Satan’s strategy has always been to deceive, beginning with Eve in the Garden and continuing throughout history by distorting God’s truth. Today, that deception may not look like paganism or atheism—it may look like Christianity. The Bible warns us that Satan masquerades as an angel of light. His most insidious tactic is not open rebellion but counterfeit worship that mimics the truth while subtly replacing…
Story Category: Miscellaneous Topics
The Mystery of the Trinity: Is God Truly Unknowable? – Part 1 truthsum.org
Many assume that the God of the Old Testament was the Father, but Scripture tells a different story. John 1:18 says no one has seen the Father at any time, yet countless Old Testament figures saw and spoke with God. Jesus clarified this mystery—He came to reveal the Father, because the One known to Israel throughout their history was actually the Word, who later became…
The Trinity as an Idol: How Misrepresenting God Distances Us from Him – Part 2 truthsum.org
For centuries, the Trinity has been upheld as an essential truth in mainstream Christianity—despite not being explicitly taught by Jesus or the apostles. Instead, it was developed through centuries of church councils and philosophical influence, especially from Greek metaphysics. Many are told it’s a divine mystery beyond comprehension. But Scripture warns against forming false ideas about God—whether physical or mental (Ezekiel 14:3; Romans 1:21–23). Jesus…
From Scripture to Speculation: The Philosophical Origins of the Trinity – Part 3 truthsum.org
The doctrine of the Trinity—God as three co-equal, co-eternal persons—is central to mainstream Christianity today. Yet this concept did not emerge directly from the teachings of Jesus or the apostles. Instead, it developed centuries later under the influence of Greek philosophy, particularly Platonism and Neoplatonism. Early theologians like Origen and Augustine integrated these ideas into Christian doctrine, introducing terms like essence and substance that were…
Salvation, Grace, and Choice: Are We Talking About the Same Thing? truthsum.org
TS Writer
3 weeks ago in Once Saved Always Saved (OSAS)
Debates around “once saved, always saved” (OSAS) often reveal deeper differences about what salvation, grace, and faith really mean. Salvation in Scripture is described in past, present, and future tenses. The OSAS view sees it as a one-time, unchangeable legal act. In contrast, others view it as a covenant relationship—freely given, but sustained by abiding in Christ. Jesus said, “He who endures to the end…
Is “Once Saved, Always Saved” Biblical? A Deeper Look at Salvation truthsum.org
TS Writer
3 weeks ago in Once Saved Always Saved (OSAS), Miscellaneous Topics
“Once saved, always saved” offers comfort—but is it scriptural? Salvation isn’t a one-time transaction; it’s a covenant relationship with God. Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15). Obedience doesn’t earn salvation, but it shows faith. The first Passover paints a picture: Israel was saved by grace, yet obedience mattered. Similarly, believers are sealed with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13–14), not as…
Are Christians Once Saved, Always Saved? ucg.org
Ryan Welsh
2 months ago in Once Saved Always Saved (OSAS), Plan of Salvation
Some believe that once a person accepts Jesus Christ as Savior, their salvation is forever assured—often called “eternal security” or “once saved, always saved.” But does the Bible actually teach this? A common proof text is John 10:27-29, where Jesus says His sheep hear His voice and no one can snatch them from His or the Father’s hand. However, this speaks of external threats, not…
What Is Hell? – Steve Myers, Tom Robinson ucg.org
Ryan Welsh
3 months ago in Heaven & Hell
What happens to bad people when they die? Or to those who aren’t Christians? Do they suffer forever in a fiery hell? Many assume so, but does eternal torment fit a loving God? Would He punish someone forever for a brief lifetime of mistakes? That concept portrays God as cruel, contradicting His nature of love (1 John 4:8). Surprisingly, the Bible doesn’t teach an ever-burning…
Valentine’s Day and Real Love cgg.org
Ryan Welsh
4 months ago in Valentine's Day
