Church? Hell No

Ordained minister, Dr. Dennis Hall, discusses the importance of Easter to the 2.6 billion Christians around the world. He points out that the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross grants salvation and eternal life to those who believe in him. The 37 miracles of Jesus described in the New Testament and the resurrection of Jesus provides the foundation for Dr. Hall to discuss the impact that the resurrection has had on the world. The effect of the resurrection on financial resources is discussed and pointed out that the resurrection effect turned ownership into stewardship. The Christian view of economics is reviewed leading to the conclusion that Christians should reject state-controlled and centrally-controlled economies like socialism and communism. The role that the resurrection effect has played in modern science is an important part of this discussion. As institutions of higher learning were established in America almost all were committed to spiritual literacy, Christian moral principles, and a biblical worldview. Salvation set these institutions on a course of excellence. The salvation effect also had that same impact the first hospitals in America. The podcast concludes with a discussion of the impact of the salvation effect on some of the greatest artists of all time. Can also be seen on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/uy3OGgqv6Ds

                             Ordained minister, Dr. Dennis Hall, discusses the biblical account of Palm Sunday and why they took branches of the palm and went out to meet  Jesus as he was making his triumphal entry into Jerusalem. He delves into why and when God created the palm tree. He then compares the other woody trees to palm trees anatomically. The resilience of the palm tree and its ability to live in tropical and arid climates and withstand high winds is explained. In 2008 the Guinness Book of World Records included a palm tree that germinated from seeds that were over 2000 years old. Leviticus 23 tells us that branches from the palm tree were waived in celebration during the Feast of Tabernacles celebrating the victory of freedom from the hands of their Egyptian captors who enslaved them for hundreds of years. As Palm Sunday is celebrated in Christian churches again palm branches and small crosses made from palm fronds will be used in the services. Can also be seen on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/4K-zgP57gHE

                            Ordained minister, Dr. Dennis Hall, is offended by the flippant wearing of a cross as a fashion statement. He explains the significance of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ on a cross to Christians. The history of the cross for crucifixion is outlined including the modern-day use of crucifixion. Dr. Hall points out that the practice of Christianity was outlawed until the fourth century when the Roman Emperor Constantine legalized Christianity. With the help of the Roman government Christian churches were built throughout the Roman empire and they included crosses in their architecture. The symbol of the cross played a role in darker episodes of history including its use by the Ku Klux Klan. The Christian community sees the cross as a central symbol of faith that Jesus Christ was crucified on a cross and that his death and resurrection offer salvation to humanity. Christians wear crosses for religious reasons, but many people wear them simply as a fashion accessory. Dr. Hall wonders if the most sacred image of other religions were worn as fashion accessories by half-naked women and rock stars, would it spark a protest? The podcast closes with Dr. Hall saying that he is not praying that nonbelievers will no longer wear the cross, but that they will come to understand what Jesus did for them so that they can wear the cross as a symbol of worship and not just fashion. Can also be seen on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/9LCfhFj6LlI

Ordained minister, Dr. Dennis Hall, addresses the criticisms of R C Sproul, a highly acclaimed Bible teacher and theologian, aimed at the music and style of contemporary church services. R C Sproul questions whether there can be reverence and awe before the living God in these kinds of services. He uses the comments of a young Christian woman at Liberty University to counter criticisms of contemporary church music when she says, “I fear that our hyper fixation on avoiding sin in our worship is actually causing us to sin by quenching the spirit.” Dr. Hall reviews the formation of the early church and points out the immense impact that Jewish synagogues had on the characteristics of the early church. After enumerating the dangers of Christians not assembling together Dr. Hall turns his attention to analyzing the characteristics of worship. You can do as many deeds as you want to or go to as many church services as you want to and never be worshiping if it is all external and nothing is happening in your heart toward God. Some feel that contemporary church music is on the decline. The podcast concludes with a reminder that it is important to understand that true worship comes from the heart and should permeate every aspect of daily living. Can also be seen on YouTube at: 
https://youtu.be/GoNC7C6DxN0

Ordained minister, Dr. Dennis Hall, contributes to the understanding of the complexities of policies regarding the United States border. He discusses the recent murder of a 22-year-old nursing student, Laken Hope Riley, on the campus of the University of Georgia. An illegal immigrant from Venezuela was charged with this homicide. Dr. Hall points out that nearly 6.5 million illegal aliens have been encountered on the nation’s borders during the Biden administration. Over 2 million of these illegal immigrants have been released into the nation’s interior and it is estimated that there are another 1 ½ million unaccounted for “ got a ways” who are somewhere in the United States. Reports from the Department of Justice and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reveal an alarming number of crimes being committed by these illegal immigrants. Dr. Hall discusses the purpose of national borders and asks the question, “Does God think there should be national borders?” A number of biblical references are used to demonstrate that God had a hand in the creation of nations and their borders. It is also pointed out that Scripture commands us to show kindness and compassion toward illegal immigrants. Amnesty and asylum are also part of this discussion. This podcast ends with Dr. Hall saying the biblical solution to illegal immigration is simple – don’t do it – obey the laws! And remember Laken Riley.  Can also be seen on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/wu3GLkDKbfY

