Christian Questions Bible Podcast: Recent Episodes
Rick and Jonathan
Because we live in a culture that promotes complete equality in all roles, many churches have adopted this social standard and now ordain women as pastors or elders. The question we must ask is whether this practice is biblical. According to Scripture, the answer is no.
From creation, God established an order. Eve was formed from Adam and for Adam as a helper suited to him (Genesis 2:21‑22). The Apostle Paul directly connects this creation order to church leadership when he writes, “But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet. For it was Adam who was first created, and then Eve. And it was not Adam who was deceived, but the woman being quite deceived, fell into transgression.” (1 Timothy 2:12‑14) Paul’s reasoning is rooted in creation, not in culture.
This authority structure applies specifically to the church, not to society at large. Scripture shows women exercising significant influence in other spheres. Deborah served as a civil judge over Israel (Judges 4–5). In the New Testament, Phoebe is commended as a faithful servant of the church at Cenchrea (Romans 16:1), but she is not presented as an elder. Likewise, Priscilla—alongside her husband Aquila—helped instruct Apollos more accurately (Acts 18:26), demonstrating spiritual maturity and leadership within proper biblical order.
The term diakonos (deacon/servant) can describe a range of roles, but the formal office of deacon is defined in Scripture as male: “Likewise must the deacons be men of dignity… let deacons be the husbands of one wife” (1 Timothy 3:8,12). Thus, Phoebe’s service reflects devotion and responsibility, not the ordained office.
Even though women are not to serve as pastors or elders, Scripture shows countless avenues of meaningful ministry—teaching, counseling, evangelism, hospitality, missions, and leadership by example. God does not value men above women; He assigns different roles within the church according to His design. This position is not about limiting women, but about honoring the beautiful biblical picture of Christ and his church. In terms of salvation and standing in Christ, men and women are fully equal: “There is neither Jew nor Greek… male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28).
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Why is it ok for God to order the deaths of some, but not for us? How do we know God is not contradicting Himself? Watch this highlight from our podcast about spiritual murder, then listen to the full episode #1449: What Makes Christians Guilty of Murder?
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Is being angry REALLY the same as murdering someone? Watch this highlight from our podcast about spiritual murder, then listen to the full episode #1449: What Makes Christians Guilty of Murder?
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The general pattern of prayer in Scripture is for believers to address their petitions to the Heavenly Father, approaching Him through the merit and authority of Jesus Christ. Jesus himself directed his followers to pray in this way, identifying the Father as the ultimate source of blessing. The model prayer he provided begins with “Our Father, which art in heaven,” showing that our primary approach is to Jehovah God. We pray in Jesus’ name because we have faith in him as our Redeemer, remembering his promise in John 14:14 that whatever we ask in his name—according to God’s will—he will do.
Even so, there is no scriptural prohibition against addressing Jesus directly in prayer or thanksgiving. The Bible teaches that all should honor the son just as they honor the Father, and speaking to Jesus can be an expression of recognizing his exalted position and his role as the Father’s representative. Because the only way we have access to the Supreme Creator is through the merit of Jesus’ sacrifice, our prayers are acceptable to God only through him. Jesus declared, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). His resurrection to divine nature and his position at the Father’s right hand further affirm the appropriateness of honoring him directly.
There is also a practical and relational reason believers may speak directly to Jesus. The Church is described as the Body of Christ, with Jesus as its Head. Just as a natural body responds to its head, members of the spiritual body may rightly communicate their desires, praise and devotion to their Head. Scripture encourages us to fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2), and to follow his example of love and sacrifice (Ephesians 5:2). Devoted followers may certainly talk to Jesus as part of their spiritual walk.
At the same time, Scripture makes clear distinctions. It is inappropriate to address prayers to deceased saints or other beings, for Christ alone is the authorized Advocate for the church and “Mediator between God and men.” The Father remains the ultimate fountain of blessing, while the son is the channel through whom those blessings flow. For this reason, we should not address the son to the exclusion of the Father, for the Father is superior in honor and power and is the One who glorified the son.
In summary, the scriptural pattern is to pray to the Father through Jesus, yet it is entirely appropriate to speak directly to Jesus as well. Both approaches honor God’s arrangement, respect Christ’s role, and reflect the unity between the Father and the son.
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In this Ten Commandments Series, we are looking at each commandment individually to see how they all apply to our present day personal Christian lives. In our systematic examination of each of the first five commandments, we have seen a powerful interconnectedness that deepens their meaning to us. The first three focus on God as our sole object of ultimate worship and loyalty. The Fourth Commandment to remember the Sabbath teaches us as Christians to rest in God through Jesus, making sure our motivations in life are continually spiritually focused. The Fifth Commandment to honor our father and mother was the first one to fully focus on our interpersonal human relationships. This respect and honor towards parents are the clear foundation for the rest of the commandments, which set rigid guidelines for the mutual respect we should have for all of humanity.
Murder, according to Jesus, begins long before any physical act. Christians become guilty of murder—”spiritual murder”—when anger, contempt and destructive words diminish another person’s God‑given worth. The Sixth Commandment calls us to protect the sanctity of life by practicing humility, reconciliation and honoring the image of God in everyone.
There’s a progressionThis teaching shows a metaphorical progression: anger places us in danger of judgment in court, contempt places us in danger of the high court, and calling someone a fool places us in danger of losing everything through God’s righteous judgment. Jesus is revealing that for Christians, murder begins long before any physical act. It starts in the heart, where anger, contempt and destructive words diminish another person’s God-given worth.
For Christians today, modern expressions of this potential spiritual murder includes dehumanization, online hostility and the quiet killing of hope through criticism or belittling. Scripture consistently teaches that our words carry power to bless or curse, to build or destroy. When we diminish someone’s identity, worth or potential, we violate the spirit of the Sixth Commandment.
Fortunately, Jesus offers a clear remedy for this sometimes subtle but massive challenge. It begins with humility, reconciliation and intentional care for our brothers and sisters. As light bearers, Christians are called to protect life in every form—physical, emotional and spiritual. Jesus’ application of this sixth Commandment to his followers challenges us to look honestly at how we react, how we speak, and how we form judgments, so that our conduct reflects the value God places on every single human being.
Key Takeaways• Murder begins in the heart long before any physical act.
• Anger, contempt and degrading speech place believers in spiritual danger.
• Jesus raises the Sixth Commandment to a higher, inward standard.
• Dehumanization and slander are modern forms of “spiritual murder.”
• Protecting the sanctity of life includes guarding others’ hope and potential.
• Christians must practice humility, reconciliation and intentional respect.
The Fifth Commandment God gave to Israel after He freed them from slavery was a simple statement of respect. God instructed each and every individual to honor their parents. To really understand the import of this command from God to His people of Israel and to us, it is important to do two things. First, recognize that appropriate “honor” for one’s parents really has its foundation in the previous four Commandments. Second, be aware that while honoring our parents does have its basis in honoring God, we must recognize that any and all honor we give them reflects how and why we honor God. So, how and why do we as Christians honor our parents?
To honor your parents means giving weight, respect and value to their role in our lives. Biblically, honor is an external action rooted in reverence for God, expressed through respect, care, listening and godly obedience. Jesus modeled this honor both in his youth and at the cross.
It’s all connectedIn this episode, we explore how to honor your father and mother goes beyond a cultural expectation to a spiritual discipline. Scripture shows that honoring parents is woven into the very fabric of a God-reverencing life. The Law connects honoring parents with holiness, avoiding idolatry, Sabbath rest and the sanctity of God’s name. In other words, how we treat our parents reflects how seriously we take God Himself.
What if they just aren’t good parents?As reverential and respectful as all of this is, what happens when parents are not honorable? The Bible never asks us to blindly follow destructive behavior. To honor your parents must always be filtered through honoring God first. Sometimes honor looks like setting boundaries, seeking help or breaking cycles of harm. Other times, honor means patience, forgiveness and choosing respect even when circumstances are challenging.
Ultimately, honoring parents is a heart-driven choice. It is an act of worship, a reflection of God’s character and a pathway to significantly healthier families and communities.
Key Takeaways• Honor is an external action rooted in reverence for God.
• The Fifth Commandment builds on the first four, linking family respect to spiritual devotion.
• Jesus modeled parental honor from childhood through his final moments on the cross.
• Honoring destructive behavior is not biblical; boundaries might be necessary.
• True honor comes from the heart and reflects God’s holiness in everyday relationships.
Although the Ten Commandments are well known, the sad reality is they certainly are not well practiced. In our current Ten Commandment series we are examining each one and how it relates to our Christian lives here and now. So far, we’ve covered the first three and have found them to be deeply connected and incredibly relevant for our everyday lives. We now look at the fourth, the command to remember the sabbath day and to keep it holy. As Christians, the issue here should be obvious. The Jewish sabbath is Saturday and we have our day of worship and rest on Sunday. Are we wrong in this approach, or is our remembering the sabbath supposed to be expressed in entirely different terms?
The Fourth Commandment—remembering the Sabbath and keeping it holy—was central to Israel’s covenant life. It provided a weekly pause from physical labor so the people could refocus on God, examine their hearts and correct any possible drift toward idolatry and hypocrisy. But for Christians, the meaning of Sabbath rest shifts dramatically. Instead of a literal day of ceasing from physical work, the New Testament reveals a deeper, spiritual rest rooted in Christ himself.
God rested on the seventh day not because He was tired, but because His physical creative work was complete. From that point forward, His work became spiritual—preparing the world for Messiah and unfolding His plan through Jesus. Hebrews 4 explains that Israel failed to enter God’s rest because of disobedience, while believers now enter that rest through faith in Christ. This rest is not inactivity; it is the peace and strength that come from aligning our lives with God’s ongoing spiritual work.
Jesus reinforces this truth when he invites the weary to take his yoke and learn from him. His rest is the relief from worldly burdens, anxieties and self‑driven striving. The Greek words used—katapauo (to cease) and anapauo (to refresh)—show that Christian rest involves both putting down earthly concerns and taking up the spiritually refreshing work of discipleship.
The early church modeled this beautifully.They gathered on the first day of the week—Resurrection Day—to teach, pray, give and serve. This was not a pause from spiritual labor but a celebration of Christ’s victory and a recommitment to the work God prepared for them.
For Christians today, Sabbath rest is a daily posture. We still handle our responsibilities, but our true labor is in Christ. We rest by living as “new creatures,” empowered by God’s spirit, focused on His plan, and engaged in His work every day.
Key Takeaways* The Jewish Sabbath focused on ceasing physical labor; Christian Sabbath focuses on spiritual rest in Christ. * God’s rest began after creation and continues through His spiritual work in Messiah. * Believers enter God’s rest through faith, obedience and alignment with Christ’s work. * Jesus’ yoke brings refreshment, not exhaustion—spiritual work is restful when done in him. * The early church gathered on Resurrection Day to teach, serve and worship, modeling Christian Sabbath principles. * Christian rest is daily: putting aside earthly anxieties and engaging in God’s spiritual work with renewed focus.
How is the Lord’s prayer a positive reflection on the third commandment, and what does that mean for us? Watch this highlight from our podcast about what taking God’s name in vain means, then listen to the full episode #1446: Do I Ever Take God’s Name in Vain?
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As we continue our Ten Commandments series, we are focusing on how each and every Commandment given by God to Israel after their being freed from slavery has direct and profound meaning for us as Christians. While we live in a VERY different world, the principles of each of those Commandments are powerfully important for us to follow in our walk as disciples of Jesus. The Third Commandment tells us to not take God’s name in vain. For the most part, we look at that and we might think, I don’t use God’s name in any inappropriate way, so I’m fine! Well, the reality is taking God’s name in vain is far deeper, far more subtle and far more destructive than the words we use. We need to pay close attention!
Beyond OMG!The Third Commandment, “Thou shalt not take the name of Jehovah thy God in vain,” reaches far deeper than avoiding careless speech. In this episode, we explore how “taking God’s name” is about carrying His name, bearing it as a representative of His character. The commandment warns against taking God’s name in vain — living in a way that makes God’s name appear empty, false, or inconsistent with the life of a disciple. It is not merely about words; it is about the integrity of our walk.
Connecting CommandmentsThe discussion begins by connecting the Third Commandment to the first two. When we allow doubt, divided loyalty or idolatry to take root, hypocrisy naturally follows. We may outwardly claim God’s name while inwardly relying on our own desires, worldly influences or the persuasive voices of others. We discuss how this progression leads to a “forged signature,” a life that bears God’s name but does not reflect His holiness.
Jonah’s story becomes a vivid example. As a prophet, he carried God’s name, yet his refusal to obey revealed an idol of self‑will. Only in distress did Jonah recognize the emptiness of his own vanity and return to faithfulness. The Apostle Paul’s transformation provides another powerful illustration. His impressive credentials once masked spiritual emptiness, but in Christ he learned to count all things as loss so he could bear God’s name with sincerity.
Practically speaking, how do we avoid becoming a “shell” of a Christian? By guarding our priorities, resisting worldly influences and rejecting leaders who twist Scripture for personal gain. Ultimately, Jesus’ words in the Lord’s Prayer, “Hallowed be Thy name,” show the positive side of the Third Commandment. To carry God’s name is to treat it as sacred, letting it shape our character, our choices and our daily walk.
Key Takeaways
- We are supposed to represent God with integrity at all times, not merely avoiding careless speech.
- Hypocrisy begins when doubt, idolatry or worldly influences distort our loyalty.
- Jonah and Paul illustrate how personal desires can forge a false spiritual identity.
- The antidote is returning to the first two commandments: no other gods, no idols.
- “Hallowed be Thy name” is the positive fulfillment of the Third Commandment—living in a way that honors God’s holiness.
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Taking God’s name in vain has a much deeper meaning than avoiding careless speech. Watch this short vlog, then listen to the full podcast of the same name for more details!
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Why is being right and others telling us we are right a bad thing? Watch this highlight from our podcast about idols in one’s life, then listen to the full episode #1445: How Do I Keep Idols Out of My Life?
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Loving God strongly is not an instant emotion or a gift that arrives fully formed. It is the primary work of the “new creature” (2 Corinthians 5:17) a progressive development cultivated in the “school of Christ.” Strong love for God grows through knowledge, obedience, character formation and the continual subduing of the flesh. It is a lifelong process of wholehearted allegiance rather than a momentary feeling.
One of the most important steps in developing strong love for God is increasing your knowledge of Him. You can’t deeply love a God you don’t truly know. As you study His Word and His plan, you begin to appreciate His main characteristics of wisdom, justice, love and power and how these all work in perfect balance. Listening to the “still small voice” (1 Kings 19:11-12) of Scripture and meditating on His principles helps His character become part of your own thinking. This growing acquaintance naturally strengthens your love.
As you progress, you move through different stages of love as you press toward the mark of perfect character (Philippians 3:14). At first, love may begin as duty?love — gratitude for redemption and a sense of obligation. Over time, this matures into a love of principles: a deep appreciation for righteousness, truth and the beauty of God’s character. Ultimately, the goal is perfect love, or “agape” in Greek — a selfless, principled love fully aligned with God’s spirit, extending even to one’s enemies. This is the “mark” toward which every Christian presses.
Strong love for God must also be demonstrated through obedience. Loving God strongly means surrendering your will, time, talents and influence for His service. When love is mature, obedience is no longer burdensome but becomes a delight. Because we cannot see God, our love for Him is measured by our sincere and fervent love for our fellow Christians, who represent Him.
Another essential aspect of loving God strongly is purifying the heart. God desires the whole heart, not merely a portion of it. This requires rooting out not only obvious sins but also hidden desires that conflict with His will. Setting your affections on heavenly things helps counter the downward pull of the flesh. You must guard against idolatry, ensuring that no earthly relationship, possession or ambition comes between you and God.
Prayer and communion with God sustain this development. Prayer is the Christian’s vital breath, the means by which we draw near to Him and seek His direction. Maintaining a prayerful attitude keeps your heart aligned with His will. Asking for an increase of the spirit of love is appropriate.
Scripture also teaches that loving God strongly involves your heart, soul, mind and strength (Deuteronomy 6:5). Loving Him with your heart means giving Him undivided sincerity. Loving Him with your soul reflects deep devotion and trust. Loving Him with your mind requires intentional study and taking every thought captive to Christ. Loving Him with your strength means using your energy and actions to serve Him wholeheartedly.
Character development is another part of this journey. Peter’s “virtue ladder” described in 2 Peter 1:5-7 shows how faith leads to moral excellence, knowledge, self?control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and finally agape love. Each step prepares the heart for deeper devotion and stronger love.
Finally, strong love for God must be reflected in how we treat others. Jesus taught that loving your neighbor as yourself is inseparable from loving God. Compassion, kindness, and even love toward enemies demonstrate that God’s character is being formed within you.
In all these ways, loving God strongly becomes a life of principled devotion, expressed through your heart, soul, mind and strength. It is a journey of growth, obedience, prayer and character transformation that leads to the highest form of love — agape — the love that reflects God Himself.
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What is so bad about using AI to help in writing sermons? Watch this highlight from our podcast about idols in one’s life, then listen to the full episode #1445: How Do I Keep Idols Out of My Life?
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To understand the Bible’s perspective on misogyny (the dislike, contempt for or devaluing of women) and chauvinism (the belief that men are inherently superior to women and therefore entitled to dominance), we have to look past the brokenness of our current world and see the “big picture” of God’s plan—from the perfection of Eden to the restoration that is coming. Scripture shows that the inequality and power struggles we see today were never part of God’s original design; they are the tragic fallout of sin.
In the beginning, God created woman as an ezer—a “helper” of equal strength (Genesis 2:18). The Hebrew word ezer is used of God Himself as Israel’s helper, showing that Eve was not created as a subordinate but as a partner, equal in value and complementary in role. Eden held no hierarchy, no dominance, no misogyny—only unity and mutual honor.
Everything changed after sin entered the world. In Genesis 3:16, God describes the consequences of the fall: “Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you.” This “ruling over” was not God’s design, but a sorrowful description of how sin would distort the relationship between men and women. Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #4910 (mashal) means “to rule, have dominion, to cause to rule” — a word that reflects domination, not partnership. This is the root of misogyny and chauvinism: the misuse of strength, authority and position in a fallen world. These attitudes are the result of the curse and not God’s will.
The Old Testament reflects this cursed reality. Laws such as Numbers 30 show women’s vows being subject to a father or husband—not because women were less capable, but because sin had disrupted the original balance. Yet even within that broken system, God raised up women like Miriam and Deborah as prophets and leaders, proving that spiritual authority was never tied to gender alone.
Jesus respected God’s penalty for sin yet worked within it to the extent he could. He treated women as intellectual and spiritual equals, taught them, defended them and welcomed them into His ministry (Luke 8:1–3; John 4:7–10). Women around him were given privileges the men did not receive, such as being the first to see him as a resurrected spirit being. He lifted their dignity within a culture that often diminished them.
The early church continued this pattern: women like Priscilla, Phoebe, Euodia and Syntyche labored side by side with men in spreading the Gospel (Acts 18:24–26; Romans 16:1–2; Philippians 4:1–3).
Yet the curse was still in effect, which is why certain roles—such as authoritative teaching in the assembly—remained symbolically tied to the husband–wife picture of Christ and the church (Ephesians 5:22–24). Even then, men were commanded to lead with agape—selfless, sacrificial love that elevates and protects, never dominates or diminishes.
The New Testament points us toward the future restoration: “There is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28) In the coming kingdom, the curse will be lifted, and the original harmony of Eden will be restored. Misogyny and chauvinism will have no place in God’s renewed creation.
To summarize:
- Misogyny and chauvinism are not biblical ideals but symptoms of the curse.
- God’s original design was equality, partnership and mutual honor.
- Jesus modeled and initiated treating women with respect.
- The kingdom will be a time of restoration and rehabilitation for all, ending domination and restoring Eden’s balance.
The Bible does not endorse misogyny or chauvinism. It exposes their roots as part of the overall broad lesson of why God permit evil for a time, as we look forward to God’s plan to permanently heal what sin has broken.
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In our last episode, we unfolded the revealing of the Ten Commandments to the nation of Israel after they were miraculously freed from Egyptian slavery. We observed how God powerfully reminded them that their deliverance came from Him, and how their loyalty to Him was to be reflected by the First Commandment’s instruction of having no other gods before Him. As Christians, we were also rescued from the “slavery” of sin and death by God through the sacrifice of Jesus. We are therefore required to follow this Commandment and have our loyalty solely focused on God through Christ. The Second Commandment instructs us to have NO idols in our lives and builds squarely upon the First. Practically speaking, what does being idol-free look like? What are the dangers of not living up to this standard?
Reject idolatryIn this episode we see that the Second Commandment’s call is to reject idolatry in every form. Idolatry begins internally, in the direction of the heart, and then becomes visible through what we “make,” “bow to” and “serve.” Idolatry can be described as a root sin that misdirects loyalty before any outward wrongdoing appears, creating patterns that can affect generations.
Modern idolsGod warned Israel not to create images of anything in heaven, on earth, or in the sea, because they never saw God’s form and were instead meant to be His living image. Idolatry is shown to be a shortcut, like the golden calf, offering quick reassurance instead of the slow, transformative work of trusting God. Modern idols may not be carved statues; they are often subtle, sophisticated and deeply embedded in daily life: ego, success, comfort, possessions, technology and even AI when used as a spiritual shortcut rather than a tool.
The New Testament approach to idolatry can be summed up in Paul’s approach in Acts 17, where he confronted a city full of idols with gentleness and respect. His method becomes a model for addressing idolatry both around us and within us, recognizing it, isolating it, repenting and returning to God’s sovereignty. Idolatry appears repeatedly in New Testament “danger lists,” emphasizing its destructive power and its ability to quietly replace God as the source of validation and security.
Ultimately, this Commandment calls Christians to spiritual awareness, honest self-examination and wholehearted loyalty to the God who cannot be contained, controlled or replaced.
Key Takeaways* Idolatry is a root sin: it misdirects the heart before any outward sin appears. * The Second Commandment is an external action command, building on the internal loyalty of the First. * Israel never saw God’s form, so any image replaces His true nature with something man made. * Modern idols are subtle: ego, success, comfort, possessions, technology, and even AI when used as a shortcut. * Idols promise control and immediacy, but they shape us in their image rather than God’s. * Paul’s approach in Acts 17 is a model: meet people where they are, speak gently and point them toward the true God. * Self-examination is essential: identify what you “bow to” or “serve” emotionally or habitually. Keep idols out of your life. * Repentance restores direction, bringing us back into the light and away from destructive patterns. * Christians are God’s temple, so idols have no rightful place in our lives.
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Modern idols may not be carved statues; they are often subtle and deeply embedded in daily life. Watch this short vlog, then listen to the full podcast of the same name for more details!
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The practice of manifesting may be taught in some schools of thought. However, manifesting should not be confused with prayer. Prayer is taught in the Bible and is an essential part of life for every follower of God. The practice of manifesting is not taught in the Bible. In fact, many of the concepts and motives are actually taught as things that God’s followers should avoid.
The Bible assures us that God’s followers should pray to God for the things they need. The key to prayer is understanding the difference between those things that we may want or desire for ourselves, and those things that we need to be pleasing to God. If we pray for things that are not granted, no matter how heartfelt and fervent our prayers are, perhaps the thing we are praying for is not in line with God’s will for us. This thought is very plainly taught in James 4:3.
Jesus gave a series of directions on how to pray and what types of things are appropriate to pray for in Matthew 6. He taught that his followers should pray for spiritual blessings, not earthly things (Matthew 6:19). He taught the importance of praying for forgiveness for the sins we may commit, and for help forgiving the sins that others may commit against us (Matthew 6:12). He taught the need to pray for help avoiding the temptations of the world that may lead us away from God (Matthew 6:13). Moreover, he taught that the main drive in the lives of his followers should be seeking the kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33).
“Seeking the kingdom of God” means setting aside the pursuits, dreams and ambitions of the world and focusing on developing a heart and mind that are in tune with serving God. The Apostle Paul referred to this as “the one thing I do” in life and counted all other things in his life as such little importance as to be “left behind” him (Philippians 3:7-8, 13-14). In fact, as a result of the spiritual vision that served to turn his heart to God, Paul was struck blind (Acts 9:3-9). His sight was later healed, but evidently only partially so. In 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, Paul refers to praying for the removal of something physical that he felt was preventing him from doing God’s will in the best way possible. It is generally assumed to be the restoration of his sight. His intentions were pure, in that he may have felt that the full restoration of his sight would help him serve God more effectively. However, when God did not answer his prayer, Paul readily accepted the outcome, understanding that God had a reason for keeping him in whatever state he was in.
Christians can have no greater example to pattern their lives after than Jesus himself. Jesus prayed constantly to God, and although he performed miracles, he never used his power to “manifest” things for his own personal needs (Matthew 4:1-11). When he knew the time of his death was approaching, he prayed to God that God’s will alone would be done in his life (Luke 22:41-42). He could have prayed for anything. He could have used his power to manifest a way of escape from his enemies. Instead, he remained obedient to God’s will and sought only to please him until his very death (Philippians 2:8). Because he proved his obedience to God, he was rewarded and greatly glorified by God (Philippians 2:9-11). Jesus’ followers have the opportunity for a grand reward as well, but they must demonstrate the same level of obedience and devotion to God (Revelation 2:10).
Consider the things that you are praying for, especially when those prayers do not appear to be answered. Are the things prayed for in line with the types of things Jesus taught his followers to pray for, or are they more in line with the things that you may feel you want or need in this present life? If you have prayed and have not received what you have prayed for, like Paul did, reflect on what you have prayed for. As with Paul, God may have reason not to answer your prayers or may actually be answering your prayers in a manner different than you were expecting.
Consider Jesus’ instructions in Matthew 6. His instructions contradict the teachings of manifesting, where if we think hard enough about something we want and devote energy to that want, the desire will happen. Jesus taught to approach God through prayer. He taught to not pray for worldly wants (that God already has knowledge of), but spiritual needs.
The best course of action for any Christian is to allow the teachings of the Bible and Jesus to guide one’s life and not be influenced by non-scriptural belief systems such as manifesting, no matter how appealing or more widely accepted they may be.
Matthew 6:31-34: Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
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Is worshipping Jesus appropriate, or are we violating the first commandment of worshipping more than one god? Watch this highlight from our podcast about the Ten Commandments, then listen to the full episode #1444: Do the Ten Commandments Apply to Christians Today?
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How was Julie able to remove the false god of fear from her life? Watch this highlight from our podcast about the Ten Commandments, then listen to the full episode #1444: Do the Ten Commandments Apply to Christians Today?
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How was Israel different from its neighbors during ancient times? What lessons are there for us? Watch this highlight from our podcast about the Ten Commandments, then listen to the full episode #1444: Do the Ten Commandments Apply to Christians Today?
The post VIDEO: What Does the First Commandment Mean And Why Was It Important? Podcast Highlight appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.
The giving of the Ten Commandments to the people of Israel after their miraculous deliverance from slavery in Egypt was part of one of the most memorable series of events in the entire Old Testament. Here were these millions of people who were now free from bondage but as yet with no home, and no way to take care of themselves other than trusting in Moses who was following God’s instructions. The giving of these ten foundational laws would set them up to understand who God was and what He would expect from them regarding their honoring Him and their respecting one another. These Ten Commandments were God’s directive to His people after He delivered them. They would stand the test of time. So, what do they mean to us as Christians? Are we bound by these Laws in our deliverance from sin and death?
First CommandmentIn this episode, we take a deep look at the First Commandment, “You shall have no other gods before Me,” and discover why this ancient instruction remains foundational for every Christian today. We walk through the dramatic setting of Exodus 19 and 20, where God prepared Israel to receive His Law by reminding them of His deliverance, His protection and His covenant love. Before giving a single command, God established relationship: “I am the LORD your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt.” That same pattern carries into Christianity, where we are called out of darkness into God’s marvelous light through Christ.
Our conversation highlights how the Ten Commandments were not merely rules for Israel, but timeless principles that reveal God’s character. Jesus and the apostles built their teachings on these same moral foundations, showing that while Christians are not under the Law of Moses, we are absolutely called to live out the righteousness those commandments point to. The First Commandment in particular is an “internal instruction”—a matter of the heart that shapes every outward action. It calls us to give God our instinctive loyalty, our first trust and our deepest devotion.
Other godsFurther, we explore what “other gods” look like today. They may not be carved idols, but they show up in subtle forms like fear, control, comfort, self-reliance, approval or anything that quietly becomes our first “go to” instead of God.
Ultimately, the First Commandment invites us to know who God is, absorb what He does and live in a way that reflects His sovereignty. When God truly comes first, everything else in life finds its rightful place.
Key Takeaways• The First Commandment is an internal instruction that begins in the heart.
• God established relationship before giving the Law—He first delivered Israel.
• Christians are called out of darkness just as Israel was called out of Egypt.
• “Other gods” today often appear as subtle loyalties like fear, control, comfort or self-image.
• Jesus and the apostles built their teachings on the same principles found in the Ten Commandments.
• True worship means giving God our instinctive trust, loyalty and direction.
• Knowing who God is must lead to living according to His sovereignty.
• Violating the First Commandment is always the beginning of spiritual downfall.
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The Ten Commandments are timeless principles that reveal God’s character. Watch this short vlog, then listen to the full podcast of the same name for more details!
The post VIDEO: Do the Ten Commandments Apply to Christians Today? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.
What did Jonathan learn about choosing reverence over cowardice in an experience with swarming bees? Watch this highlight from our podcast about examining what “fear of the Lord” means, then listen to the full episode #1443: What Is the Fear of the Lord?
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If we are not careful, it can be easy to misrepresent God. So often we hear people proclaim that God is a God of anger and wrath, a God who demands that we fear Him. While God does absolutely and ultimately demand that all will eventually honor and reverence Him, we need to be able to grasp what He requires of humanity now. The Bible, if carefully understood, supplies these answers. By examining what “fear of the Lord” looks like first in the Old Testament and then in the New, we can receive a clear picture of what He demands. What does this picture show us? It reveals His power, His authority and His overwhelming benevolence.
The Old Testament lays the foundation for understanding the fear of the Lord. The Hebrew words for fear carry both negative and positive meanings ranging from terror to deep reverence. Israel’s experience was often physical and immediate, while Christians today apply these principles spiritually. This distinction helps us to appreciate why “fear” in Scripture can sometimes sound intimidating yet ultimately points toward a relationship grounded in respect and devotion.
Reverence for God brings blessing.Passages from Psalms and Proverbs show that fearing the Lord leads to confidence, instruction, protection and even joy. For example, Proverbs describes the fear of the Lord as “a fountain of life,” offering refuge and strength. This kind of fear is not about shrinking back, but about recognizing God’s greatness and drawing closer to Him because of it.
Reverence for God brings guidance.A deeply personal example of this is Rick’s experience of how reverence for God sustained him through the trauma of his daughter’s assault. He describes relying on prayer and scriptural principles when he didn’t know what to do, illustrating how reverence can anchor believers during life’s most overwhelming moments.
The New Testament verifies that reverence remains essential for Christians. While the Greek word phobéō can mean fright, it also carries the meaning of awe and respect. The apostles encourage believers to perfect holiness in the fear of God, to honor all people and to avoid any ungodly spirit of cowardice.
The picture is clear: ‘Fearing the Lord’ means placing Him in His rightful position—above all things—and allowing that reverence to shape our confidence, choices and character.
Key Takeaways
- The ‘fear of the Lord’ in Scripture primarily means reverence, awe and deep respect, not terror.
- Old Testament examples show that reverence brings instruction, protection, confidence and blessing.
- True ‘fear’ of God draws us toward Him, not away from Him.
- The New Testament continues this theme, urging Christians to perfect holiness in reverence.
- God has not given Christians a spirit of fearfulness or cowardice.
- Reverence becomes especially powerful during personal trials, grounding us in God’s presence and guidance.
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The Old Testament lays the foundation for understanding the fear of the Lord. Watch this short vlog, then listen to the full podcast of the same name for more details!
The post VIDEO: What Is the ‘Fear of the Lord’? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.
Understanding the First Commandment begins with understanding what God actually said. When God declared, “You shall have no other gods before Me,” the key phrase “before Me” (Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #5921 plus 6440) comes from the Hebrew expression that literally means “in front of Me,” “in My presence” or “in My sight.” Because God is omnipresent, everything is in His presence. This means the command is not about ranking God above other deities; it is a command to have no other gods at all. The wording itself rules out the idea of “lesser gods” being acceptable.
The grammar reinforces this. The Hebrew phrase for “other gods” refers to any gods besides Yahweh, without qualification or hierarchy. It means “no gods besides Me in any category.” If God had meant “no gods higher than Me,” Hebrew has clear ways to express that idea, but none of those forms appear here. Instead, the construction is absolute: no other gods in any category, in any capacity, under any circumstances.
The context of the passage also makes the meaning unmistakable. Immediately after the First Commandment in verse 3, God forbids making images, bowing down to anything or serving anything besides Him. These commands only make sense if God is prohibiting all forms of worship directed toward anything else. If “lesser gods” were allowed, the next verses would contradict the very system God was establishing. This is a blanket prohibition, not a ranking system. The flow of the text shows a complete rejection of the polytheistic worldview Israel had just left behind.
This matters because the ancient world was filled with ranked pantheons. Egypt, Canaan and Mesopotamia all believed in hierarchies of gods. Some were more powerful than others, some less, each tied to specific regions or specialty functions. Israel’s God was radically different. He was not a local deity or a member of a divine council. He was the Creator, the Sovereign, the One who brought them out of Egypt by His own power. The First Commandment was a declaration of His uniqueness and exclusivity, not His position within a larger spiritual ecosystem. It is “I am the only God,” not “I am the highest God.”
The rest of Scripture consistently interprets the First Commandment this way:
Deuteronomy 6:4: “The LORD is one.”
Isaiah 45: Isaiah repeatedly declares, “There is no God besides Me.”
Hosea 13:4: “You shall know no God but Me.”
1 Corinthians 8:4: Paul writes, “There is no God but one.”
Nowhere does the Bible treat the First Commandment as a ranking system. It always presents it as a call to exclusive allegiance.
Jesus reinforces this understanding. When asked about the greatest commandment (see Mark 12:28-21, Matthew 22:36-38 and Luke 10:27), he quotes Deuteronomy 6:4-5 and says we must love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. That is not a command to love God most; it is a command to love God entirely. Jesus does not leave room for divided loyalty or secondary deities. He reveals the heart behind the First Commandment: wholehearted devotion to the one true God. Love God with everything.
Finally, the First Commandment is an internal instruction. It begins in the heart, where loyalty is formed long before actions are visible. Internal loyalty cannot be shared or ranked. If God is first in the heart, nothing else can occupy that place. The command is about giving God the exclusion devotion He alone deserves.
Taken together, (Hebrew grammar, ancient context, scripture interpreting scripture, and Jesus’ own teaching) the meaning is clear. The First Commandment does not allow for multiple gods with God at the top. It calls for one God, one loyalty and one devotion.
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David did not violate the Law when he ate the consecrated bread in 1 Samuel 21. While the Law in Leviticus 24 restricted the showbread to the priests under normal circumstances, the Law also contains built?in principles that allow for exceptions in cases of life?preserving need, provided ceremonial purity is maintained.
David was fleeing for his life, had no food, and was not acting in rebellion against God. Ahimelech the priest carefully questioned him about ceremonial purity, and only after confirming that David and his men were clean did he give them the bread. This was not a casual or irreverent act. It was a priestly decision made within the boundaries of mercy and purity.
Jesus himself confirms that David did not sin. In Matthew 12:3–4, Jesus uses David’s action as a positive example in a debate about the Law. If David had broken the Law, Jesus would not have appealed to his example to defend his own disciples. Instead, Jesus shows that the Law was never meant to override human need in situations where life and mercy are at stake. He quotes the principle, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice,” demonstrating that mercy is a core value embedded in the Law itself.
It is also important that Ahimelech, a legitimate priest, made the ruling. Priests were authorized by the Law (Deuteronomy 17:8–13) to make judgments in exceptional cases. The bread David received had just been replaced with fresh bread, meaning it was at the stage when priests normally consumed it. By giving it to David, Ahimelech was exercising lawful priestly discretion, not breaking God’s command. David was not stealing holy bread; he was receiving it from the very person authorized to distribute it under exceptional circumstances.
So, David did not violate the Law. His actions were consistent with the Law’s deeper principles of mercy, life preservation and ceremonial purity. Jesus’ use of this event shows that the Law was always intended to serve life, not to become a rigid system that ignored human need.
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How did a tiny lesson in resisting cherry pie teach a bigger lesson about how to resist temptation in our lives? Watch this highlight from our podcast about temptation, then listen to the full episode #1442: How Do I Identify Temptation and Shut It Down?
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Temptation is everywhere. In fact, it may be lurking in places that we are not even aware of. Let’s put this in perspective: Who do you claim to be? If you answered that you claim to be a Christian, then the next question is, who do you serve and in whose footsteps are you therefore to walk? Our answers should be that we serve God and are walking in the footsteps of Jesus our Lord! Now here’s the test: Let’s think about our associations, our work or school environments, our friends, the shows we watch, the influencers we follow, the music we listen to and the posts we make and read. Where are all these things drawing our minds to? What percentage of all these things are in exact alignment with God our Father and Jesus our Lord? Think! Be honest! You see, temptation IS everywhere!
How to identify temptation? It doesn’t always arrive with flashing lights or obvious danger. More often, it begins quietly—like a seed dropped into the “soil” of our hearts. What matters most is what we do with those seeds. Left unattended, they can take root and pull us off course. But when recognized early, they can be uprooted before they grow into something that harms our spiritual life.
The New Testament describes temptation as a proving ground—a pressure that reveals what is already inside us. That pressure can either weaken us or build us, depending on the desires we allow to take root. Even Jesus faced temptation, showing us that the battle itself is not sin. The danger comes when desire is fed, entertained, or justified. Whether it’s the “lust of the flesh,” the “lust of the eyes,” or the “pride of life,” temptation always begins with something that looks appealing and promises more than it can deliver.
Because temptation is subtle, how to identify temptation becomes our first line of defense. We’re called to examine our thoughts, emotions and habits with honesty. Are they drawing us closer to God or quietly nudging us away? Scripture encourages us to “submit to God,” “resist the devil,” and “draw near” to the One who provides strength and clarity. When we recognize the early signs, remove ourselves from compromising environments and reassess our emotional state, we create space for God to reshape our responses and strengthen our character.
Temptation is universal—but so is God’s faithfulness. With humility, vigilance, and a willingness to grow, we can face temptation with confidence and shut it down before it takes root.
Key Takeaways• Temptation begins as a seed—often subtle and easily overlooked.
• Desire is the catalyst. Temptation gains power only when it connects with something inside us.
• Awareness, honesty and early action are essential to stopping temptation before it grows.
• Scripture provides a clear process: submit to God, resist the devil, draw near and reshape our responses.
• God always provides strength, clarity and a way of escape for those who seek Him.
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Temptation doesn’t always arrive with warning signs. Watch this short vlog, then listen to the full podcast of the same name for more details!
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When ministering to someone who seems to be under the influence of evil spirits, the Bible lays out a clear and balanced path. It begins with discerning what is actually happening, continues with compassionate presence, relies on God’s power rather than human ritual, and ends with long-term spiritual support and prayer.
The first step is to discern the root cause. Scripture and experience both show a major difference between true demonic possession and mental health challenges. In the New Testament, demonic possession is marked by rational, vocal, and often argumentative speech coming from the spirit itself, sometimes even recognizing Jesus’ authority. Mental health struggles—described in older biblical language as being “lunatic”—tend to involve dysfunctional brain processes and irrational or disorganized speech. It’s also important to remember that sincere believers in Christ cannot be demon-possessed; the indwelling of God’s spirit makes them spiritually “off-limits.” They may experience temptation or external influence, but not internal possession. A helpful guideline is this: if prayer alone does not resolve the issue, but medical or therapeutic treatment does, the problem is likely physiological or psychological rather than demonic.
Once you’ve discerned what may be happening, the next step is to minister with presence and compassion. This means approaching the person with the same spiritual gentleness Jesus showed. Being “available” and “present in the moment” is essential—much like the Good Samaritan, you begin by listening without judgment and trying to understand their reality. Restoration should always be done in a spirit of gentleness. Avoid being harsh or forceful. Don’t feel pressured to “fix” them yourself. Your role is to be a lifeline, offering support and, when appropriate, guiding them toward professional medical or psychiatric help if the issue is rooted in mental health.
If it becomes clear that the influence is truly demonic, the biblical method for addressing it is surprisingly simple. Scripture never endorses dramatic rituals, long incantations, incense or theatrical exorcisms. These are modern inventions, not biblical practices. Jesus and the apostles cast out demons with a straightforward command in the name of Jesus Christ. Paul, for example, simply said, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her!” There were no elaborate rituals or “magical” words. When Jesus himself confronted Satan, he relied solely on correctly applied Scripture.
After someone is freed from an evil influence, long-term spiritual support becomes crucial. Jesus warned that if an unclean spirit leaves a person but finds the mind “empty,” it may return with seven spirits even more wicked. This means the person must not remain spiritually vacant. Help them fill their mind with godly righteousness and truth so that their inner life is “occupied” and protected—like a spiritual firewall against future attacks. Encourage them to put on the full armor of God so they can stand firm against external satanic schemes.
Finally, intercessory prayer is one of the most powerful tools you have. Even when the suffering person is too weak or confused to pray for themselves, the holy spirit intercedes on their behalf. You can “stan in the gap” as a warrior of prayer, asking God to overrule the situation and bring about the person’s highest spiritual welfare.
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What is the purpose of confessing our sins to others, and what is the context in which we should do that? Watch this highlight from our podcast about confession, then listen to the full episode #1441: Is It Necessary to Confess My Sins?
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What responsibility do we have to each other when we hear a confession of someone else’s sin? How should we react, and what should or shouldn’t we do next? Watch this highlight from our podcast about confession, then listen to the full episode #1441: Is It Necessary to Confess My Sins?
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What lesson did Rick teach his son about confessing his sins after he broke the pencils of another boy in his class? What does this teach us about the purpose of confessing our sins to God? Watch this highlight from our podcast about confession, then listen to the full episode #1441: Is It Necessary to Confess My Sins?
The post VIDEO: If God Is All Knowing Why Do We Have To Confess Our Sins? Podcast Highlight appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.
We all sin. We all make mistakes and sometimes they are just plain embarrassing. As Christians, we know that forgiveness for our sins can be readily available as a result of Jesus’ sacrifice. The question is, what do I have to do to access that availability? Is it automatic? Am I forgiven just because I have claimed the name of Jesus? The answer to that question is an emphatic NO! While being a disciple of Christ grants us access to forgiveness from God, it does not automatically apply that forgiveness to our ongoing sins. So, what do we have to do? Do we actually have to confess our sins in detail to God? What does confessing our sins actually mean? Are there rituals that we should be following? Should we confess them to others? Is there a right way and a wrong way to do this?
Confession is not a ritual or a formula.Scripture presents it as something far more meaningful: a relational step that brings us back into alignment with God. The Apostle John uses the Greek word homologeō—to “say the same thing”—meaning confession is agreeing with God’s assessment of our actions rather than defending, minimizing or hiding them. It is the moment we stop managing our image and start embracing honesty before the One who already knows every detail.
King David’s experience in Psalm 32 gives us a vivid picture of this process. Before he confessed, he described his inner life as wasting away under the weight of guilt. But once he acknowledged his sin without excuses, he found relief, clarity and restored fellowship with God—even though the severe consequences of his actions remained. Confession didn’t erase the earthly fallout, but it reopened the door to God’s mercy and peace.
The New Testament builds on this foundation by reminding us that we confess not to inform God, but to align ourselves with Him. Hebrews shows that Jesus, our sympathetic High Priest, opens the way to the throne of grace so we can approach God with confidence. Confession becomes the pathway out of darkness and into light, where cleansing and transformation can actually happen. It is how we keep our hearts soft, our conscience clear, and our relationship with God vibrant and honest.
Key Takeaways• Confession is relational, not ritualistic—it restores alignment with God.
• The biblical meaning of confession is to agree with God’s truth about our actions.
• God already knows our sins; confession helps us see ourselves clearly.
• David’s example shows that confession brings relief, honesty and renewed fellowship, even when consequences remain.
• Confession is part of walking in the light, keeping us spiritually awake and accountable.
• Through Jesus, we can approach God with confidence, knowing forgiveness and cleansing are available.
• True confession leads to transformation—allowing God’s grace to work in us and through us.
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Confession is a powerful relational step that brings us back into alignment with God. Watch this short vlog, then listen to the full podcast of the same name for more details!
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What does “curse of the law” mean, and why does it matter? Watch this highlight from our podcast about God’s curses, then listen to the full episode #1440: Did God Curse the World?
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What reasons would God have to curse the ground, and what did the curse have to do with Noah? Watch this highlight from our podcast about God’s curses, then listen to the full episode #1440: Did God Curse the World?
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What unique Hebrew words give insight into the type of curse God gave Satan? Watch this highlight from our podcast about God’s curses, then listen to the full episode #1440: Did God Curse the World?
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Before Jesus died and rose again, no human being—righteous or unrighteous—entered heaven. Jesus stated this plainly: “No one has ascended into heaven except he who came down from heaven, the Son of Man” (John 3:13). Until his sacrifice was completed and the ransom price presented to satisfy Divine Justice, the “new and living way” into heaven was not open. The heavenly calling—the invitation to become sons of God and partakers of the divine nature—did not exist before Christ. Even faithful men like Abraham, Moses and David could not enter heaven because the high calling had not yet begun.
In the Old Testament era, individuals were justified by faith, but this was a justification to friendship with God, not a justification to life. They trusted God’s promises, and their faith was “counted to them for righteousness,” yet they still remained under Adam’s death sentence because the ransom had not yet been paid. When they died, Scripture describes them as being “gathered to their people” or “sleeping with their fathers.” These expressions refer to sheol in Hebrew or hades in Greek—the grave, the unconscious state of death. Peter confirmed at Pentecost that David was still dead and buried, emphasizing that he had not ascended to heaven.
These faithful ones are sometimes referred to as the “Ancient Worthies.” They died in faith, believing God’s promises, but they did not receive the heavenly reward because that promise had not yet been revealed. Their hope is an earthly resurrection. Hebrews 11 explains that they will receive a “better resurrection”—a return to perfect human life on earth at the beginning of Christ’s Millennial Kingdom. In that future age, they will serve as “princes in all the earth,” visible leaders and teachers under the authority of Christ and his glorified church (the faithful followers of Jesus). Instead of being the ancestors of the Messiah, they will become his “children,” receiving life from him and serving as the earthly phase of the kingdom.
