Friends of Dan and Diane Winkler (Matthew’s parents) have created a trust fund for Matthew and Mary Winkler’s three children, who are now living with their grandparents. If you are interested in giving for the future care of these children, visit The Winkler Family Fund.
by Matt Clifton
Every few years, a new doomsday prophecy arises. The latest to arrive on the media’s radar screen is the Mayan prophecy that time as we know it will end in 2012 due to the “galactic alignment” that will culminate in that year. Some websites that explain this idea are Alignment 2012 and this article on MSNBC.
So with this new doomsday scare, is there any reason to fear?
As with past hyped-up end times scenarios, this one too will pass without incident. The reason is that Jesus says not even He knows when the end will come, but only the Father knows (Matt. 24:36). When Christ comes again, then will come the end (1 Cor. 15:23-25).
No man can set a date on the end of the world, including the Mayans. Only God knows when the end comes, so have no fear in man’s imaginings.
But, we do need to watch! That means being prepared to leave this physical life at any moment. Are you prepared?
by Matt Clifton
The world is watching with sadness and morbid curiosity as Mary Winkler goes to trial charged with the shooting death of her husband, Matthew Winkler, a preacher for the Fourth Street church of Christ in Selmer, Tenn. The trial is being broadcast live by CourtTV. (more…)
by Matt Clifton
Yesterday, while watching a documentary about the construction of Walt Disney World in Florida, I was struck by how much attention was paid to detail. The builders of this giant theme park made great pains to make it the biggest and most astounding place for a family to experience on a vacation. The light shows and fireworks, pomp and pageantry, history and myth all combined in the world’s brightest display of whimsical joy.
Today, I read a story detailing how Disney once again is helping to pave the path toward acceptance for the sin of homosexuality. This is just another in a growing list of overtures toward the “gay community.” Past moves have included extending health insurance coverage to gay partners, and allowing “Gay Day” at Walt Disney World theme parks. Apparently, what was once seen as a world of “light” now has plenty of fellowship with darkness. (more…)
Apparently, Dr. James Dobson is an authority on who is a Christian, and who isn’t. At least, that’s what he seems to imply in a U.S. News article in reference to potential conservative presidential candidates.
Sadly, the founder of Focus on the Family seems to disagree with the Bible on what makes a Christian. Dobson says he doesn’t get the impression that former Sen. Fred Thompson is a Christian because “has never known Thompson to be a committed Christian””someone who talks openly about his faith.” (more…)
Speaking to a crowd in a northern suburb of Rome, the pope has attempted to remind his followers that hell is a real. The story is here.
Notice at the end of the story, it is stated that the pope said in October that “limbo” was only a “theological hypothesis,” and not a “definitive truth of the faith.” Does that mean no more purgatory for Catholicism?
On the Beliefnet.com website, the leading story today is called “Finding Your Angels.” Presented on this page are three “meditations” by author Doreen Virtue helping you to call on your guardian angel, relieve stress with the archangel Michael, and promote healing with the angel Raphael.
Far and away from biblical truth, these “meditations” sound more like prayers to angels. For instance, the transcript of the “stress relieving meditation” encourages the reader or listener to “call upon the Archangel Michael,” saying “please come to us now.” The author then encourages folks to ask Michael to clear them of unforgiveness, anger, and the like. (more…)
by Matt Clifton
With interest I watched Ted Koppel’s follow-up discussion on the “Lost Tomb of Jesus” program that aired on the Discovery Channel Sunday, March 4. Mr. Koppel approached many issues that were left untouched by makers of the film, and it was good to see archaeologists and theologians have an opportunity to refute the impossible claims being made in the documentary.
Although the theory that Jesus’ bones were buried in an ossuary in Jerusalem is a relative impossibility, many people have been somewhat disturbed by the claims. So when I saw a professor from Dallas Theological Seminary appear on Koppel’s program, I thought, “Finally perhaps someone will discuss what the Bible actually says about the manner of Christ’s resurrection!” (more…)