Well Known Atheist Changed His Mind. Do Good People Really Go To Heaven? Can You Reverse Type 2 Diabetes with a Whole Food, Plant-Based Diet?

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Why A Well Known Atheist Changed His Mind

Imagine being one of the world’s foremost atheists, having written more than 30 books, many of which are hailed as hallmarks of atheistic thought. Then, suddenly, you announce you now believe in God, resulting in a hail of criticism and scorn from most of your colleagues and the secular press.

Oxford professor Dr. Antony Flew, Author of 'There is a God: How the World’s Most Notorious Atheist Changed His Mind'

It’s a fascinating story, and one that holds many valuable answers for those who have asked the most basic and important question: Does God exist?

The name of this respected Oxford professor was Dr. Antony Flew, who spent 50 years teaching philosophy and constructing arguments to support atheism. Prior to his death in 2010, he wrote a book in 2007 titled There Is a God: How the World’s Most Notorious Atheist Changed His Mind, explaining what had compelled him to admit he had been wrong. Dr. Flew mentioned early in life he came on a principle that would guide his career: Follow the evidence wherever it leads, no matter how unpopular that may be.

In his youth, Dr Flew was convinced the evidence backed an atheistic perspective. Then, from the 1980s on, with increased knowledge about the complexities and precision of the universe, the evidence started turning against atheism and toward a Creator God. Dr. Flew then reluctantly reassessed his beliefs: “I now believe that the universe was brought into existence by an infinite Intelligence ... .that this universe’s intricate laws manifest what scientists have called the Mind of God…. Why do I believe this, given that I expounded and defended atheism for more than a half century? The short answer is this: this is the world picture, as I see it, that has emerged from modern science” (There Is a God, p. 88).

He offered three lines of evidence that led him to his belief in God.

How did the laws of nature come to be?

Dr. Flew wrote: “Over the last two decades, my whole framework of thought has been in a state of migration. This was a consequence of my continuing assessment of the evidence of nature. When I finally came to recognize the existence of a God, it was not a paradigm shift, because my paradigm remains, as Plato in his Republic scripted his Socrates to insist: ‘We must follow the argument wherever it leads’” (p. 89).

Dr Flew admitted the evidence dealing with the laws of nature increasingly indicated a Superior Mind was operating at a cosmic level: “The leaders of science over the last hundred years ... .have built a philosophically compelling vision of a rational universe that sprang from a divine Mind…. this is the particular view of the world that I now find the soundest philosophical explanation of a multitude of phenomena encountered by scientists and laypeople alike” (p. 91).

“One of the most enigmatic aspects of the laws of nature is that these invisible forces act on matter and energy, but are not matter or energy themselves. For them to work ….they had to be in place before matter and energy existed ... .To believe all these intricate laws that act in unison somehow appeared together at just the right time, with just the right force, without some organizing Intellect behind them, defies logic.” (p. 96).

How did life originate from non-life?

Flew’s second line of evidence for a belief in God has to do with the great difference that exists between life and non-life: “…biologists’ investigation of DNA has shown, by the almost unbelievable complexity of the arrangements needed to produce life, that intelligence must have been involved…especially where this first living matter already possessed the capacity to reproduce itself genetically….there was no satisfactory naturalistic explanation for such a phenomenon” (p. 123).

Dr. Flew concluded that a self-replicating living thing being produced by chance from non-life utterly defies all odds. He pointed out: “The philosophical question that has not been answered in origin-of-life studies is this: How can a universe of mindless matter produce beings with intrinsic ends, self-replication capabilities, and ‘coded chemistry’?” (p. 124). Although there is an increasing body of knowledge about how DNA and RNA work, scientists still don’t have a clue about how all these coding systems originated, which Flew concluded points to a Superior Intelligence at work: “The only satisfactory explanation for the origin of such ‘end-directed, self-replicating’ life as we see on earth is an infinitely intelligent Mind” (pp. 131-132).

Did something come from nothing?

Flew’s third line of evidence is related to the existence of the universe. In his early years, Flew believed the universe had always existed, and there was no need for a Creator to explain it. However new scientific discoveries made him question this premise and whether something could come out of nothing: “When I first met the big-bang theory as an atheist, it seemed to me the theory made a big difference because it suggested that the universe had a beginning and that the first sentence in Genesis (‘In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth’) was related to an event in the universe… If the universe had a beginning, it became… almost inevitable, to ask what produced this beginning.” (pp. 135-137).

“Modern cosmologists seemed just as disturbed as atheists about the potential theological implications of their work. Consequently, they devised influential escape routes that sought to preserve the nontheist status quo. These routes included the idea of the multiverse, numerous universes generated by endless vacuum fluctuation events, and Stephen Hawking’s notion of a self-contained universe” (p. 137).

Flew found all these arguments to be quite unconvincing. He concluded: “The three items of evidence…in this volume…can only be explained in the light of an Intelligence that explains both its own existence and that of the world.” (p. 155). As Scripture attests: “From the beginning, creation in its magnificence enlightens us to His nature. Creation itself makes His undying power and divine identity clear, even though they are invisible; and it voids the excuses and ignorant claims of these people [who would deny Him]” (Romans 1:20, The Voice)   From: https://www.ucg.org/beyond-today/beyond-today-magazine/answers-from-a-famous-ex-atheist-about-god

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Do Good People Really Go To Heaven When They Die?

God described King David as "a man after My own heart," and one who would "do all My will" (Acts 13:22), yet the Apostle Peter stated in his first sermon: "....the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day…. For David did not ascend to heaven….." (Acts 2:29, 34, NIV).

The Apostle John also stated: "No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man [Jesus Christ]" (John 3:13, NIV). Spiritual giants such as Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph and Moses, including others listed in Hebrews 11, did not ascend to heaven: "These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised" (Hebrews 11:39 NIV).

King Solomon was inspired to write: "For the living know that they will die; but the dead know nothing, and they have no more reward, for the memory of them is forgotten" (Ecclesiastes 9:5). The patriarch Job echoed Solomon's words: ".... Man dies and is laid away; indeed he breathes his last and where is he?.... so man lies down and does not rise. Till the heavens are no more, they will not awake nor be roused from their sleep" (Job 14:10 and 12).

The dead are unconscious and unaware. Our emotions, thoughts, knowledge and feelings go to the grave with us. Job goes on to say: "O that thou wouldest hide me in the grave, that thou wouldest keep me secret, until thy wrath be past, that thou wouldest appoint me a set time [the time of the resurrection], and remember me! If a man die, shall he live again? All the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come. Thou shalt call, and I will answer thee...." (Job 14:13-15, KJV).

The writers of the Bible describe the experience after death not as going to heaven or hell, but simply as sleep. Notice, for example, how Daniel refers to the state of the dead in this prophecy of the resurrection: "And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, some to shame and everlasting contempt" (Daniel 12:2).

Jesus spoke of death as sleep. Speaking of a deceased girl whom He intended to raise from the dead, He told the mourners, "Do not weep; she is not dead, but sleeping" (Luke 8:52; Matthew 9:24). Before He resurrected Lazarus, He told the disciples, "Our friend Lazarus sleeps, but I go that I may wake him up." The disciples misunderstood, thinking Lazarus was sleeping because he was ill. "However, Jesus spoke of his death, but they thought that He was speaking about taking rest in sleep" (John 11:11 and 13).

The key to the mystery of life after death is revealed in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who said, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live" (John 11:25). Paul confirms many were eyewitnesses to the fact Jesus Christ had risen from the grave (1 Corinthians 15:3-8). There were too many credible witnesses who saw and interacted with Him after He was raised from the dead for His resurrection to be denied.