The heavenly calling began only after Jesus’ resurrection. He was the “firstborn from the dead” and the “forerunner” who opened the way to immortality. After his sacrifice, God began inviting a “little flock” to follow in his footsteps. These are the ones who accept Christ as Savior, deny themselves, take up their cross and present their bodies as living sacrifices. They strive against the world, the flesh and the devil, developing Christlike character through suffering and obedience. If faithful unto death, they are resurrected to heavenly life and become “partakers of the divine nature.” Every New Testament epistle is addressed to this class—the church—who are called to reign with Christ.
What, then, of the rest of humanity—both those who lived before Jesus and the billions who have lived since? Scripture teaches that all who are in their graves will come forth. Those who have faithfully followed Christ receive the resurrection of life, while the vast majority of mankind will come forth to a resurrection of judgment during the Millennial Age. Under the righteous rule of Christ and his church, the world will learn righteousness, come to know the Lord, and have the opportunity to gain everlasting life on a restored earth.
In summary, no one before Jesus entered heaven because the ransom had not yet been paid and the heavenly calling had not yet begun. The Ancient Worthies await a perfect earthly resurrection, while the church—called after Christ’s sacrifice—receives the unique privilege of heavenly life. Through Christ’s work, both classes will ultimately bless the world in God’s great plan of salvation.
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There are two fundamental lessons we can learn about God from having a general knowledge of the true message of the Bible. First, we know that God is love, as He created humanity for the sake of having an eternal human family. Second, God is just. His love for humanity is not weak and unreliable; it is based on a solid foundation of justice. When Adam sinned, this justice aspect of His character was plain to see as Adam would no longer have eternal life. He would now be destined to live out his life outside of the Garden of Eden, in a different environment than he had originally been given. Adam, Eve and the generations they would produce would now make their living off of a cursed earth. What would this mean for them? Did their disobedience doom to whole world to a cursed life of hopelessness? Did God curse the world?
Two targeted cursesWhen we look closely at the Genesis account, we discover that God’s actions in Eden were far more purposeful and hopeful than many assume. Rather than cursing humanity, God issued two targeted curses: one on the serpent and one on the ground. The serpent’s curse carried both humiliation and prophecy, pointing forward to the eventual destruction of Satan by the promised seed. The curse on the ground introduced toil, resistance and frustration into human labor—not as an act of divine spite, but as a teacher. Life outside the Garden would now reveal the true cost of sin and humanity’s deep need for redemption.
Throughout Scripture, this theme continues. Cain’s judgment, Lamech’s longing for relief and Noah’s partial mitigation of the ground’s difficulty all show that God’s curse on the soil shaped human experience but never represented a curse on humanity itself. Even after the Flood, God reaffirmed stability and seasons, signaling mercy within the struggle. The ground remained cursed, but the world was not abandoned.
Romans 8The Apostle Paul picks up this thread in Romans 8, explaining that creation was “subjected to futility”—not cursed—and that this condition is temporary. Paul uses the imagery of childbirth to show that the world’s present suffering is leading toward something new. The groaning of creation is in anticipation. God’s plan has always been restoration.
This is where Jesus enters the picture with breathtaking clarity. By taking Adam’s death penalty and stepping into the Law’s covenant curse—symbolized by being “hung on a tree”—Jesus opened the way for both Jews and Gentiles to become part of Abraham’s promised seed. His sacrifice ensures that the curse on the ground, the futility of creation and the burden of sin will all be resolved in God’s appointed time. The story that begins with a curse ends with healing and restoration, and the promise of a world made new.
Key Takeaways• God cursed the serpent and the ground in Genesis 3. He did not curse humanity.
• The curse on the ground served a purpose, shaping human experience and pointing to the need for redemption.
• Creation’s “futility” in Romans 8 is temporary and filled with hope.
• Jesus fulfilled the Law’s curse symbol by being publicly displayed on the cross.
• Through Christ, both Jews and Gentiles become Abraham’s seed and heirs of the promise.
• God’s plan moves from curse to consequence to redemption and finally, to restoration.
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God issued two targeted curses: one on the serpent and one on the ground. Watch this short vlog, then listen to the full podcast of the same name for more details!
The post VIDEO: Did God Curse the World? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.
How does understanding the intention behind this scripture unlock the meaning for both men and women? Watch this highlight from our podcast about whether women should serve as pastors or elders, then listen to the full episode #1439: Should Women Be Pastors? (Part II)
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Is Rick really able to only look at scriptures to support his viewpoint, or is he biased by years of women in non-leadership roles? Watch this highlight from our podcast about whether women should serve as pastors or elders, then listen to the full episode #1439: Should Women Be Pastors? (Part II)
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How is the office of a deacon different from the service of a deacon? Watch this highlight from our podcast about whether women should serve as pastors or elders, then listen to the full episode #1439: Should Women Be Pastors? (Part II)
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What is the real purpose of only having men in leadership roles? What does the Bible say? Watch this highlight from our podcast about whether women should serve as pastors or elders, then listen to the full episode #1439: Should Women Be Pastors? (Part II)
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If a woman is more qualified than a man, why can’t she be permitted to teach in church? Watch this highlight from our podcast about whether women should serve as pastors or elders, then listen to the full episode #1439: Should Women Be Pastors? (Part II)
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In Part I of this 2-part series, we introduced several reasons why many Christians believe women should be able to serve as pastors. Our scriptural considerations began with understanding what the “equality in Christ” in our theme text means. We found that it is pointing to an immovable foundation for people of differing ethnicities, different social standings and both genders to stand firmly upon. While Christ does not change our heritage, social standing or gender privileges, he equally welcomes all of us. We also briefly examined the roles of a few prominent Old Testament women. Here we discovered that even though they were wise and chosen prophets of God, that did not open the door for them to be in any way related to the priesthood of Israel.
In Part II of our series, we continue examining the question of whether women should serve as pastors or elders by looking closely at New Testament women in ministry by including examples often raised in support of egalitarian views. We explore the lives of Priscilla, Phoebe and Junia—women of remarkable faith and influence—and consider how their contributions fit within the structure God designed for the early church. These women served powerfully and sacrificially, yet Scripture never presents them as holding the governing or teaching offices reserved for elders.
Gift vs. officeA major theme of this episode is the difference between gifts and offices. God gives spiritual gifts broadly to both men and women, enabling all believers to teach, encourage, counsel and serve. But the New Testament consistently assigns the formal teaching and governing roles of the church to qualified men. This distinction becomes especially important when we look at Pentecost. Peter quotes a prophecy from Joel to show that God’s spirit was being poured out on both sons and daughters, but his purpose was to highlight the arrival of miraculous gifts—not to redefine church leadership. Pentecost was a preview of God’s power, not a restructuring of the elder role.
The Competency ArgumentWe also address the modern argument of competency. Many women today are highly educated, capable leaders in every sphere of society. Scripture never denies their ability. Instead, it provokes us to consider how God arranges His body according to His design, not human preference. The pattern of male eldership is rooted not in culture, but in creation, headship and the consistent teaching of both Paul and Peter.
This episode encourages all Christians—men and women—to embrace their God given roles with humility, gratitude and purpose, recognizing that leadership in the body of Christ begins and ends with faithful service.
Key Takeaways• New Testament women served powerfully, but none are shown holding the office of elder.
• Gifts and offices are different: gifts show ability; offices show responsibility.
• Pentecost demonstrated God’s power, not a change in church leadership structure.
• Competency is not the issue—God’s design and order are.
• Headship is rooted in creation, not culture.
• Every Christian can lead by example, regardless of role.
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God gave spiritual gifts to both men and women. Watch this short vlog, then listen to the full podcast of the same name for more details!
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Parents and Bible class teachers, this short animated video offers practical advice as to how we can manage everyday influences and be a positive influence on others. Subscribe to our channel at ChristianQuestions.com/YouTube and never miss a new video!
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Hebrews 11:26–27 gives us a rare window into the inner life of Moses—what he valued, what he saw, and how his faith matured over time. When the Apostle Paul writes Moses “considered the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt,” he is not suggesting Moses knew Jesus personally, but that Moses chose to identify with the anointed people of God and the suffering that came with belonging to them.
Though raised as a prince in Pharaoh’s household, Moses deliberately aligned himself with the enslaved Israelites, who were mocked for their hope in a coming Deliverer. To the Egyptians, Israel’s expectation of a Messiah was foolishness; to Moses, it was a treasure. He saw more value in standing with God’s reproached people than in enjoying the temporary splendor of Egypt. Like Christ himself would later do, Moses willingly stepped away from privilege to embrace a path of sacrifice because he believed in the “recompense of the reward”—the future fulfillment of God’s promises.
This same faith explains the phrase “as seeing Him who is invisible.” Moses did not see God with physical eyes; he perceived Him with the “eyes of understanding.” Faith made the invisible God a present reality.
The Greek word for “seeing” here refers to mental perception—grasping, discerning and holding fast to something not physically visible. Moses endured hardship, rejection and long years in the wilderness because God’s presence was more real to him than the visible dangers around him. This is the essence of Hebrews 11: faith treats the unseen as certain and the future as present. Moses could walk away from royal honor and embrace suffering because he saw, by faith, the companionship and approval of the Almighty.
The question of fear—why Moses is afraid in Exodus 2:14 but described as “not fearing the wrath of the king” in Hebrews 11:27—is best understood as the story of a man growing in faith. In Exodus 2, Moses acts impulsively, kills an Egyptian, and then panics when he realizes the matter is known. His fear in that moment reflects human frailty and spiritual immaturity. He was not yet prepared for leadership; his confidence was in himself, not in God. Even years later at the burning bush, Moses still hesitated, overwhelmed by the task God set before him.
But Hebrews 11 is not describing that early moment of fear. It is describing the faith-decision behind Moses’ departure from Egypt—either his initial renunciation of royal privilege or, more likely, the Exodus itself. By the time Moses stood before Pharaoh as God’s appointed deliverer, he was no longer acting out of panic or self-preservation. He had been shaped by forty years in Midian—the “school of adversity”—where he learned meekness, dependence on God and distrust of his own strength. When he finally led Israel out, he did so with a settled conviction that the invisible God was greater than the visible wrath of the king. His fear had been transformed. Courage is not the absence of fear; it is obedience in spite of it.
In short, Hebrews 11 shows us Moses not as he began, but as he became. He chose the reproach of God’s people over the treasures of Egypt because he valued eternal things. He endured by seeing the invisible God with the eyes of faith. He grew from a frightened fugitive into a leader who no longer feared Pharaoh because his heart was anchored in the One who is greater than all earthly power.
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Matthew 4:18–20 marks the moment Jesus begins gathering the small group of men who would become his closest disciples. As he walks along the Sea of Galilee, he calls Simon Peter and Andrew, inviting them into a relationship that will reshape their lives. Although Matthew presents the scene simply, this was not their first encounter with Jesus. It was actually the second step in a progressive, three-stage calling. Months earlier, shortly after Jesus’ baptism, he had first met Simon and identified what he could become, giving him the name Cephas. This moment in Matthew is the formal invitation to follow him, and the final, decisive call comes later in Luke 5, after the miraculous catch of fish, when the brothers leave everything permanently to join his work.
When Jesus tells them he will make them “fishers of men,” he uses a metaphor drawn from their daily labor to describe a far greater mission. Instead of gathering fish from the sea, they would gather people into the hope of the gospel, helping others become learners and followers of Christ. This calling also pointed forward to their future role in the “ministry of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:11-21) when they would work with Jesus in the kingdom to help the world return to God. Jesus saw in them the capacity to grow into this responsibility, and in time he would equip them with the spiritual abilities needed to preach the message to all nations.
Their immediate response—leaving their nets behind—reveals the self-sacrifice at the heart of discipleship. Following Jesus requires a willingness to count the cost, to release familiar routines, earthly security, and former priorities. It means reordering one’s attachments so that service to God becomes the first loyalty. The very word “disciple” carries the idea of discipline; Peter and Andrew were not joining a casual movement but committing themselves as students who would learn to reflect Jesus’ character and sacrificial mindset.
This moment also highlights the divine initiative behind discipleship. The brothers did not stumble into this encounter by chance; God was drawing them to Christ. Scripture shows that God seeks those who are humble, contrite and teachable, and these qualities were present in Peter and Andrew. At the same time, they recognized something uniquely authoritative in Jesus—his presence, words and purpose—and responded because they sensed he held the “words of eternal life.”
Taken together, Matthew 4:18–20 shows that the call to follow Jesus is transformative. It is an invitation that requires a decisive break from what we once knew and a wholehearted commitment to a higher mission shaped by God’s plan.
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The discrepancy between Hebrews 9:4 and 1 Kings 8:9 is explained by the chronological timing of the two records and the history of the Ark of the Covenant throughout the various ages of biblical history.
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The Original Contents (Tabernacle Period)
Hebrews 9:4 describes the Ark as it was originally designed and furnished during the Tabernacle period in the wilderness. At that time, the Ark served as a “Tabernacle of Witness,” containing three specific items that provided evidence of God’s presence and care for Israel: -
The Two Tables of the Law: The stone tablets given to Moses.
- The Golden Jar of Manna: A reminder of how God miraculously fed the nation in the desert.
- Aaron’s Rod that Budded: A symbol of God’s authorization of the Levitical priesthood.
2. The History of the Ark (The Transition Period)
Between the time of Moses and the reign of Solomon, the Ark underwent a long and tumultuous history. Several events explain why items might have been removed or lost over the centuries:
- During the time of Eli the High Priest, the Ark was captured by the Philistines and held for seven months. The Philistines moved the Ark between several pagan cities (Ashdod, Gath, and Ekron), during which time it brought plagues upon them.
- When the Philistines returned the Ark to Israel, it was left uncovered at Beth-Shemesh. Because the people looked into the Ark—an act strictly forbidden by Law—70 men were struck dead.
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The Ark was then kept in the house of Abinadab on a hill for twenty years, where it remained aloof and distant from the people, gathering dust. It was later moved to the house of Obed-Edom for three months before David finally brought it to Jerusalem.
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Solomon’s Temple (The Temple Period)
1 Kings 8:9 records the state of the Ark hundreds of years after the wilderness wanderings, specifically when it was being installed in Solomon’s newly built Temple. The text explicitly states that “there was nothing in the ark except the two tablets of stone.”
While the Ark was a “shadow of heavenly things” used to teach the Israelites in the wilderness, the items like the manna and the rod were specific witnesses for that time of journeying. By the time Israel was established as a stable nation with a permanent Temple, the “witness” of the wilderness (the manna and the rod) was no longer present inside the Ark, leaving only the foundation of the Covenant—the Law.
The two accounts are not contradictory but are accurate reports of the Ark’s contents at different stages of history. Hebrews 9:4 looks back at the original “type” or blueprint established under Moses, while 1 Kings 8:9 records the physical reality centuries later after the Ark had been captured, handled by pagans and moved through various households.
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Psalm 78:25 calls manna the “bread of angels,” but this phrase does not mean angels literally eat physical food. It highlights the heavenly origin and supernatural character of the manna God provided in the wilderness. The psalmist is using elevated, poetic language to show that Israel was fed with something far beyond ordinary earthly bread—food that came directly from the realm where God’s will is carried out. In this sense, it is “angel bread” because it belongs to the sphere of God’s heavenly provision, not because angels consume it for nourishment.
As the deeper explanation, consider the nature of spirit beings. Angels possess a spirit nature, but they are not inherently immortal in the biblical sense of having life within themselves. Immortality—deathlessness and self-existent life—belongs only to God and, by His gift, to the risen Christ. Angels, though glorious, are created beings whose continued existence depends on God’s sustaining power. They do not require physical food, yet they do rely on God for the spiritual life-force that maintains their being. In this light, calling manna “bread of angels” can be understood as a poetic hint that all created beings, earthly or heavenly, live only because God continually supplies what they need.
Another way the phrase is understood is that manna is “bread of angels” because it was delivered to Israel through angelic agency. Scripture portrays angels as God’s ministers who carry out His commands, and the wilderness provision of manna is described as a direct act of heaven. The bread was “spiritual food” not because it was non-material, but because its origin was miraculous — supplied daily by God rather than produced by the natural processes of the earth.
Finally, manna served as a type pointing forward to Christ, the true “bread out of heaven.” Just as the physical manna sustained Israel’s life in the desert, Jesus provides the spiritual nourishment that leads to eternal life. The psalmist’s phrase therefore carries both historical and symbolic weight: manna was heavenly in origin, angelic in association, and ultimately a shadow of the greater provision God would give through His son.
Together, these ideas show that the expression “bread of angels” emphasizes the heavenly source, miraculous nature and spiritual significance of manna—not the dietary habits of spirit beings.
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The phrase “tongues of men” appears in 1 Corinthians 13:1, where Paul writes, “If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.” Paul is using an exaggerated comparison contrast to make a point. Even if he possessed the highest possible expression of the gift of tongues—whether speaking every human language flawlessly or even communicating in the lofty, hypothetical language of heavenly beings—it would all amount to empty noise without the foundation of love. His purpose is not to define two categories of tongues, but to show that love surpasses even the most impressive spiritual abilities.
This fits Paul’s broader message in 1 Corinthians 12–14. The gift of tongues was real, but it was also one of the lesser gifts, and it needed to be kept in perspective. The Corinthians were elevating outward displays of spirituality, while Paul was urging them toward “a more excellent way”—the development of Christlike love.
When the New Testament speaks of the “tongues of men” as a spiritual gift, it refers to a very practical and purposeful ability. God granted certain disciples the miraculous capacity to speak real, understandable human languages they had never learned. This gift enabled them to communicate the gospel instantly and effectively to people from many nations. At Pentecost, the crowd was astonished because they heard the disciples speaking in their own native languages, not in indecipherable sounds. The purpose of the gift was to be able to quickly spread the gospel message to unbelievers.
This New Testament phenomenon has deep roots in the Old Testament. Paul quotes Isaiah 28:11 to explain the purpose of tongues: “By men of strange tongues and by the lips of strangers I will speak to this people…” In Israel’s history, hearing foreign languages in their land was often a sign of judgment, a consequence of their disobedience that resulted in foreign domination or captivity. At Pentecost, that pattern was dramatically reversed. Instead of signaling disfavor, the sudden ability to overcome language barriers became a sign of God’s favor, marking the beginning of reconciliation and the worldwide spread of the gospel.
The miraculous gift of speaking in the “tongues of men” was also temporary. It served a crucial role during the early church’s infancy, when the gospel needed to spread quickly and the New Testament had not yet been written. Once the Scriptures were complete—the “perfect” or fully revealed Word of God—the need for such confirming signs diminished. As Paul foretold, these gifts would “cease” and “fade away” once their purpose had been fulfilled.
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The Scriptures present God as a personal, self?existent spirit being whose entire character rests upon four perfectly balanced attributes: Justice, wisdom, love and power. These qualities are not competing forces within Him but operate in complete harmony.
Justice forms the unchanging foundation of His government, ensuring that everything He does is right, fair, and true. It requires full satisfaction and never bends for sentiment or convenience.
Wisdom surveys every possibility and chooses the best course for the highest good of all creation. It is the attribute that planned the ages, foresaw the entrance of sin, and designed the atonement so that evil would ultimately be overruled for blessing.
Love is the controlling motive of God’s character — a selfless, principled benevolence that seeks the eternal well?being of His creatures. It was love that gave His son as the Redeemer while humanity was still estranged.
Power is the effective energy by which His will is carried out: the force that created the universe through the Logos (Jesus in his pre-human existance), sustains all things, and will one day resurrect the dead and restore the earth.
Beyond these core attributes, the Bible describes God’s nature and personality in deeply personal terms. He is not an impersonal force but a real being — a spirit who dwells in unapproachable light and is naturally invisible to human eyes. He is self?existent, the great “I AM,” possessing life in Himself and depending on no one for His existence. He alone is immortal in the absolute sense, “from everlasting to everlasting,” unchanging in His character and purpose. God is supremely holy — utterly pure, morally perfect, and completely separate from sin. His holiness means He cannot look upon sin with approval and requires righteousness in all who would dwell with Him.
God’s character traits flow naturally from these foundational attributes. He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abundant in lovingkindness and truth. His mercy does not cancel His justice but expresses the restorative side of it, providing a path for reconciliation without compromising righteousness. He is faithful and true — the “God of Amen” — whose word is absolutely reliable and whose promises never fail. He is immutable, without variation or shifting shadow, steady and dependable in all His ways. His holiness makes Him pure and undefiled, and His “jealousy” reflects His rightful claim to exclusive devotion, since He alone is the true source of life and deliverance.
The names of God in Scripture reveal additional dimensions of His character. Elohim emphasizes His creative power and authority. Adonai presents Him as the sovereign Lord. El Shaddai highlights His sufficiency and strength. Names like Jehovah?Rapha (the Lord who heals), Jehovah?Jireh (the Lord who provides), Jehovah?Shalom (the Lord our peace), and Jehovah?Sabaoth (the Lord of hosts) show how His care, provision, peace, and command extend into every aspect of life. Each name is a window into His heart and His dealings with His people.
Finally, God’s will reflects His character — perfect, committed, and unwavering. His purposes are not shaped by external pressures but by the principles of His own holiness. He permits evil for a time as a necessary lesson for humanity, yet His ultimate plan is to wipe away every tear and bring all things into harmony under Christ. Everything He does — from creation to redemption to restoration — flows from the flawless unity of His Justice, wisdom, love and power.
Additional Resource:
Christian Questions Podcast
3-part series “Who is God?”
For children, parents and Bible class teachers:
Animated video: “Who made God?”
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- There is a direct parallel between the warning in Matthew 7:1-2 and the outcome described in James 2:13.
Jesus’ Teaching: Jesus warns that “in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you.” He emphasizes that arbitrary or emotion-based judgment of others triggers a similar judgment back upon oneself from God.
James’ Instruction: James mirrors this “boomerang effect” by stating that “judgment will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy.”
Both passages establish a simple equation: the standard we set for others is the standard God will use to evaluate us.
- Matthew 5:7 and James 2:13 both present mercy not just as a suggestion, but as a critical requirement for a believer’s standing before God.
Jesus’ Teaching: In the Beatitudes, Jesus declares, “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.” This mercy is undeserved compassion extended to someone who might otherwise deserve a negative consequence.
James’ Instruction: James adds that “mercy triumphs over judgment.” This parallel teaches that to receive God’s mercy and grace, one must first learn to apply that same compassion and mercy to others in daily life.
- Both James and Jesus contrast the external requirements of the Old Testament Law with a higher, internal spiritual standard.
Jesus’ Higher Standard: Throughout the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus repeatedly uses the phrase “But I say to you…” to elevate the Law from external actions (like murder or adultery) to internal heart conditions (like anger or lust).
James’ Law of Liberty: James instructs believers to “so speak and so act as those who are to be judged by the law of liberty.” This “royal law” of love elevates the believer beyond mere legalism, requiring a heart-driven commitment to righteousness that is “pure, then peaceable, gentle… full of mercy and good fruits”
- A final parallel exists between Jesus’ speck and log analogy and James’ mirror analogy, both of which emphasize self-correction over the judgment of others
The Log in the Eye (Matthew 7:3-5): Jesus uses hyperbole to show that we are “hypocrites” if we try to correct a small fault (a speck) in a brother while ignoring a massive fault (a log) in our own character.
The Mirror (James 1:22-25): James similarly warns against being a “hearer” of the word but not a “doer,” likening it to a man who looks in a mirror, sees his true condition, but immediately forgets what he saw and fails to change.
Both teach that before a Christian can appropriately judge or help others, they must “observe fully” and remove the obstacles of prejudice and sin from their own vision.
In summary, James and Jesus both teach that a Christian’s character should be defined by humility and mercy rather than a desire to sit in the seat of judgment. By showing mercy to others, the follower of Christ ensures they are walking in the same manner as their Master.
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How do sin and the order of creation impact men and women in the roles that God has set them in? Watch this highlight from our podcast about whether women should serve as pastors or elders, then listen to the full episode #1438: Should Women Be Pastors? (Part I)
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Zechariah 9:10–12 continues the prophecy that begins in verse 9, where the Messiah is pictured entering Jerusalem “lowly and riding upon a donkey.” Verse 9 points to Jesus’ first advent and his rejection by the nation of Israel at that time. Verses 10–12 then expand the picture to show both the consequences of that rejection and the ultimate hope of restoration under his future kingdom.
Verse 10 — God declares that He will “cut off the chariot from Ephraim and the horse from Jerusalem,” meaning that all instruments of war will be removed. Chariots, warhorses and bows represented human power and military strength; their removal symbolizes the end of human warfare altogether. Instead of conflict, the Messiah will “speak peace to the nations,” establishing a global government of righteousness, prosperity and stability. His dominion “from sea to sea, and from the river to the ends of the earth” describes the universal scope of Christ’s future kingdom—a world where nations no longer learn war and peace is enforced by divine authority.
Verse 11 — The prophecy then shifts to the basis of this future peace “because of the blood of My covenant with you.” This points to the sacrificial blood that seals the New Covenant, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus’ ransom sacrifice. God promises to “set your prisoners free from the waterless pit.” In ancient times, a dry cistern or pit was a place of death and hopelessness. Symbolically, it represents the grave. Through the blood of Christ, the prisoners of death will be released, a clear reference to the resurrection that will open the way for Israel and all humanity to return to life and learn righteousness.
Verse 12 — God then calls Israel, “Return to the stronghold, you prisoners of hope.” At Jesus’ first advent, Israel was under Roman rule and spiritually bound by sin, yet they still clung to the promises of deliverance. They were “prisoners of hope” held captive by their circumstances but also held by the hope of God’s covenant. The invitation to “return to the stronghold” is a call to return to Christ, their true refuge.
God adds, “Even today do I declare that I will restore double to you.” The Hebrew word mishneh means “a duplicate, a repetition, an equal portion.” This refers to the prophetic “double”—two equal periods in Israel’s national experience. The first was a long period of divine favor, ending with their rejection of the Messiah. The second was an equal period of disfavor and blindness, beginning at Jesus’ presentation as king in 33 AD and lasting 1,845 years until 1878.
First period of favor: from Jacob’s death to A.D.?33 (1,845?years).
Second period of disfavor: from A.D.?33?to?1878 (another 1,845?years).
With the “double” completed, the time for Israel’s restoration began, preparing them to eventually “look upon him whom they have pierced” and be reinstated to God’s favor.
In summary, Zechariah 9:10–12 moves from the Messiah’s rejection to His ultimate triumph. It foretells:
- the end of human warfare under Christ’s worldwide kingdom
- the release of humanity from death through the blood of the New Covenant
- Israel’s return to favor after their long “double” of disfavor
- the hope of full restoration when they finally recognize their Messiah
It is a prophecy of both judgment and hope, showing how God will transform Israel’s sorrow into blessing and extend peace to the entire world through the reign of the Prince of Peace.
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Finding God’s guidance isn’t about hearing a mystical voice or waiting for a sudden sign. It’s a spiritual journey—a process that unfolds as your heart, mind and character come into harmony with His will. Guidance begins with a willing heart, grows through the study of His Word, is illuminated by the holy spirit, and is confirmed through prayer, sound judgment and God’s providential care.
The Heart God Can Guide
Psalm 25:9: “He leads the humble in justice, and He teaches the humble His way.”
God promises guidance to the meek—those who have surrendered their own will and sincerely desire to walk in His ways. It starts with full consecration: a deliberate choice to let His will become the rule of your life. A teachable, humble spirit is essential, because pride and self?confidence cloud spiritual perception. When our motives are honest and our hearts are open, God draws us toward His light and teaches us step by step.
The Holy Spirit—Our Inner Guide
John 16:13: “Howbeit when that one, the spirit of truth, is come, it shall guide you into all the truth: for it shall not speak from itself; but what things soever it shall hear, these shall it speak: and it shall declare unto you the things that are to come.”
Receiving God’s holy spirit is absolutely central to divine guidance. Jesus called it the “Spirit of Truth,” sent to guide Christians into all truth. The natural mind can’t grasp spiritual things, but the spirit enables us to discern the deep things of God. It transforms our thinking and helps us develop the “spirit of a sound mind.” Rather than being a sudden miracle, it’s a lifelong process of learning to set aside human reasoning and adopt the divine mind as our standard for every decision.
The spirit acts as a helper, bringing Scripture to life and recalling Christ’s teachings when we need them most. It’s the “oil” that makes the “lamp” of God’s Word shine, helping us walk by faith and not by sight. Sometimes the spirit works through quiet inner nudges—prompting us toward choices that align with God’s will. When words fail, it intercedes in prayer, expressing our heart’s true intentions before God.
The Lamp of the Word
1 Timothy 3:16-17:“Every scripture inspired of God is also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for
correction, for instruction which is in righteousness: that the man of God may be fully qualified and fully furnished unto every good work.”
God’s guidance in this age comes primarily through His written Word. The Bible is sufficient to make the man or woman of God “fully furnished unto every good work.” Guidance comes by rightly dividing the Word—understanding what applies to the past, what applies to faithful followers today, and what belongs to the future kingdom. Every scripture does not apply to all people at all times. God’s “voice” is behind us in the sense that it speaks through the testimony of the apostles and prophets recorded long ago. The holy spirit helps us handle Scripture accurately, so we don’t insert our own will into the text but instead discover the principles that lead to godly living.
Prayer and Meditation
James 1:5: “But if any of you lacketh wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth to all liberally and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”
Prayer is how we seek wisdom and maintain fellowship with God. We’re invited to ask for wisdom from above—not for earthly things or miraculous signs, but for insight that aligns our hearts with His plan. Our prayers are most effective when we “abide in Christ,” letting God’s Word shape our desires. Meditation on Scripture allows its truths to sink deep into our thinking and guide our choices. Over time, God’s thoughts become the lens through which we see life.
Sound Judgment and Trust
Psalm 37:5: “Commit thy way unto Jehovah; trust also in him, and He will bring it to pass.”
God expects His children to use sound judgment, enlightened by His Word and spirit. The “spirit of a sound mind” helps us compare our thoughts and plans with the perfect standard of Scripture. Guidance doesn’t mean life will be free of uncertainty; it means we commit our way to the Lord, use our best judgment, and trust Him to overrule mistakes for good. In daily work or ministry, guidance means viewing every talent and opportunity as a stewardship for His glory, applying the Golden Rule in all dealings.
Providence—God’s Gentle Direction
Romans 8:28: “And we know that to them that love God all things work together for good, even to them that are called according to his purpose.”
God also guides through providence—His wise supervision over life’s circumstances. As we walk with Him through His son Jesus, we learn to watch for His leading in opportunities, closed doors and unexpected turns. Part of guidance is recognizing how allows experiences – especially the difficult ones – for our highest spiritual welfare. When His will isn’t yet clear, the right response is patient watching and waiting, continuing in faithfulness until the path opens.
In Summary
Receiving God’s guidance is a beautiful partnership between your surrendered heart and His active spirit. The holy spirit illuminates Scripture, transforms the mind and repairs human judgment. It doesn’t speak audibly but works quietly within, bringing understanding, remembrance and spiritual discernment. As you study the Word, pray sincerely, cultivate godly character and watch for His providence, your mind is renewed. You begin to “prove what the will of God is,” walking confidently in the light of His truth and trusting that He is directing every step for your highest spiritual good.
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Why is having an order of command necessary? Watch this highlight from our podcast about whether women should serve as pastors or elders, then listen to the full episode #1438: Should Women Be Pastors? (Part I)
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The world has changed dramatically over the last 2,000 years. If you are accessing this podcast information, then the world you live in has gone from a very localized environment where the fastest news traveled was by horseback or boat, to a society of instant access for all news and information. Your world has transformed from a patriarchal society where men represented the vast majority of power and influence in life, to a society that continues to make all roles equally available for both men and women. So, has Christianity kept up with the times? Have we made all roles, specifically the role of pastor and teacher in the church equally available to both men and women? If your church has, should they have? If they have not, then why not? Should women be pastors? There is a clear scriptural answer to this!
Egalitarian and complementarian viewsIn Part I of this important two-part series, we take a careful, respectful look at one of the most debated questions in modern Christianity: Should women serve as pastors or elders in the church? Rather than beginning with our own conclusion that women should not serve in this way, we start by laying out the pro-woman pastor egalitarian viewpoint, exactly as its supporters understand it. We walk through the strongest egalitarian arguments, including equality in Christ, women in biblical leadership, the distribution of spiritual gifts and the practical reality that women already serve in many ministry roles today.
Once this perspective is clearly understood, the episode turns to Scripture to examine the foundation beneath the complementarian view we hold. What does “equality in Christ” actually mean? Does it erase distinctions God built into creation, or does it elevate men and women equally while preserving different roles? The conversation explores the Old Testament pattern of spiritual leadership, the significance of the priesthood, and the creation order established before sin entered the world. It also looks honestly at how sin distorted God’s design, leading to centuries of misuse, imbalance and cultural extremes Scripture never endorsed.
Throughout the discussion, the goal is not to diminish women’s value or gifting, but to understand how God arranged roles for the protection, order and flourishing of the church. This episode invites our listeners to consider the question not through the lens of culture or tradition, but through the lens of God’s revealed design.
Key Takeaways• Equality in Christ elevates men and women without erasing God-given distinctions.
• Women in Scripture held significant leadership roles, yet not the highest spiritual offices.
• Spiritual gifts are given broadly, but spiritual offices are assigned purposefully.
• The creation order—not culture—forms the foundation for church structure.
• Sin distorted headship into domination, but Scripture restores balance and dignity.
• Clearly understanding both viewpoints clearly helps us approach this topic with grace and truth.
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What does equality in Christ actually mean? Watch this short vlog, then listen to the full podcast of the same name for more details!
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Many people live difficult and sad lives and others have an easy life, how does free will affect them both? Watch this highlight from our podcast about free will, then listen to the full episode #1437: How Does Our Free Will Work in God’s Plan? (Part II)
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When Jesus opened the Sermon on the Mount with,
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven”
(Matthew 5:3),
he immediately overturned the world’s expectations. To understand this phrase, we have to look beyond financial poverty and see the spiritual posture Jesus is describing. Being “poor in spirit” has nothing to do with the size of one’s bank account and everything to do with the condition of one’s heart before God.
The Greek word for “poor” here is ptōchos, a term describing someone utterly destitute—a beggar with nothing of their own, completely dependent on another for survival. Applied spiritually, it describes those who recognize their spiritual bankruptcy. They know they have no righteousness of their own to offer God, echoing Isaiah’s reminder that our own righteousness is like “filthy rags.”
The “poor in spirit” admit their need, acknowledge their insufficiency, and look entirely to God’s grace for help. This attitude stands in stark contrast to the self‑sufficient spirit of Revelation 3:17, where people claimed to be rich and in need of nothing, unaware of their true spiritual poverty.
To be poor in spirit is also to be humble‑minded, free from self‑conceit and honest about one’s imperfections. It is an accurate self‑assessment—recognizing both God‑given abilities and personal deficiencies without exaggerating either. This humility naturally produces a teachable disposition.
Those who are “poor in spirit” are more ready to hear God’s voice, more willing to be corrected, and more eager to receive the “pearl of great price” rather than being satisfied with earthly status, wealth or reputation. In this sense, the “poor in spirit” are closely aligned with the meek—those who are gentle and submissive to God’s will.
There is a reason Jesus made this the first Beatitude. You cannot mourn over sin, hunger for righteousness or grow in mercy until you first acknowledge your emptiness. A heart full of pride has no room for the wisdom of God. A heart emptied of ego is ready to be filled with His spirit. Jesus himself modeled this attitude by “impoverishing” his heavenly glory to take on human form and serve others. Only those who recognize their lack can freely receive the riches of God’s grace.
The blessing attached to this Beatitude is profound: “theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Jesus speaks in the present tense. Those who come to God with a humble, dependent spirit are already positioned to receive His favor. While pride may win influence in this world, only the humble—those “little in their own estimation”—are being prepared for joint‑heirship with Christ. God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble, and this grace brings both present comfort and future inheritance. The poor in spirit are comforted now through God’s promises, and they will be restored and exalted in His kingdom.
Ultimately, being “poor in spirit” is the foundational attitude of true spiritual‑mindedness. It is the doorway to wisdom, the beginning of discipleship and the heart condition God requires of those He calls. It means living in continual awareness of our need for Him, submitting our will to His, and allowing His spirit to shape our thoughts and character. In short, the “poor in spirit” are those who recognize their spiritual poverty, empty themselves of pride and continually depend on God. Because they are empty of self, they are ready to be filled with everything God desires to give.
To learn more about the beatitudes listen to the episodes below:
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How does Judgment Day work? Who will be there, and is it a day of terror and fear? Watch this highlight from our podcast about free will, then listen to the full episode #1437: How Does Our Free Will Work in God’s Plan? (Part II)
The post VIDEO: What Is The Day of Judgment? Podcast Highlight appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.
What lessons did Jonathan learn in his difficult experience that helped him to have a better understanding of how free will works in his own life? Watch this highlight from our podcast about free will, then listen to the full episode #1437: How Does Our Free Will Work in God’s Plan? (Part II)
The post VIDEO: What Taught Jonathan About How God’s Providence And Free Will Work Together? Podcast Highlight appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.
In our last episode, we laid out a scriptural foundation for how human free will works by considering two Old Testament accounts. First, we looked at Joshua and how he was called upon by God to lead Israel after the death of Moses. His choosing to closely follow God’s direction in this task made him a great leader. This showed us the profound value of always using God’s word and His will to guide us. Second, we looked at the account of Adam and Eve and their sin. Their poor choices showed us how easy it is for us to apply our free will in self-destructive ways by listening to other voices that oppose godliness. Now we get practical and examine free will in relation to our Christianity, as well as free will in relation to the rest of the world.
As Christians, our free will is meant to be shaped and elevated by the teachings of Jesus. Scripture calls us to “continue in his word,” reminding us that discipleship requires direction, discipline and a conscience trained by truth. Understanding how God guides our free will helps us see that He does not override our choices; instead, He surrounds our path with the “guardrails” of providence—Scripture, conscience, correction and the influence of His spirit. These guardrails don’t force us to stay on the road, but they can lovingly prevent us from drifting into danger.
Ephesians 4Ephesians 4 gives us a practical picture of how God guides our free will by showing what a renewed mind and transformed character look like in action. This chapter becomes a roadmap for what a transformed free will looks like in daily life. As we “put off” the old self and “put on” the new, our choices begin to reflect Christlike qualities: truthful communication, forbearance, godly morality, upbuilding words, diligent actions, purified emotions and a tender, forgiving heart. This transformation is gradual, intentional and deeply connected to our willingness to align our intellect and character with God’s word.
This is good for Christians, but what about the free will of the world at large? While humanity’s choices now often lead to suffering and injustice, the Bible assures us that God has fixed a future “day of judgment”—a thousand-year period of restoration, clarity and righteous instruction. In that kingdom, every person will finally have the opportunity to choose God with full understanding. Free will, once confused and wounded, will be healed and guided toward life.
Key Takeaways• Free will becomes powerful and safe only when it is aligned with Jesus’ teachings.
• Ephesians 4 shows how a transformed free will produces Christlike behavior.
• Christian growth requires “putting off” the old self and “putting on” the new.
• The world’s uneven free will experiences will be addressed in the future kingdom.
• The “day of judgment” is a restorative, thousand-year period of learning righteousness.
• Ultimately, God’s plan leads every human being toward clarity, accountability and the opportunity to choose life.
The post How Does Our Free Will Work in God’s Plan? (Part II) appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.
As Christians, our free will is meant to be shaped and elevated by the teachings of Jesus. Watch this short vlog, then listen to the full podcast of the same name for more details!
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Proverbs 10 marks a turning point in the book of Proverbs. The first nine chapters are long, connected lessons about wisdom, discipline and the fear of the LORD.
But beginning in chapter 10, the book shifts into short, memorable, stand‑alone sayings. These proverbs use sharp contrasts—wise versus foolish, righteous versus wicked—to show how a person’s choices shape their life and affect the people around them.
Proverbs 10:1 is the opening line of this new section, and it sets the tone by highlighting the emotional impact a child’s character has on the family:
“A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish son is a grief to his mother.”
This proverb is not teaching that only the mother suffers when a child goes astray or that only the father rejoices when a child succeeds. Instead, it reflects ancient family roles and uses poetic contrast to highlight the emotional impact of a child’s choices.
In the culture of Proverbs, the father was seen as the family’s public representative — the one responsible for teaching wisdom, discipline and moral direction. When a son lived wisely, it validated the father’s instruction and brought him honor in the community. That is why the proverb says a wise son “makes his father glad.”
The mother, on the other hand, was viewed as the emotional center of the home — the one who nurtured, comforted and carried the daily weight of a child’s development. When a child chose a foolish or destructive path, the mother felt the pain deeply because she was most closely connected to the child’s heart and habits. The proverb captures that emotional reality by saying a foolish son is “a grief to his mother.”
This does not mean the father feels no grief or the mother feels no joy. Hebrew poetry often uses parallel contrast to make a point sharply and memorably. The verse highlights two truths at once:
A child’s wisdom brings honor and joy to the whole family.
A child’s foolishness brings sorrow and heartache to the whole family.
By assigning “gladness” to the father and “grief” to the mother, the proverb paints a vivid picture of how deeply a child’s choices affect everyone in the home. It is a poetic way of saying: parents rejoice together when their children walk in wisdom, and they suffer together when their children choose the wrong path.
To learn more about the wisdom of King Solomon listen to:
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How did broken trust between Rick and his teenage daughter help him to understand the importance of free will and the consequences that follow? Watch this highlight from our podcast about free will, then listen to the full episode #1436: How Does Our Free Will Work in God’s Plan? (Part I)
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Why did God put the tree of knowledge in the Garden of Eden if He didn’t want to tempt us? Watch this highlight from our podcast about free will, then listen to the full episode #1436: How Does Our Free Will Work in God’s Plan? (Part I)
The post VIDEO: What Is The Purpose Of God Testing Mankind’s Free Will? Podcast Highlight appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.
The Bible plainly teaches us that God in His unfathomable wisdom and power has a clear plan for the destiny of ALL humanity. We also know according to 1 Peter 1:20 that His plan for the sacrifice of Jesus was clearly in place even before the earth was created. Now, if God’s plan was clear to Him even before humanity existed, how does that fit into our understanding that each and every one of us has free will? Wouldn’t His foreknowledge by its very existence make us all puppets in His hands? If He knows how it will all turn out, then aren’t we just playing a predetermined role? Actually, nothing could be further from the truth! As we dig into these questions, we will see that God’s plans and purposes are firmly built around the free will of all of His intelligent creation. Understanding this is life changing!
JoshuaAs we explored this question in Part I, we began with Joshua—one of Scripture’s clearest examples of how human free will operates within God’s will. Joshua was given a divine assignment and the assurance that God would be with him, yet he still had to actively choose obedience, courage and faith. God laid out the road, but Joshua had to walk it. His free will didn’t create God’s plan, but it determined how faithfully he would travel upon it. This powerful picture shows us that God’s foreknowledge does not eliminate our choices; instead, it provides the framework in which our choices gain meaning.
Adam & EveWe also examined the first human exercise of free will in the Garden of Eden. Adam and Eve were created perfect, placed in an environment designed for success and given clear boundaries. Their free will was real, and so were the consequences of their decisions. When Eve listened to another voice and Adam followed her lead, they stepped outside of God’s protective boundaries. God didn’t force the outcome, but free will must be tested, proven and ultimately aligned with God’s character.
Throughout the episode, we saw that God’s will is
- perfect
- committed
- time-tested and
- harmonious.
Human free will, by contrast, is developing. It must learn strength, courage, character and intellectual alignment with God’s truth. Rather than making us puppets, God invites us into a lifelong process of choosing His way—again and again—until our will becomes anchored in His.
Understanding this relationship between God’s sovereignty and our freedom is deeply practical. It shapes how we face decisions, how we interpret trials, and how we grow into Christlike maturity.
Key Takeaways• God’s foreknowledge frames human free will. It does not cancel it.
• Joshua shows that God provides the road, but we choose how faithfully we walk it.
• Strength and courage are active choices, not automatic feelings.
• Adam and Eve’s test reveals that free will must be proven and aligned with God’s character.
• God’s will is perfect and unchanging. Our will is being shaped to match His.
• Every decision becomes an opportunity to choose trust, obedience and spiritual growth.
The post How Does Our Free Will Work in God’s Plan? (Part I) appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.
Joshua was a powerful example of how human free will operates within God’s will. Watch this short vlog, then listen to the full podcast of the same name for more details!
The post VIDEO: How Does Our Free Will Work in God’s Plan? (Part I) appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.
Proverbs 3:5–6 is a blueprint for a “total‑alignment” life. Trust, in this passage, is not a passive feeling but a deliberate shift in how we process reality, make decisions and interpret our circumstances.
The verses read:
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
Proverbs 3:5-6
These words describe a disciplined priority of God’s perspective over our own, inviting us into a way of living where divine wisdom becomes the guiding framework for every choice.
When the text says, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart,” it uses the Hebrew word lebab, which refers not just to emotions but to the center of our will, intellect and reasoning. Trusting God “with all your heart” means we are not hedging our bets or dividing life into “spiritual” and “practical” categories.
Instead, we commit our entire internal decision‑making system to God’s sovereignty. Trust becomes a whole‑person posture — a willingness to let God’s wisdom override our preferences and fears.
The command “lean not on your own understanding” highlights the natural human tendency to rely on our limited perspective. The Hebrew word for “lean” means to rest your weight on something, like a staff or pillar. Our own understanding is often shaped by incomplete information, past wounds, impatience or anxiety. Scripture does not tell us to abandon thinking, but it warns us not to make our personal logic the final authority. Trust means refusing to let our default mental shortcuts dictate our choices when they conflict with God’s principles.
“In all your ways acknowledge Him” describes the active side of trust. The Hebrew word yada means to know deeply and experientially. Acknowledging God in all our ways means inviting His principles into every part of life — how we speak, work, respond, plan and relate to others. It is the practice of God‑consciousness in ordinary moments. This becomes a test of trust: are we truly relying on God, or are we simply following our own instincts while asking Him to bless the outcome?
To explore this topic further, the following four episodes below are specifically recommended for their deep dives into the practical application of Proverbs 3:5-6.
