As I continue to grow in Christ, I find myself more frequently questioning many of my long-held beliefs about God and the Bible. In fact, I have grown quite comfortable with asking myself why I believe as I do on numerous topics. I’m no longer fearful of questions. In fact I especially enjoy them when I know they emerge from …
God’s Primary Will For Your Life
Many years ago I was taught that God has a primary will or plan for every believer’s life, which included everything from occupation, marital status, the precise person I should marry, and the exact role I should fill in the Body of Christ. This teaching went on to say that if I, as an individual believer, failed to find and …
The Cruelest Religion On Earth
I believe that Evolution is the cruelest religion in the history of humanity. Please allow me to elaborate. I refer to Evolution as a religion because it requires faith to accept its premises and conclusions. Any ideology which requires faith is a religion. Some say it is a science, but it isn’t, and this is why. Science is the study …
The Reckless Love Of God
God created humans to be His cherished companions on earth, but their free will often leads them to act cruelly and unlovingly towards Him. Throughout scripture, one of the prominent themes is God’s unwavering desire to be reunited with humanity. This is the driving force behind every major event recorded in the Bible. The ultimate manifestation of this persistent love …
Dispensational Danger
Looking back over the years of my efforts to walk with Christ, I can see how many of my initial beliefs or conclusions about God and the Bible have changed. Dispensationalism is one. For those who do not understand this term, it is the recognition that throughout time God has “changed the rules for humanity” so to speak. Scholars refer …
Centered Is The New Shalom
In recent years I’ve heard the term “centered” often used to describe a state of being that everyone should strive to attain. It is defined as having a central point or internal compass from which our lives can remain in sync as our authentic self. Another closely related idea is life balance. Except with life balance the concept is that …
The Giving Season
Christian reformer Martin Luther once said, “People go through three conversions: The conversion of their head, their heart, and their pocketbook. Unfortunately, not all at the same time.” We first hear the gospel, weigh it in our minds to the point of assent and ultimately believe it in our hearts. At that moment, we are saved from death and guaranteed …
HOPE: A CHOICE TO TRUST IN GOD’S PROMISE
Throughout scripture God’s people have chosen hope as a strength building virtue. Hope is not optimism. It isn’t a wish. Nor is it a fantasy. Hope is a choice to see the future according to the faithfulness of God to fulfill His promises. Hope is confident trust that God will perform the promises in His word regardless of the present …
A Good Church, Who Can Find One?
I know scores of Jesus followers who love what he taught, what he did and how he freely gave his life on behalf of humanity. But the practice of their daily lives, unlike Jesus, is one of a solitary walk. Why do so many people who are believers of Jesus Christ fail to join themselves with other followers of Jesus. …
Pure or Impure: The Choice is Ours
The Old Covenant beliefs were frequently faced with the possibility of becoming “impure” or “unclean” before God. Many things could create this state of uncleanness, like touching a dead body, or having open sores. In the condition of uncleanness, they were disqualified from certain rights and privileges relating to association with others and to temple worship. In like manner, New …