Sarah Josepha Hale, known as the Godmother of Thanksgiving, played a crucial role in establishing the national holiday. Despite facing rejections from presidents and governors, Hale persisted in her campaign, writing to every governor and congressman, and eventually convincing President Abraham Lincoln to issue a proclamation declaring the last Thursday of November as a national day of Thanksgiving. Her efforts helped bring Americans together and created a unifying force in American life. [... more]

As Christians, confrontation with worry must include worship, and every arena of battle must have within it an altar of worship. The church is Christ's body, and we are ordered to know the truth and to preach it as led by the Spirit. Evil objects to being left out of worship and must be confronted with truth, and its influence must be countered through a church that's trustworthy and faithful to the scripture. [... more]

The Christian foundation is built on Jesus Christ, and the altar sits upon him. The cross is nothing without Christ. The Jews refused to let unbelievers help build the temple, but they did supply materials. The Samaritans, with their hybrid religion, tried to join in, but Zerubbabel refused, saying they could not help with the sacred things. The Jews guarded the temple's sanctity, and their refusal to compromise was a safety for God's people. [... more]

The rebuilding of the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem is a story of faith, perseverance, and God's timing. The prophet Ezra and the Jewish leader Zerubbabel face opposition and hostility as they work to rebuild the temple, but they remain committed to their faith and the will of God. [... more]

Pastor Rick discusses the differences between Calvinism and Arminianism, focusing on the concept of free will and predestination in salvation. He argues that Calvinism's view of irresistible grace and unconditional election contradicts the character of Christ and the Bible's teachings on love and choice. [... more]

Calvinism's doctrine of predestination is contrasted with Arminianism's emphasis on free will and conditional election. The discussion centers around the Bible's teachings on salvation, with Calvinists arguing for unconditional election and limited atonement, while Arminians believe in universal atonement and resistible grace. The debate highlights the differences between the two theological perspectives. [... more]

The Bible describes marvelous things as events that generate awe or wonder, often referring to miracles or unexpected occurrences. The Lord Jesus Christ performed one of his most amazing miracles, making perfect eyes for a man born blind, yet the Pharisees refused to believe. Similarly, modern intellectuals reject the evidence of a personal creator in favor of chance origin, demonstrating their unwilling ignorance and lack of excuse. [... more]

Reformed theology, specifically Calvinism, is criticized for its doctrine of salvation, which is based on five points called TULIP. This doctrine is seen as robotic and denies human free will, making people accountable for choices they cannot make. In contrast, Arminianism emphasizes man's free will and God's love for all people, making election conditional on faith. [... more]

The soul and spirit are distinct parts of human composition, with the spirit being the immaterial part that interacts with God, and the soul being the person. Christians believe that the spirit is made alive through faith in Jesus Christ, and that this is the only way to reconnect with God and achieve spiritual restoration. [... more]

Questions Answered [... more]

Joshua's experience with the Gibeonites teaches us the importance of depending on God, scripture, and action to overcome the devil. We learn to make mistakes, serve God, and benefit from them. Disobedience does not correct disobedience, and we must not dismiss things hoping God will magically work them out. [... more]

The story of Joshua and the Gibeonites serves as a lesson in discernment and spiritual warfare. Joshua's failure to investigate the Gibeonites' intentions and his reliance on superficial inquiries led to a covenant being made with them, which ultimately resulted in the Israelites being deceived. This story highlights the importance of seeking God's guidance and wisdom in all matters, especially in times of war and spiritual conflict. [... more]

The story of Joshua and the Gibeonites serves as a historical illustration of the dangers of not seeking God's counsel, even in times of war. The Gibeonites, desperate to survive, employed deception and flattery to secure a treaty with the Israelites, highlighting the need for discernment and spiritual awareness in all aspects of life. [... more]

God filters out those of low courage and lower caliber by testing their ability to serve Him effectively, as seen in the story of Gideon and the 300 men who lapped water without getting down on their knees. This example illustrates the importance of devotional habit, nearness to God, and faith in serving the Lord, and how these qualities are essential for spiritual warfare and victory. [... more]

Christian development to become more skilled and proficient in the faith requires increased spiritual sensitivity to our surroundings. Gideon's story, as recorded in the book of Judges, serves as an example of how God wants to restore his people when they cry out to him. Despite facing troubles and questioning God's methods, Gideon learns to trust in God's plan and ultimately delivers the people from the Midianites. [... more]

