When Jesus Christ assumed human nature, He did not do it vicariously. He did not live here AS THOUGH He were a man. He actually took human nature. He became one of us in reality! What kind of humanity was required when the pre-fall nature could not die?
AN AMAZING FACT: Figs are a tasty fruit common to the Middle East, but one fact about their pollination might cause some consumers to squirm with distaste. All figs must be pollinated by a fig wasp, after which the wasp dies and decomposes inside the fruit!
AN AMAZING FACT: In 2010, almost 200,000 people in 153 countries were surveyed about helping others during the previous month. The survey found that about 20 percent had done volunteer work, almost a third had given money to charity, and about 45 percent had helped a stranger. Surprisingly, half of the top 20 most charitable countries are developing countries, and the happiest countries—not necessarily the most wealthy ones—tended to give the most (maybe that’s why they are the happiest).
AN AMAZING FACT: Rain is recycled water that evaporated from the world’s oceans, lakes, and rivers. Rain actually starts off as ice or snow crystals at the cloud level.
See MoreThe parable of the Pharisee and the publican must have sent shock waves through the hearts and minds of Jesus’ day. But the deeper meanings behind this story apply to every soul who takes on the name of Christ. Pastor Doug explores the many facets of this heart-searching parable.
We are constantly being reminded that we need to eat healthy food to be physically strong. Join Pastor Doug as he explores how this concept also applies to our spiritual health, especially when many Christians are subsisting on tainted spiritual food that is making their souls sick.
Even as mounting scientific evidence points to the truth of Genesis, proponents of evolution are doing everything they can to keep hold of their dying theory. Learn to resist any unnecessary compromise in this eye-opening, educational defense of God’s Word by Pastor Doug Batchelor.
In this extended excerpt from Pastor Doug’s latest book, he explores the meaning of marriage in our culture and why this God established institution is in so much danger. He also provides some practical advice for keeping your marriage—and just about any other relationship—strong in the Lord.
Being labelled “zealous” in a religious sense often comes with negative connotations, but it doesn’t have to be that way. In this inspirational message, Pastor Doug shares how much the Lord wants you to be on fire for Him and for outreach—and how you can make it happen in your life starting today.
Did aliens or fallen angels marry human women and produce superhuman offspring? What does the Bible really say about the mysterious "sons of God"? Pastor Doug gets to the bottom of this controversial issue to provide a clear, biblically consistent solution that makes sense!
I need to address some unpopular facts in this study, and I must begin by saying that although I disagree with some of the teachings of my charismatic brothers and sisters, I firmly believe that God has thousands of His children in these fellowships. I also recognize that even among charismatics there are vast differences of interpretation regarding the gift of tongues, so forgive me if I generalize at times. The war I wage is not against people, but against error. The same truth that at times can hurt will also promise to set us free (John 8:32)!
Take care of your body! Scientists have sounded the ominus warnings about cholesterol, tobacco, stress, obesity, and alcohol, so why press your luck? Hospitals and psychiatric institutions are packed with people who have ignored the warnings - do you really want to join them? God truly cares how you treat your body, and He's given you a free health plan, and a manual to go by... the Bible!
By obeying the laws of God concerning health and diet, disease may be mitigated or avoided altogether. It is apparent from this verse in the Bible that it is not the will of God for great, epidemic scourges to sweep millions into their graves. He wants us to prosper and be in health - body, mind and soul. Why then do we see so much suffering and disease in the world today? The answer is that the majority are violating the laws of their being. Just as surely as the laws of nature operate, so there are laws of our body that are also predictable and certain.
Nearly the entire world holds a very unbiblical view about hell, and you owe it to yourself to know what the Bible really says about it. Don't be fooled, because what you think about hell certainly affects what you think about God's character!
