Christianity Archives

October 10, 2025October 10, 2025

The Failures of Christians

Skeptics often point out the failures of religious leaders, and everyone is aware of scandals in the church over the years. One thing we can be sure of is that there will be more examples in the future. Why? Because humans sin. Proverbs 20:9 says, “Who can say, ‘I have kept my heart pure; I am clean and without sin?’” Only one man was perfect and without sin: Jesus Christ. But, “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21 NIV). While skeptics highlight the failures of Christians, the Bible doesn’t hide them. For example, take the people in the Corinthian church to whom Paul wrote.

In his first letter to the church in Corinth, Paul began, “I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus.” But then in verse ten, he begins addressing the failures of Christians in that congregation. First, he discusses divisions and quarrels among the members. Then he reminds them that they were not wise, influential, or noble by birth, but God chose them anyway. By chapter 3, he tells them they are “still worldly” and “mere infants in Christ,” and that their jealousy and quarreling prove they are worldly.

In chapter 4, Paul continues by explaining that they have no reason to boast (implying they were boasting) because their relationship with God isn’t based on their goodness, but on God’s grace. He points out in verse 18, “Some of you have become arrogant…”

Just when it seems Paul had addressed all the failures of Christians, things get worse. In chapter 5, he highlights a case of sexual immorality within the church, and instead of condemning it, they are proud of it! Paul says they should have been mourning and removing the guilty party from the congregation. His warning is that if they continue to accept this immoral behavior, others will follow. He says we cannot avoid associating with sexually immoral people in the world, but such behavior should not be tolerated among those claiming to be Christians.

As if that’s not enough, Paul tells the Corinthian Christians in chapter 6 that they need to settle their disputes within the church and stop suing each other in public courts. He also urges them to avoid immoral conduct involving prostitutes. In chapter 7, he emphasizes that sexual relationships should only be between married couples and underscores the sacredness of marriage.

Wow! Paul still had eight more chapters to write, and in chapter 11, he rebuked the Corinthian Christians for how they were handling the Lord’s Supper, or communion. In chapter 12, he addressed their mishandling of spiritual gifts.

Paul was responsible for founding the church in Corinth, and he had to address the failures of Christians that weighed heavily on him. However, his letter is not entirely critical. Chapter 13 is one of the most beautiful parts of the Bible, where Paul describes the way of love. We can’t ignore chapter 15, where Paul reminds the Corinthians of Christ’s resurrection. In verses 3-7, he quotes an oral tradition about the resurrection that dates to shortly after the event. Then he admits his own sin, “For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am…” In verses 20 and 21, he writes, “But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead…so in Christ all will be made alive.”

Among his final instructions, Paul writes, “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love” (16:13). Paul pointed out the failings of Christians, but he didn’t give up on those in Corinth, as shown in his second letter to the Corinthian church.

Scandals and moral failures have troubled the church since the beginning, but instead of hiding them, the Church must address them and make the necessary corrections. Would the Corinthian church have been embarrassed to know that their “dirty laundry” would be aired for the whole world to see for the next two thousand years? Does today’s Church have anything to be ashamed of? The failures of Christians are a stumbling block for seekers in a world that needs to see genuine Christianity.

October 8, 2025October 8, 2025

Who Created Slavery?

On June 17, 2025, Virginia Senator Tim Kaine stood before the United States Senate and said, “The United States didn’t inherit slavery from anybody. We created it.” That shocking statement shows a complete lack of historical knowledge. Slavery goes far back in history, predating the formation of the United States. Who created slavery? Let’s examine that question.

During the 16th and 17th centuries, Muslim pirates from the Barbary Coast of North Africa captured white Europeans and Americans, taking more than one million into slavery. By 1800, over 20% of the United States’ revenue was used to pay slave ransoms and tributes to Muslim leaders. This ended when the newly established U.S. Navy defeated the Barbary pirates in 1815.

