THE CURIOUS BELIEVERS

If you ask me, I don’t find the “laughing in the Spirit” that some of us practice amusing. I’ve witnessed it several times in the past. I have often observed how preachers “anoint” believers to experience it. I even once attended a conference with an invited speaker from somewhere else who was popularizing this in local churches. But I still find it questionable. Not because I oppose laughing inside the church (our church is loud and loves to laugh), or because I’m against laughing itself (I laugh by myself), but because it lacks strong biblical support. For those who are not aware, “laughing in the Spirit” (others call it “holy laughter,” or “unspeakable joy”) is what some people call the experience of uncontrollable, hysterical laughter that is supposedly a manifestation of the filling of the Holy Spirit in a believer. Because those who experience it are extremely happy, sometimes they fall down while laughing, lie prostrate, roll on the floor, or even float on the ceiling. (Please d...

  Many Christians today hold a common belief that studying about God is different from worshiping Him. Studying about God involves Bible studies, sermons, books, just to name a few. And worship primarily is about personal and church worship, songs, and instruments, among other things. There is some truth in this distinction of activities. However, because of these categories and labels, many of us end up choosing which one to prioritize. For instance, some think it’s fine to be late for the praise and worship part of the service, as long as they catch the sermon, believing that what truly matters is hearing the Word of God. This stems from a misunderstanding of how the Bible presents the relationship between theology and worship—between studying God and singing to and about Him. In Colossians 3:16 , we read, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts...

Believers are often criticized when it comes to prayer. Some argue that if God already knows everything, there is no need to inform Him. Others point out that unanswered prayers suggest God does not always grant our requests. Even if we ask with the best intentions and faith, we can never be certain God will answer exactly as we hope. So why pray at all? To answer this “million-dollar” question, consider the following truths: 1. IT IS COMMANDED The simplest reason we pray is that God commanded it. There are many mysteries in prayer, but one thing is clear: God told us to pray (Phil 4:6; Eph 6:18; Col 4:2). We cannot ignore a clear instruction just because some of our questions remain unanswered. 2. COMMUNICATION IS KEY Communication is essential in all relationships. Through prayer, we express our requests and gratitude (Phil 4:6). It is similar to a parent who still wants to hear their children ask for something, even if they already know what the children need—and even if they would ...

  It has become a common practice for everyone to say “amen” at the end of a prayer. Some believe it is merely a tradition we do, whether we understand its meaning or not. Others think of it as a kind of magic word to ensure heaven hears the prayer. For some, it is just a closing word meaning “That’s all, Lord” or “Okay, I’m done praying.” Today, let’s explore this frequently used word and uncover the timeless truths behind “amen.” ORIGIN OF AMEN “Amen” originates from Hebrew and means “firm” or “faithful.” Because God keeps His promises, He is also called “faithful (amen)” in Deuteronomy 7:9. Being faithful means being true; hence, God is called the “God of truth (amen)” in Isaiah 65:16. Psalm 19:7 also declares that the testimony of the Lord is sure (amen). It is used as an affirmation that what has been said is true, which is why it appears in doxologies (Ps. 41:14; 72:19; 89:53; etc.). Jesus used “amen” to emphasize the truth of His teaching: “Truly (amen), truly (amen), I say...

A group that claims to be “Bible-believing” can still be a cult if you examine its teachings. A cult is “a religious group that derives from a parent religion (such as Christianity) but departs from that parent religion by denying some of its essential doctrines” (Dr. Ron Rhodes). However, there are also indicators of a cult that appear in its practices—especially in how members relate to one another and to people outside their group. According to Dr. Rhodes, a respected authority on the subject, here are some of the most common traits of a cult: 1. AUTHORITARIANISM The words of their authority figure—often viewed as a “prophet,” “Messenger from God,” or even the “son of God”—are treated as ultimate and final. A cult is easy to spot when members show unquestionable loyalty to their founder or leader. 2. ISOLATIONISM Extreme cults sometimes create rigid boundaries. They may require members to cut ties with family and friends who are not part of the group. The cult community becomes a ...

How can we tell when a believer is starting to resemble a Pharisee? The Pharisees were a Jewish religious sect known for their strict adherence to the law and meticulous observance of rituals. Today, they are remembered chiefly as those who opposed and persecuted Jesus. A Christian who is not careful can develop the same attitudes that once stood against Christ Himself. Sadly, some believers already display behaviors and actions that mirror those of the Pharisees of old—people we might call modern-day Pharisees . 1. HYPOCRITE Jesus called the Pharisees of His time hypocrites—people who only pretended to be righteous. They did not practice what they preached (Matt 23:3). They honored God with their lips, but their hearts were far from Him (Matt 15:7–8). Their holiness was mere show (Matt 23:27–28). Believers who focus more on outward displays of righteousness than on a genuine relationship with the Lord are guilty of being modern-day Pharisees. 2. TRUTH-HATER The Pharisees opposed the ...

