Apostolic Authority and The Bible Part 4, with Dr. Matt Cawthorn, discusses the Protestant doctrine of "Sola Scriptura" as something we just accept without really delving into what this means for us today and all of its ramifications. How can we really know for certain which books belong in the Bible. Certain books of the New Testament, such as the synoptic gospels, can be shown to be reliable historical accounts of Jesus’ life. However, there were a number of New Testament books (e.g., Hebrews, James, 2 Peter, 2 and 3 John, Jude, and Revelation) whose very authorship and canonical status were debated in the early Church. In time, over the course of several centuries, the Church (not the Pentecostal church, or the Baptist church, or the other churches that are more recent on the church timeline,) THE CHURCH decided in their favor and they were included in the canon of inspired books. We are two thousand years removed from their writings. How in the world could we know if they should be included? How could we even have the possibility of proving these works were genuinely apostolic? The internal evidence of the Bible does not tell us which books are inspired. These are questions that Dr. Cawthorn answers in Apostolic Authority and The Bible Part 4.

"Pentecostal History: What Is Speaking In Tongues?" with Dr. Matt Cawthorn covers the belief of early Pentecostals that the gift of tongues was given as a missionary tool that would allow them to speak in foreign languages without having studied them — (xenolalia) just as the apostles had done on the Day of Pentecost in Acts 2. The main Pentecostal newspaper, Apostolic Faith, declared: “The baptism with the Holy Ghost makes you a witness unto the uttermost parts of the earth. It gives you power to speak in the languages of the nations” (Apostolic Faith 1:4 p. 1). However, there was a problem: The Pentecostals who went into the mission fields overseas to preach the Gospel and win the lost, equipped with nothing but the gift of tongues, soon discovered that it didn’t work!!! As belief in xenoglossy (remember, speaking in a foreign language you had never studied or learned) and the imminent Second Coming faded, Pentecostal ideology set eschatology aside (ie- eschatology is the study of “last things”…wrongly referred to as “the end of the world…”) After this failure, they began to focus on glossolalia for its own sake, establishing the doctrine of tongues as the “initial evidence” of a believer’s Spirit baptism. https://www.amazon.com/American-Oneness-Pentecostalism-Historical-Evangelical/dp/1481024604/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=american+oneness+pentecostalism&qid=1606693488&sr=8-2 www.matthewcawthorn.org

How to Interpret the Bible (Part 1), by Dr. Matt Cawthorn, discusses the importance of the need to "interpret." We have all heard it said, "The problem with too many preachers and teachers is that they dig around so much they tend to muddy the waters." What was once clear is not so clear anymore. The purpose of interpretation is not "uniqueness." Unique interpretations are usually wrong. So, uniqueness is not the aim of our task in interpreting the Bible. It is important to remember that we bring to the biblical text all that we are, with all of our experiences, culture, and prior understandings of words and ideas. The danger is bringing these things to the biblical text which causes us to read all kinds of foreign ideas into the Bible. The reader of the Bible is interpreting as he or she reads, and unfortunately all too often interprets incorrectly. There must be an "outside source of authority" to help us to understand the Word of God.

How to Interpret the Bible (Part 2), by Dr. Matt Cawthorn, discusses the importance of the need to "interpret." We have all heard it said, "The problem with too many preachers and teachers is that they dig around so much they tend to muddy the waters." What was once clear is not so clear anymore. The purpose of interpretation is not "uniqueness." Unique interpretations are usually wrong. So, uniqueness is not the aim of our task in interpreting the Bible. It is important to remember that we bring to the biblical text all that we are, with all of our experiences, culture, and prior understandings of words and ideas. The danger is bringing these things to the biblical text which causes us to read all kinds of foreign ideas into the Bible. The reader of the Bible is interpreting as he or she reads, and unfortunately all too often interprets incorrectly. There must be an "outside source of authority" to help us to understand the Word of God.

How to Interpret the Bible (Part 3), by Dr. Matt Cawthorn, discusses the importance of the need to "interpret." We have all heard it said, "The problem with too many preachers and teachers is that they dig around so much they tend to muddy the waters." What was once clear is not so clear anymore. The purpose of interpretation is not "uniqueness." Unique interpretations are usually wrong. So, uniqueness is not the aim of our task in interpreting the Bible. It is important to remember that we bring to the biblical text all that we are, with all of our experiences, culture, and prior understandings of words and ideas. The danger is bringing these things to the biblical text which causes us to read all kinds of foreign ideas into the Bible. The reader of the Bible is interpreting as he or she reads, and unfortunately all too often interprets incorrectly. There must be an "outside source of authority" to help us to understand the Word of God.