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What does the word “sickness” really mean, and how does that help us understand what “healing” really means? Watch this highlight from our podcast about healing and speaking in tongues, then listen to the full episode #1435: Are Christians Today Really Capable of Healing People and Speaking in Tongues? (Part II)
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Are Christians who claim to heal and who claim to speak in tongues operating within the scriptural guidelines of Christianity today, or have they taken a giant step over the line of appropriate Christian behavior? In our last episode, we observed how the Old Testament established healing as an occasional gift and was not necessarily granted based on faith. We also observed that Jesus healed the masses and generally did not require faith and following to give that gift. We also saw that Old Testament speaking in tongues was absolutely speaking in foreign languages. It was a sign of God’s disapproval when foreign languages were introduced. The Apostle Paul verified that speaking in tongues – in foreign languages – was STILL a sign, but now it was a sign of approval to UNBELIEVERS. In this episode, we examine healing and speaking in tongues in the New Testament to understand how these gifts functioned in the early church.
The New Testament patternAs we turn to the New Testament, Jesus sets the pattern. He healed out of compassion, not as a reward for personal faith. In fact, out of the hundreds he healed, only four individuals are specifically commended for their faith. Healing was never meant to be a spiritual performance or a measure of someone’s worthiness. It was a sign that the Messiah had arrived and the call to the kingdom was open.
After Pentecost, the pattern remained narrowOnly two non-apostles—Philip and Ananias—are specifically recorded as performing healings. Both did so under circumstances that were tied to the spread of the gospel. The Apostle Paul later explained that healing was one of the lesser gifts and would eventually fade as the church matured and the written word took center stage. Scripture, not miracles, would become the enduring tool for building faith.
The same is true for speaking in tongues. The New Testament records only three instances of this occurring. In every case, tongues were real human languages used to communicate the gospel to foreigners. Tongues were never intended to be a private prayer language or a display of spiritual superiority. Paul repeatedly corrected the misuse of this gift, reminding believers that prophecy and teaching were far more valuable because they edified the entire church. Once the gospel was firmly established and the Scriptures completed, the purpose of tongues was fulfilled, and the gift ceased—just as Paul said it would.
Key Takeaways* Healing in the New Testament was a sign of the Messiah and the arrival of the kingdom. * Jesus healed out of compassion, not as a response to personal faith. * After Pentecost, only two non-apostles are recorded as performing healings, both for specific gospel purposes. * Speaking in tongues was always the miraculous ability to speak real foreign languages. * Tongues served as a sign to unbelievers and a tool for spreading the gospel. * Paul identified healing and tongues as lesser gifts that would eventually cease. * The completed Scriptures replaced the need for miraculous signs.
The post Are Christians Today Really Capable of Healing People and Speaking in Tongues? (Part II) appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.
Scripture, not miracles or speaking in tongues, became the enduring tool for building faith. Watch this short vlog, then listen to the full podcast of the same name for more details!
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The command in Jeremiah 34:14 about freeing a servant after seven years does not apply to Hagar, because that law had not yet been given.
Hagar lived in the days of Abraham and Sarah—hundreds of years before Moses, before the Exodus, and before God gave Israel the Law at Mount Sinai. The seven‑year release applied only to Hebrew servants serving fellow Israelites under the Mosaic Law (Exodus 21:2), not to foreigners, and certainly not to people who lived long before the Law existed.
Hagar was an Egyptian maidservant, likely given to Sarah from Pharaoh’s household, and her status followed the customs of the ancient Near East, not the later Israelite legal system.
Even after the Law was established, foreign servants were not under the six‑year release requirement (Leviticus 25:44–46). It is also important to note that Hagar was not treated as a slave in the modern sense; she was a household servant who, according to the culture of the time, could be given to Abraham as a concubine to bear a child on Sarah’s behalf.
Finally, Hagar was ultimately released—God instructed Abraham to allow her to leave, and He personally protected her, spoke to her, and promised to make Ishmael a great nation (Genesis 21). Hagar was not kept in violation of any divine command. The law about releasing servants simply did not exist yet, did not apply to Egyptians, and was never intended to govern Abraham’s household centuries before Israel became a nation.
To learn more about lessons from the lives of Abraham and Sarah listen to, “How Do I Let Go And Let God?”
The post If Hagar was a slave, why wasn’t she freed after seven years with Abraham and Sarah in accordance with Jeremiah 34:14? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.
What lesson was God trying to teach the people in the Old Testament about “foreign languages? What was God’s purpose of different languages in the New Testament? Watch this highlight from our podcast about healing and, speaking in tongues, then listen to the full episode #1434: Are Christians Today Really Capable of Healing People or Speaking in Tongues? (Part I)
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Before Jesus died and rose again, no human being—righteous or unrighteous—entered heaven. Jesus stated this plainly:
“No one has ascended into heaven except he who came down from heaven, the Son of Man” (John 3:13)
Until his sacrifice was completed and the ransom price presented to satisfy Divine Justice, the “new and living way” into heaven was not open. The heavenly calling—the invitation to become sons of God and partakers of the divine nature—did not exist before Christ. Even faithful men like Abraham, Moses and David could not enter heaven because the high calling had not yet begun.
In the Old Testament era, individuals were justified by faith, but this was a justification to friendship with God, not a justification to life. They trusted God’s promises, and their faith was “counted to them for righteousness,” yet they still remained under Adam’s death sentence because the ransom had not yet been paid. When they died, Scripture describes them as being “gathered to their people” or “sleeping with their fathers.” These expressions refer to sheol in Hebrew or hades in Greek—the grave, the unconscious state of death. Peter confirmed at Pentecost that David was still dead and buried, emphasizing that he had not ascended to heaven.
These faithful ones are sometimes referred to as the “Ancient Worthies.” They died in faith, believing God’s promises, but they did not receive the heavenly reward because that promise had not yet been revealed. Their hope is an earthly resurrection. Hebrews 11 explains that they will receive a “better resurrection”—a return to perfect human life on earth at the beginning of Christ’s Millennial Kingdom.
In that future age, they will serve as “princes in all the earth,” visible leaders and teachers under the authority of Christ and his glorified church (the faithful followers of Jesus). Instead of being the ancestors of the Messiah, they will become his “children,” receiving life from him and serving as the earthly phase of the kingdom.
The heavenly calling began only after Jesus’ resurrection. He was the “firstborn from the dead” and the “forerunner” who opened the way to immortality.
After his sacrifice, God began inviting a “little flock” to follow in his footsteps. These are the ones who accept Christ as Savior, deny themselves, take up their cross and present their bodies as living sacrifices. They strive against the world, the flesh and the devil, developing Christlike character through suffering and obedience. If faithful unto death, they are resurrected to heavenly life and become “partakers of the divine nature.” Every New Testament epistle is addressed to this class—the church—who are called to reign with Christ.
What, then, of the rest of humanity—both those who lived before Jesus and the billions who have lived since? Scripture teaches that all who are in their graves will come forth. Those who have faithfully followed Christ receive the resurrection of life, while the vast majority of mankind will come forth to a resurrection of judgment during the Millennial Age. Under the righteous rule of Christ and his church, the world will learn righteousness, come to know the Lord, and have the opportunity to gain everlasting life on a restored earth.
In summary, no one before Jesus entered heaven because the ransom had not yet been paid and the heavenly calling had not yet begun. The Ancient Worthies await a perfect earthly resurrection, while the church—called after Christ’s sacrifice—receives the unique privilege of heavenly life. Through Christ’s work, both classes will ultimately bless the world in God’s great plan of salvation.
To learn more about salvation on earth and in heaven listen to these episodes:
The post Before Jesus died for our sins, how did anyone go to heaven? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.
Christianity today is diverse. When you think about it, there should only be one version of the Gospel, and it should be entirely based upon the Bible as a whole, specifically the words and actions of Jesus as well as the words and actions of his apostles and disciples in the New Testament. In many cases, the Gospel has unfortunately been reduced to a wide variety of denominations and beliefs that often contradict one another. One area of this divergence has to do with the gift of healing and speaking in tongues in the Bible. Many Christians today believe these two spiritual gifts continue today, and many Christians believe they ceased a long time ago. Who’s right, and how do we know?
In this first part of a two‑episode series, we take a thoughtful journey through Scripture to understand whether Christians today can genuinely heal or speak in tongues. We begin our conversation by stepping back into the Old Testament to uncover the foundation God laid long before Jesus’ ministry began. What emerges is a clear pattern: biblical healing and the use of foreign languages were never random miracles. They were purposeful signs—each revealing something about God’s sovereignty, His plan and His chosen messengers.
Old Testament: HealingsBy exploring several Old Testament healings, from Abimelech’s household to the Shunammite woman, Naaman, and King Hezekiah, we find that account highlights that healing was rare, deeply intentional, and always tied to God’s authority or the advancement of His plan. These moments set the stage for the dramatic shift that occurs when Jesus arrives, bringing healing on a scale never before seen. His compassion, power and fulfillment of prophecy reveal healing as a sign pointing unmistakably to the Messiah.
Old Testament: Speaking in TonguesThe conversation then turns to the surprising Old Testament roots of speaking in tongues. Through the Tower of Babel, Deuteronomy and Isaiah, we see how foreign languages originally signaled God’s disfavor and judgment. But at Pentecost, everything changes. The same sign that once scattered now gathers. The same confusion that once divided now draws people toward the gospel. Speaking in tongues becomes a powerful, unmistakable sign for unbelievers that God’s favor has arrived through Jesus and the outpouring of the holy spirit.
This episode lays the essential groundwork for Part II, where the New Testament gifts will be examined in greater detail.
Key Takeaways
- Old Testament healings were rare and always served a larger divine purpose.
- Jesus’ healing ministry fulfilled prophecy and revealed God’s sovereignty in a new way.
- In the Old Testament, foreign tongues were a sign of God’s disapproval and judgment.
- At Pentecost, tongues became a sign of God’s favor, enabling the gospel to reach all nations.
- Understanding the Old Testament foundation is essential for interpreting New Testament gifts today.
The post Are Christians Today Really Capable of Healing People or Speaking in Tongues? (Part I) appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.
Biblical healing and the use of foreign languages were never random miracles. Watch this short vlog, then listen to the full podcast of the same name for more details!
The post VIDEO: Are Christians Today Really Capable of Healing People or Speaking in Tongues? (Part I) appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.
What lessons can we learn from the life of Peter, how he was led and supported to become exactly who God wanted him to be? Watch this highlight from our podcast about how Jesus shaped Peter’s restoration and future calling, then listen to the full episode #1433: Why Did Jesus Challenge Peter’s Love?
The post VIDEO: What Happened When Rick Was Stretched Into A Responsibility Beyond His Capacity? Podcast Highlight appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.
What social costs might we have to pay as Christians when we represent Jesus in our daily lives? Watch this highlight from our podcast about how Jesus shaped Peter’s restoration and future calling, then listen to the full episode #1433: Why Did Jesus Challenge Peter’s Love?
The post VIDEO: What Did Julie’s Husband Learn About What “Costly Obedience” Means? CQ Podcast Highlight appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.
How can we help to lead others who are new in the faith, like Peter needed to learn to do? Watch this highlight from our podcast about how Jesus shaped Peter’s restoration and future calling, then listen to the full episode #1433: Why Did Jesus Challenge Peter’s Love?
The post VIDEO: How Was Julie Helped By Another Christian When She Was New In Her Faith? Podcast Highlight appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.
What was Jesus really getting at in asking Peter how much he loved him? Watch this highlight from our podcast about how Jesus shaped Peter’s restoration and future calling, then listen to the full episode #1433: Why Did Jesus Challenge Peter’s Love?
The post VIDEO: Why Did Jesus Ask Peter, “Do You Love Me More Than These? “Podcast Highlight appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.
In our last episode, we examined the deep lessons Jesus was teaching his apostles when he appeared to seven of them after his resurrection while they were fishing. His miracle of orchestrating the massive catch of fish was a direct throwback to his fishing miracle three years before, when Simon Peter finally gave up fishing to exclusively follow Jesus. The first fishing miracle was a message about giving up all else to follow Jesus and to learn to be fishers of men. The second fishing miracle was a message to now become those fishers of men and step up to lead and preach. Jesus’ next direct conversation with Peter in that context was his questioning the depth of Peter’s love for him. Why would Jesus ask such questions right after showing such confidence in Peter and the other disciples?
Do you love me?In this episode, we dive more deeply into that shoreline moment, uncovering how intentionally Jesus shaped Peter’s restoration and future calling. Jesus was purposefully reconstructing his memories. The miraculous catch mirrored Peter’s first call to discipleship, and now it marked the beginning of his call to preach and lead. From this setting, Jesus began reshaping Peter’s identity. Jesus asked three questions about love, but they were not repetitive. When Jesus asked, “Do you love me?” using the Greek word agapao, he was calling Peter to the self‑giving love that reflects God’s own character. Peter’s reply, using the Greek phileo, revealed great humility, as he no longer claimed more than he could live up to. Jesus accepted that sincerity and immediately entrusted Peter with responsibility: “Feed my lambs.”
The mission expandsEach question from Jesus expanded Peter’s mission. First, he was to feed the lambs—the youngest and most vulnerable followers of Jesus. Then he was to tend the sheep—guiding, guarding and keeping the maturing flock together. Finally, he was to feed the sheep—nourishing the entire community. These layers show Jesus moving Peter from follower to shepherd, from affection to sacrificial responsibility, resulting in a lifetime of powerful spiritual leadership.
Key Takeaways Jesus intentionally recreated Peter’s past to prepare him for future leadership. * Peter’s honest phileo* response became the foundation Jesus built upon. * Jesus gave three escalating responsibilities: “Feed my lambs”—care for the vulnerable. “Tend my sheep” — guide and protect the maturing. “Feed my sheep” — nourish the whole flock. * This moment was about healing shame, but it was also about commissioning leadership. * Being given the holy spirit at Pentecost would empower Peter to fulfill this calling.
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In this episode we discover how Jesus shaped Peter’s restoration and future calling. Watch this short vlog, then listen to the full podcast of the same name for more details!
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What do most Christians believe the breaking of the net represents in the miraculous catch of fish, and what other ideas might challenge that? Watch this highlight from our podcast about what Jesus taught about fishing, then listen to the full episode #1432: After His Resurrection, What Did Jesus Teach Us About Fishing?
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Was there any special meaning to the very specific number of fish caught in the net? Watch this highlight from our podcast about what Jesus taught about fishing, then listen to the full episode #1432: After His Resurrection, What Did Jesus Teach Us About Fishing?
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The crucifixion of Jesus was an event that absolutely overwhelmed his apostles and disciples. Even though Jesus had forewarned them of what was coming, they were still taken by complete surprise. In his great wisdom, Jesus arranged his post-resurrection appearances in such a way as to them to show them not only who he was, but what was to come. It is fascinating to see how he revealed more and more about their future with each appearance. When we get to his third appearance to a group of his apostles, Jesus came to them as they were fishing. What he did and what he taught related to fishing gave them a pointed and powerful lesson regarding their future!
In this episode, we slow down and walk through John 21 step‑by‑step, noticing how Jesus masterfully uses a familiar setting—the Sea of Galilee—to reshape the apostles’ understanding of their calling. These men were back on their home turf, doing the work they knew best, yet they were also in a season of uncertainty. Jesus had risen, but he was no longer walking with them daily. They were waiting, wondering and trying to make sense of what came next. Into that moment of confusion and routine, Jesus stepped with purpose.
What unfolds is far more than a miraculous catch of fish.It is a deliberate echo of an earlier moment—another empty night, another unexpected instruction, another overwhelming catch. By placing these two fishing events side‑by‑side, we can see how Jesus revealed how far the apostles had come and how much further they were about to go. The first miracle had been a call to follow. This one was a call to lead.
Through this encounter, Jesus showed them that their future work would require obedience even when the instructions seemed unusual, trust even when the results were unseen, and courage even when the task felt too large to carry. He reminded them that success in their new mission would never come from their own expertise, but from listening to his voice—even when they didn’t immediately recognize it.
This appearance at the Sea of Galilee becomes a living illustration about discipleship, leadership and the kind of faith required to become true “fishers of men.” It is a story of preparation and commissioning, and it still speaks powerfully to anyone seeking direction in seasons of waiting or uncertainty.
Key Takeaways Jesus meets his followers where they are, often in the ordinary rhythms of life, to reveal extraordinary truth. * The two fishing miracles act as bookends – one calling the apostles to follow, the other preparing them to lead. * Obedience precedes understanding – the apostles cast the net before they knew it was Jesus speaking. * The “right side” symbolizes divine authority, reminding us that true success comes from God’s direction, not human expertise. * Seasons of waiting are not wasted – Jesus uses them to prepare us for the next stage of our calling. * Leadership in Christ’s service requires humility*, dependence on his guidance and willingness to act even when the outcome is unclear.
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Parents and Bible class teachers, this short animated video describes the differences in Martha’s service vs. Mary’s. Are we doing the most important thing at any given time? Subscribe to our channel at ChristianQuestions.com/YouTube and never miss a new video!
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In teaching about fishing, Jesus used a familiar setting, the Sea of Galilee. Watch this short vlog, then listen to the full podcast of the same name for more details!
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How does Jesus treat the doubt of Thomas vs. the doubt of the Pharisees differently? Watch this highlight from our podcast about the doubts of Apostle Thomas, then listen to the full episode #1431: Was Doubting Thomas Really a Doubter?
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What important lesson did Jesus give Thomas that still applies to all Christians in our present time? Watch this highlight from our podcast about the doubts of Apostle Thomas, then listen to the full episode #1431: Was Doubting Thomas Really a Doubter?
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There are many Bible accounts that have gathered a lot of attention over centuries because of their dramatic content. Cain and Abel, Noah and the Ark and David and Goliath are all powerful and dramatic Old Testament accounts filled with action. Two New Testament are Jesus in the manger and Jesus on the cross. All of these named stories show us a hero and their experiences. Then we have “Doubting Thomas.” Here was an apostle who did not betray Jesus and who was ultimately faithful to his calling, and yet we know him as the doubter. Is this a fair and unbiased way to be remembering one of Jesus’ closest followers? Was Thomas that far off from faithfulness so as to be labeled as a doubter?
Not a lot of informationThomas’ specific actions or words appear only three times in Scripture. The first two instances in John 11 and John 14 reveal a disciple who has courage, loyalty and a deep desire to stay close to Jesus. It is the third instance that causes so many to see him as a doubter.
Thomas was absent during Jesus’ first resurrection appearance to the other ten apostles. The disciples joyfully reported, “We have seen the Lord,” but Thomas—traumatized, grieving and left out of that experience—could not process their claim. His statement, “I will not believe,” is a Greek conditional phrase meaning, “I am not able to believe unless…”—a cry of emotional impossibility, not rebellion.
A personal demonstrationEight days later, Jesus appeared again and immediately addressed Thomas with compassion, not rebuke. He invited Thomas to examine his wounds, offering the same evidence the others received. Jesus gently dismantled Thomas’ doubt step by step, showing that honest struggle is always met with personalized grace. Thomas responded with one of the strongest declarations of faith in the New Testament: “My Lord and my God.”
Thomas’ story teaches five belief lessons about how Jesus builds faith, not by shaming doubt but by meeting it with truth and patience. Ultimately, Thomas became a model of how doubt, when brought to Jesus, can lead to deeper conviction and a more resilient faith.
Key Takeaways* Thomas’ doubt was rooted in trauma, not rebellion. * Jesus treats honest doubt differently from hard‑hearted resistance. * Thomas asked only for the same evidence the other disciples received. * Jesus responds with compassion, personalization and invitation. * Thomas’ final confession is one of the strongest expressions of faith in Scripture. * We believe he should be called ‘Discerning Thomas’ or ‘Faithful Thomas”!
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The Apostle Thomas did not betray Jesus, and he was faithful, yet he is known as Doubting Thomas. Why? Watch this short vlog, then listen to the full podcast of the same name for more details!
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What was Jesus’ reaction to being on the cross, and how did he look for God’s guidance? Watch this highlight from our podcast about God’s providence, then listen to the full episode #1430: How Does God’s Providence Work in Our Lives?
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How did Rick handle a flight delay? What did God do to help him? Watch this highlight from our podcast about God’s providence, then listen to the full episode #1430: How Does God’s Providence Work in Our Lives?
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God is watching over me. God’s got this. The Lord will take care of it. These are all expressions of faith in God’s overruling care for us. While this kind of faith is something we should all strive for, the question remains as to what makes these statements true. Just because I say, “God will take care of it,” does that mean it is absolutely going to happen? Are there things that I personally need to have in place for God’s providence to be reality, or does saying this with conviction qualify as having enough faith? Is there a difference between our believing in God’s attentive care and His actual giving of His attentive care?
The quiet way God leads usThe episode explores these questions by reminding us that God’s providence (His holy and wise supervision of all things) is not something we activate with confident phrases. His care unfolds within His character, His timing and His purposes—not our expectations. Israel’s 40 years in the wilderness becomes a vivid example. God fed them, sustained them and disciplined them, but none of it happened on their preferred schedule. Much of His care was quiet, even unnoticed, until they looked back and realized how thoroughly He had carried them. Providence, in other words, often feels ordinary while it is happening and only becomes obvious in hindsight.
When God’s providence arrives as hardshipJesus’ preparation follows the same pattern. Before his ministry began, he faced hunger, misapplied Scripture and the lure of an easier path. None of these experiences looked like “providence” in the moment, yet each one shaped him for the work ahead. The episode emphasizes that God’s providence sometimes arrives as difficulty rather than relief—not because God is distant, but because He is forming something deeper in us than comfort. Jesus refused shortcuts, refused to manipulate God’s promises and refused to step outside his Father’s will. Only after the testing did the angels come to minister to him. That order matters.
Christians do not command providence; we receive it. We don’t decree outcomes or speak miracles into existence. Instead, we place ourselves where God’s guidance can reach us—by obeying what we already know, by waiting when the way is unclear and by trusting that God’s care is active even when it feels hidden.
Key Takeaways* God’s providence follows His timing and purposes, not our declarations. * Israel’s wilderness years show that God’s care is often quiet and recognized later. * Jesus’ temptations reveal that hardship can be part of God’s preparing grace. * We receive providence through obedience and patience, not by forcing outcomes. * True providence shapes us to follow God’s will, even when the path is difficult.
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Are there things that we personally need to have in place for God’s providence to be a reality? Watch this short vlog, then listen to the full podcast of the same name for more details!
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Let’s get practical. For most of us, the largest portion of our waking hours is spent working in one way or another to support ourselves and our household. Whether we are in a trade or at a desk, whether we are engaged in a service or retail or farming, building, manufacturing or raising children or going to school or freelancing, most of us are tied to the responsibility of investing time into our physical care. Now, if we are truly dedicated Christians, we know our primary responsibility is to God through Christ. How do we make these seemingly contradictory investments of our time work in perfect harmony? How do we fully live our Christianity while involved in spiritually mundane activities? What does my Christianity look and sound like when I am simply taking care of business?
One way to best frame the answer to these questions is to lay out what it looks like for a Christian to be an ideal employer or employee. By using the word “IDEAL” as an acronym, we can appreciate the guidelines we should strive for.
I.D.E.A.L.Integrity, Diligence, Excellence, Attitude, Leadership—These attributes are a framework for living out faith at work.
Integrity is described as wholeness and consistency. Integrity is not an idea; it is a decision.
Diligence builds on integrity by turning conviction into sustained action. It is “urgent devotion,” not passive effort. Christian workplace diligence comes from seeking God’s will first!
Excellence is not just an ideal; it is an attainable reality and can be achieved even when the conditions of our work environment are lacking. Jesus is our example of excellence, and he should be ever present in our minds while we work.
Attitude is not just an emotional state; it is a driving force. The prophet Daniel is a powerful example of a godly attitude while he positively served the kingdom he was a captive of for his entire life.
Leadership is not just for those in front; it can be a privilege for all! When we work with Integrity, Diligence, Excellence and Attitude, we ARE leading by example!
Faith at work is revealed not primarily through words but through character—how we show up, how we treat others, how we handle pressure, and how we honor God in the mundane.
Key Takeaways:
- Integrity is being the same person in every setting.
- Diligence is action, not emotion
- Excellence comes from always truly applying our best efforts
- Attitude is a powerful force that can change an environment
- Leadership is a result of all these things in action
- Faith at work begins internally, with Scripture, discipline and purpose.
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What is important to keep in mind about how we should behave at work? Watch this short vlog, then listen to the full podcast of the same name for more details!
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What does it really mean to be “diligent,” and why does it matter for us as Christians? Watch this highlight from our podcast about what a fully supplied Christian character is, then listen to the full episode #1428: What Does a Fully Supplied Christian Character Look Like? (Christian Character Series Part X)
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At the beginning of his second letter, the Apostle Peter reminded us that God, in His power and love, has graciously given us everything we need to be faithful to the calling of discipleship. This walk of sacrifice is supported by the overwhelming gift of God’s precious and magnificent promises. Peter then tells us that because we have such privilege and grace before us to build on our faith. He tells us that as a result of having this gift of faith, it should help us fully develop moral excellence. That moral excellence should in turn drive us towards spiritual knowledge, which feeds our ability to have self-control. Our outward manifestation of self-control should trigger powerful perseverance which in turn nourishes a godly and reverent character. This godly character produces an all-encompassing brotherly kindness which in turn develops the kind of selfless love that our Lord Jesus and our heavenly Father both have.
Useless or unfruitfulWhen these qualities are present and increasing, they keep us from becoming “useless or unfruitful” in our knowledge of Christ, but when they are absent, we become spiritually short‑sighted, forgetting the cleansing and new life Jesus provided. Complacency is a danger, and we as believers can drift into blindness or relapse into old habits when we stop climbing the ladder.
Peter then re‑energizes us with a call to diligence—bookending the entire process with earnest effort in verses 5 and 10. This diligence is not frantic activity but a sincere, steady commitment to practicing these virtues so that we can keep moving forward even when we stumble. Through vivid examples, warnings and encouragements, the episode emphasizes that spiritual growth is intentional, not automatic, and that God’s providence works with our effort to shape a character that reflects Christ. Ultimately, Peter assures us that if we continue developing these qualities, we will walk securely, avoid spiritual collapse and receive an abundant entrance into the eternal kingdom.
Key Takeaways
- Peter’s “virtue ladder” outlines a clear, ordered path for Christian growth.
- These qualities must be increasing to keep us from becoming spiritually unfruitful.
- Forgetting our cleansing leads to spiritual blindness and drift.
- Peter uses diligence as bookends (verses 5 and 10) to show that growth requires intentional effort.
- Practicing these virtues helps us recover quickly when we stumble.
- God’s promises supply the power; our diligence supplies the response.
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God has graciously given us everything we need to be faithful to the calling of discipleship. Watch this short vlog, then listen to the full podcast of the same name for more details!
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How can we love as Jesus loved? Watch this highlight from our podcast about agape love, then listen to the full episode #1427: What Does Christian Love Really Look Like? (Christian Character Series Part IX)
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Jesus was perfect and had deep “agape” love for others, but we are imperfect. How can we measure up? Watch this highlight from our podcast about agape love, then listen to the full episode #1427: What Does Christian Love Really Look Like? (Christian Character Series Part IX)
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We have arrived! This episode explores the final and highest rung of the Apostle Peter’s “virtue ladder”- agape, the selfless, God‑shaped love that defines the true purpose of Christian character. We walk through how each previous rung—faith, moral excellence, knowledge, self‑control, perseverance, godliness and brotherly kindness—builds the capacity to reach this culminating form of love. While Strong’s Concordance’s Greek definition of agape may sound simple or even underwhelming, Scripture masterfully fills the word with depth, weight and divine intention. This eight and final rung powerfully reveals the height what our Christian characters aspire to!
The love of God HimselfAgape is the love God demonstrates in giving His only begotten son. It is the love Jesus lived by laying down his life, and the love the apostles taught as the unmistakable evidence of spiritual maturity. This love is “disinterested” in the classical sense—free from selfish motive, seeking no advantage and offered even when it is not reciprocated.
It is critical to remember that while this kind of love grows out of brotherly kindness, it surpasses it by embracing even the hardest expressions of love: loving enemies, blessing those who persecute us and caring for those we don’t naturally like. A powerful illustration of this is the story of Maximilian Kolbe, who voluntarily took another man’s place in a starvation bunker at Auschwitz—an act that embodied Christlike, sacrificial agape.
The first few verses of 1 Corinthians 13, show us how this kind of love must shape what we as Christians say, know and do; without it, eloquence becomes noise, knowledge becomes pride, and even great acts of sacrifice lose their spiritual value. Finally, we observe how the Scriptures remind us that perfect love casts out fear, and that agape matures in us as we continually practice the earlier virtues. When brotherly love is strong and relationships are aligned with God’s will, agape becomes the defining purpose of a disciple’s life, shining as the highest expression of Christlikeness.
Key Takeaways Agape is the highest rung of Christian character, built on the foundation of the previous seven virtues. * Strong’s definition is insufficient—Scripture reveals agape as God’s own selfless, sacrificial love. * Jesus models agape through his willingness to lay down his life. * Agape includes loving enemies and those we don’t naturally like. * Without agape, words, knowledge and actions lose spiritual value (1 Corinthians 13). * Perfect love casts out fear*, revealing maturity and alignment with God’s purpose.
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Parents and Bible class teachers, this short animated video describes the peace of God, what it does, and who it’s for. Subscribe to our channel at ChristianQuestions.com/YouTube and never miss a new video!
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How can understanding “agape” love change our lives? Watch this short vlog, then listen to the full podcast of the same name for more details!
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How can we help others with their problems when we are barely able to manage the issues in our lives? Watch this highlight from our podcast about brotherly kindness, then listen to the full episode #1426: What Does Brotherly Kindness Mean for a Christian? (Christian Character Series Part VIII)
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How do we treat others who are in our fellowship? What do we say and do when others aren’t around?Watch this highlight from our podcast about brotherly kindness, then listen to the full episode #1426: What Does Brotherly Kindness Mean for a Christian? (Christian Character Series Part VIII)
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The blueprint for Christian character development the Apostle Peter gives us in 2 Peter 1 lays out for us a “ladder” that we as disciples of Christ are to climb. Each rung of this ladder is vital to our ability to be able to progress up to the next rung. As we have focused on one rung of this ladder at a time in this extended series, we have worked on making the connections between our foundation and how each step makes us more like Jesus. Now comes the seventh rung, and this one really begins to reveal what a truly developed Christian character should look like.
The seventh rung is brotherly kindness—philadelphia in Greek and also translated as “brotherly love.” We must realize that faith, moral excellence, knowledge, self‑control, perseverance and godliness form the necessary foundation for this deeply relational virtue. In ancient Greek, this kind of love referred to the instinctive loyalty shared by blood relatives—a devotion that is both expected and not optional. Peter places this rung after godliness because only a character shaped by reverence for God can sustain the sacrificial, loyal, family‑level commitment required to love fellow believers as true siblings.
Lots of loveTo broaden our understanding, it is helpful to compare three Greek categories of love: natural family affection, brotherly love and philanthropia—a benevolent love for all humanity. Brotherly kindness sits at the center of these circles, bridging instinctive affection and universal goodwill. Jesus himself established this family identity when he taught his disciples to pray, “Our Father…,” making all disciples brothers and sisters.
Questions to ask ourselvesPractical self‑examination is needed to see how well we are living this brotherly kindness: Do we protect others’ reputations? Do we step in quietly when someone is overwhelmed? Do we welcome those who sit alone? Brotherly love is not convenient. It is costly, time‑consuming and emotionally demanding.
Ultimately, brotherly kindness is the training ground for the final rung—agape love. If Christians can’t love the family of faith with loyalty and tenderness, they cannot hope to love the world with Christlike sacrifice.
Key Takeaways
- Brotherly kindness is loyal, family‑level devotion rooted in godliness.
- It bridges natural affection and universal benevolence.
- Jesus established Christians as a true spiritual family.
- Brotherly love requires patience, protection, presence and emotional investment.
- It is inconvenient but essential for mature Christian character.
- Practicing philadelphia prepares us for agape—the highest form of Christlike love.
The post What Does Brotherly Kindness Mean for a Christian? (Christian Character Series Part VIII) appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.
Brotherly love is not convenient! Watch this short vlog, then listen to the full podcast of the same name for more details!
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What does true godliness look like? Watch this highlight from our podcast about godliness, then listen to the full episode #1425: How Do I Grow in Godliness as a Christian? (Christian Character Series Part VII)
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The blueprint for Christian character development the Apostle Peter gives us in 2 Peter 1 focuses us on a profound series of steps we need to take in order to be more Christlike. With this blueprint, Peter lays out for us a ladder of Christian character development. As we examine it, we find that each rung of this ladder is vital to our success in climbing up onto the next rung. In the last five parts of this series, we have focused on one rung of this ladder at a time and worked on making the connections between what our foundation is and how each step makes us more like Jesus. Now comes the sixth step, and this one really begins to shape what our outward Christian character should look like!
In this episode, we continue our Christian Character Series by examining the sixth rung of Peter’s “virtue ladder” in 2 Peter 1:5‑7: godliness. Godliness is not “looking religious,” but a whole‑life orientation toward God, expressed through reverence, devotion, humility and a character that consistently seeks God’s will. It is the “allegiance of our character,” the natural outgrowth of perseverance and self‑control working together.
Fake godlinessGodliness is not something humans possess naturally; it must be developed intentionally through discipline, sound doctrine and a continual turning away from worldly distractions (1 Timothy 4:6‑8). True godliness grows from the inside out and can’t be faked, even though many in the “last days” may display only an appearance of it (2 Timothy 3:1‑5). Real godliness is rooted in Christ’s teachings, not tradition, and must never be used as a means of earthly gain (1 Timothy 6:3‑10). Instead, godliness produces contentment, freeing believers from the traps of wealth, status and self‑promotion.
Misplaced prioritiesWe also highlight the dangers of misplaced priorities through Jesus’ Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:22) and the encounter with the rich young ruler (Matthew 19:16‑22). Can we truly be called “men or women of God” (1 Timothy 6:11)? Are we pursuing transformation through the renewing of the mind (Romans 12:2‑3)? Ultimately, godliness must be visible, shining as a testimony that glorifies God (Matthew 5:16). It is the payoff of perseverance and a foundational step toward authentic discipleship.
Key Takeaways Godliness is the allegiance of our character, formed by the previous five virtues. * True godliness is internal, genuine and rooted in Scripture, not outward performance. * It can’t be used for earthly gain; its true gain is contentment. * Godliness requires discipline, perseverance and continual renewal of the mind. * It must be visible*, shining in a way that glorifies God, not us. The post How Do I Grow in Godliness as a Christian? (Christian Character Series Part VII) appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.
Godliness is not something we possess naturally. Watch this short vlog, then listen to the full podcast of the same name for more details!
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How Can We Be Blessed By Persevering? Watch this highlight from our podcast about perseverance, then listen to the full episode #1424: How Do I Grow in Christian Perseverance? (Christian Character Series Part VI)
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What experience did Rick and Jonathan have with a listener who believed differently? Watch this highlight from our podcast about perseverance, then listen to the full episode #1424: How Do I Grow in Christian Perseverance? (Christian Character Series Part VI)
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The blueprint for Christian Character development that the Apostle Peter gives us in 2 Peter chapter 1 focuses us on a profound series of steps we need to take in order to be more Christlike. Based upon God’s power and promises, Peter lays out for us the blueprint for a ladder of Christian character development. Peter has taught us that each rung of this ladder is very important to our success in climbing onto the next rung up. In the last four parts of this series, we have focused on one rung of this ladder at a time. We worked on making the connections between what our foundation is and how each step makes us more like Jesus.
Step 5 on the ladderChristian perseverance is the fifth step following faith, moral excellence, knowledge and self‑control. Perseverance means “cheerful, hopeful endurance”—an active, conscious decision to “stay under” the weight of trials with constancy. It is not drudgery. It is a spiritually energized commitment to keep moving forward.
Perseverance is essential because self‑control can’t survive without it. Scripture shows that perseverance grows out of justification, peace with God, and His grace (Romans 5), and is modeled perfectly by Jesus in his endurance of the torturous cross experience (Hebrews 12).
Developing enduranceChristians develop perseverance through three major arenas: trials, persecution and loyalty testing. Trials cultivate endurance that leads to maturity, as seen in James’ teaching and in real-life examples of believers who endure suffering with faith. Persecution requires principled perseverance, following Jesus’ example of non-retaliation and trusting God’s power when feeling afflicted or targeted. Loyalty testing cultivates perseverance that glorifies God in every circumstance, choosing prayer, spiritual perspective, and Christlike responses over fleshly reactions.
Perseverance strengthens what has already been built—faith, moral excellence, knowledge and self‑control—while enabling continued spiritual growth. Ultimately, perseverance is the allegiance of our energy to God’s will, empowered by His spirit, inspired by Jesus’ sacrifice, and necessary to receive the promised reward. It keeps us from giving up, restores our confidence and helps us “run and not grow weary” as we walk in Christ’s footsteps.
Key Takeaways
- Perseverance = cheerful, hopeful endurance, not mere survival.
- Self‑control collapses without perseverance; endurance keeps spiritual progress intact.
- Jesus is the model of joyful endurance, inspiring us not to lose heart.
- Trials develop maturity, producing endurance that leads to completeness.
- Persecution requires principled perseverance, following Jesus’ example of never retaliating.
- Loyalty to God is proven through endurance, glorifying Him in every circumstance.
The post How Do I Grow in Christian Perseverance? (Christian Character Series Part VI) appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.
Parents and Bible class teachers, this animated video details how Jesus taught about “living water,” the gospel message that comes from God through Jesus. A Samaritan woman received a special gift from Jesus on this day that changed her life and the lives of those around her. Subscribe to our channel at ChristianQuestions.com/YouTube and never miss a new video!
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Perseverance means cheerful, hopeful endurance. Watch this short vlog, then listen to the full podcast of the same name for more details!
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What greater goal is God inviting us to keep in view, and how would our choices shift when tempted by our focus on this goal? Watch this highlight from our podcast about self-control, then listen to the full episode #1423: What Kind of Self-Control Is Really Required of a Christian? (Christian Character Series Part V)
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The blueprint for Christian character development that the Apostle Peter gives us in 2 Peter 1 focuses us on a profound series of steps we need to take in order to be more Christlike. As a basis for this needed growth, we have seen how God’s promises help us to be ready to systematically take the next step up Peter’s “ladder” of Christian character development. So far in our series, we have begun to see how each step up this ladder needs the step before in order to actually bring us towards true daily discipleship. We now continue this character development process by looking into the fourth step up towards Christlikeness.
This fourth rung in Peter’s “virtue ladder” from 2 Peter 1:5‑7 is self‑control, the “allegiance of our passions.” The first three rungs—faith, moral excellence and knowledge, deal primarily with internal transformation. Self‑control is the pivot point where that inner work begins to show up in real‑world choices. The Greek word for this conveys mastery, inner power and dominion over oneself.
For Christians, this begins with preventing harmful or unproductive thoughts from becoming actions, and culminates in actively choosing what is spiritual, wholesome and Christlike. Our discipline requires self‑examination: identifying what naturally pulls us off course so we can learn to make adjustments.
The self-control of an athlete running a racePaul’s athletic metaphors in 1 Corinthians 9 highlight three components of self-control: intentional focus on the goal, embracing necessary limitations and wholehearted perseverance. Like a trained athlete, we as Christians must make many daily small, disciplined choices that strengthen spiritual “muscle memory.” Self-control also shapes how we view and treat others, enabling us to respond with grace rather than instinctive frustration.
It’s important to recognize that self-control is not a standalone virtue, and it stabilizes the entire structure of our Christian characters. Without knowledge, self-control becomes directionless; without self-control, perseverance becomes impossible. When rooted in faith, moral excellence, and knowledge, self-control opens the door to genuine spiritual growth and Christlike living.
Key Takeaways* Self-control is the “allegiance of our passions,” the disciplined governing of our impulses and desires. * It is the pivot point where inner transformation becomes outward behavior. * True self-control begins with restraint and culminates in choosing what is spiritually beneficial. * The Apostle Paul’s athletic imagery teaches focus, limitation and perseverance as essential components. * Self-control shapes how we respond to others, reflecting Christ rather than our impulses. * It stabilizes the entire virtue ladder and enables the next step: perseverance.
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Self-control shapes how we view and treat others. Watch this short vlog, then listen to the full podcast of the same name for more details!
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Why is the source and basis of our knowledge so important? Watch this highlight from our podcast about Christian knowledge, then listen to the full episode #1422: How Does Knowledge as a Christian Change My Worldly Life? (Christian Character Series Part IV)
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In 2 Peter 1, the Apostle Peter laid out a phenomenal blueprint for us to follow regarding the how and why of developing a focused and loyal character that is modeled after Christ. After reminding us of the incomprehensible promises that God brings us through His power and Jesus’ sacrifice, he then focuses us on doing our part. Peter gives us a blueprint for building a virtue “ladder” of Christian character development, of which the first rung is our faith. Because we have the firm footing of Christian faith in place, we can then develop “moral excellence,” which in turn gives us the stability to next develop knowledge. As we will continue to see, when followed, the order of developing these attributes of our Christian characters will yield an unbreakable allegiance to daily, living God’s will through Christ!
Peter’s ladder sequence is intentional: faith establishes our direction, moral excellence aligns our heart with God’s highest standards, and only then can knowledge become a stable, Christlike attribute rather than a source of pride or harm. By contrasting godly vs. misapplied knowledge, we can see that without moral excellence, it can inflate ego and harm others. Paul’s teaching in 1 Corinthians 8 shows that even correct knowledge can become destructive if it emboldens weaker Christians to violate their conscience. True Christian knowledge must therefore be governed by love, humility and responsibility.
How much of the Bible do I have to know?This is not about mastering every prophecy or detail, but about understanding Christlikeness and allowing God’s light to shape our intellect. All Scripture – both in the Old and New Testaments – is the essential source of this knowledge, forming a lifelong journey of discernment, filtering out worldly influences, and taking every thought captive to Christ.
God’s plan is expansive, merciful and awe‑inspiring.Recognizing its depth should cultivate gratitude rather than arrogance. Paul’s example in Philippians 3 shows the surpassing value of knowing Christ, which makes all previous accomplishments seem like “rubbish” in comparison. Ultimately, knowledge becomes transformative when it flows from faith, is shaped by moral excellence, and leads us toward deeper loyalty to God’s will.
Key Takeaways* Knowledge must be built on faith and moral excellence to avoid arrogance. * Misapplied knowledge can harm others while godly knowledge is always governed by love. * All Scripture is the authoritative source of Christian understanding. * True knowledge produces humility, responsibility and awe at God’s plan.
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What knowledge should be leading us, and where does it come from? Watch this short vlog, then listen to the full podcast of the same name for more details!
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Why are God’s standards so high when He knows we are going to fail? Watch this highlight from our podcast about moral excellence, then listen to the full episode #1421: What Does True Christian Moral Excellence Look Like? (Christian Character Part III)
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In 2 Peter chapter 1, the Apostle Peter is laying out a phenomenal blueprint for us to follow regarding the how and why of developing a focused and loyal character modeled after Christ. He begins by reminding us of the majesty and power of God, along with the loyalty and sacrifice of Jesus. He tells us that because God is as lofty as He is, we are given incomprehensible promises that can bring us to God’s own divine nature. He then tells us what’s required on our part. Peter explains that because of these promises, we need to apply all diligence, and in our faith, we need to supply – to develop and live – a character that will nurture and grow specific virtues of Christlikeness.
As we continue our Christian Character Series, the second “Allegiance Attribute” in Peter’s spiritual blueprint is moral excellence. Building on the foundation of faith, we find that that moral excellence is not merely good behavior but wholehearted allegiance of the heart—a life shaped by God’s purpose and modeled after His own character. This excellence evokes the idea of something fulfilling its highest purpose, like a horse that runs fast, or land that produces abundantly. For Christians, this moral excellence means living in a way that reflects God’s excellence and demonstrates that His purpose truly matters to us.
Inward excellence and outward goodnessThis inward excellence naturally produces outward goodness, the visible conduct others can observe. Drawing from several scriptures, we can observe how moral excellence expresses itself through humility, patience, forgiveness, perseverance, gratitude and Spirit‑led transformation. True Christian virtue is not simply avoiding wrongdoing but actively embodying Christlike character in everyday interactions.
The challenge is that God’s standard is high, and we will fail repeatedly. Yet Peter reassures us that God has already provided “everything pertaining to life and godliness,” equipping us through His promises to grow into His divine likeness. Moral excellence becomes possible, not because we are strong, but because God is faithful.
Ask yourself: Is my moral excellence stronger today than yesterday? Am I becoming the person God intends me to be?
Key Takeaways* Moral excellence is the allegiance of the heart, reflecting God’s character and purpose. * Inner excellence produces visible goodness. * True virtue requires intentional growth, not just avoiding sin but embodying Christlike qualities. * God equips believers with everything needed to develop moral excellence through His promises. * Spiritual progress requires perseverance, humility and daily habits that nurture transformation.
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Parents and Bible class teachers, this animated video teaches kids a special new word from the Scriptures: RANSOM. Jesus paid the ransom price for Adam’s sin, saving all of US from the cycle of sin and death. There is hope for ALL because of Jesus’ sacrifice. Subscribe to our channel at ChristianQuestions.com/YouTube and never miss a new video!
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Moral excellence is wholehearted allegiance of the heart—a life shaped by God’s Character. Watch this short vlog, then listen to the full podcast of the same name for more details!
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What should we have our allegiance to? Watch this highlight from our podcast about diligence, then listen to the full episode #1420: What Steps Help Me Build a Permanent Christlike Character? (Christian Character Series Part II)
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How are we supplied by both the body and the head of Christ? Watch this highlight from our podcast about diligence, then listen to the full episode #1420: What Steps Help Me Build a Permanent Christlike Character? (Christian Character Series Part II)
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The Apostle Peter began his second letter to all Christians by addressing the very formation of our Christian lives. He proceeded to lay out a deep and profound series of character development steps to show us how to completely and wholly grow into mature disciples of Christ. In Part I of this series, we covered the first four verses of 2 Peter chapter 1. These verses laid out a broad foundation for the development of our Christian character that is based on who God is, what He promises us and what Jesus has done. The next part of the blueprint for our character development is to not only show us traits we need to have included in our Christlikeness, but HOW we are to include them. This episode reveals how Peter unfolds his spirit-driven, exciting and practical approach to building a true Christlike character.
Peter’s blueprint continues with a command: “…applying all diligence.” The Greek terms reveal a vivid picture—bringing our effort alongside what God has already supplied, and doing so with eagerness, earnestness and speed. Diligence is the opposite of sluggishness; it reflects a focused loyalty to God’s will. As we receive God’s promises, we are to simultaneously apply this diligence.
The first area where diligence must operate is our faith.Faith is not a wish; rather, it is a conviction grounded in God’s reality. It is a gift, and though not earned, it must be tested, strengthened and lived. Trials develop endurance, and endurance matures character. Faith becomes what we call an “Allegiance Attribute”—a foundational internal quality that shapes all the other traits Peter will list.