Going further back in time, when English settlers arrived in the early American colonies, Africans were enslaving other Africans, and they sold their own brothers to the Americans and Europeans. The English first abolished slavery, but it took the Americans more time to remove this evil.

Farther back in history, slavery was common in ancient Rome and Greek culture. Earlier still, the Egyptians enslaved the Israelites. Exodus 1:12b-14 (ESV) says, “And the Egyptians were in dread of the people of Israel. So they ruthlessly made the people of Israel work as slaves and made their lives bitter with hard service, in mortar and brick, and all kinds of work in the field. In all their work, they ruthlessly made them work as slaves.”

There are many other examples of slavery throughout history, but the question remains: who created slavery? Let’s go all the way back to Eden in Genesis chapter 2. Satan lied to the woman and led her and the man into his trap of sin. So, who created slavery? The originator of slavery was Satan. Adam and Eve thought they were gaining new freedom by eating the forbidden fruit, but they became slaves. In John 8:34, Jesus said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin.”

However, the key question is not who created slavery, but who can free us from this slavery to sin? There is a path to freedom described in Romans 6:3-6 (ESV): “Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin.”

Those who have been released from slavery to sin should share that message with others. We should also do all we can to bring an end to physical slavery, which still exists in many regions of the world.

October 3, 2025October 3, 2025

To Explain the Existence of Life

Biogenesis is the process of reproduction—life giving birth to new life through natural means. Abiogenesis is the origin of life from non-living matter, the concept that life originated from non-life. It’s an undisputed fact that life began to exist. Equally undeniable is the fact that the universe also began to exist. Therefore, we are presented with two scientifically accepted facts: 1-The non-living matter in the universe came into existence. 2-Life began to exist. Explaining the existence of life remains a challenge that science has yet to overcome.

Since we know the universe had a beginning, life on Earth cannot be explained simply by claiming it was seeded by aliens from another galaxy (panspermia). Their galaxy would have had a beginning too, so how did their life originate? The theory of panspermia merely pushes the question farther back.

The idea that non-living elements spontaneously combined into organic molecules, which then organized into living cells by random chance, is hard to believe and even harder to prove. Many brilliant minds have tried to explain life in this way. Evolution does not account for the origin of life; it only attempts to explain the development and diversity of life that already existed.

It is not a “god-of-the-gaps” argument when we suggest that the best explanation for abiogenesis is that an Intelligence acted upon non-living matter, imparting information (DNA) and organization beyond human understanding. This Intelligence would have to exist outside of the time dimension we live in—without beginning or end and without physical limitations—to explain the existence of life and the creation of time, space, matter, and energy. Such an intelligent Being could also take the form of a man to enter time and space and restore lost creatures to Himself. That is clearly what the Bible describes. (See John 1:1-17.)

September 26, 2025September 24, 2025

How Would You Want to Be Remembered?

Only two weeks ago, people around the world were shaken by the assassination of Charlie Kirk. At only 31 years of age, he had made a dramatic impact on the lives of many people. Less than three months before he was fatally shot, Kirk was interviewed on a podcast, and the host asked him, “If you could be associated with one thing, how would you want to be remembered?” Of course, he did not know that his life would end soon, but he answered that question boldly and clearly.

The answer Kirk gave is one I wish more Christians could give, including myself. He replied, “I want to be remembered for courage for my faith. That would be the most important thing; most important thing is my faith.” Over the past two weeks, I’ve seen many negative comments about Charlie Kirk, most of which are wildly false. However, one thing I’ve noticed among some Christians since Kirk’s death is that they have gained new courage to speak up for their faith. Some have openly admitted that they’ve been quiet about their Christian faith but now feel more courageous because of Charlie Kirk’s boldness.

Someone very dear to me is currently facing a terminal illness with only a short time to live. Her Christian faith assures her that when she leaves this life, something much better awaits her. That was the faith Charlie Kirk had, but he expected to have many more years to live. The woman I love, knowing her time is limited, wants to be remembered for sharing her faith with everyone she meets, including nurses, neighbors, friends, and family. She knows where she’s headed, and she wants others to share that hope as well. If you knew you had only a short time to live, would you be more courageous in sharing your faith?

