are you? Here are some thoughts...
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Welcome to 2022! Many make, and remake, their goals this time of year. This is a great exercise but don't trip yourself up when you do it. There are loads of external things that can cause us to stumble, but the biggest problem alot of times is we get in the way of our goals. Here are some thoughts...
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How can a Christian deal with difficult people and still keep the faith. This is a difficult question and many people go straight to court to resolve things. I'm no lawyer and don't give legal advise, but here are some thoughts...
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I usually don't go heavy in the motivation area because there are so many preachers doing that already. However, motivation is good to have especially during hard times. Trust God, Believe Yourself are two things that go great together. Here are some thoughts...
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This is the season to look at Jesus as the Reason. If you've never looked at the prophecies having to do with Jesus during this time of year I would encourage to do so. While it isn't without contraversy, it can have a wonderful faith strengthening experience. Also, don't let naysayers rob you of the beauty that can be had from this season of giving. Hope you had a wonderful Hannukah and have a Merry Christmas...
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Gnosticism is alive and well today. And, it's even in the church. This is something that the apostles fought and Jesus himself said he hated. Here are some thought on how to approach this topic...
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Salvation gets wrapped into quite alot of church language. What does it mean "Jesus Saves"? Sometimes believers take for granted that people know. Here are some thoughts...
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Should a church question someone about their salvation if they want to join? Some church believe that salvation is too personal a question to ask someone and they don't want to be confrontational. Other churches believe it's essential to at least ask someone about their eternal destination and relationship with Jesus. So, who's right? Here are some thoughts...
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Where does our self-image come from? If it comes from our job, friends, possessions and such - that can be a problem. Why? Because all those things can change in the blink of an eye. You know someone who doesn't change and cares about you? Yea, I think you do. Here are some thoughts...
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I've heard people say, "I don't go to church because there are hypocrites there." Please show me any organization on earth that doesn't have at least one? However, it is important to be able to see some signs of someone who practices what they preach. Here are some thoughts...
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Have you ever wonder what kind of faith amazes God? Sometimes faith is described as a substance when other times it seems to be mysterious. However, what kind of faith amazes Jesus? Here are some thoughts...
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The times we live in now are very frustrating and sometimes it seems like evil is running loose unchecked. Here are some words of encouragement and thoughts...
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Life's pressures are all around us. It's hard to stay focused when it feels like crisis is everywhere. How can we stay stable? There are no simple answers but here are some thoughts on how we can begin...
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The "New" Perspective on Paul is oddly enough, not so new anymore. However, there are still divisions on how to approach this idea. Did Paul actually think of himself as a Jew, or a Christian? There are those who think that believing Paul was always Jewish is simply crazy and wrong. Here are some thoughts...
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Temptation is hard to deal with on many levels. Many people blame temptation on God thinking that it's God who brought it. The only problem is that isn't how God works. However, God does test the people who belong to him. Here are some thoughts on the difference in testing and temptation...
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If your pastor won't teach, then how are you suppose to learn? Some believers feel the need to "teach themselves" the Bible. While it's possible to learn on your own, I think it has its problems. However, self-study is better than no study at all. Here are some thoughts...
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When most people hear the word "martyr" it immediately brings up a negative thought if they know what the word is. However, this word is simply a Greek word that means "witness in the legal sense". So, in a court, would there be enough evidence to prove that you're really a believer? Here are some thoughts...
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Are Christians suppose to be pacifists? What do you do when someone is bend on destroying you for no reason at all? Are Christians supposed to simply sit back and do nothing? There are many believers who think just that. Here are some thoughts...
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How many times have you actuall thanked God for something? I don't mean just saying "Thank God" when something bad doesn't happen or you avoid a horrible situation. Sometimes it's easy to get in a "gimme" mode with God and just ask for stuff. I know I did. Here are some thoughts...
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Seminary can be a mixed bag. Many today don't even think seminary is necessary while others make it mandantory to work in their denomination. So, who's right? This is a review of an article on "Reasons to Study at a Seminary" with some of my own thoughts added. Have a listen for yourself...
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Freedom of speech should be a fundamental right of everyone on the planet. However, it is rapidly dwidling even in countries where it is said to be protected. As a past teacher of communication, I'm completely into a free exchange of ideas in especially in verbal format. But how does God feel about communication? Here are some thoughts...
