Back in the late 1990s, we in the Tyler, TX, congregation of the Church of God International invited other congregations to come for a large Bible study weekend entitled "Led by the Bread." That was the name I suggested since it was during the Feast of Unleavened Bread. (Incidentally, I also came up with the name for their TV program, "Armor of God," once Garner Ted Armstrong was no longer associated with CGI.) Anyway, I was just remembering one of the presenters (a minister whom I will not name here) giving a study about the Bible itself. He read 2 Timothy 3:16: "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." What I laughed at in disbelief, even at the time, was how the presenter expounded on the word "reproof." He said we have to prove all things, and after some time passes we need to go back and "prove them again." He thought that's what the word "reproof" meant -- to prove something again. If a person can make such a silly error like this, how much more likely is a person able to be misled about more complex theological issues. I'll take the constant Tradition of the Church any day over amateur, armchair Armstrongist theologians.

Here's a treat. I'm sharing some excellent talks I downloaded years ago about the Old Testament sabbaths and holy days -- Israel's liturgical calendar -- from a Christian (i.e., Catholic) perspective. I just re-listened to the one about the Feast of Tabernacles since I have friends who are observing it right now. It's so exciting to explore the richness of these feasts in the light of Jesus Christ, who fulfilled them beautifully. It's still the best "feast sermon" I've ever heard. If you've ever observed or wondered about the FOT (or others), listen to this!

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I could never see it before, due to my upbringing, but it's true: The Blessed Virgin Mary is central to the gospel. Not the Center, but central. She's the New Eve. The Ark of the New Covenant. King Jesus' Queen Mother. And she's our Mother -- the Mother of all Christians.

I'm a huge believer in gender diversity. For example, I believe every marriage needs one male and one female.