Because Christ was resurrected we can be assured He will resurrect those who have been faithful to Him (1 Corinthians 15:12-21 NIV). The doctrine of the resurrection is listed among the fundamental doctrines of the Bible (Hebrews 6:1-2). It is a wonderful part of God's great master plan, and the hope of all true Christians (1 Corinthians 15:54).

When Jesus Christ resurrects those who have followed Him the Bible reveals it will not be so that they can go to live in heaven forever. Since Christ is coming back to earth (Zechariah 14:3-4), it makes sense that's where they will be as well: "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also" (John 14:3). (See our study guide Christ’s Reign On Earth: What It Will Be Like)

All of the dead —good and not so good alike—will eventually be resurrected, even those who have never heard the name of Christ in their lifetime, and have had no opportunity of salvation. (See issue 343 of Bible Insights Weekly for more information concerning when Jesus Christ will resurrect those who have died: The Second Resurrection To Judgment and The third resurrection.)  From: https://www.ucg.org/good-news/good-news-magazine-may-june-2003/do-good-people-really-go-heaven-when-they-die

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Can You Reverse Type 2 Diabetes with a Whole Food, Plant-Based Diet?

Weight loss isn’t necessarily required for type 2 diabetes remission, but what is?

The goal of lifestyle treatment for type 2 diabetes is to reverse it, drive it into remission—meaning normal blood sugars on a normal diet without drugs—and exactly that can be achieved optimally with a whole food, plant-based diet, as I’ve reviewed before. For individuals who have had type 2 diabetes for more than eight years, often having faced multiple complications, remission may be harder to achieve because a significant number of insulin-producing beta cells in their pancreas are already depleted. Even though full remission may not be possible for all patients, most everyone may still be able to find their way towards better health and improve blood sugar control without adding more medications, and could even reduce the medications they are already on.

You’ve heard of prescribing medications, but what about deprescribing them? Deprescribing medications among patients with type 2 diabetes is actually something that’s more common in lifestyle medicine because intensive, therapeutic lifestyle change works pretty effectively and can result in substantial and rapid drops in blood glucose. In order to avoid blood glucose dropping too low, which results in hypoglycemia, medications need to be adjusted. And the potential benefits of deprescribing meds in older individuals is extensive, including reduced harm from taking many drugs at one time. It not only reduces risk of adverse drug reactions and lowers medication costs, but it actually improves people’s ability to take the drugs they need to be taking, because they aren’t overwhelmed with managing so many.

Deprescribing medications is individualized to each patient. But generally, most medical practitioners will first target the meds most likely to cause dangerously low blood sugars, such as sulfonylurea drugs like Glucotrol or Micronase, and insulin. When lifestyle medicine practitioners were surveyed, their perceived negative effects were minimal, with things like “pushback from insurance companies,” or patients upset they hadn’t been told earlier about the efficacy of a plant-based diet and that less medication is possible. I’d be angry too! The list of perceived positive effects is full of statements like “improved patient morale,” “empowering to patients,” and “improved sense of well-being and hope.”

Check out this randomized controlled trial of a whole food, plant‑based intensive lifestyle intervention among people with type 2 diabetes. It was successful in improving blood glucose measures, while also reducing medications, compared to standard medical care. More than half of those in the plant-based diet and exercise group reduced their diabetes medications, compared with only a fifth of those on the standard care. And this was also true for their heart disease medications. Double win. And contrary to what some may think, weight loss wasn’t necessarily required to result in remission. Just the plant foods and exercise were so powerful together, supporting what we already know: food can indeed be medicine.

What about those other health concerns that come along with diabetes, such as increased risk of cardiovascular disease? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found plant-based dietary patterns result in significantly better glucose control and lower LDL cholesterol levels, one of the big risk factors for heart attacks. People also lost weight and decreased their waist circumference, which serves as a sort of proxy for excess visceral fat, a kind of fat that can be particularly detrimental to health.

Type 2 diabetes is considered one of the most psychologically demanding chronic conditions. Just think about all that people with diabetes have to manage—medications, doctors’ appointments, and regularly stabbing their finger to get blood sugar readings, not to mention the fears of going blind, going on dialysis, and getting parts of their lower limbs amputated. A systematic review of the effectiveness of plant-based diets on wellbeing found that, compared to standard care, plant-based diets are associated with significant improvements in emotional wellbeing, depression, and quality of life, along with overall improvements in health.

As the incidence and prevalence of diabetes continues to rise, the time is now for clinicians to recommend a low-fat, whole food, plant-based diet to all of their patients, but especially those patients living with and at risk for type 2 diabetes. Whole food, plant-based diets can prevent diabetes, as well as change the course of the disease, by controlling blood sugar naturally with no known negative side effects.”

From: https://nutritionfacts.org/video/can-you-reverse-type-2-diabetes-with-a-whole-food-plant-based-diet/

Below is an approximation of this video’s audio content. To see any graphs, charts, graphics, images, and quotes to which Dr. Greger may be referring, watch the above video

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Your Truth, My Truth or THE Truth? What's Wrong With Our Human Nature? WFPB For Reversing Diabetes.

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Your truth, my truth or THE truth?

“The subtle, philosophical idea that everyone can determine what they believe to be true values challenges the authority of the Bible and insidiously permeates Christian beliefs and standards.

When Bob began his freshman year at university he was not prepared to have his Christian beliefs and values challenged. The philosophical idea that everyone determines his or her own truth was insidiously permeating Bob’s new life and it was so subtle that, at first, he didn’t even realize it was happening. It was something that would challenge his Christianity to its very core.

While exposure to different ideas has always been a part of one's college experience, what many young people don't realize is that their understanding of absolute truth—the kind found in the Bible—is going to be strongly tested when they pursue higher education. The campuses of most public universities today are smorgasbords of ideas. Every imaginable philosophy seems to be represented and debate reigns supreme with the underlying assumption human beings should decide for themselves what is best.

Many people today pride themselves on being able to see things from multiple perspectives. Although this approach provides subject for debate, having flexible positions isn’t good when it comes to Christianity. Isaiah 5:20 tells us: “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil….Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!”  Furthermore, to publicly state something is right or wrong has come to be considered judgmental, which is looked down upon in today’s secular world. Most people have embraced the self-empowering myth that whatever they sincerely believe is true. They have forgotten about God and His Word. Truth has become relative. According to religious pollster George Barna, the majority opinion today is that moral truth depends on the circumstances. In a February 2002 report titled "Americans Are Most Likely to Base Truth on Feelings," Barna wrote:

"In two national surveys… one among adults and one among teenagers, people were asked if they believe that there are moral absolutes that are unchanging or that moral truth is relative to the circumstances. By a 3-to-1 margin (64% vs. 22%) adults said truth is always relative to the person and their situation. The perspective was even more lopsided among teenagers, 83% of whom said moral truth depends on the circumstances, and only 6% of whom said moral truth is absolute."

Confusion about moral absolutes has been a human problem for a long time. In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve ate from “the tree of the knowledge of good and evil” (Genesis 2:9). Mankind, following their mistaken example of self-determination apart from God, has generally been confused about good and evil ever since. As Jeremiah exclaimed, "O Lord , I know the way of man is not in himself; it is not in man who walks to direct his own steps" (Jeremiah 10:23).

