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This is a very joyous time of year. Bright lights, carolers, gifts. But why do we celebrate Christmas? Because of the birth of Jesus...Right? Luke 2:13-14 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, (14) Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. Were these heavenly host praising God because a child was born? Or were they praising God because they knew that now, finally since Adam's fall, man could be reconciled with God Himself!? Jesus knew His mission. Peter didn't want Him to take...

As you read Hebrews 1:1–13, reflect on the following questions: 1. How many different traits and titles of Jesus can you list from these verses? 2. Why is this writer mentioning angels so much? 3. How does God speak to you when you read His Word? 4. When was the last time you really listened to what God had to say to you? Scripture: Hebrews 1:1-13 Hebrews 1:1 God who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hebrews 1:2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son,...

Genesis 24:34 And he said, I am Abraham's servant. Genesis 24:35 And Jehovah has blessed my master greatly, and he has become great. And He has given him flocks and herds and silver and gold, and male slaves and slave women, and camels and asses. Genesis 24:36 And Sarah my master's wife bore a son to my master when she was old. And he has given to him all that he has. Genesis 24:37 And my master made me swear, saying, You shall not take a wife to my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, in whose land...

“Word of Faith” series by Justin Peters: Analysis: Scripture exposes false prophetsThis is the Fourth and final in a series of analyses by correspondent Justin Peters. These special articles were first printed in the Baptist Record each week from September 25, 2003, to October 16, 2003. Analysis: Scripture Exposes False Prophets Both the Old and New Testaments are replete with warnings of false prophets. The following is intended to provide biblical criteria for discerning false prophets and teachers. If a preacher engages in any of the following behaviors, be very wary of him or her: Repeated immoral, unbiblical behavior. A...

Galatians 1:6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Galatians 1:7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. Galatians 1:8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. Galatians 1:9 As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be...

Genesis 22:1 And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am. Genesis 22:2 And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of. Genesis 22:3 And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and saddled his ass, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son, and cleaved...

The following are suggested prayer points to work with as you pray for this fall's elections. As you think of others, add them to your list. They are followed by "vertical" Scriptures-verses that have been adapted to be prayed back to God. Thank you for committing to pray for this fall's elections. May God lead and bless you as you pray. Pray the Vote Prayer Points Pray for: * God's Will to be done * Godly and righteous leaders to rise up * Citizens to desire godly leaders * Discernment-for the electorate and for leaders * Wise involvement by all...

Genesis 18:20 And the LORD said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous; Genesis 18:21 I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me; and if not, I will know. Genesis 18:22 And the men turned their faces from thence, and went toward Sodom: but Abraham stood yet before the LORD. Genesis 18:23 And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked? Genesis 18:24 Peradventure there be fifty righteous within...

Luke 15:1 Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him. Luke 15:2 And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them. Luke 15:11 And he said, A certain man had two sons: Luke 15:12 And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living. Luke 15:13 And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance...

“Word of Faith” series by Justin PetersThis is the third in a series of analyses by correspondent Justin Peters. These special articles were first printed in the Baptist Record each week from September 25, 2003, to October 16, 2003. Analysis: False prophets abound in WOFThird in a series (originally printed 10/9/03) I believe the Word of Faith (WOF) movement is home to many false prophets. Both the Old and New Testaments are replete with warnings about false prophets and, on at least two occasions, the Apostle Paul called out by name men who were teaching false doctrine (1 Tim. 1:18-20;...

Psalms 23:1 A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. Psalms 23:2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. Psalms 23:3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Psalms 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Psalms 23:5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest...

Genesis 15:1 After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward. Genesis 15:2 And Abram said, Lord GOD, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus? Genesis 15:3 And Abram said, Behold, to me thou hast given no seed: and, lo, one born in my house is mine heir. Genesis 15:4 And, behold, the word of the LORD came unto him, saying, This shall not be thine heir; but...

Pastors and other Christian leaders have new resources to help their followers cast informed ballots in the presidential elections this year. Each election year, Rev. Barry Lynn of Americans United for Separation of Church and State mails letters to churches warning them against any involvement with politics. Buddy Smith with the American Family Association -- a former pastor who received one of those letters -- says Lynn's method may be effective, but his motive is suspect. "We must commend him, to a certain degree, in that he is effective at intimidating some pastors from stepping forward in this arena, really...

Analysis: Hinn, others shun sound doctrineSecond in a series (originally printed 10/02/03) If you do not know him by name, you would almost certainly know him by sight. Toufik Benedictus “Benny” Hinn is one of the most widely recognized individuals in Christian television today. A self-proclaimed “healing evangelist,” Hinn has achieved almost superstar status. His daily television show, This Is Your Day, can be seen in 190 countries and his monthly miracle crusades are almost always attended by overflow crowds. Tens of millions worldwide believe Hinn to be one of God’s greatest spokesmen. Undoubtedly, Hinn’s teachings on physical healing...

Everyone says forgiveness is a lovely idea until they have something to forgive, as we had during the war. And then to mention the subject at all is to be greeted with howls of anger. It is not that people think this too high and difficult a virtue: it is that they think it hateful and contemptible. "That sort of talk makes them sick," they say. And half of you already want to ask me, "I wonder how'd you feel about forgiving the Gestapo if you were a Pole or a Jew?" So do I. I wonder very much. Just...

This is the first in a series of analyses by correspondent Justin Peters. These special articles were first printed in the Baptist Record each week from September 25, 2003, to October 16, 2003. Analysis: Word of Faith crosses heresy lineFirst in a series (originally printed 9/25/03) “Satan conquered Jesus on the cross.” “He died spiritually! …Jesus Christ understood that spiritual death is union with the satanic nature.” “Man was created on terms of equality with God, and he could stand in God’s presence without any consciousness of inferiority.” “He [God] doesn’t even draw a distinction between Himself and us. …I...

The man who masterminded George W Bush’s two presidential campaigns thinks both Clinton and Obama are beatable. Here’s what he thinks the Republicans have to do to hold on to the White House. How to beat Clinton• She talks about fiscal responsibility but has introduced “$800 billion in new spending and the campaign is less than half over.” • Wants to repeal all of Bush’s tax cuts, can be targeted for opposing “troop funding” by highlighting her votes against supplemental spending bills to pay for the Iraq war. • Had trouble answering a question about driver’s licenses for illegal immigrants...

Lesson Passages: Genesis 1:27, 9:6; Matthew 5:21-22, 22:36-40; Mark 10; 46-52 Genesis 1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. Genesis 9:6 Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man. Matthew 5:21 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: 22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without...

Lesson Passages: Psalms 7:1-17 Psalms 7:1 Shiggaion of David, which he sang unto the LORD, concerning the words of Cush the Benjamite. O LORD my God, in thee do I put my trust: save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me: Psalms 7:2 Lest he tear my soul like a lion, rending it in pieces, while there is none to deliver. Psalms 7:3 O LORD my God, if I have done this; if there be iniquity in my hands; Psalms7:4 If I have rewarded evil unto him that was at peace with me; (yea, I have delivered...

Lesson Passages: Genesis 8:15-17, 20-22, 9:1-3, 8-13Background Passages: Genesis 8:15 – 9:29 Genesis 8:15 And God spoke unto Noah, saying, Genesis 8:16 Go forth of the ark, thou, and thy wife, and thy sons, and thy sons' wives with thee. Genesis 8:17 Bring forth with thee every living thing that is with thee, of all flesh, both of fowl, and of cattle, and of every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth; that they may breed abundantly in the earth, and be fruitful, and multiply upon the earth. Genesis 8:20 And Noah built an altar unto the LORD; and took...