Truth really can be stranger than fiction.
First Page - Now launched! All the stories are true, or based on real events. Unlimited reading for $4.99 / month. No downloads. Read on your phone, tablet or computer.
La verdad puede ser más extraña que la ficción.
First Page - ¡Ya está en marcha! Todas las historias son verídicas, o están basadas en hechos reales. Lectura ilimitada por $4.99 / mes. No hay que descargar nada. Lea en su teléfono, tableta u ordenador.
Manna Minutes Podcast: Eye-opening Bible study in less than five minutes! Access all episodes here.
Manna Minutes en español:
Estudio bíblico que nos hace abrir los ojos en menos de cinco minutos! Acceda a todos los episodios aquí.
Manna Minutes Podcast auf Deutsch:
Augenöffnendes Bibelstudium in weniger als fünf Minuten! Alle Episoden finden Sie hier.
Was There A Curse On Helen's Romantic Life?
The Third Man by Angela Sheffield is based on a true story. Read chapter one now!
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¿Qué tiene que ver conmigo? por Teófila Gottfried
Lo que leemos en la Biblia tiene que ver con todos los seres humanos, sean cristianos o judíos, ateos o agnósticos, budistas, musulmanes o adherentes a alguna de las filosofías o nuevas religiones que surgen en el mundo. ¿Por qué? Ver mayor información sobre este interesante libro.
Scripture of The Day - St. John 14:6
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Escritura del día - San Juan 14,6
Jesús le dijo: Yo soy el camino, y la verdad, y la vida; nadie viene al Padre, sino por mí.
Bibelstelle des Tages - Johannes 14,6
Jesus spricht zu ihm: Ich bin der Weg und die Wahrheit und das Leben; niemand kommt zum Vater, denn durch mich!
Why Some People Avoid the Church and Christians
This article is not for those who seek to join in the diabolical attack against the gospel of Jesus and His followers. Rather, It touches on some of the serious problems that exist in Christian churches to such an extent that even people who are not hostile towards God and His servants are losing the desire to go to His house of worship. Following are only a very few of the ailments in the body of Christ about which people are becoming more vocal and intolerant.
Hypocrisy
I remember a conversation with a Christian lady who recalled when she had recently relocated to Milwaukee, WI. A priority on her to do list was to find a church where she'd belong. She began listening to various worship services available on local radio stations. One particular church made a special invitation to visitors and newcomers to the city as the announcer assured listeners to, "come visit us where you'll find the table (of Christian generosity) spread."
That same church where the "table was spread" had not one member in service willing to inconvenience himself even a little to offer a ride part of the way home to the visiting lady accompanied by her 2 small children. The children were well behaved and the ride which did not cause any member to go out of his way would not have taken more than about 5 minutes. However, during winter and at night time, that is a big help. Real life encounters with the Christian church such as this one are numerous, sad and embarrassing.
Although Christians are not door mats to be walked on or selfless servants to be used by others in the name of the gospel, the absence of small and simple acts of kindness is the absence of the Spirit of Christ. To profess Christ and not be able to reflect Him in the smallest matters is nothing less than hypocrisy which is sin (KJV, Luke 12:1).
Unfriendliness
Of course this complaint cannot be justifiably made against many churches who are very welcoming to their visitors. Nevertheless, it's a real problem in a large number of churches. It's bad enough that most of society is plagued with a rudeness so severe that people are afraid or don't have the decency to exchange greetings when they pass one another in public. Certainly, the church should be a place that's free of this contamination, but this isn't always the case.
Lack of Spiritual Fulfillment
The terms "popcorn" and "powder puff" gospel have surfaced to refer to the complete avoidance of very hard questions and disturbing topics when conducting Bible study or delivering a sermon. This is perfectly okay with many people who don't really want biblical counsel on some subjects for fear of hearing what they don't want. God's solution to problems are rarely ones that man embrace. They can be difficult to accept and put into practice and they usually require a patience that is tiring.
King David, in his weariness said, "How long wilt thou forget me, O Lord? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me" (Psalm 13:1)?
However, some do want God's solution to the troubles that overwhelm them, no matter what is involved. Few of these people will find real answers and in-depth Bible study on life's perplexing questions in the church because the ordained ministers, pastors, and missionaries that have scriptural understanding are far and few between.
Is there hope? Yes, there's always hope where there's the desire to change. When a believer truly allows Christ to work in and through him, hypocrisy will vanish. Even people who are not outgoing by nature can learn to be a part of making a welcoming and friendly atmosphere in the church. I once heard a missionary say that if you're not being fed spiritually, feed yourself. God's word declares, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God that giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering..." (James 1:5-6).
Based on true events, The Third Man by Angela Sheffield, brings the Bible up close and personal as the characters face real issues of life: Betrayal, deceit, romance, bitterness, anger against God, hopelessness, will power, perplexity, triumph, unforgiveness, mental illness, and the "Alcohol made me do it" excuse. Read chapter one FREE now.
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