The Bible teaches that we are to judge the actions and behaviors of others, but not maliciously or falsely attack them. James warns against speaking evil of one another, and Paul teaches that we are to judge with righteous judgment, not according to appearances. Unrighteous judgment can lead to accountability issues and fertile soil for sin, while righteous judgment is essential for exposing unfruitful works of darkness. [... more]

The sovereignty of God is often misunderstood in Calvinism, which can lead to fatalism and a lack of free will. The Bible teaches that God's sovereignty allows for human choice and election, but Calvinists often change the definition of predestination to mean pre-cause, undermining the concept of free will. This doctrine can be appealing to intellectuals, but it is not supported by the facts and can be damaging to Christianity. [... more]

Pastor Rick discusses the concept of predestination, explaining that it does not mean God has predetermined the fate of individuals, but rather that He has set a course for believers to follow, allowing for free will and moral accountability. He critiques Calvinism, arguing that it misdefines predestination as pre-cause, and that this misdefinition has led to a hijacking of the word, causing confusion and controversy in the Christian community. [... more]

The pastor discusses the concept of spiritual gifts, particularly speaking in tongues, and how it relates to love and faith. He also explores the idea of the rapture, citing biblical verses to support his argument, and distinguishes it from the second coming of Christ. Additionally, he touches on the topics of Calvinism, Arminianism, and the role of the Holy Spirit in Christianity. [... more]

Paul's writings in 1 Corinthians 14 emphasize the proper usage of tongues, distinguishing it from prophecy and other gifts. He encourages believers to desire prophecy and not forbid speaking in tongues, but also stresses the importance of order and control in the body of Christ. The debate between continuationism and cessationism is discussed, with Pastor Rick arguing that the gifts of the Holy Spirit continue to operate today, and that unbelief can hinder their operation. [... more]

The gifts of the Holy Spirit are primarily strengthening the local church, and it's critical to understand that they are more for the body of Christ than the individual within it. The gifts include positions critical to a church's survival, such as pastors, evangelists, and prophets, as well as individual gifts like hospitality and speaking in tongues. Hospitality is a love for strangers, and it's not just about being social but about being Christ-like and welcoming. Speaking in tongues is a sign gift that validates the presence of God operating within a group, and it's not necessary for salvation, but it can be a manifestation of the Holy Spirit's presence. [... more]

Pastor Rick discusses the various spiritual gifts, including evangelism, pastoring, leadership, mercy, and tongues, explaining their roles and characteristics in the church, and how they are developed through serving and being led by the Holy Spirit. [... more]

The gift of discernment is a spiritual gift that allows individuals to distinguish between the true and the false, recognizing the presence of evil. It is a gift that is often misunderstood and can be used to identify false prophets and teachers. The gift of knowledge is the ability to receive and understand spiritual information, while the gift of faith is the ability to trust and believe in God's promises. The gift of prophecy is the ability to speak on behalf of God, while the gift of healing is the ability to restore physical and spiritual health. The gift of teaching is the ability to instruct and guide others in spiritual truth. [... more]

The pastor discusses the gifts of the Holy Spirit, including wisdom, knowledge, faith, prophecy, and healing, and how they are used for the edification of the body of Christ. He also touches on the topics of Reformed theology and Pentecostalism, and how they relate to the gifts of the Spirit. [... more]

The Holy Spirit's role in empowering and inspiring prayer and service is discussed, with a focus on the Trinity and the importance of following protocols set by God. The concept of direct revelation and God's voice is explored, with examples from scripture and personal experience. The discussion also touches on the abuse of spiritual gifts and the need for accountability in claiming direct revelation from God. [... more]

Jesus Christ's prayer to the Father reveals the deity of Christ and the relationship between the Father and the Son. The Holy Spirit's role is to empower and inspire believers, but not to be directly addressed in prayer. Direct revelation refers to God's clear and immediate voicing of His will to an individual, distinct from general revelation in creation. [... more]

The Bible commands Christians to rejoice always, and this profound joy is rooted in a deep-seated understanding of God's sovereignty, the work of the Holy Spirit, and the promise of future glory. By filling their minds with sound doctrine, Christians can control their emotions and respond to life's challenges with true joy, which is not dependent on earthly circumstances but rather connected to their eternal salvation and the divine promises of God. [... more]

Jesus' prayer in John 17 reveals his desire for unity among his followers, emphasizing the importance of truth and love in their relationships with God and each other. He prays for his disciples to be one with him and the Father, and for the world to believe in him. The prayer also highlights the need for Christians to uphold Scripture and share the gospel with others, and to be salt and light in the world. [... more]

