IS JESUS REALLY THE REASON FOR THE SEASON?
(by Tommy Thornhill)
At this time of year, when people want to ignore, downplay, or do away with what is known the world over as Christmas, well-meaning people speak out saying, "Don't you know Jesus is the reason for the season?" Many people sincerely believe this, but is it true? Please think with me on this matter.
Speaking as a Christian and a preacher, I must always be truthful in teaching on any Bible subject. Concerning the birth of Jesus, the Gospel of Matthew and Luke…
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Found: The Lost Diary of Nadab and Abihu !
Notice: The following is satire, but it illustrates the importance of respecting the
limits of divine authority.____
PRESS RELEASE: Archaeologists have announced the sensational discovery the
long lost diary of two ancient Jewish priests – Nadab and Abihu. These sons of
Aaron had short-lived careers, but managed to secretly record their spiritual
views. The diary is in remarkably excellent shape, except for the edges of the
scroll being singed by fire. Here are some excerpts:
As spiritual leaders we are excited about the possibility of bringing about
positive change in our repressive, narrow… -
The Rest of the Story
“Why does God allow bad people to prosper and get away with sin?”
This statement seems to express a common thought among critical thinking
people today. We may not actually say it out loud (though I’ve been in a few
conversations where it’s been said), but many of us think this is happening on a
regular basis. Just consider the corruption in politics, business, sports &
entertainment. We are upset by the wickedness and corruption we see all around
us. But is the premise true? Is God really letting these “bad” people off the hook?
And… -
OBSERVATIONS CONCERNING THE BIBLE
(John Humphries)Any helpful discussion of the Bible must be based on this fundamental premise: God’s word is not in the Bible; it is the Bible. No, it isn't that the material pages and the physical bindings are sacred. The print, no matter if it is red or black, is not holy ink! No, indeed, it is the message of Scripture (verbal inspiration) that is divinely given (1 Cor. 2:13). The Bible (all of it, plenary inspiration) is the Word of God (2 Tim.…
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The Importance of Denying Self
I wouldn’t blame you for seeing the title of this week’s Exhorter and perhaps
thinking to yourself, “Maybe I’ll just wait and pick up next week’s article.” The
idea of self-denial doesn’t exactly have the same appeal as some of the other
virtues we read about in scripture. If I’m being candid, I’d prefer to write about
something seemingly more positive and uplifting such as joy, kindness,
faithfulness or love. Self-denial by contrast doesn’t evoke the same warm and
fuzzy feelings, but more likely makes us squirm uncomfortably in our seats. Sort
of like a trip… -
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Various Trials
1 Peter 1:6-7 “In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have
been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith – more
precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire – may be found to result in
praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
To call the persecution of the Christians in and around Asia Minor, “various trials”
seems, by my estimation, inadequate. I believe it fair to assume that some of the
“Exiles of the Dispersion” rolled their eyes, or possibly… -
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TEACHING OLD DOGS NEW TRICKS
(Kent Heaton)There is an old saying that suggests you cannot teach an old dog a new trick. When it comes to old hound dogs it may be quite difficult to train them anew as you can a young pup. Old dogs get set in their ways and sometimes their minds just can't accept a new change. They would rather accept life as it is and let life go by in whatever hurried pace it wants. Inactivity is the…
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Know Your Value
I find it interesting how often we can be the harshest critics of ourselves. It
seems as if it’s easier for us to find the good and value in others, and yet we
neglect to see that in ourselves. How often do you find yourself asking the
question, “How could anyone love someone like me?”, or “I have made so
many mistakes, so how is it that anyone sees value in me”? I believe that in
these low moments when we struggle to see our value, we ought to take a
moment to look at ourselves through the… -
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Conspiracy Facts
In an age of instant information, why do conspiracy theories continue to
thrive? These narratives of shadowy cabals plotting our downfall often stem
from paranoia—yet what if the ultimate conspiracy was hiding in plain sight,
confirmed by the Bible? Ephesians 6:12 uncovers a true conspiracy: "For we do
not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the
authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the
spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." This verse exposes a cosmic
conspiracy far more pervasive and potent than any human theory—a spiritual
battle that shapes our world…
