Category: Pastoral

Abuse Christian Living Devotions Pastoral

A Few Thoughts about Identifying Fakes

By Len | by Len

John 7:24 NKJV Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment. Do Scriptures teach us how to identify fake friends, partners, marriage possibilities, business partners, etc.? A society and every person doing God’s will leads to B1 Peace See Romans 2:10 and Colossians 3:15. B2 Our lives being decent (the opposite of shame) and orderly (the opposite is confusion and chaos) See 1 Corinthians 14:40, Romans 13:13, 1 Thessalonians 4:12, etc. Decisions…

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Christian Living Christian Topics Doctrine Pastoral

A Few Thoughts about satan’s Program

By Len | by Len

As soon as any person believes and trusts Jesus Christ alone for salvation, satan begins his program to destroy that faith. Truth into doubt Freedom into slavery Joy into sorrow Paul states in 2 Corinthians 2:11 NIV in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes. How does he do this? B1 Manser suggests: C1 The process of seduction (The outline below Manser’s but I edited it for…

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Christian Topics Discernment Discipleship Evangelism Pastoral

A Few Thoughts about Suppressing Truth Version 2

By Len | by Len

Romans 1:18 NIV The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness. B1 Suppress C1 The Greek word is κατέχω katéchō. It means to prevent free movement. This movement is bound and held down. It also means to repress (Wuest). C2 The truth is deliberately being held down, repressed, and prevented from being acknowledged and revealed. C3 In our passage,…

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Doctrine Pastoral Questions

Questions Answered—John 10:26

By Len | by Len

Calvinists believe this passage teaches that people are sheep before they believe. B1 John Piper, “We believe because we are God’s chosen sheep, not vice versa” (Piper, 5 Points, 54). B2 A. W. Pink, the elect “are ‘sheep’ before they believe, yea, before they are born” (Pink, Sovereignty of God, 338). Answer: B1 Passage with immediate context: John 10:22-29 B2 Our passage: John 10:25-26 ESV Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe.…

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Christian Rules Christian Topics Family Marriage Pastoral

Submit and Obey? A Few Thoughts about Marriage Issues

By Len | by Len

Submit and obey definitions B1 Submit C1 English D1 to accept that someone has defeated you or has power over you submit to (Source) D2 Accept or yield to a superior force or to the authority or will of another person (Source) C2 Greek D1 The Greek word is ὑποτάσσω hypotássō. D2 There is both a military and non-military usage: This word was a Greek military term meaning “to arrange [troop divisions] in a military…

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Christian Rules Devotions Pastoral

Devotional Notes Romans 16

By Len | by Len

B1 What does this mean? C1 Paul’s Personal Greetings D1 Phoebe, a deaconess E1 I wrote an article about this: A Few Thoughts About Deaconesses E2 Robertson’s Word Pictures comment on Romans 16:1: Who is a servant of the church (ousan diakonon tēs ekklēsias). The etymology of diakonos we have had repeatedly. The only question here is whether it is used in a general sense or in a technical sense as in Philippians 1:1; 1…

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Christian Rules Church Devotions Pastoral Questions

Devotional Notes Romans 15

By Len | by Len

B1 What does this mean? C1 Helping Our Weaker Christian Brother and Sister D1 We must always be considerate and aware of others. Everyone is offensive in some way, but this is referring to an attitude of doing or saying something that is not necessary. We must also take a stand of respect for God regardless if that is offensive. E1 Exodus 1:17 NLT but because the midwives feared God, they refused to obey the…

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Abuse Christian Living Church Discernment Pastoral

A Few Thoughts about satan’s Agents

By Len | by Len

These are satan’s Agents. They may be pastors, spouses, or others. It may not be their goal but that is the effect of their “counsel,” actions, thoughts, etc. Their actions have the effect of causing too many believers to deny Christ. I’m thinking of in particular those who are considered “exceptionable” Christians. Articles: B1 15 Narcissistic Religious Abuse Tactics B2 A testimony Things I Learned from a Lifetime in Evangelicalism and What I Learned Since…

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Christian Topics Discernment Discipleship Pastoral

A Few Thoughts about Steps into Apostasy Part B

By Len | by Len

Link to Part A B5 Loss of creation C1 Since the Bible interpretation method is changed, the interpretation of Genesis especially the first 9 chapters are also changed. C2 Often times science becomes the highest wisdom and authority replacing God and His words. C3 If we can’t believe what God inspires in the first 9 chapters, when do we start believing what He said? 1 John 5:10 CSB The one who believes in the Son…

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Bible Study Church Discernment Discipleship Pastoral

A Few Thoughts about Steps into Apostasy Part A

By Len | by Len

The steps into apostasy B1 Loss of first love B2 Loss of prayer and fellowship with God B3 Loss of truth B4 Loss of correct interpretation B5 Loss of creation B6 Loss of doctrine. B7 Loss of what’s authority B8 Loss of Christian witness B9 Loss of Christian worldview B10 Loss of Christian lifestyle B11 Loss of Christianity Review B1 Loss of first love C1 Revelation 2:4 WEL Nevertheless, I have [something] against you, because…

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