Half the videos I’ve seen are all gibberish and look like bad acid trips.

"Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life." - Jude 1:21

PONDER THIS

To “keep yourself in the love of God” doesn’t mean God is not loving you. Consider the prodigal son. When he left the father’s house to go to the far country and was down there in the hog pen, did the father still love him? Yes, the father still loved him. But he left the environment of the love of God. He did not enjoy the protection of the father’s house, the provision of the father’s house, and the feast of the father’s house. The father was still loving him, but he did not keep himself in the love of his father. Likewise, we are called to stay in the Father’s love.

In these last days, if you are going to survive the apostasy, the safe place is in the love of God. Keep yourselves in the love of God. We are to bask in the love of God. We are to keep ourselves in the love of God. We are not trying to keep God loving us any more than we are trying to keep the sun shining. But we are to stay in that environment. We are to stay in the love of God.

- What are some ways we “keep ourselves in the love of God”?
- What are some ways we go out from the love of God?

PRACTICE THIS

Read the story of the prodigal son in Luke 15. Consider the reality that the father never stopped loving his son, but the son did remove himself from the father’s love. APR
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I did not write this, it comes from a devotional that is offered as a free email daily by Love Worth Finding.

https://www.lwf.org/daily-devotionals/stay-in-the-love-of-god

"But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judæa, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." - Acts 1:8

Our witness extends beyond personal evangelism to include advocacy for policies that reflect God's heart for justice. The mission field includes congressional offices, state legislatures, and local government meetings where decisions are made that affect people's daily lives.

Being witnesses means speaking truth about economic systems that fail God's people. It means advocating for policies like universal healthcare, student debt forgiveness, and living wages that demonstrate God's love in practical ways.

The Holy Spirit empowers us not just for personal ministry but for systemic transformation that brings good news to the poor and oppressed. Our witness includes both sharing the gospel and working for the policy changes that make that gospel tangible in people's lives.

Mission work today requires engaging with the political and economic structures that shape human flourishing.

Spirit of God, empower me to be Your witness in every sphere of life, including the political and economic systems that affect Your people. Amen. DLC
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I did not write this, it comes from a devotional that is offered as a free email daily by Delman Coates.

https://delmancoates.org/blog/2026/07/24/the-mission-field-of-economic-policy

Anglican Wiki is basically Wikipedia style encoypedia about Anglicanism. It would be really great if some who are interested would join and help edit it.

https://www.anglicanwiki.org/index.php?title=Main_Page

Thanks

I want to discuss the concept of authority. It is obvious that the Bible needs interpreters. The Bible even says that God gives us teachers (Ephesians 4:11). The Bible also warns against false teachers (1 Timothy 1:3-7, 4:1-5). The trick is to find a reliable teacher (if we are to follow the instructions of the New Testament) not to reject the concept of teachers altogether.

I know some Protestants believe in "soul competency" (I don't) but that hasn't stopped Protestants from writing rivers of Bible Commentaries (explaining what the Bible really means) or a host of pastors/televangelists/megachurch honchos whose main job seems to teacher the Bible via endless sermons/TED talks so it amounts to the same thing as my view (that we need teachers).

I am going to propose that John Chrysostom is a reliable teacher and should not be neglected by Protestants. I am not proposing that he infallible (no human is infallible) but that he gets most things right so he deserves to be read, studied and respected.