How to Interpret the Bible (Part 4), by Dr. Matt Cawthorn, discusses the importance of the need to "interpret." We have all heard it said, "The problem with too many preachers and teachers is that they dig around so much they tend to muddy the waters." What was once clear is not so clear anymore. The purpose of interpretation is not "uniqueness." Unique interpretations are usually wrong. So, uniqueness is not the aim of our task in interpreting the Bible. It is important to remember that we bring to the biblical text all that we are, with all of our experiences, culture, and prior understandings of words and ideas. The danger is bringing these things to the biblical text which causes us to read all kinds of foreign ideas into the Bible. The reader of the Bible is interpreting as he or she reads, and unfortunately all too often interprets incorrectly. There must be an "outside source of authority" to help us to understand the Word of God.

How to Interpret the Bible (Part 5), by Dr. Matt Cawthorn, discusses the importance of the need to "interpret." We have all heard it said, "The problem with too many preachers and teachers is that they dig around so much they tend to muddy the waters." What was once clear is not so clear anymore. The purpose of interpretation is not "uniqueness." Unique interpretations are usually wrong. So, uniqueness is not the aim of our task in interpreting the Bible. It is important to remember that we bring to the biblical text all that we are, with all of our experiences, culture, and prior understandings of words and ideas. The danger is bringing these things to the biblical text which causes us to read all kinds of foreign ideas into the Bible. The reader of the Bible is interpreting as he or she reads, and unfortunately all too often interprets incorrectly. There must be an "outside source of authority" to help us to understand the Word of God.

How to Interpret the Bible (Part 6), by Dr. Matt Cawthorn, discusses the importance of the need to "interpret." We have all heard it said, "The problem with too many preachers and teachers is that they dig around so much they tend to muddy the waters." What was once clear is not so clear anymore. The purpose of interpretation is not "uniqueness." Unique interpretations are usually wrong. So, uniqueness is not the aim of our task in interpreting the Bible. It is important to remember that we bring to the biblical text all that we are, with all of our experiences, culture, and prior understandings of words and ideas. The danger is bringing these things to the biblical text which causes us to read all kinds of foreign ideas into the Bible. The reader of the Bible is interpreting as he or she reads, and unfortunately all too often interprets incorrectly. There must be an "outside source of authority" to help us to understand the Word of God.

How to Interpret the Bible (Part 7), by Dr. Matt Cawthorn, discusses the importance of the need to "interpret." We have all heard it said, "The problem with too many preachers and teachers is that they dig around so much they tend to muddy the waters." What was once clear is not so clear anymore. The purpose of interpretation is not "uniqueness." Unique interpretations are usually wrong. So, uniqueness is not the aim of our task in interpreting the Bible. It is important to remember that we bring to the biblical text all that we are, with all of our experiences, culture, and prior understandings of words and ideas. The danger is bringing these things to the biblical text which causes us to read all kinds of foreign ideas into the Bible. The reader of the Bible is interpreting as he or she reads, and unfortunately all too often interprets incorrectly. There must be an "outside source of authority" to help us to understand the Word of God.

How to Interpret the Bible (Part 8), by Dr. Matt Cawthorn, discusses the importance of the need to "interpret." We have all heard it said, "The problem with too many preachers and teachers is that they dig around so much they tend to muddy the waters." What was once clear is not so clear anymore. The purpose of interpretation is not "uniqueness." Unique interpretations are usually wrong. So, uniqueness is not the aim of our task in interpreting the Bible. It is important to remember that we bring to the biblical text all that we are, with all of our experiences, culture, and prior understandings of words and ideas. The danger is bringing these things to the biblical text which causes us to read all kinds of foreign ideas into the Bible. The reader of the Bible is interpreting as he or she reads, and unfortunately all too often interprets incorrectly. There must be an "outside source of authority" to help us to understand the Word of God.

