What Does the Feast of Unleavened Bread Mean for Christians? – Vince Szymkowiak ucg.org
Marshall Stiver
3 years ago in New Year's Eve
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 New Year's Eve
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…
Is Passover on the First Day of Unleavened Bread? – David C. Grabbe cgg.org
Marshall Stiver
3 years ago in New Year's Eve
During Jesus Christ’s lifetime, two methods existed to determine the Passover: one by the people in their homes on Abib 14’s evening and the other by Temple priests on Abib 14’s late afternoon. The Gospels portray Jesus and His disciples observing the Passover in a private home at the onset of Abib 14, known as “the Last Supper.” However, some Gospel verses seem to conflict…
The Passover Effect – Brian Orchard leadingtolife.org
Marshall Stiver
3 years ago in New Year's Eve
In a world lacking clear leadership and purpose, many people lead aimless lives, unsure of their existence and the path they should follow. Isaiah 3:12 laments the consequences of misguided leadership. Meanwhile, society’s anger and rejection of God contribute to confusion and destructive thinking, as described in 2 Peter 2:1-3. Satan targets believers, seeking to disrupt their intimate relationship with God (1 Peter 1:2). Yet,…
Can Theology Define God’s Nature? – Earl L. Henn cgg.org
Marshall Stiver
3 years ago in New Year's Eve
Over the centuries, debates over God’s nature have sparked theological controversies. Some argue that the Bible alone isn’t enough to fully grasp God’s essence, leading to the rise of theological speculation. While theology is often equated with doctrines, it’s essentially a structured examination of human reasoning about God. However, relying solely on human logic can yield flawed conclusions, contradicting biblical truths. Theological reasoning often starts…
Elohim: A Name Reveals God’s Nature and Plan – Joshua Travers lifehopeandtruth.com
Marshall Stiver
3 years ago in New Year's Eve
The word “Elohim” in the English Bible, often translated as “God,” is intriguingly plural, derived from the singular “Eloah.” This plurality is evident in its use concerning idols, where it’s rendered as “gods” (Exodus 18:11). Though usually singular when referring to God, Elohim denotes a collective unity. In Exodus 20, while delivering the Ten Commandments, God identifies Himself as Elohim to Israel, emphasizing monotheism. This…
Five Essential Time Management Principles From the Bible – Becky Sweat ucg.org
Marshall Stiver
3 years ago in New Year's Eve
In our hectic, fast-paced world, many of us echo these sentiments: “I’m swamped, can’t even catch a break!” “Always battling fires, never feeling accomplished.” “Work’s eaten family dinners, I can’t remember when we last sat together.” “Overwhelmed with tasks, don’t know where to start.” “After work, I just want to veg in front of the TV.” Time is finite, slipping away unnoticed amid our bustle….
You Shall Love Your Neighbor (Part One) – John O. Reid cgg.org
Marshall Stiver
3 years ago in New Year's Eve
In Matthew 22, Jesus faces the Pharisees’ cunning questions, following his confounding of the Sadducees. The Pharisees aim to ensnare him, selecting a lawyer to probe his understanding of the law. Jesus, however, cuts through their legalistic approach, declaring the greatest commandment: to love the Lord with all one’s being. This emphasis on wholehearted devotion to God simplifies their complex disputes, emphasizing the essence of…
Do I Really Deserve to Be Here? – Jeremy Lallier sabbaththoughts.com
Marshall Stiver
3 years ago in New Year's Eve
In this fourth addition, the author poses and then addresses the question, ‘Do I deserve to be here?’ It’s arguably the easiest among the three we’ve explored. No, you don’t deserve to be here. But that’s precisely the point. No one in the Church is flawless; none deserve to be here. Jesus Christ died for us because we couldn’t earn our place. However, when we…
5 Major Differences Between Passover and Easter – Isaac Khalil lifehopeandtruth.com
Marshall Stiver
3 years ago in New Year's Eve
The distinction between Passover and Easter goes beyond the surface understanding that Passover is Jewish and Easter is Christian. Let’s explore five significant differences between these two observances: Difference 1: Passover’s biblical origin vs. Easter’s absence in Scripture. Passover originates from Exodus 12, commemorating the Israelites’ deliverance from Egypt through the blood of the lamb. In contrast, Easter lacks biblical grounding, with no legitimate references…
The Decline and Fall of the American Empire – Steve McCann leadingtolife.org
Marshall Stiver
3 years ago in New Year's Eve
In his essay, Sir John Glubb identifies six stages in the rise and fall of empires, drawing from 3,000 years of historical data. These stages offer a lens through which to understand the trajectory of nations, including the United States. The first stage, the Age of Pioneers, parallels the Revolutionary War and the nation’s founding. Following this, the Age of Conquests symbolizes the Western Expansion…
Doesn’t "Lazarus and the Rich Man" prove that sinners will be tormented forever & ever? thebiblesaysthat.com
Marshall Stiver
3 years ago in New Year's Eve
Many believe the parable of Lazarus and the rich man illustrates heaven and hell. However, it actually emphasizes the promise given to Abraham’s descendants. Abraham, though not having received the promise yet, will inherit it at the resurrection of the just. Lazarus represents Christians who share in this promise through faith. The rich man, depicted as emerging from Hades, faces the future destruction of the…
Is St. Patrick’s Day a Pagan Holiday? – Monica Ebersole and Erik Jones lifehopeandtruth.com
Marshall Stiver
3 years ago in New Year's Eve
On March 17, millions will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with parades, green attire, shamrocks, and festivities. Originating in Ireland, it’s now popular worldwide, particularly in the U.S. Yet, beneath the fun lies syncretism—merging pagan rituals with Christianity. St. Patrick, though venerated as a Catholic saint, used syncretism to blend native Irish customs into his teachings. These included symbolic nods to sun worship and Celtic superstitions….
