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The Gospel of Jeffrey Dahmer

...says the truth of the Gospel is offensive: If you can’t accept that Jeffrey Dahmer could be welcomed into the Kingdom of God, then you don’t understand the Gospel.   Does the idea that a homosexual, cannibalistic, murdering rapist could be forgiven by God cause you some discomfort? I’ll be honest, when I first considered something like this many years ago, it did cause me to have a knee-jerk reaction against it. I understand the apprehension. We want people like him to burn in hell for all eternity. But let me say it like this: if Dahmer can’t be saved, then neither can you (or me). Or do you think you are “better” or “good enough” for salv...

Lent: Day 12 - Justin Martyr: First Apology, Chaps. 1-11

...ursuit of truth in order that the charges often brought against Christians may be fully investigated to see whether any punishment should fall upon the Christian population or not. During this time, Christians were being punished purely for identifying as “Christians” with little more evidence used against them than maybe “evil rumours” which were doing the rounds. Justin argues that even with convicted criminals, they at least investigate the claims before punishing that person, but in the case of Christians, they only “receive the name as proof” against them, which is unjust. The Emperor’s sons were philosophers, which in Greek and Roman times...

Does Christmas have pagan origins?

...there is truth to that sentiment; Origen would even agree, but he also gives a reason as to why we keep fixed days for specific events: We ourselves are accustomed to observe certain days. For example, there is the Lord’s Day, the Preparation, Easter and Pentecost … However, the majority of those who are accounted believers are not of this advanced class [i.e., those who focus on Christ every day]. Rather, they require some sensible memorials to prevent spiritual things from passing completely away from their minds. — Origen, ~248 AD As you can see, the reason for keeping special days of celebration is in fact for the benefit of those Christians who...

The Deity of Christ in the Gospel of Matthew - Part 2

...grace and truth.”). He is a more direct closer manifestation of God than had been experienced by mankind throughout history. God, not appearing in angelic form or some visual representation in a vision or dream, but actually becoming a man through a real human mother in order to be the Saviour of his people. (Matthew 1:21–23) Matthew tells us his account of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, and how he accomplished his task of securing salvation for his people as predicted (Matthew 1:21). The gospel was written after his ascension. Matthew has one final question to ask. Having come closer to us than ever before and fulfilling his purpose, especiall...

Lent Day 32: Cyril of Jerusalem: Catechetical Lectures: Lecture XXI

...e, but in truth; because you were truly anointed by the Holy Ghost. Christ is the beginning of your salvation Cyril closes this lecture by encouraging his students to remain “unblemished” in this gift, pressing on in the good works of the Spirit, “for this holy thing is a spiritual safeguard of the body, and salvation of the soul”....

The Reformation: A Sound-Bite History (Book Review)

...re Gospel truth' yet (despite this being consistent with historical Christianity prior to the Roman Catholic Church’s specific doctrine of transubstantiation). "Widespread ignorance of church history of one reason why the church often falls into errors which it has fallen into before." But aside from those minor issues, the book did well to not feel like it was pushing a certain viewpoint on you and was just trying to give a decent overview of the historical settings and people involved. Well worth a read, whether you are a Protestant OR a Roman Catholic! I gave this book four stars.  Buy the book here....