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Keep Your Heart With All Diligence!
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsIn Proverbs, the heart is often depicted as the core of one's inner life and the source of orientation toward God, from which all thinking, feeling, and choosing emanate. It is vital to take words of wisdom into the heart, for its presence there is crucial, as out of the heart flow all the thoughts, words, and choices of life. Keeping the heart with all diligence is essential, as it must be filled with wisdom from above to maintain faithfulness. This vigilance over the heart is paramount in triumphing over satan, the world, and human nature, impacting not only personal morale but also the collective spirit of the community. Diligence in guarding the heart, empowered by the strength of Jesus Christ, ensures effectiveness in overcoming sin and fulfilling the obligations of God's covenant.
What's So Bad About Valentines Day?
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughThe heart symbol, often seen in connection with Valentine's Day, carries a historical association with Baal or Nimrod. This connection arises from the Babylonian word for heart, which is similar to Baal, thus linking the symbol to this ancient deity. This association underscores the pagan roots embedded in the imagery and traditions surrounding the holiday, highlighting a deeper cultural and spiritual significance that conflicts with Christian values.
Be My Valentine?
Article by Mike FordThe heart, a prominent symbol associated with Valentine's Day, carries a deep connection to ancient pagan roots. In the Babylonian tradition, within the Chaldean language, the word for heart was "bal" or "bel," which closely resembles the name Baal, a deity linked to fertility and nature. Due to this similarity in sound, the heart became an emblem for Nimrod, who is often associated with Baal and recognized as a mighty hunter. This symbolic connection ties the heart directly to the themes of strength and power embodied by Nimrod, reflecting the historical and cultural associations of fertility and valor that permeate the observance of this day.
Is Valentine's Day Really About Love?
Commentary by Martin G. CollinsThe symbol of the heart in the context of Valentine's Day carries a deep connection to pagan origins and sensual imagery, starkly contrasting with the worship of God in spirit and truth. In Roman mythology, Cupid, often depicted as a naked, winged figure armed with a bow and arrow, is portrayed shooting arrows into the hearts of his victims to instill passion. This imagery of arrowed hearts remains prevalent in modern Valentine cards and decorations, reflecting the lustful undertones of the ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia. Celebrated on February 14 and 15, this festival was dedicated to Lupercus, a deified hero-hunter, and was linked with Venus, the goddess of sexual love, further embedding the heart as a symbol of carnal desire rather than divine love. Despite efforts by the Roman church in AD 496 to Christianize the festival by renaming it St. Valentine's Day and shifting its focus to saints, the pagan elements, including the heart pierced by Cupid's arrows, persisted. Even as Protestant influence diminished the emphasis on saints, the heart symbol continued to represent romantic and physical attraction in the celebration, maintaining its connection to the original Roman day of lustful indulgence rather than spiritual devotion to Him.
Hebrews: Its Background (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)In Matthew 6, within the context of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus uses the term "heart" metaphorically to describe what drives us as unique individuals. It does not refer to the physical organ that pumps blood but to the core of our decision-making processes. The heart encompasses the dynamic forces shaped by our life experiences, including intellect, memories, feelings, desires, fears, emotional makeup, understanding, habits, will, and age, all of which combine to make each person distinct. Jesus teaches that where our treasure is, there our heart will be also, indicating that the heart determines the value we place on things and guides our actions accordingly. Jesus further explains that the natural human heart, if left to its own devices, is inclined toward self-centeredness due to inherent carnality, often leading to evil and destruction. Such a heart is described as uncircumcised, existing within a person without its harmful tendencies being removed. In contrast, God is also depicted as having a heart, though He is a spirit being without a physical organ. In Hosea, God expresses turmoil in His heart regarding the punishment of northern Israel for their rebellion. Despite His anger, His heart leads Him to refrain from complete destruction, showing a sympathetic understanding while still enforcing severe punishment. This reveals the depth of God's emotional engagement with His people, guided by a heart that is not driven by evil but by compassion and purpose.
Ears to Hear
Sermonette by Ronny H. GrahamAs we hear instructions, we must apply those principles to our lives immediately. We are responsible for what we hear, and consequently, we must take heed.