Did you know the Bible uses several names for God? In the Hebrew text, God is called different names that are all translated “God” or “LORD.” I do not know Hebrew, but we will learn the different names of God and their meanings together. In the Hebrew culture, names were more than just a way to identify someone. Names described their character, their traits, who they are. So, as we study the names of God, we will learn who God is, and what His character is.
Continue reading “Names of God: Elohim”Tag: idol
Thyatira: Immorality and False Teaching in the Church
The church of Thyatira is often called The Corrupt church. But as with several of the seven churches, they do a lot of things right. Jesus says they have good works, love, service, faith, and patience. Sounds like a good church, right? But behind closed doors, there is some false teaching and immorality going on. They are allowing a woman to not only teach lies but seduce men and practice idolatry. We as believers and the leaders of the church need to be careful to not allow sin and false teaching to infiltrate the church (especially in the leadership) or our lives. How often does Jesus say to watch and be ready? That should pertain to what is going on within the church as well as out in the world.
Continue reading “Thyatira: Immorality and False Teaching in the Church”Pergamos: Stay Away From False Teachers
Jesus says that Pergamos was surrounded by evil. It is “where Satan’s throne is.” The church held fast to their faith in Christ, but couldn’t let go of the teachings of the Nicolaitans and those who held to the doctrine of Balaam which included sacrificing to idols and sexual immorality as well as sorcery. You may say we don’t practice sorcery. But it is all around us. Horoscopes, tarot cards, Ouija boards, and we watch movies and shows that actually applaud immorality or sorcery. I think of shows like Practical Magic, Lucifer, and, yes, I said it, Harry Potter. The examples of immorality on TV and movies, politics and society in general are endless. Let’s take a look at what Jesus says about tolerating, condoning, or participating in such beliefs and practices.
Continue reading “Pergamos: Stay Away From False Teachers”What Kind of Steward Are You?
Jesus mentions stewardship a few times during His ministry, as do the apostles in their letters to the churches. In this parable, he talks about an unjust steward who is applauded by his rich employer for his shrewdness. This is a hard one to understand the lesson behind the story. What do you think?
Continue reading “What Kind of Steward Are You?”The World, Idols, and Materialism
Three of the things God despises are worldliness, idolatry and materialism and I think these go hand in hand and are almost synonymous. God wants your complete and total commitment to Him. He does not want to share loyalties with anyone or anything else. He should be the one and only God in our life. We should serve Him and Him alone. Continue reading “The World, Idols, and Materialism”
My Daily Scriptures 