Faith must be active, single‑minded and visible through works.Just as Christ fully supplies the body and Christians supply one another, we are called to fully supply our own character with what it needs to grow. Ultimately, God abundantly supplies entrance into the eternal kingdom, far beyond mere adequacy. Our role is to respond to His overwhelming provision with the diligent and eager faith that fuels the lifelong process of Christlike transformation.
Key Takeaways
- God’s promises form the foundation for Christian character development.
- “Applying all diligence” means bringing earnest effort alongside God’s provision.
- Faith is the first and foundational Allegiance Attribute.
- Faith must be active, tested, single‑minded and visible through works.
- Growth is mutual: God supplies us, we supply our character, and we in turn support others.
- God’s supply is abundant and our response to it must be diligent and wholehearted.
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Diligence must operate in our faith, which is a conviction in God’s reality. Watch this short vlog, then listen to the full podcast of the same name for more details!
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Why is reframing an experience so important? Watch this highlight from our podcast about the promises of God, then listen to the full episode #1419: How Do God’s Promises Change Your Life? (Christian Character Series Part I)
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If some have more difficult experiences than others, is that fair? Watch this highlight from our podcast about the promises of God, then listen to the full episode #1419: How Do God’s Promises Change Your Life? (Christian Character Series Part I)
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The Apostle Peter began his second letter to all Christians by addressing the very formation of our Christian lives. He proceeded to lay out a deep and profound series of character development steps to show us how to completely and wholly grow into mature disciples of Christ. To begin this process, his clear message in the first four verses of Chapter 1 verifies that we have been given EVERYTHING we need to be faithful to our call. Peter directly connects God’s promises to our faithfulness. What is it about His promises that has such a powerful influence on the everyday lives of those who are “called according to His purpose”? How can we clearly and definitively apply these promises to each and every day of our lives?
This episode explores how God’s promises transform the life of a Christian, using 2 Peter 1:1–4 as the foundation. Peter opens his letter by reminding Christians that they have received a “like precious faith”—a faith equal in value to that of the apostles. This faith requires a life of non‑conformity to the world, inner transformation and continual renewal through God’s spirit. Such faith is rooted in the righteous acts of Jesus, whose obedience satisfied divine justice and opened the way for believers to become “new creations.”
Grace and peacePeter then highlights that God multiplies grace and peace in the lives of those who grow in true knowledge of Him. This knowledge (Greek: epignosis) is not superficial; it is a deep, ever‑advancing understanding gained through study, prayer, discipline and perseverance. God’s divine power has already provided everything necessary for life and godliness, regardless of one’s circumstances. Christians are fully integrated into God’s plan—granted access, citizenship, a spiritual foundation and a place in His household.
Only after establishing this foundation does Peter introduce God’s “precious and magnificent promises.” These promises are trustworthy because they come from God’s unchanging character. They include peace, strength in temptation, instruction, protection, courage, assurance, hope and an ultimate reward of immortality. Importantly, these promises do not remove trials but walk Christians through them, shaping Christlike character.
The purpose of these promises is transformative. Through them, we may become “partakers of the divine nature,” escaping the corruption of the world. This extraordinary privilege is granted only to faithful followers of Christ who live in alignment with God’s will. Peter’s introduction sets the stage for the “ladder of virtues” in 2 Peter 1:5–7, which outlines the step‑by‑step development of Christian character. The promises are tools that empower us to grow into mature disciples whose allegiance is fully centered on God.
Key Takeaways God’s promises are powerful because of who God is—unchanging, truthful and sovereign. * These promises equip, not escape; they strengthen Christians to endure trials. * True transformation requires knowledge, discipline and alignment with God’s will. * The promises ultimately enable faithful followers of Jesus to become partakers of the divine nature.* The post How Do God’s Promises Change Your Life? (Christian Character Series Part I) appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.
God’s promises truly transform the lives of genuine Christians. Watch this short vlog, then listen to the full podcast of the same name for more details!
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Why is non conforming so essential to becoming a disciple of Christ? Watch this highlight from our podcast about following Jesus, then listen to the full episode#1418: How Do I Know if I Am REALLY Following Jesus? (Part II)
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In Part I of this two-part series, we focused on the magnificent gift that we as Christians are given when we accept the redemption for our sins available through Jesus’ sacrifice. We talked about the magnitude of this gift and how true disciples of Jesus are also required to give back as a result of receiving this gift. According to Scripture, the action of “giving back” is accomplished through our responsibility to reverently care for it. This care is clearly identified by how we choose to live our lives as genuine followers of Christ. Fortunately, we have clear and concise instructions waiting for us in the Scriptures!
Part I established the “required care focuses” from Romans 12:1—recognition, awe, gratitude, humility, intentional self‑denial, adopting a new mindset and full engagement. These attitudes prepare believers for the deeper work of transformation highlighted in the next verse.
Romans 12:2 introduces two essential components of discipleship:
- NOT conforming to the world
- Being transformed by the renewing of the mind.
Additionally, we suggest Christian non‑conformity has two “levels:”
- We must be OUT of alignment with the world’s values
- We must walk away from our own internal habits, desires and emotional patterns.
Jesus modeled this non‑conformity through his kingdom‑focused life, and his disciples were called to leave behind their former identities and occupations to follow him.The result: a “new creation”Transformation in Christ cannot begin until non‑conformity has intentionally been chosen. 2 Corinthians 5:14–17 and Philippians 3:13–15 reveal that transformation involves seeing others—and even Christ himself—from a spiritual perspective rather than a fleshly one. The Greek word for “transform” (metamorphoō) indicates a complete change of form, illustrated by the transfiguration of Jesus and the believer’s gradual change “from glory to glory” through the spirit. This transformation results in becoming a “new creation,” something entirely fresh and never before existing.
This process is lifelong, requiring perseverance, repeated decisions and reliance on God’s strength. Ultimately, transformation leads to receiving a “new name” and full acceptance by God, symbolized in Revelation 2:17. True discipleship is radical, intentional, and deeply rewarding, culminating in participation in God’s future work of blessing all humanity.
A Few Key Takeaways
- True transformation begins only after intentional non‑conformity to the world.
- Discipleship requires daily self‑denial, a renewed mindset and full engagement.
- Transformation is a gradual, spirit‑driven process that reshapes identity and purpose.
- True believers become a “new creation,” ultimately receiving God’s full approval and a symbolic “new name.”
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There are two essential components of discipleship. Watch this short vlog, then listen to the full podcast of the same name for more details.
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Parents and Bible class teachers, this short, animated video teaches children about God’s ominscience. Subscribe to our channel at ChristianQuestions.com/YouTube and never miss a new video!
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What Does It Mean To Become a “Holy One”? Watch this highlight from our podcast about following Jesus, then listen to the full episode #1417: How Do I Know if I Am REALLY Following Jesus? (Part I)
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What does it mean to be a living sacrifice? Watch this highlight from our podcast about following Jesus, then listen to the full episode #1417: How Do I Know if I Am REALLY Following Jesus? (Part I)
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What is one of the greatest gifts that God has given us, and how do we properly appreciate it? Watch this highlight from our podcast about following Jesus, then listen to the full episode #1417: How Do I Know if I Am REALLY Following Jesus? (Part I)
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As Christians, we love Jesus. All who claim that Jesus is their Lord and Savior do so because they have acknowledged their own sinful state and have realized the power of forgiveness that comes from Jesus’ sacrifice. It is easy for us to fellowship regarding what we have been freely given. What may not be as easy for us to define is what we are giving. A true disciple of Jesus receives redemption. That same true disciple is also required to give back as a result of that gift. Wait a minute! Isn’t Jesus’ gift freely given with no strings attached? Yes, it is free with no strings attached, and because we receive that gift, we are required to care for it. As we shall soon see, this required care thought is the very essence of being a true and genuine follower of Christ.
DiscipleshipDiscipleship is far more than loving Jesus—it requires intentional action, sacrifice and transformation. The “therefore” in Romans 12:1, which is the theme verse for this episode, points back to Romans 11, where Paul explains how Israel’s temporary casting off opened the door of mercy to Gentiles. This undeserved privilege should fill believers with awe, gratitude and humility. True discipleship begins with recognizing the magnitude of God’s gift and responding appropriately.
A living sacrificePaul’s instruction to “present your bodies a living sacrifice” introduces the core requirement of intentional self‑denial. Jesus modeled this throughout his earthly life, denying his own will in favor of the Father’s—even when it meant suffering. Followers of Christ must likewise abstain from sinful desires, count the cost of discipleship, and embrace the hardships, contradictions and separations that come with walking in his footsteps. These challenges are not meaningless; they produce spiritual growth and prepare believers for eternal glory.
Holy and acceptableThe call to be “holy and acceptable to God” requires adopting a new mindset shaped by the holy spirit. This new mindset involves continual learning, accurate handling of Scripture, humility and a commitment to godliness. Jesus’ own mindset—self‑emptying, obedient and focused on serving God—becomes the pattern for Christian transformation.
Finally, Paul describes this sacrificial life as “your reasonable service,” meaning it is the logical response to God’s mercy. Full engagement in discipleship includes prioritizing spiritual goals, supporting fellow believers as members of one body, and pressing forward toward the upward call of God. To truly follow Jesus is to live with recognition, awe, gratitude, humility, intentional self‑denial, a renewed mindset, and wholehearted commitment to God’s will.
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Discipleship is far more than loving Jesus. Watch this short vlog, then listen to the full podcast of the same name for more details.
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How did God’s spirit work in Mary? Watch this highlight from our podcast about Jesus birth, then listen to the full episode #1416: How Did God’s Spirit Inspire Those Surrounding Jesus’ Birth?
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We all love to tell the story of Jesus’ birth. We love the vulnerability behind God’s choice of Mary, the young woman who was engaged to Joseph to be Jesus’ mother. We love the humility of his being born in a stable because there was no room at the inn. We love the magnificence of the angel announcing his birth to shepherds and then having the heavenly host of angels praising and glorifying God. We love the reverential sobriety of the wise men coming with gifts for the small child, Jesus. Some of the things we don’t focus as much attention on are how God used specific individuals surrounding all of these events to speak in a prophetic way and outline in great detail what this series of incredible experiences would mean. Today we pause and consider the words of Zacharias and Elizabeth who were the parents of John the Baptist, Mary, the mother of Jesus, Simeon the prophet and Anna the prophetess.
ZachariasLet’s begin with Zacharias, the Jewish priest who, because of his initial doubt, was struck mute by the angel Gabriel until the birth of his son John. This silence became a period of reflection, enabling him to connect Old Testament prophecies with Gabriel’s announcement. At John’s circumcision, Zacharias was again able to speak. He prophesied about both John’s role as forerunner and Jesus as the “horn of salvation.” His prophecy was powerfully based upon the words and promises of the Old Testament.
Elizabeth and MaryHis middle aged and childless wife, Elizabeth, rejoiced at God’s mercy in giving her a son. Filled with the spirit, she recognized Mary’s child as her Lord and humbly celebrated Mary’s blessing. Mary herself responded with faith and praise, further echoing Old Testament themes of God’s mercy, strength and justice.
SimeonAfter Jesus’ birth, Simeon, an aged and devout man who had been promised he would see the Messiah before death, prophesied about Jesus as salvation for both Israel and the Gentiles. Again, Old Testament prophecies were clearly linked to the work that Jesus would later accomplish.
AnnaAnna, an elderly prophetess, added her testimony, giving thanks and speaking of redemption to those awaiting Jerusalem’s deliverance.
Together, these accounts show God’s spirit orchestrating events and inspiring faithful individuals to proclaim truths that connected Old Testament promises with New Testament fulfillment. Their obedience, humility and prophetic insight highlight the broader plan of redemption for all, unfolding through Jesus’ birth.
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What can we learn from all those involved in Jesus’ birth? Watch this short vlog, then listen to the full podcast of the same name for more details.
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What does the parable of the sower mean? Watch this highlight from our podcast about preaching the gospel, then listen to the full episode #1415: Does Our Preaching Really Save Those Who Hear?
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Does Jesus contradict God’s purpose of saving the world, by only saving some of God’s creation? Watch this highlight from our podcast about preaching the gospel, then listen to the full episode #1415: Does Our Preaching Really Save Those Who Hear?
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So, what is the real mission of Christianity? Are we tasked with converting the world? Are we responsible to preach the good news of the gospel wherever we go, to anyone and everyone? Is the eternal destiny of those we come in contact with heavily dependent upon our delivering the message of salvation? All Christians would agree that at his ascension, Jesus commanded us to be part of preaching the gospel throughout the world. Where we differ is in the outcome of this preaching. The bottom-line question: Do we as Christians bear the responsibility of saving sinners from the wrath of God right here and right now in this age, or do we preach for another reason?
Worldwide conversion now?While Jesus commanded his followers to spread the gospel worldwide (Matthew 28:19–20, Acts 1:6–9), the purpose is not immediate worldwide conversion but rather the calling of disciples from all nations. Preaching plants seeds of truth, but only God causes growth (1 Corinthians 3:6–9).
The key to understanding the apparent contradiction of Jesus dying for all and yet not all following him now is that salvation unfolds in stages. First, a small group of disciples is called to walk the narrow way, living sacrificially as a “royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9). Their faithfulness benefits the rest of humanity later, during the “day of visitation” and ultimate restoration (Romans 8:19–21, Acts 3:20–21). The rest of humanity will eventually be taught, tested and brought to repentance (2 Peter 3:9, 1 Timothy 2:4–6). Preaching today serves to identify disciples and to give glimpses of God’s kingdom, even if most people dismiss or misunderstand it.
Seeds of hopeUltimately, preaching is about sowing seeds of hope, pointing to God’s plan of universal restoration, peace and harmony. Scriptures like Micah 4:3–4 and Revelation 21:3–4 promise a future without war, pain or death, where God dwells with humanity. Preaching does not save directly but prepares the way for Christ’s mediation and the eventual salvation of all.
Preaching’s purpose: Not immediate conversion but calling disciples and offering hope.
Stages of salvation: First disciples, then the world in God’s kingdom.
Role of disciples: A “royal priesthood” whose faithfulness benefits all humanity.
Future promise: Universal restoration, peace and God having a restored relationship with mankind.
Preaching today plants seeds and reveals hope. Salvation itself is God’s work to be fully realized in His kingdom.
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All humanity will eventually be taught, tested, and brought to repentance! Watch this short vlog, then listen to the full podcast of the same name for more details!
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When are the redeemed delivered from death and Adam? Watch this highlight from our podcast about salvation for all, then listen to the full episode #1414: Did Jesus Die for Every Single Human Being?
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Who is the “all” in who Jesus died for? Watch this highlight from our podcast about salvation for all, then listen to the full episode #1414: Did Jesus Die for Every Single Human Being?
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Who was Jesus a savior of? Watch this highlight from our podcast about salvation for all, then listen to the full episode #1414: Did Jesus Die for Every Single Human Being?
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As Christians, we deeply appreciate the price Jesus paid for us to be released from the grip of the sin of Adam. To say that this has given us a new opportunity for life is a dramatic understatement. All we can really do is be profoundly thankful as we diligently follow in his footsteps. One question many Christians find uncomfortable to face is the question of the “everybody else.” According to the Bible, what really happens to them? What effect did Jesus’ life, death and resurrection have on those who are atheist, Muslim or Hindu? If we say they are essentially doomed, the question of true justice needs to be addressed. How fair would it be to condemn people to eternal death who in many cases never, ever really knew the name of Jesus? Precisely what effect does Jesus’ sacrifice have on these people? Is salvation for all?
At the beginning of the human experience in Genesis, we all inherited of death through Adam’s sin. This teaches us that all of humanity is subject to mortality. Yet from the earliest Scriptures, God provided hope by proclaiming the promise of a “seed” who would ultimately defeat Satan and bring deliverance. This hope is fulfilled in Christ, whose death and resurrection counteract Adam’s transgression.
Romans 6:23 and 1 Corinthians 15:22 highlight that while we all die in Adam, all will be made alive in Christ. The promises to Abraham further confirm that “all nations” will be blessed through his seed, identified as Christ in Galatians 3:16.
Scriptures soundly proclaim that God’s will is for ALL to be saved (1 Timothy 2:4). Colossians 1:20 affirms the reconciliation of “all things” through Christ’s blood. This means Jesus’ sacrifice fully satisfied divine justice, making peace for all humanity.
It’s important to recognize that salvation in Jesus unfolds in stages:1. Jesus’ faithful followers are delivered now, 2. while the rest of humanity will be given opportunity in God’s future kingdom.
This two‑part plan ensures fairness and justice, as all will eventually come to full knowledge of the truth.
Balancing the scalesRomans 5 explains that just as condemnation came through Adam, justification comes through Christ, balancing the scales of divine justice. Several Old Testament prophecies reveal the vision of all nations worshiping God, showing the ultimate outcome of Jesus’ suffering. The power of the Bible’s message is evident: Jesus died for every single human being, ensuring both justice and hope for all creation.
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Scriptures soundly proclaim that God’s will is for ALL to be saved! Watch this short vlog, then listen to the full podcast of the same name for more details!
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What really happened to Elijah and the fiery chariot? How do we KNOW Elijah is not in heaven right now? Watch this highlight from our podcast about Enoch, Moses, and Elijah, then listen to the full episode #1413: What Really Happened to Enoch, Moses, and Elijah?
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Why was there an argument in the spirit realm about Moses’ body? Watch this highlight from our podcast about Enoch, Moses, and Elijah, then listen to the full episode #1413: What Really Happened to Enoch, Moses, and Elijah?
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Reading the Bible can be confusing. After all, it is an ancient book of a collection of writings by about 40 people over a 1500-year span that details the plan of God through history, prophecy, parables, laws, observations and life guidance teachings. Some of the accounts of specific individuals featured in the Bible can come across as shrouded in mystery. Such is the case with the ending of the lives of Enoch, Moses and Elijah. The accounts of the deaths of these three faithful men can bring more questions than answers. What really happened to them? Was Enoch taken up to be with God? Why was the body of Moses hidden, and why did Satan seem to want it? Did Elijah really go to heaven in a fiery chariot?
Moses and SatanMoses’ death is recorded in Deuteronomy 34, where God Himself buried him in an unknown location. While this seems to be a very clearly stated end of his life, Jude 1:9 adds the unusual detail of Michael the archangel disputing with Satan over Moses’ body, possibly to prevent the people of Israel from idolizing it.
Elijah the prophetElijah’s departure in 2 Kings 2 is often misunderstood. Though taken up by a whirlwind with fiery chariots present, the Hebrew word for “heaven” often refers to the sky rather than God’s dwelling place. Jesus’ statement in John 3:13 confirms that no one ascended to God’s heaven before him. Elijah may have been removed from prophetic service or died, but he was not taken to God’s abode.
Both Moses and Elijah appeared in The Mount of Transfiguration (Matthew 17, Mark 9, Luke 9) vision. This vision was NOT a literal resurrection of Moses and Elijah, as the Bible clearly defines death as the absence of life on any level. Jesus alone was transfigured, while Moses and Elijah symbolically represented the Law and the Prophets, pointing to Christ as the centerpiece of God’s plan.
Enoch “translated”Finally, in relation to Enoch, “God took him” (or “translated” him according to the King James Version). While many notions exist about Enoch never dying, careful reading of the scripture texts in question reveal that he did die and likely didn’t know his death was coming.
Examining these fascinating narratives reveals the allure of creating drama where there is none, as well as the dangers of scriptural misinterpretation. Instead of being imaginative, let’s rely on the fact that God is in complete control of everything we simply don’t know!
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Elijah’s departure in 2 Kings 2 is often misunderstood. Watch this short vlog, then listen to the full podcast of the same name for more details!
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How did one woman’s car accident become an opportunity for extending gratitude? Watch this highlight from our podcast about leprosy, gratitude, and sin, then listen to the full episode #1412: What Does Leprosy Teach Us About Sin and Gratitude?
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If you haven’t noticed, our world in a very big way has lost its grip on the value of gratitude. Instead of having a thankful heart for whatever our opportunities we may have and what we may receive, we seem to double down on living with a sense of entitlement. We can look at this and wonder where we went wrong! The fact is this issue is the result of human imperfection and has been around for a very long time. The story of the Ten Lepers in Luke 17 reminds us of this. Leprosy—once a living death—left its victims isolated, disfigured and desperate. Yet when Jesus healed ten lepers, only one returned to give thanks. Why does thankfulness matter so deeply to God? And what does this ancient disease reveal about the spiritual condition of humanity today?
This whole healing account offers a profound spiritual metaphor for sin and redemption, emphasizing the transformative power of gratitude and faith. Leprosy, a devastating disease in biblical times, aptly pictures the isolating, disfiguring and numbing effects of sin. Victims were socially ostracized, legally declared unclean and forced to live apart from society. When Jesus healed ten lepers, only one—a Samaritan—returned to express gratitude, highlighting the rarity and depth of true thankfulness.
One uniqueness regarding this particular account is that the healing was not immediate; Jesus instructed the lepers to go show themselves to the priests, requiring faith before any visible change occurred. Their obedience mirrors the future resurrection, where humanity will walk toward complete healing through faith, not instant transformation.
Key spiritual parallels between leprosy and sin include:Progressive decay: Leprosy worsens over time, just as sin deepens without divine intervention.
Numbness: Leprosy dulls pain, leading to self-harm; sin desensitizes conscience, causing spiritual damage.
Isolation: Lepers were cut off from community; sin separates us from God and others.
The Samaritan’s gratitude was immediate and passionate, even before being officially declared clean. His response exemplifies the kind of faith that transforms—not just heals. Jesus’ phrase “your faith has made you well” implies both physical and spiritual restoration. This phrase appears only three times in the New Testament, each time marking a deeper healing tied to faith and gratitude.
While God’s mercy is freely given, gratitude is the evidence of transformative faith. The Samaritan’s return to glorify God reveals the heart posture God desires—faith expressed through gratitude, even in adversity.
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When Jesus healed ten lepers, only one, a Samaritan, returned to express gratitude. Watch this short vlog, then listen to the full podcast of the same name for more details!
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What is unique about how Boaz interacts with and notices Ruth? Watch this highlight from our podcast about the story of Ruth, then listen to the full episode #1411: Can One Person’s Choice Shape Generations? The Story of Ruth
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It is said that when Benjamin Franklin was an American Minister in Paris, he spent an evening with a group of intellectuals at a time when literary circles were known for being agnostic or even atheistic. He was called on to contribute to the entertainment and read from what he called a “charming bit of literature.” He proceeded to read the entire Book of Ruth. The normally skeptical audience was delighted and wanted to know where in ancient history such a beautiful and idealistic story could be found. They were shocked to find out it had been copied from the Bible. The story of Ruth is indeed beautiful as an endearing account of loyalty, faith and divine providence.
The account explores how Ruth’s faithful decisions amid hardship reflect profound spiritual lessons. After the deaths of her husband and two sons, Naomi decides to return to Bethlehem. Ruth, her Moabite daughter-in-law, chose loyalty over comfort and insisted on going with her into a land of a diversly different culture. Ruth’s declaration, “Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God” marks a pivotal moment of voluntary discipleship, echoing the call to follow Christ.
Naomi’s selflessness and Ruth’s humility set the stage for divine providence to unfold. Ruth’s decision to glean in Boaz’s field, seemingly by chance, revealed God’s guiding hand. Boaz, a wealthy and godly man, noticed Ruth’s integrity and ensured her safety and provision. His actions mirrored Christ’s care for his followers, offering not just sustenance but honor and protection.
Key takeaways from this amazing account include strong insights into the three main people in the account:
- Ruth’s loyalty and humility positioned her to receive God’s abundant blessings.
- Naomi’s wise and selfless guidance allowed Ruth to make a free, faith-driven choice.
- Boaz’s integrity and generosity reflect Christlike leadership and compassion.
The story further emphasizes that:
- God can work through imperfect decisions to bring about redemption.
- Humble service and steadfast commitment open the door to spiritual abundance.
- Providential “happenings” often disguise divine orchestration.
Ultimately, Ruth’s story illustrates how one person’s faithful choice can ripple across generations, shaping legacy and revealing God’s character. Her journey from foreign widow to honored matriarch in Israel’s lineage of Jesus himself reminds believers that dedication, humility and trust in God’s timing yield lasting impact.
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Ruth’s dedication to her mother-in-law, Naomi, echoes the call to follow Christ. Watch this short vlog, then listen to the full podcast of the same name for more details!
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Is the Book Of Jude Referencing The Book of Enoch Or the Old Testament? Watch this highlight from our podcast about the book of Enoch, then listen to the full episode #1410: Why Is the Book of Enoch NOT in the Bible?
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What Does Language Translation Have to Do With The Book of Enoch Being Proven False? Watch this highlight from our podcast about the book of Enoch, then listen to the full episode #1410: Why Is the Book of Enoch NOT in the Bible?
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From what the Bible tells us about Enoch, he was an amazingly holy man who lived long before the Flood. To be described as one who “walked with God” is a true testimony of a life well lived. Further, a few lines of the Book of Enoch are actually quoted in the New Testament. With such credentials, we would have to wonder why the Book of Enoch is not a part of the Bible itself. Why wouldn’t you include the writings of a man who walked with God for 300 years? Could this be an oversight…or a conspiracy? Fortunately, a clear understanding of history and the Bible gives us thorough and conclusive answers to all of these questions.
What do we really know about Enoch? Even though he is rarely mentioned in the Bible, every reference to him shows his faith in and reverence for God. He lived before the Flood and was the seventh generation from Adam. He is referenced in the book of Hebrews as a righteous man, and his prophetic words are quoted in Jude.
With all of these positives in place, we need to review the reasons the Book of Enoch is NOT in the Bible. There are actually three Books of Enoch: 1 Enoch, 2 Enoch and 3 Enoch. We only focus on the first, as the other two books have never been considered for biblical inclusion.
There are at least five key criteria that explain its exclusion:1. 1 Enoch was never part of the Hebrew Bible (Tanakh), which formed the foundation of the Christian Old Testament. 2. It is pseudepigraphal, meaning it was written centuries after Enoch’s life by unknown authors, likely during the Second Temple Period (300–100 BCE), and preserved only in Ge’ez, a classical Ethiopian language. 3. Its speculative theology includes fantastical angelology, apocalyptic visions and cosmology inconsistent with biblical truth and scientific understanding. 4. Its transmission history is very weak, lacking widespread manuscript preservation compared to canonical texts. 5. It was not used consistently across early Christian communities, with only the Ethiopian Orthodox Church recognizing it as scripture.
While 1 Enoch offers historical insight into Second Temple Judaism and reflects themes like judgment and the “Son of Man,” its theological inconsistencies and limited acceptance disqualify it from canon. Our focus should be on God-inspired Scripture, and we need to beware of being misled by writings that mimic biblical style but lack divine authority.
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The book of Enoch was written centuries after his life by unknown authors. Watch this short vlog, then listen to the full podcast of the same name for more details!
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David, who faced Goliath, who soothed King Saul with his music, who befriended Saul’s son Jonathan, and yet the same David who desired Bathsheba, actively attempted to cover this up, and eventually arranged to have her husband die to cover David’s wrongdoing. How is all of this possible with someone described as “a man after God’s own heart”? Watch this short video to learn more about David.
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How is Jesus’ sacrifice the pivot point in God’s plan? Watch this highlight from our podcast about karma, then listen to the full episode #1409: Do We Get What We Deserve? Karma vs the Gospel
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How is the personal experience in Christianity different than other belief systems that utilize karma as a result of the path in their lives? Watch this highlight from our podcast about karma, then listen to the full episode #1409: Do We Get What We Deserve? Karma vs the Gospel
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“People should get what they deserve.” I’m guessing that most of us would see this as a general statement of fairness and equity. Of course, for this statement to ring true, we need to agree on who or what ultimately determines what people deserve. On a very basic level, this may sound like karma. So, what is karma? Basically, karma is the idea that what you do, especially your choices and intentions, shapes what happens to you later. If you act kindly and do good, good things are more likely to come your way. If you act selfishly or harm others, you may face negative consequences. In many Indian traditions, this isn’t just about this life, it can affect what kind of life you’re born into next. So, do Bible teachings supports the idea of karma? Are the two in harmony?
Similar principles?While both Karma and the gospel emphasize consequences for actions— “you reap what you sow”— they do diverge significantly in their foundations. Karma, rooted in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism, is a complex, often impersonal law of cause and effect, sometimes spanning multiple lifetimes through reincarnation. In contrast, the Bible teaches a single human life followed by judgment in accordance with divine grace and forgiveness offered through Jesus Christ.
One may present three biblical arguments that resemble karmic principles: sowing and reaping (Galatians 6), reciprocity in judgment (Matthew 7), and narrative examples of moral consequences (e.g., David and Bathsheba, Achan’s disobedience). However, the gospel introduces the key distinction that God’s grace is not earned but freely given, and forgiveness is central to Christian life. Karma lacks a personal deity who intervenes with mercy; instead, it operates as a mechanical system of moral accounting.
Christianity offers clarity, direction and divine support, while karmic systems often leave individuals to navigate consequences without memory of past lives or a defined path to enlightenment. Ultimately, the gospel is a more compassionate and purposeful framework, culminating in eternal life through Christ, rather than endless cycles of rebirth.
Key Takeaways:* Karma and the Bible both teach consequences, but differ in origin, scope and divine involvement. * Karma is impersonal and often tied to reincarnation; the gospel centers on grace, forgiveness and a single human life. * Biblical justice is relational and redemptive, guided by God’s mercy and Jesus’ advocacy. * The gospel provides a clear, loving plan for humanity’s restoration, surpassing karma’s uncertainty.
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Parents and Bible class teachers, this short, animated video teaches children about prayer, the proper way to pray, and keys to prayer that are pleasing to God. Subscribe to our channel at ChristianQuestions.com/YouTube and never miss a new video!
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Karma is a complex, often impersonal law of cause and effect. Watch this short vlog, then listen to the full podcast of the same name for more details!
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What really is the freedom that we get in Christ? Watch this highlight from our podcast about freedom, then listen to the full episode #1408: Does Christian Liberty Give Us Freedom of Choice? (Part II)
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Everyone talks about personal truth, but how is that different than “the truth”? Watch this highlight from our podcast about freedom, then listen to the full episode #1408: Does Christian Liberty Give Us Freedom of Choice? (Part II)
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In our last episode, we spent some time defining exactly what Christian liberty is and what it is not. What we found is that Christian liberty has little to do with the kinds of freedoms that are reflected in a social status kind of way and everything to do with being given spiritual freedom that is to be exercised with great humility and responsibility. We also uncovered how the gift of Christian liberty can be easily misrepresented and therefore misused. This is troubling, as the results of these misapplications add up to decisions and conclusions that are NOT Christ-based. How can we avoid these pitfalls?
Because our freedom in Christ is a sacred privilege and not a license for self-indulgence, it comes with “guardrails,” moral boundaries that guide us toward righteousness and away from licentiousness.
Three key areas in our lives where our liberty can easily be misapplied:1. How we act: True liberty leads to loving service, not fleshly indulgence. Paul warned that irresponsible behavior can harm others and dishonor Christ. We must walk by the spirit and consider how our actions affect weaker consciences (Galatians 5, 1 Corinthians 8). 2. What we say: The distinction between “my truth” and “THE truth” is critical. Christian liberty does not grant freedom to redefine doctrine based on personal feelings, experiences or preference. Instead, we are called to speak and live according to Scripture, becoming “doers of the Word and not merely hearers” (James 1). 3. How we pursue peace and joy: Our liberty includes the freedom to surrender fully to God. On this episode, we read a personal testimony from a brother in Christ which illustrates how withholding repentance and vulnerability can block spiritual peace. Our true liberty requires humility, confession and submission to God’s will.
The bottom line is, our Christian liberty is designed for transformation, not convenience. It equips all believers to make God-honoring choices, serve others and reflect Christ’s character in a broken world. The freedom we have is not FROM responsibility, but FOR righteousness.
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Our freedom in Christ is a sacred privilege! Watch this short vlog, then listen to the full podcast of the same name for more details!
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The new freedom we get in Christ can be life-changing, but what do we do next? Watch this highlight from our podcast about Christian liberty, then listen to the full episode #1407: Does Christian Liberty Give Us Freedom of Choice? (Part I)
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How does understanding the word “licentiousness” in Jude uncover problematic indulgent Christian behavior in how some understand “freedom” in Christ? Watch this highlight from our podcast about Christian liberty, then listen to the full episode #1407: Does Christian Liberty Give Us Freedom of Choice? (Part I)
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The freedom, the liberty we obtain when we have been called to be disciples of Jesus is so much more than just a feeling of relief and joy. The fact is, having liberty in Christ actually defines a state of being, as it describes our freedom from whatever previously held us captive in our lives. It’s no wonder we feel the thrill of liberation! Here are the practical questions: What does it mean on a practical daily level to have this freedom so firmly set in our lives? What freedom of choice does it give? What freedom of choice does liberty in Christ take away? How are we supposed to know the difference?
What is liberty? What isn’t liberty?To begin with, we need to understand what Christian liberty is and is not. Upon examining several scriptures, it becomes obvious that Christian liberty is not unrestricted autonomy. It is not a free pass to do as we please. Rather, it is a divinely granted freedom from sin and spiritual bondage, which is only possible through Jesus’ sacrifice.
To truly understand this, it’s important to define liberty through both secular and biblical lenses. While secular definitions include “freedom from restraint” and “the power to act as one pleases,” biblical liberty, as defined in the New Testament refers to moral and spiritual freedom, and not license for indulgence. The Greek words for “liberty” show how freedom in Christ involves being freed from the law of sin and death, and not from moral responsibility.
What about licentiousness?Though “licentiousness” is a biblical form of liberty, it is directly opposed to Christian liberty. Licentiousness is derived from the same root word as our English “license.” It is described as a counterfeit freedom, an unrestrained indulgence that leads to spiritual corruption. False teachers, as warned by Peter and Jude, distort grace into permission for immoral behavior, undermining the transformative power of Christian freedom.
While liberty in Christ brings privilege it also comes with responsibility:
- It requires being a “doer” of the Word, not just a hearer (James 1:22–25).
- It involves the personal cost of sacrifice, transformation and application (Romans 12:1–5).
- It is not social liberation but spiritual elevation, lifting believers above worldly constraints.
Ultimately, our Christian liberty is framed as a gift from God, granted through His spirit and meant to guide us into holiness. It is a freedom with guardrails, designed not for self-indulgence but for loving service and spiritual growth.
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What is Christian liberty? Watch this short vlog, then listen to the full podcast of the same name for more details!
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Who are the false apostles in Revelation 2:2, and how do we know it isn’t Paul? Watch this highlight from our podcast about Apostle Paul, then listen to the full episode #1406: Was Paul an Imposter Apostle or Appointed by Jesus?
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Was Paul against circumcision? Jesus was circumcised, so what does this mean, and what was Paul really saying? Watch this highlight from our podcast about Apostle Paul, then listen to the full episode #1406: Was Paul an Imposter Apostle or Appointed by Jesus?
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The Apostle Paul wrote a significant portion of the New Testament. There are 27 different books in the New Testament, and Paul is credited with writing about half of them. For the vast majority of Christians, his writings provide extremely practical teachings and examples for us to build upon the single and solid foundation of Jesus Christ. That being said, there are some Christians who believe Paul was an imposter, a self-appointed apostle who was actually diminishing the power of the Gospel of Jesus. What would make someone question the validity of Pauls’ writings? It turns out there are several varied reasons for this perspective. The question is, are they legitimate and what do they imply?
A major challengeOne of several major challenges to Paul’s apostleship we confront in this episode is that Paul never listed the Ten Commandments in full. While true, this actually mirrors Jesus’ own approach. Neither quoted them entirely but both emphasized their moral essence. Paul affirmed many commandments individually: he quoted the Fifth in Ephesians 6:1–3 and referenced the Sixth, Seventh, Eight and Tenth in Romans 13:9. He also implied the First and Second in Acts 17 and taught truthfulness in Ephesians 4:25, echoing the Ninth. Though he never explicitly cited the Third (against taking God’s name in vain), neither did Jesus, although reverence for God’s name was clearly implied.
Another objectionAnother objection claims Paul’s stance on circumcision contradicts Jesus. A key point about Paul’s teaching in Galatians 5 is that he opposed legalism, not circumcision itself. He warned against using rituals for justification, emphasizing that salvation comes through Christ alone. Paul even had Timothy circumcised—not for salvation, but to aid in the ministry work among Jews.
Further objections—such as the claim that all churches in the Roman province of Asia rejected Paul (2 Timothy 1:15) or that Revelation 2:2 denounces him can easily be answered by contextual study. Such study reveals that Paul’s abandonment was due to shame over his imprisonment, not doctrinal rejection. The denouncing of false apostles in Revelation clearly refers to later imposters, and not Paul himself.
Ultimately, Paul’s gospel is given to complement Jesus’ message, as it is tailored for Gentile audiences unfamiliar with Jewish law. His teachings emphasized love, transformation and Christ-centered righteousness, not ritual observance. Scriptural evidence clearly points to Paul as a faithful apostle, not an imposter.
How do we sanctify ourselves? Watch this highlight from our podcast about sanctification, then listen to the full episode #1405: How Do We Keep Ourselves Separate from the World? (Christian Conduct Series)
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How do we know what is good? How can we “abstain from evil,” and how do we know if the things we are learning in our church are correct? Watch this highlight from our podcast about sanctification, then listen to the full episode #1405: How Do We Keep Ourselves Separate from the World? (Christian Conduct Series)
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If we are serious about our Christianity, then we know that the bottom line of everything in our lives is to be more like Jesus. If we call ourselves disciples of Christ, if we call ourselves his footstep followers, then any and every other objective in life must by definition become secondary. Our last seven episodes have been examining several of Paul’s pointed statements regarding our separateness from the world in 1 Thessalonians 5:12-24. Having God “sanctify us entirely” is the dramatic conclusion of this powerful set of teachings. So, how does it work? What are the secrets of Jesus’ true followers living their daily lives in a truly holy fashion? Does God just set us apart? What are the standards we must adhere to? How do we know if we are on the right track?
The call for Christians to live sanctified lives is truly profound.To be “sanctified” is to be set apart from worldly influences and wholly devoted to God’s purpose. Sanctification is not only an individual journey but a collective responsibility of the entire church. It’s both a divine gift and a developmental process requiring intentional effort. God initiates sanctification, but we must sanctify ourselves by actively pursuing holiness.
Paul taught the Thessalonian Christians that they had a threefold unity: spirit, soul and body, representing the spiritual harmony, shared mission and coordinated action of the church community as a whole. God helps us rise to these challenges by giving us His sanctifying spirit and His undefiled words in Scripture as instructions. We are given everything we need; now we need to do our part!
When reviewing the previous seven lessons of our Christian Conduct Series, we need to keep Paul’s conclusion in mind: 1 Thessalonians 5:24: “Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass.”
God’s faithfulness in proven by His care in:• giving us diligent, spirit-driven and humble shepherds to guide and teach us.
• setting up His church in a mutually upbuilding way.
• providing a spirit-driven environment that invites a thriving state of being.
• setting up his church with a continuous line of communication through prayer.
• providing us with abundant reasons for daily gratitude.
• giving us His spirit and giving us ways to feed its influence.
• setting up His church in a mutually upbuilding way.
Ultimately, Paul’s message is that God is faithful—He provides the tools, the spirit, and the community for us to grow in holiness and preserve spiritual integrity!
All upbuilding and spiritually mature Christian thought and action inevitably have their foundation in Scripture. The Bible gives us clear truth. Just as importantly, it gives us clear direction as to how to apply those clear truths to our lives in practical ways. In 1 Thessalonians, the Apostle Paul teaches us to NOT despise “prophetic utterances.” Why would we make light of any teachings given for our benefit? As we shall see, Paul’s teaching here is showing us to be open and accepting towards what our brotherhood is proclaiming to us, but not without caution. Next, he warns us to examine everything! Is this a contradiction? Are we supposed to embrace what we hear, or are we supposed to be skeptical?
The key to answering this question lies in understanding how Christians can discern which teachings and prophesyings are trustworthy, especially in a world filled with conflicting spiritual claims. Biblical truth must be rooted in Scripture, not personal feelings, traditions or charismatic personalities. It is vital to not accept teachings simply because they sound good or align with popular opinion. Instead, the Apostle Paul urged us to test all spiritual claims against the Bible’s consistent message, historical context and prophetic accuracy.
In this journey, it’s important to highlight humility, study and spiritual maturity in evaluating doctrine. We also need to address the danger of false prophets and misinterpreted signs, remembering that genuine prophesying aligns with God’s character and long-term plan of redemption.
A few key takeaways• Scripture is the ultimate authority: All teachings and prophesying must be measured against the Bible’s consistent message.
• Emotions and tradition can mislead: Just because something feels right or is widely accepted doesn’t mean it’s biblically sound.
• False prophets and teachers are real and can be persuasive: The Bible warns repeatedly about deception, especially in the End Times.
• Prophesying must align with God’s character: True informative and enlightening teaching reflects God’s justice, mercy and long-term purpose.
• Spiritual maturity is essential: Discernment grows through study, prayer and humility—not through quick conclusions or viral teachings.
Our bottom line is the importance of examining the Scriptures carefully as a testing ground for what we hear. God’s word is sufficient and trustworthy, even when cultural voices or influencers claim new revelations. Ultimately, the path to truth is paved with careful study, accountability and a deep reverence for God’s Word.
God’s spirit—His power and influence—is a power we can’t even begin to comprehend. His spirit was introduced to us as the mighty power of His will in Genesis 1:1-3 as His creative process began with “Let there be light.” This same power and influence is described as taking root in us in Ephesians 1:13 where it says we were sealed with God’s spirit through the salvation of Jesus. With all of the marvel of this mighty power of God working in us, how is it that we can “quench” it? Why would we ever even think of doing such a thing and most importantly, what do the Scriptures tell us about handling this awesome privilege with reverence and humility?
The biblical warning from 1 Thessalonians 5:19 to “not quench the spirit” has important meaning in regard to Christian conduct in our day. Quenching the powerful and transformative force of God’s spirit means stifling or extinguishing that divine influence through neglect, disobedience or self-deception.
Critical elements for avoiding this spiritually destructive behavior were laid out by the Apostle Paul in his previous teachings about rejoicing, prayer and gratitude, as these behaviors “fuel” the spirit.
Conversely, bitterness, distraction and indifference can suppress it. The Bible provides vivid metaphors—like hiding a lamp under a basket or forgetting one’s reflection in a mirror—to illustrate how spiritual neglect can lead to eventual quenching of the spirit.
While there is a difference between grieving the spirit (through harmful attitudes or behaviors) and quenching it (cutting off its influence entirely) we as disciples are urged to remain attentive and disciplined, feeding the spirit through active faith and humility.
Key Takeaways:• To “quench the spirit” means extinguishing God’s influence through neglect or resistance.
• Joy, prayer and gratitude are essential “spiritual fuels” that keep the spirit alive.
• “Grieving the spirit” through such things as bitterness or gossip can lead to quenching if left unchecked.
• Distraction and indifference are common modern threats to spiritual attentiveness.
• Active faith involves doing, not just hearing—responding to conviction, not suppressing it.
• The armor of God, especially the shield of faith, helps extinguish Satan’s attacks. In this context, “quenching” is a good thing!
• God’s mercy ensures even a flickering ember of faith is precious and worth fanning into flame.
One of the hallmark attitudes of a focused Christian life is being thankful. The very foundation of our Christian beliefs is the fact that being redeemed from sin and death by the love and sacrifice of Jesus is a gift that is in every case beyond our ability to earn or deserve. We are freely given life in Christ, and therefore we have great motivation to live in a state of gratefulness. That being said, how far should this grateful attitude go? Is it really supposed to encompass each and every experience we have? Does being thankful in everything mean we should never be sad or anxious?
There is a profound challenge requiring a necessary spiritual discipline before us if we are attempting to live with gratitude in all circumstances. We base this on 1 Thessalonians 5:18: “In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” This teaching builds on two prior principles— “Rejoice always” and “Pray without ceasing”—to form a triad of Christian conduct that fosters spiritual resilience and peace.
To meet this challenge, we must accept that true thankfulness is not a fleeting emotion but is instead a cultivated state of perception. It means viewing life’s hardships—grief, loss, uncertainty—through the lens of trust in God’s providence. The Apostle Paul models this in 2 Corinthians 12, where he expresses gratitude for unanswered prayers, recognizing that weakness becomes strength when Christ is present.
True thankfulness in everything can be described as being:• A spiritual lens that reshapes how we interpret suffering.
• A gateway to peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:6–7).
• An active expression, not just a feeling—meant to be lived and shared.
Paul’s Epistles demonstrate that thankfulness should be expressed both to God and to others. His joy over the Thessalonians’ faith despite their persecution illustrates how mutual encouragement strengthens the body of Christ.
There are MANY reasons for us to be thankful daily.
Here are just three core reasons daily gratitude is in order:1. For our calling to follow Jesus (Colossians 2:6–7) 2. For Jesus’ sacrifice which is described as an indescribable gift (2 Corinthians 9:15) 3. For God’s enduring faithfulness and creative power (Psalm 92)
Ultimately, thankfulness is a spiritual discipline that equips Christian believers to endure trials, uplift others, and align with God’s will. It’s not about denying pain. It’s about trusting that even in pain, God is present and purposeful.
To live a truly dedicated Christian life is to live a life that has a firm grasp on prayer. It is a life that strongly and regularly seeks out God’s will and blessing in all that we do. It also seeks to regularly ask for blessings and providence over the lives of our fellow disciples. There are many scriptures that teach us about how to pray and how not to pray. So, how does all of this fit into the life of a Christian living in the 21st century? Does the fact that our life experiences are so vastly different than the times of the apostles change or alter anything? We are taught to “pray without ceasing.” How can we practically accomplish this on top of managing all of the other responsibilities of life?
When Paul wrote to the Thessalonians to pray without ceasing, he was not suggesting nonstop verbal prayer. The phrase refers to cultivating a continual attitude of prayerfulness—a spiritual reflex that keeps communication with God open throughout daily life. This mindset is closely tied to the practice of rejoicing always and giving thanks in everything. Together, these habits create a kind of spiritual resilience that keeps us grounded and connected to God.
Paul’s letters offer examples of this ceaseless prayer: he regularly remembered the faith and love of the Thessalonians, expressed gratitude for their reception of the gospel, and interceded for the broader Christian community. His prayers were not limited to urgent needs but included repeated thanksgiving for past blessings, showing that prayer is both reflective and forward-looking.
