miracles, Mormons and prophetsA brother who is sure that God does not perform miracles today writes that people in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints claim to heal the sick and speak in tongues, as do Pentecostals. "How can you condemn the Mormons," he asks, "if they are sincere? If you think prophecy has not ceased, how can you say the Book of Mormon is not from God and ought not be added to the Bible?"
Jehovah's WitnessesA gracEmail subscriber wants to know more about the so-called "Jehovah's Witnesses" who go door-to-door evangelizing, and whether he should regard them as Christians.
who's at the door?A gracEmail subscriber from Florida asks, "Am I violating Scripture when I invite cultic door-to-door evangelists into my home to discuss the Bible, hoping I can teach them about Christ? Second John 10 says we are not to receive into our house anyone who comes bringing a non-Christian message."
reformers were not gnosticsA young minister in Canada suggests that the Gnostics, whom John denounced in 1 and 2 John as "antichrists," taught "faith only" and "eternal security," and that the Reformers Luther and Calvin were therefore "antichrists" as well since they also taught both doctrines.
gospel of JudasAs every savvy marketer knows, sensationalism sells books and attracts a television audience. . . . "One of the most significant biblical finds of the last century," hypes the producer's website, "-- a lost gospel that could challenge what is believed about the story of Judas and his betrayal of Jesus."
gospel of Judas updateSince writing the previous gracEmail on the "Gospel of Judas," I have viewed the two-hour television special aired on Sunday night, April 9, 2006 on the National Geographic Channel and have read the actual translation of this document. Having now seen the program and having read the "Gospel of Judas" itself, both of which confirmed the previous gracEmail, I add the following observations
moral choices and maturityA gracEmail subscriber belongs to a church group whose leaders give "advice" to the members on whom they may date, when, how often and so forth. Although our brother carefully follows scriptural teaching on sexual purity, he . . . feels guilty . . . when he chooses not to follow their "advice." He asks my thoughts.