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Apostle Paul is one of the most mysterious believers in the history of the church. He has been attacked and, by many liberal theologians, downplayed. However, theologians have studied him and his writing for centuries and many seem to think they have him figured out. But do they? Here are some thoughts...
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Why would a pastor get a doctor degree? Is it that they just didn't get enough information from the Bible School they attended. Maybe. Or, maybe there's another reason. Here are some thoughts...
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Faith-healing has had a horrible reputation over the years and, in many cases, rightly so. Many so-called "faith healers" are preying on people to separate the desperate from their money. I truly believe that God is still into delivering miracles and healing - even today. However, let's have a look at how Jesus did it...
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There is a changing of the guard in the church today that is bringing in many new pastors. Many old pastors appear to be coasting and waiting for the magic retirement year. However, it's also sometimes hard to track where the new pastors got their Bible teaching from. Here are some thoughts...
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Does God ever call preachers to a smaller church? or to take less money? Doesn't always seem that way. However, clergy want upward mobility like anyone else. They want to have more and do more for their families. Is this wrong? The short answer is - it depends. Here are some thoughts...
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The western evangelical church does love its titles. We have titles for almost everyone on staff at the church. Titles are good when they help the everyday churchmember find a minister to fill a need. Titles can be bad if they serve to seperate the pulpit from the pew in terms of status in the church. Here are some thoughts...
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Have you ever wondered what would happen if you bathed you day in scripture for one week? One scripture, one Bible passage and one devotional reading each day. I've done this exercise and it is almost guaranteed to turn up your spiritual life at least one notch. Here are some thoughts...
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A rather mystical thing happened to me the other day. A friend of mine, who has long since gone to be with Jesus, reached out to the present and gave me a word of encouragement. Here is what happen...
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Expository Preaching is quickly becoming a lost art if it isn't there already? This type of preaching is harder than others because it requires the preacher to do some digging and the listener to do some thinking. However, I believe it is the most important contribution that a preacher can make. Here are some thoughts...
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Sometimes, life can feel like a hurricane. It pounds you with trouble and claws at you with depression as well as anxiety. However, even in a hurricane, there is a place of peace and calm. Here are some thoughts...
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Paul warns us in Ephesians to make the best use of our time "because the days are evil". There are many believers who truly don't know what will happen next because things are so intense - everywhere. Personally, I'm trying to renew myself and my relationship with the Living God. Sounds hard, huh? Have a listen, it may no be as hard as you think...
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You may be wondering, "How can sharing the gospel kill a church"? Well, it's not exactly. It has more to do with the way we are evangelizing and the countless sermons that are two miles wide and one inch deep. Here are some thoughts...
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I met a Sunday School teacher the other day who truly thought that Jesus had abandon his Judiasm and Old Testament thought process. I did some research to find that he was not alone. There are many laymen and scholars who believe that Jesus left his Judiasm due to this one fact. Jesus touched a leper on purpose. Here are some thoughts...
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The podcast reviews the positives and negatives of systematic and biblical theology.The view expressed are the opinion of the host and are for educational and entertainment purposes only and are not intended as advice.
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Are we in the Last Days? Yes, of course. However, the last days have lasted quite a while. So what should we do? Here are some thoughts from Second Peter...
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Have you ever asked yourself, what kind of pastor you want? Do you want someone who considers themselves a leader? Or, someone who considers themselves a pastor-teacher? Here are some thoughts...
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Have you ever been afraid of the dark? God is described as being compared to light. Does that mean darkness keeps us from God? Why is evil descibed as being done in the darkness? Here are some thoughts...
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There is no growth without resistance either physically or mentally. However, there are people who believe that free thought is a personal attack on them. God put his opinions in the Bible and gave it to us to follow. Here are some thoughts...
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Who should go to seminary? What is a seminary and why is it important? These are questions for every Christian, not just for preachers and pastors. Biblical training is more important than anyone can imagine, but how do you get it? Here are some thoughts...
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Many see the Bible as a book of don't just there to ruin their fun. This is an unrealistic view of the Bible at best. The problem is most don't want to be told that there are absolutes in this world. And, they don't want to hear, there is someone who enforces these absolutes in a personal way. That's why the Bible is on a short list of books many people want to shut down. Here are some thoughts...
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Is how I feel more important than what the Bible says? What if I don't like someone? Does that give me the right to destroy them? Who am I going to listen to? The Word of God is coming into conflict with many modern social thought processes. What can a believer do? Here are some thoughts...
