But I must never forget that capital punishment sends a soul into eternity, and that I am no less deserving of hell than that murderer.

And also, when the church is under persecution, the impotence of ministries based on programs and personalities will be exposed.

Could the dream not simply be the working of the subconscience aided by the previous evening's study of the chemistry textbook?

Perhaps this was the providence of God, but I doubt that it rises to the level of prophecy.

" This is getting ridiculous. If the Supreme Court mandates fruitcake marriage then the judgment of God will come upon the United States..."

Actually if the Supreme Court approves gay marriage, that will be the judgment of God on America.

God has spoken on the issue of homosexuality. It is an abomination.

I understand and respect your perspective. I had no idea that some brothers and sisters felt so strongly.

I have been a pastor for thirty years and have never been a part of a discussion on this particular subject.

I certainly have not meant to offend anyone.

I, too, hold to Sola Scriptura and the other "solas" of the reformation, as well as to all five points of the "tulip."

And I would never want a brother or sister to stumble over a word I might use, no matter how well-intentioned.

What concerned me was the way it appeared some here were questioning the motives of Sermon Audio's original post, when the context seemed to clearly indicate that the only motive was to exalt the Risen Lord.

I agree that the RCC has indeed been guilty of syncretism--"baptizing" pagan practices and adding some "Christian" content.

And I rejoice in the sensitivity of many who desire to keep the Gospel undiluted and unpolluted from the world.

And I celebrate the life, death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord everyday.

This morning in one of my sermons I reminded the congregation that every Lord's Day should be a celebration of Christ's resurrection.

What concerns me is how ready some seem to have been to pounce on the word "Easter,"
especially as it was used in connection with article at the top of this page.

Clearly, by using the word "Easter"followed by the phrase, "Christ is Risen" and a quotation from Matthew's Gospel, Sermon Audio was not referring to Ishtar, the Easter Bunny, and Easter eggs.

Knowing that certain topics on this forum usually arouse contentuous among us, I read this particular news item consisting only of scripture and the headline, "Easter: Christ is Risen" and thought to myself, "Surely no one can disagree with this."

She was the six year old girl Muhammed married when he was in his fifties. He consummated the "marriage" when she was nine.