Let's Talk About Baptism

Do you know about baptism? Where did people like John the Baptist get the idea? Some sprinkle, some immerse, some do not use water--which is the type Christians originally utilized? Why does it seem that Jesus got baptized? Does the Holy Spirit come from baptism, or afterwards with the laying on of hands? What about the blood of Jesus? Are you begotten or born-again at baptism? Does baptism picture a type of resurrection? Who should perform the baptism? Is re-baptism ever necessary? What does baptism picture? …

Halloween, Protestants, and Scripture

Should Christians celebrate Halloween? It became an official holiday in the 9th century after a pronouncement by the Roman Catholic Pope Gregory IV. Protestants such as Joy Wendling, Kirk Cameron, Hailey Biebber, and Alan Rudnick think Christians should keep it. But other Protestants have issues with that. What about the Church of God, which is not Protestant nor Roman Catholic? …

Jesus for Prophecy Skeptics

Should non-believers accept Jesus as the Messiah? Should prophecy be important? Since "the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy" (Revelation 19:10), are there prophecies Jesus made that were fulfilled outside of scripture that prove Jesus was the Messiah? Are there numerous writings from esteemed Jewish rabbis and scholars that point to the Messiah coming when Jesus came? Does the Book of Daniel and portions of the Babylonian Talmud point to Jesus being the Messiah? …

Jesus for Jews?

Since there are at least 200 scriptures in the Hebrew Bible that Jesus fulfilled, why do most Jews not accept Jesus as the prophesied Messiah? Is the claim in the 'Jewish Encyclopedia of 1906' that "there appears to be no evidence of any Jewish conception of a Messiah suffering through and for his people" true or misleading? What do Jewish writings, including those in the Babylonian Talmud (Mishnah and Gemara) and various Targums reveal? What about the Dead Sea Scrolls? Was the timing of Jesus' arrival and death consistent with any Jewish writings or records? Do any Jewish writings point to Jesus miraculously …

Last Great Day: God is Love

This was a message for the biblical holy day the Jews call Shemini Azeret, but those in the Churches of God normally refer to as the Last Great Day. In i …t Dr. Thiel explains that the all knowing, all wise, all powerful God of love, does have a plan of salvation that will result in nearly all being saved. He cites scriptures as well as historical writings to show that this is a biblical concept. Will God truly offer salvation to all?

Doubt

Many have doubted God. Eve and Sarah had doubts. Even Jesus' disciples had doubts. Can doubt be a lack of faith? Is faith a feeling? Should we bring our doubts to God in prayer? Chad Branton addresses these issues in this sermonette.

Why Eternal Life?

Do humans possess immortal souls? What does the Bible teach? What about early Christians? Is death like sleep? Will the wicked be annihilated and burned up? What is God's eternal plan for the resurrected? What about the 'beatific vision'? Will eternity be boring? Does God have a specific purpose for you and a place for YOU? May you be one who will give …