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Who set the books of the Bible? Did God put them in the Bible that way? You'd be surprised to find that not everything written in a study Bible was put there by God himself. Here are some thoughts...
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We are living in some crazy times. There are alot of moving parts in the world like Covid, politics, economy and so forth. These things make cause many people to wonder if Jesus is coming soon. When thinking about the "end times" there are many things to think about. Here are some things to consider...
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Evangelicals asked "Do you know Jesus?" And this is a completely valid question. However, I also think we could ask, "Does Jesus Know You?" What kind of behavior gets Jesus' attention and what are some examples? Here are some thoughts...
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Winter Storm Uri certainly gave more than I could have anticipated. In fact, there was a time or two I didn't know if I would make it through it. However, even in the midst of this horrific storm, I never felt abandon by God. Jesus is as powerful today as the moment he left that empty tomb. Here are some thoughts...
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When most people think of Jeremiah (a.k.a The Weeping Prophet) very few consider any sort of encouragement coming from him. In fact, most Bible students think he's rather depressing. However, I think there is a silver lining in his cloudy message. Here are some thoughts...
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Have you ever heard a minister go off into Mythsville? This is where a teacher, possible with high powered credentials, will use several non-standard texts to justify some unique arguement they have on a Bible teaching. There is nothing wrong with visiting Mythsville, however, don't stay there long because it can be toxic to your spiritual health. Here are some thoughts...
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What is Truth? That is something Pontus Pilate asked Jesus. It's also a question that most people have today. Is truth what I make of it? Is the truth different for everyone? Here are some thoughts...
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There are many thoughts on how the Bible came to us. However, in Evangelical circles, the term "Verbal Plenary Inspiration" is used quite a bit. The term is rather wordy but I think I've found an good example to show what the term is describing. Here are some thoughts...
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Is there a perfect time to do my daily devotion? Some say yes, but here are some thoughts...
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God told Joshua to "be strong and courageous" and said it a couple of times to be sure he understood. I think this message has meaning for us today in this crazy time we live in. Here are some thoughts for kicking off 2021...
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Thanks to everyone who has listened during 2020 and here is wishing you a fantastic 2021. Here on some thoughts on ending the year strong...
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When pastors fail, who's to blame? Is it all their fault? Or, could there be something in the pew that is a problem. There are statistics that show some disturbing trends with professional ministry. Here are some thoughts...
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Bible study is one of the foundations of growing in Jesus. But how can I have a great study experience at home. During this time of COVID and Christmas, this is a great time to up your game in the Bible study area. Here are some thoughts...
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Have you ever heard the term "snowflake" or the term "emotional intelligence"? If you have, they may not have been used in the same sentence. We are all emotional beings. Does God expect us to be in perfect control of our emotions? Here are some thoughts...
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When you hear a doctrine taught, how well do you check it out? I've heard for years that God's main focus on the earth is to resolve the angelic conflict with Satan. But is that God's primary focus? Here are some thoughts...
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Many people think of sermons as a waste of an hour (or less). But what are they designed to do besides take up time. Here are some thoughts...
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Curse him or claim him, Jesus is the central person in Biblical faith. Many scholars argue about what he claimed and who he thought he was. To many, it's already as the writer of Hebrews said "whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists..." It's the same with Jesus. Here are some thoughts...
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It's easy to let the world erode your faith. Why? Because erosion take place over a long period of time and most people find it hard to stay ready. Believe me, I get it. Faith is a marathon and not a sprint. Here are some thoughts...
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Is it better to be Liberal or Conservative? Sometimes, it depends on who you ask. Is Conservative always good? And is Liberal always bad? Again, this is a question that plagues people to this day and it is no less important in Biblical Studies. Here are some thoughts...
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Commitment is almost a forgotten word in many places. It's seen as something that holds you back. The funny thing is that no committing - is also a commitment if you think about it. Here are some thoughts on how God looks at commitment...
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In the United States, there are specialty churches that draw people from certain segments of society. There are "Cowboy" churches and "Biker" churches as well as others. While I don't argue against these types of churches, because many are doing fantastic work for God, I wonder why these types of people don't feel at home, or comfortable, in the "regular" church. Here are some thoughts...(Disclaimer: In this track, I mention Dr. L.T. Johnson as a fascinating teacher. In no way does this mean I agree with all his opinions. Just saying.)