The question everyone should consider is, “How would you want to be remembered?” If you’re a Christian, are you boldly sharing your faith with those you encounter? If you love them, you’ll want them to have the same hope you have. You will want to do everything you can to see that they will be with you in heaven.

Reference: foxnews.com

September 15, 2025September 14, 2025

Shocking Amount of Food Wasted

God has given us more than enough food for every man, woman, and child on this planet. Jesus told His followers to use what God has given. In Matthew 25:34-46, Jesus tells us what His disciples need to do. Providing food, water, and clothing are at the top of His list. Those who don’t provide these things for those in need are condemned. The problem is the shocking amount of food wasted.

I am directly involved nationally with programs that provide for those who are in need. Locally, I am involved with a program called “Feeding America,” and our small congregation provides food for over 100 people every month. Similar programs, both nationally and locally, are conducted by people who call themselves “Christians.” There are no atheist programs anywhere doing this.

So, if all this is going on, why is there a shortage of food worldwide? In the United States, one in every five kids doesn’t have enough to eat in spite of the fact that 530,000 metric tons of food are thrown out. The shocking amount of food wasted in schools is an example. Data from audits of schools in Miami and Orlando, Florida, show that the food thrown out amounts to 1.06 billion pounds from school cafeterias every year. These cafeterias also waste 20.9 billion gallons of water annually, resulting in a loss of $1.7 billion. Sixty percent of cafeteria waste is fruit and unopened milk.

This is just one case in two large Florida cities. Can you imagine how much waste there is nationally? As America continues to reject God and Christianity, we can expect this problem to get worse. In the biblical record, we see God telling humans to use what He has already given them. God doesn’t condone waste and will not provide for us what we can provide for ourselves. We see passages like Proverbs 6:6-11 where people who won’t work are called “sluggards” who will end up in poverty. Christians must lead the way by not wasting what God has given us.

Reference: World Wildlife for Fall 2025, page 4.

September 2, 2025September 1, 2025

Cana and the Wedding Feast

We read in John’s gospel that Jesus performed His first miracle at a wedding in Cana of Galilee. Jesus turned six large stone jars of water into wine. But where exactly was Cana? We know it was in Galilee because John mentions it, but the exact location has long been disputed. An archaeologist believes he has found the site of Cana and the wedding feast.

Jesus was present at the wedding with His first disciples, who had been followers of John the Baptist just days before. Mary, the mother of Jesus, was also there, so this wedding was likely for a close friend or family member. The reason for Jesus performing this miracle might have been sympathy for the embarrassment of the wedding host, but it could also have been to help His new disciples develop faith. (See John 2:1-11.)

Natural processes can turn rainwater into grape juice over time, but Jesus had the power to accelerate this without a grapevine. There was no reason for Him to ferment the grape juice to cause intoxication. When the master of the feast tasted it, he remarked, “You have kept the good wine until now.” That suggests the wine at this feast was not intoxicating.

Since the 18th century, the location of Cana and the wedding feast has generally been identified as Kafr Kanna, an Israeli town in Galilee. This is because, following the Crusades, the Franciscans chose it as a convenient place to establish a pilgrimage site, rather than based on historical evidence. Now, archaeologist and historian Tom McCollough suggests that Cana was actually located five miles north of Kafr Kanna, at a site called Khirbet Qana. This was a Jewish village from 323 B.C. to 324 A.D.

Excavations at Khirbet Qana have uncovered a veneration cave complex used by Christian pilgrims until the 12th-century Crusader period. Artifacts and inscriptions on the cave walls indicate this was the original location. McCollough also notes that rabbinic texts and the writings of first-century Jewish historian Flavius Josephus support this site. After Jesus faced resistance in Judea and ministered in Samaria, He returned to Cana, where He healed a nobleman’s son. (See John 4:43-54.)