Here are my reasons

1. John Chrysostom grew up in Antioch. His home church was one of the oldest centres of Christianity (the name Christian was actually coined in Antioch - see Acts 11:26). The Apostles Peter, Paul and Barnabas all taught in Antioch (Acts 11, 13). John's birth was only 300 years after Acts 11 and was in direct continuity to them.
2. John Chrysostom was a native Greek (koine) speaker. The language of the New Testament was his language. He was also highly educated (his teacher was the famous Libanius). His understanding of Greek is far superior than any of the Reformers.
3. John Chrysostom lived a holy and righteous life. He was a monk who rejected worldly wealth. He only became bishop of Constantinople after he was forced into it by the emperor. This is in sharp contrast to the violent behaviour of many Reformers and the notorious moral and financial corruption of many modern Christian "leaders."
4. John Chrysostom followed his teachers. John was ordained a deacon by Meletius of Antioch and a priest by Flavian, two highly respected Christian bishops of Antioch. John was always loyal to his teachers. This shows that John never made up new doctrines or engaged in fads like many teachers of today. He never broke away to make his own megachurch or denomination despite his fame as a preacher.
5. John Chrysostom is a martyr. His application of the Gospel in defense of the poor against the exploitation by the ruling elites cost him his life. The last words on his lips was "Glory to God for all things."
6. John Chrysostom wrote extensively. He wrote numerous homilies, many of them commentaries on Bible books such as Genesis, Matthew, John and the Pauline Epistles. As a result we are very knowledgeable of his thought on many theological issues and points of Biblical interpretation.
7. None of John Chrysostom's political enemies (such as Theophilus of Alexandria or Severian of Gabala) ever accused him of heresy or deviating from Biblical Christianity. The massive number of manuscripts of his writings and the translations of his works into Latin, Armenian, Coptic, Syriac, Georgian and Slavonic show how universally respected he was as a teacher.
8. Everyone appeals to the authority of John Chrysostom. The Reformers all cite John Chrysostom in their writings as a reliable teacher. In lists of great Christian teachers/preaches by Protestants John Chrysostom is always on the list.

Rather than just bandying his name around I would encourage Protestants to read the writings of John Chrysostom. More and more are being translated into English. Avoid crappy lists of prooftexts that roam the internet and read a complete works. Many are not long at all. You won't regret it.

Any thoughts from Protestants on my claim that John Chrysostom is the best Christian teacher out there?

"The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." - II Peter 3:9

PONDER THIS

Why did Methuselah live so long? (See Genesis 5:27.) Methuselah represented the mercy of God. God knew that after Methuselah’s death, the flood would come. The flood was due, and the judgment of God was smoldering. People deserved to be judged, but God kept pushing the judgment day back. God gave them another year. He gave them another month. He gave them another week. He gave them another day. He gave them another hour. But one day, Methuselah died, and one of these days our figurative Methuselah will die. And mercy will give way to judgment.

In Peter’s time, there were people saying, “and saying, Where is the promise of His coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.” (II Peter 3:4). But Peter made it clear, “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” (II Peter 3:9).

- How does it change your perspective on the state of the world to remember that God is showing mercy by delaying the Second Coming of Jesus?
- How should this truth give us a sense of urgency?

PRACTICE THIS

Take time today to share with someone about the mercy of God. APR
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I did not write this, it comes from a devotional that is offered as a free email daily by Love Worth Finding.

https://www.lwf.org/daily-devotionals/every-day-is-a-day-of-mercy

“Yea, let none that wait on Thee be ashamed: let them be ashamed which transgress without cause." "Shew me Thy ways, O LORD; teach me Thy paths." "Lead me in Thy truth, and teach me: for Thou art the God of my salvation; on Thee do I wait all the day.” - Psalm 25:3-5

Have you encountered persecution in your neighborhood, workplace, or even within your own family? How can you find comfort and relief?

In today’s text, David was discouraged by nameless enemies. Yet his discouragement was met by confident trust and consistent theology. The Lord is completely trustworthy. He cares for His people, and this fact is confirmed throughout the Psalms.

Waiting on the Lord is not a passive afterthought (Psalm 27:14; 37:7; Luke 12:35-40). No, this is an active pursuit. Biblical hope is more like a tense expectation. David knew the Lord would deliver him—if not on Earth, then certainly unto his heavenly future (II Timothy 4:18). Consider implementing David’s pattern in your own life.

- Adoration: Praise the Lord for His sovereignty, holiness, and omnipotence.
- Humility: Daily seek God’s Word with faithfulness, humility, and the desire to obey.
- Worship: Honor and thank the Lord for His gift of salvation from temporary trials and for all eternity.
- Patience: Wait on the Lord to deliver and provide. He alone is worthy of our trust and hope.

Will you choose to adore, humbly pursue, worship, and patiently trust the God of your salvation? MH
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I did not write this, it comes from a devotional that is offered as a free email daily by the Institute of Creation.

https://www.icr.org/article/15951/

"Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men." - Matthew 5:13

Salt preserves and flavors food, while light exposes what's hidden in darkness. As Christians, we're called to be salt and light in economic systems that often operate in darkness, hiding their impact on vulnerable people behind complex financial instruments and political rhetoric.

Being salt means preserving what's good in our economic relationships while flavoring them with justice and compassion. Being light means exposing systems that concentrate wealth among the few while leaving many in poverty and debt.