How to Interpret the Bible (Part 9), by Dr. Matt Cawthorn, discusses the importance of the need to "interpret." We have all heard it said, "The problem with too many preachers and teachers is that they dig around so much they tend to muddy the waters." What was once clear is not so clear anymore. The purpose of interpretation is not "uniqueness." Unique interpretations are usually wrong. So, uniqueness is not the aim of our task in interpreting the Bible. It is important to remember that we bring to the biblical text all that we are, with all of our experiences, culture, and prior understandings of words and ideas. The danger is bringing these things to the biblical text which causes us to read all kinds of foreign ideas into the Bible. The reader of the Bible is interpreting as he or she reads, and unfortunately all too often interprets incorrectly. There must be an "outside source of authority" to help us to understand the Word of God.

"Apostolic Authority and The Bible," by Dr. Matt Cawthorn, discusses the “issue of authority” that all protestant denominations seek to answer in the mainstream and even those on the fringes including heterodox and religious cults. This answer to the question of authority comes about by attempting to trace their religious movement back to the days of the Apostles and the First Century Church to bolster their teachings. This is actually a failed attempt to answer the question of authority and the authenticity of their teachings. The Church went through these inspired writings and preserved what was essential and authentic Christian doctrine handed down from the Apostles. This is referred to as “the rule of faith.” It was THE CHURCH that gave us the Bible! Because it came from all of the orthodox practices and beliefs that were handed down to us long before the Bible was completed or canonized. By default, this means that when you make an appeal to the Bible as the early church’s sole rule of faith and life, there is an issue that most people don’t even think about. There was no completed canon at that time!

Long Road Out of Babylon (Intro.), by Dr Matt Cawthorn, is a personal "testimony" of my "spiritual faith journey." One of the most difficult things I have ever done on my journey out of performance-based religion was to leave a whole host of loved ones who simply did not get it. My journey out of religious bondage came at a very high price. There are those that believe I have lost my mind. There are others that chalk it up to my having gone through severe trials and difficulties that finally took their toll on an already “burned out” minister. Nevertheless, I do believe I am in great company. I am finding many others who are also tired of performance-based religion and the heavy loads that it has placed upon already tired and weary saints. This is not meant to be a scholarly or academic treatise. My hope is that it will in some small way serve as a catalyst to get the wheels turning in someone’s mind and heart who is struggling to find their way out of Babylon, or religious confusion.

Long Road Out of Babylon (Part 1), by Dr. Matt Cawthorn, teaches there is a certain mystique when you hear the word “Babylon.” The name comes from the Hebrew Ba-bel which means “to confuse” or “to confound.” Some believe it to be a Hebrew form of the Assyrian Bab-ilu, which means “gate of gods.” It is used of the ancient city on the banks of the Euphrates River. Most of our lives we were taught to fear this term. In my formative Christian years, I was always taught that this Babylon was the Roman Catholic Church or some soon to be renewed literal city in Iraq that would come to a head to thwart the purposes of God as we approached the “end times.” The Reformers used the term in their fight against an oppressive religious system that was persecuting them during their age. The Antichrist, the Beast, the False Prophet, and Babylon, were all linked together in a future time of persecution for the true church. As I have meditated over “eschatological things” over the years, I have come to the realization that “Babylon” has everything to do with religion—man’s futile attempts by their own efforts and will power, to produce again upon this earth, another tower of Babel. The only problem with this approach is that it has been tried and failed! It reeks of self-centered claims and religious boasting. Generally speaking, religion teaches the masses that to have the approval of God one must “do” something. Works-oriented religion keeps the masses in check by fear and manipulation. Always remember, “The Strength of Religion is the Fear of Man.

Long Road Out of Babylon "Zeal without Knowledge" Part 2, by Dr. Cawthorn, speaks to those bound in legalistic Christianity today who have a “Zeal without knowledge.” This is what the Apostle Paul addresses in his letter to the Romans. We know that the covenants and the promises were given to Israel by God because they were to be his special people. They were chosen by God to be for signs and wonders. (Isa. 8:18) Their zeal was unparalleled. Nevertheless, they were ignorant of God’s righteousness and sought to establish their own right standing before God by way of religious works. There are scores of well-intentioned people trapped in legalistic religious systems who have a powerful zeal to really know and please God, but they are ignorant of what makes you right with God. Having been reared in a system that teaches you that your acceptance and validation from God comes from your religious performance, I can completely sympathize with the struggles of many in their quest to please the Lord. I too, was ignorant of God’s righteousness, a righteousness that was completely alien and outside of my works mentality. St. Paul spoke of a righteousness that is received as “a gift” outside of keeping the law. He was not just speaking concerning the Mosaic commandments, but any and every law, designed or invented by humankind, that becomes the basis of our right standing with the Lord. (Rom. 3:28) I really don’t know how much plainer St. Paul’s words could be in Romans 10:4, “For Christ is the END of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.”

