I Was Wrong About the Cross

While it’s true that non-Christian elements have been widespread in Christianity, as evidenced in everything from Vatican artwork to Easter bunnies, we overshot the runway on the cross. Here, I’ll address the common arguments against the cross symbol and hopefully answer the questions: Are crosses pagan? Does the depiction of a Latin cross dishonor Christianity, Christ, or the commandments of God?

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Bible, God, ChurchJohn Diffenderfer
Rethinking Silent Prayer

When we “pray” does the act bear any similarity to the act that Christ, Moses, Paul, and countless others thought of when they spoke about praying? Biblically, prayer was thought to be a verbal act. Praying, like blessing, vowing, praising, and speaking in tongues, required audible speaking. The tradition of spoken prayer was virtually universal throughout the ancient world.

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A Biblical and Historical Defense of Tongues

1 Corinthians says the most about Tongue’s use and value. It also has the most descriptive language about it. Read in entirety and context, Tongues is not merely foreign languages. To meet the criteria of being what Paul is talking about in 1 Corinthians 12 and 14, there are some key verses that cannot be dismissed.

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John Diffenderfer
“Higher Self” and “Dark Side” Morality — A Christian Response to an Ego Trip

Your “higher self” and your “dark side” are atheistic, ego-centric alternatives to God and Satan. A central problem is that they both hinge on the exaltation of your ego and self, which inherently lack objectivity. Thus, Good becomes subjective to your preference. Then, when your “higher self” achieves its self-defined Good, pride is the inevitable outcome. And when your “dark side” inevitably prevails, it’s inseparable from you.

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John Diffenderfer
The Waiting in the Faith Cycle

Faith develops over time. In the development of our faith, we are tested and influenced by demonic spirits or the Holy Spirit. We then choose a response: sin or righteousness. In the waiting, the fruit of our faith is revealed. This talk explores the essential waiting period and teaches how the Fruit of the Spirit and the Gifts of the Spirit can empower us as we wait for the results of our beliefs and actions.

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John Diffenderfer
Sex, Porn, and Demonic Daily Life

Extramarital sex, pornography, and other forms of idolatry are the gateway to demonic control and oppression. This talk covers Scriptural statements and historic truths and shows how these demonic powers are still very much alive — and as destructive as ever — in the world today.

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John Diffenderfer
How to Celebrate a Christian Hanukkah

Hanukkah is almost upon us. Every year, the Hanukkah season brings a new wave of Christians who express interest in celebrating this holiday. For many, it’s a completely new occasion to celebrate. After three decades spent celebrating a Christian Hanukkah, I’m happy to share a few of the ways you can begin to incorporate this holiday into your winter season.

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John Diffenderfer
Is Your “Little” Sin God’s Biggest Problem?

But God isn’t finite. There is no limit to His time, resources, influence, agency, energy, or attention. So maybe there’s no reason to assume that God prioritizes anything. Or perhaps, better asked: Is it plausible that God prioritizes everything equally? If the answer is yes, the consequences are enormous.

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John Diffenderfer
Dismantling the LGBT "Born this Way" Argument

Being “born this way” is a hot phrase for LGBT advocates, especially as they confront Christian objections to LGBT behavior. It seems like a perfect defense because it blames the Creator. The argument is simply: If God exists and created me, then it’s His will or fault that I am this way. It’s a catchy marketing slogan, but it’s a bullshit argument.

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Grieving the Trump Who Never Was

Today, President Donald Trump has finally conceded the end of his presidency. And while I’m sure that he and those in his family and administration are grieving a nightmare scenario, the lion’s share of the disappointment and pain will fall beyond the White House. It’s an inevitable part of any political failure, but this loss will be especially difficult on the candidate’s supporters.

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Forget the Five Love Languages — Only One Matters

Gary Chapman failed to accurately define the love languages, but I believe he hit upon a truth: It is utterly important to understand that people express and receive love in different ways. And, like Chapman, I too believe that there is an underlying means through which we express love. I believe we can understand it, define it, speak it, and become fluent in it. 

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John Diffenderfer
Why Did This Happen to You?

As you collect the pieces of your life, a question will haunt you: Why did this happen? It's the same question I've asked countless times. In our divinely complex and ordered world, it's impossible not to question why senseless, unmerited suffering occurs. The answer won't be simple, but don't fear the question. The question is for your good — not your torment.

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