There is a God who really does know the truth and wants what is best for us because He loves us. The humanistic idea that human beings are capable of determining our own way apart from God just doesn’t square with reality. God alone determines truth which is found in the Bible (John 17:17). Recognizing and practicing the eternal, absolute values of God is what sanctifies and sets apart true Christians.They know Jesus intended Christians to be lights to others rather than accepting or being overwhelmed by the world and its values (Matthew 5:14-16).

• Source: https://www.ucg.org/vertical-thought/your-truth-my-truth-or-the-truth

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 What's wrong with our human nature?

“When God formed Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, they were part of a created order that was "very good" (Genesis 1:31). But in describing their creation as good, God did not mean Adam and Eve were inherently good or were inclined to choose to live God's way.

Initially, Adam and Eve made no choice in terms of good and evil. Their way of thinking and behavior was neutral, but as flesh-and-blood human beings, they had physical drives and material interests common to all mankind. They had desires for self-preservation, for physical pleasures, for appreciation, for learning and for bettering their circumstances. The focus on self in such characteristics was not inherently sinful, but this self-oriented focus could lead to sin if it contradicted God's direction and instructions.

When Satan the devil came onto the scene in the form of a serpent, he wasted no time in tempting the first human beings to sin. He deceived Eve about partaking of the fruit God had forbidden, tempting her to take advantage of her desire to become wise and better her life. Adam was not deceived, but he also submitted to Satan's scheming (Genesis 3:1-24; 1 Timothy 2:14 NKJV). Adam and Eve thus set a pattern the human race that would spring from them would follow—accepting the rule and influence of Satan rather than following God.

From then on, human beings would be led to pursue selfishness and rebel against God's commandments. Children would still be born with a neutral nature but, under the influence of Satan. In a world in which people were deceived into unwittingly following him and his ways, they would very quickly develop the selfish nature of the corrupted human society and culture around them. This tendency to exalt self and disobey God is known as human nature, with the primary motivation being selfishness rather than a desire to obey and please God.

Paul explained that, as "the god of this age," Satan "has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel" (2 Corinthians 4:4). With the exception of Jesus Christ, "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). He described the sorry spiritual condition of the human race in Romans 3:10-18, and reminds Christians that "you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once conducted ourselves…fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind…." (Ephesians 2:2-3). However, as powerful as his influence is, the devil cannot force us to sin. He simply seduces us through our fleshly weaknesses and the wrong ways of thinking he has led us into over time. Following are some of the ways we are easily manipulated by Satan:

1. Our selfish, fleshly desires often get us into trouble: "Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like…those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God" (Galatians 5:19-21). Paul graphically describes the effect corrupt desires have on human behavior. "Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another….Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done. They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful…. Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them" (Romans 1:24 and 28-32, NIV).

2. Our ingrained deviousness, including self-deception, is a major weakness of the fleshly mind. "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?" (Jeremiah 17:9). Subject to Satan's influence, we naturally look for ways to justify our lusts and sinful desires, along with the behaviors arising from them. We deceive ourselves into believing that, since our desires are natural, they can’t be so bad, in spite of the fact that God's Word reminds us "there is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death" (Proverbs 14:12 and 16:25). Death is the end result of living that wrong way (Romans 6:23).

3. Under the devil's influence we develop the tendency to resent having our selfish desires limited by rules, even God's commandments: "For those who live according to the flesh think about the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, about the things of the Spirit….the mind-set of the flesh is death, but the mind-set of the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind-set of the flesh is hostile to God because it does not submit itself to God's law, for it is unable to do so. Those who are in [that is, within control of] the flesh cannot please God" (Romans 8:5-8, HCSB).

Without the positive influence of God's Spirit, our primary inclination is to serve ourselves and resist living according to God's biblical instructions. Satan is a powerful deceiver and manipulator, taking advantage of our self-focused nature by persuading us to give in to our human wants and desires. Because of this Paul warns: "If you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God" (Romans 8:13-14).

• Source:  https://www.ucg.org/learn/bible-study-aids/transforming-your-life-process-conversion/transforming-your-life-process-6

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Beginner’s Guide to a Whole-Food Plant-Based Diet

“Right off the bat, we want you to know that a whole-food, plant-based lifestyle is NOT a diet of vegetables only.

So if you were hesitant to start because you think you are only going to be eating rabbit food, let’s put those fears to rest.

You, along with tens of millions of people just like you, have taken an important first step to improving your life.

We are grateful that so many people worldwide have helped improve their health, manage their weight, and prevent and reverse chronic diseases through a whole-food, plant-based diet.”

“If you’re new to eating a whole-food plant-based diet, or if you’re just curious, you came to the right spot. It’s worth mentioning that neither whole-food plant-based eating, diet nor a vegan diet are “diets” in the sense of restricting calories. The term is used here as a description of how someone eats on a consistent basis.

What exactly is a whole-food plant-based diet?

First up, following a whole-food plant-based (WFPB for short) diet is different from eating vegan. While neither includes animal-based foods nor foods derived from animal-based ingredients, WFPB goes a step further and removes overly processed foods like oil, junk food, white flour, white sugar, vegan ice cream, vegan cookies from the mix. Why? Because overly processed foods are typically very high in calories but low in nutrition. Calorie density isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but when paired with little or no nutritional value, it’s best to avoid those types of foods. Plus, high quantities of salt, fat, and sugar release super powerful chemicals in our brains that make us crave more and can turn down our body’s natural satiation signals, meaning it’s easy to eat way more of those foods more often than we intend.

What should you eat when following a WFPB diet?

When you eat a whole-food plant-based diet, you’ll find yourself enjoying:

• Vegetables
• Whole grains
• Beans & legumes
• Fruit
• Nuts
• Seeds
• Herbs & spices
• Minimally processed plant based ingredients like tofu, tempeh, unsweetened plant milk, and sprouted grain bread

Benefits of whole-food plant-based eating

Whether your motivation to eat more plants is to boost your immune system and your overall health, drop some pounds, get off your diabetes medication, help protect the environment, or animal welfare, it’s never too late to start, and there are no prerequisites. You simply start where you’re at and ease into it however you like.

Reverse diabetes

Lower your A1C and manage your blood glucose by harnessing the power of plants. A whole-food plant-based diet can help you find joy in eating again while reversing diabetes. We’ve seen it happen for countless members.” 

More at: https://cleanfooddirtygirl.com/beginners-guide-to-a-whole-food-plant-based-diet/

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Pentecost and God’s Gifts. PENTECOST PROVES THE SABBATH. Why Meat Is Bad For You- In 60 Seconds.

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Pentecost, Shavout, will start on the evening of Sat. 15th. June this year, and end on evening of 16th.

For in depth look at the festival:

https://thebiblicalnutritionist.com/why-christians-celebrate-shavuot/

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Pentecost and God’s Gifts

Acts 2:38-39

Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.”

“Peter’s call to action also provides a list of some of God’s greatest gifts.

The basic idea of repentance is “a reversal of thinking which changes one’s life” (The Nelson Study Bible, note on Matthew 3:2). When we see how our sins have gone against God’s perfect law, and that Jesus Christ gave His life to pay for our death penalty, it is only right to have godly sorrow and a fervent desire to change. But even repentance is a gift from God (Romans 2:4).

After repenting, God wants us to demonstrate our commitment through water baptism, a symbol of the death of our old person. This is followed by God’s gift of forgiveness of sins and the gift of God’s Holy Spirit—a seed of spiritual life, a lifeline to God, a connection to the spiritual vine. Through the Holy Spirit, God makes available so many other priceless gifts.

So, while Peter called on new believers to take action in this passage, it is really God whose acts of giving make the difference.