The significance of identifying the location of Jesus’ first miracle is not for pilgrims to visit and venerate the site. Instead, it shows that the gospels describe real historical locations and events. Jesus is a real person, and Cana was a real place. Historian Tom McCollough believes that his excavations at Khirbet Qana strengthen the historical reliability of the Bible.

Reference: foxnews.com

August 29, 2025August 29, 2025

Prayer Changes Things

As Paul concluded his first epistle to the Thessalonians, he gave them a list of instructions (1 Thessalonians 5:14-22). Among these is the admonition to “Pray without ceasing” (verse 17). That does not mean to be constantly on your knees or even with your eyes closed. The idea is to maintain a constant attitude of prayer. Prayer changes things, starting with the person who prays.

In Acts 12:5, we read about what the early Church did when Peter was imprisoned for preaching the gospel. “Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church” (NKJV). They prayed without ceasing for Paul, and God answered their prayer with a miracle. God doesn’t always answer with miracles. Miracles, by their very definition, are extremely rare. However, that does not mean that prayer can’t change things.

Recently (August 27, 2025), a gender-confused person with wicked motives opened fire on children in a Minnesota Catholic school during mass, killing two and injuring 15, plus 2 adults. The deranged shooter apparently harbored major anger toward Christianity and a desire to kill children. This incident also prompted many politicians and media personalities to display their hostility toward prayer. They demonstrated that they can’t believe prayer changes things.

In a press conference, the mayor of Minneapolis criticized people who were calling for prayer in response to the shooting. “Don’t say this is about ‘thoughts and prayers’ right now. These kids were literally praying…they were in a church.” Other Democratic officials and liberal media figures also disparaged faith-based responses to the tragedy. Dana Bash on CNN repeated the mayor’s call to “forget about thoughts and prayers.”

Jen Psaki, the former White House press secretary under President Biden, in a rant on X, stated, “Enough with the thoughts and prayers.” Then, on her MSNBC show, Psaki criticized President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance for calling for prayer for the families involved. Vance had defended prayer by writing on X, “We pray because our hearts are broken. We pray because we know God listens.”

As I said, prayer changes things. Living in an attitude of prayer will change your life. It will change your attitude toward others. It will make you concerned for their needs and their pains. It will ease your own burdens and lead you to demonstrate God’s love for others. Perhaps it will bring a miracle, and maybe that miracle is a change in your life. Pray without ceasing.

August 26, 2025August 25, 2025

Church Properties for Sale

As America becomes increasingly dominated by people who say “none” when asked about their religion, the properties owned by churches are being sold. In 2019, Protestant church closures exceeded new church openings. Some estimate that more than 100,000 church properties will be sold by 2030. This data comes from a book titled Gone For Good by Mark Elsdon and was gathered from Protestant churches. We have not been able to get data for Catholic churches, but we see similar activity in our area.

This is not necessarily a bad thing, but it is a sign of the times. The Church during the first century did not own property. All of the Church’s donated money went to feed and clothe the poor, not investing in real estate or the cost of a building. Acts 2:42-47 describes the early Christians using existing physical structures like the temple for meeting together and describes Church activity as operating from their homes. In today’s world, small groups meeting in homes have become an effective way for the Church to fulfill its mission. The costs of building, maintaining, heating, cooling, and decorating a physical structure are poor uses of donated money.

The donations that allow this ministry to exist mainly come from individuals who see how much can be achieved without spending money on church properties. Part of the “Restoration Movement” involves changing how and where to meet for worship. When young people see what the Bible actually says about Christian worship, they will free the church from dependence on buildings and focus more on serving the disadvantaged. This change is already happening in many places and is the wave of the future.

August 22, 2025August 21, 2025

The Church of Satan

The Satanic Temple is an active philosophical religious organization founded in 2013. It does not recognize any concept of the supernatural but instead promotes a negative response to fundamental religious beliefs. The Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America foundation states that the Satanic Temple has opened a new abortion facility and is sending abortion drugs through the mail, avoiding legal issues by claiming that abortion is one of their “religious rites.” The existence of organized satanic churches like the Satanic Temple is not new, but the unorganized church of Satan has always been around, making these claims about Christian beliefs:

PRAYER – “Prayer is useless and distracts people from useful activity. No god ever answered any prayer at any time, nor ever will.” (From a poster distributed by Madalyn O’Hair.)

