Author: John Paul
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Why a Holy City, Not a Holy Garden?
Introduction In the Beginning, God created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1). He planted a garden in the mountain country of Eden and made Humanity to reign with Him on the Earth. We were to continue the work of organizing the surrounding jungle into more cultivated, dedicated real estate. In the end, as Revelation… Read more
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Rapture Teachings Are Like Government Cheese
Introduction I have never cared for the boxed bricks of soft government cheesefood given away to low- income people. Its taste doesn’t please me. Its soft, grainy texture repels me. Its artificial – processed cheesefood fabrication – offends me. In much the same way, the teachings about the Rapture irritate me. Rapture teachings are like… Read more
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Jesus Before and After the Cross
Introduction Jesus of Nazareth was God in a human body. He emptied Himself of His divine abilities and made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness (Philippians 2:7). Living life as a human, Jesus had the authority of Adam to rule on the Earth (See Genesis 1).… Read more
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Serving the Master with Immoral Actions
Introduction Christians and other religious people make a big deal about morality and people avoiding immoral activities. They have been known to follow the instructions of Paul in 1 Corinthians 5:1-5 for a believer found sleeping with his father’s wife. “…hand this man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his… Read more
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Must Respect Really Be Earned?
Introduction A popular maxim says that respect must be earned. One cannot respect someone who has not demonstrated him- or herself worthy of it. I wish to question that maxim. The charitable love (agapé) that God gives is considered unconditional. We should give it to even the unworthy. It seems to me one must also… Read more
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Ministry through Work
Introduction A question often asked by new believers is whether God would call them to full- time ministry. In their enthusiasm for their new beliefs, they wonder if He wants them to preach the Gospel or lead a church somewhere. It turns out that most are not so called. They need to make a living… Read more
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Showers of Blessing
Introduction An over-all reading of the Bible shows that, geographically speaking, rain is a matter of vital importance to the land of Israel. It depended on seasonal rains for the crops to grow, the animals to drink, and the people to live in abundance. Isaiah and Ezekiel wrote of rivers in a dry land or… Read more
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Materialism AND Spirituality
Introduction Over the past few years, I have been listening to Bible teachers on YouTube and their own podcasts. They have brought a revolution to my mind concerning spirituality versus the Christian religion of my youth. I used to simply go to church and practice religious activities then live independently of the spiritual realm. Lately,… Read more
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Hear, Oh Israel…Not Read and Obey
Introduction “Shehmah, Ysrael…” Hear, O Israel: The Lord Our God, The Lord is one. Love the Lord Your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. (Deuteronomy 6:4-5) These are likely the two most famous words spoken to God’s people. spoken through Moses, the prophet and leader. They… Read more
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No Fear of Cancer
Introduction In my previous post, I announced that doctors saw increased levels of certain proteins in my blood work and said that I have one or another form of cancer. Further tests will determine which form plagues my body. I also stated that while I accept that the doctor says it’s there, I reject the… Read more