Author Archives: Bryan Hodge

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About Bryan Hodge

I am a minister and missionary to numerous countries around the world.

More Woes in Isaiah

The word “woe” appears 21 times in the book of Isaiah.  The word “woe” is an interjection of sorrow or grief.  It is sometimes used as a warning.  We have considered six of these “woes,” which occur in Isaiah 5, … Continue reading →

Posted in God's Sovereignty, God`s eye, pride, prophets, Textual study | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Valentine’s Day and Love

The origin of this day is uncertain.  Here are some theories: (1) Some (not all) believe that it is a “christianized” form of the Roman festival of Lupercalia.  This festival occurred each year between February 13th and 15th.  It is … Continue reading →

Posted in History, holiday, Love, Marriage | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Speak Smooth Things

“This is a rebellious people… who say to the seers, ‘Do not see,’ and to the prophets, ‘Do not prophesy to us right things; speak to us smooth things, prophesy deceits.  Get out of the way, turn aside from the … Continue reading →

Posted in Preachers, Preaching, prophets, Textual study | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

From Scarlet to White

“Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes.  Cease to do evil, learn to do good; seek justice, rebuke the oppressor; defend the fatherless, plead for the widow” (Isaiah 1:16-17). This is … Continue reading →

Posted in Forgiveness, Grace, Mercy, prophets, Textual study | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Six Woes (Isaiah 5)

The house of Israel (Judah) was the LORD’s vineyard (Isaiah 5:1-7).  The nation was to bring forth good grapes, but instead it brought forth wild grapes (Isaiah 5:2).  It is in this context, six woes are pronounced.  Let’s notice… 1. … Continue reading →

Posted in Ethics, pride, Priorities, prophets, Textual study | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Denominations: United Pentecostal Church

The United Pentecostal Church International (UPCI) says that it has 5½ million constituents world-wide (About UPCI, upci.org).  There are more than 350,000 members in the U.S.A. and Canada combined (overview of the United Pentecostal Church International by Jack Zavada, learnreligions.com).  … Continue reading →

Posted in baptism, Church Organization, denominations, Godhead, Holy Spirit, Miracles, Pentecostalism, Stats | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Moral Perfection

I believe that a major misunderstanding exists among some Christians and among many non-Christians.  I am speaking of the need for moral perfection, flawless performance of God’s law, or absolute sinless living.  When a Christian has this misunderstanding, the consequences … Continue reading →

Posted in Dedication, Faith, Sin | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Some Questions For Us

Many members say that they desire the growth of the local church.  Many say that they desire many visitors at the annual Gospel Meeting. However, are we doing what it takes for these things to happen?  Desire without action will … Continue reading →

Posted in christian growth, Christian Influence, Dedication, evangelism, Fellowship, Hospitality, questions, Soul Winning | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Christmas Tree?

“Do not learn the way of the Gentiles… for the customs of the people are futile; For one cuts a tree from the forest, the work of the hands of the workman with the ax.  They decorate it with silver … Continue reading →

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Some Questions About the Church of Christ

What is the church of Christ?  I believe that some well-meaning brethren have wrongly approached this question.  They have approached this from the idea of perfection.  For example: (1) The church of Christ teaches the correct plan of salvation.  (2) … Continue reading →

Posted in church, Doctrine, salvation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments