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Did Jesus Exist? The Life and Teachings of Jesus

Did Jesus Exist? Searching for Evidence Beyond the Bible

Reprinted from Biblical Archaeology Review 41:1, January/February 2015 www.biblicalarchaeology.org By Lawrence Mykytiuk After two decades toiling in the quiet groves of academe, I published an article in BAR titled “Archaeology Confirms 50 Real People in the Bible.”a The enormous interest this article generated was a complete surprise to me. Nearly 40 websites in six languages, reflecting […]

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Examining Doctrines Organized Religion The Life and Teachings of Jesus

Your Word Is Truth

Sanctify them by means of the truth; your word is truth. (John 17:17) Many people have “inherited” their religious beliefs and have never seriously examined them in the light of reason. Yet, is it a sign of disrespect to examine what you believe so as to ‘prove to yourself’ that your thinking is in harmony […]

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Ministry Organized Religion Practicing the True Religion The Life and Teachings of Jesus

Practicing the True Religion Scene 4

Those obeying and not obeying his sayings (Matt. 7:24-27) “Therefore, everyone who hears these sayings of mine and does them will be like a discreet man who built his house on the rock. And the rain poured down and the floods came and the winds blew and lashed against that house, but it did not […]

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The Faithful and Discreet Slave The Life and Teachings of Jesus

Discipleship: Its Definitions and Dangers (Matthew 23:1-12)

Bob Deffinbaugh Introduction Apart from His sacrificial work on the cross, the most significant thing our Lord did upon the earth was to make disciples. Our Lord had written no books, He had built no organization; there were no physical structures or monuments left to commemorate Him. He had placed the future of His earthly […]

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Examining Doctrines Ministry Organized Religion Practicing the True Religion The Life and Teachings of Jesus

Practicing the True Religion Scene 3

Those doing and not doing the will of the Father “Not everyone saying to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the Kingdom of the heavens, but only the one doing the will of my Father who is in the heavens will. Many will say to me in that day: ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy […]

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Ministry Organized Religion Practicing the True Religion The Life and Teachings of Jesus

Practicing the True Religion Scene 2

The Good Tree and the Worthless Tree “Be on the watch for the false prophets who come to you in sheep’s covering, but inside they are ravenous wolves. By their fruits you will recognize them. Never do people gather grapes from thorns or figs from thistles, do they? Likewise, every good tree produces fine fruit, […]

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Ministry Organized Religion Practicing the True Religion The Life and Teachings of Jesus

Practicing the True Religion

 Scene 1: The Broad and Narrow Roads “Go in through the narrow gate, because broad is the gate and spacious is the road leading off into destruction, and many are going in through it; whereas narrow is the gate and cramped the road leading off into life, and few are finding it. (Matthew 7:13, 14) […]

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Baptism Examining Doctrines The Life and Teachings of Jesus

To Whom Are You Dedicated?

Shortly before his ascension to heaven, Jesus gave his disciples these parting words: “Go, therefore, and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit, teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you. And look! I […]

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Examining Doctrines The Great Crowd/Other Sheep The Life and Teachings of Jesus

Who Are the Other Sheep?

 “And I have other sheep, which are not of this fold; those too I must bring in, and they will listen to my voice, and they will become one flock, one shepherd. John 10:16. Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that when Jesus says “this fold” he is referring to the Israel of God, made up of only […]

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A Simpler Approach Examining Doctrines The Faithful and Discreet Slave The Life and Teachings of Jesus

A Simpler Approach to the Faithful and Discreet Slave Part 3

When Was the Slave Appointed? “Who really is the faithful and discreet slave whom his master appointed over his domestics, to give them their food at the proper time? Happy is that slave if his master on arriving finds him doing so. Truly I say to you, He will appoint him over all his belongings.” […]