There are several practical labels for this ongoing prayerful state, including:• Micro prayers—brief, breath-length expressions of thanks or need
• Flare prayers—urgent cries for help in moments of distress
• Echo prayers—reciting Scripture back to God
• Inner dialogue—maintaining a mental conversation with God throughout the day
What does supplication mean?When it comes to deeper and more intense prayers, “supplication” is an essential and distinct form of prayer. It involves earnest requests regarding specific challenges. Supplication should be paired with thanksgiving to avoid demanding to God what we want. Even Jesus modeled this in Gethsemane, praying intensely yet always submitting to God’s will.
Ultimately, to pray without ceasing means living in constant spiritual awareness by bringing every joy, struggle and decision before God. It’s not about thoughtless repetition but sincerity, gratitude and trust. Our privilege is to embrace this privilege and deepen our connection to God through consistent, heartfelt prayer.
A Christian life is supposed to be an energized and fulfilled life. It is supposed to be this way because we have been called to follow in Jesus’ footsteps. This means our lives are to be centered around following God’s word and will, regardless of what our circumstances may lay before us. So, when things are going smoothly and difficulties seem to be at a minimum, we can rejoice and thank God for His providence. By the same reasoning, when things are unstable, disastrous and traumatic, we can rejoice and thank God for His providence. Wait, what? How do we do that? How do we find and embrace true rejoicing in our lives when our external circumstances and our internal emotional state are breaking down?
Rejoice always?In 1 Thessalonians 5:16, Paul gives a deceptively simple command: “Rejoice always.” As we look more deeply into the meaning of this teaching, we begin to see that rejoicing is not about emotional highs. Rather, it is about cultivating a calm, thriving state of being rooted in trust and purpose. Jesus modeled this state of being perfectly. Hebrews 12:2 says he endured the cross “for the joy set before him.” This joy was a joy that was grounded in fulfilling God’s will without trying to escape pain and suffering.
The apostles followed suit. In Acts 5 after being flogged for preaching, they rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer for Christ. Their joy wasn’t a euphoric feeling. It was focused, resilient and a mission-driven mindset.
Key lessons about rejoicing• Rejoicing is calm and centered: It means thriving in God’s will, even amid grief or hardship.
• Rejoicing is not the same as being glad: “Be glad” (Matthew 5:12) refers to emotional exaltation, which comes in moments of spiritual triumph.
• Rejoicing is shareable: Paul urges believers to “rejoice and share your joy” (Philippians 2:17–18), showing that shared joy strengthens community.
• Rejoicing is rooted in selfless love: 1 Corinthians 13 teaches that love “rejoices with the truth,” not with unrighteousness.
• Rejoicing reaches beyond circumstances: Even in sorrow, believers are called to rejoice—not by denying pain, but by being anchored in God’s promises.
Ultimately, rejoicing always is about living with spiritual clarity and purpose. It’s a quiet strength that fuels endurance, uplifts others and reflects the joy of being held in God’s care. Whether we’re weeping or celebrating, this kind of joy is our daily invitation to thrive!
According to the New Testament, Christians are instructed to work together as a community. Even more than that, we are instructed to care for one another as a family, humbly serve one another and protect one another as soldiers in battle – even to the point of being willing to sacrifice ourselves. All of this is to be put in place while we each are dedicated to following the clear and godly teachings of Jesus in Scripture. So, how do we go about making all of this happen? In Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians, he gives us a list of practical ways we should take care of one another. While this list is not comprehensive, it alerts us to several of the foundational principles of sound Christian conduct.
This episode of our Christian Conduct Series focuses on how each believer can actively contribute to the health of their church community. Drawing from 1 Thessalonians 5:12–15, we can see the Apostle Paul lays out a blueprint for mutual care, beginning with honoring spiritual leaders and extending to everyday interactions within the body of Christ.
These instructions aren’t just ideals—they’re actionable steps rooted in humility, empathy and discipleship.
Paul’s list includes five key responsibilities that shape a spiritually vibrant church. Each of these reflects the character of Christ and reinforces the interdependence of believers. A major foundational point here is that these contributions are not optional niceties but essential disciplines for anyone seeking to live out their faith within the Christian community.
Key Contributions to a Healthy Church• Admonish the unruly: Gently correct those who are out of step with Christian principles, aiming for restoration—not shame.
• Encourage the fainthearted: Comfort those who are timid, anxious, or overwhelmed with emotional and spiritual support.
• Help the weak: Cling to and support those who lack strength—physically, morally, or spiritually—through loyal, spiritually based companionship.
• Be patient with everyone: Practice forbearance by restraining reactive impulses and allowing space for small steps of growth.
• Seek good for all: Reject retaliation and pursue what benefits others, modeling the selfless love of Jesus.
By living these principles, we can create a healthy church with a culture of compassion, accountability and spiritual resilience. The message is clear: mutual contribution isn’t just about helping others—it’s about embodying Christ in every relationship.
Christians are supposed to live lives that reflect godliness every day and in every way. This is not only difficult but frankly looked down upon. Because our world is driven by technology and social media, we are saturated daily with images, commentary, suggestions and pressure to stand for ourselves with pride and conviction. To stand as one subservient to God through Christ and to be guided by the Bible (which to many is misguided, ancient and outdated) is seen as a useless and even dangerous way of life. So, what do we do? How do we stand firmly and confidently as disciples of Christ? It all begins with the biblical principles we claim to hold as sound and true.
What should a Christian leader look like?The Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians 5:12 that striving to genuinely appreciate those who are tasked with shepherding Jesus’ flock is one of those biblical principles that should guide our behavior. In this epistle, Paul highlighted many of the character traits, responsibilities and sacrifices of true Christian leaders. We should follow and appreciate our shepherds only as they follow Christ.
Interestingly, Paul’s personal model of leadership is a strong guide for us to grasp what shepherding really looks like. His example is rooted in humility, integrity and spiritual maturity. He emphasizes that shepherds must serve willingly, not for personal gain, and must be examples of Christlike living. Paul’s personal interactions with the Thessalonian church showed how he prayed for them, recognized their growth and endured persecution while supporting their faith.
Key takeaway points regarding our appreciation of our spiritual shepherds include:• Christian leadership is defined by humility and service (John 13:14).
• Leaders must be above reproach, spiritually mature and doctrinally sound (Titus 1:5–9).
• Terms like “elder,” “overseer,” and “shepherd” describe different aspects of care—not hierarchical roles.
• Paul’s example shows leaders should be prayerful, observant, selfless and fearless in adversity.
• Appreciation begins with recognizing the sacrifices and spiritual investment of leaders.
• True appreciation involves reciprocating, imitating and elevating our own spiritual conduct.
• Jesus’ followers are urged to internalize what they’ve received and transform it into service for others.
• Applying appreciation includes standing firm in faith, resisting worldly desires and proving truth through Scripture.
Ultimately, what’s the best what to appreciate our spiritual leaders? The Apostle Paul taught it is to: follow their Christlike example, grow in faith, and then pass on what we’ve received.
As Christians who are to walk by faith and not by sight, the statements Jesus made about having faith as a mustard seed are sure appealing. In Luke, Jesus says faith like a mustard seed can uproot a tree and toss it into the sea. In Matthew, he said mustard-seed faith can move a mountain and make nothing impossible for us! So, what did Jesus mean? Obviously, he was using picture language, but he was still showing us that mustard-seed faith can dramatically change our lives. Why a mustard seed and how does this work? What do we need to do to have such a strong and foundational faith that the obstacles of our lives will be diminished before us?
The disciples asked Jesus to increase their faith after hearing difficult teachings about forgiveness and accountability. Jesus’ response to their request was the mustard seed analogy. His purpose was not to highlight minimal faith, but rather to illustrate faith’s capacity to grow and overcome great obstacles.
You of little faithIn related teachings, Jesus used the phrase “you of little faith” on four separate occasions. Applying these lessons in the order they were given reveals a progressive development of our mustard seed faith:
Magnitude: In calming the storm (Matthew 8), Jesus showed that mustard seed faith must recognize the vast power of God. The disciples had faith but lacked confidence.
Practicality: In the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6), Jesus taught that this kind of faith should relieve anxiety by trusting in God’s provision.
Deliverance: Peter walking on water (Matthew 14) demonstrated that mustard seed faith enables us to step out in trust, even if we falter. Jesus’ rescue of Peter showed compassionate support for growing faith.
Guidance: When the disciples misunderstood Jesus’ warning about leaven (Matthew 16), he corrected them, urging spiritual discernment over physical concerns.
This kind of faith must be nurtured, tested and matured. It begins small but is rooted in the right foundation: God’s truth and Christ’s example. Mustard seed faith is all about transformation, starting small but growing strong through life’s trials and divine guidance.
As Christians, we all draw great comfort from the promise of Jesus’ return. Just as in his first advent, his presence in his second advent proclaims that God’s plan is not only underway but unbreakable as well. The challenge comes when we as Christians try and comprehend the mechanics and timing of his return. There are many prophecies, many hints and many seemingly confusing statements about his return. So, what are we supposed to do with all of this? In this episode, we are suggesting we look at an overview of several aspects of his return and then settle in on one aspect that describes a specific sign of his return that is plain and simple, and yet somewhat hidden from many who watch.
The Greek word ParousiaTo understand the many and varied signs of Jesus’ return, we need to grasp the biblical distinction between the New Testament Greek word translated “coming” and its true meaning being “presence.” This simple and appropriate correction helps us see Jesus’ return not as an abrupt arrival, but rather as a gradual, multi-phase process beginning quietly, like a “thief in the night,” and culminating in visible glory and restoration.
This understanding is verified in the many descriptions of Jesus’ return.
His return includes:* Power and glory in symbolic “clouds” * A trumpet and shout announcing resurrection * Participation with his “mighty angels” (faithful followers) * A dismantling of worldly systems before the restoration of all things
Rather than predicting future events, we live at a time when looking backward at fulfilled prophecies can provide overwhelming evidence of Jesus’ presence. The regathering of Israel to their homeland is just one key sign of his return. Jesus linked the fig tree as a symbol of Israel to his presence. Israel’s restoration—starting with the settlement of Petah Tikva in 1878, and then nationhood in 1948—is a visible fulfillment. These historical facts and the way Jesus linked them in prophecy should not be taken lightly.
Revelation’s depiction of the church’s historical timeline (Revelation 2–3) serves to verify the fig tree prophecies. In Revelation, seven churches depict seven phases of Christian history. In the final stage, Jesus is “standing at the door,” meaning he has arrived, exactly as he said he would when Israel was to be restored. This exact language contained in both prophecies is a strong verification of where we stand regarding prophecies fulfilled in God’s plan today.
The return of Jesus is a multi-faceted process for the ultimate purpose of the restoration of the earth and humanity into harmony with our Creator. Though the completion of this restoration passes through trouble and strife, the results will be the establishment of God’s glorious kingdom on earth!
The man Christ Jesus stands at the center of the faith of hundreds of millions of people. His very existence, along with the words and actions of his life, creates a remarkable tapestry that truly provides a strong foundation for believers. Sometimes questions arise about how and why Jesus did all that he did. Was his life scripted? This question can have several layers. First, did Jesus do the things he did in a mechanical way, solely for the purpose of fulfilling Old Testament prophecies? Second, and on a much deeper level of skepticism, could Jesus have fulfilled the prophecies he fulfilled just as a show, to gain followers and notoriety? Could his life have been a collection of events designed to merely draw attention to himself and create a movement?To emphatically answer these questions, we will just examine 14 of the hundreds of prophecies that Jesus actually fulfilled in his life. We will find they were all fulfilled in ways that were far beyond human orchestration.Was Jesus just "checking boxes"?First, it is important to establish that Jesus absolutely desired to do the will of his Father in heaven. One could argue that such a desire might lead to mechanically “checking boxes” to show his compliance. As we review these prophecies, we will see this objection become irrelevant.Here is a small sampling of prophecies that Jesus was part of but could not control. First, we begin with his birth and childhood: He was born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14), obviously not a self-directed event. He was born in Bethlehem Ephrathah, not Bethlehem of Galilee (Micah 5:2). This was fulfilled by way of Roman census laws. He was raised in Nazareth, fulfilling the theme of a humble Messiah (Isaiah 11:1–2).As an adult, Jesus knew the Scriptures, but he still could not force their fulfillment. John the Baptist prepared the way for him (Isaiah 40:3–5). Jesus could not control John’s ministry. He entered Jerusalem triumphantly on a donkey (Zechariah 9:9). While Jesus could request the colt, he could not force the crowd’s reaction. He was betrayed by a friend and for 30 silver pieces (Psalm 41:9, Zechariah 11:12–13). He was mocked at the crucifixion (Psalms 22:7–8). He was buried with the rich (Isaiah 53:9), and Joseph of Arimathea unknowingly fulfilled this prophecy.Was Jesus' life scripted to fulfill prophecy?The only logical conclusion to all of this is that Jesus’ life wasn’t scripted by manipulation, but rather fulfilled divine foresight through personal submission, love for the Father, and the actions of others guided by God’s plan.
The teaching Jesus gave to his apostles the night before his crucifixion about him being 'the way, the truth, and the life' was a profound foundation that described the path of every true Christian. Jesus as 'the way' opened up the opportunity for average, sinful individuals to become acceptable to God through the merit of Jesus’ sacrifice. He was and is the path we are to follow. As we walk this path, we can recognize Jesus as 'the truth' by accepting that his actions, teachings and example were always a direct reflection of the ultimate and pure truth that comes directly from the Father. Being on the path, following Jesus’ example and absorbing the truth of God’s words spoken through Jesus, we now can begin to open ourselves to understanding Jesus as 'the life.'At the beginning of John 15, Jesus taught us about how he is 'the life' in a rich metaphor of spiritual vitality. He called himself 'the true vine,' labeled God as the “Vinedresser” and his disciples as "branches." These relationships highlight spiritual nourishment and fruitful discipleship rooted in obedience and love.Here are just a few takeaways from this vital teaching:• Jesus as the 'true vine' shows us that his disciples must remain connected to him in order to bear fruit. God nurtures and prunes these branches to increase spiritual growth.• Any and all fruitfulness comes as a result of his disciples abiding in Christ, receiving cleansing through his words as well as yielding to the loving discipline of God.• Selfless love is central to bearing fruit, and Jesus openly modeled this specific kind of love through crystal clear obedience to his Father’s will. His disciples were commanded to love one another sacrificially by following his example. His sacrifice IS life to us!Lazarus, come forth!As we look beyond this beautiful vine and branches teaching for just one other example of Jesus being 'the life,' the resurrection of Lazarus comes to mind. Lazarus had been dead for four days. As Jesus proclaimed himself to be 'the resurrection and the life,' he demonstrated God’s power through him to miraculously reverse death and even decay. This incredible event foreshadowed the final resurrection and restoration of all humanity.Ultimately, Jesus is 'the life' because through him, death is overturned and eternal connection with the Father becomes possible. His life defines our purpose and our spiritual fruitfulness. Marked by love, it proves we truly "abide" in him.
It seems odd that in our present day of technology and knowledge, it is very difficult to determine the difference between truth and opinion. You’d think it would be just the opposite. Yet here we are, in an environment where we can’t even trust news reports to reveal the whole story. Two-thousand years ago, Jesus proclaimed he is “the way, the truth, and the life.” By being ‘the way,' he was telling us that finding a path towards God would come through knowing him. But what about Jesus being 'the truth'? In a practical sense, how do we begin to understand Jesus as not only teaching us truth but actually being it?Jesus as the path, the way to God, opens up the realization that he is the complete embodiment of divine truth. He doesn’t merely teach truth—he IS truth, the full representation of God’s will and character. John 14 shows us how Jesus relayed God's words accurately and acted in perfect alignment with the Father's intent, similar to how an ambassador speaks only on behalf of their government.Jesus being 'the truth' This was continually reflected by his relationship with the Father, which was always one of unity and submission. He always said what the Father instructed, did what pleased God, and reflected His care for humanity. Because of all these things, he was able to assure his disciples of ongoing peace and spiritual support, even amidst the confusion and grief before and after his crucifixion.The spirit of truthJesus introduced the holy spirit as the “spirit of truth,” as it would be God’s direct influence sent to them after his departure. Through it, the disciples would remain anchored in truth and be set apart by it.Speaking to the Pharisees in John 8, Jesus affirmed that true freedom could only come through knowing and continuing in his word because his words were God’s truth. Though he faced opposition and death, he boldly spoke truth, fulfilled prophecy and established the groundwork for God's coming kingdom.Ultimately, Jesus as 'the truth' means he is the revealed reality of God's redemptive plan—faithful, clear and unwavering. His mission wasn’t to challenge earthly authority but to eventually establish divine order and justice. This truth sets his disciples free and invites them to reflect it in love, obedience and spiritual transformation.
On the night before his crucifixion—and just hours before he would begin a night of unjust treatment that would lead to humiliation, beatings and an eventual crucifixion—Jesus invested unhurried and precious hours with his disciples. His aim was to comfort them, as what they were about to witness would shake them all to their very core. Jesus was assuring them of his care for them and his profound loyalty to his Father, as this loyalty would ultimately bring redemption to them and to the whole world. Jesus’ simple statement of his being “the way, the truth, and the life” would be a key to open up their understanding of what their lives would need to look like.To focus on the meaning of Jesus being 'the way,' we want to draw from Jesus’ final hours with the disciples the night before his crucifixion. This is not merely a directional statement; it’s a profound invitation to walk the path he walked.Highlights 'The way' means more than a path. It reflects Jesus as the journey, the method AND the destination. The Greek word hodos implies a road, a manner of life and a progress toward purpose. Jesus’ way is sacrificial. Even in betrayal and suffering, he continually framed his mission as glorifying the Father. Jesus’ followers were not yet ready to follow him. Jesus introduced his commandment for them to love one another as he loved them. This command would become a foundational requirement before facing the weightier trials of faith. 'The way' would be through a narrow gate and on a difficult road: Matthew 7:13-14 illustrates that following Jesus requires purposeful sacrifice and perseverance. All who follow would need to develop spiritual surefootedness to walk this path. Jesus protects us and guides us, much like a shepherd guarding his sheep (John 10:7–9)Exclusive access pointBecause he is 'the way,' Jesus is not one of many options; rather, he is the exclusive access point to the Father. While not all follow this path now, his role as 'the way' extends ultimately to all creation (1 Corinthians 15:22). Those called now walk the narrow road, preparing to one day bless the rest.It's personal!Describing Jesus with this metaphor makes it personal. We are called not to merely admire the path Jesus walked, but to walk it ourselves, trusting that every step brings glory to the Father.
Jesus said, “Many are called but few are chosen” in Matthew 22:14. For many Christians, these words of Jesus should bring a pause and consider moment. What was Jesus saying here? If we believe “God is love,” and we believe Jesus came as our Savior, do we also believe that everyone outside of Christianity, outside of this call, is lost and gone forever? Is this what Jesus was saying? If so, then how does that square with God being love? Is Jesus saying God is love, but only for the few whom He chooses, and the rest of His human creation are essentially garbage? Isn’t that a massive contradiction? If we are willing to examine this statement by Jesus in the light of Scripture, we will find a completely different answer. What we will find is a logic and a harmony founded upon God’s love AND His justice.This statement of Jesus appears at the end of the Parable of the Wedding Feast. To properly understand its meaning, we need to connect it with God's character of love and justice.Reviewing the Abrahamic Covenant is a good place to start.Initially, Israel was called to be the sole source of the “stars of heaven”—a spiritual seed that would bless the world. However, national rejection of Jesus meant they forfeited this opportunity. Still, they weren’t permanently cast off; they remain essential to God’s plan as the “sand of the seashore,” the natural seed who will bless the world on earth.The parable illustrates God’s persistent calling to those who could become true disciples of Jesus: First invitation: Offered through Jesus’ ministry to Israel. Second: Extended at Pentecost by the apostles. Third: Went out to the Gentiles, beginning with Cornelius.This teaches us that discipleship is not based on heritage but on being drawn by God. The “many” called spans time, culture and background, but the chosen are those who respond fully to the invitation.This call involves great responsibility.Discipleship requires self-denial, daily sacrifice, transformation and leaving behind worldly attachments. Like wedding guests required to wear the provided garment, those called must be “clothed” in Christ’s righteousness. Failing to do so leads to exclusion—not eternal torment, but the sorrow of lost opportunity.Those who are chosen become part of a "royal priesthood" and "holy nation" (1 Peter 2:9), called to reflect God’s character and ultimately bless all mankind.Importantly, the rest of humanity is not abandoned. Many scriptures point to a future restoration when all people will have opportunity for salvation. The current calling is simply the first phase of a broader redemptive plan that will ultimately fulfill God's promise to bless all the families of the earth.
Depression can be overwhelming. Even though many people suffer from it, and even though there are treatments and medications that can help it, depression can still be an insurmountable life obstacle for every individual who faces it. There is no easy answer and no miracle cure, so those of us who experience it are left with the sober reality of its potential lurking influence in our daily lives. So, what do we do? As Christians we are taught to have faith and rely on God’s peace. While this is sound and powerful advice, we need to find ways to deeply rely on our faith and to transform God’s peace into a tool of growth and healing. One way to work on this is to observe the struggles of a biblical hero of faith and step-by-step identify with their struggle and their journey towards a more God-driven life.High highs and really low lowsAfter Elijah’s stunning victory over the prophets of Baal, he fell into despair. He was depressed. He had successfully demonstrated the supremacy of God as THE God, and yet Queen Jezebel promised to have him killed.These events show us that even God’s mightiest servants can struggle deeply. As he ran and hid from Jezebel, he felt completely alone, ineffective and broken. His next journey showed us how feeling depressed can be overwhelming and lead us to internalization, isolation and insulation.Rather than rebuke him, God gently met Elijah with rest, food and a repeated touch through an angel. What a reminder that divine care often comes in quiet, steady steps! Even though Elijah couldn’t immediately respond with renewed confidence, God remained present and patient.To counter the internalization, isolation and insulation that depression can bring to us, Elijah’s experiences introduced three small steps toward godly peace: Acknowledge: Recognize that God’s presence—whether through Scripture, people or providence—is near, even if we don’t feel it. Apply: Take steps, however small, to act on that external input. Elijah walked 40 days to Mount Horeb, still burdened, but at least moving. Allow: Permit God’s truth and love to take root, even while feeling numb, broken or depressed.Once Elijah arrived at Mount Horeb, God’s question, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” invited introspection, not condemnation. This question would open the door to Elijah being able to realize that he wasn’t alone. As a matter of fact, there were 7,000 others in Israel who were faithful to God!The lesson for Elijah and for us is that depression doesn’t disqualify faith! On the other hand, God often calls those who struggle so His strength can shine through them.
What does Peter do that provides a path for us to reconnect with God? Watch this highlight from our podcast on how to reconnect with God, then listen to the full episode, “How Do I Reconnect With God?”
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Many Christians have had the disheartening experience of feeling like they have lost their connection with God. There you were, going along through life’s experiences, and something happens. Whether it is one big change or many little things over time, you wake up one day and realize God seems far away. Now what? Is it over? How do you find your way back to that precious connection that you lost? A good way to understand what to do to reconnect is to observe some of the experiences of the Apostle Peter. We all know how he denied Jesus on the day of his crucifixion. What we don’t often think about is how he got to that point and what it took to draw him back into God’s favor.
- The third and final time Jesus called Peter to follow him Peter openly and fearfully admitted that he was a sinful man. Jesus called him anyway.
- Peter’s journey following Jesus would show him just how little he knew about his own faults and how little he knew about what discipleship required.
The night before Jesus’ crucifixion…Peter confidently claimed he would never forsake Jesus. In spite of that bold proclamation of loyalty, Peter would deny Jesus three times early the very next morning. His denials escalated from simple avoidance to emphatic rejection.
If we have ever alienated ourselves from God…we have likely gone down a similar road to Peter’s. The good news is we can now learn how to bring ourselves back to God by following the pattern that Peter himself followed. So, what happened? How was Peter’s alienation slowly dissolved and he was able to reconnect?
Peter’s experience shows us there are three key steps to reconnecting with God:
- Prepare Your Mind for Action: Peter running to the empty tomb on the morning of Jesus’ resurrection was taking the first step. Even though he still didn’t understand what was happening, he showed that he wanted to. This was crucial.
- Be Serious and Reverent: Peter likely wrestled with self-doubt, but God’s grace persisted. Jesus would reaffirm Peter’s efforts through two miraculous personal appearances to him and others on that resurrection day.
- Embrace Forgiveness & Change: Weeks later, Jesus restored Peter by asking if he loved him. This restoration would come with the profound responsibility of being a shepherd to Jesus’ flock after his ascension up to heaven.
For each of us, to spiritually reconnect requires small, intentional steps which include prayer, scripture study and humility. The beautiful message here is that God’s faithfulness ensures that even in failure, restoration is possible!
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How was Peter’s alienation from God slowly dissolved? Watch this short vlog, then listen to the full podcast of the same name for more details!
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What example does the Apostle Paul set in sharing the gospel message to an audience of pagans? Watch this highlight from our podcast about witnessing, then listen to the full episode, “How Can I Best Share the Gospel with Others?”
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Forty days after his resurrection, when Jesus was about to ascend up to the Father, he gave his disciples their great commission in Matthew 28. He told them to go and “make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the son and the holy spirit.” He told them to teach others to observe all that he commanded and that he would be with them always, even to the end of the age. The message here was simple and yet daunting: preach the gospel everywhere. Find disciples throughout the world and then teach them how to truly follow Christ. To accomplish this massive task, we need God’s spirit and biblical examples of how to present ourselves. So, what are the foundational principles of effectively sharing the gospel?
The Apostle Paul helps us identify the key biblical principles of witnessing in 1 Corinthians 9:19-23. He began by saying his own mission was to work at identifying with all people to better enable him to witness.
Three broad categories of witness opportunitiesHe then pointed out three broad categories of people he was attuned to, and these apply to us as well:
- To Jews, meaning to those who identified with Jewish customs. For us this would include those who are familiar with Christianity as well.
- To those with no Christian or Jewish faith who in many cases live very worldly lives.
- To the weak: those in any category who struggle with many forms of hardship or difficulty.
In three specific examples of sharing the gospel with others, both Jesus and the Apostle Paul demonstrated a powerful ability to capture the hearts of those they were speaking with. Their examples demonstrated five basic principles to help us be effective spokespeople for Christ.
- Recognize: Understand who your audience is, including their values, backgrounds, and beliefs.
- Respect: Establish common ground through relatable language and genuine respect.
- Listen: Engage attentively, inviting others to share their perspectives.
- Awaken: Spark curiosity by presenting unexpected, thought-provoking points that break routine thinking.
- Teach, Preach, Reason, and Encourage: Present the gospel witness with heartfelt clarity and a focus on God’s redemptive plan.
We saw how this all played out in the accounts of Paul before King Agrippa, and then again at Mars Hill in Athens speaking to a pagan audience. We also looked at Jesus encouraging two disciples on the road to Emmaus using these same basic principles. The power of the gospel message combined with these five communication principles reveals a recipe for great opportunity!
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Jesus and the Apostle Paul demonstrated five fundamental principles for sharing the Gospel. Watch this short vlog, then listen to the full podcast of the same name for more details!
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What example does the Apostle Paul set? How can we ensure we aren’t unintentionally provoking others? Watch this highlight from our podcast about selfless love, then listen to the full episode, “Can I Love Someone I Don’t Like?”
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What is the problem with hiding our boastfulness in our hearts? Watch this highlight from our podcast about selfless love, then listen to the full episode, “Can I Really Love Someone I Don’t Like?”
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We all know God IS love, and that because He loves His human creation, He sent Jesus to redeem us all from sin and death. We also know Jesus taught us to love our enemies and to pray for those people who despitefully take advantage of us. So, according to the gospel, love is a clear centerpiece of how God’s plan works and how we are to emulate Jesus in relation to our enemies. But what about those people we just may not like? You know, those individuals who are just irritating, who might see the world differently than we do and who always seem to be on the other side of issues. Can we just tolerate them – just “go along to get along” – or do we have to “love” them? If we do have to love them, what does that even look like?
The first step towards understanding and applying this concept is recognizing that love is absolutely central to God’s plan. 1 Corinthians 13 is known as “the love chapter,” as it gives several pointed descriptions of how the benevolent and selfless kind of agape love behaves. The fact that most of us don’t have what we would consider to be mortal enemies doesn’t mean we don’t struggle with loving individuals who irritate us or hold opposing views.
Positive traits and negative traitsThis chapter on selfless love distinguishes between positive traits (patience, kindness, rejoicing in truth) and negative traits (jealousy, arrogance, selfishness and keeping score of wrongs). It highlights that patience involves self-restraint and forbearance, allowing us to respect others even when differences arise. Kindness, beyond simple niceness, is described as “active” generosity, encouraging us to be useful to those we struggle with. We need to think about the challenges we may have applying these very positive traits to those we may not really like.
What selfless love is NOTIt does NOT express jealousy, which can manifest as resentment or unhealthy competition. Love does NOT boast, which elevates oneself at the expense of others. It is NOT arrogant, having an internal sense of self-centered superiority. Selfless love does NOT provoke, keep score, or act in any inappropriate way.
As Christians, we really need to rethink how we view difficult people, recognizing that every life matters. Since Jesus died for all, we are called to reflect his love – even toward those we find difficult. Our practical challenge is to actively demonstrate patience, kindness and humility every day with everyone.
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Parents and Bible class teachers, this animated video tells the account of the vision along with possible interpretations. Use this detailed video to start a discussion about how the vision strengthened our Lord and those who witnessed it. Subscribe to our channel at ChristianQuestions.com/YouTube and never miss a new video!
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Selflessly loving someone we don’t like is not natural or easy. Watch this short vlog, then listen to the full podcast of the same name for more details!
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What kind of reconciliation work are we responsible for? What is being a Christian all about? Watch this highlight from our podcast about being a true Christian, then listen to the full episode, “I Am a Christian, So Who Am I?”
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What example did Paul give us of how he came to follow Jesus, and what does that mean for us as Christians today? Watch this highlight from our podcast about being a true Christian, then listen to the full episode, “I Am a Christian, So Who Am I?”
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We have all experienced or heard the conversational question that sometimes gets asked when one person is getting to know another. “So, are you religious?” The response can be a myriad of differing replies, one of which is, “Yeah, I’m a Christian.” That answer usually puts the respondent into the broad and vague category of Christianity in the 21st century. The real question is, what does it mean to be a true Christian according to the original biblical meaning? If we put aside all of the tradition, all of the preconceived notions, and all of the countless denominations, what does the Bible say it means to be a genuine and sincere disciple of Jesus?
Christianity is the world’s largest religion with over 2.4 billion followers, but the key question is: how many are true followers of Christ versus simply identifying as Christians? The Bible explains that genuine Christianity revolves around complete reliance on and the complete following of Jesus. It acknowledges God’s plan for salvation through His son. Scriptural passages like John 3:16-17 and 1 Peter 1:18-21 highlight Jesus’ role as the Redeemer who saved humanity through his sacrifice.
We are “new creatures”2 Corinthians 5:17 emphasizes that being “in Christ” makes a person a “new creature,” representing transformation and renewal. This is a much bigger deal than most of us think, as it has everything to do with being guided by God’s spirit for the sake of personal growth in Christ and the sacrificing of our own will and desires. True discipleship requires self-denial and cross-bearing (Luke 9:23), which demonstrates commitment beyond passive belief. This commitment was foreshadowed in predestination found in Ephesians 1:3-6, which describes how faithful Christians as a class (not predestined as individuals) were chosen before the world’s foundation for a holy calling.
What about our own identity as Christians?Are our thoughts, words, actions and beliefs reflecting a deep and consistent engagement with God’s plan? Many may admire Jesus, yet few fully follow him in action. Galatians 3:16, 26-29 ties Christian discipleship to the Abrahamic Covenant, illustrating how a true Christian inherits the spiritual promises given to Abraham to bless all the families of the earth.
Christians are also likened to a “royal priesthood” and the “bride of Christ” (1 Peter 2:9-10, Ephesians 5:22-27). Both descriptions highlight our responsibility to serve God. Practical applications include self-sacrificing love (John 15:12-14) and mutual support within the “body of Christ” (1 Corinthians 12:14-20). The bottom line is that Christianity is a life of progression, sacrifice and commitment—not mere admiration.
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How many Christians are true followers of Christ? Watch this short vlog, then listen to the full podcast of the same name for more details!
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How do we know Deborah wasn’t referring to herself in gaining the victory over Sisera? What lessons can we learn from Deborah’s life and leadership? Watch this highlight from our podcast about Deborah, then listen to the full episode, “Who Was Deborah and Why Should We Care?”
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Deborah stands out as one of the inspiring figures in biblical history. As a prophetess, a judge and courageous leader, she rose above all expectations in a society driven by patriarchal influence. Her story, recorded in Judges 4 and 5, recounts her reliance on divine wisdom, as well as her decisive leadership and unwavering faith in God’s promises, as she rallied Israel to victory against their oppressors.
Superior military technologyAt the time Deborah served as a judge, Israel as a nation was subjugated by King Jabin of Hazor whose general, Sisera, commanded an army equipped with 900 iron chariots. These chariots were intimidating because they were markedly superior to any of the weapons of warfare Israel possessed. For 20 years, King Jabin and Sisera ruthlessly oppressed Israel until the people finally cried out to God for deliverance. God would answer their cry through the faithfulness of Deborah.
Deborah received divine instruction to summon Barak, a military commander, and told him to gather 10,000 warriors from the tribes of Naphtali and Zebulun. She assured him that God would orchestrate the battle against Sisera at the Kishon River, ensuring victory. However, Barak hesitated and insisted that Deborah accompany him into battle. Deborah agreed but foretold that the ultimate victory—defeating Sisera—would be accomplished by a woman.
The battle unfolded dramaticallyBarak led his forces to Mount Tabor, and Sisera responded by mobilizing his army with their superior military technology. God intervened by sending a sudden, torrential rainstorm, causing the battlefield to flood. Sisera’s iron chariots, once a formidable advantage, become useless in the mud. His army was thrown into panic, and Barak pursued them, wiping out all of Sisera’s forces.
Prophecy fulfilledThough Sisera escaped the actual battle, he was killed by a woman who was not even from Israel. This small but important detail reinforces the sovereignty of God, as His word is always fulfilled, even if it is accomplished in unexpected ways.
Deborah’s leadership was marked by wisdom, humility and courage. She positioned herself to be used by God, patiently serving in her role as a judge until the time came for decisive action. Her ability to inspire faith and confidence in others played a crucial role in Israel’s victory! Her story clearly reflects the importance of relying on God’s guidance, acting with faith and recognizing godly leadership in unexpected places.
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Deborah was the ONLY female Judge in Israel’s history. Watch this short vlog, then listen to the full podcast of the same name for more details!
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What example did Jesus set for managing anxiety? Watch this highlight from our podcast about anxiety, then listen to the full episode, “Can I Find Balance When Overwhelmed With Anxiety?” (Part II)
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Is it possible for anxiety to be a “good” thing? How does it work? Watch this highlight from our podcast about anxiety, then listen to the full episode, “Can I Find Balance When Overwhelmed With Anxiety?” (Part II)
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Anxiety is an enemy of the heart. When left unchecked, it can take a normally functioning human being and turn them into a second guessing, insecure and trembling mess. In Part I, we talked about how Jesus showed us the depths of damage that anxiety can bring. He also taught us how to process the solutions for this challenge. As we continue this conversation, we look at Jesus’ teachings from the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 6. We then concentrate on how and when being anxious can be a good thing!
Four steps for managing our obsessive anxiety challenges:1. Recognize – Becoming aware of anxiety and acknowledging its presence.
2. Refrain – Interrupting the cycle of anxious thoughts.
3. Reframe – Shifting perspective to see circumstances through faith.
4. Restart – Intentionally refocusing on God’s care and guidance.
In the four examples of anxiety Jesus pointed to in Matthew 6, he emphasized that they all stem from human insecurity and self-perception. But these can be mitigated by viewing life through God’s perspective. This understanding is verified in the Apostle Paul’s teachings, illustrating that God’s providence sustains believers even in the face of overwhelming worry.
Productive AnxietyThe next perspective on anxiousness the Bible teaches is the critical concept of “productive anxiety.” This is the process of training our anxious thoughts and energy towards mutual strengthening and passionate caring for others. Understanding and applying this concept is foundational. The Apostle Paul and Timothy serve as examples of believers who transformed their concerns into a deep commitment to helping others. Unlike obsessive anxiety which is self-focused and paralyzing, productive anxiety is motivated by genuine concern and action for our fellow Christians.
The New Testament broadly encourages believers to redirect their energy toward faith-building and community support. Biblical examples showcase individuals who successfully transformed their worries into motivation to strengthen and encourage others. Paul, despite experiencing hardship and persecution, dedicated himself to the spiritual well-being of fellow believers. He demonstrated that channeling anxiety into service is a powerful way to overcome its negative effects.
Ultimately, Christian management of anxiety focuses us on managing our natural anxieties by reframing our perspective to a godly view of our experiences. We are then urged to shift our perspective from personal worry towards actively contributing to the encouragement and growth of others. By focusing on faith, purpose and contribution we can not only find balance when overwhelmed by anxiety we can also profoundly build others up and glorify God in the process!
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Anxiety is an enemy of the heart. Watch this short vlog, then listen to the full podcast of the same name for more details!
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How can we stop feeling so self-conscious in front of others? What lessons in anxiety management did Jesus teach us that can help? Watch this highlight from our podcast about anxiety, then listen to the full episode, “Can I Find Balance When Overwhelmed With Anxiety? (Part I)”
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Anxiety seems to be everywhere, and everyone seems to have it! The good news is it can be a very normal and sometimes healthy part of life. The bad news is more often than not it grows into an oversized burden that can be difficult and even debilitating. When we as Christians have anxiety that needs to be managed, we know the Bible has the answers. The good news is we know we need to trust in the Lord, to pray continually and to live in faith. The challenging news is many times our anxiety is so powerful that hearing these biblical answers hurts and doesn’t help. Why? Because we have already worked at applying these things, and we’re still stuck! Our objective today is to slow the whole process down and work on suggesting ways to cope with anxiety’s overwhelming grip.
Four stepsWhile we always encourage anyone who suffers from high levels of anxiety to seek professional help when appropriate, we also encourage focusing on what we personally can do to cope with our anxiety. Along with prayer, faith and trust, we suggest facing and challenging our anxieties with a four-step approach:
- Recognize: Observe when anxiety is overtaking our minds.
- Refrain: Pause the cycle of anxious thinking.
- Reframe and Rebuild: Approach the problem positively and take action.
- Restart: Intentionally reboot our life perspective to see our experiences from God’s perspective.
Jesus’ teachings in the Sermon on the Mount highlight the anxiety-inducing dangers of earthly treasures and what to do about them. Jesus shows us how being anxious warps our perception, and he emphasizes the importance of God-centered reframing. While not necessarily a sign of weak faith, it is a challenge that requires intentional coping strategies. Psalms 88 and 139 encourage us to recognize anxiety and rely on God’s care.
Social anxietyAnother point in Jesus’ teachings in Matthew 6 reveals how social comparisons intensify the problem. Jesus warns us of the challenge believers face to focus on spiritual priorities rather than worldly appearances. Philippians 4 promotes prayer and gratitude to combat anxiety and bring God’s peace in its place.
Ultimately, we understand this mental struggle as an adversary to a believer’s faith that requires continuous efforts to manage. Through prayer, biblical teachings, and reframing anxious thoughts, we can all work towards peace and balance as we continue to follow in Jesus’ footsteps.
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Parents and Bible class teachers, this animated video helps kids understand what manna was and how Jesus is our “living bread.” Subscribe to our channel at ChristianQuestions.com/YouTube and never miss a new video!
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Anxiety is a widespread and debilitating problem for countless individuals. Watch this short vlog, then listen to the full podcast of the same name for more details!
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What do we have to do in order to obtain immortality? Watch this highlight from our podcast on immortality, then listen to the full episode, “Can I Inherit Immortality?”
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How did Jesus become immortal? What is the path to immortality? Watch this highlight from our podcast on immortality, then listen to the full episode, “Can I Inherit Immortality?”
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What is immortality, and what is the difference between God’s immortality and the mortality of both human and spirit beings? Watch this highlight from our podcast on immortality, then listen to the full episode, “Can I Inherit Immortality?”
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What does it mean to be “immortal? In Greek mythology, Zeus, Athena and Apollo were among their immortal gods, those who lived forever and had powerful influence over the mortal world. When someone achieves extraordinary levels of greatness in their field, they are often spoken of as being immortal. In American baseball, Babe Ruth and Willie Mays are “immortalized” by the way they played the game. These examples show us that immortality can be applied to mean someone or something as never dying, be it in a physical or an intellectual sense. So, how does the Bible define immortality? As we explore this question, we will see a clear and focused reasoning emerge that elevates what immortality is and who will have it.
Immortality: Inherent or a gift?Exploring the biblical concept of immortality requires focusing on its New Testament definition and implications. The Bible defines immortality as the inability to die or decay. This meaning is derived from two Greek words: athanasia (deathlessness) and aphthartos (incorruptibility). The Apostle Paul’s writings, especially 1 Corinthians 15, describe how humanity must transform from mortal (liable to die) and corruptible (subject to decay) to immortal and incorruptible in order to inherit the heavenly kingdom of God.
These findings clearly indicate that immortality is not an inherent human trait. Rather, it is a rare gift from God. It is given only to faithful followers of Christ who demonstrate self-sacrifice, discipline and obedience to God’s truth. Therefore, achieving immortality requires a life dedicated to spiritual growth and living by God’s will.
So, what about everyone else who has ever lived?These masses of people are offered eternal life—a perpetual existence reliant on God’s sustenance. Eternal life allows for the possibility of death if one strays, whereas immortality ensures complete deathlessness. The resurrection and Day of Judgment play crucial roles in offering eternal life to humanity.
God’s ultimate plan ensures eternal harmony between spiritual and earthly creations, with immortality reserved for a select few who serve as reconcilers. Understanding these levels of existence helps us appreciate God’s power, love, justice and wisdom in a deeper way.
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Immortality is not an inherent human trait but a rare gift from God. Watch this short vlog, then listen to the full podcast of the same name for more details!
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What happened on the road to Emmaus that changed some followers of Jesus’ minds about the events following his death? Watch this highlight from our podcast about Jesus’ resurrection, then listen to the full episode, “What Was the Message of Jesus After His Resurrection?”
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Why didn’t Mary recognize Jesus? How did her grief focus her mind on a single task? Watch this highlight from our podcast about Jesus’ resurrection, then listen to the full episode, “What Was the Message of Jesus After His Resurrection?”
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Is there a contradiction in scripture saying that Mary Magdalene was at the tomb with the other women? Why would she leave out critical information about seeing an angel when she spoke to Peter? Watch this highlight from our podcast about Jesus’ resurrection, then listen to the full episode, “What Was the Message of Jesus After His Resurrection?”
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When examining God’s word as a whole, it quickly becomes evident that Jesus’ resurrection was the most awe-inspiring marker in the entire Bible. This recognition entices us to search out the specific leading Jesus gave to his followers on his first resurrected day. What did our Lord say and do to build a foundation for God’s plan to continue developing?
There were several unique and inspiring messages that Jesus relayed to his followers on that first day of his resurrection.
Here are a few:* Jesus began by echoing the angel at the empty tomb, instructing the women to “fear not” and to share the news of his resurrection with his disciples. This phrase, “fear not,” became a foundational theme, reassuring his followers and preparing them for the upcoming monumental shift in their faith. * Jesus directly addressed his disciples as “brethren” for the first time after his resurrection, signifying an elevation in their relationship—from servants to friends and finally, to family in the kingdom of God. This reflected the broader message of redemption and reconciliation with God. * When Jesus first appeared to Mary Magdalene who initially struggled with grief and disbelief, she experienced a profound transformation upon recognizing him. Her mission shifted from tending to his body to sharing the message of his resurrection, symbolizing the prioritization of spiritual devotion over earthly concerns. * Later that same day, Jesus encountered two of his disciples walking on the road to Emmaus. Consumed by grief and confusion, these two unknowingly engaged with Jesus. By reframing their understanding of the Scriptures, Jesus illuminated the fulfillment of prophecies and strengthened their faith before revealing his identity.
His method of teachingJesus’ first resurrection day messages focused on prophetic fulfillment as he encouraged His followers to overcome fear, embrace their mission and recognize their role in God’s plan. His method of teaching—through empathy, scriptural clarity and patient revelation—transformed grief into joy and doubt into conviction.
Jesus’ resurrection was not just a miraculous event but a turning point that redefined his followers’ faith, understanding and purpose. This encourages us to embrace faith, trust in God’s plan and courageously share his message.
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Jesus’ resurrection was the most awe-inspiring marker in the entire Bible! Watch this short vlog, then listen to the full podcast of the same name for more details!
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What exactly happened when Jesus said, “I am he”? What small details give us insight into this experience? Watch this highlight from our podcast about the events in the Garden of Gethsemane, then listen to the full episode, “What Happened in the Garden of Gethsemane?
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What is the importance of the scripture “Jesus went forth”? Watch this highlight from our podcast about the events in the Garden of Gethsemane, then listen to the full episode, “What Happened in the Garden of Gethsemane?”
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What does the cup represent, and why did Jesus ask it to be taken away? Watch this highlight from our podcast about the events in the Garden of Gethsemane, then listen to the full episode, “What Happened in the Garden of Gethsemane?
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Of the many experiences Jesus had the night before his crucifixion, his time in the Garden of Gethsemane stands out as a place of contrast and transition. When Jesus and his eleven apostles entered the garden, it was a welcoming place of peace and solitude. He told eight of them to stay together and to watch and pray. He took Peter, James and John further into the garden. It was there Jesus additionally asked these three friends to watch and pray, for he was experiencing grief, distress and sorrow. Jesus’ visit to this beautiful garden would now become the place of a pleading prayer to his Father.
Jesus’ emotional and spiritual challengesJesus’ reliance on prayer as he prepared for the trials ahead was profound. His prayers revealed his desire to avoid separation from God, as well as the silence required during accusations of blasphemy. In the distress of praying over these things three times, he demonstrated faith, discipline, obedience and resilience, modeling a path for Christians to follow. Meanwhile, his closest friends failed to provide the support Jesus sought, which highlights our human frailty.
The betrayal and arrestWhen Judas arrived to betray him, Jesus calmly embraced his destiny, showing dignity and control even as betrayal unfolds. Jesus responded to Judas’ kiss of friendship as the sign of betrayal – not with anger and emotion – but with a clear and undaunted focus. He essentially told Judas to finish what he had started.
