Unfortunately, and decidedly contrary to God’s desire, adversity is part of this life. First-century Jews who accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior were acutely aware of this. Not long after the Day of Pentecost, Peter and John were imprisoned by Jewish leaders for healing a lame man in Jesus Christ’s name. This was just the beginning of escalating pressure. …
Transactions & Transformation
Shortly after last month’s newsletter was sent out, a friend reached out to me via email. He expressed, “I found your recent brief piece on prayer both uplifting and inspiring, so thank you for that. Whenever I come across statements that resonate with me, I instinctively turn to the Bible, seeking answers to questions like, ‘Where can I find this …
Should Christians Vote?
There is a debate among Christians about voting. Some claim we have a moral responsibility to vote, while others see voting as a purely political act, which Christians should forgo. Those who oppose it will sometimes point to Jesus’ nonviolent lifestyle and his apparent lack of interest in politics, and conclude that somehow, he was “non-political.” I could not disagree …
The Blame Game
People are inherently programmed to resist and avoid negative or uncomfortable feelings that may arise from facing their own shortcomings or mistakes. This resistance is a fundamental aspect of human psychology, shaped by our instinctual desire to maintain a positive self-image and emotional well-being. In the quest to evade the discomfort of guilt or shame, individuals often adopt various strategies, …
Trust God
Michael Kappelman passionately emphasizes the profound importance of trusting God, underscoring the fact that God’s Word serves as an unchanging truth for believers navigating the complexities of life. He draws attention to key Bible verses that highlight God’s promises and unwavering nature, illustrating how these passages provide a solid foundation for faith. In his exploration, Michael articulates the inherent risks …
The Essence of Prayer
The English priest John Chapman is credited with this quote; “Pray as you can, not as you can’t”. His message is clear, bother not yourself with the trivial matters of methods, or how or when, and just pray! We’ve all heard the adage, “Practice makes perfect”. I believe this is especially true with prayer. As we practice the habit of …
Unsung Heroes
Since the day of Pentecost, which marked the birth of the Christian Church, there have indeed been a select few believers whom God has chosen for high-profile assignments or to hold positions that attract public attention. These individuals often garner admiration and recognition for their extraordinary contributions to the faith, standing out in the spotlight of ministry, leadership, and influence. …
Thankfulness: God’s Medicine
Anxiety and depression, the prevalent mental health afflictions in our society, often leave countless individuals grappling with a sense of hopelessness, believing that their struggles will forever hold them captive. While traditional therapeutic interventions and pharmacological treatments may provide some relief, they often perpetuate the notion that recovery is an elusive goal. However, God’s wisdom offers a profound alternative – …
The Deception of Numbers
Twenty-first century Western Civilization seems to be awash with a fascination for numbers. Ideologies and political movements are no longer judged through thoughtful reason and dialogue. Rather their gravitas is determined by how many people accept or ascribe to a particular thought. Even the most outrageous positions are accepted as viable, so long as enough people agree. Such cultural norms …
What Goes Up, Must Come Down
The life and ministry of Jesus, as depicted in the Gospels, culminates in a series of ascents – a journey from earthly existence to heavenly glory. He ascends to Jerusalem, to Skull Hill, onto the cross, from death to life, to the Mount of Olives, and ultimately, into heaven. However, as Luke emphasizes in Acts 1:1, this was merely the …