For more about responding to God’s call to repent and be baptized, download our free booklet Change Your Life!”  From: https://lifehopeandtruth.com/bible/blog/pentecost-and-gods-gifts/

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PENTECOST PROVES THE SABBATH

“In Leviticus chapter 23, God revealed a series of celebrations to be observed throughout the year. One of them is called Pentecost. It also goes by other names such as Shavuot, the Feast of Weeks, and First fruits (of the wheat harvest). It is a unique festival in two aspects. Firstly, it is the only holy day that does not fall on a specific day of the Hebrew Calendar. Instead, we must calculate its timing. Secondly, we must know when the weekly Sabbath occurs.

The verses about this celebration are found in Leviticus chapter 23:15-22. We will look at a few of these verses: “15 And you shall count for yourselves from the day after the Sabbath, from the day that you brought the sheaf of the wave offering: seven Sabbaths shall be completed. 16 Count fifty days to the day after the seventh Sabbath; then you shall offer a new grain offering to the Lord…21 And you shall proclaim on the same day that it is a holy convocation to you. You shall do no customary work on it. It shall be a statute forever in all your dwellings throughout your generations.”

Notice that Pentecost is the day after the seventh weekly Sabbath from Unleavened Bread. This means it always occurs on the first day of the week. Any church body who celebrates Pentecost on Sunday is acknowledging that the true Sabbath is from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset. This includes the Catholic Church. Some of their authors and clergy have admitted this!

John Laux, an author of textbooks for Catholic schools, wrote: “If we consulted the Bible only, we should still have to keep holy the Sabbath Day, that is, Saturday, with the Jews, instead of Sunday…” (Laux, p 51).

John Gibbons, a Catholic Cardinal, wrote: “But you may read the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, and you will not find a single line authorizing the sanctification of Sunday. The Scriptures enforce the religious observance of Saturday, a day which we never sanctify” (Gibbons, pp 72-73).

The Catholic Church acknowledges the timing of the Biblical Sabbath. Any church that celebrates Pentecost on Sunday reflects the same belief. Pentecost proves the Sabbath.”

Kelly McDonald, Jr, BSA President, www.biblesabbath.org

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Why Meat Is Bad For You- In 60 Seconds

The Vegan Activist

“We have been told that animal flesh is an essential part of a healthy diet, but meat consumption has been associated with almost all the major diseases. Meat is high in fat, saturated fat and cholesterol, which will increase the risk of heart disease and can cause other serious health problems like diabetes. It is high in animal-protein, which is far too acidic for the human body and has been linked to kidney disease, cancer and osteoporosis.

Most meat also contains antibiotics and growth hormones, like oestrogen and testosterone, which can promote cancer growth. And fish is often contaminated with mercury, which is toxic, and can cause brain damage, and may also contribute to atrial fibrillation and fatal heart attack risk. Fortunately, there is no need to consume meat or other animal products, and a wholefoods, plant-based diet can provide all the essential nutrients for long-term health.”        

RESEARCH REFERENCED: http://www.pcrm.org/health/health-top... http://cebp.aacrjournals.org/content/... http://nutritionfacts.org/topics/merc... http://nutritionfacts.org/video/uproo...   YouTube: / @theveganactivist

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Why Did Jesus Stay Around For 40 Days? Christ Offered One Sacrifice for Sins Forever. Cancer-Causing NDMA in Medications and Meat.

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“Q:Why did Jesus stay around for 40 days after He came back from the grave, instead of going immediately into heaven? This came up in our Bible class the other day and no one seemed to have an answer.

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A: One reason Jesus stayed on earth for 40 days after His resurrection instead of ascending immediately into heaven was to demonstrate to His followers that He truly was alive.

After all, they knew the Roman authorities had put Jesus to death, and that His body had been taken down from the cross and sealed in a tomb. And when that happened, they were filled with despair and fear; many even went into hiding. They had believed Jesus was the promised Messiah—and now their hopes were shattered. They had forgotten His promise that He would return from the grave, and they felt they had no future.

But when Jesus appeared among them after the resurrection, their lives were changed. The greatest miracle in all history had just taken place: Jesus Christ was alive! During those 40 days, He appeared to various groups of disciples, proving beyond doubt to them that he had been raised from the dead by the power of God. Over two decades later, the Apostle Paul wrote that “he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living” (1 Corinthians 15:6).

Another reason, however, why Jesus stayed on earth then was to teach His disciples, and prepare them for the task of telling the world about Christ. Is your faith in the risen Christ, and are you seeking to share His message of salvation with others?”  From: https://billygraham.org/answer/why-did-jesus-stay-around-for-40-days-after-he-came-back-from-the-grave-instead-of-going-immediately-into-heaven/

Jesus left His followers with an assignment: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). Wondering if that command is still relevant?

MORE STORIES

• Is Jesus the Only Way to Heaven?

• Billy Graham: Would You Have Welcomed Jesus or Rejected Him?

• Will Graham Devotion: When My Grandfather Entered Heaven

• Is It Wrong to Long for Heaven? Billy Graham’s Answer

• What Do You Say to Someone Who Doesn’t Believe in Heaven?

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Christ Offered One Sacrifice for Sins Forever

Hebrews 10:12

“But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God.

 The book of Hebrews shows how the Old Testament sacrificial system was designed to point to the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The priests of the tribe of Levi were told to regularly offer animal sacrifices. These sacrifices were to remind the people that sin requires the shedding of blood.

Sin offerings of animals, though a costly reminder of sin, did not remove the sins or the death penalty we each earn by sin. Hebrews 10:4 explains, “For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins.” The animal sacrifices were a symbol of the true sacrifice—Jesus Christ.

As the Son of God and Creator, Jesus Christ’s life is worth far more than the lives of all humans who will ever live. His one death more than paid the death penalty for all who will repent and seek forgiveness.

For more about the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ and what our response should be to it, see “What Is Repentance?”

Listen to the "Verse by Verse" episode covering this scripture at: https://lifehopeandtruth.com/bible/blog/christ-offered-one-sacrifice-for-sins-forever/?

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Cancer-Causing NDMA in Medications (Zantac, Metformin) and Meat

Transcript of video at: https://nutritionfacts.org/video/cancer-causing-ndma-in-medications-zantac-metformin-and-meat/

Below is an approximation of this video’s audio content. To see any graphs, charts, graphics, images, and quotes to which Dr. Greger may be referring, watch the above video.

“Billion-dollar drugs pulled from the market for carcinogenic contamination less than that found in a single serving of grilled chicken.

In 2018, one of the bestselling blood pressure drugs, valsartan—sold as Diovan—was found to be contaminated by the “probably carcinogenic” nitrosamine known as N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA). It’s believed that approximately 20 million people worldwide were prescribed the drug tainted with this contaminant whose cancer risk has been shown to exceed that of many known potent carcinogens, including asbestos, benzo[a]pyrene, and PCBs.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) estimated that taking the drug for a few years could cause cancer in as many as 1 in 8,000 people, whereas the European equivalent of the FDA estimated the cancer risk could be as high as 1 in 5,000. It is unlikely, researchers wrote in this Spring 2019 paper, that drugs like valsartan are a unique case. And indeed, a few months later, the FDA announced it had found NDMA in ranitidine.

Ranitidine, the acid reflux drug sold as Zantac, is one of the most prescribed drugs on the planet, in addition to being sold over the counter. Give people a single tablet and the amount of NDMA flowing through their bodies jumps up more than a hundred-fold.

