Salt and Light » God versus religion

Will the beast in Revelation be able to deceive Christians?

There’s no reason to think the actual beast in Revelation exists today. There are prerequisites, events that must take place before the antichrist makes his or her appearance.

So why go through all this if the beast doesn’t exist yet? Well, because it matters. If we can be deceived today, what hope do we have when the events in Revelation start to unfold?

Given that we’re so easily deceived today, it’s critically important that we learn to listen to the Holy Spirit. In church-speak, to be able to discern the difference between truth and lies. Not on our own, but with the power of the Holy Spirit.

Let’s look at a few examples of things that deceive Christians, even today
As I said, these examples are important. The things that deceive Christians today are from “ordinary” people. In other words, they aren’t from the antichrist. Not from the beast in Revelation.

Will the beast in Revelation be able to deceive Christians? More

Do American Christians care about truth at all?

A look at ourselves

Do American Christians care about truth at all? That should be a dumb question. Dumb in the sense that all Christians care about truth. Don’t we? Sadly, apparently not.

The headline from NBC News reads: RNC airs video clip of ‘Biden’s America’ — it was actually Barcelona. Just in case you’re not aware of it, Barcelona is in Spain. You know – Spain, as in the country across the Atlantic. In Europe. Not in America. Although some people, notably our President – Trump – don’t seem to know this. Or maybe just flat out don’t care?

Do American Christians care about truth at all? More

Blessed are the peacemakers

The Beatitudes

Blessed are the peacemakers. But who / what are peacemakers? Some of you will think of a Colt handgun. Or a strategic bomber. Or maybe even an MX Missile. If you’re Christian, or think you’re Christian, hopefully those aren’t the first things that come to mind. Why not? Because Blessed are the peacemakers is something Jesus said. It’s one of the Beatitudes, from the Sermon on the Mount.

Blessed are the peacemakers More

Is Covid-19 a modern-day Exile?

A look at ourselves

Is Covid-19 a modern-day exile scenario?

We look at the virus as a bad thing, maybe from God. However, those who have read the Bible know that sometimes God allows bad things in order to bring about better things. Or to wake up His people.

So, what if this is God’s way of showing us that we need to wake up? We’re supposed to be living in this world as if we’re in exile – right here, wherever we are. In exile from our Heavenly home. But we’re too busy turning this into a false “heaven on earth” kind of thing.

And we’re falling in love with it. And by doing that, we’re at risk of losing our real Heavenly home that God created for us.

Is Covid-19 a modern-day Exile? More

Is Church Essential?

A look at ourselves

Is church essential? Of course it is! Many who say that though are only 50% right. Why? Because the question shouldn’t simply be whether church is essential. First, it should be what is “church? For example, here’s a recent headline: ‘Church Is Essential’ The building they gathered in wasn’t essential.

Surprised? Shocked? Angry? Confused? Let’s take a look at what’s going on.

Is Church Essential? More

This then is how you should not pray…

The Lord's Prayer

This then is how you should pray.
That’s the passage before The Lord’s Prayer. Short. A mere 4 verses. But what is Jesus really saying?
In the first part of the passage, Jesus talks about this then is how you should not pray.

But is it like, I wish you wouldn’t pray like the hypocrites? Or maybe it’s, I’d like it if you could avoid praying like them. Or is it more like, you really need to ask for My help and try very, very hard to not pray like them? Or do you think it’s just a suggestion, as in it’d be nice to not be like them but don’t worry if you can’t help it?

Wait ’til you find out what they meant. It’s shocking if you’ve never noticed before.

This then is how you should not pray… More

A light on a hill? Or a noisy gong?

A deeper look at familiar Bible passages

Here’s a question for Christians. Are you a light on a hill? Or a noisy gong? Or are you just wondering why I’m asking? It is a legitimate question. We’re supposed to be “making disciples”. But how? Are we supposed to beat people over the head until they finally give in? I know that’s been done. Is still being done. But is it what Jesus asked for?

The same can be asked of any “in your face” approach to making people become Christians. The thing about “making disciples” is that Jesus said a whole lot more than just “go do it!”. He taught us how. He was a living example of how to do it. But do we pay attention to that part?

A light on a hill? Or a noisy gong? More

Blessed are the merciful

The Beatitudes

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Very much like the golden rule. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Except in this case, the one doing unto us is God. So if we show mercy to other people, then God will show mercy to us.

Like faith and believing is Jesus, action is an integral part of mercy. We’ll see that just saying, “God have mercy on you”, isn’t what Jesus is talking about. Nor is praying for someone and walking away.
It’s about doing something. Helping. kindness or good will towards the miserable and the afflicted, joined with a desire to help them.

Blessed are the merciful More

What does religion have to do with Wall Street pay?

A deeper look at familiar Bible passages

Think about things like that when you can. Remember that the corporations are made up of people. At the top. And at the bottom. And really, the church is also made up of people. So when it comes to the question of religion and Wall Street pay – the simple truth is that we – people – are on both sides of that question.

What does religion have to do with Wall Street pay? More