How to Interpret the Bible (Part 1), by Dr. Matt Cawthorn, discusses the importance of the need to "interpret." We have all heard it said, "The problem with too many preachers and teachers is that they dig around so much they tend to muddy the waters." What was once clear is not so clear anymore. The purpose of interpretation is not "uniqueness." Unique interpretations are usually wrong. So, uniqueness is not the aim of our task in interpreting the Bible. It is important to remember that we bring to the biblical text all that we are, with all of our experiences, culture, and prior understandings of words and ideas. The danger is bringing these things to the biblical text which causes us to read all kinds of foreign ideas into the Bible. The reader of the Bible is interpreting as he or she reads, and unfortunately all too often interprets incorrectly. There must be an "outside source of authority" to help us to understand the Word of God.

How to Interpret the Bible (Part 2), by Dr. Matt Cawthorn, discusses the importance of the need to "interpret." We have all heard it said, "The problem with too many preachers and teachers is that they dig around so much they tend to muddy the waters." What was once clear is not so clear anymore. The purpose of interpretation is not "uniqueness." Unique interpretations are usually wrong. So, uniqueness is not the aim of our task in interpreting the Bible. It is important to remember that we bring to the biblical text all that we are, with all of our experiences, culture, and prior understandings of words and ideas. The danger is bringing these things to the biblical text which causes us to read all kinds of foreign ideas into the Bible. The reader of the Bible is interpreting as he or she reads, and unfortunately all too often interprets incorrectly. There must be an "outside source of authority" to help us to understand the Word of God.

How to Interpret the Bible (Part 3), by Dr. Matt Cawthorn, discusses the importance of the need to "interpret." We have all heard it said, "The problem with too many preachers and teachers is that they dig around so much they tend to muddy the waters." What was once clear is not so clear anymore. The purpose of interpretation is not "uniqueness." Unique interpretations are usually wrong. So, uniqueness is not the aim of our task in interpreting the Bible. It is important to remember that we bring to the biblical text all that we are, with all of our experiences, culture, and prior understandings of words and ideas. The danger is bringing these things to the biblical text which causes us to read all kinds of foreign ideas into the Bible. The reader of the Bible is interpreting as he or she reads, and unfortunately all too often interprets incorrectly. There must be an "outside source of authority" to help us to understand the Word of God.

How to Interpret the Bible (Part 4), by Dr. Matt Cawthorn, discusses the importance of the need to "interpret." We have all heard it said, "The problem with too many preachers and teachers is that they dig around so much they tend to muddy the waters." What was once clear is not so clear anymore. The purpose of interpretation is not "uniqueness." Unique interpretations are usually wrong. So, uniqueness is not the aim of our task in interpreting the Bible. It is important to remember that we bring to the biblical text all that we are, with all of our experiences, culture, and prior understandings of words and ideas. The danger is bringing these things to the biblical text which causes us to read all kinds of foreign ideas into the Bible. The reader of the Bible is interpreting as he or she reads, and unfortunately all too often interprets incorrectly. There must be an "outside source of authority" to help us to understand the Word of God.

How to Interpret the Bible (Part 5), by Dr. Matt Cawthorn, discusses the importance of the need to "interpret." We have all heard it said, "The problem with too many preachers and teachers is that they dig around so much they tend to muddy the waters." What was once clear is not so clear anymore. The purpose of interpretation is not "uniqueness." Unique interpretations are usually wrong. So, uniqueness is not the aim of our task in interpreting the Bible. It is important to remember that we bring to the biblical text all that we are, with all of our experiences, culture, and prior understandings of words and ideas. The danger is bringing these things to the biblical text which causes us to read all kinds of foreign ideas into the Bible. The reader of the Bible is interpreting as he or she reads, and unfortunately all too often interprets incorrectly. There must be an "outside source of authority" to help us to understand the Word of God.

How to Interpret the Bible (Part 6), by Dr. Matt Cawthorn, discusses the importance of the need to "interpret." We have all heard it said, "The problem with too many preachers and teachers is that they dig around so much they tend to muddy the waters." What was once clear is not so clear anymore. The purpose of interpretation is not "uniqueness." Unique interpretations are usually wrong. So, uniqueness is not the aim of our task in interpreting the Bible. It is important to remember that we bring to the biblical text all that we are, with all of our experiences, culture, and prior understandings of words and ideas. The danger is bringing these things to the biblical text which causes us to read all kinds of foreign ideas into the Bible. The reader of the Bible is interpreting as he or she reads, and unfortunately all too often interprets incorrectly. There must be an "outside source of authority" to help us to understand the Word of God.

