In this episode we study about secularism in the United States and its impact on religious beliefs and practices. We consider pluralism and how most people have accepted it as the proper philosophy when it comes to morals and religion. In contrast to this, the Bible presents a standard that opposes pluralism and condemns secularism. If we are going to claim the Bible as our guide, state that it is God’s divine word, then we must reject and resist the secular culture around us and take a clear stand for truth – no matter who it offends.

Genesis 47:7-10, “Then Joseph brought in his father Jacob and set him before Pharaoh; and Jacob blessed Pharaoh. Pharaoh said to Jacob, ‘How old are you?’

And Jacob said to Pharaoh, ‘The days of the years of my pilgrimage are one hundred and thirty years; few and evil have been the days of the years of my life, and they have not attained to the days of the years of the life of my fathers in the days of their pilgrimage.’ So Jacob blessed Pharaoh, and went out from before Pharaoh.”

Jacob states that his days, at 130 years old, were few. What a remarkable comment, but it is in light of the days of his fathers who lived much longer. Noah’s life (950 years) overlapped with Abraham’s. Shem’s life (600 years), Noah’s son, overlapped Jacob’s life.

In this episode we focus on the “evil” part of Jacob’s comment to Pharaoh. His life was adventurous, if you will. He had conflict with his brother Esau and his father-in-law, Laban. Jacob had trouble with his wives and seemingly unending difficulty with his sons – 12 boys who were prone to rash actions springing from violent tempers. Still, Jacob was persistent in seeking God’s blessings, specifically the Abrahamic blessings.

In this episode we look at a famous set of twin brothers, Jacob and Esau. In Genesis 27:41 we read, “So Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing with which his father blessed him, and Esau said in his heart, ‘The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then I will kill my brother Jacob.’” How did it get to this point? Why would one brother purpose and plan to kill his twin? What we will see is the selfish, faithless attitudes and actions of both parents and sons. However, that is not all we will see. The record of their lives also shows great faith on the part of some, but especially Jacob as he matures into Israel, the prince of God.

In this episode we dig into one of the most popular and pernicious doctrines found among denominations and community churches. It is a doctrine that sows seeds of confusion, teaches error about the Church, denies God’s power to fulfill His will, and undermines the Lord’s plan of salvation. That doctrine is Premillennialism. It is that speculative imagining of men that says there are frightening things ahead like the “rapture” and the “tribulation.” It instills fear with talk of signs and “the mark of the beast” and the “anti-christ” roaming the earth. The reality is, Premillennialism is a completely made-up doctrine of men and is easily refuted by examining the Scripture – in context. Grab your Bible and be ready to repudiate and refute this blatant error.

In this episode we explore one of the most insidious religious movements of all time, Roman Catholicism. It has unleashed untold evil, death and destruction on humanity and condemned countless souls to eternal suffering. Why? Because it is a religion developed by man; one that grossly perverts the religion of Jesus Christ. Roman Catholicism developed over centuries and has morphed into what it is today by absorbing pagan religions and cultures. Thus, under its tenants, you can practice almost any sin and still be in good standing with “the church.” We will examine Roman Catholicism, quoting from leaders among the movement and the Catholic Encyclopedia, and compare them with the New Testament. In so doing, we will see it is wholly contrary to God’s will.

In this extended episode we consider the heretical house-church movement. It is a movement among denominations, community churches, and even churches of Christ, that wraps itself in a cloak of spiritual superiority. The advocates of the house-church movement condemn what they see as traditional, stoic, or structured, while praising the spontaneous, eclectic, and innovative. One way to describe this movement is “hippy goes to church.” Stay with us in this episode to hear quotes from their own literature and answers from God’s word. We will cover issues like “the building,” worship (generally and specific acts), as well as preaching and teaching.

In this episode we study what the New Testament teaches regarding worship. When you look at churches today, you see a variety of worship styles. There is traditional vs. contemporary worship. Many have bands with guitars, drums, cymbals, and a few singers. Sometimes there is special lighting. There is a wide range of teaching and how the overall service is conducted. How do we know what is right? We submit to you that the New Testament of Jesus Christ is right and we simply need to humbly accept it. Grab your Bible and open your heart as we study this fundamental topic together.

In this episode we consider a divine wife, that is, a wife chosen by the Lord through His providence. The account comes from Genesis 24 where Abraham sends his servant to find a bride for Abraham’s son, Isaac. It is a compelling story of faith and the amazing power of God to work in ordinary ways on behalf of His people.

In this episode we look at Abram’s call by God. This man we better know as Abraham is described as the father of faith. His love and devotion to the Lord is legendary. He was not without fault, but he was dedicated to serving God and led his family to do the same. We take some time to look at the very beginning of his record in the Bible to motivate us to great faith as well as warn us about the danger of wavering in our faith.

In this episode we consider how a Christian is like an athlete. Paul makes multiple comparisons of Christians to an athlete or being involved in an athletic contest. It is imagery we can easily relate to that also challenges us to push ourselves to do our best. We will discuss how we need rigorous training and discipline, as well as how we must follow the rules and endure if we hope to obtain the prize set before us.