It was only a short time later that upon observing what was happening, Peter leaped into action. He grabbed a sword and wounded the ear of the servant of the high priest. Jesus again stepped up and stopped the violence. His message was again clear and simple as he emphasized peace over violence. He them healed the injured man.
Reflections for all of usThe entire Garden of Gethsemane experience reveals Jesus’ willing sacrifice, his steadfastness in the face of betrayal and suffering, and his unwavering commitment to God’s will. It invites observers to ponder how they might face challenges with the same godly grace and discipline. The Garden of Gethsemane serves as a powerful testament to Jesus’ humanity, faith and submission, offering profound lessons on resilience, prayer and trust in divine purpose.
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Parents and Bible class teachers, this animated video offers scriptural proof of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Subscribe to our channel at ChristianQuestions.com/YouTube and never miss a new video!
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What details from the experiences in the Garden of Gethsemane help us understand Jesus’ sacrifice and power? Watch this short vlog, then listen to the full podcast of the same name for more details!
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What example does Rick give to help us better understand the important difference between soul and spirit? Watch this highlight from our podcast about immortal souls, then listen to episode #1379 “Do I Have an Immortal Soul? (Part II)”
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Where did the idea of the immortal soul come from? Is the soul separate from the spirit? Watch this highlight from our podcast about immortal souls, then listen to episode #1379 “Do I Have an Immortal Soul? (Part II)”
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Why is it so important to look at the definitions of the word and be wary of the interpretations of translators? Watch this highlight from our podcast about immortal souls, then listen to episode #1379, “Do I Have an Immortal Soul? (Part II)”
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In our last episode, we examined how the Old Testament defines the human soul. In that discussion, we saw clear scriptural evidence defining the soul as life on a mortal level. The same Hebrew word for “soul” or “life” was consistently used to describe both animals and humans. Here we will focus on the New Testament. The big questions are simple: Did Jesus teach us that human souls are mortal in the same way we concluded the Old Testament taught? Did he in some way elevate and change that conclusion?
Key New Testament points regarding the nature of the human soul The Hebrew word nephesh (Old Testament) and the Greek word psuchē* (New Testament) both translate to “soul,” meaning a living being or sentient creature. * It is mortal and closely tied to life and physical existence.
This definition bridge between the Hebrew and Greek languages gives us a basis on which we can now observe practical New Testament teachings.
New Testament insights* Jesus and Paul both reaffirmed the mortal nature of the soul, emphasizing the physical and finite aspects of life. * Passages such as Romans 6:23 and 1 Corinthians 15:20-22 highlight that death is the result of sin, while eternal life is a gift from God through resurrection.
While these insights give us clear direction regarding our scriptural interpretation, there are still other questions that need consideration. The first is understanding the relationship between soul and spirit.
Distinction between “soul” and “spirit” The soul (psuchē) refers to a living being, while the spirit (pneuma*) denotes unseen power or influence. * Hebrews 4:12 distinguishes the two, showing that God’s word can reveal who we are and what influences guide us.
If the soul is not immortal, then where did the concept come from? Greek ideas, particularly from Plato and Pythagoras, introduced this concept, which later influenced Christian doctrine.
Our conclusion is that the Bible from beginning to end teaches that humanity is mortal, created as physical beings with finite lives. The concept of an immortal soul simply has no place in Scripture. The New Testament emphasizes the hope of resurrection through Christ, who offered his mortal life as a sacrifice for humanity. This teaching underscores the profound value of Jesus’ gift and God’s plan for eternal life in His kingdom.
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The Biblical Definition of “Soul” is consistent throughout all scripture. Watch this short vlog, then listen to the full podcast of the same name for more details!
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Why would translators choose to translate the Hebrew word for “grave” as “hell” sometimes and “grave” other times? Watch this highlight from our podcast about immortal soul, then listen to the full episode #1378: “Do I Have an Immortal Soul? (Part I)”
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How can we be sure the soul doesn’t just separate from our body when we die? What does the Bible say? Watch this highlight from the podcast on immortal soul, then listen to the full episode, “Do I Have an Immortal Soul? (Part I)”
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Are we as humans innately physical beings or spiritual beings? If physical, then our lives would by definition begin and end based upon their physical, tangible aspects. We would “come to life” when we are biologically alive, and we would cease to exist when our biology ceases to support life. If we are spiritual beings, then the biological part of the human equation would simply house the essence of that intangible spiritual existence.
The scriptural definition of the soulThe answer to this question rightfully begins by focusing on Old Testament teachings. Genesis 2:7, explains that humans became living beings through the combination of breath and body. This clearly indicates a physical nature rather than a spiritual one. The term “soul” (Hebrew: nephesh) is used to describe both humans and animals as breathing creatures.
Humanity’s superiority to animalsWhile this similarity may be surprising, Genesis gives us two strong distinctions between humans and animals. First, human beings were specifically created in God’s image and the animals were not. Second, humanity was given dominion over all other creatures and over the earth. In spite of these privileges, we all know Adam sinned by disobeying God. The consequence of his disobedience was death, as outlined in Genesis 2:16-17. God explained that death meant man would return to nonexistence, dust to dust. This same death is a universal experience for all living creatures, as highlighted in Ecclesiastes 3:19-20.
Death equals an absence of activityMan does not have an immortal soul. While this conclusion of death as a universal experience for all earthly creatures may be surprising, it does have a solid foundation. The fact is many scriptures emphasize a complete absence of activity in death. Ecclesiastes 9:10 describes the grave as devoid of work, knowledge or wisdom. Psalm 115:17 notes the silence of the dead, reinforcing that death is the absence of life rather than a continuation of existence. Ezekiel 18:4 emphatically states, “The soul who sins will die.”
ConclusionAs Bible-believing Christinas, we must be careful to affirm the Old Testament’s clear teaching that humans are mortal beings created to live on earth with the requirement of obedience. We do not possess an immortal soul. Without obedience, life is removed, and the soul becomes nonexistent. This examination provides a foundation for understanding life, death, and God’s sovereignty, paving the way for Part II, which explores the New Testament teachings on this important subject.
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Parents and Bible class teachers, this animated video teaches kids about giving. It’s not always about the “showiness” of a gift, but rather the heart intent. Subscribe to our channel at ChristianQuestions.com/YouTube and never miss a new video!
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Jesus taught his followers about a broad road and a narrow road. Watch this short vlog, then listen to the full podcast of the same name for more details!
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What does Jesus say about judging others? What is important to remember, to be able to judge others? Watch this highlight from our podcast on judging others, then listen to the full episode, Do Christians Get to Judge Others?”
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Do Christians “get” to judge others? How is this different than being required to judge others? Watch this highlight from our podcast on judging others, then listen to the full podcast, “Do Christians Get to Judge Others?”
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Jesus plainly tells us in Matthew 7:1 that we are not to judge others. Ah, if only it were that easy! The fact of the matter is, the New Testament gives us many examples of things we are to make judgments about. At first glance, this can sound like a massive contradiction. Don’t judge! Wait; DO judge, and here is your list! As with any apparent Bible contradiction, all we need to do is understand the two apparently differing views in their appropriate context and we will end up with a harmonious and powerful lesson. The reason our Christian responsibility towards judgment comes across this way is to remind us of the importance of how we do things. Standing as a representative of Jesus means working to respond to all things the way Jesus did.
On this episode, we explore Jesus’ instructions in Matthew 7:1-2: “Do not judge so that you will not be judged.” While this statement seems straightforward, the New Testament provides instances where judgment is necessary, creating an apparent contradiction. However, this paradox is resolved when judgment is understood within its proper context, as actions guided by humility, self-awareness and Christlike love.
Warnings Against JudgmentJesus cautions against judgment with wrong motives, such as jealousy, self-righteousness or revenge. The “speck and log” analogy (Matthew 7:3-5) highlights the need for self-examination before addressing others’ flaws. Without addressing personal faults, one’s judgment becomes hypocritical and destructive.
Proper Judgment as a ResponsibilityRighteous judgment is required in certain circumstances:
- Disputes within the Christian community: 1 Corinthians 6 advises resolving conflicts among Christians rather than relying on secular courts.
- Identifying false prophets: Matthew 7:15-20 calls for discerning false teachers through their actions and “fruits,” ensuring biblical integrity.
- Addressing moral issues: 1 Corinthians 5 stresses confronting immoral behavior within the church with humility and firmness.
- Selecting church leaders: 1 Timothy 3 outlines qualifications for overseers, emphasizing Christlike character. Acts 14 describes congregations independently electing their leaders.
- Defending the gospel: Christians are tasked with guarding the gospel’s purity (Galatians 1:6-8) and refuting distorted teachings.
Guidelines for Righteous JudgmentTo judge righteously, Christians must align their actions with scriptural principles and examine their motivations. They must avoid presuming others’ motives and practice empathy to soften judgment. The ultimate goal is to glorify God through humility and love.
Jesus exemplified righteous judgment and humility, choosing not to retaliate against his persecutors. His teachings emphasize focusing on personal growth, achieving “sanctified eyesight” by fixing one’s eyes on Christ (Hebrews 12:1-2). This clear, single-minded focus enables Christians to judge with compassion and wisdom.
Romans 14 reminds believers to respect differences in faith practices, refraining from judging others in matters of conscience and personal convictions.
Practical ApplicationsJudgment should never be arbitrary or lead with ego. Instead, Christians are to approach situations with humility, scriptural insight and a genuine desire to uplift others. By prioritizing empathy and understanding, they can avoid toxic, superficial judgments.
While Christians are called to judge in specific circumstances, they must approach judgment with humility and godliness, ensuring their actions mirror Christ. The focus remains on fostering love, good deeds and mutual encouragement within the faith community. Ultimately, righteous judgment glorifies God and strengthens Christlike character!The post Do Christians Get to Judge Others? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.
As Christians, judging others can be risky business. Watch this short vlog, then listen to the full podcast of the same name for more details!
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Should we be a doormat for those who have wronged us? What is our appropriate reaction to dealing with those who have hurt us? Watch this highlight from our podcast on loving your enemies, then listen to the full episode, “Do I Really Have to Love My Enemies?”
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How can we bless those who have committed horrible wrongs to us or others? What would Jesus do? Watch this highlight from our podcast on loving your enemies, then listen to the full episode, “Do I Really Have to Love My Enemies?”
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What actions did Judas take before he betrayed Jesus that demonstrated his heart? Watch this highlight from our podcast on loving your enemies, then listen to the full episode, “Do I Really Have to Love My Enemies?”
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Loving the people we know and appreciate can be hard work in general, never mind loving our enemies. There is so much emotion involved in loving others, and let’s face it, sometimes even those we appreciate can act in ways that cause us aggravation! When it comes to how we are to treat ALL of those around us – whether we like them or not – Jesus taught us a very high standard to live by. Luke’s account of Jesus’ words from the Sermon on the Mount clearly lays out the way we should be striving to live, especially in relation to those who stand against us. If we give it a chance, focusing on what Jesus said and working at practically, applying it to our everyday lives, can fundamentally change the way we see and treat everyone around us.
Jesus plainly said, “Love your enemies.”If I’m a Christian and I proclaim to walk in Jesus’ footsteps, then there is no way I can take that teaching and somehow twist it around so as not to apply to me. He said it, he did it and I need to follow. Ok, so how do I do that? What does loving my enemies even mean? Am I supposed to cozy up to them and try to be their best friend? What if they have hurt me or my family? What if they do evil things to others? Does loving them mean that I overlook these things? Does it mean that there are no consequences for the wrongs and hurt they have done?
The short answer to all of this is no.However, that “no” comes with an important list of things that need to be understood. The fundamental truth we need to grasp is what it actually means to “love” an enemy. Jesus was not only specific in how he described what this love is, he was also specific in showing us how to live it. We have his words and his actions to examine and learn from.
By the way, Jesus didn’t just tell us to “love your enemies” as a stand-alone statement. Right after saying this, he expanded his teaching by adding several applications including, “Do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you,” and then he added, “pray for those who mistreat you.” So, now we have a list of specific responses we are given to apply to those who stand against us. Once again, the question arises – how do we do that?
Check out our March 10, 2025 podcast, “Do I Really Have to Love My Enemies?” for more. We open up the meaning of Jesus words by clearly tracking how he himself fulfilled them in the treatment of Judas his betrayer. By detailing what Jesus did and how he did it, we open the door to understanding what loving our enemies truly means. Join us for this challenging and important discussion as we learn to apply what every Christian should know.
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Jesus said, “Love your enemies!” Watch this short vlog, then listen to the full podcast of the same name for more details!
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Parents and Bible class teachers, this animated video details the exciting story of Elijah’s “test” against King Ahab and his wicked priests. Witness God’s power in His answer to Elijah’s prayer, proving that the LORD is God! It’s never a good idea to put our trust and faith in useless gods – even the “gods” of today, like money, possessions, or more influence on social media. Subscribe to our channel at ChristianQuestions.com/YouTube and never miss a new video!
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What is so dangerous about listening to someone who preaches soul ties? Watch this highlight from our podcast about soul ties, then listen to the full episode “Are Soul Ties Biblical?”
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What does the Bible say about getting mixed up in witchcraft? How is “breaking a soul tie” similar? Watch this highlight from our podcast on soul ties, then listen to the full episode “Are Soul Ties Biblical”?
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Did Solomon have “soul ties” with his wives and concubines? How is a “soul tie” used to excuse bad behavior? Watch this highlight from our podcast on soul ties, then listen to the full episode, “Are Soul Ties Biblical”?
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Human beings are different from all the rest of God’s creation. Of all the creatures on this earth, we were the only ones created “in God’s image.” God was intentional with this, as the human race was meant to be an extension of God’s family here on this planet. He created us as social and relationship-oriented beings. We were created to be connected – not just with our Creator, but with each other. In many spiritually based groups, this connectivity is defined by the phrase “soul ties.” These are often described as the most intense connections people can have between them. They are credited with having their basis on a mystical level. Do these soul ties accurately represent what God intended humanity’s connections to look like, or are they way off base?
How are soul ties formed?Those who believe in soul ties claim these ties can be created by physical intimacy or other shared experiences that form an emotional bond. They also claim ties can be created by making vows or promises to someone out loud. The thought is that those words remain in existence somewhere in the universe as binding. Essentially, these claims point to a mystical kind of connection that in many cases is not only beyond our ability to choose; it is completely beyond our control. When such connections become damaging, the only way to break them is through spiritual rituals.
Taking this one step further, it is claimed by some that these soul ties have a basis in the Bible. One example cited as proof is Adam and Eve being “joined” together. Another is the deep friendship between Jonathan and David. These two examples, among others, are pointed to as evidence of this connectivity that goes beyond our human choices.
Is it possible that soul ties are a biblically based truth?Did God create us to have these mystical connections with others that endure through eternity? Check out our March 3, 2025 podcast, “Are Soul Ties Biblical?” for more. Answering these questions comes through several steps:
- We need to carefully examine the several scriptures some use to verify the existence of soul ties.
- We need to understand what the implications of soul ties are. If such connections are real, how do they fit in relation to the free will that God so plainly gave to humanity when He created us?
- We need to check the proposed methods of enhancing and removing these ties against what the Bible tells us is acceptable.
This is an important conversation. We live in a world where things mystical and unexplainable are fascinating and attractive. As Christians, our stance must always be to compare whatever is drawing the masses, against the ageless principles of biblical truth. Join us for this important conversation as we uncover the truth of the matter and where to draw the lines of our Christian faith
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Did God create us to have mystical and eternal soul-tie connections with others? Watch this short vlog, then listen to the full podcast of the same name for more details!
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What is the difference between confessing our sins to a priest/pastor vs. God? Watch this highlight from our podcast on repentance, then listen to the full episode, “Will God Forgive Me?”
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What attitude and actions are necessary for true repentance? Watch this highlight from our podcast on repentance, then listen to the full episode, “Will God Forgive Me?”
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How can the function of regret lead us to repentance? Watch this highlight from our podcast on repentance, then listen to the full episode, “Will God Forgive Me?”
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The biblical definition for sin is “to miss the mark.” To illustrate the point, let’s think about shooting an arrow at a target. As you aim for the bullseye, you shoot. You hit the target but missed the bullseye. Because your shot did not hit the mark, it fits the definition of sin. You can say, “But wait a minute! I hit the target,” and you did, but you were aiming for the bullseye. Seeing sin through this “all or nothing” lens can be frustrating and even scary. What does God do with all of our “just missed” sins? How about those bigger sins, where at times we may not even aim the arrow? Are we simply lost causes? Fortunately, the Bible explains all of this to us in great detail. The conclusions the Scriptures draw us to are both dramatic and inspiring!
Forgiveness #1 and Forgiveness #2There are actually two kinds of forgiveness that God can give us. The biggest and most comprehensive forgiveness has to do with sin’s earthly origin. We know Adam’s original sin led to all of humanity to be born with that defect. This means we are all destined for death, as that was the consequence for his disobedience. When Jesus died on the cross, he canceled out Adam’s sin by sacrificing his own perfect human life in place of Adam’s. This brings salvation from the death sentence to all of humanity either now (for Jesus’ faithful followers) or in the future (for the “everybody else”).
There’s good news!There can be no greater news to anyone than the opportunity to have Adam’s death sentence removed at God’s appointed time. As good as this is, we still have a problem…we still sin! We still do and say things that are just not right. That’s okay, because there is more good news: God can and will forgive those sins as well, however, here it’s a little different. Because these sins happen as a result of our own choices, we do have a responsibility to bring them before God and seek His forgiveness. Okay, that sounds easy enough. I sin, I feel bad, I ask God for his forgiveness – and then I’m good! Right? Not quite, but we’re on the right track.
Check out our February 24, 2025 podcast, “Will God Forgive Me?” for details. First, we clarify the differences between these two types of forgiveness. We then explore how forgiveness for our present-day sins works. This process really does begin with us, as we need to want God’s forgiveness. We begin with the role regret plays in the forgiveness process. What we find is that regret, while important, is only a beginning step. The next step of repentance is where being forgiven really has traction. Join us as we take what looks like a lot of confusing details and put them together into straightforward and understandable steps. To live a forgiven life is fundamental for any Christian! Doesn’t it make sense to be clear on what it means and how we can get there?
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God forgives us in two different ways. Watch this short vlog, then listen to the full podcast of the same name for more details!
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What lessons can we learn about friendship based on the relationship David had with Jonathan? Watch this highlight from our podcast on friendship, then listen to the full episode, “What Is True Friendship According to the Bible?”
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In the book of Proverbs, it says a friend loves at all times. So, what does that really mean? Jesus called his followers “friends.” This should give us a sense of its importance. Marriage can and should be between friends. Brotherhood in Christ should be fertile ground for forging deep and powerful friendships. It turns out, there is a lot to this friendship thing. Fortunately, we have many biblical examples of what true friendship looks like and what principles need to be present to build a friendship that will not only flourish but become a vital contributor to faithfully following Jesus. As we will see, God created the concept of friendship for our happiness, wellbeing and fulfillment!
God and AbrahamOne of the most significant friendships in all of the Bible was also the most unique as well. Abraham, known as the father of the faithful, was referred to as a “friend” of God. How could this be? How could the God who is ruler over all of the vastness of time and space be a friend to this one teeny, tiny human being who was born into the broken world that Adam’s sin unleashed? The answer not only shows God’s greatness but also exemplifies the fundamentals of friendship. It is all about mutual respect. God saw and respected Abraham’s love and loyalty to Him, and He chose to work with Abraham in the development of His eternal plan for humanity. This unique friendship had love and loyalty working both ways for the good of all.
John the Baptist and JesusAnother not often talked about friendship in the Bible was between John the Baptist and Jesus. When John’s influence with the people was beginning to wane, he explained to some of his concerned followers that he saw himself as a bridegroom’s friend. He knew Jesus as the bridegroom was destined to receive the bride as his own. John expressed his great joy that his friend would be the one to be so honored. John was happy to decrease as Jesus would increase. Again, we have the deep loyalty of true friendship expressed in a truly powerful and proactive relationship.
Check out our February 17, 2025 podcast, “What Is True Friendship According to the Bible?” for more. We look at many of the building blocks true friendship needs to thrive. Then we address the perils of deep friendships that can destroy our lives instead of enhancing them. We also delve into the way Jesus described friendship. Interestingly, he did not address his disciples as “friends” until the end of his ministry. When he did, he lifted the meaning of friendship up to a whole new level. While we all have friends, we likely don’t have many friendships that live up to what Jesus taught. Join us as we learn how the give and take of true friendship really works so we can ultimately be better friends!
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Friendship is all about mutual respect! Watch this short vlog, then listen to the full podcast of the same name for more details!
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Parents and Bible class teachers, this animated video teaches us about the qualities that children tend to have that God and Jesus appreciate. Subscribe to our channel at ChristianQuestions.com/YouTube and never miss a new video!
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What is “brotherly love”? How can it deepen our friendships? Watch this highlight from our podcast on friendship, then listen to the full episode, “What Is True Friendship According to the Bible?”
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To understand what keeping promises means, we should look no further than to God. Watch this highlight from our podcast on breaking promises, then listen to the full episode, “Does God Punish Us When We Break a Promise?
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What is the status of promises these days? Has the making of a promise become a simple figure of speech? When we say, “I promise,” are we really saying, “I’m going to try,” or “I really do intend to accomplish what I said I would do”? Have we lost our connection between our promises and our integrity? It seems as though the power of a promise has gone from being a guarantee of what will happen to a way of showing effort in getting things done. So, what does God see in us when we make a half-hearted promise to someone else? Does this kindle His wrath, or does it just disappoint Him? What should we know and do when it comes to making and keeping our promises?
God’s promisesIf we want to truly understand what keeping promises is really supposed to be all about, we need look no further than to God himself. When we begin to get to know who He is by understanding the Bible, a few things become plain. First and foremost, God’s word is truth. This means that whenever He says anything regarding the future, He is stating a future fact that has simply not yet been revealed. Second, God is the very definition of integrity. All of His actions and plans fit together in a completely harmonious fashion. God’s promises will always be just, loving and merciful realities. He does not break a promise.
Human promisesWith such a lofty standard for promises in place, we now need to look into the role our human promises play. What may come as a surprise is that the New Testament says very little to encourage us to make promises, with two main exceptions. First, there is the godly promise of forsaking all to become a disciple of Jesus. This promise is made to God and absolutely needs to be kept. Second is the promise of marriage. This solemn promise is made during a wedding ceremony with God as a witness and also requires lifelong fidelity.
Outside of these two promises, Jesus himself had very little to say regarding promise making and promise keeping. Now the big question is why. Why aren’t we encouraged to be people whose promises are widely heralded as sound and dependable? The answer is simple. God designed Christian integrity to work in a very different way.
Check out our February 10, 2025 podcast, “Does God Punish Us When We Break a Promise?” for more. We break down the biblical approach for living a Christian life according to Scripture. We address what the consequences might look like for those Christians whose promises are questionable. Most importantly, we follow the powerful guidelines Jesus gave us regarding living a reverent and promise- keeping life. Join us as we uncover many surprising and revealing aspects of being human and making promises. There is so much to learn!
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What happens to us when we break a promise? What does God do? Listen to the full podcast to learn more now.
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What was the purpose of Jesus’ coming to earth? How can we be sure God’s coming kingdom is real? Watch this highlight from our podcast on peace on earth, then listen to the full episode, “Will There Ever Be Peace on Earth?”
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Will we ever return to the harmony of the Garden of Eden? What has to happen first? Watch this highlight from our podcast about peace on earth, then listen to the full episode, “Will There Ever Be Peace on Earth?”
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In our last episode about God’s vengeance bringing the end of the world as we know it, we examined several Old Testament prophecies that pointed to how God’s vengeance works in the dismantling of all vestiges of our present and sin-ridden world. When these dramatic prophecies are focused on without the context of the rest of God’s character, they are often understood to paint a bleak and harsh picture of who God is. In this episode, we will again focus on Old Testament prophecies. However, this time we will be looking at what happens AFTER the vengeance of God is exercised. What we will find is a breathtaking view of not only who God is, but what His plan REALLY has in store for ALL of humanity. If you truly want to know who God is, then follow along as we unfold the rest of the story!
OT and NTIt’s easy for Christians to forget or discount the Old Testament. Afterall, it’s all about the Law, the Jewish nation, and all of their history and experiences. What can we possibly gain from all of that except learning what not to do? Unfortunately, when we take this approach, we set ourselves up to miss some of the most spectacular parts of the whole Bible. Ignoring the Old Testament means we miss its prophecies. When we miss God speaking to us through those ancient prophets, we miss His detailed explanations of what the future will bring, including, yes, peace on earth.
What about end time prophecies?There are two major things that Old Testament prophecies reveal regarding the end times. First, they explain the “time of trouble” and God’s wrath. Of all the Old Testament prophecies, these matters gather the most attention. as they can be dramatic and scary. It is here that the missed opportunity begins for so many Christians. They settle into the trouble and for some reason don’t search out the MANY prophecies that lay out what happens on planet Earth after all of that is over. Not only do these prophecies reveal what follows, they also give amazing amounts of detail in the process.
It’s one thing to have a single prophecy that shows you the amazing condition the earth will be in after all of the unrest and trouble. It’s another thing altogether to have several prophecies from different prophets all repeat similar aspects of these same post-end times descriptions. Check out our February 3, 2025 podcast, “Will There Ever Be Peace on Earth?” for details. We pick up the prophetic process as the trouble and destruction of the end times finishes. What lies before us are many vivid and descriptive prophecies that actually detail what will happen to the physical world. Still other prophecies detail what will happen to the billions of people who did not go to heaven. What do they say about these people? Let’s just say that Jesus taught us to pray for God’s kingdom to come on earth for a reason. Join us for this thrilling look into God’s word and the future!
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What do the Old Testament prophecies say about peace on earth? Watch this short vlog, then listen to the full podcast of the same name for more details!
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What is the purpose of God’s vengeance? What happens after His anger is over? Watch this highlight from our podcast on the end of the world, then listen to the full episode, “Will God’s Vengeance Bring the End of the World?”
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Parents and Bible class teachers, this animated video teaches us about the importance of being a light to others and being a good example. Subscribe to our channel at ChristianQuestions.com/YouTube and never miss a new video!
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What does God’s dealings with Nineveh tell us about who He is? How can God’s vengeance fit with the rest of His attributes? Watch this highlight from our podcast on the end of the world, then listen to the full episode, “Will God’s Vengeance Bring the End of the Word?”
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If we take a look around us, what we see can be confusing. On the one hand, we live in a time where science, technology and medicine are incredibly advanced. Billions of people throughout the world hold the world in their hands with their smart phones. That’s amazing! We are creating artificial intelligence that can solve problems and do research. That’s unbelievable! A doctor in one location can do surgery on a patient in another location through technology. That’s breathtaking! On the other hand, we have depths of unrest, partisanship, dissatisfaction and egotism that are striking and disturbing. We have so much, and yet we wallow in our discontentment. All in all, what’s lacking is a foundational respect for and loyalty to our Creator. God is the one who gave us minds capable of such amazing things, and yet we disdain His presence in our society. No wonder He is unhappy!
There are several Old Testament prophecies that talk about the wrath and vengeance of God, and to be honest, they aren’t pretty. We have prophecies that talk about mountains quaking and falling into the sea. We have prophecies about hills melting like wax and the fire of God’s anger consuming the earth. Then there are the problems of the sea drying up, the kingdoms of man tottering and there being nothing left but desolation. What does all of this really mean? Is God so mad at us that there will be nothing left of the earth but burnt and desolate ruins? Is it the end of the world?
The answer to this is a resounding NO!It’s easy to say “God is love” and it will all work out in the end, but how do we explain all of the death and destruction in those prophecies? Understanding can only come if we are willing to back away from our preconceived conclusions and view the big picture. The fact is, God is bigger than the ruthless, thoughtless and furious vengeance that some attribute to him. Putting these numerous prophecies into their proper context by applying biblical symbolism to them helps us see more clearly.
What was I thinking?Imagine you need major surgery because you live with severe daily pain and suffering. You consent to the surgery and your doctor assures you all will be well. The problem is, recovery can be lengthy, painful, discouraging and draining. As you go through the recovery, you scream to yourself, “What was I thinking?” Eventually the horror ends, and you have a new and full life.
Think of God’s vengeance as this harsh process of surgery and rehabilitation. It is there to bring something better! Check out our January 27, 2025 podcast, “Will God’s Vengeance Bring the End of the World?” for details. Join us as we look deeply into several harsh biblical prophecies about the end times and piece together their meaning and their ultimate purpose. These lessons help us to clearly see who God is and grasp the importance of His anger. The end result is better than most can imagine!
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Is God so mad that there will be nothing left of the earth but burnt ruins? Watch this short vlog, then listen to the full podcast of the same name for more details!
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How did Jesus try to explain some of the prophecies so the apostles could understand? Watch this highlight from our podcast about the Mount of Transfiguration, then listen to the full episode “What Really Happened on the Mount of Transfiguration?”
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How was an Old Testament prophecy immediately fulfilled in the New Testament? Watch this highlight from our podcast about the Mount of Transfiguration, then listen to the full episode, “What Really Happened on the Mount of Transfiguration?”
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The vision on the Mount of Transfiguration was one of those magnificent events in the life of Jesus that gives us some insight into just how remarkable his earthly ministry was. This vision had everything – it had Jesus’ very appearance changed to one of brightness and glory. It had the appearance of two Old Testament powerhouses who were talking with this glorious version of Jesus. It had the booming voice of God from heaven. And then it had the sudden removal of all these amazing elements and the world suddenly became normal again. In the midst of all of the glory and splendor shown here, we need to ask some simple questions. First, why did this happen? Second, what can we take away from this for our own benefit and understanding?
The visionPeter, James and John were given a unique privilege when Jesus invited them to go with him when he went up to a mountain to pray. He must have been praying for a long time because the account tells us that they fell asleep. Upon awakening, they saw a vision – a bright, glorious and shocking vision. There before them was Jesus, only he did not look like the man they knew. In this vision, his face was shining like the sun, and his clothes were bright and white beyond anything they had ever seen. To add to this sensational spectacle, they saw Moses and Elijah standing there talking to Jesus about his coming crucifixion. This certainly was not what they expected when Jesus had invited them to join him on this mountain! The vision accelerated, as it next included being engulfed in a bright cloud and hearing the booming voice of God proclaiming Jesus as His beloved son. This part terrified them. The next thing they knew, it was all over.
There are so many questions that need answering.First, what are Moses and Elijah doing here? We know they weren’t really there, as the resurrection had obviously not yet begun. Jesus had previously told us that no man had yet ascended up to the Father. Their appearance in this vision had to symbolize something significant, but what was it? Why were they talking to Jesus about his crucifixion? And what about the booming voice from heaven? What was the reason for all of this incredible drama?
Check out our January 20, 2025 podcast, “What Really Happened on the Mount of Transfiguration?” for answers. We put what the apostles were told a week before the event into perspective to help us understand what they were supposed to learn. Next, we consider what Moses and Elijah represented and why their specific likenesses were used in this message. We also explore the connection between this event and only other time in the Bible that Jesus, Moses and Elijah are linked. And then, of course, there was the voice from heaven. Join us as we walk through this fascinating event and find the inspiring answers to our questions!
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The vision on the Mount of Transfiguration was a magnificent event in Jesus’ life. Watch this short vlog, then listen to the full podcast of the same name for more details!
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How does understanding the use and meaning of the word “snatched” allow us to know this was likely not a miraculous event but an event with a clear explanation? Watch this highlight from our podcast on Philip,” then listen to the full episode, “Was Philip Miraculously Transpored by the Spirit?”
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How did the scriptures in Isaiah help draw Philip and the Eunuch together? Watch this highlight from our podcast on Philip, then listen to the full episode, “Was Philip Miraculously Transported by the Spirit?”
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There are several scriptures in the Bible that really capture our imaginations. The account of Jonah and the great fish is one, Elijah being taken up in a whirlwind is another. One more of these is the account of the disciple Philip when he was instructed by God to find an Ethiopian man on a deserted road and witness the gospel to him. After this amazing and well-known encounter, the Scriptures say Philip was snatched away by God’s spirit. What does that mean? Many believe it was a miracle, and that Philip was supernaturally transported away from that place in an instant. Others believe he was simply and powerfully compelled to leave. Which perspective is true? Let’s unfold the events that lead to this detail and see what we can learn from the Scriptures!
There was no shortage of miracles in the New Testament.When we look at this particular experience with Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch, it is easy – almost natural – to assume it was just another miraculous event. Now, while the possibility exists that this was in fact a miraculous transportation, we want to be careful to think first. There are many questions that simply need to be asked. Was a miracle necessary? Did this commonly happen with disciples of Jesus? Was there something special about Philip that would have made this a logical sequence?
Philip was one of the seven deacons chosen in Acts chapter 6 to help the apostles with the care of many Christians who were in need. These brothers were chosen for their spiritualty, integrity and wisdom. He is the second named choice, behind Stephen who would soon become the first Christian martyr. After Stephen was brutally stoned to death at the bidding of Saul of Tarsus, Philip went to Samaria to preach. After his overwhelming preaching success, an angel told him to go down a desert road. It was there that he met the Ethiopian eunuch.
The story is really quite simple.Philip was guided by God’s spirit to witness the gospel to this individual who, though a foreigner, was reading from the book of Isaiah. Philip uses the very scriptures this man was reading to show him the height, depth and breadth of the life of Jesus and God’s plan. The response of this man was to seek immediate baptism and Philip complied. It is at this point that questions begin to swirl, because the Scriptures say God’s spirit “snatched” Philip away from the eunuch.
Check out our January 13, 2025 podcast, “Was Philip Miraculously Transported by the Spirit?” for more. We walk through the details of all that the Bible tells us about Philip and this event. What we find is a treasure trove of insight and understanding into who Philip was. This leads us to better grasp what actually happened when God’s spirit “snatched” him away. Join us for this fascinating exploration of how God’s spirit worked in Philip’s life. Inspiration awaits!!!
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Philip is a tremendous example for all of us! Watch this short vlog, then listen to the full podcast of the same name for more details!
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How is striving or struggling with God a good thing? Watch this highlight from our podcast about wrestling with God, then listen to the full episode, “What Happens When We Wrestle With God”?
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Many know the story of Jacob wrestling with an angel. When we just drop in on the account and read what happened, there are many unanswered questions. Why would you pick a fight with an angel anyway? Why would an angel even let you fight? Couldn’t the angel have overwhelmingly defeated Jacob even before the altercation began? What could possibly be gained by such a confrontation? Once we begin to understand who Jacob was and the experiences of his life that led up to this confrontation, it all begins to fall into place. What we will find is that Jacob lived a life filled with experiences of great faith, as well as experiences of great deception and rivalry. God allowing him to wrestle with the angel gives us a clue as to how God knows us and meets us where we are.
For us, wrestling with God really doesn’t sound even remotely reasonable. However, once we understand what wrestling with God can really mean, all of that can change. Examining the life story of Jacob is a great way to make all of this clear. His wrestling with an angel is the scriptural basis for this thought. Looking at his life helps us to see our own life struggles more clearly.
Jacob was a twin.He was the second born, right behind his brother Esau. You might say his wrestling experiences began even before he was born, based on a message from God to his mother, Rebekah. God essentially told her she would have twin sons, and the older would serve the younger. Back in those days, the first born received the greatest blessings and a double portion of paternal inheritance. This message from God was in direct conflict with all expectations. Later in their lives, it would cause great frustration and rivalry.
This was only the beginning.For most of his adult life, Jacob found himself in circumstances that provoked confrontation. His dysfunctional experiences regarding his brother Esau led him to leave his home for about 20 years. Interestingly, Jacob was not the one doing the provoking through all of his unrest. He was also on the receiving end as well. All of these interactions led him to eventually make his way back home, even though he had no idea if he would be welcomed back.
Check out our January 6, 2025 podcast, “What Happens When We Wrestle with God?” for details. We investigate many of the dramatics of Jacob’s life that led him to that incredible wrestling match with God’s angel. We put the profound reasons for his tenacious wrestling in line with God’s responses. The results are inspiring. Jacob wrestled because he could not go on without God’s blessing. Our lives are the same. Join us as we learn how wrestling with God in the right ways is not only a productive practice but also encouraged as well. These are lessons that can bring clarity and direction to our daily lives!
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Parents and Bible class teachers, this animated video shows us the difference between the judgmental attitude of the Pharisees and the forgiving attitude of Jesus. Subscribe to our channel at ChristianQuestions.com/YouTube and never miss a new video!
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Wrestling with God doesn’t sound smart until we understand what it means. Watch this short vlog, then listen to the full podcast of the same name for more details!
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How did the Apostle Paul find a way to glorify God despite his weaknesses? Watch this highlight from our podcast on old habits, then listen to the full episode “How Will I Choose to Live the Life That’s Ahead of Me?”
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What lessons can we apply in our lives that will enable us to change and reset the direction? Watch this highlight from our podcast on old habits, then listen to the full episode “How Will I Choose to Live the Life That’s Ahead of Me?”
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We have all heard the saying, “Life is what you make it!” It is usually at the approach of a new year or a birthday or some landmark life event when we turn our focus inward. We think about changes we would like to make. Normally, these changes are aimed at finding a greater measure of happiness, health or fulfillment in our daily lives. So, what should we decide needs changing? Even more importantly, how will we decide to implement those changes? On the surface this may sound easy, but for the vast majority of us, it is not. Life tends to get in the way, along with old habits and second thoughts. Then there is our old friend, our comfort zone! Why would we want to leave that, as it is so, well…comfortable? What can we learn from the Scriptures to help us actually implement God-honoring life changes?
WHY?The first big question to ask about making life changes is why. Why do I think I want to take this or that part of my life and alter it to fit some other mold or objective? What do I see as the real benefit? Answering this question honestly will give us insight as to what level of value the proposed changes truly hold for our future. Think about it. As a professed Christian, our whole lives are supposed to be about serving God, about doing His will. If the changes I seek are primarily focused on me and not Christlikeness, then what am I really pursuing?
Is it what I look like or what I really am?There’s a big difference between trying to make myself look better compared to others and trying to live up to my calling in Christ. Obviously, one way brings me into the center of everyone’s thinking and perception. Do I want to be more acceptable, more respected or more admired in relation to those around me? Or do I want others to more fully notice Christ in me? While this may seem like an odd way to look at making significant life changes, it certainly is a credible approach. Even if the life changes we seek are focused on our physical wellbeing or rethinking old habits, our motivation should always gravitate toward letting Christ shine through us.
Ok, so we may need to do some rethinking when it comes to our motivation. As we work on this reexamination, we also need to consider our comfort zones of old habits. Wait a minute – does changing for the sake of Christ mean that all of my comfort zones are now obsolete? Check out our December 30, 2024 podcast, “How Will I Choose to Live the Life That is Ahead of Me?” for answers. We look at the dynamics of making life changes as well as how to leave old comfort zones and find new ones. All of this brings us to being positioned to make truly valuable God-honoring life changes. Walk this path with us; it is well worth the effort!
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When Jesus came to earth 2,000 years ago, he came to pay the price for Adam’s sin by willingly offering himself as a just and equal ransom price to redeem Adam – and therefore the entire human race – from sin and death. To prepare for his coming as a man, God sent the angel Gabriel to deliver preparatory messages to John the Baptist’s father Zacharias, and to Jesus’ mother Mary. Joseph would be guided by spiritually driven dreams. When Jesus was born, a whole host of angels made the announcement to some lowly shepherds who were in the fields with their flocks. When this angelic announcement came, it was prefaced with some beautiful words of assurance, “Fear not!” This reassuring “fear not” sentiment would echo repeatedly throughout Jesus’ entire ministry!
What comfort!To be able to tell someone who is afraid to “fear not” and actually have a reassuring effect on them is powerful. Think about the strength those two words can have when someone is in a situation that for whatever reason, has overwhelmed them. To say “fear not” is to say that whatever is scaring you doesn’t have to. It is to say that you can be equipped to handle whatever it is that is coming your way. It is to replace fear with peace and assurance.
It’s eye-opening to think about how often the words “fear not” were proclaimed before, during and after Jesus’ ministry. What is even more impressive is who uttered these words and the authority with which they were spoken. Angels spoke these words several times before Jesus was born. Because these angels were sent from God, their messages were delivered with divine authority. When angels told Zacharias, Mary and a group of shepherds to “fear not,” they were relaying God’s personal assurances.
When God says, “fear not,” well, you simply don’t need to be afraid!Looking into the ministry of Jesus, we see this pattern of assurance continue. There were several instances where Jesus told his followers to “fear not.” When we begin looking into these varied accounts several significant observations begin to emerge. First of all, the life Jesus brought to his followers was like nothing they had ever previously seen or experienced. The magnitude of wisdom, miracles, teaching and challenges to their normal lives proved to be beyond their expectations. “Fear not” would not only become a common phrase they would hear from Jesus, but it would also be a necessary one as well.
Check out our December 23, 2024 podcast, “Why Did the Angel Say “Fear Not”? for more. We touch on the angel’s messages of assurance that prepared the key players and the world for the birth of Jesus. Then we focus one at a time on the several “fear not” messages Jesus spoke. We find a thrilling pattern of care and guidance for his followers at every level of their newfound discipleship. Join us and see how the lessons of their “fear not” experiences can bring us strength and comfort as we walk with Jesus today.
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“Fear not” was proclaimed before, during, and after Jesus’ ministry. Watch this short vlog, then listen to the full podcast of the same name for more details!
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Jesus was here 2,000 years ago. His message was clear, as he had come to pay the price for Adam’s sin. He preached, he healed, he called some to follow him, and he gave people hope. Jesus called himself “the way, the truth and the life” and announced that the “kingdom of God was at hand.” Fast forward 2,000 years, and we have to ask, where are we? It’s plainly obvious that the world has not come around to follow Jesus. And to be blunt, it is also obvious that much of the history of Christianity does not reflect well on the principles Jesus lived by and taught. So, what conclusions should we draw from all of this? Has the gospel message failed? Has the redemption Jesus promised the world just gone by the wayside, or is the gospel message doing precisely what God had always intended it to do?
Let’s face it, God is pretty smart. When He has a plan, it is a sure thing that His plan will not only work, but it will work flawlessly, gloriously and comprehensively. After all, He IS the all-powerful and all-wise Creator of all things! With these observations in mind, let’s consider the whole idea of the gospel. The word for “gospel” in the New Testament means “a good message.” When we look at how the Bible is laid out, the New Testament begins with four books we call the Gospels. Because these books are about the life of Jesus, it is easy to conclude that his life IS the good news. His life IS the essence of the gospel.
For ALL peopleIt’s logical to focus on the life of Jesus, as his mission was the good news. Now let’s go further. When Jesus was born there was an angelic announcement to shepherds, and it was very specific. The message – the proclamation of good news – stated in Luke 2:10 (KJV) said, “…behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.” So, what do we know so far? We know Jesus IS the “good news.” We also know this good news would be for ALL people. All people. Not just believers, and not just special people. The angel said “ALL,” and that angel had been sent by God to deliver that specific message.
The conclusion is undeniableAll will receive the good news, this gospel of Jesus. But how is this possible as so many have never even heard of him? Check out our December 16, 2024 podcast, “Is the Gospel as Success or a Failure?” for more. We dig into scriptures that give clear and abundant proof of how God’s plan does in fact include every man woman and child ever born. Even more thrilling is the fact that the message of the gospel being for all is all over the Bible! Join us for this incredible journey down the road of biblical truth and hope. It really is good news!
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God is Almighty! All will receive the gospel of Jesus. How is this possible? Watch this short vlog, then listen to the full podcast of the same name for more details!
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How does someone become a follower of Christ? Does it begin by becoming curious about this Jesus person and all of the world-changing influence he has? Perhaps we are living in fear and are searching for a kind of security that is different and higher than anything else we know. Maybe we’re overwhelmed with despair in our lives, and we’re searching for powerful hope and encouragement. Or maybe we’ve been awakened to the realization that there is more to life than what this world has to offer – much more. While any and all of these things can play a role in coming to Christ, the one common factor in all cases of true discipleship is beyond us. It is God drawing us to Him through Jesus. So, how does that work? How can we identify the drawing of God and differentiate it from our own emotions?
By invitation onlyDuring his ministry on earth, Jesus plainly stated that no one comes to him unless God has drawn them. The context of this statement was Jesus talking about what it takes to become a true disciple of his. He was indicating to those listening that there was more to becoming one of his followers than they may have thought. True discipleship would always begin with God’s providence in someone’s life. An individual’s decision to truly follow would be an outgrowth of that invitation.
So, what does that drawing from God actually look like? The answer to this is best understood by looking at actual biblical examples of some who were called to follow Jesus from widely diverse backgrounds. Observing someone’s actual life circumstances coupled with what we are told was their heart attitude helps us see the process of how God calls.
Take Cornelius the Roman Centurion for exampleCornelius loved God, even though his life was far outside of God’s favor as a Roman Gentile. In spite of that lack of favor, he remained devoted to honoring what he knew of God’s ways. When God’s timing arrived, the Apostle Peter was sent to him to witness about Jesus. Cornelius was ready, and the despair of his previous lack of favor was transformed into fulfilled contentment as a follower of Jesus. This is just one example of how God may call us.
Check out our December 9, 2024 podcast, “How Do You Know If God Is Calling You?” for more. We also dig into the lives of the Apostle Paul before his conversion, Zaccheus the tax collector, and the Apostle Peter at the time he was drawn by God to Jesus. All four examples show us differing life circumstances through which God would draw individuals to Him as they came to Jesus. The lessons here are eye-opening as we learn how varied and unique God calling people can be. Join us as we walk through the lives of these faithful disciples of Jesus and appreciate their responses to God’s drawing.
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Jesus stated that no one comes to him unless God has drawn them. Watch this short vlog, then listen to the full podcast of the same name for more details!
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This may sound like an oversimplification, but we’re going to say it anyway: God is intentional. He always knows what He is doing and what it will eventually lead to. While this knowledge should serve as a great comfort to us, it can, because of our limited and imperfect minds, have the exact opposite effect. We may see things in the Bible that on the surface just don’t seem to click. We start wondering, why would God do it THAT way? That doesn’t make any sense! Take the two trees mentioned in the creation account. Both the Tree of Life and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil were placed in close proximity to each other. They were both in the center of the Garden of Eden. Why two trees? Why have one for eating and the other just to avoid?
The Planet Earth projectUnderstanding the role the Tree of Life played in the Garden of Eden is relatively simple. God’s creation of Adam and Eve was the absolute high point of His whole Planet Earth project. They were created in His image, which meant they were created to be reasoning beings who would have authority over earth. Along with these wonderful gifts also came the ability to live eternally on earth. God made this ability real by giving them the Tree of Life, which had been placed in the middle of the garden. Eating the fruit of this tree regularly would apparently keep their physical health at the perfect level God had originally given them.
