Today we will discuss modern day heresies by explaining ways the ancient church fathers combatted the same heresies. To combat gnostic and heretical views in the early church, church fathers such as Saint Irenaeus, Saint Jerome, and Origen wrote books entitled “Against Heresies,” “Against Helvidius,” “Against the Pelagians,” and “Against Celsus.” Numerous church councils further …
Jesus’ House and Our Almost Empty Nest
We have two sons and our oldest moved out recently to begin his freshmen year at a university. My husband and I really miss him and each time he calls, our eyes and ears light up. We love hearing from him and can't wait to see him again as we love him so very much. …
How the Magnificat Distinguished Mother Mary from All Others
After the angel Gabriel revealed that she would soon be pregnant with Jesus, Mary praised God with her beautiful Magnificat: “And Mary said, ‘My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will …
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Geological, Astronomical, and Historical Reasons for the Date of Jesus’ Crucifixion
Can we estimate the date of Jesus’ crucifixion? Yes, we can. The ancients have left us with multiple historical, geological, and astronomical reasons to support April 3 of 33. Let’s begin with Jewish expectations. 10. In the 6th century B.C., the prophet Daniel predicted the fates of four kingdoms while he was exiled by the …
Ten Reasons NOT To Be an Atheist
Considering atheism? Here are ten reasons to reject such notions. 10. We’re hard-wired by God within our conscience to seek the truth and atheists have fallen for a lie by the father of lies. Satan’s best work is in getting you to think he doesn’t exist. 9. We’re hard-wired to seek purpose and meaning and …
Our Lady at Lourdes and the Immaculate Conception
Where did the Catholic doctrine of the immaculate conception originate? I once believed the immaculate conception refers to the conception of Jesus. Rather, it refers to Mother Mary’s conception without original sin. This doctrine has ancient roots in the 2nd century when Irenaeus and Justiin Martyr referred to Mary as the “new Eve.” The first …
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A Steel Man of Catholic and Protestant Positions on Mother Mary
For centuries, Catholics and Protestants have taken varying positions on the Mother Mary’s role, her perpetual virginity, her sinless nature, and her assumption into heaven. Many Catholics revere Mother Mary as a perpetual and blessed virgin who was immaculately conceived and assumed in spirit and body into heaven. Some Protestants believe she lived a more …
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Why Did Jesus Come as a Carpenter?
Mark 6:3 states, "Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him." Of all of the occupations Jesus could have chosen, why did He choose to be a carpenter? Those …
The Passion Translation and 1 Timothy 2:11-12
If we don't like what God's Word has to say, why not change the message? God won't mind, right? That could be the philosophy behind one of the newest English translations of the Bible, the Passion Translation. The Passion Translation (TPT) hails itself as is "a new, heart-level translation, using Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic manuscripts, …
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What Does the Bible Say about Mother Mary’s Perpetual Virginity?
Isaiah foretold the virgin birth:[1] “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” Immanuel means God is with us. He further foretold the birth of Jesus:[2] “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given,and the government will be on his shoulders. And …
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