How to Interpret the Bible (Part 7), by Dr. Matt Cawthorn, discusses the importance of the need to "interpret." We have all heard it said, "The problem with too many preachers and teachers is that they dig around so much they tend to muddy the waters." What was once clear is not so clear anymore. The purpose of interpretation is not "uniqueness." Unique interpretations are usually wrong. So, uniqueness is not the aim of our task in interpreting the Bible. It is important to remember that we bring to the biblical text all that we are, with all of our experiences, culture, and prior understandings of words and ideas. The danger is bringing these things to the biblical text which causes us to read all kinds of foreign ideas into the Bible. The reader of the Bible is interpreting as he or she reads, and unfortunately all too often interprets incorrectly. There must be an "outside source of authority" to help us to understand the Word of God.

How to Interpret the Bible (Part 8), by Dr. Matt Cawthorn, discusses the importance of the need to "interpret." We have all heard it said, "The problem with too many preachers and teachers is that they dig around so much they tend to muddy the waters." What was once clear is not so clear anymore. The purpose of interpretation is not "uniqueness." Unique interpretations are usually wrong. So, uniqueness is not the aim of our task in interpreting the Bible. It is important to remember that we bring to the biblical text all that we are, with all of our experiences, culture, and prior understandings of words and ideas. The danger is bringing these things to the biblical text which causes us to read all kinds of foreign ideas into the Bible. The reader of the Bible is interpreting as he or she reads, and unfortunately all too often interprets incorrectly. There must be an "outside source of authority" to help us to understand the Word of God.

How to Interpret the Bible (Part 9), by Dr. Matt Cawthorn, discusses the importance of the need to "interpret." We have all heard it said, "The problem with too many preachers and teachers is that they dig around so much they tend to muddy the waters." What was once clear is not so clear anymore. The purpose of interpretation is not "uniqueness." Unique interpretations are usually wrong. So, uniqueness is not the aim of our task in interpreting the Bible. It is important to remember that we bring to the biblical text all that we are, with all of our experiences, culture, and prior understandings of words and ideas. The danger is bringing these things to the biblical text which causes us to read all kinds of foreign ideas into the Bible. The reader of the Bible is interpreting as he or she reads, and unfortunately all too often interprets incorrectly. There must be an "outside source of authority" to help us to understand the Word of God.

The Book of Hebrews: Chapter 12 - "Running the Race" by Dr. Matt Cawthorn, discusses the Great Cloud of Witnesses and the laying aside of every weight and the sin that hinders us from running the race set before us. We are spiritual athletes fighting the good fight of faith and contending for the prize! This is accomplished by keeping our focus on Christ during the course of the race. When we become discouraged, we are to "consider Christ" and all of the things he endured for our ultimate salvation remembering that our trials have not yet reached the point of the shedding of our blood in the good fight of faith as has been the case of our brothers and sisters described in Hebrews 11. Be encouraged and stedfast! Run and stay focused!

The Book of Hebrews: Chapter 12 - "Have You Forgotten?" by Dr. Matt Cawthorn, teaches that oftentimes Christians treat their trials and calamities with sorry which have no particular spiritual meaning. At other times, they may receive them as mere trials of the faith, or as sent to strengthen God's grace in our lives. However, this passage in Hebrews 12 reminds us that we greatly err if we do not find in our troubles the element of "chastisement." Chastisement is inevitable. The Lord scourgeth every son or daughter that he receives and we are all partakers of God's school of learning! This is another way we bear the marks of the Lord Jesus in our body. If we do not receive God's correction, then we are illegitimate, or bastards.

