This Book Called "The Bible

  When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, a delight to the eyes, and desirable to make one wise, she took from its fruit and ate; and she gave also to her husband with her, and he ate. With these few words, the greatest fall in human history unfolds. Eve's thought process is described in detail–her observation, desire, and justification–yet Adam's role is told in the briefest possible way: "and he ate." For someone who later bears the full responsibility for sin's entrance into the world, the text gives us almost nothing about what he thought or why he acted. 1. The Power of Sparse Language The Hebrew text of Genesis 3:6 moves with a blunt rhythm: she took, she ate, she gave, he ate. No emotion, no dialogue, no pause. This brevity is intentional. Hebrew narrative often uses understatement to force the reader to infer meaning. The simplicity here conveys how quickly innocence was lost and how ordinary the act of rebellion appeared. The writer's res...

Author Robert Morely said that the main rule for catching bass is letting the fish run with the bait. You want to make sure that the fish feels no resistance so it will think it has the worm with "no strings" attached. The bass will be lulled into a false sense of confidence so he can feel safe enough to swallow the entire bait, hook and all. Once this happens, you just give a strong tug on the line and bring him in. When the hook sinks in, there is no way for it to get away, start the fire, it's fillet time! There is a disturbing parallel here in the way Satan works in luring us into destruction. First, he dangles the bait, and like bait for fish, human bait is always particularly desirable. It can be the promise that we will be noticed as first among others, pleasure of some kind, or easy gain, but whatever it is, the bait is always designed for our weaknesses. Next, and most importantly, he will allow us to run with the bait thinking we can enjoy ourselves with ...

  This blog is the result of an article I recently read written by Mike Mazzalono and can be found in its entirety at BibleTalk.tv .  I have done some editing but have kept the original pretty in tack.  Mr. Mazzalong, in my view, has done an excellent and concise, overview of the topic, “ 5 Views On The Role Of Baptism ”. Christians throughout history have agreed on the importance of baptism, but not on its precise role in salvation. Scripture speaks about baptism in profound terms–linking it to forgiveness, new birth, discipleship, and union with Christ. Yet various traditions interpret these passages differently based on broader theological frameworks. This article summarizes five major views and highlights the strongest biblical arguments for each. 1. Sacramental / Regenerative View (Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Lutheran, some Anglicans) The View: Baptism is a God-ordained means of grace through which He imparts forgiveness, new birth, and incorporation into Chris...

This topic is perhaps the most asked question in Christiandom.  Even more so then "Is God real?"  The topic of salvation has been the focus of many over the course of history and will probably be discussed until the return of Jesus Christ, when He will give us the final decision.  Some won't make it to heaven when this life ends.  Oh, you can hold to the long shared idea that "if God loves everyone, He will save all of us.  God would not send someone He loves to hell."  Or would he?  To answer this thought, I w will share the words of a man that I have come to respect and appreciate,  Mike Mazzalongo.  Mike is a graduate of  Oklahoma Christian University and has preached for several congregations in Canada and the United States and is currently with the Choctaw Chrurch of Christ in Choctaw, Oklahoma as missionary to the BibleTalk TV media group. Below is an article of Mike's from BibleTalk.tv  Titled  "Why Some Won't Make It...