1st century Christianity in the 21st century
The form of prejudice commonly called racism has always baffled me. Bigotry based upon skin colour makes as much sense as bigotry based upon eye or hair colour. And yet, racism is likely the most common form of prejudice worldwide today, and perhaps has been in every generation. It is sad to see this hideous attitude in the world, but even worse to find it among our brethren.
Continue reading “The Bible & Racism: We Are All One Blood”
The opening chapters to the book of Genesis reveal details concerning the creation of the earth and of mankind, as well as many firsts (first man, first woman, first marriage, first command, first sin, first sacrifices, first children, first murder —you get the point). Genesis is the book of beginning after beginning. And yet within those early chapters were are some often forgotten or seldom mentioned tidbits. Let’s note some of them here.
Continue reading “Insight On The Beginning Of Sin And Sacrifice”
It is a common thing to see advertising for a variety of gambling options on TV, on billboards, and online. They have been some exceptionally witty and amusing ads put together to entice people to take a chance on the lottery. Scratch tickets and dropping numbered balls are not for everyone, so maybe a game of bingo might appeal. There are even church groups that conduct bingos. The bright lights and piercing chimes of a casino catch the fancy of some. There have even been government-operated casinos popping
up throughout Ontario with a host of games to entertain. Not interested in the lottery, bingo, or casino games? You can legally bet on the outcome of sporting events through the gaming commissions that regulate lotteries and casinos. No bookie required. If you want to gamble, but don’t want to leave the house, you can do so! You can participate in all the above via the internet.
In a vivid picture of the wicked, Jude states they have “gone in the way of Cain” (Jude 1:11). John tells us that he killed Abel “because his works were evil and his brother’s righteous” (1 John 3:12). Hebrews reveals that “by faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain” (Hebews 11:4) Cain walked contrary to the will of God, and sadly, many today have “gone in the way of Cain” also. Let us discuss the way of Cain in greater detail.
Continue reading “They Have Gone In The Way of Cain”
Across from our booth this year at the Kingston Fall Fair was a booth where folks could get a 15 minute psychic reading an an “auracature” for $20. It was rather discouraging to see a steady stream of souls duped into paying a man who knows nothing about them to answer a question which is pressing on their hearts. At the same time, there was but a slight trickle of people expressing interest in information about the Lord’s church and what He has done on our behalf. Discouraging, and yet revealing of the delinquent nature of our society.
Continue reading “Psychic Reading: How Deception Outshines Truth In Today’s World”
Before the reign of King Charles IX in France, New Year’s celebrations began on March 25, concluding on April 1. In 1582, he decreed that with the adoption of the Gregorian calendar, New Year’s be moved to January 1. Those who refused to accept the change or forgot were ridiculed with foolish gifts and invitations to non-existent parties, and identified as April Fools, or called in French, “poisson d’avril” (literally translated, April fish). With the acceptance of the Gregorian calendar, the custom spread throughout Europe and into the Americas.
Continue reading “April Fools and Foolishness: Wisdom from Proverbs You Need to Know”