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There are many things that are described as a "lifestyle" in today's world. Things life faith, military service, diet, strength training and such. I could go on. But is faith in the Messiah of the Living God - a lifestyle? Here are some thoughts...
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When bad things happen, many are quick to use that as an excuse to dismiss the possibility that God is there. The argument usually goes into "If God is all powerful then he can't be all good; and if God is all good, He can't be all powerful." Here are some thoughts...
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Have you ever wondered why some churches seem to have a revival every other month? Is revival so weak today that it has no lasting effect? Or, is it that there isn't really true revival happening at all. Here are some thoughts...
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The Sermon Incursion: Part 4 - Archaeology.Why is Archaeology so important? How can a preacher who reads about old pottery and bones help me in my spiritual life? This is the last of a series of what topics you should expect from a preacher/pastor during a sermon. Here are some thoughts...
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A Sermon Incursion: Part 3 - Language.In many ways, I think language is one of the most important parts of Bible study. Because, when you study language it leads you into the history and the culture of the people you are studying. However, many preachers shy away from studying Hebrew. Why? Here are some thoughts...
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A Sermon Incursion: Part 2 - Culture.Culture helps bridge the gap between the ancient Jewish world and today. In many Bible verse, especially in the gospels, it seems like some interactions are about silly stuff. But is it really? Knowing the culture of the Jewish people in Jesus' day helps us know what customs were in practice. Here are some thoughts...
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A Sermon Incursion: Part 1 - History. What should you expect from a preacher in a sermon? Can they simply grab any Bible verse and run with it? The Holy Spirit of God certainly leads preachers in many ways. However, God is not the author of confusion says the Bible. One element that a preacher should know is the history of the passage they are using. Why? Here are some thoughts...
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Fasting isn't a popular discipline of faith. However, I think it is one that can "turbo-charge" your spiritual life if you'll try it. Saying no to "the flesh" is a hard thing to do, so here are a few thoughts...
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How to do approach the Bible? Do you assume its right, or its wrong? To be honest, the Bible has alot to say that is painful to hear or read. How we approach the Bible is incredibly important, but are we serious? Here are some thoughts...
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Many church will ordain a pastor with only a few years of experience in being a believer, When confronted with this the answer is usually, "You have to look at the individual." Well that sounds wonderful if it really happened that way. But sometimes it seems like Biblical reason goes right out the window and the church suffers for it. Here are some thoughts...
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God is forever the forgiving Lord. But have you ever heard someone talk as if God would clean up their bad choices no matter how bad they are? They say something to the effect that God works all things toward the good as though he is a divine garbage man who cleans up our messes. Is this Biblical? Here are some thoughts...
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Did you know that the Bible assumes from the very start that God exists? It has never been a question up for debate within its pages. In fact, in order to please God you have to believe that he exists. But does that make sense? Here are some thoughts...
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Church Communication: Three Way. This involves interaction with a group. Bible class is the one place that this kind of communication should dominate. Learning the Word, in Jesus' day, was a group activity and never seen as a one person situation. Here are some thoughts...
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Church Communication is a fine art, especially if it's in a teaching situation. By that, I mean that everyone is there to learn. Two-way communication takes sharing and listening. Sometimes, these are not in equal quantities. Listening is by far the hardest but also the most important so the message can be understood. Here are some thoughts...
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The old adage says that, "Those who don't learn from history are doomed to repeat it." It that true? Going through some info from a history class I listened to concerning plague, it seems that it could be the case. What interested me was the reactions that ministers had to sickness and ill people. Here are some observations...
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The family is the most basic, and most important, unit in society and the Biblical records stands behind that. However, most of us never have the option of choosing who our family is. So, what should our attitude be? Here are some thoughts...
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Has anyone ever told you, "You're not me, so you just don't understand". Sometimes, this can be valid, but when faith is concerned this can also be an excuse to "do what is right in their own eyes". The latest trend is to focus on experiences and not the Word of God. This can left the believer open to all kinds of problems. Here are some thoughts...
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Church Communication: Preacher to Reacher - One way. When you go to church and hear the preacher, are you there for a show or there to grow? There are many preacher who use various public speaking techniques to "keep the message exciting" but are they really giving the Word? Here are some thoughts...
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Churches have many ways they do their job in their communities. We Church is referred to as "The Body of Christ". So it is a organization or an organism? Or, perhaps, it's an organism WITH organization. Here are some thoughts...