Then in 2020, some formulations of metformin, a popular diabetes drug sold as Glucophage, were found to be contaminated. The finding of NDMA in common medicines led the FDA to call for the immediate withdrawal of all Zantac from store shelves, yanking the drug from the market because their testing showed NDMA levels could in some circumstances exceed the acceptable daily intake limit of 96 nanograms per day. It was so bad that the FDA found levels of this carcinogenic contaminant NDMA in Zantac similar to the levels you would expect to be exposed to if you ate grilled or smoked meats!

Wait, what?

NDMA has not only been found in contaminating drugs. It is a known byproduct from pesticide manufacturing, leather tanning, and tire plants, and is found in multiple foods and beverages, including processed meat and beer. Now that we know NDMA can transfer through the placenta, this may explain the relationship between maternal cured meat consumption during pregnancy and the risk of childhood brain tumors. For example, hot dog consumption during pregnancy may increase childhood brain tumor risk by 33 percent or sausage consumption may increase it by 44 percent. Bacon consumption may increase childhood brain tumor odds by 60 or 70 percent. But it’s not just processed meat. Researchers have found it in poultry products as well.

A single serving of chicken contains more than 100 nanograms of NDMA. Remember how the FDA said the acceptable daily intake limit is 96 nanograms per day? Half of a chicken breast contains 110.

Now, raw poultry doesn’t have any; it’s the cooking process. In fact, the dry-heat cooking of meat, like broiling or grilling, even creates airborne NDMA, releasing this very potent carcinogenic compound into the air. So, even if you’re only getting a salad or something in a charcoal grill restaurant, just being indoors where meat is being cooked could pose a significant cancer risk.

These nitrosamines are also found in cigarette smoke, and pressure was put on the tobacco industry to try to remove them, arguing that there is simply no logical reason why a removable carcinogen should be allowed to remain in a consumer product. That’s the same reason Zantac was yanked from store shelves.

Okay, so let me get this straight.

One of the best-selling drugs in history was pulled from the market—a drug that brought in billions of dollars—because it contained a probable carcinogen that exceeded the acceptable daily limit, but there may be more of the contaminant in a single serving of chicken! So, my question is: why aren’t they pulling the poultry off the shelves as well?”  From: https://nutritionfacts.org/video/cancer-causing-ndma-in-medications-zantac-metformin-and-meat/

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What Does Your Appearance Say About You? Slaves of Sin or Slaves of Righteousness? What You Should Know About Plant-Based Diets.

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What Does Your Appearance Say About You?

“While sitting in a waiting room, waiting for an eye exam, an elderly gentleman walked in whose appearance caught my eye. He had a nice suit on with a very nice wool overcoat. His shoes where so shiny you could probably see yourself in them. I can assure you I did not try. I thought to myself, this guy is rich, probably a CEO. As I looked around the room, everyone else was dressed in their jeans and one lady even had holes in her jeans. When I looked at the other people in the room, and how they were dressed, I certainly was not left with the same impression as I with the immaculate dressed elderly gentleman.

It made me think about our appearance. We know that God looks at the heart, and that is what is most important. But, our appearance leaves a message in others peoples minds. What does our appearance say about us? What is the first impression that people see when they see you? Does appearance mean anything? Is your appearance modest? Do we strive to wear our very best for the occasion? The main question we should also ask is does our appearance represent God? We are representative of God in our behavior and in our dress. We should dress as Ambassadors for the coming Kingdom of God. We should dress to honor God.

You do not have to spend a lot of money to look well dressed. Many thrift or second hand stores have great clothing for a low budget. You can find great quality clothes at these second hand shops. I know after seeing this gentleman it made me want to try harder and dress better because I know our appearance projects an image of us and of God, especially if they know we are Christians.

We want our appearance to project a high quality person, a representative of God! So always remember when you get ready to go somewhere what does your and my appearance say to others and am I representing God as an Ambassador?” From: https://www.ucg.org/beyond-today/blogs/what-does-your-appearance-say-about-you#comments.  Yes, there are lots of comments to read about this, too!

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Slaves of Sin or Slaves of Righteousness?

Romans 6:15-16

What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Certainly not! Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?

“The apostle Paul, after describing in Romans 5 the incredible sacrifice of Jesus Christ to pay the penalty of our sins and make possible the free gift of forgiveness and eternal life, saw the need to explain more fully.

We can do nothing to “earn” forgiveness or eternal life, but that doesn’t mean that God wants us to continue sinning. Obviously if God hates sin so much that He requires the death penalty for sin, He does not want us to go back to doing it. Sin causes pain and suffering and death. Obeying God’s law produces right relationships and life.

Paul points out that humans must choose whom they will serve: either sin leading to death or obedience to God’s good and righteous law, which leads to being right with God. Those are the only two choices; and as God said long before, He wants us to choose obedience and “choose life” (Deuteronomy 30:16-19).

For more about sin and God’s law, see “The 10 Commandments for Today.” From: https://lifehopeandtruth.com/bible/blog/slaves-of-sin-or-slaves-of-righteousness/?

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What You Should Know About Plant-Based Diets

“Learn the pros, cons and safe ways to remove meat products from your diet ​

Thinking about trying out a plant-based diet and want to know more? Here, dietitians Kate Patton, MEd, RD, CSSD, LD, and Julia Zumpano, RD, LD, explore some details that can help you decide if it’s right for you — and if so, how to jump right in.

What is a plant-based diet?

These vegan-like diets eliminate all animal products, including meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy and honey. As the name suggests, everything you eat — including whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds — is derived from plants.

Are plant-based diets healthy?

Research reflects that following a plant-based diet has significant health benefits as long as you do it correctly.

“No matter when you start, a diet that is focused on plant foods will help you work toward the prevention of many illnesses and feeling better overall,” Zumpano says.

If followed properly, a whole foods, plant-based diet limits the use of oils, added sugars and processed foods, leaving only whole foods to provide nutrition. This maximizes nutrient intake and virtually eliminates foods that can lead to poor health outcomes.

These diets are low in saturated fat, free of cholesterol, and rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

Research also reveals that following this type of diet will lower your risks of:

• Heart disease.
• Hypertension (high blood pressure).
• Diabetes.
• Digestive disease.
• Colon and breast cancers.
• Obesity.

Studies also show that a plant-based diet can help to lower body weight and reduce your LDL cholesterol.

The cons of a plant-based diet

Following a plant-based diet means saying goodbye to all animal products — including lean meat and dairy products such as milk, yogurt, cheese and ice cream.

“That’s easier said than done for many of us,” Patton says. “But when you have the right guidelines and wrap in changes over time, replacing animal products in your diet is possible.”

Another thing to note — if you don’t plan your plant-based diet correctly, you may not meet all your protein, vitamin and mineral needs. And you won’t feel or look your best if you develop a nutritional deficiency. But there are easy ways to make sure you’re getting the nutrients you need.

How to get enough protein

You’ll want to make sure that your diet includes enough protein to maintain muscle mass, strong bones and healthy skin. The following foods are packed with protein:

• Beans, lentils and split peas.
• Quinoa.
• Fermented Soy products like tempeh, tofu, soybeans and soy milk.
• Nuts and seeds.

How to get enough vitamins and minerals

You’ll also need to get adequate calcium and vitamin D in your diet to ensure healthy bones. This won’t be difficult if you:

• Drink a milk alternative such as soy, almond, rice or hemp milk, which contain both calcium and the vitamin D needed to absorb it.
• Eat plenty of dark green leafy lettuce and beans which contain calcium.
• Eat mushrooms and fortified cereals which contain vitamin D. If you aren’t consuming fortified foods on a consistent basis you’ll need to take a vitamin D supplement. Sunlight is another source of vitamin D.

