Posted in theology

Book Review: The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue

By Elizabeth Prata

SYNOPSIS

I express disappointment in contemporary books, mentioning my struggle to find engaging stories. I specifically critique a novel about Adeline Larue, who makes a Faustian bargain, resulting in a dull, unmemorable existence. I find the writing pretentious and the character unlikable, thus choosing to stop reading, continuing my search for better literature.

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Posted in theology

As Paul did, can we sing when our lives seem shattered?

By Elizabeth Prata

In Acts 16, Paul was followed by a slave girl who made much money for her owner by telling fortunes. She kept hollering after Paul and his group, and vexed Paul very much. Finally he cast the demon out of her, and that was that.

Or not. For when her owners saw their means of gain was gone, they beat Paul. Magistrates threw him and Silas in jail. (Acts 16:19-24). Not just jail, but “inner prison”.

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Posted in praise songs, theology

The Bible’s praise songs

By Elizabeth Prata

I discuss the significance of singing in the faith of believers, as highlighted in RC Sproul’s teachings on Biblical songs of praise. I recount Gladys Aylward’s experience in China, where her hymns reach Tibetan priests who long sought understanding of God’s love. Singing expresses knowledge of God and His gift of redemption.

music1.jpg
Photo: EPrata
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Posted in discernment, theology

Examining Dream Claims in Christianity

By Elizabeth Prata

SYNOPSIS
The post critiques the modern emphasis on dreams and visions within charismatic circles, asserting that such experiences were not part of historic Christianity after the closure of the canon. It emphasizes reliance on scripture over personal revelations, warning against false teachings that distort biblical truth.

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Posted in ecclesiastes, encouragement, Kay Cude

Kay Cude Art: Everything according to its season

We worship an orderly God, whose prophecies, whose seasons, whose mankind progresses according to His will. What a blessing it is to know we submit to a God who is perfect, whose mighty hand is outstretched to make Himself known and His works, including the animal world, are a wonder.

Below is a poem by Kay Cude. Right-click to enlarge in new tab. Or read below-

“Foamy crystal drops of damp, and he alights with ease;
to rest upon a liquid bed, his heart content and pleased;
To linger there and end his day, the journey hard and long;
the banks call out to lay upon, his heart by rest made strong.”

1There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every matter under heaven—
2A time to give birth and a time to die;
A time to plant and a time to uproot what is planted.
3A time to kill and a time to heal;
A time to tear down and a time to build up.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-3

Swan landing on a lake

Kay Cude is a Texas poet. Used with permission.

Posted in theology

The True Meaning of ‘Fool’ in Scripture

By Elizabeth Prata

SYNOPSIS

The term ‘fool’ is used over 300 times in scripture, indicating its seriousness in the biblical context, often linked to rejecting God. Various meanings include deliberate sinfulness and moral corruption. Contrary to light-hearted interpretations, biblical foolishness signifies evil character and ultimate condemnation, emphasizing the importance of recognizing God’s wisdom.

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Posted in theology

“Women can’t preach?! What about Deborah?”

By Elizabeth Prata

SYNOPSIS

The text discusses the debate surrounding women’s roles in church leadership, emphasizing that women are biblically unqualified to pastor. It challenges modern fanciful interpretations of scripture, advocating for adherence to the plain scripture of the Bible. The author argues against female pastors, citing specific biblical passages and historical context while encouraging women to fulfill their rightful roles in accordance with scripture.

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Posted in theology

Assembly of the living or Assembly of the dead or

By Elizabeth Prata

A man who wanders from the way of understanding Will rest in the assembly of the dead. (Proverbs 21:16).

The phrase ‘assembly of the dead’ is especially vivid. Assemble is active, but dead is passive. Inert, even. We don’t usually think of the dead assembling, or being assembled. But they will all be there, together, away from God. This is a horrifying thought.

I was struck by this illustration when I was looking for stock photos. The clamorous crowd of women reminds me of so many women today, prominent women, whose actions and teachings are a raised fist against God.

Contentious women, rebellious women, haughty women, are a dishonor to the Lord. Proverbs 25:24 says

It is better to live in a corner of the roof Than in a house shared with a contentious woman.

A woman like that is not easily lived with, not in the home nor in the church or in the denomination or in the global church.

No man or women decides to wade into the bog where death lurks. He thinks he is going “my way”, or the “right way”. Or even, the ‘It’s OK, Way”. This is the very bottom of the barrel of sin, which is pride.

Does man, or woman, know better than God? Will there be absolution for those who claim “ignorance of the Law?”

There is only one way, and it is the only right way, as the Bible shows repeatedly in Proverbs 16:2, 25; 21:2. To stay in what the Proverb calls “the way of understanding,” or the Gospel, we love God’s precepts, obey His commands, and mortify our own opinions and philosophies. (2 Corinthians 10:5).

The flesh will want to rear up, (Genesis 4:7, Romans 6:12), so staying in the Word and in constant prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17) will subdue those inclinations.

Ladies, we are gentle, soft-spoken, kind, teaching and teachable. We are dignified and loving, patient and diligent. We’re moms and widows, virgins and singles. We are strugglers and overcomers, sinners and repenters, but most of all we are loved by Jesus as His own. We are and always will be part of the assembly of the living. Praise Jesus for that!