The Silent Division: Mixing Politics and Faith – Michelle Macedo & Werner Solorzano churchofgodnetwork.org
Marshall Stiver
3 years ago in New Year's Eve
In our religious community, recent shifts have introduced subtle divisions fueled by non-doctrinal factors like politics. As Christians, our identity is rooted in Christ’s teachings, emphasizing love, compassion, and the Kingdom of God. Unfortunately, political ideologies infiltrating our church have led to silent divisions, hindering our shared mission. Drawing inspiration from Alcoholics Anonymous, we should adopt a non-controversial approach, prioritizing the Gospel and avoiding worldly…
You Cannot Serve God and Money – Don Henson lifehopeandtruth.com
Marshall Stiver
3 years ago in New Year's Eve
This text emphasizes the contrasting perspectives on wealth, particularly the allure of material riches versus the spiritual treasure advocated by Jesus and the apostle Paul. It addresses the prevalent desire for financial success, exemplified by lottery participation, and challenges the notion that physical prosperity guarantees true satisfaction and security. Jesus’ teachings, especially the analogy of serving God or mammon, underscore the need for a choice…
The Bible Superstition or Authority? – Herbert W Armstrong hwalibrary.com
Marshall Stiver
3 years ago in New Year's Eve
The world’s best-selling book, the Bible, evokes awe, passive discredit, and misunderstanding. Why does it remain a mystery to many, with diverse interpretations among traditional Christian churches? The crucial question arises: Is the Bible the authoritative Word of the Creator God, or a product of ancient human speculation? In examining this, the author highlights the dichotomy in education—those with university backgrounds often leaning towards evolutionary…
It’s a Dark World – Brian Orchard leadingtolife.org
Marshall Stiver
3 years ago in New Year's Eve
In a world shaped by personal perspectives and influenced by darkness, King David’s insights from Psalm 36 resonate with the current state of affairs. Describing the unconverted mind, he captures the pervasive wickedness that lacks a fear of God. Our era, marked by a moral decline and a post-Christian narrative, reflects this darkness. God’s warning in Deuteronomy 28 about the consequences of disobedience seems prophetic…
The “Good News” Gospel – Richard F. Ames tomorrowsworld.org
Marshall Stiver
3 years ago in New Year's Eve
The essence of the Gospel, or “Good News,” preached by Jesus contrasts sharply with various distorted versions found within mainstream Christianity. The “prosperity gospel” and “political gospel” are misleading, promoting health and wealth or human-centered activism. To discern the true Gospel, one must turn to the New Testament, where the Greek word “euaggelion” translates to “good news.” The genuine Gospel centers on Jesus proclaiming the…
Can the True Church Be Found? – Richard T. Ritenbaugh cgg.org
Marshall Stiver
3 years ago in New Year's Eve
In the midst of the prevailing spiritual confusion and myriad belief systems, the profound words of Jesus in Matthew 16:18 bring solace: “I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.” These turbulent times, akin to the words of Thomas Paine, are soul-trying, and amidst the clamor, seekers face the challenge of discerning the true church. Religious diversity, denominations,…
Who Is The Devil? – Richard F. Ames thebiblesaysthat.com
Marshall Stiver
3 years ago in New Year's Eve
Recognizing and overcoming the power of evil around you is crucial in a world fascinated by the occult. Millions, especially the youth, are drawn to occult-themed entertainment like the Twilight novels and movies. However, understanding who and what the devil is becomes essential for navigating his malevolent influence. The Bible identifies the devil as “the great dragon” and “that serpent of old,” emphasizing his role…