Ordained minister, Dr. Dennis Hall, reacts to individuals who cannot understand why white evangelical Christians have politically supported former president Donald Trump. It is primarily because he pledged to protect people of faith and he delivered on that promise. Clearly, former president Donald Trump has a colorful background, but on the other hand, he is the only president who invited groups of ministers to come to the Oval Office and pray with him and over him. Evangelical Christians believe that God will continue to bless America to the extent that we follow him. Many like Franklin Graham Pres. and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association believe that America has turned its back on God and that at some point God will judge America. Dr. Hall reviews some of the biblical characters who had colorful backgrounds and became important to God in the expansion of his kingdom. The role that each of us play in the nation’s godlessness is analyzed. The symptoms of becoming godless as individuals are discussed. Dr. Hall concludes this podcast by urging the listeners to not forget what God has done for them and him become a part of the population that is turning its back on God. Can also be seen on YouTube at:https://youtu.be/BWkYIs_ztqc

Ordained minister, Dr. Dennis Hall, unwraps the meaning of Matthew 19:24 which teaches, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” Dr. Hall states that it is not impossible for a rich man to go to heaven but very difficult. The parable of the hidden treasure is used to point out that to truly believe and follow Jesus is worth everything if it is worth anything at all. Scripture teaches that to whom much is given much is expected. Riches do not necessarily exclude a person from heaven and giving up a fortune is not a requirement for salvation since both Zachchaecus and Joseph of Arimathea were devoted disciples and had great wealth. Dr. Hall analyzes the definition of wealth, pointing out that half the population of the United States would be considered rich by world standards. Jesus makes the point in Matthew 10:34-39 that following him leads to difficult choices. There is no such thing as a “halfway disciple.” Jesus acknowledged that he would send the Holy Spirit to enable us to follow him. In other words, Jesus is telling us that with the help of the Holy Spirit, a rich man can get through the eye of a needle. Following Christ means that we must live as if Jesus is walking beside us in person. Can also be seen on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/rXL0cKOXwgo

Ordained minister, Dr. Dennis Hall, and his guest Pastor George Whirley, New Creation Restoration Church and Prison Ministry, Indianapolis, Indiana discuss why Christians seem surprised by God’s discipline on earth. Referring to Hebrews 12:7-12 these pastors point out that God disciplines his children to cause us to confess and repent of sin. God’s discipline is a good thing! In addition to having to deal with God’s discipline, we also must deal with the natural consequences that result from sin in society. God may forgive you but stealing may land you in prison. In John 9:2-3 we find Jesus explaining to his disciples that a man’s blindness was not caused by his or his parents' sins but so that the works of God might be displayed in him. These two pastors discussed how you know if God is punishing or disciplining you. God sometimes exposes our wrongdoings. He plays a role in making sure we pay the price to society for our misdeeds. He allows us to be tortured and haunted by guilt and shame. When God disciplines us, he is asking us to acknowledge our mistakes and errors and repent. Genuine repentance requires honesty, humility, and dedication. Forgiveness and positive change are always possible when we seek to follow God. Can also be seen on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/YDJ9A0rPcRE

Ordained minister, Dr. Dennis Hall, and his guest, Pastor Mark Souter of the Set Free Church that ministers to individuals distressed through life’s crises of drug addiction, alcoholism, homelessness, or lack of self-discipline and purpose in life. These pastors begin the podcast by pointing out that Jesus is long-suffering when it comes to sin. He extends forgiveness and redemption no matter which path you have taken in life. The characteristics of addiction and symptoms of substance abuse are discussed. The abuse of alcohol, methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl is examined. These pastors turn their attention to the harmful effects of marijuana use. They spend some time discussing the Biblical instructions to stay sober. The podcast concludes by pointing out that God does not want us to have a buzz, hard to get high. If we are unable to think clearly, we are unable to grow closer to God. One biblical message is clear. God should be the top priority in our lives, and we should not be doing anything that gets in the way of being with him. Can also be seen on YouTube at:
https://youtu.be/oqT2E3OOhFc

On this podcast ordained minister, Dr. Dennis Hall has Glenn Ellison founder and CEO of the Parent Help Center in Jacksonville Florida as his special guest. As Dr. Hall introduced Glenn Ellison, he acknowledged that he was a high school All-American football player with dreams of someday playing in the NFL, only to have those dreams dashed when he was kicked out of college. After a stint in the Marine Corps, he got the chance to play for the Oakland Raiders as a walk-on. The moral of Glenn Ellison’s personal story is to keep pushing, keep believing, and never underestimate the power of your resilience. Today, Glenn Ellison is leading an organization that helps parents bring peace back into their families. Dr. Hall and his guest begin by discussing the deep decline in church attendance in the US. They begin this podcast by discussing the characteristics of the generation known as the Millennials, those born between 1982 and 2001. These are the parents of those born after 2001 and referred to as Generation Z. Some refer to Generation Z as the first post-Christian generation, a generation that is clearly more irreligious than previous generations. It is reported that Generation Z has the least positive outlook and the highest prevalence of mental illness of any generation. The podcast ends with an admonition to grandparents, parents, family, and friends to recognize their responsibility to talk to this generation about God and Jesus Christ. Can also be seen on YouTube at: 
https://youtu.be/6or-1tScobw