You’ll also need enough zinc in your diet to support a healthy immune system, enough iron to maintain energy and immunity and enough vitamin B12 to produce red blood cells and prevent anemia. This means you’ll want to:

• Eat whole grains, beans and fortified cereals for zinc and iron.
• Eat fortified cereals and soy products to get your vitamin B12.
• Nutritional yeast is also a great source of vitamin B12.

How to get started on a plant-based diet  …………..

Continued at: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/is-a-plant-based-diet-right-for-you

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The 10 Commandments and God’s Way of Life. Christ’s Example of Sabbath Observance. Statin Muscle Toxicity.

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The 10 Commandments and God’s Way of Life

“Our Creator God knows what is good for us and what is bad for us. What does the Bible tell us God wants us to do? Why did God give the 10 Commandments?

God knows what is good and bad for us, and He has recorded this information in the Bible to save us from the heartache and suffering that the wrong choices—what the Bible calls sins—bring.

But humanity as a whole has chosen to try to discover right and wrong by trial and error. Even worse, most people choose to experiment for themselves, not even learning from the mistakes of others!

The 10 Commandments show the right way

Jesus Christ summarized the right way in two great commandments: Love for God and love for others (Matthew 22:37-40 ). This basic approach is further defined by the great law God thundered from Mount Sinai—the 10 Commandments.

The rest of the Bible further magnifies the holy, just and good law of God. It reveals a way of life that produces great benefits in this life and that Jesus said is a prerequisite to entering eternal life (Matthew 19:17 ).

How can we know how to love God except He tells us? How can we avoid the pitfalls of human relationships unless we accept the wisdom revealed in God’s law?

And how can we know what sin is unless God defines it? In 1 John 3:4 sin is defined: “Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness.” The Contemporary English Version translates this as “sin is the same as breaking God’s law.”

Importance of the 10 Commandments as guardrails

Many seem to think of the laws of the Bible as burdensome and restrictive. But the apostle John shows the opposite:

“For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome” (1 John 5:3).

God’s commandments are expressions of His love for us, and obeying them allows us to show we appreciate that and love Him in return. So instead of viewing them as burdensome, we can look at the 10 Commandments as the protective guardrails that can help guide us away from going over the edge of the cliff.

God’s laws show the way to good relationships and eternal peace and joy. Breaking God’s laws does the opposite—damaging relationships and causing unhappiness, conflict, suffering and ultimately death.

God’s commandments are not complicated or convoluted, like so many of man’s laws are. But they can guide us in all areas of life and provide a structure for understanding the other complementary teachings of the Bible.

Disagreements about the 10 Commandments

Some argue that Christ’s death did away with the need to obey the 10 Commandments. But if they honestly look at each commandment, the vast majority wouldn’t say that it is okay to kill, commit adultery, steal or lie. They wouldn’t advocate for blasphemy or idolatry or covetousness. Generally, the only commandment most object to is the Sabbath command.

But did Jesus, the “Lord of the Sabbath,” who said it was made for our benefit (Mark 2:27-28), really repeal the Sabbath commandment? See more about this in our article “Lord of the Sabbath” and related articles.

Different numbering of the 10 Commandments for Jews, Catholics and Protestants

One other disagreement should be mentioned here—how they are numbered. The Bible itself doesn’t number the 10 Commandments, but it does tell us there are 10 in Exodus 34:28 and Deuteronomy 10:4. This is also reflected in the Greek word that came into English as Decalogue.

But you may notice that different religions number those same commandments differently. We follow the numbering also used by most Protestant groups. But many Jewish resources will show Exodus 20:2 as the First Commandment, while we consider that verse a prologue since it doesn’t include a command. These resources then combine verse 3 (which we call the First Commandment) and verses 4-6 (which we call the Second Commandment). From there, the numbering matches the way we list them.

The Catholic numbering combines the ones we call the First and Second Commandments, calling the combination the First Commandment. From there, their numbering is one less than the list we use. For example, in the Catholic list, the Sabbath command is called the Third Commandment, rather than the Fourth Commandment in our list.

To come up with 10, the Catholic list breaks the law against coveting into two parts. For Catholics, the Ninth Commandment is to not covet your neighbor’s wife. The 10th Commandment is to not covet your neighbor’s goods.

Considering that coveting your neighbor’s wife does not come first in Exodus 20 (it does in Moses’ retelling of the law in Deuteronomy 5), we believe it makes more sense that the law against coveting is all one commandment.

Of course, the important point is not the numbering or how they are grouped, but making sure none of the commandments are neglected. When the 10 Commandments are only looked at in short form, such neglect is a distinct danger. See “10 Commandments List” for a look at these Jewish and Catholic lists.

Learn more about the 10 Commandments

See more about how God wants us to live—for our own benefit—in this section on “The 10 Commandments and God’s Way of Life.” Articles in this section explore God’s laws and examine the continuity of God’s law between the Old and New Testaments. Articles on each commandment examine the meaning of the 10 Commandments in simple terms and how they apply today.” From: https://lifehopeandtruth.com/bible/10-commandments/?

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Christ’s Example of Sabbath Observance

Luke 4:31  Then He went down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and was teaching them on the Sabbaths.

“As we discussed concerning the passages in Mark 1:21 and Mark 6:2, Jesus Christ’s custom was to observe the Sabbath. The Bible teaches us to follow Christ’s example and to walk as He walked (1 Peter 2:21; 1 John 2:6).

The apostle John explained: “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome” (1 John 5:3). So why do so few Christians follow Christ’s example of keeping the Sabbath commandment? Why do so many neglect this gift from God?

For more about what Jesus Christ expects of His followers, see our article “How to Keep the Sabbath Holy.”       From: https://lifehopeandtruth.com/bible/blog/christs-example-of-sabbath-observance/?

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Statin Muscle Toxicity

Below is an approximation of this video’s audio content. To see any graphs, charts, graphics, images, and quotes to which Dr. Greger may be referring, watch the video at https://nutritionfacts.org/video/statin-muscle-toxicity/

“Video updated 3/5/2012 to reflect new FDA warning labels citing risks of confusion, memory loss, new onset diabetes, and muscle injury. Even people who don’t experience pain or weakness on cholesterol-lowering statin drugs may be suffering muscle damage.”

“Last week, February 28, 2012, the FDA announced newly mandated safety labeling for cholesterol-lowering statin drugs—such as Lipitor, Mevacor, Crestor, Zocor, and Vytorin. The FDA issued new side effect warnings regarding the increased risk of brain-related side effects, such as memory loss and confusion, an increase in blood sugar levels, and risk of new onset diabetes associated with taking this class of drugs. 

One prominent cardiologist described the Faustian bargain to the Wall Street Journal. Apparently, “1 to 2 out of 100 patients at risk for a heart attack will avoid one” by taking statins. But research now suggests for every 200 people taking a statin, 1 will develop diabetes. 

Wouldn’t it be great if there were some way to lower the risk of heart attacks and diabetes at the same time?

First, let me address the third side effect newly addressed by the FDA: the risk of muscle injury. We’ve known that about 1% to 5% of patients suffer enough muscle damage to cause pain and overt weakness, but only about 1 in 6,000,000 or 7,000,000 actually suffers enough muscle damage to kill them. It’s called fatal rhabdomyolysis, where your muscles break down so rapidly your urine starts looking like this, as you literally start peeing your muscles down the toilet. Then your kidneys fail, and you die.

