Lately, I have been reading the book of Ezekiel. In some of the early chapters, I have been struck with the manner in which the events and visions described in God's Word parallel events that we see in America today. » read more »

I've been wrestling with whether or not I should talk to my pastor about all the heresies (albeit minor) he preaches or his abysmal understanding of Koine Greek and Hebrew. I was being nagged to do so because I thought I had a responsibility to stand up for truth. However, the Lord reminded me of Matthew 7:6. » read more »

Our church's pastor managed to do a sermon this week without screwing up any doctrine or demonstrating his incompetence with Koine Greek (let alone Hebrew). He preached on John 15:2. His sermon was, as usual, baby food, but at least he didn't lead people astray as he usually does.

My credo is sola scriptura but, even so, that (IMHO) must needs be tempered with the interpretation of Scripture by others, lest one become a heretic. And so, there is a place for tradition as a check against ‘private interpretation’. Even so, I also believe in semper reformanda, as long the change brings one closer to God and truth. » read more »

Last Sunday, my pastor tried to equate Judaism to a number of false faiths. To be sure, the modern perversion of Judaism is at odds with the TNK (Bible) in many ways. However, my pastor didn't mention modern Judaism but essentially named Abraham as father of a false religion (akin to Buddha, Confucius, and Muhammad). I'm sure he's not cognizant of just how much he violated Biblical/Godly doctrine in so doing. » read more »

Preachers are fond of talking about "advancing", "furthering", "adding to", or "growing" the Kingdom. These phrases are usually used in the context of Christian ministry and witnessing, suggesting that our evangelism can/will make the Kingdom expand. I have not been able to find any Biblical references to this concept. Where in the Scriptures does our Lord mention anything about our ability, let alone responsibility, to advance or grow His Kingdom? » read more »

What purpose does the modern church fulfill, if not accountability? Its teachings are watered down at best, corrupt and perverted at worst. Its fellowship is largely superficial. Its programs are devoid of spiritual life. Blog fodder. That's what my wife calls church these days, blog fodder. So it is. » read more »

I'm getting tired of being a lonely voice in the wilderness, so to speak. I suppose it's not too terribly lonely. There seem to be a very few cohorts who see the dangers we're planting for ourselves. I don't see many converts, though. Most of the stupid masses are content to watch Christendom and America go down the toilet--nay, not just watch: they lift the seat, press the lever, and jump in and pull others with them. This supports my long-term observation that those who practice evil tend to be stupidly self-destructive (bogus labels of "Christian" or "American" notwithstanding). » read more »

I've always had various bones to pick with "organized religion" or more specifically, the modern Christian [sic] church. I left denominationalism because of the growing list of issues in organized religion, only to learn nondenominationalism isn't much better. There is not one that I could feel good about recommending to new believers, for example.

Several heresies are commonly taught including tithing, Prosperity Doctrine, subtle forms of antisemitism (often including Replacement Theology or merely apathy toward God's Chosen People), Sunday Sabbath, various levels of rejection of the Tenakh, seeker friendliness, and more and worse. Most of the good churches--the best I could find--still teach most of these heresies. Even setting aside their heresies, I've yet to find a church that doesn't overtly and insistently violate God's will regularly (and I mean on big issues, not whether or not to put in stained glass or such benign matters). » read more »

The International House of Prayer in Kansas City has teamed up with God TV to webstream their live 24/7 praise & worship sets. They are offering a 7 day trial before having to subscribe ($10 a month). This trial goes until Jan. 7th. You do have to register before getting access to the trial but it's well worth it.

Here's their website to check them out. http://theprayerroom.tv/

These people go day and night worshipping God in prayer intercession & devotion sets. It's pretty powerful. There's just something awesome about live worship. Personal worship alone is great too. But there is something so strong when many get together to worship in a corporate setting. » read more »