"What Is All Saints Day?" by Dr. Matt Cawthorn answers the question: “Why do we celebrate All Saint’s Day in the Church? Each Lord’s day in our Creed, we say that “We believe in the Holy Catholic Church, THE COMMUNION OF SAINTS.” What in heaven’s name are we talking about? Because on this day we celebrate one, great, unique mark of the Communion of Saints, the characteristic that makes this fellowship different than any other on earth, the quality that places it over and above all secular organizations that have ever existed or now exist. This is the communion, this is the bond, this is the fellowship that bridges the gap between time and eternity. On All Saint’s Day, we are attesting to the faith and to the fact that our fellowship is a communion of eternal life. The members of this beloved community remain a part of it even after death! (Hebrews 12)

What is Apostolic Succession? by Dr. Matt Cawthorn, covers the false teaching that some believe concerning apostolic authority along with things like Peter’s pre-eminence ending after the apostles passed away. (ie- First Century) This is a "cessasionist view" that covers many things along with the supposed passing away of miracles, signs, and wonders, or the charismata after the close of the Apostolic Age. However, I am speaking specifically of OFFICES. This was something that Christ divinely instituted and gave to men. I believe we need God’s ongoing guidance today and He promised that he would give just that to us. In fact, we need it more than they did in the First Century. However, when you look at Acts the first chapter, this is absolutely crucial! Why? Because it shows that the apostles held an OFFICE. If you will remember the story Judas had died. His office was vacant. The disciples cast lots to see who would take his place. Now, an “office” is a position that multiple people can hold over time. It doesn’t just end. The gist of the story is the disciples understood this to be an office and an office that needed to be filled after the death of one of the disciples. It could not be left empty! Hence, this office was fulfilled right before the powerful outpouring of Pentecost. This teaching will transition into the importance of canonicity for the Church today.

"Apostolic Authority and The Bible," by Dr. Matt Cawthorn, discusses the “issue of authority” that all protestant denominations seek to answer in the mainstream and even those on the fringes including heterodox and religious cults. This answer to the question of authority comes about by attempting to trace their religious movement back to the days of the Apostles and the First Century Church to bolster their teachings. This is actually a failed attempt to answer the question of authority and the authenticity of their teachings. The Church went through these inspired writings and preserved what was essential and authentic Christian doctrine handed down from the Apostles. This is referred to as “the rule of faith.” It was THE CHURCH that gave us the Bible! Because it came from all of the orthodox practices and beliefs that were handed down to us long before the Bible was completed or canonized. By default, this means that when you make an appeal to the Bible as the early church’s sole rule of faith and life, there is an issue that most people don’t even think about. There was no completed canon at that time!

"Apostolic Authority and The Bible Part 2," by Dr. Matt Cawthorn, discusses the “issue of authority” that all protestant denominations seek to answer in the mainstream and even those on the fringes including heterodox and religious cults. This answer to the question of authority comes about by attempting to trace their religious movement back to the days of the Apostles and the First Century Church to bolster their teachings. This is actually a failed attempt to answer the question of authority and the authenticity of their teachings. The Church went through these inspired writings and preserved what was essential and authentic Christian doctrine handed down from the Apostles. This is referred to as “the rule of faith.” It was THE CHURCH that gave us the Bible! Because it came from all of the orthodox practices and beliefs that were handed down to us long before the Bible was completed or canonized. By default, this means that when you make an appeal to the Bible as the early church’s sole rule of faith and life, there is an issue that most people don’t even think about. There was no completed canon at that time!

"Apostolic Authority and The Bible Part 3," by Dr. Matt Cawthorn, discusses the “issue of authority” that all protestant denominations seek to answer in the mainstream and even those on the fringes including heterodox and religious cults. This answer to the question of authority comes about by attempting to trace their religious movement back to the days of the Apostles and the First Century Church to bolster their teachings. This is actually a failed attempt to answer the question of authority and the authenticity of their teachings. The Church went through these inspired writings and preserved what was essential and authentic Christian doctrine handed down from the Apostles. This is referred to as “the rule of faith.” It was THE CHURCH that gave us the Bible! Because it came from all of the orthodox practices and beliefs that were handed down to us long before the Bible was completed or canonized. By default, this means that when you make an appeal to the Bible as the early church’s sole rule of faith and life, there is an issue that most people don’t even think about. There was no completed canon at that time!

Death by Triangulation Part 1, by Dr. Cawthorn, deals with "Triangulation" which occurs when a Christian, or any person who has a problem with another person, talks to a “third party” (a friend, a companion, a spouse) instead of or before talking directly to the person in question to bring about restoration. Triangulation is used for everything from stealth weapons in the military, to 3rd party mediators of conflict, as well as "satanic trinities" in churches. It creeps many times unknowingly into marriages, work relationships, communities and yes, churches. The effects are devastating and cruel. In St. Matthew 18, Christ gives us the protocol for properly dealing with the Sin of Triangulation.