DEALING WITH OTHERS – Satanists claim that “survival of the fittest” offers a more fulfilling and practical answer to everyone’s needs.

MORAL CONDUCT – “Practice with joy the ‘seven deadly Christian sins.’ Engage in sex freely in accordance with your needs, be it heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, or with one or more consenting adults.” (Frank Zindler in a lecture at Ohio State in 1995 and in the American Atheist Magazine, which he edited from 1995 to 2009.)

The Christian Response to the church of Satan:

PRAYER – God’s answer to prayer is usually spiritual, not physical. 12 Step programs work, and prayer molds personality and attitude. James 5:16 explains this, and James 4:1-3 tells us why prayers for the physical are not answered. Isaiah 55:8 and John 9:3 give a practical purpose for prayers.

DEALING WITH OTHERS – What happens when you are no longer “the fittest”? Do any of us want to be discounted when we get old?

MORAL CONDUCT – What are the results of practicing the “seven deadly Christian sins”? What effect does immorality have on our kids, mates, parents, and society as a whole? How does an immoral lifestyle give a purpose to our existence?

We live at a time when over 40% of the population answers “none” when asked about their religious affiliation. You can’t be a “none.” You have only two choices – either be a Christian or be a member of the church of Satan. Read Matthew 12:30 (or Luke 11:23) and think about what you really want to use as a guide to your life.

Reference: Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America

Susan B. Anthony (1820-1906) was an anti-slavery campaigner and a suffragist who was instrumental in obtaining women’s right to vote. She was honored by having her image on the U.S. silver dollar and half dollar minted from 1979 to 1981 and again in 1999.

August 15, 2025August 14, 2025

Not a Forced Religion

The teachings of Jesus Christ are radically different from those of other religions. Perhaps the most notable are the teachings about how to gain converts. In the “Sermon on the Mount” (Matthew 5–7), Jesus clearly states that those who follow Him do so voluntarily. Following Him is not a forced religion, and Christ’s disciples emphasized this as the Church rapidly grew.

In Acts 17:22-34, Paul describes the Christian faith and concludes in verses 29–30 that people should not think God’s nature is physical. In Acts 17:30, Paul writes, “God has looked with indulgence on the days of man’s ignorance, but now He is announcing to everyone everywhere the need to think differently.” Paul uses the word “repent,” meaning to think differently. Following Christ is a personal decision, not a forced religion or cult. This contrasts sharply with other religious belief systems.

Some individuals claiming to be Christians have violated Christ’s teachings by resorting to violence to force others to convert. The Crusades, the teachings of the Mormon Church, and various cult leaders all engaged in violence that directly contradicts Christ’s teachings. There is not a single statement by Christ or the Apostles advocating the use of force to gain converts.

An English translation of the Koran by N.J. Dawood, a Muslim, is available from Penguin Classics. Reading it reveals a stark contrast to Christ’s teachings. Mohammed 47:3-5 instructs Muslims to strike off the heads of unbelievers. The passages in 2:178 and 2:179 state that fighting and bloodshed are ordained for Muslims. Repentance 9:4-7 and 122-125 command Muslims to wage war. Claims that these are mistranslations are untrue; Muslims have followed these teachings for centuries, and fundamentalists still do today.

Hinduism also involves coercion. Since 2014, India’s Hindu Bharatiya Janata Party has been in power, arresting individuals they believe are proselytizing Hindus. Government violence against non-Hindus has led to the killing of Christians and Muslims and the confiscation of their property.

The teachings of Christ shine brightly in a world filled with violence. The word “gospel” means “good news,” and the good news is that Christianity is not a forced religion. Jesus Christ offers the freedom, peace, and hope that people desire to have in their lives.