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Have you noticed how many preachers have some type of degree after their name? If someone has a degree from seminary, does that automatically mean they know what they are talking about? Education is important and ALL believers are students (i.e. disciples). Here are some thoughts on the need for degrees...
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Had a question posed to me, "If Jesus paid for all my sins and I'm a believer in him. Why do I have to ask his forgiveness for my sins after I'm saved? Sin is a touchy subject no matter how you look at it. Here are some thoughts on how sin effects us both before, and after, we belong to Jesus.
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God has a gift for all that scripture says is salvation through Jesus. Most Bible versions will state that this is a free gift. However, the word "free" isn't in the original language. It simply says 'gift of God'. Scripture says there is no way to 'earn' salvation and that salvation is truly a gift of God. So, what does the phrase "gift of God" mean? Here are some thoughts...
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Is God in control when disaster and catastrophe turn our lives inside out? It doesn't feel like it, does it? Sometimes, ministers will use platitudes to say something safe to those who are hurting to give comfort without upsetting anyone. However, this is generally of no use to the person who is hurting. Here are some thoughts...
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I just heard a sermon stating a long held belief that the Apostle Paul "converted" to Christianity. This belief has long been used as a wall of separation, and a tool, to keep Jewish faith and Gentile faith separated from each other. But is it Biblical? The actual answer is a little messy. Here are some thoughts...
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Demands of Discipleship: LoveLove is a hard word to pin down. It means many things to many people. But what does it mean to God? The Bible tells us that God demands love from us. What does that mean? Here are some thoughts...
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Due to these times we live in now, many are having to evaluate what "normal" is. In fact, as far as interacting with others from now on, there is going to be a 'new' normal. But what is 'normal' anyway? In his Word, God has many things to say about what normal should look like. Here are some thoughts...
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Freedom is a precious thing and in church circles is usually linked to "Free-will." But do we really have freedom, or are we always a slave to something? Are we born to be doomed, or born to make choices? Here are some thoughts...
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There are pastors that are preaching that the Coronavirus is a plague sent from God. To be sure, this is a disease that will go down in history for some time to come. The pain and suffering are real and far reaching. However, was it sent from God to punish us? Here are some thoughts...
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Demands of Discipleship: MaturityThis is the final podcast in this series and is the completion, or goal, of them all. God calls all believers to maturity. But what does it mean to be "mature" in Christ? Here are some thoughts...
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Demands of Discipleship: ServiceThe "Kingdom of God" is described as bring "The Upside-Down Kingdom". To be first, you have to be last. But what does that mean? Jesus makes it clear that he valued servanthood but how can I service like him? Here are some thoughts...
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Demands of Discipleship: StudyIf we got a letter from someone super important that had urgent written on the outside, we probably wouldn't wait to open it. Unfortunately, that seems to be the way we look a Bible study. A disciple is a student. If someone said they attended the university and never studied, are they REALLY a student? Here are some thoughts...
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Demands of Discipleship: Communication is a word that means different things to different people. However, in it's most basic understanding, it has to do with the messages that we send and receive from others both verbal and non-verbal. Here are some thoughts on how God's demands may work in our lives...
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During this outbreak of Coronavirus, many countries have been affected and countless lives have been disrupted. This is a time when preachers, whether well-meaning or not, tend to lean on apocalyptic messages and end-times sermons. There are also many who stir others into a panic in order to get money out of well meaning believers. Here are some thoughts to consider...
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There are those believers who state they do just fine staying at home and watching preachers on TV. They don't need that "church" stuff. Some of these people have been hurt by "church" communities in the past, so I get it. However, do you know what you can get at church you can't get from an online preacher - touch. It is important that we get reassurance through touch from other believers...here are some thoughts...
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Demands For Discipleship Series: HumilityHumility gets a bad promotion because of its association with humiliation. No one wants to be humiliated. It sounds like something akin to death and dying. But that isn't the kind of humility that God is talking about. Here are some thoughts...
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In this "Demands Of Discipleship Series" we will look at the things that God must have from us in order for us to mature in Him. And there is no question, God want mature believers. Because mature believers are the kind of servants that get things done in the kingdom because they say in His Spirit. Here are some thoughts...
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King Saul, the first king of Israel, tried to fake till he made it. Unfortunately, it never worked out for him because he never did what God asked him to do. He also never did what God asked him to do, the way God asked him to do it. The Lord has a reason for asking us to live out lives in a certain way. Here are some thoughts...
