by Van Robison

If we look in the mirror, we obviously see our own reflection. Churches of this world are a reflection of the thinking of the religious-minded. So then, churches reflect the thinking mostly of the leadership of those institutions. You might say that when a clergyman or pastor looks at himself in the church mirror, what he sees is his own thinking. Church is the image or mirror reflection of the pastors. The reason this is so is because without the professional clergy there would be no church buildings, no service conducted, no preaching service, no money collection, no weekly rituals, etcetera. Church is a reflection of how men perceive God. Church cannot possibly define God, His purpose or His character. The one element that God looks upon is the HEART. It is impossible to believe that the most intelligent being in the universe is somehow pleased and overjoyed with human rituals, ceremonies, patterns, physical structures made of brick, stone, wood and mortar, and the customs and traditions of the religious-minded. Read more...

by Van Robison

First, let it be said that in the New Testament there is no such function as "youth pastor" ever mentioned. There is certainly nothing wrong with young people getting together, and having wholesome fun activities that young people love to enjoy. On the other hand, to place teenagers "under authority" to so-called youth pastors can be an affront to parents. Teaching and rearing children is the God-given responsibility of parents, including spiritual education. When my two daughters were teenagers, they were involved in a non-denominational, charismatic type church in which they engaged in youth activities and teachings under the "authority" of a youth pastor. Admittedly they made some good friendships, enjoyed fun times and fellowship. On the other hand, as parents my wife and I were frustrated with the idea that the "youth pastor" considered himself as their spiritual authority and teacher. This was cause for some friction and confrontation that we think should have been unnecessary. As parents, we do not consider any "youth pastor" as the spiritual teacher or spiritual authority over our teens. Read more...

More videos from the Lessons in Christianity series can be viewed at Family Room Media.

by Van Robison

From my personal perspective, it seems somewhat amazing that Paul, who wrote a number of letters which we believe to be a vital part of the New Testament, is quoted, emphasized, and elevated to a status of "super apostle". Paul like Peter, without Jesus Christ is neither here nor there, which is to say, they are nobody apart from Christ. As Christians we seem to believe that Paul was infallible, and if indeed the Holy Spirit did inspire every word Paul penned, then his writings would be inerrant. It is a certainty that Paul wrote nothing in the English language. Therefore whether Paul's writings are totally accurate in translation is a question mark. The commission given by Jesus Christ to His disciples, was to convey Jesus Christ and the teachings of Christ to others, and at the same time, heal the sick and cast out unclean spirits (Matthew 10:1). There is no question from what we read in the New Testament, that Paul was an extremely abusive man, who thought nothing of force and violence (Acts 8:1-3) against the followers of Jesus Christ up to the time of his conversion. In today's church world, there is hardly any doubt that many preachers defer to Paul in many ways, and think more highly of Paul than Paul thought of himself. Read more...

by Van Robison

In the beginning there was a serpent (Genesis 3). While the Bible does not put it in these terms, the serpent appears to have had "church". During church the serpent beguiled Eve with glitter and glamor. He made promises to Eve that if she would partake, she would be wise. Much like many preachers today who preach the glamorous "prosperity gospel". And like many preachers today who promise that if you sew a seed into their bank account, you will reap a 10-fold or 100-fold return on your spiritual investment. Eve was so overcome by the persuasive and charismatic personality of the serpent-preacher that she was hypnotized by his flatteries. Eve dutifully seduced her husband with the her own charms and he could not resist, and he likewise partook of the serpent's deceptions. Read more...

by Van Robison

Falsehood proclaims it is truth. Darkness is the great pretender of being light. Church says "I am the Way", but that is a lie. Many pastors prey on childish adults for money. Evil says I am good. The spiritually blind cannot see truth. Satan wants to be God. Many rulers lack wisdom. Sheep often follow wolves disguised as shepherds. Those who love to control others are insecure. Leaders flatter themselves with self importance. The love of money is the downfall of many preachers. The wicked hate exposure. Rulers think they are infallible. False prophets are liars. Using the name of Jesus Christ is no guarantee of truth. Read more...

by Van Robison

Jesus Christ is the Chief Cornerstone of His Rock House. Without Him there would be no building. In this case, the building is not made with hands, but is a spiritual entity. Not only is Jesus Christ the Foundation, but He is also the one and only Head of His Rock House--the Body. All man-made institutions are made of shifting sands, which is to say that they will all eventually crumble. There is nothing eternal or everlasting about man-conceived organizations and institutions. Kingdoms rise and kingdoms fall in the realm of human beings, but the Kingdom of God is everlasting. Read more...

by Van Robison

The world in which we live is highly impressed with "education". Many companies and corporations require some college education in order to work in a specific endeavor. I believe that society would be far better off if it totally dumped the college and university system we know, in favor of technical and trade school education, along with on-the-job training. There is much about the college world that is unessential "education", and that is a waste of human time and money, as well as the fact that some of the so-called education is more social engineering and indoctrination than useful knowledge. Worldly education is highly controlled and is therefore often an agency of politics, political indoctrination, humanist indoctrination, and manipulated by behind-the-scenes powers that control "education" for money, profits, and the manipulation of human beings into certain kinds of thinking. Read more...

by Van Robison

A human shadow is not the person. A human shadow is also dark and not light. A shadow does not give detail, only an outline. You cannot catch your own shadow because it is always elusive. When you chase your shadow it always moves away with you out of grasp. Read more...

by Van Robison

Following Jesus Christ and going to church are not one and the same. Church leaders are spiritually blind, because Jesus Christ did not found churchianity. He didn't teach "take up your cross and go to church", or "take up your cross and follow pastors." What Jesus Christ founded was spiritual in nature, not carnal churchianity. Jesus came teaching principles to live by 24/7 and He exemplified His teachings by living those principles Himself. On the other hand churchianity teaches institutionalism. Institutionalism says--build physical buildings, submit to pastors, sit in pews, go to church, have organizational control over the people, and many other customs and traditions of men. Read more...

by Van Robison

Jesus told His disciples in Matthew 5:13-16 that they were the salt of the earth. He also said they are the light of the world, and that they were likened to candles giving light. He said to let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven. The followers of Jesus Christ are to be salt in the earth and a light in the world. Unfortunately many preachers today are saltless and their candle has no light, because their real interest in life is having power and control over others, as well as majoring on money--their real god. Some preachers, especially some money-obsessed television preachers use the name of Jesus Christ for personal gain. They come as angels of light, but in reality are wolves in sheep's clothing. Read more...