Eat from one but not from the other – why?Comprehending the role the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil played is a bit harder to grasp. This tree was also placed in the middle of the garden with strict instructions to NOT partake of its fruit. The uniqueness of this command made this tree stand out from the rest of the entire garden environment. Everything else in that garden, including the animals, was there as perfect contributors to a perfectly designed ecosystem. So, how then did this Tree of Knowledge fit in? It too would be part of the ecosystem, but on a very different level.
In God’s wisdom, He specifically placed this Tree of Knowledge near the Tree of Life as a teaching tool. After all, to live for eternity would require wisdom, experience and maturity, all of which needed to be learned. We all know what happened, as Adam and Eve disobeyed God. The result was they lost their right to eternal life. At face value, this Tree of Knowledge experience can easily look like a complete failure. However, the exact opposite is true. Check out our December 2, 2024 podcast, “Why the Tree of Life and the Tree of Knowledge?” for more. We dig below the surface and discover many lessons from both these trees not only for Adam and Eve, but for us as well. There is much more to learn here than meets the eye!
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God placed these trees near each other as a teaching tool. Watch this short vlog, then listen to the full podcast of the same name for more details!
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Parents and Bible class teachers, this animated video teaches about Simeon as quoted directly from the scriptures. Discover what he said about Jesus and why. Subscribe to our channel at ChristianQuestions.com/YouTube and never miss a new video!
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Life is forever busy. Whether it’s a holiday season or tax season or baseball season or following this, that and the other influencers on social media, we always have too much to do and not enough time or energy to do it. With all of this being said, how often do we stop and think about being generous? You know – just giving of our time or resources because we see a need. Built on the question of giving generously is the matter of how to go about it. How do we know what to give, how much to give and when to stop? Is generosity always appropriate? What if there is no appreciation for a gift? Is that an indication that we should focus our giving elsewhere? So many questions! It looks like the subject of freely giving needs some “generous” consideration!
Christian generosityMany people are moved to be generous because something touches their heart, provoking them to contribute. While this is certainly good and to be encouraged, we need to be clear that Christian generosity is even bigger. Ideally, we want our giving to be modeled after God’s own principles of generosity. There is much written in the Bible that describes the kinds of gifts God gives here and now in this age. One basic principle of how He gives is that His gifts are always given for the ultimate good of the recipients. Understanding this single point helps us to glimpse just how important our generosity can be.
How should we be giving?Now comes the question regarding how to apply this. How do we in a practical sense, give to others in need while keeping everyone’s ultimate good in mind? A good place to start is with the simple phrase, “Don’t just give to bail someone out of a problem, give to build them up.” This kind of giving stretches us to an entirely different level of thinking and action. Instead of just giving a handout and hoping we helped, we are now engaging in the activity. While this obviously takes greater effort and a measure of spiritual wisdom, it can also yield much greater blessings for all involved.
Giving can also be done in many different ways. We can support others financially. Perhaps we can assist with ongoing physical needs be they food, shelter or physical aid. We can also contribute to others through the generous gift of our time.
Check out our November 25, 2024 podcast, “How Generous Should We Be?” for more. We base our generosity conversation on God’s own principles while looking at the practicality of those three ways to give. We share several true stories of giving in these areas. Some of these experiences ended up working out well and resulted in great blessings. Others of these experiences ended up not quite the way we had planned. That brings us to another question. If our giving in a certain way ends up not working out, what do we do then? Join us on this wonderful journey of generosity and find out!
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Giving should be modeled after God’s principles of generosity. Watch this short vlog, then listen to the full podcast of the same name for more details!
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Doing God’s will should be a given for any and every Christian. After all, the mere fact that we are called “Christians” implies that we follow in Jesus’ footsteps and are therefore obliged to do God’s will as Jesus did God’s will. While this all sounds pretty straightforward, the big question has to do with knowing. How do we know what the will of God is? Answering this question may be harder than we would like to think. It would be easy to assume that because we love and worship God, He will in turn show us His love by giving us the good things we want. After all, that IS what it says in Psalm 37:4: “Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” Sounds exciting and almost easy, but as you might have guessed, it’s not. So, how do we know what God wants for us?
There are many factors we need to put in order to understand God’s will for us in our daily lives. The first thing we need to grasp is more or less an introductory statement: God will NOT whisper His will to you into your ear. He will not send an e-mail or text; He will not post or message. He will not speak. Why? Wouldn’t these kinds of things make it easier to follow Him? On the contrary, these simple things would be counterproductive, as finding His will for us means we need to be looking for it.
So, where do we look?We search in the Bible of course, after all, it is His holy word! The Bible gives us two very broad categories of what doing God’s will looks like. The first category is full of things NOT to do. One very blunt scripture plainly makes this point: 1 Thessalonians 4:3: “For this is the will of God, your sanctification – that you abstain from sexual immorality.” The point is simple. If you want to do God’s will, then you completely avoid immoral behavior. Several other scriptures give us specifics on the many kinds of thoughts and behaviors we need to avoid.
The good news is that there are many more scriptures that tell us about the second broad category of things we SHOULD do. These are things like rejoicing, praying, being thankful and doing good.
With all of this said, there is so much more! Check out our November 18, 2024 podcast, “What is God’s Will, and How Do I Make It My will? For more. We outline how Jesus daily went about doing God’s will in every area of life. We take his example and overlay it onto our lives, and we suddenly have a clear guide. No texts or posts, just God’s holy word showing us His holy will. Don’t miss this wonderful journey towards living a much fuller Christian life!
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To do God’s will we need to go to the Scriptures. Watch this short vlog, then listen to the full podcast of the same name for more details!
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Every Christian will tell you that Jesus is the embodiment of righteousness, compassion and mercy. We all agree that his impact on the world came through his uncompromising actions of selfless love that led to sacrificing himself as a ransom for all of humanity. Couple these actions with his words of encouragement and uplift to any and all who would listen, and you have a model of how God’s love should unfold within humanity. It is with this resume in hand that we need to examine Jesus’ Parable of the Unprofitable Servant. It sounds like the exact opposite of all that Jesus stood for. In this parable, he seems to tell his followers that whatever they do in God’s service is what is expected of them and nothing more. What did Jesus mean? How does this harmonize with the rest of his teachings?
The Old Testament Law given to Moses after Israel’s deliverance from Egypt was filled with rituals and sacrifices. All of this was designed to teach God’s people two very basic principles. These principles are fundamental for any civilization that seeks to perpetuate itself. The first principle is to comply with righteous and just rules that transcend human desires. For Israel, this meant they could have the favor, protection and leadings of God if they remained in harmony with His commands. This required sacrifices. The second principle is to live with humble gratitude for the freedoms that righteousness and justice provide. Israel was to learn this power of thankfulness by practicing heart gratitude towards God for all of His mercies. All of this required animal sacrifices. Why?
In the Old Testament, it is hard to avoid animal sacrifices. They first appear in Genesis after Adam and Eve sinned. The Bible tells us God provided them with animal skins as clothing. This would be an obvious reference to the fact that covering humanity’s sins could only be done through a sacrifice. This one example lays out how God would illustrate the need for justice to be satisfied up until Jesus came.
What about the Tabernacle?When Israel was wandering in the wilderness, God instructed them to build the Tabernacle. This would be their portable place of worship. It would be the place where God’s presence could be felt, and His favor would be evident. It was within this structure that many different kinds of sacrifices took place. There were sin offerings, burnt offerings, peace offerings and wave offerings just to name a few. As we look at this from our 21st century perspective, we wonder why.
What was the point of all these rituals?This is a really good question. Though detailed, the answer is even better. Let’s start with the sin offering made on the annual Day of Atonement. These were the very basis of all the rest of the sacrifices, as they were in place to satisfy justice, to cover the people’s sins. The sin offering made annually was a specific requirement to maintain God’s favor. Without them, any and all other offerings could not have been acceptable to God. Comprehending the importance of this piece helps us grasp how the other pieces fit into the puzzle.
Check out our November 04, 2024 podcast, “What’s the Difference Between Burnt Offerings and Sin Offerings?” for more. We clearly define the how and why of the sin offerings, including what they represented for Christians. We then look into how the burnt offerings are different and what they represent for us as well. Further, we examine what a peace offering is and how it’s given based on these other sacrifices. What we find is a startling explanation that unfolds how God’s plan unfolds through Jesus. The connections are amazing! Join us as we make what sound like complex ancient rituals simple and meaningful!
Demons are scary. Not only are they mysterious, but they are also powerful beyond our human capacity. In our last episode, we mentioned scriptures that assure us they are restrained in “chains of darkness.” While this condition does limit them, they can still exert great influence on our world – and on individuals as well. We know Jesus cast many demons out of many people and some of his followers were able to do the same. The big question here has to do with whether or not such power and authority is still present within Christianity. Are we supposed to be casting out demons today? If so, who is supposed to be doing this and what scriptural instruction have we been given to follow?
Then and nowLooking through denominational Christian history over the last 1,900 year or so, we can observe a wide range of exorcism practices. From rituals, to prayers, to incense to relics, crosses and commands, these varied practices have widely been in use. The tragedy here is that until recently, there was not a deep understanding of mental health issues. Many of the “exorcisms” performed over the centuries ended up further harming those afflicted people instead of helping them. Looking at this in the most positive way, we see well-meaning efforts creating damage due to medical science ignorance.
How did Jesus do it?This brings us to the fundamental question about what Jesus’ actual instructions were regarding casting out demons. It is important to note that when he himself cast demons out, it was basic. His command simply brought them out. Every time. Interestingly, all of the other recorded examples of demons being cast out by his followers seem to follow that same pattern of simplicity. We have no record of any rituals, lengthy prayers or ceremony.
An amazing fact is the Greek word for “exorcist” is only used once in the New Testament. It may be surprising that this word actually means “one who binds by an oath (or spell) i.e. by implication an exorcist (conjurer).” This definition of the practice of exorcisms gives us a very different perspective on casting demons out than what Jesus did and taught. The sole use of this word was to describe some Jewish individuals in the Apostle Paul’s day who were in Ephesus. These men were posing as authorities regarding the casting out of demons and had their fraudulence dramatically exposed.
Check out our October 28, 2024 podcast, “Should Christians Be Involved in Exorcisms?” for more. We examine what Jesus instructed his followers to do and thoroughly look into one of the more dramatic examples of Jesus casting out demons. Through this example, we are able to glean an understanding of the powerful principles that cast demons away from their personal manipulation of individuals. We then directly address the question of what our role is and is not regarding demon possession today. Join us for this sobering and enlightening conversation. We follow the biblical path to knowing and handling our current-day Christian responsibilities.
The world is such a confused place. For many, discussing evil spirits is fascinating, as looking into dark mysteries beyond our world can be a thrilling and adrenaline-packed ride. For Christians, such conversations are entered into with a fear and respect, as we are speaking of dark and evil things beyond our realm and understanding. It is therefore with caution that we approach this subject. The Bible clearly teaches us that demons do exist, and they are opposed to God and His righteousness. Further, we know this topic is far too easily glorified and dramatized. The specific focus of our present conversation will be to better understand how the Bible defines and separates demonic possession and influence from the serious mental health challenges that are so prevalent today.
Demons are real.During Jesus’ earthly ministry, he came across several demon-possessed individuals. In each and every case, the afflicted individual’s life was filled with pain, sadness and hopelessness. In each and every case, Jesus was able to bring relief to their traumatic circumstances by casting the offending demons out of them. Throughout the last 2,000 years of Christian history, Jesus’ followers have countlessly revisited these accounts as faith-strengthening examples of hope. The bottom line here is simple: Demons are real, but the power of God’s spirit through Jesus can always overcome them.
This is all well and good for those who are demon possessed, but what about those who have mental health challenges? In many cases, the “symptoms” of mental health issues are similar to demon possession. This can be confusing. Throughout history many mental health cases have gone undiagnosed and untreated because they were thought to be demon-possessed individuals. This at the very least is tragic. How many people, even today, end up without appropriate treatment because we incorrectly jump to a demon possession conclusion?
Demon possession or mental health challenges?Fortunately, the Bible shows us that there is a difference between demon possession and mental health issues. Even better, Jesus shows us his compassion and clarity when dealing with such an issue. Many of us have never heard of this aspect of the gospel, but it is right there in black and white. It all has to do with the mental health of a young man whose father begged Jesus for help.
Check out our October 21, 2024 podcast, “Are There Different Kinds of Evil Spirits?” for more. We break down how the Scriptures differentiate between the internal challenges of mental health and the external issues of demons. We examine how Jesus went about healing this suffering person and all of the lessons he left for us to learn as a result. Mental health issues are very serious and are on the rise in our present day. They can be triggered by a wide variety of circumstances. As Christians, we need to understand what to do when confronted with them. Join us as we walk through this often mysterious and sometimes scary world. Learn with us about how to respond with appropriate Christian wisdom and compassion!
When we read the Bible, it sometimes appears to say things that just don’t make sense. Think about the scripture that plainly says God did not want the Apostle Paul to preach the gospel in Asia. Why not? Jesus told his disciples to preach the word throughout the world. Didn’t Asia count? This apparent discrepancy can stimulate all kinds of questions and even provoke doubt as to the equity of God’s character. The good news is, the answer to all of this is not only sensible, but also profound and inspiring as well. When we understand the lay of the land, the literal geography of the area and the big picture of the mission the disciples were given, a whole new conclusion emerges.
Paul was called to be an evangelist.When he was converted while on his way to Damascus to persecute Christians, it was made plain to him that he would bring the gospel before Gentiles and kings. Paul answered this call with a remarkable passion. He would preach. He would stand before anyone and everyone, from the lowest peasant to the highest ruler. Paul would set up churches and expand the cause of Christ. Being told to NOT preach in a specific territory was not a normal – and likely not an expected – command to have to follow.
There are several aspects to this seemingly questionable command. First, it needs to be clarified that the Asia that was “forbidden” in this command was Asia Minor, which was actually a Roman province. This was not the massive continent of Asia that we know today. It is important to realize the gospel would be extremely prominent in this area and Paul would have much to do with the churches founded there.
All of this being said, why was he forbidden to preach?There’s more. Paul obeyed this command decisively and journeyed north through Asia. As he approached its northern edge, he proposed to leave that province and go into Bithynia and evangelize. He was again forbidden to go there and preach. Now wait a minute! What’s happening here? Why is Paul the evangelist seemingly being shut down from what he was called to do? Why were the core desires of his heart to spread the gospel being denied?
Check out our recent podcast, “Why Didn’t Paul Preach in Asia?” for more. We pull all of the pieces of context together and put them in order. We discover the reason for these denials was not to stifle, but to bring a magnificent increase to the work. The bottom line here is all about fulfilling the big picture of the gospel mission. It’s all about Paul being shown that his efforts would be focused and concentrated on those specific things that God wanted him to do at the specific time that God wanted them done. Join us as we take this very straightforward question and unveil a very straightforward scriptural answer!
By definition, being a Christian is all about following in Jesus’ footsteps. It’s all about learning how to walk the walk and talk the talk that he himself lived. Of course, this is no easy task, as we are challenged with applying the life lessons he taught us 2,000 years ago to the very different lives we live in our present digital age. As different as all of this is, some things are very much the same. Jesus’ promise to prepare a place for his true disciples in heaven is the same. His assurance that God’s spirit would guide us is the same. His alerting us to the trials that come to us because we follow him is the same. Having Christ in us producing the hope of glory is the same. So, what does it mean to have “Christ in you”? Is this an automatic thing that happens when we believe, or is it the end result of a long journey of growth?
“Tell the truth!” For many of us, we can recall that strongly stated advice as coming from our parents when we were caught doing or saying something that we shouldn’t have. The immediate dilemma was obvious. If I tell the truth, then I’m going to get in trouble. If I lie or just tell a part of the truth, I may get away with it. But what if they found out I lied? Then I might be in even more trouble! While we as adults may look back upon such dilemmas and smile, the reality is, we as Christians must always be on our guard to practice being truthful and having integrity every day and in every way. What does this mean? How are we supposed to handle the countless compromising circumstances of life where half-truths and exaggeration come into play? And what about little white lies?
The Bible is very specific about God’s standards for truthfulness.The Ninth Commandment tells us to not bear false witness against our neighbor. In the book of Leviticus, we are told to not slander anyone. In Proverbs, “a lying tongue” is on the list of the seven things God hates. Obviously, telling lies should not be on our “things that are okay to do” list, but is it really that easy? Are there ever circumstances were hiding the truth is acceptable or speaking a partial truth is okay? Is it ever okay to be deceptive? And what about exaggeration, is that lying?
Based on all these questions, the challenge of understanding how to apply truth telling in many situations is significant. To complicate things, we can find several instances in the Bible where God Himself advised deception or the telling of a partial truth. Now wait a minute. Why would He do that? Why would our God, who hates lying, appear to contradict that hatred by instructing His people to do these things? The key point here is that, taken out of context, God would appear to be contradicting His own character. He does NOT do that, but He DOES give us specific guidelines and examples to adhere to in very unusual situations.
Check out our September 30, 2024 podcast, “Is It Ever Okay for a Christian to Lie?” for more. We dive into the hard questions using biblical examples of God’s guidance at specific times as a backdrop. What we find is a wide variety of applications of how truth works. Make no mistake, none of these examples in Scripture glorify lies in any way. What they do is they teach us how to detect and understand the nuances of life’s challenges. With this understanding we can apply godly wisdom to help us respond with appropriateness to our experiences. While this is challenging, it is also doable. Join us as we navigate these rough waters of truth telling in a dark and evil world. This episode will make you think, as it lays out biblical principles and direction.
Parents and Bible class teachers, this animated video explains the reasons why God is not visible to us. Subscribe to our channel at ChristianQuestions.com/YouTube and never miss a new video!
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To many Christians, the fear of an eternal place of torment for unbelievers is very real. In the first four parts of this Hellfire Series, we addressed many of the sources of these fears one at a time. What we have seen is straightforward. First, the concept of “unquenchable fire” comes from the Old Testament and simply means a fire of destruction that burns until its work is done. Second, “weeping and gnashing of teeth” refers to deep regret on the part of those who should know better and has nothing to do with flames and torture. Third, the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus is just that. It is a parable that demonstrates the unfaithfulness of the Jewish nation when they rejected Jesus. Fourth, history plainly reveals the origin of torture and flames in an afterlife comes from pagan origins and is not at all biblical. Finally, here we are looking at the book of Revelation. Do its graphic statements fit in with all that we have previously discovered? Absolutely!
Morality can be a tricky thing. For the most part, humans do want to behave in a moral fashion. The tricky thing is figuring out how to actually define what qualifies as “moral behavior” and what does not. As Christians, this task of defining is supposed to be easier than for most, because we have God’s word as our clear foundation for our moral principles. I say “it’s supposed to be easier” because Christianity has demonstrated for thousands of years that claiming the name of Christ is far from a guarantee of moral behavior. So, what are we supposed to do with this? How do we take what God has clearly given us in His word and live it daily? How do we handle it when fellow Christians see aspects of God’s moral principles in a different light that we do?
Clearly, I’m right and you’re wrong.Disagreements about right and wrong regarding morals are surprisingly plentiful among Christians. Usually, the big glaring issues like not killing, not stealing and not bearing false witness are relatively easy to agree upon. That changes when we get down to the more personal and detailed aspects of life. In these grey areas, the subtlety of choosing this path or that one often comes down to personal perspective. It’s not just what I see that influences me, it’s also how I feel about what I see. How I feel and what I do can be very different that how you feel and what you do. Now what?
The Apostle Paul is brilliant on this dilemma.In several of his letters, he taught us how to find the objective truth of our morals by solely focusing on God’s word. He taught us to firmly embrace and hold onto these clear moral truths. He then taught us how and when to take these sacred principles out of our central focus and consider more subjective human reasoning instead. Wait a minute, did Paul REALLY teach us to consider subjective sinful human conclusions as a primary focus? Yes, he did! However, before we get all tied up in knots, let’s put this in perspective.
Check out our September 16, 2024 podcast, “What Defines Moral Behavior? Part II” for details. We look at two full chapters in the apostle’s writings. These chapters address real, everyday issues in the lives of early Christians that were triggering and divisive. His approach was simple: From God’s perspective, state the truth of whatever matter is being argued over. Next, pause and consider how your brother or sister in Christ is able to comprehend it. Has their life experience made this particular issue traumatic in any way? Does their background hinder them from seeing things through the same lens of Christian liberty others may be using?
Join us as we unravel this fascinating collection of principle, compassion, wisdom, humility and love. Our Christian morals – especially within our own brotherhood – must be driven by the highest God-honoring way in which we can support and include our fellow disciples. While this may not be easy, it is certainly well worth the effort!
To be moral is to conform to a standard of right behavior. Ideally, to be moral is to stand for principles and actions that are positive and contributory to the world in which we live. This sounds great. It sounds like something we would all (with the exception of those who just don’t care) want to live by. However, there is a problem. Who defines what is moral and what is not? Upon whose proclamation do we decide whether someone is acting in a positive and contributory way or in a way that is destructive? Outside of the laws of the land we live in, each of us for the most part has the capacity to develop a personal moral code. The big question is, do we each define that moral code based on personal experience and preference, or do we define it by what we would consider to be higher guidelines?
There are several ways one can go about defining morality. In a very simplistic approach, we will touch on two very different methods to define what moral behavior should be driven by.
Let’s begin with HumanismHumanism very basically says that instead of relying on God and religion for moral guidance and direction, one should focus on individual and collective wellbeing. This is attained by a reliance upon natural means such as science and reason. Knowing our place in the world comes from observing and understanding the world and not relying on supernatural sources for answers.
On the other hand…Christians assert that all of the principles for our moral guidance come from God and are based on the Bible. We look heavenward to the plans and purposes of the Creator of our world to understand and determine what our moral responsibilities should be. We see this approach as providing a constant and unchanging basis for the justice, mercy and love with which we are required to treat one another.
As we compare these two approaches, we can see certain questions immediately appear regarding both sides. There is obviously a subjective aspect to Humanism that needs addressing. What do we do with the clear cultural and experiential biases we all have as we absorb science and interpret what is reasonable? When does a new approach to right and wrong come into play? And who decides? Questions regarding the biblical approach revolve around the proclamation that one ancient and never-changing approach to morality will always be right.
Check out our September 9, 2024 podcast, “What Defines Moral Behavior? (Part I)” for more. We break down these philosophical approaches step-by-step and use several lines of scriptural reasoning for support. What we find may be surprising, as the need for aspects of the subjective humanistic approach become very clear. Are we saying to not count on God’s objective approach to morality? Absolutely not. Join us and see how the Bible walks us through grasping the loftiness of God’s morality for humanity by showing us how to fine tune our own subjective approach.
Jesus is Lord. He sits at the right hand of the throne of God, which is the position of highest power and authority in ALL of God’s glorious creation. This position was not thoughtlessly given. It was awarded to Jesus because his loyalty to and reverence for the heavenly Father were and are without equal. This position of unfathomable power and glory was attained by Jesus as a result of his willing submission to a grueling test of loyalty. This test was not only unique, but it was also profoundly necessary for the good of God’s angelic creation, as well as for the future of the entire human race. This test required Jesus to experience change, hardship and uncertainty. It required him to learn, adapt and grow while always being exactly on target with fulfilling God’s will. So, how did he do this?
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When Jesus taught, he made many profound and life-changing statements. Here we are thousands of years later, appreciating how what he said can daily lift us up and inspire us. As beautiful as this is, it only scratches the surface. Our theme scripture is a classic example of this. It is awe inspiring to know Jesus is the “bread of life” that vanquishes hunger for all who truly follow him. Now let’s think more deeply. Let’s ask why. Why did Jesus say this? What was the deeper meaning that not only inspires but transforms our lives? Let’s check the context. The scriptures preceding this saying, tell us Passover was coming. In Jewish culture, this time of year brought anticipation for remembering the greatest deliverance in Israel’s history. Jesus would capitalize on this and show them something even greater.
Looking for Jesus?Jesus had just miraculously fed over 5,000 people with five barley loaves and two fish. This was after performing miracles of healing as well. That night his apostles got into a boat to cross the Sea of Galilee, and Jesus went into the mountains for solitude. In the middle of the night he came down, walked on the water and rescued his apostles from a storm as he delivered them across the sea. That next day, many who had been fed could not find Jesus and crossed the Sea of Galilee to find him because they had questions!
They found him.Jesus could read their hearts and knew the magnetic pull they felt towards him was based on his miracle of feeding thousands and not on his real message. His first words to them were to stop pursuing the physical advantage they perceived could be theirs by following him. Instead, he instructed them to pursue the “food that would endure to eternal life” he would give them. Jesus had offered them something powerful and unique. Their response was not, “Let’s follow;” rather, it was to ask him for a sign. They offered the manna from heaven God had supplied to Israel in the wilderness as an example. Didn’t they just see Jesus work miracles and feed thousands the day before?
Jesus didn’t miss a beat. He told them he was God’s “bread of life” that came from heaven, and this began to unsettle them. Then he went further. He talked about eating his flesh and drinking his blood as a requirement to follow him. Why would he say that?
Check out our August 26, 2024 podcast, “Why Is Jesus Called the Bread of Life?” for more. We follow this entire teaching as it was unfolded in John chapter 6. We pay special attention to the profound reasoning Jesus gave for being this bread of life. It’s easy to observe the growing unrest and anger that built within his audience. Join us on this uncertain journey as we learn how easy it is to see powerful truths from the wrong perspective. Jesus IS the bread of life. The question is, are we being nourished by him?
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Parents and Bible class teachers, this animated video explains how God wants what’s best for us. Always getting what we want when we want it isn’t necessarily the best way (even though some kids might disagree!). Subscribe to our channel at ChristianQuestions.com/YouTube and never miss a new video!
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The subject of eternal torment can be volatile, as there are so many variations in its explanations. Aside from all of the questions and debates regarding the interpretation of Scripture, there’s one fundamental question that often gets overlooked: If a hell of torment is the ultimate consequence for sin, did God’s people always know that? Think about the power of this question. For the many Christians who see the eternal torture of hell as a deterrent from sin, wouldn’t God in His justice have given all of His people through all of history ample knowledge of this overwhelming consequence? Is the doctrine of eternal torment plainly revealed throughout the whole Bible? When do we see this teaching revealed in any ancient pagan belief systems? What is the origin of hellfire?
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The teaching of a burning hell as the end result for those who reject Jesus is widely accepted in many Christian circles. Our emphatic belief is that this teaching is not based on the Bible, but rather on traditions that have misinterpreted what the Bible teaches. In the first two parts of our series, we addressed what “unquenchable fire” in Scripture does and does not mean, as well as how to understand the true meaning of “weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Here in Part III, we examine what Jesus meant in his teaching about the Rich Man and Lazarus. Of all the verses in the Bible, some of the descriptions in this teaching can most easily be accepted as supporting being consciously tortured in flames. So, what’s the answer? Can being “tormented in this flame” be clearly and biblically explained?
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Parents and Bible class teachers, this animated video explains what the Highway of Holiness is that we read about in Isaiah 35. Subscribe to our channel at ChristianQuestions.com/YouTube and never miss a new video!
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The world of politics IS our world. It is incredibly difficult to go through a typical day of interactions and online activity without being BOMBARDED with some form of political activism or opinion or outrage. With political victory comes power, and with power comes authority. With authority comes the ability to shape the lives and directions of the masses. Because of where we are in the stream of time, the grip of politics is not likely to let up at all. On the contrary, it is likely to grow and dominate. So, what is our role as Christians? Should we apply ourselves to get involved so we can bring sound thinking, righteousness and integrity to the process for the greater good of all people? Or should we stay away from the whole process, knowing it is ultimately going to fall apart anyway?
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Parents and Bible class teachers, this animated video defines repentance and explains the steps needed to properly repent. Subscribe to our channel at ChristianQuestions.com/YouTube and never miss a new video!
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Most people know something about the Parable of the Good Samaritan. The core thought that is well known is the concept of helping a total stranger in a time of their great physical need. Think about it, there are laws in place to protect those who engage in helping strangers in case something goes wrong, called “Good Samaritan laws.” There are organizations in place to promote these kinds of acts of brotherly kindness. There are ministries and hospitals that bear this name. As wonderful as all this is, the message Jesus was giving when he spoke this parable is far deeper. The bottom line is, if we work on understanding and actually applying his true message, we will learn to become not only true neighbors, but we will also grow to be that much closer to the image of Christ.
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In Part I, we looked into what Jesus really meant when he talked about “hell” and “unquenchable fire.” Gehenna, the Greek word Jesus used for “hell,” describes a valley in which horrible acts of idolatry occurred. God proclaimed this valley would be known as a valley of slaughter, a valley that would symbolize utter destruction. Further, we discovered that when Jesus spoke of “unquenchable fire,” he was referring to Old Testament fires of destruction that would burn until there was nothing left to be consumed. While these realizations take the eternal torture and flames out of the concept of hell, we still have other words of Jesus to consider. What about all of the times that Jesus said some would experience “weeping and gnashing of teeth”? What was he describing?
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Parents and Bible class teachers, this animated video defines honor and explains why we should honor God, Jesus, the Bible, and more. Subscribe to our channel at ChristianQuestions.com/YouTube and never miss a new video!
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To the critical observer, modern Christianity is confusing as we have countless denominations and their countless ways of interpreting Scripture. These widely varied interpretations give birth to widely varied traditions that support those interpretations. As a major subset of this, we have wide discrepancies regarding the destiny of unbelievers. Several times, Jesus plainly taught about the consequences of hell. The enormous question that needs answering is, did he teach hell was a place of agonizing and eternal torture from which there is no escape, or were his several references to hell pointing to a very different meaning? Today’s focus will be on the primary New Testament word Jesus used to describe hell. If we understand the word and its context, we will understand Jesus’ meaning.
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Parents and Bible class teachers, this animated video details the highlights of the story of Jonah. It also describes the parallels between the experiences of Jonah and Jesus. Subscribe to our channel at ChristianQuestions.com/YouTube and never miss a new video!
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Habits are BIG! In many ways, habits – whether they are good or bad for us – dominate our lives. The odd thing is we are not even generally aware of how deeply rooted they are and how much control they really have. In Part I of our 2-part habits series, we looked into the habits that define our personal lives, those things we do that may or may not impact those around us. In this episode, we look into the habits that define our public lives, those things we do when others are watching or engaging. The science of habits tells us the human brain is capable of being rewired through our conscious efforts. While this truth might be surprising, it also offers us a foundation for change. The Christian question here is, do I present myself in public in a way that brings glory to God, or do I have work to do? How are my social habits?
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Human beings are undeniably creatures of habit. Let me dramatically oversimplify the whole habit thing for a moment to make a point. Habits are formed as tools to bring us comfort, reward and what we believe we want in life. Little kids test this all the time. A child with a very focused mind wants to do things their own way. Instead of listening, they argue and even rebel because doing it their way is what they find the greatest reward in. Another perhaps less stubborn child will fight and argue for their own way and then back off because their parent’s approval or recognition gives them a greater reward. This oversimplified comparison helps us see that our human habits are ultimately self-driven. How do we as Christians deal with all of this? What habits should be changed or left alone?
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Parents and Bible class teachers, this short, animated video explains integrity in an easy-to-understand way. Kids will learn why it’s important through real-life examples from Daniel and Joshua. Subscribe to our channel at ChristianQuestions.com/YouTube and never miss a new video!
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As human beings, we all know what it’s like to get fired up about something. We see a circumstance unfold or read about something controversial, or our team wins the game no one thought they could. And we react! We become passionate or energized and feel that adrenaline rush. Suddenly there is no mountain too high or ocean too broad. We’re up for the challenge! Yeah, we all know what that’s like. The question is, is that what having our lives on fire for Christ looks like? Before we get too excited, let’s consider a simple question. What was David referring to when he wrote, “For the zeal of Your house has consumed me,” in Psalm 69:9? Was he talking about being consumed by a moment and reacting, or was he writing about having his very being consumed by a lifelong desire to honor God?
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Most of us are likely familiar with what shame feels like. We know all too well that it has the capacity to be a debilitating weight that can cut us off from others and reduce our lives to a cycle of hiding and self-contempt. Such a cycle can bring us to a living space where the ceaselessly droning voices of regret and unworthiness echo in a continuous loop. Even if we are repentant, shame can make forgiveness seem not only undeserved and impossible, but entirely unreachable as well. Our shame now grows into a malignant tumor. Unchecked, it can drain away the goodness and value of our lives. What can we do to battle against and overcome its debilitating characteristics? Fortunately, the Bible shows us many principles to transform shame into a tool for growth!
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Parents and Bible class teachers, this short, animated video introduces the hierarchy of love in the Bible and explains the meaning of agape love. Subscribe to our channel at ChristianQuestions.com/YouTube and never miss a new video!
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Jesus plainly taught that the vast majority of humanity is traveling on the “broad road that leads to destruction.” Further he taught that there is a narrow way that leads to life, which is only found by few. For anyone who truly cares about humanity, this can be a very troubling thought. Why would God, the Creator of All Things, set up a plan that’s such a losing proposition? Was Jesus really saying there are only a few who will ultimately be saved? If true, then what about all those scriptures that say Jesus died for ALL? If this is not the true understanding, then what does this “broad road to destruction” actually refer to? Fortunately, this can all get sorted out by putting several pieces of biblical reasoning together.
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Our world can be confusing and scary. Sometimes it’s hard to know what is true, and sometimes it’s hard to know who to trust. For Christians, coping with this uncertainty should always come down to God’s word. What principles are we given in Scripture that will shine the sure light of truth on whatever dilemma we perceive to be in our way? Some Christian groups have taken to label much of the rampant darkness of our world as the work of “monitoring spirits.” The suggestion here is that these spirits are firmly connected to Satan, and their work is overwhelmingly focused on spying on and disrupting the lives of Jesus’ followers. As we look into this belief, we will ask the same question we always ask: what scriptural basis is there for these conclusions?
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Parents and Bible class teachers, this short, animated video uses clear scriptures and examples to teach how Jesus showed his love. Subscribe to our channel at ChristianQuestions.com/YouTube and never miss a new video!
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Fasting is a practice that has endured for thousands of years. Fasting appears often in the Bible. Among other things, it is used as a tool of focus, an expression of grief and a sign of humility. What seemed to have been a common occurrence in ancient days has now become far less mainstream. So, do all of the biblical references to fasting in both the Old and New Testaments mean we as Christians should be engaging in this practice regularly? If we should be participating, what circumstances bring on appropriate times to fast? Just as importantly, how should we fast? Are there time frames that should be kept? What about drinking water during a fast – is that appropriate? So many questions! Fortunately, the Bible gives us many practical answers, and some are VERY surprising!
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Our world is such a cynical place. Sometimes it feels like every time you turn a corner, you’re met with frustration, unrest and a lack of trust. Because we have so many platforms through which we can speak, we do. When we speak, our words and sentiments are often full of accusation and vitriol. We harshly address “those people.” You know the ones. “Those people” on the other side of this or that issue whom we often label as uneducated or ignorant, as members of the wrong party, wrong belief system, wrong ethnicity or wrong culture. We speak to be heard, and we neglect speaking so others will listen. We are cynical, and this cynicism is to the detriment of all. As Christians, we should NOT participate in this damaging interpretation of free speech. So, is it possible to be cynical in a positive way?
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Parents and Bible class teachers, this short, animated video teaches some signs to look for if we have a pride problem and how God resists the proud. Subscribe to our channel at ChristianQuestions.com/YouTube and never miss a new video!
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In Part I, we talked about the great power of the solemn promises in the Bible called covenants. We observed how God had made several of these solemn promises, and that several are specifically labeled as “everlasting covenants.” As we look at Bible history, we can see that all of God’s promises have already been made and are already functioning – except for one. This one promise yet to be unfolded is the “New Covenant.” While this promise is clearly defined in Jeremiah, it is alluded to in several other books of the Bible. So, is the only difference between this New Covenant and God’s other promises the fact that it is yet coming, or are there more pieces to this puzzle?
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As Christians, we take great comfort in knowing that God is a God of unfathomable wisdom and integrity. We may be faced with things in life we never saw coming, but God is never caught off guard. With His foresight and eternal wisdom, He is not only prepared for anything, but He has preplanned for everything. God is also always as good as His word. He does not make a promise and then haphazardly decide not to keep it. In the Bible, covenants are really solemn promises. Throughout Scripture, God has made many of these promises with the description of being “eternal.” One such covenant was the Law given to Moses. It seems the Law was described as everlasting, and yet the New Testament tells us it loses its validity. Did God change His mind?
In Part I of our two-part conversation about influence, we began to uncover just how broadly and how deeply the power of influence runs. In our world today, influence has taken on a new – and in some ways even more significant meaning – than ever before. Now because we have social media, we have created a space for influencers to arise within our midst. Sometimes these individuals appear on the scene from very unlikely backgrounds. The vast majority of the most popular of these influencers have been given our attention because they are famous. Curiously, much of their influence is not based on the expertise that was required to master their craft. Because influence happens all of the time at all different levels, our big question now is, how can we become more effective influencers in our everyday lives?
Influence. We are all touched by it in countless ways and countless times each and every day of our lives. Influence comes from all corners of life. If we are partial to someone, we generally accept their influence positively. If we are at odds with someone, we generally look down upon their influence. Either way, they influence us. Influence comes from advertising and social media. It comes from politicians and educators; from books, movies and shows. From those who enforce and those who break the law; it comes from our superiors, our peers and our subordinates. Influence has become such a central factor in our world that we now focus on and follow those we call influencers! To have influence is to have power. To have power is to have control. And to have control can easily bring the manipulation and domination of others.
It’s nothing new.The only difference now is where it comes from. Throughout most of history and in ancient days, it was born out of rank. If you had authority, you had influence. Additionally, if you were positioned to advise or guide those in authority, you also had it. This kind of leverage played out at every level of life, from national preeminence down to family and peer group control.
All of that has changed.When you think about it, those we call “influencers” are essentially random people who have in one way or another become famous. Many of them are athletes or performers. The fame and name recognition achieved through their respective crafts paved the way for them to become coveted influencers. Here’s the interesting thing. Their influence is usually not directly related to their craft. Instead, it is often related to marketing products or giving perspectives on subject matter that they really have no expertise in. Essentially, we let somebody who is famous dictate some of our behaviors in life simply because of their social stature.
Influence was alive and well in Bible times. When we compare the massive influence that both Satan and Jesus have and have had, the biblical picture of influencers takes on a much deeper meaning. Not only can we see how influence works on a spiritual level, but we can see the difference in the methodology of influencing for good versus influencing for evil.
Check out our April 8, 2024 podcast, “How Can We Become Influencers? (Part I) for more. We discuss what influencers look like today and what they looked like in biblical times. We look at biblical influencers who passionately perpetuated evil. Then we uncover an example of one who influenced many others towards an incorrect result even though his heart was working at following Jesus. We compare these examples with those who influenced with integrity and focus for the ultimate glory of God. The bottom line is, influence is everywhere! Join us for this eye-opening journey through culture and Scripture!
Let’s begin by stating the obvious: the world is a mess! Now, we all know the world has been a mess for a very long time, so the question is, is this even news? The answer is yes, it is! Our present-day mess has everything to do with the ability to be connected with as many perspectives on and interpretations of truth as we would like. We can now easily and often categorize, judge or ignore anything and everything that doesn’t fit into our personal worldview. All of this brings us to a place where we effortlessly define good and evil according to preference and not principle. We believe Jesus died and was resurrected to redeem the world from sin, and yet, we are now so much further from godly principles than ever before. How can we harmonize these seemingly conflicting thoughts?
It sure doesn’t look like things are getting better…We are currently witnessing continuous decline of Christianity throughout our world. Such a decline can easily lead us to the conclusion that Jesus’ mission to save the world is crumbling before our eyes. Such a conclusion would not only be a mistake, but it would also actually hide the truth. John the Baptist introduced Jesus as “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” Near the end of his ministry, Jesus spoke of his crucifixion and of drawing ALL men to himself. In 1 Corinthians, the Apostle Paul tells us that ALL die in Adam and ALL will be made alive in Christ. All of this sounds great, but it certainly does not look like it’s happening.
Prophecy foretold the world would degrade.When Jesus prophesied about his second coming, he explained that the conditions of the world would be severely degraded, as in the days of Noah. When we look at the immoral and evil that existed then, we can certainly see its parallel today. Jesus not only makes this comparison to alert us of coming trouble, but also to assure us he knew things would look hopeless. The flood of Noah’s day fundamentally changed the way the world worked. Jesus was telling us the time of trouble would also do the same thing. However, this trouble would open the door for God’s kingdom as well.
Okay, so far we seem to be just going down the rabbit hole of death and destruction! Where does Jesus “saving the world” come into play? Check out our April 1, 2024 podcast, “If Jesus’ Resurrection Saved the World, Why is it Such a Mess?” for answers. We consider the prophecies of trouble and destruction within the context of the whole message of the Bible. Beneath the surface we can see the core reasons Jesus came to earth and gave himself as a ransom sacrifice. We collect the varied puzzle pieces the Old and New Testaments give us. Once assembled, these pieces present a breathtaking picture of just how Jesus DOES save the world. Join us as we document and appreciate these dramatic biblical lessons!
Everyone experiences loss in their lives in one way or another. How we attempt to cope with those losses depends upon several things. First, the kind of loss we are facing can dictate whether our response to it is mild, strong or severe. Second, our cultural environment offers up expectations as to how our mild strong or severe responses are to be displayed. In biblical days, grieving over difficult losses was often displayed in a very outward, very public manner. The Bible is full of examples of such public crying, wailing, renting of clothes and despair. For many of us in our present-day mindset, these things may seem to be over-the-top and too dramatic. Actually, when we seek to understand all of this lamenting, we find very strong lessons of faith, growth and acceptance.
Help!Loss is difficult. Sometimes it is unbearable. When we seek help in coping with such things, the counsel is always the same: Go through the experience and don’t try to avoid or hide the emotions. We need to give ourselves permission to feel what we are feeling so we can, when appropriate, move forward to the next step. In the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes, we are told there is a suitable time for mourning, just as there is a suitable time to dance for joy. The Hebrew word for mourn actually means “to tear the hair, to beat the breasts, to lament or wail.” Wow! For us living now with our current cultural backgrounds, that certainly sounds dramatic.
Biblical lamentingTo be clear, we are not suggesting that our lamenting be so dramatic. What we are suggesting is that we be willing to face our tragedies with an openness to feel them. Why? As we look into the deep lamenting revealed in the Bible, several things begin to rise to the surface. Most striking is that our lamenting not only serves a purpose, but it is also part of a distinct process. There are four essential steps our outward anguish can bring us through. The first step is for us to come face-to-face with the reality of our tragedy. Without this acceptance of the pain of our experience, we would not be able to fully move forward through the healing and growth process of the other steps.
Check out our March 25, 2024 podcast, “Is Mourning Out Loud Over Our Losses Good for Us?” for more. As we lay out the scriptural steps our anguish can lead us through, we also uncover several other reasons besides personal loss that can provoke such outward lamenting. These issues can be a result of our own bad choices, as well as tragedies that don’t happen to us but nevertheless have a dramatic effect on us. Join us as we uncover the strength and growth that can come from our mourning. Though this topic is rarely talked about, it is absolutely a worthwhile investment of our time and attention.
Every serious Christian knows about God’s holy spirit. We not only know about it, but we also often talk about what we believe to be its effects upon our lives. Christians speak of being provoked, directed, protected and guided by the spirit. Some of us claim the spirit speaks to us, or perhaps to our pastor, for the purpose of giving us not only instruction, but prophetic utterances regarding our lives as well. In short, our brand of Christianity or denomination has much to do with how we believe the holy spirit works. So, how does it work? Who is right, and who may be mistaken when it comes to understanding and following this mighty power of God in our lives? Not surprisingly, the Bible says a lot about this subject. It also doesn’t say things about God’s spirit we might assume are true.
God’s spirit is His power and influence.It has been busy at work in our whole earthly experience. The second verse of the Bible introduced it as the power that made creation happen by describing it as “moving upon the face of the waters.” God’s spirit was actively engaged throughout the entire Old Testament. It gave the prophets the ability to precisely represent God’s will in their words and writings. It gave many the power of miracles, and it gave some elevated powers of creativity. God’s spirit worked mightily with John the Baptist, as it provoked him to stand alone and plainly proclaim the coming of Israel’s Messiah, Jesus.
When God’s spirit came to Jesus himself at his baptism, something new had occurred. For the first time in human history, God’s spirit would not only help and guide, but it would also now dwell within the individual. Jesus was the first of what the New Testament later describes as a “new creation.” This application of God’s power and influence would be offered to those after Jesus, whom God would call to be footstep followers of His son. Their role in God’s plan would be unique and eternal.
How does it work?With such a high and lofty privilege being offered, the question arises as to how this actually works. Does this mighty power of God take over the person in whom it dwells? Can it talk us through our problems? Does it perform miracles to pave our way through adversity and bring us to abundance?
Check out our March 18, 2024 podcast, “Does God’s Holy Spirit Speak to Us?” for answers. We follow the pattens of how God’s spirit operated in the Old Testament and compare them to the New. We examine the spirit’s mighty introduction on the Day of Pentecost with Peter and the eleven. Interestingly, that incredible experience showed us a template for how God’s sprit does and does not work in our lives. We squarely address whether or not the spirit has a voice or communicates to us in other ways. This is an intense journey. Don’t miss it!
We don’t know much about the spiritual world, especially before the creation of humanity. What we do know is that it was an entirely harmonious world with loyalty and obedience to God at its center. God foreknew that when pride crept into Satan’s heart and was exposed, it would lead to a massive shift in the way things would run. In heaven, it would no longer be business as usual, for now the lessons of sin and disobedience would be unleashed. These painful but necessary lessons would – under God’s power and providence – ultimately bring the whole of His creation back into the harmony it had left behind, only this time that harmony would be for eternity. How would He make this happen?
God existed before time began.His spiritual creations within and outside of our universe are ageless and beyond our human comprehension. Even His creation of our home, planet Earth and all of its life and abundance, are ancient beyond our reckoning. When God finished with this earthly creation, the Bible said God rested. Let’s understand, His resting was not because He was tired and needed a break. On the contrary, His resting signified He had completed exactly what He had set out to do.
Did God give up on the “old creation”?It is a startling development when thousands of years later, we are introduced to the concept of God developing a “new creation.” Many questions may arise as a result of this proclamation. Why create something new? Did God’s old creation not work out? Was it flawed? Were there unexpected developments that required God to develop a “Creation 2.0” version? Is God going to scrap the original creation and replace it with this new thing?