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This is more than an era of change; this is the change of an era. Unfortunately, many in the evangelical protestant church are still acting like its the 80's. The message is still the same but the local church has got to change how they reach and teach. Here are some thoughts...
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Sometimes is seems like Western Christianity is focused on the bad and never gets to the good. Preachers usually focus on the Cross, but rarely focus on the Resurrection. Why? Bad news sells. Don't get me wrong, we need to deal with the bad. But what did Jesus do? He focused on his Father, the Spirit and scripture. Here are some thoughts...
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Is working for a "Christian" organization or a church different than any other job? Should it be? Sometimes, people who work for Christian organizations, or local churches, are asked to make sacrifices for "Jesus" that are actually for the organization. Is this what Jesus would do? Here are some thoughts...
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Satan wins when you think you're all alone and by yourself. Fact is, once you have a relationship with God in Jesus, that is never the case. However, it's easy to loose track of this thought during the battles of life. Is God really with us? Here are some thoughts...
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New Year's resolutions can be good and constructive. However, many people find them a depressing burden about the third month they have them. Instead, make a resolution for the New Year, and New Decade, that you can get some help with. Most believer's don't fully understand that the Holy Spirit will actively help you achieve goals you set for God's Kingdom. Here are some thoughts...
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Sometimes, giving to others is easier than giving to ourselves. Have you every given yourself a gift for Christmas? I think this is a wonderful idea providing the gift is good enough. Here is a suggestion on one gift you can give yourself that may change your life...
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It's not a mystery that God wants peace on earth. After all, a title for Jesus is "Prince of Peace". But when the angel announces that God wants peace on earth to the shepherds at Jesus' birth, who does God want this peace to apply too? Here is a look at Luke 2:14...
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Entitlement is a word that is used in many cases to describe someone who believes they are owed something by an individual or group. If you own something, aren't you entitled to it? Seems logical, right? Here are some thoughts...
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Having a good answer for someone who wants to know about your faith is important. However, a discussion about faith can turn into an argument about faith fairly quick. The real question to ask yourself is, "Do I know the Bible, and am I living out what it says?" Here are some thoughts...
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The term "works" has become a cursed word in the western protestant church today. I seems that no matter where you look there are ministers so focused on preaching against "works". Usually, what they mean is you can't do works to earn your salvation. That's true. But what if you get so heavenly minded, that you're no earthly good. How is the world supposed to know your are a disciple - unless you show them? Here are some thoughts...
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Have you ever had days when you felt you were at the end of your rope? I have. This world, and Satan, always press and try to force believers into a spiritual corner and limit options. The problems of this life can bring intense stress, depression and worry. Here's some thoughts on those times when you feel your at the end of your rope...
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Fitness has to have a rest period. The human machine wasn't designed to go 24 hours a day 7 days a week non-stop without breaking down. In exercise training, if someone works out too much that is called "over-training". Over-training can break a person down and actually reverse any progress they are trying to make. Here are some thoughts on spiritual rest...
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Exercises make us stronger if we increase the resistance. Prayer, Bible Study and Outreach are exercises we do every day. But do we ever increase the resistance? Are we really trying to be better at it? Here are some thoughts on spiritual exercise...
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Visiting another church is always a scary situation. Most people are worried about what people will think when they show up. Well, I just had a visit with a church and it was AWESOME! I can truly say that I was ministered too by the entire church. Everyone I met was in a mood to act like Jesus. Here are some thoughts on my visit...
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Spiritual Fitness #1: Diet. What are you eating with your eyes and ears. Spiritual formation and growth is super important to God. He expects us to grow in our relationship with him so he can give us more fantastic things to do. But, if we never grow up, what's he to do with us? Here are some thoughts on what we are taking into our spirits through our eyes and ears...
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Church Discipline as a practice sometimes seems all but forgotten in the Western church. Believers seem to sue each other in court as often as non-believers with the same results - ruined relationship and pocketbooks. What might happen if we took Jesus' guidance in Matthew's gospel more seriously? Here are some thoughts...
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Many people say they get special words from God. While I believe that the Holy Spirit can give people special info, I also hold fast to the fact that any special message should line up with what God has already stated in the Bible. Here are some thoughts to consider...
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There are many books on how to study the Bible available. However, sometimes it feels like your getting an advanced course from seminary. This is not a bad thing, but for some, it gets confusing. Bible study is incredibly important, but were do I start. Here are some thoughts...
