Tagged

Christian is a Christian

Four Questions to Ask Before Baptizing a Child

I recently baptized our eldest grandson, Christian. He is nine years old and because of his age I had some hesitation before going ahead with his baptism.

Christian Worship in 150 AD

Justin Martyr was a Samarian Christian who lived in the second century. He was a Platonist philosopher who was converted to Christianity and became a strong defender of the faith. In one of his works, "Apology of the Christian Religion", written in around 150AD, he describes a typical Christian worship service of that day.

Jonesboro - When Good People Die Badly

The text delves into the profound topic of death and sin, emphasizing the importance of faith and resurrection, offering a perspective on coping with loss and finding hope in the promise of eternal life.

Evangelizing Homosexuals

We need to evangelize this growing number of people but are usually hard-pressed to know where to begin. This lesson provides some information towards this end.

A Christian Father's Vision

Witness the profound impact of a Christian father's vision as he quietly observes and guides his family towards eternal blessings and values.

Christian Lite or Light?

In a thought-provoking reflection on consumerism and Christianity, Mike challenges individuals to consider the authenticity of their faith and urges them to shine as a light in their actions to honor God.

Matthew 5:14-16

Where Are We and Where Do We Go From Here?

In the midst of tragedy (the 1995 Oklahoma City Bombing) and uncertainty, the call to honor the victims, get involved, and offer prayers emerges as a way to navigate the aftermath and move forward with hope and resilience.

The Half-Full Church

The importance of maintaining a positive perspective and fostering a sense of unity and love within the church community is highlighted in this insightful reflection on the power of faith and growth within the congregation.

Christian Style Christmas

At one time or another I've tried and taught most of the ideas that Christians think about Christmas and its celebration; denouncing it, ignoring it or simply accepting its inevitability.

Money Matters - Part 2

Understanding the true value of money and its role in our lives is crucial for a balanced perspective, as highlighted in this insightful excerpt on financial stewardship and faith.

Money Matters - Part 1

Mike delves into the importance of money matters and how Christians should acquire and use money in a proper and ethical manner, emphasizing the significance of giving thanks, providing for family needs, and helping others in need.

Waterworld

Water in movies like "Waterworld" and its biblical significance as a symbol of judgment, purification, and separation, offers a unique perspective on the importance of water in spiritual truths.

Death - Ruth's Example

Even in the face of grief and loss, Christians find comfort in the hope of resurrection, trusting in God's promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ.

I Corinthians 15

Celebrating the "Giving" in Thanksgiving

Mike explains why giving is the essential ingredient in thanksgiving.

Why 2K?

The text discusses the Y2K bug scare and how people react to anxiety, highlighting the importance of faith and trust in God over technology, offering a perspective on handling fear and uncertainty.

The 5 Chairs

This lesson discusses five different stages of faith represented by chairs, illustrating how believers move through various levels of spiritual maturity. Each chair signifies a distinct relationship with God, from those who are seeking Him to those who are fully committed. This framework encourages reflection on one's spiritual journey and the steps needed for growth.

Hebrews 9:27-28

THINK!

Reflect on the journey towards your best self, embracing the hope and promise of redemption and forgiveness despite past sins and failures.

2. Even Jesus Had Problem People in His Family

Jesus' genealogy in Matthew 1 shows that God works through imperfect people and broken family histories to bring redemption and hope to our own.

Matthew 1:1-17

15. The Final Cup

Mark 14:25 shows Jesus promising that He will share the cup again only in the future kingdom, turning the Last Supper into both a remembrance of His sacrifice and a hopeful anticipation of the final banquet believers will enjoy with Him.

Mark 14:25

17. The State of the Dead

Luke 8:31 and Luke 8:55 together teach that death is the separation of spirit and body and that the spirit continues under God's authority until the resurrection, with Restorationist views differing on whether that waiting is conscious or unconscious.

Luke 8:31, 55

Field of Dreams

Mike envisions a congregation that leads by example in holy living, growth, service, and evangelism, inspiring others to follow suit and build upon this vision for the future.

John 4:34-35

Religious Education

How many people here went to Catholic school as children? I ask this because I want to see how many people here today can relate to my own experience growing up in Montreal and going to Catholic school. One of the features of my early education was the presence of religious training.

The Power of the Men's Breakfast

Men's breakfasts provide a transformative space for Christian men to share experiences, confess struggles, and form bonds of accountability, shaping them into better leaders and servants of Christ through honest conversation and shared prayer.

Cults and Their Effects - Part 2

Understand the history and practices of the Boston Movement, a group that has been described as a cult, and learn how to protect your church by focusing on evangelism, condemning harmful practices, and fostering open communication within the congregation.

My Retirement

Embrace the perspective shift on retirement and discover the hidden treasures of this phase by offering it to the Lord with wisdom and faith.

10. Christ's Authority Over Demons and the End of Possession

Luke 4:41 shows demons recognizing Jesus as the Son of God to highlight His divine authority during a unique, temporary period of redemptive history, where their forced confessions magnified Christ's power—an authority now affirmed not by demons but by the church after His victory at the cross.

Luke 4:41

5. Mary's Heart

Treasuring the Mystery

Luke's description of Mary "treasuring" and pondering events in her heart shows her as a model of reflective faith, quietly holding onto God's mysteries until their meaning was revealed.

Luke 2:51

All Israel Will Be Saved

Four Views on Luke 13 and Romans 11

Understanding the Restorationist perspective on Luke 13:35 and Romans 11 provides a contextual approach to interpreting biblical prophecies without projecting them into distant future scenarios.

Brown Bag Christmas

Mike reflects on the Christmas season's approach, noting its lack of biblical endorsement, its pagan origins, and how various customs associated with Christmas have been reinterpreted to hold Christian significance, emphasizing the need to prepare spiritually for the holiday despite its historical complexities.

Multiplying Ministries

The Boston Church

The Boston Movement has been described as a classic Christian aberration or a cult, prompting the need for condemnation and vigilance within the church community.

Why Some Won't Make It

The text discusses the Christian belief in heaven and hell, emphasizing the importance of faith and the consequences of disbelief, urging readers to consider their own beliefs and choices.

Moses' Final Instructions

Moses' final instructions to the Israelites in the book of Deuteronomy emphasize obedience to God's word as the key to maintaining God's blessings, urging them not to compromise His commandments while preparing to enter the Promised Land.

Freedom, Slavery and Heaven

Reflect on the profound message of being freed from sin and becoming slaves of righteousness, pondering the practical implications in your everyday life and the pursuit of what is right.