The seven last sayings of Jesus are just as powerful and relevant as they were thousands of years ago, providing us with a lasting example of how we must live.
Do any of these words describe you? Hurried. Scattered. Stuffed. Forgetful. Busy. Behind. Broke. If they do, you aren't alone. Christmas is our annual reminder of why Santa takes the sleigh rather than the interstate and how the mall got its name. Strange how a season of peace so often becomes a season of panic.
Satan uses many weapons against Christians, but there is one thing he likes to use most, his “kryptonite” for believers, that weakens them like no other weapon could. However, there is a way to overcome it.
I recently attended the birthday party of a little girl who was too young to read the notes written on her presents. She did not know which gifts came from which guests. I watched as she conferred with the adult beside her to determine who had given her each package. She then searched for the giver to thank them before opening the present. She seemed to have an inherent trust in the givers, assuming that the gifts were good and worthy of gratitude before knowing the contents.
Thanksgiving Day is just around the corner, and is a perfect time to reflect on the many blessings God has given us throughout the year. While Thanksgiving is a one-day event, the Bible talks about the importance of giving thanks in every season - "... stand every morning to thank and praise the LORD, and likewise at evening ... 1 Chron 23:30."
"America, it is said, is suffering from intolerance — it is not. It is suffering from tolerance. Tolerance of right and wrong, truth and error, virtue and evil, Christ and chaos. Our country is not nearly so overrun with the bigoted as it is overrun with the broadminded.”― Fulton J. Sheen. It was once accurately stated that to believe everything is to believe nothing. Though unrestricted acceptance may appear at first thought superiorly loving, it is in factuality lethal and self-destructive.
We acknowledge that in this election you are, as it were, holding up a mirror to America. You are showing us who we are as a nation. We may not like what we see, but the two major party candidates represent us well. Lies, corruption, selfishness, unbridled ambition, shameless sexual immorality - all committed with a high hand. That's our nation. You are giving us the leaders that we deserve.
The Scriptural charge to married women is biblically specified: to be "keepers at home," and "lovers of husbands and children." In turn and elsewhere, we are prescribed the added purpose of women---whatever their marital status---the divine commission of becoming "graceful pillars, carved to beautify a palace (Psalm 144:12)
On the last night of his life Jesus prayed a prayer that stands as a citadel for all Christians: "I pray for these followers, but I am also praying for all those who will believe in me because of their teaching. Father, I pray that they can be one. As you are in me and I am in you, I pray that they can also be one in us. Then the world will believe that you sent me" (John 17:20-21 NCV).
Evangelist Franklin Graham tackles one of the most popular verses in the Bible describing the road that leads to destruction and the road that leads to life.
The Second Coming of Christ can be an intimidating subject - however, evangelist Billy Graham wants people to know that no matter what false teachers may claim, no man knows exactly when Jesus will return to earth.
Before the memories of Rio and the Olympics fade, can I take you there one more time? Two of our three daughters were born in the South Zone of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. We lived in the North Zone, separated from our doctor's office and hospital by a tunnel-pierced mountain range. During Denalyn's many months of pregnancy, we made the drive often.
Those who continually judge and criticize others are not only unpleasant to be around, they are also sinning against God and must ask for forgiveness, the Rev. Billy Graham has argued.
"Glossolalia" is the most commonly accepted term for "speaking in tongues," which is believed to be a sign of the Holy Spirit among human beings and which first started during the religious observance now referenced as Pentecost. This year, Pentecost will be observed by church congregations on May 15.
While not all Christians will recognize the Pentecost religious holiday as a holy day on May 15 this year, it generally is honored in liturgical churches whose congregations are Protestant, Roman Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, Eastern Orthodox and Charismatic -- and of course, Pentecostal. Pentecost may not as well-known, or as popular as Christmas and Easter, though it commemorates a watershed event in Christian history typically marked as the birthday of the church.
Religious holiday timing depends on which calendar used: Jewish, Gregorian or Julian. Many people this weekend are wondering why the Jewish holiday of Passover started Friday, April 22, when Easter for many Christians this year came "early" a month ago. The answer actually lies in the moon and the sun.
The Rev. Billy Graham has revealed how those who pray can tell if God is listening when asked why sometimes, it feels as though our prayers simply bounce off the ceiling.
Easter is the celebration of Jesus Christ's resurrection. This year, Easter Sunday falls on March 17. The occasion also marks the end of Holy Week and Easter Triduum. Interestingly, the holiday is celebrated by more than 2 billion people around the world, and each country has their own customs and traditions.
As Christians around the world focus during this Easter weekend on how Jesus Christ died on the Cross to redeem mankind and to save sinners, some will be contemplating the final lessons the Savior's last imparted.
Christians around the globe will be commemorating Maundy Thursday this year on March 24 in solemn, thoughtful ways with a focus on Jesus' major sacrifice for humans and his example of modesty during the Lord's Supper. Also known as "Holy Thursday" during Passion Week, it occurs one day before Good Friday, which annually is the Friday before Easter. Specifically, Maundy Thursday is the name given to the day on which Jesus celebrated the Passover with His disciples, known as the Last Supper.
This Sunday, March 27th, believers around the world will celebrate Easter - a joyful day commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Easter marks the final day of Holy Week, which begins on Palm Sunday and is traditionally a week of somber reflection on the events preceding Jesus' death: his triumphant entry into Jerusalem; his betrayal by Judas; his Last Supper with his twelve apostles; his arrest, crucifixion and death; and his burial in a tomb.