Author Archives: Dean N. Hoff

Christian

Deaf, Dumb, and Worse

I have noticed over the years that some people cannot hear the truth. Whether it’s a New Testament commandment such as 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 or God’s continuing promise of miracles displayed in James 5:14-15 they simply cannot hear it.

It begs the question why?

Perhaps they are attached to errant doctrine. Perhaps they are having difficulty accepting the truth. Perhaps there is an issue with understanding.

Indeed, perhaps there is some mitigating circumstance, but there is a worse case scenario. It is explained by Jesus in John 8. John 8:43-44, 47 KJV says, Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word. [44] Ye are of your father the devil… Jesus continues in John 8:47 KJV, He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.

Not being all knowing it is possible we go too far if we surmise the worse concerning others, but it is something that requires strong consideration. In the least it is a warning flag.

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Christian

Origin

In the last few weeks I’ve heard Church of Christ preachers speak about the origins of the Church. Both mentioning the Catholic’s tracing of position as the true Church from Peter as the first Pope and Christ’s statement in Matthew 16:18. Both disputing the above and claiming the Church of Christ as the only one true Church with origin in Acts.

While I suppose it is not uncommon for denominations to claim they are the one true Church with authority from Christ, I don’t believe either of the above positions is accurate. I believe the true Church can be found in Mark 3:34-35 KJV. And he looked round about on them which sat about him, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! [35] For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother.

I’m not sure if Peter was actually the first Pope or not, but the Catholic church has played a crucial role in the development and spread of Christianity around the world. Meanwhile, the Church of Christ irregardless of their claims was created after the Protestant Reformation in the United States of America.

Looking at doctrine from the Catholic Church and the Church of Christ it is evident some of their beliefs and teachings are right while some are simply wrong. I’m not going to get into that here, but I feel safe in saying there is no denomination following the Word of God perfectly.

Hence the Church in my opinion will come from various denominations. It will be composed of those who do the will of God and keep his Commandments. These are those that read the Holy Bible. They learn of God himself and will not be led astray by commandments and doctrine of men.

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Christian

Make No Mention

It may be popular to write about other gods. It may even be an interesting read. But what does God say about it:

Exodus 23:13 KJV
And in all things that I have said unto you be circumspect: and make no mention of the name of other gods, neither let it be heard out of thy mouth.

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Christian

Those That Went Before

Do you believe God worked through men in the past?

I do.

You can question which Bible translation is the best. You can argue over the Greek and the Hebrew. You can even dispute over which books should be included in the Holy Bible.

I choose to trust in the King James Version of the Holy Bible. I consider it Authorized by God. The Bible tells us God appoints Kings in Daniel 2:21. King James organized a group of learned men to complete the translation. They completed the work inspired by the Holy Ghost and chose to include the 66 books we have today.

It is up to us to argue and dispute or rest in God’s completed work from over 400 years ago.

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Christian, Inspirational

Available To All

I had a conversation with a Church of Christ preacher who believed the gospel was available only to humanity.

I don’t believe this to be the case. See Mark 16:15 KJV. And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

Men may not often have the opportunity to preach to every creature or baptize angels, but I believe the gospel of Christ is available to any creature that can understand it. Only Satan, the Anti-Christ, and the False Prophet have received their final judgment. Revelation 10:20

Except for those three, salvation is available to all.

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Christian

He Gets Us, But Do They

Love is Unconditional and Impartial.

Is this statement true? I don’t believe it is.

Read John 3:16. Do you see the condition? Whosoever believeth.

Is God really impartial? No he isn’t. Read the bible, he is partial to Jesus, he is partial to the Jews, he is partial to his Church.

I don’t believe love is unconditional or impartial in our own relationships either. Monogamy is key to marriage. Correction is key to child rearing. There are reasonable conditions to love and in love we prefer one over the other.

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Christian

Fearless

One of the ladies on WayFM offered a short sermon during the morning show. She proceeded to tell the listeners that fear of God means respect and awe similar to the way we feel about the Grand Canyon.

I tell you no. Fear means fear.

Philippians 2:12 KJV … work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

Matthew 10:28 KJV And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

Fear of the second death helps keep me on the straight and narrow. If you’re a sinner may I suggest fear first, in addition to holding God in respect and awe.

If you truly want to be fearless, love God and keep his Commandments.

1 John 4:18 KJV There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

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Christian

Outdated

Most Greek and Hebrew dictionaries or interlinear bibles used today were written and printed after 1950. Time wise this is more than four centuries away from resources used by translators in the 1600’s.

Ultimately, you need to ask yourself which translator do you want to place your trust in?

You can trust the Authorized King James Version or you can put your trust in modern translation which is often done by weekend scholars and teachers who desire to display knowledge they don’t actually possess (i.e. puffing themselves up, making comments like “a better translation would be” or “a more accurate translation would be”.)

Whenever someone says, “in the Greek it says” or “in the Hebrew it actually says”, just open your King James Version Holy Bible, turn to the verse in question, and you will know what it really means.

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Christian

Nothing You Can Do

There is nothing you can do to make God love you less.

There is nothing you can do to make God love you more.

Both of these statements are false.

Luke 11:28 KJV But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.

John 8:51 KJV Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death.

John 14:21 KJV He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

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Christian

The Lord’s Prayer

Do not let teachers like Chris Oyakhilome dissuade you from praying the Lord’s Prayer.

It is how Jesus asked us to pray.

Why do you claim him as Savior and then instruct others not to follow his word? This is a very serious offense, arguing against our Savior’s very direction.

These argue that the prayer is no longer in effect because the Lord’s kingdom has already come. Are you now face to face with Jesus and the Lord God Almighty? You are not and neither am I. Therefore pray Matthew 6:9-13. Learn from it and keep it in your heart!

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