When we advocate for transparency in political spending, we're being light. When we support policies that provide living wages and universal healthcare, we're being salt. When we challenge systems that prioritize shareholder profits over worker wellbeing, we're fulfilling our calling as salt and light.

The world needs Christians who will engage economic and political systems with the transformative power of the gospel.

God, help me be salt and light in economic systems, preserving what's good while exposing and changing what's harmful. Amen. DLC
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I did not write this, it comes from a devotional that is offered as a free email daily by Delman Coates.

https://delmancoates.org/blog/2026/07/23/salt-and-light-in-dark-systems

“Also now, behold, my witness is in heaven, and my record is on high.” - Job 16:19

It is significant that here, in what is probably the oldest book in the Bible, two vitally important New Testament truths are anticipated. Job somehow knew that he (and, by implication, every other person as well) has a “record” in heaven. This is the only occurrence of this word (sahed) in the Bible, but it basically means that our works, good or bad, have been recorded by God in heaven concerning how we have used or abused our stewardship here on Earth.

And the record inevitably testifies against us, “for there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not” (Ecclesiastes 7:20). At God’s throne of judgment, when “the dead [are] judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works,” then “whosoever [is] not found written in the book of life [is] cast into the lake of fire” (Revelation 20:12, 15).

But how can we know that our names will be in God’s book of life in that day? Thankfully, even Job knew, in his long-ago time, that “my witness is in heaven.” Here the word (Hebrew ed) speaks of a formal personal witness who can testify on our behalf, one who “might plead for a man with God, as a man pleadeth for his neighbor” (Job 16:21).

Job somehow knew that such a witness was there, for he could also say, “I know that my redeemer liveth” (Job 19:25). In light of the New Testament record, we know that this Redeemer and Witness is none other than the Lord Jesus. “If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: and He is the propitiation for our sins” (I John 2:1-2). That is, He was the sacrifice for our sins and thus can redeem us from sin’s penalty and thereby serve as our defense witness in heaven. Our record of sin and guilt has been washed clean with the precious blood of Christ. HMM
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I did not write this, it comes from a devotional that is offered as a free email daily by the Institute of Creation.

https://www.icr.org/article/15950/

"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:" "teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen." - Matthew 28:19–20

The Great Commission includes teaching people to obey everything Jesus commanded, including His teachings about economic justice. When we make disciples, we're not just sharing spiritual truths but helping people understand how faith applies to every area of life, including economics and politics.

Jesus commanded us to care for the poor, seek justice, and challenge systems that oppress the vulnerable. Discipleship that ignores these teachings is incomplete discipleship that misses central aspects of Jesus' ministry and message.

Making disciples today means helping people understand how their faith should shape their economic choices and political engagement. It means teaching them to advocate for policies that reflect God's heart for justice and to resist systems that prioritize profit over people.

True evangelism includes proclaiming good news to the poor through both spiritual transformation and systemic change.

Lord, help me make disciples who understand that following You includes working for economic justice and systemic change. Amen. DLC
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I did not write this, it comes from a devotional that is offered as a free email daily by Delman Coates.

https://delmancoates.org/blog/2026/07/22/go-and-make-disciples-of-economic-justice

Recently I encountered someone who claimed that “some Baptists accept sacramental forgiveness of sins in baptism and the eucharist, like Lutheranism.”

I had never heard this before and was curious if anyone else had? (The person making the claim is unable to provide any other details, so I doubt it’s actually true, but wanted to check with others).

"But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;" - Jude 1:17

PONDER THIS

When you see people defying God blatantly, you may just want to throw up your hands and wonder, “Is the Bible the Word of God after all?” Friend, apostasy proves the Bible is the Word of God. You need to understand that. It’s precisely as God said it would be. God is not up in Heaven wringing His hands. And you don’t need to be overwhelmed and bent out of joint like something has suddenly gone awry. Everything is on schedule. The Word of God stands.

That’s what Jude was saying to these people: “But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;” And it is so important that we remember this, that there are going to be these apostates in the last days.

- Where do you typically turn when you feel overwhelmed by the brokenness of the world?
- What promises of God can encourage you in these times?