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To many Protestant's the word "Ecumenical" is a very dirty word. It conjures up thoughts of a "One World Church" during the last days with the Anti-Christ at its head. However, when the Ecumenical Movement started, it was far from that. Is it possible that denominations could do more things together in keeping with Jesus' Biblical instructions, together? Here are some thoughts...
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Reaching the lost is a primary goal for every believer, not just ministers. However, many ministers preach evangelism every Sunday. A preacher who preaches evangelism every Sunday isn't a pastor, they're a evangelist. Many believers are starving for the meat of the Word because teaching isn't happening. Here are some thoughts on reaching a balance between evangelism and teaching...
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I ran across a Pew Research study that was very eye-opening. While I don't like to tag groups of people, the Millennial group (i.e. people under 30) were the topic. It had some interesting things to say about how this group looks at the Bible, the Church and faith itself. Here are some thoughts...
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Everyone, whether they belief in God or not, has a belief system. Sometimes, this system is given to us and other times we figure it out on our own. But do you every take the time to ask yourself 'why' you believe the things you do about God, faith and the Bible. You might be pleasantly surprised if you did. Here are some thoughts...
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There used to be a children's rhyme that ended with "what you say it what you are." This has a lot of truth to it. One quick check on our spiritual maturity is to see what kind of speech we are using with other people. Here are some thoughts...
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How do you serve God? Is there just one way? Do I have to go to seminary and become a professional minister? Sometimes, how we do things for God become way more complicated than it should be. Here are some thoughts...
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Questions are powerful and the one question people tend to use more often is "why". Why should I serve God? Why does God want me? This question is also one of the most frustrating because the answer isn't as always as straightforward as we want it. Here are some thoughts on "The Why"...
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Location, location, location... It's a fixation for many people and especially believers in Jesus. When witnessing to others, Christians ask: "Where would you go if you die?" This is an important question and has to do with location. But for Christians an important question would be: "Where are you serving Jesus?" Here as some thoughts...
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This podcast is in the series: The Power of a Question. "When" is a really important and hard question to ask because it has to do with time. Time is something no one can get back no matter how much money they have. Here are some considerations in asking yourself "When am I spending time with God?"
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Questions are VERY powerful. Sometimes, a simple question can get people completely upset even if you ask it in a nice way. Jesus asked his disciples "Who do you say that I am?" I think the question of 'who' is just as important today. Here are some thoughts...
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Questions are powerful. In fact, a good way to tell how free you are is your ability to ask questions without being penalized in some way. It is also very Hebraic to ask questions. Jesus asked questions of the elders at the temple when he was twelve. This is the first in a series of question 'words' that we can look at...
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Wondering about how to take you Bible knowledge to the next level? Are you thinking about a Bible school of some kind? Bible schools and seminaries are awesome places to get Biblical training, but they are not the only options. Here are some thoughts...
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For some time, the word "tradition" has become a dirty word in Protestant pulpits. Usually, this word is used in connection to Pharisees and then spread across the entire base of Jewish teaching in general. But is this fair? Is it right? And, is it BIBLICAL. Here are some thoughts...
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Have you ever had a day, or week, when the whole Universe seemed to be out of sync with you? Have you had a time when no matter how hard you tried, or how good your intention was, nothing seemed to turn out right? Here are a few thoughts on pushing through those kind of days...
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We live at Ground Zero of the attack. The hardest part of Spiritual Warfare is the fact that Satan wages a hit-and-run strategy. If our problems came at us from a direction we could see, they would be easier to deal with sometimes. However, that's just not what happens most of the time. Here are some thoughts...
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This is Park 3 of the series, Spiritual Warfare. Believers and the occult don't mix. It's like oil and water. There are many who claim to be believers in Jesus that dabble in occult and will openly tell someone that they are believers. However, the proof is in the actions. Here are some thoughts...
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Spiritual Warfare Part 2 takes a look at demons and how they get a foothold in our lives. Sometimes it's easier than you think for them to gain access to us. Most of the time, it's because the believer allows them to harass them due to a choice the believer has made. Here are some thoughts...
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Spiritual warfare isn't a topic many preachers like to address. It's really not a topic that makes people feel comfortable so many pastors avoid it entirely. However, it is one of the most important things a believer should know since the battle rages on around us every day. Here are some thoughts...
