Is the Christian life just "fire insurance", or is there a true process in which God purposely makes us more like Him in this world, and prepares us for the world to come?  The Bible is pretty clear that all Christians are separated by God from this world to Himself, to be a witness in this fallen world.  And this process of separating ourselves from sin and to God is called "sanctification."  It is not an easy or fun process, but it is necessary.  

The Apostle Paul tells us throughout his epistles that we are justified (declared righteous) before God by faith in Christ alone.  But James in his epistle tells us that we are justified by faith plus works.  Is there a contradiction there?  Not at all.  Listen in as Dr. J goes through the much-debated passage in James 2 and explains what sort of justification James is talking about.  

Are all gospels the same?  Nope.  There are plenty of churches telling us that in order to meet God's entrance requirements for heaven we have to jump through all sorts of hoops and obey a multitude of rules and rituals.  What does God say in Romans chapter three?  There Paul lays out the case very clearly that guilty humans are justified/declared righteous in the sight of God by faith in Jesus Christ alone, and not by any sort of obedience to rules or rituals.  

It does indeed matter to know that you have the right Gospel message.  The margin for error is zero.  

Sadly and tragically, many if not most evangelical Christians do not know the key terms of salvation used in the Bible, and what they mean.  Because they don't know these doctrines, they are susceptible to fraudulent, quack theologies.  In this series I will discuss from the Bible key doctrines such as justification, redemption, reconciliation, propitiation, and in this podcast--imputation.  The Bible is clear that people don't go to heaven for lack of sincerity; they miss heaven for lack of righteousness.  And the only righteousness God accepts is His own.  Thank God, in Romans 4 the Apostle Paul explains how God imputes/credits His righteousness to all who simply come to Him by faith in Christ alone.  

Since it is the hottest news of the day, I thought I would give my thoughts and analysis of the US and Israeli attacks on the jihadists of Iran...and why this is happening...and what it might mean for some other tyrannical nations.  

I am talking to everyone out there who has started a new diet and exercise program since the New Year...and have quit.  I especially want to talk to senior citizens who are discouraged.  You can change things.  Change is not insurmountable.  You are the biggest obstacle you will ever face.  Get back in the fight, stick to your plan, and in months you will start seeing results.  You can do this.  Think about how free you will feel.  Stick to it, and you will be free. 

Several weeks I published a podcast about five things in which Italy is better than the United States.  Well, I have to be fair you know.  I do love my country, the United States, so here are five things I think we do better than Italy (and possibly most of Western Europe).  Some of it is just "tongue in cheek"; some of it is pretty serious reflection on the differences between us and our friends across the pond.  Enjoy.  But either way, I love my country America, and I love my adopted "second home", Italy.  

The media is going crazy about this 2000 mile long snow storm blanketing the United States.  It is going to be rough for many people in the Deep South, I'm sure.

But are there some valuable lessons for us as the nation "hunkers down" and gets ready to be buried under a foot of snow and ice?  I think there are several valuable lessons about preparation...not only for the weekend, but also for a long time to come.    

I just came back from a ski vacation in the Italian Alps.  What a dream come true!  I have been to Italy a few times, and each time it is a beautiful experience.  Although I am very proud about the great things we have and do in America, there are a few things that Italy does much, much better than the U.S., and we could learn a thing or two from them in order to improve our lives.  

Tired of all the "woke" garbage from Disney and other studios?  You just want to take your kids and grandkids to a great film that is visually stunning, has good character development, and tells a good moral story that kids will enjoy?  Take them to see Angel Studios "David."  You will not regret it.  I was VERY impressed with not only the artistry, but how they told the basic story of David from the Bible.  Of course, they don't tell the entire story (that would entail 3 or 4 movies...and some themes are not good for children to hear/see), but what they did show was quite impressive.  If I were Disney...I would watch out for Angel Studios.