November 2, 2023

Is It Possible to End Poverty? (11.02.23)

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Plain Bible Teaching Podcast

This week we’re talking about what it would take to end poverty. Is that even possible? Many people – Christians and non-Christians – are concerned for the poor. Many resources are given to help those who are in need. Charitable organizations have been established to provide assistance to the less fortunate. Many government programs are funded, supposedly for the purpose of ending poverty. Yet poverty still exists. Why is that? We’re going to discuss that today.Continue Reading

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October 18, 2023

The Christian and the “Victim Mentality”

Man with his head in his hands

A phrase that has become regularly used in our modern culture is “victim mentality.” When we hear this phrase, what does it refer to? Consider the following definition:

“Victim mentality is an acquired personality trait in which a person tends to recognize or consider themselves a victim of the negative actions of others, and to behave as if this were the case in the face of contrary evidence of such circumstances. Victim mentality depends on clear thought processes and attribution. In some cases, those with a victim mentality have in fact been the victim of wrongdoing by others or have otherwise suffered misfortune through no fault of their own. However, such misfortune does not necessarily imply that one will respond by developing a pervasive and universal victim mentality where one frequently or constantly perceives oneself to be a victim.

“The term is also used in reference to the tendency for blaming one’s misfortunes on somebody else’s misdeeds, which is also referred to as victimism.” (Wikipedia)

In other words, simply being a victim of something does not automatically mean one has a “victim mentality.” According to this definition, a person is exhibiting a “victim mentality” if they behave as if they were a victim despite evidence that their victimhood is imagined or exaggerated. Being a victim refers to a specific event or set of circumstances, whereas the “victim mentality” means one is constantly blaming others for their troubles and taking no personal responsibility for their actions, choices, or conditions in life.

This article will consider the popular notion of the “victim mentality.” Many people today constantly blame others for their circumstances, believe they are trapped in a miserable condition, and think they are powerless to do anything about it. Is this type of mindset compatible with the life of a Christian? Let us consider a few points.Continue Reading

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August 10, 2023

The Christian and the “Victim Mentality” (08.10.23)

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Plain Bible Teaching Podcast

This week we’re talking about a term that has become fairly common in our current culture – “victim mentality.” What does this mean? And is this mentality compatible with the life of a Christian? We’re going to consider that in this episode.Continue Reading

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December 15, 2022

The Expansion of Assisted Suicide (12.15.22)

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Plain Bible Teaching Podcast

This week we’re going to talk about assisted suicide (also called “medical assistance in dying”). This is a practice that is rapidly expanding in Canada after the country legalized it a few years ago. With the way our culture continues to devalue human life, this trend is not surprising and it may not be long before it spreads to this country. As Christians, it’s important that we have an understanding of what the Bible teaches that pertains to this issue. So that’s what we’re going to discuss in this episode.Continue Reading

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September 28, 2022

“You Follow Me”

Jesus and Peter

In the last recorded conversation in the gospel of John, Jesus warned Peter about what was in store for him in the future. Jesus said, “‘Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to gird yourself and walk wherever you wished; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will gird you, and bring you where you do not wish to go.’ Now this He said, signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, ‘Follow Me!’” (John 21:18-19).

If we were in Peter’s position, it might have been a little shocking or scary to hear this from Jesus. We are not told exactly what Peter’s emotional state was at this time; however, we are told of his verbal response to Jesus. When he saw his fellow apostle John, he asked Jesus, “Lord, and what about this man?” (John 21:21).

When facing particularly trying situations, it is often tempting to look at others who do not seem to be facing the same degree of difficulty that we are and then complain that our situation is not fair. Perhaps this was Peter’s intent when he asked about John. Regardless of his motive, Jesus explained that he was not to be concerned about anyone else: “If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow Me!” (John 21:22).Continue Reading

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October 6, 2021

Jesus Christ – Our Perfect Example

“For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth; and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously; and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed” (1 Peter 2:21-24).

In this passage, Peter explained that Jesus left an example for us to follow. There are many people we may look up to as examples in life – parents, peers, older Christians, successful individuals, and more. Yet Jesus was not just an example; He was the perfect example. This passage shows us how He left a perfect example for us.Continue Reading

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February 3, 2021

The Christian’s Boast

Man in front of waterfall

In the first half of Romans 5, Paul explained how Christians have been justified by faith and by the sacrifice of Christ on the cross (Romans 5:1-11). In this passage, Paul used the word exult three times (NASB). This is not a term we commonly use today. The King James Version uses three different terms instead – rejoice, glory, and joy. The word means to boast about something (Thayer).

Usually we would think of boasting as something that we should not do as Christians. Yet it depends on the context. Paul told the brethren in Corinth, “Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:31). If the word of God indicates that we are to boast, glory, and rejoice in something, then we can and should do so.

In this article, we will notice the three things Paul indicated in this passage in which we are to boast.Continue Reading

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