Posted in encouragement, theology

Believers will not die

By Elizabeth Prata

There is a song with the lyric,

One in himself, I cannot die…

Now we read in the Bible in 2 Corinthians 1:22,

and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.

We have His seal, the deposit of the guarantee of the Spirit in us for…what? Some versions say for what is to come. So…what exactly?

It’s a big subject but today I want to leave you with one short thought.

A guarantee of eternal life. We cannot die because He that is in us cannot die. We have the Spirit in us, the third Person of the Trinity, IN US, and since He is eternal, we are eternal in life.

The Greek word pledge in the 2Corinthians verse means, earnest-money, a large part of the payment, given in advance as a security that the whole will be paid afterwards.

Sure, all souls who ever lived, even for a few weeks in a womb, all the way to the end of a long life in the triple digits, die physically. We will awaken at the end of all things. Some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt, says Daniel 12:2.

Those of us who are in Christ cannot die spiritually, when we are awakened by His trumpet call it will be to LIFE eternal, the Spirit guarantees it! We cannot die. The eternal Spirit in us cannot die, so we will not die.

There is no guarantee, no deposit, more sure than the Third Person of the Trinity, making a pledge of His own self, for the promise of life eternal in glory.

glory

Posted in theology

Chip & Joanna Gaines: Controversy Over LGBTQ+ Family on Magnolia Network

By Elizabeth Prata

Chip and Joanna Gaines are executive producers of “Back to the Frontier,” a Magnolia Network show which debuted July 10 featuring families living without modern amenities. Controversy arose over including a homosexual couple with surrogacy-born twins, prompting criticism from those who see it as an affront to the traditional values the Gaines’ claim to uphold, and a misleading portrayal of family.

Continue reading “Chip & Joanna Gaines: Controversy Over LGBTQ+ Family on Magnolia Network”
Posted in theology

Paul and Barnabas’ disagreement over John Mark

By Elizabeth Prata

SYNOPSIS

The Bible offers a candid portrayal of human nature, showcasing both strengths and flaws. Acts 15 details a significant disagreement between Paul and Barnabas over John Mark, leading to their separation. This illustrates human conflict and the importance of reconciliation. Ultimately, believers are encouraged to learn from these examples while emulating Christ’s virtues.

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Posted in theology

The Greatness of the Soul by John Bunyan: A Review

By Elizabeth Prata

1685, John Bunyan (1628 – 1688), the English writer and preacher who wrote ‘Pilgrim’s Progress’. Original Artwork: Drawn by Kenneth Maclean from a rare print by Francis Hall, after the painting by T Sadler. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

SYNOPSIS
I review John Bunyan’s “The Greatness of the Soul,” a challenging yet rewarding Puritan work. I mention the emotional and intellectual demands of reading unedited texts from the 17th century, advocating for their spiritual richness. I encourage readers to incorporate such literature into their routine for personal growth.

Continue reading “The Greatness of the Soul by John Bunyan: A Review”
Posted in theology

Strengthening Your Spiritual Armor: A Pep Talk

By Elizabeth Prata

SYNOPSIS

I discuss the necessity of spiritual discernment, wisdom, and readiness in today’s challenging times. Believers should be rooted in scripture, cherish their relationship with Jesus, and remain vigilant. Encouragement, kindness, and sharing faith are crucial as we navigate difficulties, anticipating Christ’s return and the opportunities to reflect His love amidst despair of the lost.

Continue reading “Strengthening Your Spiritual Armor: A Pep Talk”
Posted in encouragement, psalm

The Psalms are comforting: rejoice in God’s love!

By Elizabeth Prata

Lately, people really need encouragement and grace more than ever. Let’s give it to them just as we would like to receive it from other people when we are in a bad way.

Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. (Hebrews 7:25)

As for my other security blanket in addition to prayer, it is reading His word. There is nothing like it. The recurring refrain in the Psalm is:

“his steadfast love endures forever”

He loves us–(a gift in itself!)
His love is steadfast; faithful, immovable–(amazing!)
His love is forever; speaking to His eternality. (FOREVER!!)

My oh my, what a gift. No wonder the psalmist spends so much time in exhorting thanks! The Psalm continues to outline His attributes and His works. It is just beautiful. I posted it below so you can read it here. Friends, if you are going through something, or hurting, or just plain weak and tired, read the Psalms. Read the word. Pray. Here is Psalm 136. I hope it blesses you.

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
for his steadfast love endures forever.
2 Give thanks to the God of gods,
for his steadfast love endures forever.
3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
 
4 to him who alone does great wonders,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
5 to him who by understanding made the heavens,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
6 to him who spread out the earth above the waters,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
7 to him who made the great lights,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
8 the sun to rule over the day,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
9 the moon and stars to rule over the night,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
 
10 to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
11 and brought Israel out from among them,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
12 with a strong hand and an outstretched arm,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
13 to him who divided the Red Sea in two,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
14 and made Israel pass through the midst of it,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
15 but overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red Sea,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
16 to him who led his people through the wilderness,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
 
17 to him who struck down great kings,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
18 and killed mighty kings,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
19 Sihon, king of the Amorites,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
20 and Og, king of Bashan,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
21 and gave their land as a heritage,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
22 a heritage to Israel his servant,
for his steadfast love endures forever.
 
23 It is he who remembered us in our low estate,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
24 and rescued us from our foes,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
25 he who gives food to all flesh,
for his steadfast love endures forever.
 
26 Give thanks to the God of heaven,
for his steadfast love endures forever
Posted in theology

Heroic Rescue on Disney Cruise: A Father’s Daring Act

By Elizabeth Prata

‘My little girl fell overboard!” This is not something any parent wants to experience. A family aboard the Disney Dream cruise ship was on Deck 4, playing shuffleboard. It was a sunny, calm morning on June 29 as the ship headed back from The Bahamas to Fort Lauderdale. The mom saw her 5-year-old girl clamber on to the 5’ porthole ledge, then horrifyingly, fall into the ocean. Yelling to the dad, without a second’s hesitation, dad jumped into the ocean after her.

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Posted in theology

Have a happy and safe Independence Day holiday!

By Elizabeth Prata

Louis Brandeis famously stated, “Those who won our independence believed liberty to be the secret of happiness and courage to be the secret of liberty.” This quote, often cited in discussions about freedom and self-governance, emphasizes that liberty is both a means and an end, and that courage is essential to both achieving and maintaining itaccording to The National Constitution Center.

I am grateful to have lived in the most free country in the world to date. Our freedom to assemble, speak, and worship are liberties we enjoy.

But Brandeis was wrong. The secret to happiness is not freedom in political power, but freedom from sin. It’s an internal freedom, not an external one.

Granted, being jailed is an unhappy event. Paul was jailed though, and he sang, wrote about joy, and praised the Lord. Joseph was in jail and prospered.

Let us celebrate the Founders’ principles today on Independence Day but also celebrate our freedom in Christ. Thank the Founders, but praise the Lord.