Practical Christianity

In Christian theology, being "born again" refers to a spiritual rebirth or transformation visible in the life and character of the person. The "born again" experience happens when an individual accepts Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. There is more to it than saying, "I accept Jesus into my heart." There has to be a radical connection with the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Jesus Christ. When made, a connection shows proof of an altered life that goes far beyond obeying proper doctrine. There is actual evidence of a new heart inside of a person. The term "heart" obviously is not a reference to the physical heart; in the Bible sense Lexicon, the heart is — The locus of a person's thoughts (mind), volition, emotions, and knowledge of right from wrong (conscience). The New Testament refers to this term in John 3:3, where Jesus tells Nicodemus, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." Being born again is essential for entering heaven and involves repentance, faith in Christ, and often a life change characterized by increased devotion and ethical behaviour.

Faith is often multi-dimensional, involving belief, trust, and action. It is not a simple trick or tactic but is instead woven into the fabric of human life and decision-making. While some might argue that faith is used manipulatively in specific contexts, its central role in many people's lives and societies speaks against its classification as a mere gimmick.

In essence, Romans 2 challenges the readers about their behaviours, hypocrisy, and attitudes, warns about God's righteous judgement and emphasizes that true righteousness comes from the heart, not the mere following of religious laws or rituals. It suggests that no one can claim moral superiority over another and that all individuals need God's grace.

God's justice and wrath are deeply intertwined with His righteous, holy, and loving character. Here are brief explanations of both aspects: God's Justice: Biblical justice is rooted in God's character, and it is often associated with His fairness, righteousness, and impartiality. In the Bible, God's justice is portrayed as His commitment to make everything right, to restore peace, and to bring about a world where righteousness and justice are the foundations (Psalms 89:14). God's justice is seen in His laws and commandments, which are given to humanity for their well-being, and in His judgement of individuals and nations based on their adherence to His statutes and their treatment of others, especially the vulnerable (Isaiah 1:17). God's Wrath: God's wrath in the Bible isn't arbitrary or capricious; instead, it is a divine response to sin and evil. It reflects God's holiness, absolute moral perfection, and intolerance towards corruption. God's wrath is usually directed at actions, behaviours, and attitudes violating His divine law and holy character (Romans 1:18). God's wrath should be understood in conjunction with His mercy, love, and desire for all people to repent and turn away from sin (2 Peter 3:9). His wrath is not the last word, as the Bible reveals the provision of salvation through Jesus Christ, providing a way for people to escape God's wrath through faith in Him (Romans 5:9). My teaching videos are on. ​https://george-willeboordse.net/

#soundoffreedom2023 #SoundOfFreedom Jim Caviezel, lead actor in the movie Sound of Freedom, in an interview, stated "Evil is powerless when the good are unafraid" Edmund Burke, an Irish statesman, philosopher, and writer, apparently said, "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." The exact wording of the passage may vary. Still, the statement captures the general idea: This quote is often cited to emphasize the importance of acting and standing up against injustice or wrongdoing. My teaching videos are on. ​https://george-willeboordse.net/

The two natures of Jesus Christ explained. Jesus is fully human, and divine is a central tenet of Christian theology. Mediator between God and humanity: Jesus' dual nature allows him to bridge the gap between humanity and God. By being fully human, he can relate to the human experience, understand our struggles, and empathize with our weaknesses. As fully divine, he possesses the divine nature necessary to reconcile humanity with God. The human and the divine natures were not confused or changed when Christ became man, but human nature remained a truly human nature, and the divine nature remained a true divine nature. The properties of each nature are preserved and occur at the same time in one person and remain in force, not parted or divided into two persons, but the same Son, and only begotten, God, the Word, the Lord Jesus. Redemption through sacrifice: Jesus' death on the cross is a sacrificial act that atones (makes amends or reparation) for the sins of humanity. For this sacrifice to be effective, Jesus needed to be fully human, capable of experiencing suffering and death. As fully divine, his gift is infinitely valuable and can redeem all of humanity. The perfect revelation of God: Jesus' divinity allows him to reveal God's nature and character to humanity perfectly. By being fully human, he is a visible and relatable representation of God's love, mercy, and teachings. Conquering sin and death: Jesus' resurrection demonstrates his power over sin and death. Being fully divine, he triumphed over death, and by being fully human, he experienced death on behalf of humanity, offering the possibility of eternal life to those who believe in him. It's important to note that the clear understanding of the nature of Jesus may vary among different Christian denominations and theological perspectives. The doctrines surrounding the nature of Jesus developed over centuries and were the subject of theological debates in the early Christian Church. - The Amplified Bible version I use - https://amzn.to/3Xyb74w - Bible Journaling resources - https://amzn.to/3H5Owqo - Support through Patreon - https://patreon.com/George_Willeboordse?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link My teaching videos are on. ​https://george-willeboordse.net/

The Bible guides the qualities of a biblical leader. Here are a few qualities often associated with biblical leaders: Biblical leaders show integrity and moral character. Humility. Wisdom and discernment. Courage and boldness: Biblical leaders are courageous and bold in their convictions, even in the face of opposition or adversity. They trust in God's strength and stand up for what is right. Servant-heartedness: Biblical leaders understand the importance of serving others. Faithfulness and perseverance: Leaders in the Bible exhibit devotion to God and His purposes. Good communication skills: Effective communication is vital for biblical leaders. It's important to note that no leader is perfect, and biblical leaders in the Bible also have flaws and shortcomings. However, the above qualities provide a framework for understanding the characteristics often associated with biblical leadership.