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Lent Day 26: Athanasius: Life of Anthony: Chaps. 51-60

...n for the signs which the Lord had performed through him also. One of these which is recollected here was of a time when he had to cross the river Lycus with a companion of his. To avoid the shame of seeing the other naked while swimming, Amun went first while his friend Theodorus stayed a little distance away. But he became afraid of having to become naked, even of seeing himself that way, that while pondering on this and how he should approach the situation, he suddenly found himself on the other side of the river standing by Amun! If that wasn’t surprising enough, he noticed that Amun wasn’t even wet and so he asked how it was possible, but Amun refused...

Lent Day 28: Athanasius: Life of Anthony: Chaps. 71-80

...! These signs, Anthony argues, are the proof of our faith. Proof doesn’t lie in fancy, well-worded arguments, as the Greeks would have it or want, but rather in the manifestation of faith. To which, Anthony pointed out that in their midst were some who were “vexed with demons”; so they had them brought before him. He goes on to say that with all their wordy arguments, magic, arts or idols, they cannot cleanse such a person. So “put away your strife with us and you shall see the power of the Cross of Christ” he declares before praying for these people, signing them with the cross a few times and then calling upon Christ, to which they got up whole and...

Lent Day 29: Athanasius: Life of Anthony: Chaps. 81-94

...any great signs and wonders were done through the hands of Anthony, he never let this go to his head and always pointed to Christ as the reason and source of all the wonders. He would often teach on faith from the words of Jesus; that if you have only faith the size of a mustard seed, you can move mountains and that nothing shall be impossible (Matt 17:20), and that if you ask the Father for anything in the name of Jesus, it shall be given (John 16:23), such as casting out demons, healing the sick and raising the dead (Matt 10:8). He did this so that when he prayed for people, he “healed not by commanding, but by prayer and speaking the name of Christ. So tha...

The Coming of Jesus: Revelation Fulfilled?

...predicted signs and woes which were to come. Matthew lays it out in “real world” terms, whereas Rev 6 speaks of the same things happening, but from the heavenly viewpoint of Jesus opening the seals on a scroll.   Let’s break it down a little: Matthew 24 Revelation 6 Seal/Meaning vv.4-5: Jesus answered them, “Beware that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Messiah!’ and they will lead many astray. v.2: I looked, and there was a white horse! Its rider had a bow; a crown was given to him, and he came out conquering and to conquer. The first seal is a white horse with the ride...

Is The Rapture Biblical?

...Most people have some idea about what the rapture is – or do they? Generally there is an idea or concept of a form of escapism from the world when Jesus returns, which happens pre, mid or post tribulation and in some connection to the millenium. Now, if you understood any of those terms, you are most likely on, or aware of, the Dispensationalism side of things. There’s a lot of doctrine all bundled together in “end times” beliefs, and a fair bit of speculation around “the rapture” with its timing and logistics etc. which makes the whole thing a but murky, but nonetheless, it’s pretty much taken for granted as a staple belief within the Evangelical...

From Paradise to Presents: The Christian Story Behind the Christmas Tree

...ed at the signs of the heavens; for the nations are dismayed at them.For the customs of the peoples are false:a tree from the forest is cut down, and worked with an axe by the hands of an artisan;people deck it with silver and gold; they fasten it with hammer and nails so that it cannot move.Their idols are like scarecrows in a cucumber field, and they cannot speak;they have to be carried, for they cannot walk.Do not be afraid of them, for they cannot do evil, nor is it in them to do good. At first glance, the mention of cutting down a tree, decorating it with gold and silver, and securing it in place might seem to describe a Christmas tree if you take a very s...