Wave 94

References:

(1) These religions have a different worldview from that of Christianity. My purpose is twofold: (1) to understand some of what other religions profess and believe and (2) to subject these religions to intentional analysis concerning their founders, their view of God, of Jesus, of salvation, and their view of the afterlife. I have said these aberrant religions usually use Christian TERMS but they INVENT new meanings that are VASTLY DIFFERENT from their traditional Christian meanings.

(2) We continue today to analyze Latter-day Saints. Allow me to use the abbreviation LDS to signify Latter-day Saints.

(3) We continue today to analyze Latter-day Saints. Allow me to use the abbreviation LDS to signify Latter-day Saints.

(4) In 1998, the Mormon prophet Gordon B. Hinkley CONFESSED that he believed in a different Jesus than the “traditional Christ” worshipped by those outside the LDS Church. He explained, “The traditional Christ of whom they speak is not the Christ of who I speak” (LDS Church News on June 20, 1998).

(5) Progressive Christianity is a spreading church movement in America that emphasizes SOCIAL JUSTICE, INCLUSIVITY welcoming and affirming LGBTQ+ individuals and other marginalized groups, and a WILLINGNESS to REINTERPRET orthodox Christian doctrines in light of contemporary issues.

(6) Progressive Christians emphasize the ETHICAL TEACHINGS and EXAMPLE  of Jesus, focusing on love, compassion, and justice, rather than of focusing on specific theological doctrines.

(7) Critics argue that progressive Christianity WATERS DOWN biblical authority, REDEFINES concepts like sin and salvation, and PRIORITIZES social justice ACTIVISM over individual CONVERSION and WORSHP. Some critics argue that this focus can OVERSHADOW or even REPLACE the core message of salvation by grace through faith in Christ and not by works (Eph. 2:8-10) and view it as a DEPARTURE from traditional beliefs and practices.

(8) Progressive Christians view the Bible is merely a HUMAN DOCUMENT rather than affirming “all Scripture is INSPIRED  by God and PROFITABLE for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16-17). Some progressive Christians view Jesus as a MORAL EXAMPLE rather than as a DIVINE SAVIOR.

(9) Progressive Christian gurus Brian McLaren, Doug Pagitt, and Rob Bell have drifted away from a discussion about how to contextualize timeless Christian truth in ways that speak to the postmodern CULTURE and has instead come to focus on creating a TOTALLY NEW Christianity contrary to the warning of Gal. 1:6-10 about following a gospel contrary to what the Galatians received from the apostle Paul.

(10) The term “New Age” refers to a movement that originated in the US in the late 1970s. It encompasses a range of beliefs and practices that blend elements of various religious traditions, Eastern mysticism, and esoteric philosophies. It embraces pantheistic ideas from traditional Hinduism, some forms of Buddhism, Christian Science, and many forms of contemporary belief advocated in America by former California governor, Jerry Brown, Shirley MacLaine, Depak Chopra, and Oprah Winfrey. Millions flock to Oprah Winfrey’s public lectures and swallow her deceptions hook, line, and sinker.  All the while she is shellacking the skids into hell.

(11) New Agers think “God” IS the universe. And they teach we are all divine. This is contrary to what the Bible repeatedly says that there is only ONE God. In particular, consider the book of Isaiah which says, “I am the Lord, and there is NO OTHER ; there is NO GOD BESIDE ME” (Isa. 45:5-6, 14, 21-22; 46:9-10).

(12) This affinity regarding occult practices occurs in some programs on TV, and in the movies. This worldview was popularized in the Star Wars films.

This is episode 239.

We've been studying this week the story of the prodigal son.

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By the way, if you haven't bought a copy of my new book yet, check it out here: https://www.amazon.com/Dreams-Visions-Stories-Faith-Pastor/dp/161493536X

Jesus was a tremendous story teller.

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By the way, if you haven't bought a copy of my new book yet, check it out here: https://www.amazon.com/Dreams-Visions-Stories-Faith-Pastor/dp/161493536X

The story about the prodigal is a story of spiritual warfare.

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By the way, if you haven't bought a copy of my new book yet, check it out here: https://www.amazon.com/Dreams-Visions-Stories-Faith-Pastor/dp/161493536X

I'm a little sad to talk about this today.

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By the way, if you haven't bought a copy of my new book yet, check it out here: https://www.amazon.com/Dreams-Visions-Stories-Faith-Pastor/dp/161493536X

This is a story about God and His children.

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By the way, if you haven't bought a copy of my new book yet, check it out here: https://www.amazon.com/Dreams-Visions-Stories-Faith-Pastor/dp/161493536X

The Final Generation: A Call to Action in the Last Days

In a message titled "This Generation," Servant Marcia Carty explores the idea that we are living in a unique time prophesied in the Bible. She posits that the phrase "this generation will not pass away" refers to a group of people who would be alive to witness the specific signs of the end times, and she believes that generation is us. She outlines several key indicators that point to this being the final generation:

The rebirth of Israel as a sovereign nation in 1948.

An increase in global upheaval, including wars, natural disasters, and political unrest centered on Jerusalem.

A marked increase in false teachings, occult practices, and a general decline in morality.

The rise of technology that aligns with prophecies, such as the mark of the beast.

The widespread preaching of the Gospel to all nations, enabled by modern technology.

Servant Marcia emphasizes that while these signs can be frightening, believers are not meant to live in fear. Instead, she offers a clear path forward, urging listeners to:

Pray for strength and guidance and to put on the full armor of God.

