Series: The Big Questions Series summary Many religions hold the Bible in high esteem. Certainly the religions do that sprang from Abraham: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The thousands of variations of these beliefs reference the Bible. God loves all creation. Psalm 145:9: “The Lord is good to all, and his compassion is over all that he has made.” God’s love for people The Bible is a book about people’s perceptions of God’s influence and work in their lives. God is... Read more
Series: The Big Questions What does it mean to be a Christian? It’s a place of example to others and service? Christianity has two major holidays that represent the meaning of the Christian religion. The first, Christmas, is represented and celebrated as Jesus’ birth, ushered in by peach and goodwill toward others. The second holiday, Easter, represents God’s love through the promise of the Kingdom of God and eternal life, and the forgiveness of sins so that there is no... Read more
Series: The Big Questions What does it mean to be the chosen people? Is it a place of privilege? Or a place of service? The ancient Jews are considered to be an example of godliness, not an exclusive club. They had a covenant (agreement) with God. Jewish Covenants: “For you are a holy people to the Lord your God, and the Lord has chosen you to be a people for His own possession out of all the peoples who are... Read more
Series: The Big Questions There are a variety of attitudes about what the Bible is. At one extreme the Bible is the only official word of God. At the other extreme it’s a series of fairy tales. It’s generally regarded as guidance for humanity. In its simplest form the Bible contains stories about a series of agreements (covenants) between God and man, mostly about behavior. The agreements take the form of “if … then” statements: “If you do this, God... Read more
Series: The Big Questions There are a variety of attitudes about what the Bible is. At one extreme the Bible is the only official word of God that contains a list of rules or laws about how we should live. Breaking them sends us to Hell. At the other extreme the Bible is a book of fiction with no practical meaning. There is nothing beyond death. Is there a middle ground? Or is the Bible something else altogether? As a... Read more
“But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels. The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged …” – 2 Timothy 2: 23, 24 God was not the only one to say, “I am.” French philosopher René Descartes said, “I think, therefore I am.” Maybe “I do, therefore I am,” would be more apt to presence and being. Popeye the Sailor (cartoon character) said, “I am what I... Read more
Did Jesus come to certify some economy as perfect? He spent most of his time among the poor and he didn’t hand out money. He stood up for the Jewish idea of fairness and honesty in business (Deuteronomy 25:14-16). He didn’t demand the cheating tax collector be thrown in jail. In fact after meeting Jesus the tax collector decided his ways were bad and gave people refunds greater than the amount collected (Luke 19:1-10). He said that people who were... Read more
“What is love?” is one of the most frequently asked questions about religion on the Internet. It’s difficult to define because love is an abstract concept. It isn’t examined through the five senses. It’s not part of physical reality. Yet it’s probably the most powerful word in the universe. “But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the [f]greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13 (NASB) When performers stand on stage and say, “I love you all,” what... Read more
To the thief on the cross who knew he had sinned and deserved his fate, Jesus said to him that today he would be with him in paradise. Not Tomorrow. Not at some coming point of his return. Not at the resurrection of the dead. Not at the end of time. “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” –Matthew 6:23 (NASB) “From that time Jesus began to preach and say,... Read more
Age 18 to 35 showed up to vote in the Mid-term election. Fantastic! “When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, But when a wicked man rules, people groan.” Proverbs 29:2 (NASB) You turned out in high numbers and you influenced the election. Yay! I thought you would. I hoped you would. I’m very proud of these generations. The Earth is ours to tend to and use for good. Or we can abuse it. Only one is right for people and... Read more
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