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Language, culture and history are three topics that most seminary students dread studying for than all others. They are deemed the most difficult and boring of all the topics. But are they? The unfortunate thing is that these topics that can yield the most value when added to the study of the Bible itself. These are the super vitamins of Biblical Studies and here are some reasons why...
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Going deeper into the Word of God is not always easy. Like most digging, it takes time, effort and commitment. However, there is nothing that will pay off like digging deeper into the Word. Also, there are many believers who want to go to the next level in their walk with God, but find that can't seem to make it there for some reason. Could it be their foundation in the Word isn't deep enough? To build a skyscraper you have to go deep, down to rock so the building structure can support going up that high. Here are some thoughts...
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The end game for any "professional" is to retire in style. Funny thing is...the word 'retirement' isn't in the Bible. Unfortunately, many pastor's get entrenched in their church and then resist change. The problem with this idea is that change is usually how God gets things done. Here are some thoughts...
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Sometimes, Protestant preachers spend quite a lot of time during a sermon trying to push a "guilt trip" conviction on the listeners. In short, we tend to major on the bad news and short-sell the good. Why is it that the best part of the gospel message is short-sold. That is THE RESURRECTION. That is the part that matters the most, even the Apostle Paul said so. Here are some thoughts...
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When a preacher determines they are "ready," they usually apply to their first church. The first church a preacher is called determines quite a bit about how they will form their ministry for the future. Should a preacher be on a "career-ladder" like anyone else in the secular world. Or, should they be on another type of system that allows them to succeed. Here are some thoughts...
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In this part, we pick up from the call of a preacher and go to what happens next. Usually, this means events leading to ordination and, in many cases, becomes a question of theological education. So why should a preacher go to seminary? Here are a few thoughts...
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What is the shelf life of a preacher? How does someone begin as a preacher/minister/elder? This is Part 1 in a series of 4 examining the "full time minister". This segment looks at the "call" of a full-time minister and is not meant to be definitive but, like all podcasts on SPEAKITON, asks questions and makes suggestions. Here are some thoughts...
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"Once Saved Always Saved" is one way the teaching on "Security of the Believer" has been presented. However, sometimes well-meaning preachers make connections that gives false signals. Here are some thoughts on this teaching and suggestions on how you may want to look at it Biblically...
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Heaven is a fantastic place, but is that all God is concerned with. How do we get there and why is it something many churchgoers are obsessed with? Here are some thoughts and observations...
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Acts chapter 3 has an amazing story of Peter and John healing a lame man. The man thought he might get money, but he got something so much more. Peter said "silver and gold have I none, but SUCH AS I HAVE give I thee..." Peter gave of his "suchness" from God. Here are some thoughts on how we can follow Peter's example...
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Spiritual Baggage: Strip it or Equip it by LA
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Memorizing scripture is something that every believer knows they need to do. However, it's hard sometimes finding a place to start. Here is a suggestion on how to start that process and let the Spirit make the Word come alive in you...
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Fear is an interesting word and means many different things to different people. To some, it's a motivator, and to others, it's a way to control. But how does God look at fear? When the Bible says we should fear him, what does that mean? It may not be a negative as you think. Here are some thoughts...
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Research says only about 52% of "born-again" people share their faith in any way within a year. Sometimes, we get the idea that sharing our faith has to be complicated and wordy. However, I think that it can be much simpler than that. Here are some thoughts...
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Churchy language can be confusing. I once saw a bumper-sticker that read "Jesus is the answer...what was the question?" One term churchgoers throw around is the term "lost". What does it mean to be "lost". Here are a few thoughts...
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Sometimes, preachers are tempted to make members feel guilty for not doing more for the local church. Before you beat yourself up, please have a listen to some thoughts here...
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The Shaker song "Tis a Gift to be Simple" is one that has stuck with me for some time. In a world that tries to complicate life as much as possible, this song always gives me some comfort. God sees benefit in being "simple." However, we can't be so open minded that our brains fall out. Here on some thoughts on how to simplify your spiritual life...
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One of the most common negative terms used for believers in Jesus is usually - hypocrite. However, a hypocrite is just a name of an actor and God is an actor. That is, God is a being of ACTION. Here are some thoughts from an actor's frame of mind on how to be a "good" hypocrite for God.
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Having verses that speak to you is important. Sometimes, the Holy Spirit will put certain verses in the front of your mind because he's trying to show you something about your life. Jesus describes the Holy Spirit as both a comforter AND a teacher. Here are some thoughts...
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