CWR Blog
Christianity Without The Religion BLOG hosted by Brad Jersak.
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Our Hope in Christ – by Ed Dunn
…while we wait for the blessed hope – the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ… (Titus 2:13, NIV)
Through him we have obtained access through faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God (Romans, 5:2, NIV)
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:3, NIV)
If we peruse various versions of the dictionary, hope is commonly defined as a feeling of expectation; a ...
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https://www.ptm.org/mp3/FreeDwnld/CWR577.mp3
Reflections Along the Jesus Way
March 8, 2025 - Quote for the Day:
“Salvation is unconditional, not based on any meritorious deeds that we perform to earn it. But unconditional salvation is not automatic. Salvation is not conferred just because we are born, or because we have reached our 12th birthday, or whether we ask for it or not. Salvation is unconditional, but it is not automatic or universal. We are free to accept or reject God’s gracious offer of salvation. The Bible is clear about that choice.”
Originally published in:
Between Religious Rocks ...
“Does the story have to be true?” Bradley Jersak
Recently, I wrote,
God participates in our lives. How? Not through coercion or force but through loving care. How? Most often, God’s care shows as people are inspired to love and care for each other; to embody God’s presence and care in the world ... to be made in God’s image and likeness is to image (verb) God in the world as God’s hands and feet.
A reader responded with this astute question:
I wonder. Is it God compelling these acts of love? Or is it our idea of God that compels us. I suppose a question I ask is—does the story of a good God ...
Are You a Believer?
Find out how replacement beliefs like dish towel religion can insidiously diminish and devalue God's love.
Q&R: Two Thieves & the Third Cross-piece
Question:
I have a question about the cross. I have seen what some call the "Russian Cross." What troubles me about it is the symbol of the third wooden cross-piece at the bottom, because it contradicts my belief in apokatastasis (ultimate redemption). Can you help me understand the following explanation better or offer an alternative?
"The slanted line reminds us of the two thieves on both sides of the cross. One of them to the right of Christ ascended to Heaven, while the other one sank to Hell. Thus bottom bar ...
Reflections Along the Jesus Way
March 6, 2025 - Quote for the Day:
“At first the religious professionals discredited him because he was not a product of their educational systems, and then later they came to hate and despise him. They called him a rabble rouser and a troublemaker. They called him a bastard son of a young girl who became pregnant before marriage.”
Originally published in:
Beautiful Sayings – Beatitudes of Grace
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Help Us Help Others – Give Now
The Gospel According to Isaiah – Part 3
Greg concludes this three-part series with the keynote passage of Isaiah 53:1-6, a passage Martin Luther once announced as the "Fifth Gospel."
The Gospel According to Isaiah – Part 2
As our three-part series studying the gospel in Isaiah continues, our keynote passage is Isaiah 40:1-11 - yet another passage used by Handel for the lyrics to his majestic "Messiah."
https://www.ptm.org/mp3/FreeDwnld/RCWR294.mp3
Being in Christ – by Greg Albrecht
My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my ...
Q & R: Greg Albrecht – “Does Satan exist?”
Question:
I just listened to one of your sermons broadcast and after being with Plain Truth ministries for a LONG time, I was quite surprised when you said you didn't know if Satan exists? The Bible says that God created the devil as the most perfect beautiful angel he could make, but because of his beauty he turned against God and persuaded 1/3 of the angels to go with him, he was thrown down to Earth.
I don't know why I'm writing this. You're more knowledgeable than I am, or at least I thought you were. I've settled in my mind that Satan exists as an evil influence, and ...
Reflections Along the Jesus Way
March 4, 2025 - Quote for the Day:
“As parents and grandparents we smile at stories about children getting confused with God:
During Jason’s bedtime prayer he said, ‘Lord, if you can’t make me a better boy, don’t worry about it. I’m having a good time like I am.’
Sarah complained to God the he did not answer her prayer: ‘Thank you for the baby brother but what I asked for was a puppy. I never asked for anything else before. You can look it up.’
Lisa pondered the nature of God when she prayed, ‘How do you know you are ...
The Gospel According to Isaiah – Part 1
The good news is not limited to, nor was it first proclaimed in the New Testament. Join us for this fascinating three-part series as we discover the many Christ-centered teachings of Isaiah. Isaiah 9:2-7
The Universal Body of Christ
Paul's letter to the Ephesians offers incredible insights into the nature of the church - the body of Christ. Join us for this fascinating study.
This is CWR/PTM – What We Do
Here’s what we offer at Christianity Without the Religion and Plain Truth Ministries:
Check out our many resources and ministries, centered in faith alone, grace alone and Christ alone. Our focus is all Jesus, all the time. There’s always something new happening on our website!
Check out the many short articles and blogs on the CWR-blog.
Join us for sermons and services anytime at Christianity Without the Religion.
Listen to Plain Truth Radio and CWR Unplugged—available 24 hours a day.
Browse current and back articles from our ...
CWR Video – Heaven and Hell
In this CWR Video, Greg and Brad discuss perspectives on heaven and hell.
https://vimeo.com/1013248243
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No Greater Love – by Greg Albrecht
Friend and Partner Letter from March 2025:
The night before he was crucified, Jesus washed his disciples’ feet. He lived a life of sacrificial service. He came to serve us, rather than to receive our service. Like the water he used to wash his disciples’ feet (and yours and mine) he poured himself out, both throughout his earthly ministry, but most remarkably and ultimately, on his Cross.
During what some call his “final discourse” – the long discussion Jesus had with his disciples the evening before he gave his all on his Cross – when he ...
Reflections Along the Jesus Way
March 1, 2025 - Quote for the Day:
“Did you ever stop to think about the times Jesus went to church? How did that work out for him? Did he get involved in all of the committees and outreach groups? Did people like him? Of course Jesus never went to a church, but the Bible does tell us that he went to synagogue and temple. The Bible doesn’t tell us how consistently Jesus attended synagogue and temple, but it does tell us of rude receptions he received when he did frequent such gatherings.”
Originally published in: ...
18 Prominent Biblical Passages – and Why
When asked to provide a list of his top ten biblical verses, Greg was stymied. Here's the list he wound up with - and why.
Gratitude by Ed Dunn
This Month at PTM - March 2025:
Watch a short video and the message on "Gratitude" by Ed Dunn as he updates us on the latest from Christianity Without the Religion and Plain Truth Ministries.
https://vimeo.com/1059796362
Plain Truth Ministries | Box 300 | Pasadena, CA 91129-0300
