Why Israel? leadingtolife.org
Marshall Stiver
3 years ago in Physical World
Discussing “Why Israel?” in a non-church environment can be uncomfortable due to its association with British-Israelism, a belief that Britain’s people descend from ancient Israel. This ideology, tied to notions of racial superiority and colonialism, has been discredited by historians and is widely considered racist. British-Israelism has also influenced extremist movements like “Christian Identity” and “Serpent Seed,” which promote white supremacy and distort biblical teachings…
The Sabbath Controversy – Richard F. Ames thebiblesaysthat.com
Marshall Stiver
3 years ago in Physical World
Different religions have distinct days of worship: most Christians observe Sunday, Muslims worship on Friday, and Jews keep the Sabbath from Friday evening to Saturday evening. But does it matter which day we observe? And does God care when we worship, as long as we do? Many Christians accept their traditions without questioning them. I used to do the same until I asked, “Why do…
Thou Shalt Not Steal youtu.be
Marshall Stiver
3 years ago in Physical World
In a world where traditional moral foundations are increasingly questioned, the relevance of ancient wisdom might surprise you. Take the Eighth Commandment: “Thou shalt not steal.” This simple directive isn’t just about preventing theft—it’s about unlocking profound real-world benefits. Theft costs society more than just money. The annual losses are staggering, but the indirect costs—security, insurance, and lost trust—are even greater. Imagine a world where…
Integrity youtube.com
Marshall Stiver
3 years ago in Physical World
The Bible has a lot to say about the impact leaders have on the well-being of their people. In Proverbs 29:4, it says, “By justice a king gives a country stability, but one who is greedy for bribes tears it down.” So, looking at the world today, how do our leaders stack up against this standard? Proverbs 6:16-19 spells out seven things that can lead…
Gnosticism: Why John Wrote 1 John – Brian Orchard leadingtolife.org
Marshall Stiver
3 years ago in Physical World
The New Testament Church began with great enthusiasm, adding 5,000 people one day and 3,000 shortly after, as recorded in Acts. However, over time, the Church’s “first love” diminished due to Satan’s influence and false teachers infiltrating the Church. Christ rebuked the Church in Ephesus in Revelation for losing its initial passion, and the Apostle John, writing towards the end of the first century, addressed…
A Godly Quest for Pleasure – David F. Maas cgg.org
Marshall Stiver
3 years ago in Physical World
Throughout creation, God has established patterns that are evident in all living things, including the drive-reduction mechanism—where the body seeks to satisfy needs like hunger and thirst to reduce tension. This concept aligns with Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, which identifies the fulfillment of basic drives as foundational to human behavior. Philosophies like Epicureanism, which prioritize pleasure, have emerged around these physical needs. However, the Bible…
The Magdalene Gospel – Mark J. Hulme vision.org
Marshall Stiver
3 years ago in Physical World
Among the women in the Bible, one figure has gained notable attention recently: Mary Magdalene. Known as one of Jesus’ most mentioned female disciples, she appears in all four Gospels. Catholicism honors her as Saint Mary Magdalene, recognizing her both as an apostle and a sinner. Additionally, apocryphal texts like the Gospel of Mary offer intriguing insights into her life and role in the early…
Debunking The Rapture Myth – Wallace G. Smith tomorrowsworld.org
Marshall Stiver
3 years ago in Physical World
Many believe ‘the rapture’ refers to Christians being “raptured” into Heaven before Jesus Christ returns to rule and before the Great Tribulation. This belief suggests Christians will vanish, leaving the world to face the Tribulation. Three or seven years later, Jesus will supposedly begin His reign on Earth. This idea often stems from the Apostle Paul’s words in 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17, where he describes believers…
The Frankfurt School youtu.be
Marshall Stiver
3 years ago in Physical World
The Frankfurt School was a group of German intellectuals who fled Nazi Germany during World War 2. They brought their radical ideas to America, influencing its institutions, especially education and culture. One key idea was Critical Theory, which emphasizes challenging dominant power structures and cultural norms, valuing individual experiences in shaping social values, and promoting subjective morality. These ideas have greatly impacted modern society, especially…
The Enemy of Holiness – Jeremy Lallier sabbaththoughts.com
Marshall Stiver
3 years ago in Physical World
How do you make something holy? Trick question—you can’t. You can keep something holy, like the Sabbath. God said, “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy” (Exodus 20:8). We maintain the holiness of the 24 hours God set aside on the seventh day of creation (Genesis 2:3). But we don’t make it holy—it already is. We just keep it that way. How do you…