Did the great, spiritual, straight-thinking Paul write confusing things? Or is the contradiction only in the way readers have twisted his words? A perfect example of the problem appears in the first few verses of 2 Corinthians 5 where Paul speaks about life and death. His language has been understood by many to teach that the reward of the righteous is bestowed at the moment of death and that an immortal soul leaves the body to face an immediate reward or punishment. If this is the true meaning of Paul's words, we are faced with some serious inconsistencies within the epistles.
Like King David in the Bible, some people function with excellent records and climb to top levels of leadership but then make fatal choices. There is only one way out of these tangled messes and that is to fall on our knees and repent.
Christians across the country respond to politics in many different ways, ranging from pouring immense amount of time into participating in the political debates to running the other way. Yet should Christians be involved in politics at all?
The U.S. day of thanks might not be celebrated today were it not for a remarkable woman named Sarah Hale (1788–1879).
This visible, electric discharge between rain clouds or between a rain cloud and the earth is seen in the form of a brilliant arc—sometimes several miles long. The discharge creates a sound wave that is heard as thunder. In Matthew 24:27, Jesus says, “For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.” (NKJV) Yet in spite of this some still believe His return will be a secret.
In the near future, satan will attempt to personate Jesus and counterfeit His return to earth. But God's people need not be deceived. When the disciples asked Jesus for the sign of His coming and the end of the world, the very first thing He told them was to be on guard against impostors. Christ then proceeded to give His followers a wealth of information about His second coming so there would be no doubt as to how He would return. Jesus wants us not only to know that He is coming and that He's coming soon, but also to understand the manner of His coming.
When Jesus Christ assumed human nature, He did not do it vicariously. He did not live here AS THOUGH He were a man. He actually took human nature. He became one of us in reality! What kind of humanity was required when the pre-fall nature could not die?
Most Christians observe December 25 as a holiday to commemorate the birth of Jesus. Yet the exact date of His birth is unknown, and as the origins of Christmas understood by most people are being called into question, some are beginning to wonder if Christians should participate at all in the traditional customs of the Advent season.
One of the three gifts offered to baby Jesus, frankincense is a fragrant resin that is found in some of the world’s harshest places— Oman, Yemen, and Somalia.
Many people are struggling about with all their problems and frustrations, not ever realizing that the answer for victory and freedom is right there “above” them.
AN AMAZING FACT: Abdul Kassem Ismael, Grand Vizier of Persia in the 10th century, traveled with his entire library, carried on the backs of 400 camels.
AN AMAZING FACT: The largest single dish served in the world is roasted camel. To celebrate a wedding or honor a visiting dignitary, Mohammedan tribes in the Arabian, Syrian, and North African deserts usually give a feast where the main dish is without equal. This is how the stuffed camel is put together: Eggs are stuffed inside fish; fish are, in turn, stuffed into chickens; the chickens are then stuffed into sheep, which are roasted. Then the entire cooked sheep are stuffed into a camel.
AN AMAZING FACT: President Grover Cleveland personally answered the White House telephone.
AN AMAZING FACT: Rain is recycled water that evaporated from the world’s oceans, lakes, and rivers. Rain actually starts off as ice or snow crystals at the cloud level.
AN AMAZING FACT: In 2010, almost 200,000 people in 153 countries were surveyed about helping others during the previous month. The survey found that about 20 percent had done volunteer work, almost a third had given money to charity, and about 45 percent had helped a stranger. Surprisingly, half of the top 20 most charitable countries are developing countries, and the happiest countries—not necessarily the most wealthy ones—tended to give the most (maybe that’s why they are the happiest).
AN AMAZING FACT: Figs are a tasty fruit common to the Middle East, but one fact about their pollination might cause some consumers to squirm with distaste. All figs must be pollinated by a fig wasp, after which the wasp dies and decomposes inside the fruit!
When stress feels overwhelming, it can seem like there's no relief in sight. But there is a natural, easy-to-follow program proven to reduce your anxiety and give you more peace of mind. Use the three simple steps in this guide to overcome crushing stress.