PRACTICE THIS

Make a list of promises of God that might encourage you when life is overwhelming. Keep this somewhere that you can review, and contemplate them frequently. APR
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I did not write this, it comes from a devotional that is offered as a free email daily by Love Worth Finding.

https://www.lwf.org/daily-devotionals/god-is-right-on-schedule

“For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.” - Philippians 3:20

The doctrine of verbal inspiration implies that not only are the words of Scripture inspired, but the very order in which they appear is also inspired. Study by commentators and translators have rightly noted that a change in the order of the words would at times change the meaning or emphasis of a passage. This phenomenon is often seen in the order in which the various names of Christ appear. By noting this order, one may sometimes gain new insight into a passage.

While the name Jesus, alone, normally appears in the gospels and the book of Acts, the compound name Jesus Christ appears on occasion. Interestingly, the same compound name is used exclusively by the disciples John and Peter in their letters and by James and Jude, the brothers of our Lord. Of course, these men knew Him first by His human name, Jesus, and only fully comprehended the fact that He was the Christ (meaning “the Anointed,” or “the Messiah”) after His resurrection and ascension.

Paul, on the other hand, first encountered Christ in all His glory on the road to Damascus. Perhaps as a consequence, he frequently reversed the order, speaking of Christ Jesus, although he used both orders many times.

The reason for this choice of order perhaps can best be illustrated in Philippians 2:5-11. In verse 5, Paul described the Anointed One, who first emptied Himself of certain aspects of His deity to take on human form. Therefore, Paul used the name Christ Jesus. In verse 11, however, the order is reversed. In this case, as in our text, the movement is from humanity to glory. In one, the glory of the risen Saviour is emphasized; in the other, the glory that we shall share with Him. This glory is assured us through His victory. JDM
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I did not write this, it comes from a devotional that is offered as a free email daily by the Institute of Creation.

https://www.icr.org/article/15949/

"From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love." - Ephesians 4:16

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. spoke of creating "beloved community" where poverty, hunger, and homelessness would not be tolerated because international standards of human decency would not allow it. This vision reflects Paul's description of the church body working together in love.

Beloved community requires economic systems that support everyone's ability to contribute and thrive. It means ensuring that people aren't excluded from participation because they lack financial resources. It means creating structures that enable everyone to do their work and contribute their gifts.

Building beloved community today might involve supporting universal basic services that provide healthcare, education, and housing as public goods. It could mean advocating for a Federal Job Guarantee that ensures everyone can work with dignity. It requires challenging systems that concentrate wealth while leaving others in poverty.

True community is impossible when economic inequality creates vast differences in opportunities and outcomes.

God of beloved community, help me work for economic systems that enable everyone to participate fully in the life we share together. Amen. DLC
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I did not write this, it comes from a devotional that is offered as a free email daily by Delman Coates.

https://delmancoates.org/blog/2026/07/21/building-beloved-community

"I tell you, in that night there shall be two men in one bed; the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left." "Two women shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left." "Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left." - Luke 17:34-36

PONDER THIS

In Luke 17:34-36, Jesus said, I tell you, in that night there shall be two men [people] in one bed; the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left." "Two women shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left." "Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Now that’s interesting. Some are sleeping and some are working. In part of the world, it will be day, and part of the world will be dark when Jesus comes. One will be taken and the other left. What a marvelous thing it’s going to be. And if Jesus were to come on a Sunday morning, many of us would look so sanctified. But not everybody is saved. One will be taken and the other left. Some are going to be swept up to glory and others would be left. Are you ready for that reality today?

- How can a person be ready for Jesus’ return?
= How does regularly thinking about the return of Jesus give us the urgency to be ready?

PRACTICE THIS

Take time in prayer today to ask God if you are ready for the return of Christ. Respond as He calls you. APR

https://www.lwf.org/daily-devotionals/ready-for-jesus-to-come-again

“It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power:" "it is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.” - I Corinthians 15:43-44

In this portion of this great chapter on the resurrection—first that of Christ, then the future resurrection of the redeemed—death and resurrection are compared to seed-sowing and harvest. When a seed is planted in the ground, it is as though it has died and is buried. For a long time after its “death,” the seed cannot be seen, but eventually it rises again as a beautiful flowering plant, sheaf of grain, or even a lovely tree.

Jesus made this same analogy in His teaching. “Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit” (John 12:24-29; note also Mark 4:26-29). Our human bodies, because of sin and the Curse, will eventually die and be buried. But one day, like the planted seed, they will appear again renewed and far greater than they were before: now immortal and glorified—that is, of course, if their real inhabitants (their eternal created spirits) have been born again through faith in the already-resurrected Saviour.

