Crucified Minds

01/03/2020

HAPPY ANNO DOMINI..

On January 1, celebrations of all kinds took place for another New Year. As many people were enjoying those festivities, some may not have realized they were taking part in a worldwide worship service as well.

An example of this can be found in Acts 17. While the Apostle Paul was in Athens waiting for Timothy and Silas to join him from Berea; he observed the religious statues/symbols in the city. In verse 16, the Bible says Paul’s spirit was stirred, and he began discussing Jesus Christ with fellow believers and local philosophers. Eventually, this discussion was moved to the Areopagus (the religious council in Athens). With compassion, Paul pointed out an altar with the inscription, “…To the Unknown God”; and told them they had been worshipping in ignorance; then began explaining the one true God revealed in Jesus Christ (Acts 17:20-31).

Much like the altar in Athens, each year is followed with an inscription (A.D). While there is a difference worldwide in the numbered year each January 1: for example, Japan just celebrated the year 32 AD (In Japan, there are two existing chronologies: one that starts with Christ's birth and the other based off the Japanese emperors' reigns); and India’s celebration of the year 4718 AD (The Chinese calendar chronology starts from the late Emperor Huangdi who started his reign in 2637 BC.); they all reference the A.D. inscription.

Most countries, including the United States for 2020 A.D.; use the Gregorian calendar. No matter the year; each New Year is marked by the life of one Person--Jesus Christ. This is demonstrated in the use of BC meaning, ‘Before Christ’ to AD (from the term Anno Domini) meaning, "in the year of our Lord Jesus Christ. So, since we proclaim ‘the Year of our Lord’ each time we say, ‘Happy New Year’; why not make Christ ‘The Lord of our year, life and beyond…'

Carlos Brunton
Crucified Minds
www.biblegateway.com

10/10/2018

There was recently a story reported about drunk birds in a small Minnesota town. The article originally titled, ‘Flying Under the Influence’ identifies our winged friends as being drunk from fermented berries caused by an early season frost. Experts were called in to review the birds’ behavior for a final analysis.

In approximately 30 AD, a similar observation was being made regarding the disciples on the Day of Pentecost. This day is known as the Feast of Harvest in English (Exodus 23:16, Deuteronomy 16:10); and as Pentecost (Πεντηκοστή) in Ancient Greek. On this Jewish holiday there were plenty of pilgrims in Jerusalem from across the known world. It was one of the three Jewish feasts that called for a pilgrimage to the Holy City.

According to Acts 2:1-11, once The Holy Spirit of God came upon the disciples; they all began to speak in several different tongues (languages). The word tongues is γλῶσσα, ; its transliteration is glóssa; where we get our English word ‘glossary’. The manifestation of tongues in Acts 2 was clearly the ability of the apostles to speak in authentic foreign languages which they previously had not learned.

Much like the experts on the behavior of the birds in ‘Flying Under the Influence ‘; those present-- hearing Galileans speak in various different languages; began debating whether or not the disciples were actually drunk (Acts 2:12-16). Peter immediately refuted that accusation and continued to communicate the gospel of Jesus Christ to all who were present.

The result—about 3,000 people were saved on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:41). That proved the disciples were not under the influence of alcohol; rather they were under the influence of The Holy Spirit. And while the article never confirms whether the birds were actually drunk, or just migrating in higher volume; we can see the characteristics of what ‘Living Under HIS Influence looks like in Ephesians 4:17 - 5:21. (...do not get drunk with wine...but be filled with The Spirit)

Crucified Minds
Carlos L. Brunton
www.biblegateway.com

A police chief’s notice that birds were getting tipsy off fermented berries prompted a news media blitz. But experts say there are other explanations.

12/26/2017

Christmas (The Prequel)

A prequel is a work that explains the backstory of a primary work; by focusing on events that occur before the original narrative. In American movie culture, arguably the most notable prequel is within the Star Wars franchise (i.e. example, Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999) is a prequel to Return of the Jedi (1983).