When Leaders Are Lawbreakers – Brian Orchard leadingtolife.org
Marshall Stiver
3 years ago in Physical World
The world is a mess. We face a crisis of leadership, with lawbreaking leaders leading nations to self-destruction. Christians must step up as law-abiding leaders. Leaders in denial, aided by complicit citizens, ignore reality, avoiding distressing truths. Denial is a defense mechanism that can blind us. An article, “The World’s Most Dangerous Delusion,” highlights this: America denies China’s declared hostility, preferring false peace. This denial…
Why Am I Here youtu.be
Marshall Stiver
3 years ago in Physical World
Ever wondered, “Why am I here? What’s my purpose?” This question has puzzled humanity for centuries, leading to various philosophies and religions. The Bible offers a profound purpose: The word “God” is “Elohim,” a family name. God is a family of creators, and they are expanding their family. Genesis states, “Let Us make man in Our image.” Jesus Christ, the “Word,” became mortal, died, and…
Purpose Of Law: The Image of God – Staff Writers leadingtolife.org
Marshall Stiver
3 years ago in Physical World
Where there is no vision, the people perish” (Proverbs 29:18 KJV). Vision here means a prophetic understanding of future reality. Without purpose and direction, progress is impossible. Knowing our purpose is crucial. God gives humanity a purpose, a destination, and a path to get there, encapsulated in the Bible, including its laws. “Torah” is better translated as teaching or instruction. We must understand God’s purpose…
Are God the Father and His Son one being? One entity? – CGA Writers cogassembly.org
Marshall Stiver
3 years ago in Physical World
Jesus revealed there is one Godhead, or one God Family, working together with one mind and purpose. This Family includes God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. John 1:1 states, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” The “Word” became Jesus Christ (John 1:14). Hebrews 1:1-4 confirms Christ’s divinity, showing He is worshiped by…
Pentecost, the Spiritual Connection – Brian Orchard leadingtolife.org
Marshall Stiver
3 years ago in Physical World
There are many lessons we can learn from God’s relationship with ancient Israel. By covenant, they became a called-out people destined to live by God’s law, with God dwelling among them (Exodus 25:8-9). However, this relationship was external. Israel did not have internal access to God’s Spirit; this changed with Christ’s sacrifice (Hebrews 9:14-15). Through Christ, the new covenant involves God’s Spirit dwelling within believers,…
Not of This World – Jeremy Lallier sabbaththoughts.com
Marshall Stiver
3 years ago in Physical World
“My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here” (John 18:36). The Jews of the first century, including Jesus’ disciples, expected a Messiah to overthrow the Romans and restore Israel’s kingdom (Acts 1:6). Instead, they got a Savior…
The Sermon That Launched the Church – Joel Meeker lifehopeandtruth.com
Marshall Stiver
3 years ago in Physical World
It was the morning of Pentecost, and Jerusalem buzzed with curiosity. Seven weeks had passed since Jesus’ crucifixion, dashing hopes that He was the Messiah. Stories of His resurrection circulated, but the disciples, who had seen Him alive, had no doubts. He had instructed them to wait in Jerusalem for power from on high (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4-8). On Pentecost, as the disciples gathered, a…
Bread: A Biblical Symbol – Roger Meyer tomorrowsworld.org
Marshall Stiver
3 years ago in Physical World
Symbols, like bread, hold profound meanings in society and scripture alike. From nourishment to unity, bread symbolizes sustenance and fellowship. In the Bible, it represents Jesus Christ as the “Bread of Life” and signifies spiritual truths, such as sincerity and truthfulness. During biblical feasts like Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread, unleavened bread symbolizes purity and freedom from sin. Even the miraculous provision of…
What Does the Feast of Unleavened Bread Mean for Christians? – Vince Szymkowiak ucg.org
Marshall Stiver
3 years ago in Physical World
An increasing number of Christians worldwide are rediscovering the biblical festivals outlined in Leviticus 23, seeing them in the context of Jesus Christ’s life and mission. Jesus, the sacrificial Passover lamb, inaugurated the plan of salvation, while also starting His Church on the Feast of Pentecost (Acts 2). Amidst these festivals is the seven-day Feast of Unleavened Bread, occurring immediately after Passover. While significant events…
Blood on the Doorposts – Jeremy Lallier sabbaththoughts.com
Marshall Stiver
3 years ago in Physical World
The distinction between the Israelites and the Egyptians became strikingly evident during the plagues preceding the tenth. From the flies to the darkness, God made it clear He protected His people while bringing judgment upon Egypt. However, for the tenth plague, a crucial change occurred. Although God assured the safety of the Israelites, they were required to mark their doorposts with the blood of a…