  In Matthew 6:24, Christ gave a strong warning: “No one can serve two masters. For either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” In some translations we read, “You cannot serve God and mammon” (NKJV), which I find especially striking because it captures the personification Jesus intended. By keeping the word “mammon” rather than translating it simply as “money,” it almost sounds like a name. The term comes from the Aramaic mamona , meaning “riches,” “possession,” or “property.”  Here, Jesus did not merely refer to money as if it were just coins that someone can put in their pocket and toss aside; instead, He described it as an idol, a force that can rival God in the devotion of people and enslave those who serve it. Christ was never against having money. After all, who doesn’t need it? (If you really don’t, feel free to send some my way.) Scripture actually gives plenty of guidance on h...

MEANING AND ORIGIN OF THE TITHE The word “tithe” comes from the Hebrew maaser , derived from eser meaning “ten,” and literally refers to a “tenth part or portion.” Historical records show that tithing was practiced in ancient Babylon, Persia, Egypt, and even parts of Asia such as China, proving it was never exclusive to Israel. People offered tithes both as religious duty—like offerings in Israel—and as social obligation in the form of tributes to their rulers. The patriarchs Abraham and Jacob practiced tithing even before the Law was given (Genesis 14:20; 28:22). TITHING UNDER THE LAW OF MOSES When God gave the Law to Moses, He provided specific instructions for tithing. Israelites were to tithe annually “so that you may learn to fear the Lord your God always” (Deuteronomy 14:22-23). This acknowledged God as the true owner of the land and its resources. The tithe was always drawn from the produce of the land—grain, wine, oil—and from livestock (Deuteronomy 12:17; 14:22-23; Leviticus ...

  We often quote Matthew 18:20—“For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them”—as encouragement that no matter how small a fellowship or Bible study may be, Jesus is present even if only two or three attend. While it is true that Jesus promised to be with His people always (Matt 28:20), the immediate context shows a more specific meaning. In biblical interpretation, context is key. CHURCH DISCIPLINE—THE CONTEXT In Matthew 18:15-20, Jesus was teaching about church discipline. If a private attempt to resolve a sin issue fails, the offended believer is to bring along two or three witnesses to establish the matter (v.16). Under Jewish law, two or three witnesses were required to confirm a case and authorize a verdict (Deut 19:15; 17:6-7). Jesus applied this legal principle to the church. Verses 19–20 therefore refer to these same witnesses, not to a casual small-group gathering. LAST OPTION: EXCOMMUNICATION If the offender still refuses to repent, Jesus said t...

Based on the Dictionary of Pentecostal and Charismatic Movements (Zondervan Publishing House, 1988), slain in the Spirit is defined as “a relatively modern expression denoting a religious phenomenon in which an individual falls down; the cause of this is attributed to the Holy Spirit.”  In simple terms, it happens when believers collapse or appear to faint after being prayed over or touched by a minister. This experience is often associated with speaking in tongues, uncontrollable laughter, weeping, and/or visions. In some cases, those who are “slain” simply fall asleep. Supporters describe it as a “temporary, physical response to a spiritual encounter with God that involves some or much difficulty with standing” (D. Hernandez, healing minister). This phenomenon is widely recognized in Pentecostal and Charismatic circles, though its authenticity remains debated. I myself have witnessed such events many times, even serving before as a “catcher”—one assigned to catch those who fall...

  The term “Progressive Christianity” sounds very attractive. Who wouldn’t want progress, right? Those who identify themselves as progressive Christians commonly define it as “a movement that embraces liberalism and postmodernism. It is a movement that is considered more welcoming and more tolerant of the world as it is.” (Miller, 2023). Its promoters believe that Christianity must change in order to remain relevant in today’s world. So those who support this often challenge traditional perspectives in order to create a community that is more “inclusive” and “loving.” For them, it is not just a movement, but “an open, intelligent, and collaborative approach to the Christian tradition and the life and teachings of Jesus.” (ProgressiveChristianity.org) No matter how appealing their definitions sound, it cannot be denied that Progressive Christianity is problematic and questionable. Most of their agenda is, without a doubt, based on unbiblical perspectives and practices. What is mo...