Death by Triangulation Part 2, by Dr. Cawthorn, deals with "Triangulation" which occurs when a Christian, or any person who has a problem with another person, talks to a “third party” (a friend, a companion, a spouse) instead of or before talking directly to the person in question to bring about restoration. Triangulation is used for everything from stealth weapons in the military, to 3rd party mediators of conflict, as well as "satanic trinities" in churches. It creeps many times unknowingly into marriages, work relationships, communities and yes, churches. The effects are devastating and cruel. In St. Matthew 18, Christ gives us the protocol for properly dealing with the Sin of Triangulation.

"Crime Scenes," by Dr. Matt Cawthorn, deals with the fact that "blood speaks" and has "a voice." The fascination that many have with TV shows like CSI, CSI NY, or NCIS tells us something about humankind's curiosity towards tragedy, death, and loss. Under the Old Covenant, the blood of animals could only make an atonement or a covering for sin, but the Blood of Christ has the power to completely eradicate our sins past, present and future. Christ said something very startling in St. Matthew 6:14 concerning forgiving one another. Christ said that "If we forgive men their sins, then our heavenly Father would also forgive us. But in v. 15 Christ tells us, that “If we don’t forgive men their trespasses, then neither would our Father forgive our sins." Therefore, the only sin or sins that Christ won’t forgive us are the sins that we refuse to forgive that others have committed against us! Crime Scenes covers the dangers of unforgiveness in our lives and the consequences of not releasing others who have sinned against us.

Saints and Sinners, is a poem recited by Dr. Cawthorn, which deals with the "attitudes" of many so-called Christians today when judging others who have fallen. We can all think of many who have devoted their lives to ministry to be thrown away, as it were, because of one lost battle. The anonymous poet asks the Lord to deliver from the judgment of Saints who have never been caught! www.matthewcawthorn.org 1-888-530-WLRB

Protestant Reformation: Luther's toilet - Dr. Cawthorn reads from an article from the Sydney Morning Herald - "Toilet where Luther strained to produce the Reformation." German archaeologists have discovered the lavatory on which Martin Luther wrote the 95 theses that started the Protestant Reformation. Luther frequently alluded to the fact that he suffered from chronic constipation and spent much of his time in contemplation on the lavatory. Experts say they have been certain for years that the 16th-century religious leader wrote the groundbreaking "95 Theses" while on das Klo, as the Germans call it. This is a piece of history you will not want to miss!

Martin Luther's First Mass, covered by Dr. Cawthorn, explores the history of the Protestant Reformer's tension between his Heavenly Father and earthly father as he performed his "First Mass" during his time at the Augustinian Monastery in Erfurt, Germany. The history is taken from Roland H. Bainton's seminal work, "Here I Stand: A Life of Martin Luther" published by Abingdon-Cokesbury Press.

Breaking the Patient Mentality - Dr. Cawthorn discusses that a crisis in life can reduce you to being a "patient" until you find a "cure." The cure often means a "cause." You can stay on the "patient side of life" until you are old and too worn out to do anything about it, or you can reach a doctor's commanding view--by finding the "cure." What is going to get you out of the patient mentality and break the cycle of being a patient is finding a cause--something greater than yourself that you can throw everything you are, everything you have, towards it. In doing so, you will find your cure!

"Finding Meaning in Life," by Not Searching is the "Paradox" Dr. Matt Cawthorn discusses that was given by Vicktor Frankl who wrote, "Don't aim at success. The more you aim at it and make it a target, the more you are going to miss it. For success, like happiness, cannot be pursued; it must ensue" Dr. Viktor Frankl and his wife Tilly were transported to the infamous Auschwitz death camp where more than a million people would be murdered by Hitler's Nazi regime. All of Frankl's family perished. During this time, Frankl came to believe that the only way he would survive and maintain his sanity was to hold tightly to a sense of "meaning and purpose." He quoted the philosopher Freidrich Nietzsche who said, "He who has a why to live for, can bear almost any how." After being liberated from the Nazi death camps, Frankl spent the rest of his life advocating for the importance of "meaning" as a medicine against suffering and the very "secret" to happiness.

Love Never Fails, by Dr. Matt Cawthorn, discusses the importance of love being a verb. Love is something you do, which involves the giving of self, and is actualized by loving actions. Love is not a feeling. He also teaches on the importance of how words only have true meaning within their contexts.