But by eliminating this observance, the church has reduced the symbolism of birth, death and resurrection. Jesus of course did not derive from Joseph's seed, and Jesus never used his circumcised member to produce a new class of demigods, the way that the Greeks viewed their heroes, Hercules, Achilles and all those born of the union of a god and a human.
Read more83% of all U.S. adults believe people have a soul or spirit in addition to their physical body.
81% say there is something spiritual beyond the natural world, even if we cannot see it.
74% say there are some things that science cannot possibly explain.
45% say they have had a sudden feeling of connection with something from beyond this world.
Many years ago, a "debate" was held between two renowned Anglican preachers: Charles Simeon (d. 1836) and John Wesley (d. 1791). Simeon was considered by many to be a leading spokesman for Calvinism and Wesley was viewed as a champion of the sort of Arminianism found among English churchmen. Here is a transcript of their first meeting.
Read moreIf you mention Packer's name to many Christians today, you may hear, "Yes, I read his classic Knowing God, and it transformed my understanding of who God is." That was precisely Packer's goal in penning it.
Read moreIdeology Affecting the Scientific Community
Read moreYoung Earth Creationism has been criticized for lacking a scientific basis. It also should be criticized for lacking a biblical basis. Consider the following points:
Read moreParker had earlier been one of Anne Boleyn's chaplains, and then for 16 years (1559-1575) he was the construction manager for what came to be know at the "Elizabethan Settlement." The Settlement fixed the Church of England into an expression of Protestantism that is thoroughly biblical, theologically reformed and confessional, pastorally generous, and liturgically beautiful.
Read morePre-Existence
Nothing is impossible for God. He created this universe out of nothing but His words. We also understand that around 2000 years ago, God chose Mary, a godly Jewish young woman who was a virgin, and caused her to conceive and later to deliver the Christ child to the world.
Read moreIn his letter to the church in Philippi which he wrote in prison, the Apostle Paul clearly indicated that he had discovered the secret to contentment: "I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want." (Phil 4:11-12).
Read moreIn every generation error is seen to abound within the Christian religion and it requires immediate countering and correction from the earnest efforts of the faithful. Inaccuracies occur in the form of gradual and stealthy subtle tweaking of the word of God that does not initially arouse instant alarm, all the way through to outright, even brazen heresy that leads unfortunate adherents far from the possibility of salvation.
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