Signs & Wonders Blog

Believers shouldn’t tire of watching films about the life of Jesus, often referred to as the greatest story ever told. An animated version titled “ The King of Kings ” premiered in theaters on Friday, April 11th, and became the second highest-grossing film of the weekend, surpassed only by “A Minecraft Movie.” I had the pleasure of watching it this past Monday.  “The King of Kings” features a cartoon rendition of Charles Dickens. The English author narrates the story of Jesus to his son Walter, who is enamored with King Arthur. Charles points out that the King of Kings is more captivating than King Arthur because “He doesn’t require a sword.” The boy, his father, and the family cat are featured prominently in numerous illustrated Bible stories. This reminded me of the Christian cartoon series “Superbook.” A couple of scenes deviated from biblical accuracy. One showed the Magi appearing before Jesus as a baby. Matthew 2 points out He was a young Child. The movie also displayed Pe...

Just over a week ago, I joined a ministry called GodTown that regularly reaches out to homeless people in St. Paul, Minnesota. While we put together bags of food at an outreach center, two Jehovah’s Witnesses stopped in. The couple handed us brochures to promote an Easter event they were having. That’s rather odd since the Watchtower discourages celebrating holidays.  I asked one of the Jehovah’s Witnesses questions about eternity, plus shared Scripture pointing out that salvation is a gift one must receive. The Watchtower promotes a false gospel based on works. One woman who was part of GodTown later approached me with tears in her eyes. She thought I needed to “love them more.” With all due respect to her concerns, we are to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). True love warns sinners of wrong beliefs that can lead to eternal separation from God. Galatians 1:8 says,  “But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to ...

Today is Easter (or as some Christians prefer calling it: “Resurrection Sunday”). Select individuals only come to church for this holiday and Christmas. That’s why many fellowships have services that reach out to them. A few will also have events outside their buildings. Back in 2010, I worked with a church in Charleston, South Carolina. Eight days before Easter, they held a party in a nearby park. Food was given away, plus they had a petting zoo, an Easter egg hunt, and a guy walking around dressed in a bunny suit. In the end, Easter baskets were handed out after a short message from the pastor who led multitudes to receive salvation. I had volunteered to work in the prayer tent and led seven other people to the Lord and convinced a backslider to “slide back” to God. Even if your church doesn’t have a special Easter event, you can still use this holiday to reach out to others. One night at a shopping mall, I randomly asked seven people what’s the first thing that came to their mind...

Today is Easter (or “Resurrection Sunday” as some Christians prefer calling it). According to the New Oxford American Dictionary, Easter is “the most important and oldest festival of the Christian Church, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ and held between March 21 and April 25, on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the northern spring equinox.” Some Christians avoid using the term Easter because it’s believed to have originated from the name of a goddess associated with spring. However, Easter is mentioned in the King James Bible. Acts 12:4 (KJV) says, “And when he [Herod] had apprehended him [Peter], he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people.” Other translations use “Passover” instead of Easter. Just like with Christmas, Easter has pagan practices associated with it. Probably the most famous of which is children receiving candy from a character kn...

Mr. T This year Easter and April Fools Day land on the same day. While most Christians today will focus on observing the Resurrection, some of them may also participate in various pranks. According to Wikipedia, “April Fools' Day (sometimes called All Fools' Day) is an annual celebration in some European and Western countries commemorated on April 1 by playing practical jokes and spreading hoaxes…People playing April Fool jokes often expose their prank by shouting ‘April fool’ at the unfortunate victim(s).” Is it ever appropriate for believers to joke around like that? Perhaps it’s okay with people you know who have a sense of humor. Occasionally, I see pastors make wisecracks from the pulpit but then quickly clarify to their congregations they are teasing. Sometimes when holding the door open for a friend about to walk inside a church, I’ll say, “We’re all full” and after pausing a second add “…of the Holy Ghost.” A few days ago, I went to a church where coffee wa...

As Christians, we should stand for biblical truth. Unfortunately, some defenders of the faith are too quick to judge certain ministers as heretics. A few months ago, a Facebook friend blasted a well-known preacher for proclaiming at a local church, “Jesus was born again in hell.” I was at that same service. The “born again in hell” comment generated question marks in my mind. Other than that, I didn’t hear this preacher say anything that would be considered heresy.  While walking into the bathroom at this church, I pondered the “born again” comment. Suddenly, Romans 8:29 came to my remembrance: “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.” Jesus is also referred to as “the firstborn” in Colossians chapter 1 verses 15 and 18. Those of you familiar with the Apostles’ Creed will recall the phrase of Jesus descending into hell. Scriptures supporting that concept include… ...

An objection some people bring up regarding the gospel is comparing Jesus to other religious figures such as Buddha and Mohammed. My usual response is quoting what Jesus said in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”  I also like to point out what happens when Christians obey the Great Commission. Jesus said in Mark 16:17-18, “And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” I’ve yet to see someone healed in the name of Allah or Buddah. Another commandment Jesus gave His disciples was to “raise the dead.” (Matthew 10:8) While I personally haven’t seen a dead body come back to life, I know of other ministers God used to restore life to individuals who briefly died. Romans 4:17 says that God “…gi...

Some Christians prefer to call Easter “Resurrection Sunday.” One reason is the word Easter supposedly derived from the name of a goddess associated with spring. Because of this, a few Christians consider Easter a pagan holiday and distance themselves from it. Nevertheless, modern dictionaries define Easter as a Christian festival. It’s also worth noting the word Easter is found in the King James Bible; “And when he [Herod] had apprehended him [Peter], he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people.” (Acts 12:4) I believe one can get too religious about certain holidays. Psalm 118:24 says, “This is the day the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” Easter is an excellent time to tell sinners about what the Savior did for them so they have the opportunity to receive eternal life.   One time in Charleston, South Carolina, I took part in an Easter Party Outreach he...