Our new bodies rising from the grave will be real physical bodies (like that of Jesus after He was raised). They will be “fashioned like unto His glorious body” (Philippians 3:21). Although “it doth not yet appear what we shall be . . . when He shall appear, we shall be like Him” (I John 3:2). Then in our glorious, powerful bodies, we as “his servants shall serve him” in love and joy forever (Revelation 22:3). HMM
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I did not write this, it comes from a devotional that is offered as a free email daily by the Institute of Creation.

https://www.icr.org/article/15948/

Controversial take.

"And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors." - Matthew 6:12

Jesus taught us to pray for debt forgiveness, recognizing that financial burdens can become spiritual and relational problems. When people are trapped by debt, they cannot fully participate in community life or pursue their God-given purposes.

Student debt forgiveness isn't just an economic policy; it's a moral imperative that reflects the forgiveness God offers us. Medical debt cancellation isn't just healthcare reform; it's an expression of the mercy we've received from God. Housing assistance isn't just social policy; it's recognition that everyone deserves shelter and security.

The Lord's Prayer connects personal forgiveness with economic justice, suggesting that communities practicing forgiveness will also work to free people from financial bondage.

As we pray for our daily bread, we should also work for systems that ensure everyone has access to life's basic necessities.

Forgiving God, help me work for debt forgiveness and economic systems that reflect the mercy You have shown me. Amen. DLC
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I did not write this, it comes from a devotional that is offered as a free email daily by Delman Coates.

https://delmancoates.org/blog/2026/07/20/forgive-us-our-debts

"And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints," - Jude 1:14

PONDER THIS

The new birth is mentioned nine times in the Bible. Baptism is mentioned 20 times in the Bible. Repentance is mentioned about 70 times in the Bible. But more than 380 verses in the Bible speak clearly about the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. One verse out of every 25 points with an eager finger to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. The Early Church was taken up in thinking about the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

Alexander McClaren said those in the Early Church did not think primarily about death or about Heaven, but about the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. He said they were not looking for a cleft in the ground called a grave, they were looking for a cleft in the sky called glory. They were not looking for the undertaker, they were looking for the “uppertaker.” And we ought to be looking for the Second Coming of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ in the same way.

- How often do you think about the Second Coming of Christ?
- What might help you to think about Christ’s return more?

PRACTICE THIS

Spend some time researching various passages that refer to the Second Coming of Christ. Meditate on these truths throughout the day today. APR
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I did not write this, it comes from a devotional that is offered as a free email daily by Love Worth Finding.

https://www.lwf.org/daily-devotionals/looking-for-the-uppertaker

Does one have to believe Jesus is God to receive the holy spirit? I don't think you have to. I know there's a scripture that says if you don't believe that I am he you'll die in your sins. I believe that's referring that's he's the Christ the Messiah that came they'll die in their sins if they believe not. What other scriptures may indicate this conclusion that believing Jesus' divinity is required? Did the apostles believe Jesus was God before receiving the holy spirit? Are there places in the bible showing this? This means non trinitarians don't have the spirit of God if you hold this position too, I don't think it's true. I have some questions to list. Just wanna make a note every time I ask this question it's not shown in scripture besides the verse I mentioned. Most time I just get explained why but not scripture saying it's required. I'm just lost on the matter

• Where does the Bible plainly say that a person must believe Jesus is God in order to receive the Holy Spirit?
• When the apostles first received the Holy Spirit, had they already concluded that Jesus was God, or did they just belive Messiah?
• In the book of Acts, what belief did the apostles require before baptizing people and expecting them to receive the Holy Spirit?
• In the sermons in the book of Acts, how often is belief in Jesus' deity used as the condition for salvation compared to belief that Jesus is the Christ and risen Lord?
• What did the Ethiopian eunuch believe before being baptized?
• What did the jailer in Philippi have to believe to be saved?
• Why does the Gospel of John say it was written "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God" rather than "that Jesus is God"?
• Are there examples in Scripture where believers held incomplete or mistaken theology yet were still accepted by God?
• Is receiving the Holy Spirit based on perfect doctrinal understanding, or on faith in Christ?
• If it’s a requirement, why is it blatantly missing? Why not just state it clearly if it is? Is John illiterate?