The English Standard Version (ESV) Bible is becoming a de facto standard in American Reformed churches. Many pastors and others know that the ESV is a revision of the Revised Standard Version, which years ago was rejected by Bible believing Christians because of its treatment of Isaiah 7:14.
The following teaching on election and predestination was delivered by professor Matthias Loy, and is well worth taking the time to read. You can download a PDF version Who are the Elect?. As always, may God richly bless you.
I converted to Christianity as a teenager. But the spiritual search continued. I practiced astral projection, became a skilled astrologer, and began to read tarot. I justified what I was doing as “service to others”, and felt superior to anyone who might judge me.
According to an online website specializing in hymns, Come ye thankful people come appears in 608 hymnals. On the one hand it’s a song of gratitude to the Lord for the food provided in this year’s harvest. Yet the references to Mark 4:26-29 and Matthew 13:24-30 and 36-43, also call for a hastening of God’s final harvest.
The origin and the content of this hymn emphasize its meaning and value. “Rome boasts that she never changes; the Turk has not improved, new and diverse enemies have risen round about us, so that there are numerous occasions when sincere Christians, realizing their environment, can enter with appreciation into the singing of this old Luther hymn, recognizing that though some conditions vary, the real dangers are the same, and the need of every influence and protection and guidance of the Triune God prayed for in this remarkable Luther hymn is needed today and every day that the Christian lives.
The old battles in the church are here again. Perhaps the most important one is not about spiritual gifts for today, but rather what constitutes salvation. Is it all Jesus Christ? Or is it Jesus Christ plus our obedience?
Back in 1983 when this music video was released, times were hard and well-paying jobs were scarce. Inflation was in the double-digits. War in the Middle East and violence on the streets. In 2025 it has all come ‘round again.
Do you remember the slang term, reality check? It’s a reminder from a friend when one’s thinking is distorted. As the current political drama beats down on all of us, this hymn can serve as a welcome balm and pull us back into a Biblical way of thinking. Kings and queens rise and fall, but God is on the throne. He establishes governments. In contrast to this fallen, sinful world, The Lord has decreed an eternity in which righteousness will reign in justice and without sin, tears or suffering. Glory to Him.
I’m neither a picture-taker nor -saver. I’ve always preferred the moment. But I returned home Thursday night with a bag of framed images. And I’m so glad that I did.
Tarot was an important part of my life for almost 20 years. I studied it, wrote about it, performed countless readings, and was considered knowledgeable by experts. Here’s why I stopped.
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