The Bible has an even more notable prequel to a very significant work--Christmas and what many call 'Easter'. In 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, the Apostle Paul gives a clear synopsis of Jesus' life and ministry while on earth. He explains how Christ died for our sin, was buried and rose again on the third day. Thereby, making the resurrection (Easter Sunday) the most impactful event in all of human history. And the day we elect to celebrate the birth of Christ (Christmas ) explains why.

While the Bible never claims December 25 as the actual day of Christ birth; the event itself is well documented in scripture as well as extra biblical sources. Christmas is not the celebration of some ordinary man who would eventually die on a cross; it is the celebration of God entering the world as a human (Isaiah 9:6, 7:14, Matthew 1:23). That point is made further in 2 Corinthians 5:18-19, where it says God; in the form of Christ, reconciled the world back to Himself.

All this was necessary, because as Adam and Eve disobeyed God in the garden of Eden; fellowship between God and humankind was destroyed in both time & eternity (Genesis 3). The resurrection only matters because of Who Jesus Christ was and is. So what is Christmas? It is the explanation/prequel to the why of the Easter narrative...

Carlos L. Brunton
Administrator, Crucified Minds
www.biblegateway.com

07/06/2017

JESUS CHRIST THE IMPOSTER?

Is Jesus Christ an imposter? Well, the response depends on who you ask! The television game show, “To tell the truth” has captivated audiences for years with a similar base of the question Christ asked His followers in Matthew 16:13-20—“Who do people say I am?” The show introduces three challengers who each claim to be one person; but a group of panelists have to determine who the imposters are after a series of questions.

When it comes to spiritual imposters; the Bible warns there are and will be other Gospels; and other Jesus's being preached (Galatians 1:6-9;11-24). Imagine a panel of the following faith leaders being asked the question, “Who is Jesus?”:

Panelist 1 (Joseph Smith) in 1829 at age 24 answered: “[O]n planet Kolov; A man named Elohim and Mary had sons—Jesus & Lucifer. Therefore, Jesus is the spirit brother of Lucifer.” Joseph Smith established the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on that belief (Book of Mormon).

Panelist 2 (Charles Price Jones) at age 31 in 1896 answered:” Jesus Christ is a manifestation/mode of God the Father”; and rejected the Trinity of scripture. He founded the Church of Christ (Holiness) on that belief.

Panelist 3 (Charles Taze Russell) at age 27 in 1879 answered: “Jesus Christ did not die on the cross, and is actually Michael the Archangel.” He created the Jehovah Witness and Watchtower organizations on that belief.

Panelist 4 (The Apostle Peter) in approx. 33 A.D. proclaimed: “[Jesus] You are The Christ, Son of The Living God.” (Matthew 16:16). And Jesus Himself built His church on that Truth; He is God (Matthew 16:17-19).

Once questioning on the game show is complete, the host then asks, “Will the real [person’s name] please stand up?” That person will often be asked to do something to validate their identity. The true Jesus Christ is the one proclaimed by Panelist 4/Peter. He not only stood up; but rose up from the grave after His death and burial. This true Jesus Christ validated His identity in places such as John 5:37-46, John 8:31-59, John 10:31-33 and all throughout scripture. So when your faith or religion uses Jesus’ name; ask it to ‘Tell the truth' about who it says He is…

Carlos L. Brunton
Administrator, Crucified Minds

05/11/2017

STOP READING SOMEONE ELSE'S MAIL!!!

Crucified Thought: The Bible is God’s love letter to believers. A person can read it in its entirety and not understand any of it (if they don’t know Him). Just as a married couple’s email exchange read by a stranger makes little to no sense; the same is true with God’s Word. If you are outside of Christ, and read the Bible; the reason it makes no sense is because you are reading someone else’s mail… A relationship with Christ must come first. Then The Word/Message is made clear as we are led and instructed by His Holy Spirit… (See 1 Corinthians 2:6-16)

Carlos L Brunton
Administrator, Crucified Minds