But that’s like winning the lottery chances. There’s a 1 in 2 chance we’ll die of heart disease—so, no surprise Lipitor is the #1 prescribed drug on the planet Earth.

But then, this study was published. Normally, if you have muscle pain on a statin, you go to a doctor, and they take blood to see if you have elevated levels of muscle breakdown products in your bloodstream. Now if you don’t, they basically say, oh, it’s all in your head—go home, keep taking your medicine.

What these researchers did, though, was they instead took these people, and got muscle biopsies, and proved that even though their blood levels were normal, they were indeed suffering muscle damage. The damage just wasn’t leaking into their bloodstream. Well, if that’s the case, if you can’t pick it up with the test, maybe everyone taking statins is suffering muscle damage—whether they’re experiencing pain or not.

And that’s exactly what they found. Clear evidence of skeletal muscle damage in statin-treated patients—all statin-treated patients. This is what a muscle is supposed to look like under a microscope. This is your muscle; this is your muscle on statin drugs.

But, the degree of overall damage was slight. Most people don’t even feel any pain with statins, so what’s the big deal?

This is the big deal. New study on statin therapy, muscle function, and falls risk. Hundreds of older men and women followed for a few years, and those who were on statins suffered greater declines in muscle strength and muscle quality, and greater increases in falls risk.

So we don’t want to be taking this drug unless we really need it. The problem is, because heart disease remains our #1 killer, most everyone does need to take a statin drug like Lipitor every day for the rest of our lives—except for one group. This is from the editor-in-chief of the American Journal of Cardiology: “Only pure vegetarians for practical purposes do not need statins. Most of the rest of us do!”    So, it’s our choice.”            From: https://nutritionfacts.org/video/statin-muscle-toxicity/

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The Holy Days They Changed But Couldn’t Kill. Paul Preaches to Jews and Greeks. Foods That Fight Inflammation.

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The Holy Days They Changed but Couldn’t Kill

“Jesus and the early Church did things that would seem odd today. How—and why—did people stop celebrating the holy days Jesus did? What should you do about it?

If you belong to a typical mainstream church today and could somehow be transported back nearly 2,000 years to the time of the New Testament Church, wouldn’t that be exciting?

A chasm between Christianity today and the early Church

Actually, you might find it rather disturbing! If you talked with anyone then about your religious doctrines and practices of today, they would quickly characterize you as a heretic! You would be lost, confused, out of place and considered, well … odd!

On the other hand, if members of the early Church could be resurrected and placed into a conventional church today, they, too, would find it completely foreign. That’s because the practices of Christianity today have virtually nothing in common with those of Jesus and the Church He founded.

Continuing your imaginary trip back to the first century, the people of the New Testament Church would be perplexed if you brought up the Trinity, immortal soul, rapture, baptizing infants or baptizing by sprinkling, going to heaven or hell when you die, or a myriad of other doctrines commonly accepted today.

And perhaps your first surprise would be when you showed up on Sunday to worship with them—no one would be there! Easter services—what are you talking about?

Why would the Church of the first century seem so bizarre? It’s because the core teachings of Jesus and the apostles were systematically dismantled and replaced over time with other ideas.

Deception in the Church? Why?

Jesus knew that His adversaries would first kill Him, and then others would follow trying to obliterate or reinterpret His teachings and practices.

In Matthew 24 He spared no words, warning, “Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many” (verses 4-5) and, “Many false prophets will rise up and deceive many” (verse 11).

It didn’t take long.

The early Church fights heresy

A common theme in Paul’s, Peter’s, John’s and Jude’s writings is their fight against the heretical changes assailing the early Church. Ironically, in some instances they found their own words were being distorted by these deceivers!

Note Peter’s stunning statement about Paul’s epistles: “Speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures” (2 Peter 3:16).

Paul wouldn’t recognize the teachings and practices of most churches today, and it’s easy to think he’d be appalled to see how his words have been twisted to justify many of today’s doctrines. But then again, maybe he wouldn’t be surprised.

After all, he’d seen it already. He wrote the Galatians: “I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ” (Galatians 1:6-7).

Jude faced the same battle. He found it “necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 1:3).

How the faith slipped away

History is clear on how the faith once delivered was quickly slipping away. Less than a hundred years after Christ, Bishop Sixtus of Rome pushed the Church to rid itself of “Jewish” customs and substitute new ones.

Bishop Victor of Rome sparked a huge controversy by pressing the Church to switch from observing the Passover to Easter Sunday. Victor's agenda eventually prevailed as the Council of Nicaea settled the issue in A.D. 325.  On his heels Bishop Victor of Rome sparked a huge controversy by pressing the Church to switch from observing the Passover (to commemorate Christ’s death) to Easter Sunday (to commemorate His resurrection). He ran into a strong opponent in Polycrates of Ephesus.

The historian Eusebius cites Polycrates’ brave defense in which he lists many names of people faithful to Christ’s teachings.

“All these observed the fourteenth day of the passover according to the Gospel, deviating in no respect, but following the rule of faith,” he wrote. “And I also, Polycrates … and my relatives always observed the day when the people put away the leaven [the biblical Feast of Unleavened Bread]. I, therefore, brethren, who have lived sixty-five years in the Lord, and have met with the brethren throughout the world, and have gone through every Holy Scripture, am not affrighted by terrifying words. For those greater than I have said ‘We ought to obey God rather than man.’”

Victor’s agenda eventually prevailed as the Council of Nicaea settled the issue in A.D. 325.

Behind the scenes: anti-Semitism and rejection of Passover

But why would anyone even be interested in fomenting upset by forcing such doctrinal change in Church practice? Here’s where it gets ugly. Something far more sinister than just new doctrinal ideas was working behind the scenes.

Another driving force had begun heavily influencing people: anti-Semitism. Of course, Jesus was a Jew, as were the apostles! They never thought of the Passover and other biblical holy days as Jewish—they were God’s! But anything related to what some viewed as Jewish would now be targeted.

Constantine, the first Roman emperor to convert to Christianity, brought his hatred of anything Jewish with him, as he revealed in his letter to the delegates at Nicaea:

“It was decreed unworthy to observe that most sacred festival [Passover] in accordance with the practice of the Jews; having sullied their own hands with a heinous crime, such bloodstained men are as one might expect mentally blind. … Let there be nothing in common between you and the detestable mob of Jews! We have received from the Saviour another way. … Let us with one accord take up this course … and so tear ourselves away from that disgusting complicity. For it is surely quite grotesque for them to be able to boast that we would be incapable of keeping these observances without their instruction” (Eusebius, Life of Constantine, 3.18.2-3).

Constantine was wrong. They had not “received from our Saviour another way.” Paul had written in detail about the observance and meaning of the Passover, stating, “For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you” (1 Corinthians 11:23). But these church leaders preferred to receive their direction from a Roman emperor rather than a New Testament apostle, and thus institutionalized Easter as “Christian” and marginalized Passover as “Jewish.”

Anti-Semitism and the change of the Sabbath

The Sabbath suffered a similar fate, from a similar motive, as church leaders changed to Sunday observance.

Out of the Council of Laodicea in A.D. 365 came Canon 29, stating: “Christians must not judaize by resting on the Sabbath, but must work on that day, rather honouring the Lord’s Day, and, if they can, resting then as Christians. But if any shall be found to be judaizers, let them be anathema [accursed] from Christ.”

Really? To worship on the same days Jesus did would now make you accursed?

