Several of us recently spent a day at a New Age Fair in Ohio talking with various exhibitors. Again, as was true at the last New Age fair we recently attended, in nearly every conversation the claim was made that reincarnation was in the Bible but was taken out by evil monks in the sixth century. Why evil monks would want to do such a thing I have no idea, but that is a very … Continue reading
Category Archives: Church History
Jehovah’s Witnesses, Christian Scientists, Mormons, some New Agers and other non-Christian groups would cheerfully say, “Jesus is Lord” if they are put on the spot to do so. This becomes puzzling to some in light of Paul’s words to the church in Corinth. He wrote: Therefore, I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says “Jesus is accursed!” and no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except in … Continue reading
Out of concern that the First Century believers were susceptible to deception, the Apostle Peter warned in chapter 3 of his second epistle to be careful of those who distort Scripture “…to their own destruction.” The ones Peter warns about here seem to be a different type than the false prophets in chapter two or the mockers in the early part of chapter three. In verse14-16 he writes: Therefore, beloved, since you look for these … Continue reading
(Originally printed in the Fall 2004 Issue of the MCOI Journal beginning on page 10) By Frank York Retired (1999) Illinois College Professor of Sociology Dr. Alvin J. Schmidt, who holds an M. Div. from Concordia Seminary and a Ph.D. from the University of Nebraska, has written what should be considered one of the most important books of the twenty-first century. In a popular culture that seems determined to persecute Christians and to remove every … Continue reading
Sometimes when someone makes such an outlandish, obviously inflammatory statement you have to step back and look at what’s really going on. Take this headline from Churchleaders: “The Ridiculous Emphasis Christians Place on the Bible” I’m mean seriously. To be fair, Churchleaders.com (hereafter CL) gives this caveat: We at ChurchLeaders believe in the inerrancy and authority of Scripture as the inspired word of God. In fulfilling our purpose of helping church leaders lead better every … Continue reading
“I heard the bells on Christmas Day Their old, familiar carols play, And wild and sweet the words repeat Of peace on earth, good-will to men!” — Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (Christmas Bells) The poem “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” was composed by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow on December 25, 1864, and turned into a hymn a few years later. The language and imagery are powerful – they do not derive from a comfortable, unchallenged … Continue reading