Someone accused me of putting the gospel behind a paywall. This is a lie. In this episode I look at the validity of allowing folk to contribute to the work through Patreon. We look at the underlying biblical principle that dictates how we support folk who live of the gospel. If you like what we do and want to help, www.patreon.com/nearchurches

This episode is about a meme that challenged God to practice what He preaches. I know, right, scary. The meme supposed that God should forgive Satan so that there could be peace in heaven, hell, and earth. In this episode I discuss a few things that the meme does not take into consideration. If you like what we do and want to help, www.patreon.com/nearchurches

As most of the Cogitations episodes this one is inspired by a WTT group member who posted a meme and asked a question. The question is, when dealing with a Ouija board, is it true that you may contact actual demons. Please don't underestimate the seriousness of the question. It is a fair question and deserves a serious answer. That is what I have tried to do. Let me know what you think. If you like what we do, www.patreon.com/nearchurches

I wanted to name this episode, about apostles in the churches: a referendum on how we interpret things from our own biases and preconceived notions, but that would have been too long of a title. Hopefully we learned something from this episode and from the poll in the WTT group. Let me know what you think.If you like what we do and want to help, www.patreon.com/nearchurches

This is an extra episode. The livestream for this one was in the We Talk Truth group. It was in response to a commenter espousing that our interpretation of sin is meaningless. Well, we can identify sin. It is an objective process. Take a listen and let me know what you think.If you like what we do, www.patreon.com/nearchurches

This episode what from a listener question in the WTT group. On the thread where the question was asked was many good comments. I did not go over them in this podcast. I did give my thoughts on the issue. I do believe that some do run the danger of idolatry in the church today. Take a listen and let me know what you think

 

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We throw around being a living sacrifice from Romans 12:1 all the time but I wonder if we ever contemplate the ramifications of that phrase and what it means to be a living sacrifice?If you like what we do consider beaconing a patron at www.patreon.com/nearchurches

The Holy Spirit does not directly talk to, guide, comfort, nor otherwise operate on us today. In this episode I look at a conversation in the WTT group and scrutinize this idea that beyond all ability to prove, the HS talks directly to us and guides us separate and apart form the Word of God.If you like what we do, www.patreon.com/nearchurches

This episode of Cogitations was inspired by a buddy of mine's comment on Facebook. The comment is as follows, "Sometimes the most Christ-like people...haven't had a bath in a couple of days...have a junky front porch...don't have nice clothes to wear...drive a clunker...have missing teeth...and don't mind sitting next to dressed up/cleaned up sinners on Sunday morning." The comment was put out in order to makes us think about our value system and how we view folk who are not as blessed in this world's good as we. Sadly, some didn't understand and exemplified the reason for the comment. That is what we discuss in this episode. Let me know what you think.If you like what we do and want to help, www.patreon.com/nearchurches

A great question was asked and then it received an excellent answer.....not from me. I really enjoy the WTT group. Here is the question and the answer:

Question:

Choosing quality of life over quantity Of life,Can we? 

Answer:

Absolutely, as long as you're not implying it's ok to commit suicide, assisted or otherwise. 

 

As for the present day idolatry of physical health and fitness, it's not a biblical concern. God requires we use self-control (temperance/moderation) in the enjoyment of all things in life not inherently sinful, but He's not at all concerned if you eat red meat, prefer the fattier portions of meat, like lots of dairy, and enjoy generous second helpings, etc.

 

Some people have got the idea that God would rather us live five or ten weary years longer than we can effectively do so at the expense of enjoying His bounty. Not true.

 

Be wise. Exercise self-control. Be a good steward of your health. Don't be a health nut. Five extra years of mortality isn't a biblical requirement.

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