Josiah, a young king of Judah, sought to eliminate idolatry and purify worship in Jerusalem, but his decision to go to war without consulting God led to his downfall. This story serves as a lesson in the importance of seeking God's guidance and not relying on one's own understanding or pride. [... more]

Josiah, a descendant of King David, became king at eight and reigned for 31 years, during which he sought to please God according to the scriptures, purging Judah and Jerusalem of idolatry and restoring the house of God. His discovery of the Book of the Law added momentum to his righteous crusade, and he read scripture to the nation, but the damage done by his grandfather Manasseh was extensive, and the nation would not recover. [... more]

Hezekiah's life is a testament to the power of faith and spiritual growth. Through his experiences, we learn the importance of humility and the wisdom of others. As a praying king, Hezekiah appreciated the wisdom of others and knew he couldn't grow without it. His story teaches us that pride can lead to downfall, but humility and a willingness to learn from others can lead to overcoming even the toughest challenges. [... more]

King Hezekiah's remarkable life as a godly king who overcame challenges and maintained a strong conscience without offense, serving God with all his heart, is a valuable lesson for Christians today. His story, along with that of other reforming kings, highlights the importance of spiritual growth, faithfulness in leadership, and the need to overcome personal struggles to serve God effectively. [... more]

David and Asa's lives illustrate the importance of perseverance and trust in God, even in the face of adversity. David's struggles with King Saul and his own sin demonstrate the need to trust God, while Asa's story shows how even a godly king can stumble and lose the full reward of his faith. The Bible teaches us to persevere through struggles and to trust in God's sovereignty, even when we are being overcome. [... more]

King Asa's early years as a Christian leader demonstrate his zeal to destroy idolatry and wisdom to fortify Judah, but he later struggles with self-serving pride and resentment. The prophet Azariah encourages Asa to seek God's help in times of need, and Asa's faith leads to spiritual victory and the defeat of a million-man army. The story of Asa's life serves as a model for overcoming through Christ, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness, spiritual victory, and seeking God's help in times of need. [... more]

The Bible regards idolatry as devil worship and a form of identity theft. Christians must have the same attitude as Jeremiah, who questioned whether people would again make gods for themselves that are not gods. The Old Testament writers described idols as dung gods or gods of dung, showing contempt for them. The high places where pagans worshiped were not God's intention, but rather a plan B for the Jews. God worked through men like Samuel, but also had to deal with men like Hophni, Phineas, and Eli. Jesus went out of his way to save a Samaritan woman, showing that he is tolerant of ignorance and bad times. However, the truth is offensive to idolaters, who condemn it and are intolerant of its condemnation. The Bible teaches that Christians should not have fellowship with demons or participate in their worship. The high places of the pagans were where they worshiped their false gods, and the Jews were allowed to worship there for a time, but it was not God's intention. The Bible teaches that Christians should not worship at high places or participate in pagan worship. Instead, they should seek the place where God chooses to put his name and worship there. [... more]

The importance of having a strong prayer life and understanding the reasons why prayers may not be answered. The speaker emphasizes the need for earnestness, faith, and forgiveness in prayer, and encourages listeners to examine their own prayer lives and make changes to improve their relationship with God. [... more]

A godly character is one that is Christ-like, flexible, and willing to suffer long and be kind. This character is not one of self-appointed sages, but rather one that is humble and seeks to understand God's word. Idols, whether they be false gods or representations of God, are a disqualifying feature and lead to devil worship. A godly person will not make up things about God or create idols, but rather will seek to understand and follow God's word. [... more]

Being a godly man involves striving to be Christ-like, blameless, and above reproach. This means living a life of spiritual stability, being responsible, and doing one's job without expecting praise or reward. It also involves being around other godly individuals, learning from them, and not overestimating the advice of self-appointed sages. A godly man should be kind, suffer long, and not envy others, but rather love and serve others as Christ loved and served us. [... more]

Fasting is abstaining from something desirable to draw closer to God and suppress the flesh. It's not a command, but a means to discover God's will by silencing carnal impulses. Fasting can be for a set period, and its duration is not as important as the commitment to it. The goal is discipline, not impressing God, and it's not the only way to draw close to Him. [... more]

Matt Slick discusses Reformed theology, its importance, and the dangers of false teachings in Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodox Church. He emphasizes the sufficiency and authority of Scripture, the importance of understanding baptism as an identification with Christ, and the need to reject idolatry and tradition that contradicts Scripture. [... more]