This raises a troubling question: Does doctrinal change of any kind, but especially that of fundamental belief and practice, have any legitimacy when it has been dictated by anti-Semitism?

It is true that certain Jews were a thorn in the side of the Roman Empire, and certain religious factions of the Jews were persecuting Christians (thousands of whom, it should be noted, were Jews!). But if we allow our animosity toward some group to influence our integrity with interpreting the Scriptures, that puts us in conflict with God!

The Lord of the Sabbath and the feasts of the LORD

The Sabbath was not the Jews’—it was God’s! Jesus said, “The Sabbath was made for man [not just the Jews], and not man for the Sabbath.” Furthermore, He “is also Lord of the Sabbath” (Mark 2:27-28).

And centuries earlier, when God gave Israel His holy days, He said: “The feasts of the LORD, which you shall proclaim to be holy convocations, these are My feasts” (Leviticus 23:2, emphasis added throughout). These are the same feasts we find from both history and the Bible that the New Testament Church kept. They were never “Jewish feasts” or the “Jewish Sabbath”—they were, and are, God’s!

So when did He legitimize changing His holy days? Is it okay with Him if humans discard the Fourth Commandment, substituting Sunday for the Sabbath that He created, sanctified and hallowed? Does He care if we trade His holy days and adopt others from non-Christian religions?

History shows that as the years passed there were always small groups of people who said, “Yes, it matters!” Their numbers were small, especially in the face of sometimes horrific persecution, but they steadfastly held to the biblical doctrines and practices of Christ and the New Testament Church. Some even gave their lives, displaying a courage of conviction that would not allow them to compromise the truth.

They recognized when doctrinal changes were unbiblical and when the motives behind them were wrong.

Daniel Augsburger, a professor of historical theology at Andrews University, wrote this in The Sabbath in Scripture and History: “But also, all throughout that period there were groups of people who, either through the example of the Jews or because of their study of the Scriptures, attempted to keep the day that Jesus and the apostles had kept. For obvious reasons we know little about their number or their names, but their presence shows that in every age there were some who attempted to place the Word of God above the traditions of men” (1982, p. 210).

Who has the authority to change biblical doctrine?

All religious practices derive their authority from somewhere. Who molded and shaped what you believe today? If it differs from what the Bible says and what the New Testament Church practiced, does anyone have the authority to make such changes?

Most people just accept what they have been taught. Some try to read meaning into Scripture that justifies their doctrinal position. Others are more honest with history and admit they just changed things.

Thomas Aquinas, for example, one of history’s most influential theologians, wrote, “In the New Law the observance of the Lord’s day took the place of the observance of the Sabbath, not by virtue of the precept but by the institution of the Church and the custom of Christian people.”

The Catholic Virginian offered this admission: “All of us believe many things in regard to religion that we do not find in the Bible. For example, nowhere in the Bible do we find that Christ or the Apostles ordered that the Sabbath be changed from Saturday to Sunday. We have the commandment of God given to Moses to keep holy the Sabbath Day, that is the 7th day of the week, Saturday. Today most Christians keep Sunday because it has been revealed to us by the Church outside the Bible.”

It’s refreshingly honest, but honesty still doesn’t substitute for godly authority.

Today Easter is the holiest time of the year for Christianity, but most worshippers are unaware that their only authority for that day and doctrine is the word of men, not God. Jesus and His apostles’ warnings came true—men did “rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves,” as Paul told the elders at Ephesus (Acts 20:30).

Some of them changed the days Jesus and the Church kept, but they couldn’t fully eradicate them.

Do these changes to God’s holy days matter?

So, does it matter? It comes down to this: Can we claim to worship the Savior who gave His life for us if we follow those who tried to kill His doctrines and practices?

The apostle John said it well: “He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked” (1 John 2:6). And, “This is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, that as you have heard from the beginning, you should walk in it” (2 John 1:6).”      From:https://lifehopeandtruth.com/life/plan-of-salvation/days-they-changed/

“For more on God’s festivals and their meaning to Christians today, watch our video series “Feasts of the Lord.” This series of 10 short videos explores God’s plan and what it means for you.”

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Paul Preaches Every Sabbath to Jews and Greeks

Acts 18:4

“And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded both Jews and Greeks.”

“Paul’s preaching in Athens appears to not have borne much fruit (Acts 17:32-34), but when he came to Corinth, God let him know “I have many people in this city” (Acts 18:10).

Paul worked during the week as a tentmaker alongside Aquila, but every Sabbath he preached and persuaded both those of Jewish background and those who weren’t Jewish (the Greeks or gentiles).

The Bible consistently shows Paul and the other apostles and the New Testament Church continued to observe the seventh-day Sabbath as their day of worship. For more on this, see our article “Did Paul Change the Sabbath Command?””               From: https://lifehopeandtruth.com/bible/blog/paul-preaches-every-sabbath-to-jews-and-greeks/?

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Foods that fight inflammation

“Doctors are learning that one of the best ways to reduce inflammation lies not in the medicine cabinet, but in the refrigerator.  By following an anti-inflammatory diet you can fight off inflammation for good.

What does an anti-inflammatory diet do? Your immune system becomes activated when your body recognizes anything that is foreign—such as an invading microbe, plant pollen, or chemical. This often triggers a process called inflammation. Intermittent bouts of inflammation directed at truly threatening invaders protect your health.

However, sometimes inflammation persists, day in and day out, even when you are not threatened by a foreign invader. That's when inflammation can become your enemy. Many major diseases that plague us—including cancer, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, depression, and Alzheimer's—have been linked to chronic inflammation.

One of the most powerful tools to combat inflammation comes not from the pharmacy, but from the grocery store. "Many experimental studies have shown that components of foods or beverages may have anti-inflammatory effects," says Dr. Frank Hu, professor of nutrition and epidemiology in the Department of Nutrition at the Harvard School of Public Health.

Protect yourself from the damage of chronic inflammation.

Science has proven that chronic, low-grade inflammation can turn into a silent killer that contributes to cardiovas­cular disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes and other conditions. Get simple tips to fight inflammation and stay healthy -- from Harvard Medical School experts.

View Protect yourself from the damage of chronic inflammation.

Choose the right anti-inflammatory foods, and you may be able to reduce your risk of illness. Consistently pick the wrong ones, and you could accelerate the inflammatory disease process.

Foods that cause inflammation

Try to avoid or limit these foods as much as possible:

• refined carbohydrates, such as white bread and pastries

• French fries and other fried foods

• soda and other sugar-sweetened beverages

• red meat (burgers, steaks) and processed meat (hot dogs, sausage)

• margarine, shortening, and lard

The health risks of inflammatory foods

Not surprisingly, the same foods on an inflammation diet are generally considered bad for our health, including sodas and refined carbohydrates, as well as red meat and processed meats.

"Some of the foods that have been associated with an increased risk for chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease are also associated with excess inflammation," Dr. Hu says. "It's not surprising, since inflammation is an important underlying mechanism for the development of these diseases."

Unhealthy foods also contribute to weight gain, which is itself a risk factor for inflammation. Yet in several studies, even after researchers took obesity into account, the link between foods and inflammation remained, which suggests weight gain isn't the sole driver. "Some of the food components or ingredients may have independent effects on inflammation over and above increased caloric intake," Dr. Hu says.

Anti-inflammatory foods

An anti-inflammatory diet should include these foods:

• tomatoes

• olive oil, avocado oil

• green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, kale, and collards

• nuts like almonds and walnuts

• fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines

• fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, cherries, and oranges”

More at: https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/foods-that-fight-inflammation

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