Friday July 4, 2008
Image: Photodisc / Getty Images
, one of the great patriots of the
American Revolution and signer of the
Declaration of Independence, contemplated with amazing foresight the significance of the
founding fathers' actions on July 4, 1776. The next day he prophetically wrote in a letter to his wife Abigail: "This day will be the most memorable epic in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival."
Reflecting on the appropriateness of such celebrations, Adams also wrote, "It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty."
So, in the spirit of our nation's brave founders, let's remember the magnitude of God's blessing and deliverance with spiritual "acts of devotion" as we celebrate our freedom this Independence Day.
Galatians 5:1
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. (NIV)
Weekly Prayers & Poems - The Nail
Thursday July 3, 2008
This week's post is a member-submitted Christian poem called
The Nail. It is about the sacrifice and suffering of Christ on the cross.
The Nail
The nail is used for many things,
A useful securing tool;
A hammer is taken by the hand
And drives it, that's the rule.
A nail is needed when you build,
It's a necessary thing.
It was also used over two thousand years ago
To hang upon a tree, the King.
He took the pain and suffering
For all mankind, you see.
Yet He took the torture just for you,
And He took it just for me.
Read more ... The Nail by Laurene H. Bell.
Do you have an original Christian prayer that would encourage or benefit a fellow believer? Perhaps you've written a unique poem you'd like to share with others. We are looking for
Christian prayers and poems to encourage our readers in their communication with God. To submit your original prayer or poem, please fill out this
Prayer / Poem Submission Form.
More About Christ's Sacrifice:
Wednesday July 2, 2008
Image Courtesy Logos Bible Software
If you're not a theological wonder or a PhD-toting Bible scholar, don't let the
Logos Bible Software intimidate you with their sophisticated and scholarly language such as "morphological" and "exegetical." I still don't know what morphological means, but that hasn't slowed me down in taking advantage of the unbelievably rich resources packed within the Scholar's Library.
The unique engine that powers Logos Bible Software 3 is the Libronix Digital Library System. This powerful digital library system is like having your own personal librarian, who, at the touch of a button, will quickly look up and organize all of the resources and information you'll ever need for comprehensive Bible study. Pastors and seminary students, or even someone like me, who routinely engages in Bible research, will be amazed by the amount of time saved using Logos Bible Software 3.
• Read My Review - Logos Bible Software 3 Scholar's Library
Monday June 30, 2008
Betty's marriage was failing when, one night, feeling all alone, she prayed a desperate prayer. Betty asked God for a child to love, and the Lord granted her prayer. Yet two years later, God would require the child back, when placing her for adoption seemed like the only way to secure the health care she needed. Betty gave everything she had in an offering to the Lord, and he blessed her by giving it all back.
Betty's true story is one of our many featured testimonies from you, the members and visitors of this site. Each story reveals a life transformed by Christian faith. If your relationship with God has made a significant difference in your life, we would like to hear about it.
• Submit your testimony by filling out this Submission Form.
• To receive weekly messages of hope and encouragement from real-life stories of changed lives, sign up for eTestimonies.
• Read: Betty's Offering
Friday June 27, 2008
Image: Cover Scan
I can't think of thing I'd rather do this weekend, than grab a book and a comfy lounge chair and head to the park for a leisurely summer read. How about you? Do you need a few suggestions? Well, I've just updated my list of the
top 10 most popular Christian books. Maybe you'll find something interesting to add to your summer reading list!
If you would like to suggest a good summer read for Christians, just leave a comment below.
Thursday June 26, 2008
This week's post is a member-submitted Christian poem called
Soar with Him. It is about growing in the Christian faith.
Soar with Him
So many promises made,
And yet so many fade.
Lord, how can I let my yes, be yes?
And nothing less.
How can I let my no, be no?
For in You I want to grow.
To be living evidence,
Of Your love, so intense.
Read more ... Soar with Him by H.S. Gaisma.
Do you have an original Christian prayer that would encourage or benefit a fellow believer? Perhaps you've written a unique poem you'd like to share with others. We are looking for
Christian prayers and poems to encourage our readers in their communication with God. To submit your original prayer or poem, please fill out this
Prayer / Poem Submission Form.
More About Growing in the Christian Faith:
Wednesday June 25, 2008
What do Christians believe?
Photo: © SW Productions / Getty Images
Answering that question is no simple matter. Christianity as a religion encompasses a wide range of
denominations and faith groups, and each subscribes to its own set of doctrinal positions.
I've put together a list of the basic Christian beliefs central to almost all Christian faiths. They are presented here as the core doctrines of Christianity. A small number of faith groups who consider themselves to be within the framework of Christianity, do not accept some of these beliefs. It should also be understood that slight variances, exceptions, and additions to these doctrines can exist within certain faith groups that fall under the broad umbrella of Christianity.
• Read: The Basic Doctrines of Christianity
This Week's Testimony: Jen's Joy
Monday June 23, 2008
Be encouraged by this
true story of a grandmother's faith reborn, as her depression turns to hope. While witnessing God's faithfulness during her daughter's difficult pregnancy, Jen reclaims the joy she once knew years ago. This account is one of our many
featured testimonies from you, the members and visitors of this site. Each story reveals a life transformed by Christian faith. If your relationship with God has made a significant difference in your life, we want to hear about it. Submit your testimony, by filling out this
Submission Form. To receive weekly messages of hope and encouragement from real-life stories of changed lives, sign up for
eTestimonies.
Friday June 20, 2008
During my research I came across a lot of current speculation about the antichrist, who he is or who he might be. A great many unlikely guesses were among the suggestions. The most popular names to come up were
George W. Bush,
Barack Obama, and the
Pope. I too have been accused of being the antichrist by a few of my readers who don't agree with a biblical perspective or an editorial I've written. However, it's highly improbable that one of these (Bush, Obama, Benedict, or Me) is the actual "son of perdition" spoken of in 2 Thessalonians, chapter 2. Although the Bible does not specifically name who the antichrist will be, it does give us some clues as to what he will be like:
• Read: What Does the Bible Say About the Antichrist?
Jump into the Christianity Forum
Wednesday June 18, 2008
Did you know this site has an interactive extension in the form of an online community? If not, I would like to invite you to visit the
Christianity Forum! But, before you do, you should know that we have a unique, dual forum format. Please be sure to carefully check out the
forum guidelines and
general policies before posting. This is not your typical Christian forum!
The forum is designed primarily for Christians and people who will treat members of the Christian faith with respect, even if they do not practice Christianity. Members and visitors are free to discuss topics they find on the Christianity site or any issues associated with Christianity. You may ask questions, share advice and voice opinions. Read more...
Image: © Davide Guglielmo