Move away from sin by accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

Live aggressively for the Kingdom of God by actively sharing the Gospel and their personal testimony.

Acknowledge their calling as a chosen generation appointed by God to be alive in this pivotal time.

Scriptures for Further Study

Matthew 24

Mark 13

Luke 21

Matthew 12

Daniel

Revelation 12

Second Timothy 3

Ezekiel

Romans 1

Zechariah 12

Daniel 6

Genesis 6

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We have begun building a new website which you can see here: https://www.noahdays.org/

A Deeper Look at Labor

As we celebrate Labor Day, Pastor Jack King delves into the history and spiritual meaning behind the holiday. From the Industrial Revolution to the struggles of early factory workers, he traces how the concept of celebrating labor came to be. But more than just a history lesson, he ties the act of working to our identity as Christians, highlighting the dignity and value God places on honest labor.

Main Points:

-- Labor is a Christian principle - Work is an essential part of the Christian life, as it allows us to provide for our families and contribute to the church's mission.

-- Love your work - A "master at your craft" who loves what they do "will never work a day in [their] life," finding a blessing in their daily tasks.

-- The historical fight for fair labor - Pastor King gives a brief history of the labor movement, detailing the conflict between factory owners and workers that eventually led to the formation of unions and the establishment of Labor Day as a national holiday.

-- Work as a blessing from God - Having the health and ability to work is a gift from God.

-- The Proverbs on work - The book of Proverbs warns against laziness and idleness, linking diligence with prosperity and slumber with poverty.

Scriptures for Further Study:

-- Proverbs 5:10

-- Proverbs 19:13

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This is the radio program with the music removed.

By the way, I have written a new book, and you can find it here:

https://www.amazon.com/Dreams-Visions-Stories-Faith-Pastor/dp/161493536X

"Faith always comes before the evidence. Faith always comes before the work..."

--Pastor John Dunning

In this session of the Wonderful Words of Life Radio Broadcast, we will complete our study of Galatians Chapter Three. Paul is defending Justification by faith in Christ alone, apart from the works of the Law, as a means of being made the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus.

The Law as a Guide to Grace

Pastor John Dunning teaches from Galatians 3, explaining Paul's powerful defense of salvation by faith alone. He addresses the Galatian believers who were turning back to works of the law, a form of apostasy, and reminds them of the true path to righteousness.

-- The Purpose of the Law: The law was given not to make us righteous, but to expose our sinfulness. It acts as a "schoolmaster" or a guardian, showing us our inability to perfectly obey God's commands and leading us to the one who could—Jesus Christ.

-- Faith Precedes Works: Pastor Dunning uses the example of Abraham, who was counted as righteous by God because he believed before he saw the fulfillment of the promise. This illustrates that faith must always come before the evidence or the work.

-- A Single Promise: The promise God made to Abraham was to "his seed," singular, referring to Christ. This promise, made 430 years before the law, cannot be nullified by it. If salvation were dependent on the law, there would have been no need for Christ's sacrifice.

-- The End of the Schoolmaster: Once faith in Christ has come, we are no longer under the law's tutelage. The law served its purpose by bringing us to Christ, and now, through faith, we are justified and made children of God.

-- United in Christ: The message of justification by faith tears down all barriers. In Christ, there is neither Jew nor Greek, male nor female, for all believers are one in Him and are heirs of Abraham's promise.

Scriptures for Further Study

-- Galatians 3:1-29

-- Matthew 5:48

-- Mark 16:20

-- Romans 4:3

-- Genesis 12:2-3

-- 1 Timothy 2:5

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You can find more information on my website: https://pastorjohndunning.com/

You can hear my personal testimony on this website: https://www.ifyouonlyknew.life/

A Love That Never Gives Up

In his sermon, "The Father," Pastor Jack King unpacks the familiar story of the prodigal son, refocusing the narrative on the unconditional love and unwavering hope of the father. King draws parallels between the biblical father and our Heavenly Father, illustrating that God's love for us remains constant, even in our most rebellious moments. This message is a beacon of hope for anyone with a loved one who has strayed, or for those who feel they have gone too far to return.

The sermon's key takeaways include:

The Father's Persistent Hope: The father in the story represents God, who, despite seeing his son's rebellion, never gives up on him. He waits at the gate, day after day, believing that his son will one day return. This waiting is a testament to the power of a praying parent's faith.

Hard Times as a Pathway to Clarity: The prodigal son's journey into "riotous living" and subsequent desperation—losing all his money and facing a famine—became the catalyst for his "moment of clarity." Pastor King explains that sometimes, we have to hit rock bottom to see our situation clearly and realize our need to change.

The Power of Fervent Prayer: King encourages parents and loved ones of those who have strayed to pray with intensity and fervor. He references James 5:16, reminding listeners that "the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much," and that these prayers are a form of spiritual warfare that can bring about a loved one's return.

The Joy of Repentance: The father's joyous reception of his son, marked by celebration and feasting, mirrors the rejoicing in heaven "over one sinner that repenteth." This act of grace shows that God is not concerned with our past mistakes but with our broken and contrite heart as we return to Him.

Scriptures for Further Study:

Luke 15:10

Luke 15:12

Luke 15:21

John 10

James 5:16

This is episode 094.

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By the way, if you haven't bought a copy of my new book yet, check it out here: https://www.amazon.com/Dreams-Visions-Stories-Faith-Pastor/dp/161493536X