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 …
Anchored In Faith
We believe that every Christian has a duty and responsibility to participate in the political process by voting, specifically for leaders who uphold Christian values. Scripture instructs us to pray for those in authority (1 Timothy 2:1-4). However, the Bible also reveals instances where God disapproved of Israel’s leadership choices (Hosea 8:4), demonstrating the potential consequences of poor leadership. The …
Who Is Your Sufficiency
In our culture, self-sufficiency is lauded as a prized virtue. The self-sufficient man or woman earns the admiration and respect of all who know them. Miriam Webster defines self-sufficiency as “reliance on one’s own efforts and abilities.” Roy Baumeister, an American social psychologist, defines it as, “a reliance on internal resources to provide life with coherence and fulfillment.” Carl Jung …
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 …
Empowered by the Spirit
With a resounding and powerful crescendo, Romans chapter eight stands as the pinnacle of the profound teachings that are laid out in the first seven chapters of this crucial text, serving as a solid foundation for Christian living. These early chapters meticulously outline essential doctrines, emphasizing themes such as sin, grace, salvation, and the gift of holy spirit. They serve …
The New Covenant has a New Commandment
God’s new covenant with Israel, and subsequently with all nations, transcends the concept of a mere contract. Unlike a contract that can be negotiated, amended, or even broken, a covenant is something much deeper and more profound. It represents a fusion, a sacred joining of lives in love, where both parties invest themselves entirely and unconditionally into the relationship. This …
Maturing Through Love
As I mature into senior citizen status, I’m acutely aware of this one reality, “My own spirituality grows or wanes in direct proportion to my recognition and acceptance of God’s love for me”. My mind consistently seeks approval from all the wrong sources; the respect of my peers or other material world evidence that “I’m okay”. Yet my heart yearns …
Resetting Creation Through the Flood
The Genesis flood narrative raises several questions, particularly from a modern scientific perspective, such as the universal nature of the flood, the logistics of animal transport to the ark, and the behavior of the animals. Critics often dismiss the biblical account as a fairy tale due to these queries, missing the primary theological intent of the text. The original audience …