God’s people reject Valentine’s Day due to its pagan origins and lack of biblical support. Who Was Saint Valentine? Two Saint Valentines lived in the third century AD: a Roman priest and the Bishop of Terni. Both were martyred on February 14 and buried along the Via Flaminia. No historical evidence links them to romance; later legends claim Valentine secretly married couples, but these arose…
Jesus Birth youtu.be
Each December, millions celebrate the birth of Jesus on December 25th. But was He really born on that date? The Bible points to a very different time of year. If we look back to the story of John the Baptist’s father, Zacharias, we see that he was a priest serving in the temple during the course of Abijah, the eighth priestly division. According to 1…
Is Thanksgiving Rooted in a Biblical Festival? – Mario Seiglie ucg.org
Ryan Welsh
6 months ago in Thanksgiving
Did you know the first Thanksgiving in the U.S. shares striking similarities with the biblical Feast of Tabernacles? While the Pilgrims didn’t intentionally observe this biblical festival, both celebrations share a spirit of gratitude to God for His blessings. Both take place in autumn and center on thanking God for a fruitful harvest. The Pilgrims, deeply rooted in biblical teachings, were profoundly influenced by the…
Lucifer youtube.com
Before he was Satan, meaning “adversary,” Lucifer was a high-ranking angel, known as the “shining one.” As an anointed cherub, he served near God’s throne, perfect in wisdom and beauty (Ezekiel 28). But pride corrupted him. He sought to exalt himself above God, leading a rebellion and convincing a third of the angels to join him (Isaiah 14). Cast down from heaven (Revelation 12), he…
The Trinity: What Is It? – Larry Neff lifehopeandtruth.com
Ryan Welsh
9 months ago in Trinity
The doctrine of the Trinity, a core belief of the Roman Catholic Church and most Protestant denominations, is considered essential to the Christian faith by many. However, its origins and scriptural support raise important questions. The Trinity is not found in the Bible but was a concept developed over centuries. Around A.D. 180, Theophilus of Antioch first mentioned the term, though his description of “God,…
5 Major Differences Between Passover and Easter – Isaac Khalil lifehopeandtruth.com
Ryan Welsh
1 year ago in Passover, Easter
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…
Doesn’t "Lazarus and the Rich Man" prove that sinners will be tormented forever & ever? thebiblesaysthat.com
Ryan Welsh
1 year ago in Heaven & Hell
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
Ryan Welsh
1 year ago in Saint Patrick's Day
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….
Who Is The Devil? – Richard F. Ames thebiblesaysthat.com
Ryan Welsh
1 year ago in Satan
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…
Have the Ancient Gods Returned? – Darris McNeely ucg.org
Ryan Welsh
1 year ago in Satan, Miscellaneous Topics
Recent events, such as pagan occultism on display at major ceremonies and the alarming societal changes highlighted by social observers like Naomi Wolf, reflect the absence of God. Notably, events like the Grammy Awards and the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony showcase overt displays of satanic imagery, signaling a disturbing trend. Jonathan Cahn’s book, “The Return of the Gods,” suggests that ancient deities like Baal and…
Seven Things Satan Wants for Your Life ucg.org
Ryan Welsh
1 year ago in Satan, Physical World
In the Bible, God outlines various desires for humanity, including repentance, obedience, love for Him and neighbors, trust, and commitment. Conversely, Satan aims to destroy mankind by leading individuals away from God. Recognizing Satan’s tactics is crucial, as he exploits our weaknesses, often targeting the mind. Seven common harmful mindsets and habits influenced by Satan include doubting God’s existence, living in fear, prioritizing the temporary…
Dante Alighieri and The Divine Comedy – Daniel Tompsett, Donald Winchester vision.org
Ryan Welsh
2 years ago in Paganism
Dante’s Divine Comedy has significantly shaped the Christian belief in the immortal soul. This epic poem, authored by Dante Alighieri in the 14th century, remains a pinnacle of Western literature, blending theology, history, and allegory. The poem’s setting is Easter in 1300, though it was written over the next two decades. Dante’s exile and his disputes with the Church, particularly Pope Boniface VIII, lent the…