The answer to all of these questions is a resounding NO! God is far to wise and powerful to need to adjust or revamp His original plans. Such scrambling is left to us as impetuous, imperfect and incomplete human beings. Rather than being a quick fix, God’s “new creation” is actually a crowning jewel He designed to be put in place at the proper time and under the proper conditions.
So, what is this new creation? Who is it, and how does it work? Check out our March 11, 2024 podcast, “What is the New Creation?” for answers. We establish how, not surprisingly, it all began with Jesus and his faithful mission of sacrifice as a perfect human being. We follow how Jesus was and is THE pioneer of this amazing new part of God’s plan. Built upon his glory and honor are even more inspiring details and developments. This new creation also has everything to do with those who are called to be true disciples of Christ. What we uncover here is perhaps one of the most sensational aspects of all of God’s creations at any time in all of history. Don’t miss this mind-expanding revealing of a biblical truth that is so often ignored!
Jesus is the Savior of the world. We all know how he left his heavenly glory with the Father and was reduced to the human condition so he could be the ransom – the corresponding price – for Adam and his fall from obedience and grace. By so doing, Jesus gave the whole human race an opportunity for everlasting life. So, when we look at Jesus, we see him as Savior, Redeemer, the Lamb of God, the author and finisher of our faith, and I could go on and on. So, why address him as the “last Adam”? Simply looking at such a title actually invites a lot of questions, especially since all the other ways we know Jesus seem to be so much higher and honorable. As we look into this, we will find what we always find: inspiring reasons and lessons that unlock an even deeper understanding of all Jesus has done!
Adam was blessedThough Adam’s tenure as the most honored, privileged and perfect earthly creation of God was short, it certainly was significant. His unique opportunities can be summed up in several distinct proclamations of God right at the beginning. God plainly stated Adam was created in His image, and he was singularly blessed as a result of that. Further, Adam was given the privilege of ruling over God’s beautiful green earth. This showed that God saw he had potential for wisdom, integrity and leadership. Finally, God told Adam and Eve to be fruitful and multiply so they could fill the earth.
But sin changed the course of those blessingsAll was in place for a glorious earthly creation to honor God. That is, until Satan, sin and Adam’s choice changed the course of those blessings. The consequences that followed gave way to death and destruction. To many observers, this looks like a major failure on God’s part. Though it looks like he was caught off guard, the exact opposite is true. God allowed sin and depravity to rear their ugly heads as an eternal object lesson. Enter Jesus as the one who would be called the “last Adam.”
Jesus succeeded where Adam failedThe title of “last Adam” holds great significance. God is telling us that he would treat Jesus in the same way as he treated Adam. The difference would be that all of those things Adam failed at would be picked up and powerfully managed by Jesus. The gifts of being in God’s image, blessing, dominion and fruitfulness would all be not only brought back to center, but highly elevated.
Check out our March 4, 2024 podcast, “Why Is Jesus Called the ‘Last Adam’?” for more. We systematically work through how Jesus took all of what Adam had failed at and redeemed, repaired, revitalized and renewed each and every piece. This surprising and thrilling journey through Scripture shows us aspects of God’s plan that are rarely ever noticed. Observing and appreciating the work, perseverance and precision with which Jesus as the last Adam accomplished his task gives a whole new meaning to appreciation. Don’t miss this!
Honor and respect. These seem like simple enough words but try and find them actively functioning in everyday life and you will find that they are surprisingly rare. As we speculate about why this is, we may conclude that we as a social order simply don’t perceive a need for them. The further we go down the road of each of us primarily answering to only ourselves, the less important honor for others becomes. While this may now be socially acceptable, it is far from being scripturally authorized. On the contrary, as Christians, we are solidly instructed to be people who exemplify honor in every aspect of our lives. As we began laying the “how to” groundwork in Part I, we began to see what a difference this practice of giving honor can make in everyday life.
Our society is in trouble. In many ways, it seems that we have lost our way, and we no longer have a general sense of societal respect. Maybe it’s just me, but when I was a kid, I was clearly shown the importance of valuing others. We were taught to respect those in charge, and respect those who enforced the law and kept order. We were taught to have high esteem for parents and educators. We were taught to appreciate and value all who did whatever their part was, be it big or small. Now it seems we are taught respect should be demanded from others and not given. Our go-to approach encourages disrespecting and demeaning any who don’t fit our personal perceptions of how we think life should look. Interestingly, the Bible has a lot to say about how honor and respect should work!
It would seem that most entering into marriage do so with high expectations of a life of happiness, fulfillment and companionship. Unfortunately for far too many, these expectations are foreign to their reality. Excluding marriages that end in divorce, how many are truly happy and fulfilled, and how many are simply going along to get along? These are hard things to look at. In order to do so in a positive and growth-oriented way, we need to establish two basic truths for our conversation. First, let’s understand that “Happily ever after” is a fairy tale ending. The feelings it ignites of an everyday bliss-filled life are unfair and not real. Second, let’s understand that our marriages CAN be happy, fulfilled and full of companionship, IF we know what we’re striving for and are willing to put in the effort!
Every genuinely successful marriage has a few things in common. With each of these things, there is always a continual need to focus and refocus as life can relentlessly get in the way. Let’s start with the one thing that most of us think of as obvious – love. We “fall in love” and develop a powerful connection. We cannot imagine that connection ever changing or waning, as it is so strong and binding. We get married. Maybe we have kids. Maybe we have demanding careers. Maybe we have trauma or family issues or sickness or loss. Maybe we grow apart from one another. We wake up one day and realize that our once seemingly indestructible connection is blurred or foggy. Are we done? Is it over?
Can perspective help?It certainly doesn’t have to be, as there are MANY things we can do to rebuild, revive and reconnect. One principle to begin with is perspective. As we observe what has happened or is happening in our marriage, we need to realize we have the power to set our perspective. Most often we feel the pain or sorrow or regret or confusion of what is happening, and those emotions drive our conclusions. This natural and emotional approach can easily end in disaster. However, there is another way. We absolutely need to feel what we feel, but it is important to ask ourselves one important question. This question can open the door to strong, revitalizing possibilities.
How am I seeing my marriage challenges?Is the glass “half empty” or is the glass “half full”? The fact is, when we see any situation as a “glass half empty” scenario, we are framing it as a loss. Studies have shown that once we frame something this way, it is very hard to reframe it as a gain, as a “glass half full” conclusion. Understanding this simple life equation can change everything. Check out our February 12, 2024 podcast, “Can Marriage be a Happily Ever After?” for more. We delve into the power of perspective and apply it to the foundational building blocks of marriage. Join us for answers – real practical and marriage-enhancing answers!
Jesus was at odds with the scribes and Pharisees. They stood for traditions that had been built upon the foundation of the Jewish Law but were not part of the already complex rules and guidelines God had commanded through Moses so many generations before them. No, these traditions were fabrications, and were likely in place to separate the ruling class from the people. Meanwhile, Jesus stood for the people. He stood for those who were less educated, less fortunate and less prominent, as they were the ones most likely to be open to God’s grace and mercy. This division came to a head shortly before Jesus was crucified, as he directly confronted these leaders with their hypocrisy. In Part I, we began to address the seven powerful "woes" Jesus had proclaimed to them.How?It is important to realize how Jesus presented the seven woes to the scribes and Pharisees in Matthew 23. First, he was in a mixed crowd and began by telling the average people about the danger their spiritual leaders were bringing to them. Jesus said some hard things, and he said them right in front of those very spiritual leaders. Next, Jesus turned to those leaders and proceeded to tell them the depth of their failures.Why?He did this for several reasons: All he said was true and necessary. He knew that his crucifixion was imminent, that he was out of time. He loved those religious leaders as members of God’s chosen nation, and he grieved over their fall from God’s favor.The first three woes Jesus proclaimed to Israel’s religious leaders revealed hard truths about their lives. Jesus began by describing them as hypocrites. They claimed Moses’ authority even though it was far beyond their reach. They sought to convert others to be of the “ruling class” like them, while leaving the average people of Israel without the guidance they were tasked to give. They blindly added confusion to the sacredness of worship in the Temple so the average Jew could not measure up."Hypocrites and blind guides!"Jesus did not stop there. Oh no, there were four more of these woes, and each one dramatically captured their hypocrisy and deeper and deeper failures to truly uphold God’s Law. Check out our February 5, 2024 podcast, “What Did Jesus Really Think of the Pharisees? (Part II)” for more. We walk through the painful realities of these last four woes and focus in on the reasons for Jesus’ blunt approach.These leaders had proudly and publicly obsessed over tiny details of the Law. They intentionally hid their craft and corruption beneath a shiny, clean appearance. They systematically proclaimed themselves better than everyone else both past and present. Join us for this remarkable journey as we observe Jesus calling out hypocrisy, self-imposed blindness to truth, corruption and devilish behavior. There is SO much we can learn by knowing what NOT to do!
Jesus was a wise, loving and compassionate man. His whole reason for becoming a man was to give his life as a ransom for every single human being who ever lived, and you can’t be more selfless and giving than that. Yet, with all of his compassion, Jesus was also one to not mince words when a hard message was needed. This becomes extremely evident when we examine the seven "woes" he proclaimed to the Pharisees in Matthew chapter 23. Of all the words we have recorded from Jesus’ earthly ministry, these are the most blunt and direct. So, what was Jesus really saying to the scribes and Pharisees? Was he showing a fundamental dislike for them? Was he exposing their true characters so everyone could see? Or was he simply expressing his dislike for who they were and what they stood for?Seven WoesJesus knew his earthly mission to present himself as the Messiah and as the ransom price for Adam’s sin, was ending. During those last few weeks of his ministry, there were many incredibly significant events recorded in Scripture for us. Not the least of these was his proclaiming of seven woes to the scribes and Pharisees. These spiritual leaders of the Jewish nation were (with individual exceptions) at odds with Jesus from the moment he began to preach. After 3½ years of being challenged by them, answering their questions, performing miracles in spite of them, asking them questions they could not answer and teaching all of the people to their dismay, Jesus was now out of time.A Last AttemptThese scribes and Pharisees would not accept him, his message, or the proof of his being their Messiah. On the contrary, they had begun plotting to kill him. Jesus loved them as he loved all of God’s chosen nation. In proclaiming these woes, he was giving them a last opportunity to see the error of their ways. These hard and truth-filled criticisms were done publicly. Why? Because their hypocrisy and self-elevating behavior was paraded about before the people on a regular basis. Both the people and these leaders had a right to know how they continuously and obsessively misrepresented God’s Law for the nation.Check out our January 29, 2024 podcast, “What Did Jesus Really Think of the Pharisees? (Part I)” for more. We set the context of Jesus’ words and then carefully examine the bluntness of what he said. First, we dig into what he meant by saying, “Woe to you!” with each and every reality he presented. We follow Jesus’ reasoning as he called them “hypocrites” and “blind leaders.” We observe as he backed these bold labels with specific and undeniable examples. This is a big topic, and Part I treats the first three of these seven woes. With each and every example, we pause and consider how to identify and avoid these very tendencies within each of us. Don’t miss this opportunity to see Jesus’ love, wisdom and proclaiming of truth in action!
Let’s face it. We all know that each and every one of us can be better. We can be better human beings, better friends, co-workers, spouses, cousins and certainly better Christians. The challenge here is obvious. Being “better” requires change. Significant change. To be better in whatever area we are focusing on requires a different mindset, which brings different words and actions. This all translates into work! So, how do we go about actually becoming “better”? Where do we start? How many parts of our lives do we try to change? Do we work on them all at once? How do we figure out what the very highest priorities are? What if we fail? How does the Bible guide us with all of these details?What makes a person want to change?One of the most obvious answers is that we see something or someone that displays circumstances or characteristics or perceived advantages that we would like to possess. We want to change because we want something different than we already have. This tells us that change - true and lasting change - is driven by more than a desire for something, it is equally driven by dissatisfaction with our current situation.The idea of dissatisfaction as a driving force is both powerful and potentially problematic. It is powerful because human nature will run towards something with even greater energy if it is running away from something at the same time. Simultaneously being motivated away from one thing and towards another gives us a much higher opportunity for success. As good as this is, dissatisfaction can be problematic when the change we seek is difficult. An inability to achieve the change we sought can trigger an abiding and depressive mental state.How do we handle this? Realize we cannot change everything about ourselves all at once. Overload is a recipe for discouragement and failure. Understand that all change is not the same. Some things in life can be changed by altering or adjusting what we say do or think. These alterations build on a base that is already valuable and somewhat established. On the other side of the matter, there are some changes that can only be achieved by abandonment. If we have habits or associations that are toxic, we need to recognize their poison and leave them in our past.Great! Lots of details, but how do we do it? Check out our January 22,2024 podcast, “It’s Time to Change, but How Much Is Enough?” for more. We walk through the several stages of change and highlight how each stage looks in relation to the altering or abandoning being pursued. Any and every Christian needs to daily work on changing to become more like Jesus. The Bible is full of advice, encouragement and examples of how all of this can be accomplished. Join us for some practical and welcomed biblical advice on how our changing can bring glory to God!
In Part I, we laid a foundation for understanding and managing harmful biases. One primary lesson we learned was that we ALL - no matter who we are and what our background is - are biased. While this is an uncomfortable truth, it is a necessary realization, for a true Christian is to strive to overcome any and all fleshly inclinations. We also learned this overcoming is no easy task. Just because we may be able to point out a personal bias does not mean we are on a path to dismantle it. On the contrary, often times recognizing our biases can make us very self-protective. In this episode, we continue to uncover specific ways our biases show themselves and specific scriptural principles to deal with them. This also is not easy!We gave a simple working definition for bias: An inclination or outlook that prevents an unprejudiced consideration of a matter.The objective of this definition is to focus in on those biases that are obviously detrimental to our ability to see clearly. We need this clear focus because the fact is, most of us - and that includes me - live each day affected by personal biases. If these preconceived conclusions about others in our daily experiences don’t bring us to godliness, then they are undeniably wrong.One example that is a problem for most of us.Many of us have personal biases towards others that belittle them. As Christians, this should never be so - and yet it’s a problem. What about someone who is of a different ethnicity, or a different religion, or is of a different political affiliation than me? Do I discount them in any way? What if someone has different social associations? If I am struggling financially, how do I feel about those who are not? How do I feel about those who struggle if I'm well off? If we look deeply into our reactions to those who are different than we are, we will likely uncover several biases.This is an age-old problem.In the New Testament, James pointedly brings this out. He writes about the trap of honoring those who come into our Christian circles who appear to be well off and distinguished. We offer them the higher seats of honor in our gatherings. He then compares this to someone coming into our midst who may appear ragged and lowly. He emphatically writes that treating them like second-class citizens is far beneath the standards of equality in Christ we have been called to. Simply stated, this is wrong!Check out our January 15, 2024 podcast, “Is My Christian Judgment Tainted by Bias? (Part II)” for more. We take aim at the serious damage this kind of bias can cause. We also expose how biases can break trust between us, and most tragically, how they can burn bridges. Our personal biases put us all in jeopardy. Join us as we seek biblical solutions for this often-overlooked, rampant personal problem!
I was recently summoned for jury duty. As I sat in the room at the beginning of the day, the court and its representatives showed some really informative introductory videos on what to expect and look out for when serving on a jury. The main topic they focused on was bias. Their premise was that we ALL have biases and we ALL can be in danger of following them rather than following the simple facts of a case. I was struck by their significant efforts to enlighten and warn about this sometimes subtle but incredibly common enemy of justice. Our claiming to be Christian does NOT somehow magically release us from our previous biases. In fact, our claims to Christianity may even be in jeopardy because of our personal biases. So, how do we learn to recognize this devious and damaging tendency?For the most part, we think of bias as not being able to see something without a preconceived notion of what it should look like. Our predetermined conclusions can easily sway what we think about whatever it is we may be dealing with. While this can sometimes be a good layer of protection, it more often than not ends up being a detrimental habit. Bias hinders us from seeing a broader perspective than our own. For this brief discussion we will define bias as: an inclination or outlook that prevents an unprejudiced consideration of a matter. Bias hinders us in many ways.One primary and negative function of bias is that it keeps us from listening. Think about how easily our ability to listen to someone else is dependent on how we feel about that other person. If we like them and agree with their perspective, listening is easy. Our preconceived notion of what should be is being bolstered, and that's comfortable. However, what happens if the person we are supposed to be listening to is presenting a contrary or questionable viewpoint? Are we open - or are we only partially paying attention - because their perspective is simply not acceptable or desirable?Bias can even make us think and act in an unchristian way.Unfortunately, our bias against those who hold opinions and even facts we would rather not hear, usually prevails. And the sad thing is, this usually happens without us even realizing it! These habitual responses to those who may ruffle our feathers actually shuts down our ability to potentially hear truth. These responses stifle our growth and worst of all, they are unchristian on every level.Check out our January 8, 2024 podcast, “Is My Christian Judgment Tainted by Bias? (Part I) for more. We examine several striking biblical examples of bias in action. While focusing in on three specific aspects of the destructive power of bias, we also lay out several steps to counter our biases. Because bias can’t simply be turned off, we need to learn how to calm it down and then redirect its energy. Let’s face it, bias is a problem! Join us to see how personally applying biblical principles can change that!
We all have heard of the biblical account of Jonah and the whale. Because it is so unique and dramatic, it has been an often-repeated story with many lessons - and rightfully so. What many don’t realize is the magnitude of the events and teachings surrounding this amazing circumstance. First, one point of clarification: it wasn’t a whale, it was a “great fish.” When we examine how and why Jonah came to be in the unlikely position to be swallowed by that fish and what happened afterwards, we end up with a powerful story of God’s will versus our preferences. The bottom line here is that Jonah is an example of what NOT to do when tasked with godly responsibilities. However, he’s also an example of what TO do. Let’s unfold this account and see how both of these descriptions can be true.Jonah was a prophet of God, and as such, he was bound to go where God told him to go and speak what God commanded him to speak. This was a pretty straightforward setup. You simply do as you are told. There were many prophets before him and many who followed. All of that being said, Jonah had a problem. Actually, he had a lot of problems. God told him to go and preach to the city of Nineveh because they were evil and idolatrous. They were also bullying and taking advantage of God’s chosen people. God told him to tell Nineveh that because of their evil, they would be destroyed in 40 days.Jonah went in the opposite directionSo, Jonah got up and went. The only problem was, he went the other way. That’s right, he ran away from God and His command. He got on a ship and basically tried to hide from God as he was making his escape. Not to state the obvious, but trying to hide from God is about as effective as a little kid covering their own eyes and thinking you can’t see them. Jonah would find this out in a dramatic way as he ended up in the belly of a fish that God had prepared. No more running, no more hiding.He was successful yet miserableJonah finally did go and do the job that God had commanded. What’s hard to comprehend is how he was so angry at the wholesale repentance of the entire city. Jonah had successfully brought them to honor and worship God, and yet his own emotions and personal hatred for them robbed him of the joy of such a miraculous change.Check out our January 1, 2024 podcast, “Do I Show Up When God Calls, or Do I Run and Hide?” for more. We dig into Jonah’s experiences along with his emotional and tragic reactions. We examine how God answered these with several uniquely prepared responses. Don’t miss this story! It’s an amazing drama about the enormous inconsistency of human nature and how God can give us the pointed and needed lessons to overcome ourselves.
As Christians, when we think about Jesus and his reason for being born as a man, we’re always inspired by the selflessness of his sacrifice to redeem Adam and all of humanity from sin and death. This gift is truly beyond anything we deserve. When we think of the Messiah, we instinctively think of Jesus. In our last episode, we explored a Jewish perspective regarding their expectations of Messiah. What we found were several differences, but also several inspiring similarities. Today, we delve deeply into many Old Testament prophecies. We’ll focus in on the astounding detail with which they not only describe Jesus, but also provide all of humanity with the hope for a new life and the opportunity to live it forever. The bottom line? We’re blessed to have God’s amazing plan unfold through Jesus our Lord and Messiah.It's a rare wordThe word messiah is only translated as “Messiah” twice in the Old Testament. As we discussed in Part I, this does NOT in any way minimize the importance of who the Messiah is and what he does. When we begin to explore the Old Testament prophecies that describe this chosen one, a startling fact emerges: This Messiah, this chosen one, is the primary subject of countless prophecies written by many God-inspired authors over thousands of years. Though rarely called out by name, he is THE central focus of God’s entire plan for humanity.Prophecies begin in early Genesis, when God hands down the pronouncements for sin to Adam, Eve and Satan. The fact that the “seed of the woman” would crush the "head of the serpent" (Satan) begins the revealment of Messiah. In Exodus, Moses speaks of a prophet like him, whom the people are urged to listen to. These prophecies continue right through the entire Old Testament. They end in the last chapter of Malachai, the last book of the Old Testament.Not only are there countless prophecies with incredible details all over the Bible, but they are interlocked in amazing ways. Because Messiah is described in so many different ways, we can research from prophetic writing to prophetic writing and author to author and trace even greater depths of meaning. Finding agreement in these various ways verifies the unity of Scripture and solidifies the inspiration of God’s Holy Word.As good as all of this is, there's more!Not only do we have prophecies verifying one another, but we also have them verifying Jesus as the one and only promised Messiah. Skeptics say Jesus could have scripted his experiences to fit what the prophecies said. I suppose that could be true with minor details here and there regarding his earthly life. But it is simply impossible for all of it to have been acted out. Check out our December 26, 2023 podcast, “How Do We Know Jesus is the Promised Messiah? (Part II)” for more. We detail several prophecies and bring them forward to show their unmistakable New Testament fulfillments. This is a scriptural conversation absolutely worth engaging in. Don’t miss it!
Christians differ on a lot of things, and sometimes these differences can be troublesome. The basics we all agree on are centered on Jesus. We believe he died for our sins, and we believe he came to give his truest followers the opportunity to be in heaven with him. We also believe he is the Messiah. As a matter of fact, we look at the Old Testament prophecies and have a hard time comprehending why those of the Jewish faith aren’t able to recognize his Messiahship. It seems obvious! Obvious until we realize a few startling scriptural facts. First, the label “Messiah” is only used twice in the Old Testament. It is only used twice in the New Testament as well. This means that what we see as overtly obvious, may in fact be more hidden than we ever thought. So, what do we do now?AnointedThe word translated “Messiah” only twice in the Old Testament is used 37 other times. Because this word simply means “anointed” or “consecrated,” it actually applies to many individuals. The priests of the Jewish Law were “anointed.” Kings of Israel were “anointed.” As a matter of fact, King Saul was one of those anointed ones. When Saul was pursuing David to kill him and David had opportunities to do Saul harm, his reaction was always the same. He continually repeated that he would not touch the Lord’s anointed.But there are a lot of chosen ones!This tells us the position of being one anointed by God is a very special designation. It shows us they have been chosen to do God’s work and represent His way. So, does this minimize our Christian perspective of THE Messiah? Does it make him just another chosen one in a long line of chosen ones? While the short answer is “of course not,” this answer certainly needs a lot of explanation. By digging into many Old Testament prophecies, we learn that Messiah is represented in many different ways. While rarely called the Messiah, he is often described as a king, a priest, a shepherd and a lawgiver. The list goes on.Was Jesus disqualified?This understanding helps us to see the comprehensiveness of exactly who Messiah is and what he stands for. However, there are other issues. According to the perspective of some Jewish faithful, Jesus could not be the Messiah due to several points. First, they claim the genealogies given in Matthew and Luke have a variety of problems that would disqualify Jesus. Second, they state that because Jesus died, it means he failed, and that failure disqualifies him as well. What do we do with all of this? Check out our December 18, 2023 podcast, “How Do We Know Jesus is the Promised Messiah? (Part I)” for answers. We open several prophecies, put scriptures in context and uncover the deep truths of how Jesus is plainly shown as THE Messiah. There are inspiring scriptural discoveries here you don’t want to miss!
God gave us the ability to understand and appreciate His plan of the ages by revealing that plan within the pages of the Bible. This plan is focused on the necessary steps to bring ALL of His creation - both heavenly and earthly - to an existence that will completely and forever live in harmony with one another under His mighty hand and will. In Parts I and II of this series, we looked at how that shaping and revitalizing to a state of perfection takes place. It began with the Old Testament heroes of faith, continues with the faithful disciples of Christ now, and will come to include an opportunity for each and every human being later. In this episode, we look at the nations of the world, beginning with Israel. What does the Bible tell us about the perfecting process of all these nations? Plenty!From early on in biblical history, Israel was THE nation.They were God’s chosen. But what did that mean? It meant that they were responsible to live to higher standards than everyone else. They were to have God and only God as their Sovereign. They would be blessed if they complied and accountable if they didn’t. Well, we all know what happened. They always suffered consequences for their idolatry and sins and were finally cast off from God’s favor for rejecting Jesus. Ironically, this ultimate show of God’s disfavor of the nation set the stage for their future perfecting.Back to the land.God’s promise to Abraham said that the nation born to him through Isaac would eventually bless all the families of the earth. Biblical prophecy plainly shows us where God’s disfavor and their being dissolved as a nation would ultimately lead them. The answer: back to their land. Back to Him. Israel’s perfecting as a favored people is not only in clearly revealed in prophecy, but its steps towards this perfecting are also clearly laid out as well. When we read these prophecies and think about this national journey back to God, it is thrilling. When we realize that the already regathered Israel as a nation in their land is the early stages of this, it's mind-blowing!The question is, what follows the introductory phases of God’s perfecting of Israel? The answer begins with lots of trouble that will lead to the end of this age of sin and death. The removal of the powers that rule this present evil world will be replaced by the power of God through our glorified Lord Jesus. Prophecy tells us the perfecting of Israel will set the stage for the perfecting of all the other nations of the world as well. How can this be, when the ideologies of the nations are so filled with tension and unrest? Check out our December 11, 2023 podcast, “What is the Biblical Process to Become Perfect? (Part III)" for more. Find out how Israel and the nations of the world will learn to live in peace, harmony and loyalty to God. The biblical answers here are amazing!
In Part I of our series, we focused on how the New Testament describes "perfection." We found that Jesus, though perfect, had to be further "perfected" - further completed - by his personal experiences and sufferings in order to fully pay the ransom price for Adam. Similarly, but on a much smaller scale, Jesus’ disciples have a perfect beginning as well. They are given forgiveness for their sins, they are given God’s holy spirit, and they are called "sons of God." With these perfect gifts, they also need to be "perfected' - to be completed - in maturity in Christ. This present-day perfecting work is clearly defined in Scripture. So, what about everybody else? Does the Bible show a perfecting work for them? It does! Today we will look at another biblical perfecting process that is not as well-defined and is also a future work instead of being a present work.Jesus saves. Is it that simple?Belief in the opportunity for all nonbelievers to have a future opportunity at being perfected to an earthly life is not common among Christians. The more common belief is that accepting Jesus now is the only way to be saved. However, many scriptures plainly tell us that God’s justice-based approach to humanity leaves a door of opportunity wide open. 1 Corinthians 15:22 is one of the most basic examples, “For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive.” This equation simply says that Adam brought sin and death to everyone, and Jesus took away what Adam brought. Justice is satisfied. Jesus returns things to their original state of equilibrium.What about Judgment Day?While this sounds easy, it likely provokes some really good questions. What does this canceling of Adam’s sin mean in a practical sense? Is this an invitation to heaven? What about the Day of Judgment? First and foremost, this is NOT a heavenly invitation for those who are not called to follow Jesus. It IS an invitation to the life that Adam had an opportunity for - perfect human life. Notice we have described it as an invitation and an opportunity. This means that each and every human being will have a say in the matter. This is where Judgment Day comes into play, since its function according to Scripture is to be a time of testing. This 1,000-year time period will be a time of trial so each resurrected human can earn life through learning righteousness.All of this is in place for the purpose of perfecting the entire human race into a godly, righteous and loyal family. When you look around our world today, this looks impossible and even ridiculous. Check out our December 4, 2023 podcast, “What is the Biblical Process to Become Perfect? (Part II)” for answers. We dig deeply into Scripture and discover just how God has this massive and complex process of perfecting humankind already in order. These scriptures show us a depth to God’s plan that often goes unnoticed. Don’t miss it!
God has an amazing plan that includes every human being who has ever lived. Rather than torturing billions for eternity in a fiery hell, this plan will give all of humanity a legitimate opportunity to be taught how to live in a godly and righteous way. We’re saying God’s plan gives EVERYONE an opportunity to become perfect in His sight. Now, if you look around at the condition of our world, it’s really easy to roll your eyes and think with all that’s happening, this plan of God’s is pretty lame! Well, it does look that way, but the reality is that this plan works in specific stages. There is a perfecting work happening right now, but it’s NOT focused on everyone. Our three-part series will walk through how and when Christians, non-Christians and all who have ever lived will have an opportunity for perfection.When we think of somebody being “perfect” what do we picture in our minds? Likely we imagine someone whose physical appearance is flawless, and health is exemplary. Their mind would be sharp, intuitive and brilliant and their voice would be strong and melodious. They would be creative, personable, passionate, and they would be a superb leader. All in all, this is a tall order! We might imagine Jesus fitting such a description, but it would certainly be beyond any of the rest of us.What is perfection?In the book of Matthew, Jesus was teaching about God’s graciousness of sending rain and sun upon both evil and good people. He then tells his disciples to "be perfect," just like their Father in heaven is perfect. How can this even be possible? Perfection in the New Testament can be a tricky thing. First, there are several Greek words translated into our English Bibles as “perfect.” Second, none of them mean what our original description implied. The bottom line is these words all point to becoming complete. This can mean being complete in thought or words, actions or example.Perfect or perfected?Even though Jesus was perfect, the Bible tells us he had to be “perfected” by way of suffering and experience. The same principle applies to any true disciple of Jesus. We are given the perfect gifts of justification through the blood of Jesus and God’s holy spirit. Having these things, we are also told to strive to be “perfect” - to be complete - as Christians. What does this really mean?Check out our November 27, 2023 podcast, “What is the Biblical Process to Become Perfect? (Part I - The Church)” for more. We examine how we can actually spiritually grow into the “perfection” the Bible expects of us. We define the kinds of completeness, maturity and equipping that the New Testament focuses us towards accomplishing. Finally, we also lay the groundwork for examining how God’s plan actually contains a detailed perfecting process for nonbelievers as well. Join us for Part I of this 3-part series as we uncover biblical truths about Christian life, growth and perfection!
The world around us moves so fast that it’s easy to forget to pause and consider just how profoundly God has blessed us. In the United States, somewhere tucked in between the massive Halloween parties and the exhilaration of Christmas, Santa Claus, presents and fun, is a holiday called Thanksgiving. While we won’t take the time to discuss how it came to be, we do want to remember why. Thanksgiving’s origin was actually simple. It was proclaimed to pause and consider just how profoundly blessed those settlers were to have lived through a hard winter and now experience a harvest in preparation for the next hard winter. In short, the thanksgiving they gave was to God above, period. Today we’ll talk about a similar thanksgiving to God but under the biblical name of Ebenezers.The name of a place and a rockBack in the days of ancient Israel, even before they had a king, Samuel was God’s prophet for the people. In spite of Samuel’s presence, a series of events led them down a road of essentially abandoning God for over 20 years. Finally, under Samuel’s leadership, they begin to turn back towards God. As their enemies the Philistines are preparing to attack, the people urged Samuel to pray to God for their deliverance. God does miraculously deliver them, and Samuel immediately places a big rock as a remembrance of their experience and proclaims, “Thus far the Lord has helped us.” He names the rock Ebenezer.That’s it. Other than being the name of a location, Ebenezer is not mentioned anywhere else in the Bible. So, why would we be focusing on this one little experience with a named rock for lessons about gratitude? The conclusion is that like so many other things in Scripture, there is an incredible substance beneath the surface. Think about it, this rock was just an ordinary boulder in its natural form. Why not carve it into a shape? Why not engrave something on it? And why name the rock "Ebenezer," of all things? And why say, “Thus far” the Lord has helped? Did Samuel think God was going to change His mind?Check out our November 20, 2023 podcast, “What is Your Ebenezer?” for answers. We dig into all of these questions and find an amazing depth of wisdom in the answers. With the principles we uncover, we trace Ebenezer-like experiences in the New Testament. We find that both Jesus and the Apostle Paul used these principles as valuable ways of capturing the gratitude we should have when God delivers us.Life can be hectic.It’s incredibly easy to get caught up in the current of world events, social media and the dramas of every day. All of this is really about gratitude and finding practical ways to keep thanksgiving relevant in very specific ways. It turns out, Ebenezers can be powerful and significant tools to remember God’s deliverance with heartfelt thanksgiving, if we know how to use them. Join us and learn what the prophet Samuel taught by simply naming a rock.
Way back in the 1980’s Bobby McFerrin recorded and released his very popular song, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” It's a simple and upbeat perspective on living. When you think about it, the title is a profound instruction for life. Don’t worry; instead, be happy! About 100 years before this catchy song, Hannah Whitall Smith wrote an ageless book called The Christian’s Secret of a Happy Life. In it, she detailed a powerful formula for happy living that was based on complete faith in God and fully surrendering to His will. The message in the song and the book are the same, except the book gives us solid “how to” perspectives for Christians. While we won’t be singing the song or reviewing the book, we will be applying scriptural principles that will help make happiness real in our daily Christian lives.Do you know how the Bible defines happiness?The first and perhaps most important point in figuring out what a “happy” life looks like would be to actually define the word. This might sound silly at first. After all, everyone knows what it means to be happy! But do they? When we say, “Happy Birthday,” we are wishing a person to have feelings of goodness and excitement. How about when we look at a happy coincidence? It means we observe events that came together in an unplanned but positive way. When we end a story with “happily ever after,” we are indicating that life for those involved will be smooth and contented going forward. Happy can mean many things!Biblical happiness is none of the above.As a matter of fact, biblical happiness is much more about a state of mind than it is about how we might feel in a given circumstance. The Old Testament sets the standard for happiness by the way the Hebrew word is translated. The same word can be “happy,” as in Deuteronomy 33:29, and “blessed,” as in Psalm 1:1. This suggests that happiness for those who are loyal to God is a direct result of that loyalty. It helps us begin to understand that being happy is not an emotional state; rather, it is a focused state of mind.On the surface, this can sound depressing. You might think, you mean I don’t get to be happy as a Christian? Actually, we are saying just the opposite. Christian happiness can and should be vibrant even when life is not going well. 1 Peter 4:14 says that we are happy - we are blessed - when we suffer reproach for Jesus’ sake. So, how does that work?Check out our November 13, 2023 podcast, “Is There a Secret for a Happy Christian Life?” for answers. We walk through understanding what true Christian happiness is and what it looks like. Then we then dig into the how to of actually applying it to our daily life. We also examine how Christian contentedness and happiness can give us a truly bountiful life. Join us! This is a journey worth taking as it can open our eyes to a fulfilled Christian life.
Arise and be baptized! This and many other similar scriptural statements have in many ways defined Christianity. Unfortunately, because Christianity is so splintered it applies these very important words and instructions in a wide variety of ways. Some say baptism changes you, others say it is a symbol, and others say it is necessary for heaven. Some baptize infants, others baptize children and others, adults only. Others baptize into a church or denomination, while some "baptize into Christ." Some see baptism as a necessary beginning to walk towards Christ, while others see it as a symbol of having decided to sacrificially follow Christ. How can all of this be one baptism? It can’t! What do we do with all of this? We search the Scriptures and look for the originally intended message behind Christian baptism.What's the purpose?When you think about it, baptism is a strange ritual. What would be the purpose of dunking people in water anyway? Do they need a bath? Actually, the whole concept of Christian baptism began with this general objective. Way back in the days of Moses when God gave them His Law, the people of Israel were meticulously instructed about cleanliness. Not only were they told to wash in water after being sick or in contact with a dead body, but they also had to become ceremonially clean by offering a sacrifice before the priesthood. Washing for Israel was an important act of physical cleansing that was tied to their spiritual cleansing as well.Is this what Christian baptism is all about?John the Baptist arrives on the scene with a very specific mission regarding the whole nation of Israel. He announces the coming of their Messiah and tells the people to repent and be baptized. His message to Israel is to recognize their sins and demonstrate their repentance with a physical washing - just as the Law had prescribed centuries before. So, is this what Christian baptism is all about?No. While repentance is a critical part of Christian baptism, it is only a beginning element and in no way represents the whole picture. "Baptism into Christ" has many other elements tied to it. It is important we don't confuse the two. Christians often seem to focus on the repentance part of this picture, and therefore focus on the baptism of John. While important, it does not reflect true Christian baptism.Check out our November 6, 2023 podcast, “Are Christians Really Baptized Into Christ?” for more. We put John’s baptism and baptism into Christ side-by-side. We also examine several other New Testament baptisms as well. John spoke of a "baptism of the holy spirit and of fire." Jesus spoke of his followers being baptized with the "baptism of his own suffering." The Apostle Paul spoke about being "baptized into Christ's death." How do all these differing baptisms fit together? Join us as we sort out these many New Testament references and put them in order. In the end, it all makes perfect sense, and it all teaches us amazing lessons!
We live in a diverse world, and that can be a really wonderful thing! To observe and embrace the positive differences in our cultures, our backgrounds and our characters is worthy of celebration. Appreciating the immense differences we see in nature due to geographic locations is a fascinating journey through God’s creation. But here is a problem. Diversity, just like most anything else we as imperfect humans celebrate, can go to extremes that take the basic principles of godly righteousness and corrupt them with darkness and evil. This inevitably leads to the destruction of that which is good. What has this got to do with Satan and demons? Everything! Satan and those who follow him are masters of subtlety and can easily make darkness look like light.Warning!In his letter to the Ephesian church, the Apostle Paul warns us that we in our Christian journey are wrestling against “spiritual wickedness in high places." When you think about it, this is really creepy. How do you wrestle against something that is SO much more powerful than you and that you can't even see? The answer lies in scriptural understanding, biblical faith and godly wisdom.What do we know about this spiritual wickedness? Obviously, we know it all comes from Satan and his demons. While this is a good start, all it does is label the source. Our next level of understanding needs to be based on why and how this all began. Before we go any further, a word of caution. Satanic influence is real and powerful, and our foundational rule of operation is simple. Stay away from it! Investigating satanic websites, etc. so you can understand satanic power better is a foolish and unwarranted practice. All we need to know can be found in the Bible’s very detailed explanations of how all of this came about.As we gain an understanding of the origins of this spiritual wickedness, we will also gain insight into how such evil works. Once again, the Bible gives us a very detailed outline about the process. There are many accounts in Scripture that reveal satanic tactics. The three temptations Satan brought to Jesus, demon possession and Satan “entering” Judas are some examples. As dark as these experiences were, they teach us how to perceive several methods of demonic influence. Our faith can be bolstered when we see these things and realize that they are recorded in Scripture for our protection.Check out our October 30, 2023 podcast, “How Do Satanic Demons Influence Our World?” for more. We dig into the story behind the story with the beginnings of evil satanic influence in our world. Knowing the "what," "why" and "how" of its origins clues us into some of the motivation behind demonic activities. More than this, we look at how to be prepared against the high-level evil that permeates our world. Join us for this important journey into understanding, faith, and godly wisdom as we face the dark spiritual enemies in our world.
As Christians, we all are encouraged by the scriptural principle that God’s angels are watching over us. What better hands could we be in than those who were sent by God himself to care for our very lives! As encouraging as this scriptural principle is, we need to be careful to avoid turning this reverent truth into some kind of human imagination that skews and corrupts its purity. The Bible is very specific as to the kinds of roles that angels do and do not occupy in our human lives. For us to truly appreciate how angelic influence works, we need to be prepared to accept that MANY of the notions and traditions surrounding angels are simply human-based fantasy and imagination. This may sound disappointing, but it’s actually good news, as we want to define angelic activity through God’s word and His word only!What's an angel?There is much more to God’s angels than many of us may think. First and foremost, we need to understand what an angel is. The Old and New Testament words for angel are defined as "messengers" or "deputies." This means angels serve the expressed and specific purpose of the one who sends them. This seems pretty simple and certainly not surprising, however in our human excitement, we can easily misapply this truth.Let’s get down to the basic questions.Are we as followers of Christ supposed to know anything about the guardian angels God sends to watch over us? Are we supposed to know their names, or give them names? If they are watching over us, should we be praying to them? And what about a relationship? Should we seek or desire to have some kind of communication with them? What should we expect from them? Are they there to help us out in our everyday lives, and are they in any way at our command?To understand the truthful answers to these questions, we need to prioritize exactly what we know to be true about angels. Check out our October 23, 2023 podcast, “How do Guardian Angels Take Care of Us?” for details. We look at several examples of angels doing their work in both the Old and New Testaments. What begins to unfold are the “dos and don'ts” that drive angelic intervention.First, we learn why all of God’s heavenly host are not called angels. This understanding alone sets a strong foundation for what follows. We then learn how and why angels sometimes played major roles in the experiences of certain Old Testament faithful ones. How and why did an angel intervene in Abraham’s experience with Isaac? Why did Gabriel come to Daniel and speak with him? In the New Testament, why did angels help Peter escape prison and direct Philip to convert the Ethiopian eunuch? Most importantly, why did angelic intervention diminish as the New Testament continued? Join us for this fascinating journey as we observe how God’s angels do and don’t take care of us.
In our last episode, we talked about doubt as a permanent fixture in our present world and experiences and how this can be both a positive thing as well as a negative thing. There are many ways the seeds of doubt are planted. It might be as a result of misinformation or misunderstanding. Or when we have a limited perception of our circumstances. We can doubt when we are in a difficult situation or have unmet expectations. Whatever the case may be, itis a very real part of our Christian experience. As we continue our conversation in this episode, we focus on how doubt manifested itself in the New Testament and what we can learn from it. To clearly understand it is to open the door that can diffuse it or use it, whichever brings glory to God!Choices in the New TestamentUnderstanding New Testament doubt can be tricky, as there seems to be marked differences in the kinds of doubt that are revealed. The more common words for doubt have the sense of choice and indicate a wavering or hesitation: I am presented with a dilemma and can either handle it this way or that way. On the surface, this can sound simple - you have the choices before you, so just decide already! However, rather than being simple, this kind of doubt can be somewhat paralyzing. If I focus on option A, then this or that may not happen. Option B feels safer, but then I have this inconvenient issue to handle.You of little faithThen there is that hesitation or wavering caused by looming and dramatic circumstances when we need to choose right now. The Apostle Peter getting out of the boat to walk on water towards Jesus is a great example of this. The wind is fierce, and the waves are big. Jesus tells Peter to come to him against all common sense and natural law, Peter steps out of the boat to walk on top of the water. He then wavers as he sees the strength of the wind and begins to sink. Jesus saves him then asks, “Why did you doubt, you of little faith?”Was Peter’s doubting really an example of having “little faith”? Could this in any way have been a constructive doubt? What about the women who went to Jesus’ tomb to anoint his body and found the body was gone? What about the Apostle Peter’s doubt after he had the vision that instructed him to eat the meat of unclean animals?Check out our October 16, 2023 podcast for answers. We consider these examples along with several others as we draw lessons from both constructive and destructive doubts. Doubt - just like trust - can keep us safe or get us in trouble. Join us for Part II of this series and learn how to hold on to the positive power of doubt while avoiding its negative results!
Everybody doubts. So, is this a good thing or a bad thing? The answer is a resounding yes! Doubt can be a godly tool of necessary and righteous caution just as easily as it can be an ungodly tool of imperfect human judgment and destruction. Appropriate doubt that is fact- and integrity-based is an early warning system that can keep us focused on and engaged in the most important things. This kind of doubt is a welcome addition to our lives and should be counted on. By the same token, highly charged doubt that is primarily fed by feelings and personal preferences needs to be examined and adjusted according to higher godly standards. How can we learn to doubt the doubts we should doubt without doubting the doubts that undoubtedly protect us?What (or whom) exactly are you doubting?Learning to question the doubts in our lives that need to be challenged really begins with one important question: What am I doubting? Answering this may not be as easy as we may think. For instance, we may find that we are doubting ourselves. Such doubt could be a needed and welcome warning sign for staying away from certain questionable circumstances. On the other hand, self-doubt could be detrimental to approaching a specific challenge or experience we may need to face. What if I’m doubting God? While answering this question may seem easier to understand, it also needs a bit more clarity. Am I actually doubting God, or am I doubting what I think God should be doing based on my own perspective?Is doubt destructive or constructive? Yes.Once we better understand what we are questioning we then want to look at the “why” of the matter. To help with this, we look at biblical examples of doubt, and there are plenty to choose from. As we isolate these examples, we want to put them into two specific categories - destructive doubt and constructive doubt. One clear example of destructive doubt is Eve in the Garden of Eden. She was tempted by Satan, and that temptation caused her to reconsider the specific guidelines God had previously put in place. The obvious question is, why would anyone doubt God’s personally delivered and specifically precise guidelines?Check out our October 9, 2023 podcast, “How Can I Doubt My Doubts? (Part I)" for answers. We examine the details of Eve’s doubt and compare them with other Old Testament examples of destructive doubts. This exercise begins to unfold a pattern for understanding our negative second guessing. It helps us begin identifying what the building blocks are for our different areas of doubtfulness that are not productive.We then examine how constructive doubts work and compare those building blocks with those of destructive doubt. We talk about two dramatic examples of biblical characters who used their serious doubts as tools of growth in God’s service. Join us for Part I of this eye-opening journey through one of the most common challenges that humanity faces each and every day. It is "undoubtedly" worth your attention!
Chaos rules. Just look around at the world’s social, political and moral condition. We all want what we want, and we seem to now go to greater lengths than ever before to demand that we have it. Having what we want doesn’t stop there, as we now more often than not demand that what I want is accepted by all. This chaos is not merely limited to my social media presence. Oh no, it expands into my perceived right to relabel any and every aspect of life as I see fit. From politics to family dynamics, to workplace expectations to educational environments, we are running towards a social order founded upon disorder. What are we as Christians supposed to do with all of this? How could these unsettling and monumental developments possibly be a part of God’s plan?Is the chaos more powerful than God?Because God is so powerful we might expect that He would have created a world where order and clarity rule. Looking around, our world is clearly not in line with such a seemingly simple guideline. Does this mean the chaos in our society today is beyond God’s ability to manage? The answer here is a simple no. No level of it on any level of creation is beyond God’s capacity to handle. More than that, God has and will often use the chaos of humanity as a tool to further His plan.We believe the vast majority of the conflict we see around us would - from God’s perspective - fit into the general description of what we will call “permitted chaos.” While chaos can mean complete disorder, it can also mean a disorder that is beyond our capacity to understand or measure. What we see as ridiculously out of control, God can see as a state of affairs that are a means to an end.Chaos, or perceived chaos, exists in every level of life. It is easy to see it in the big things, like international conflicts and political rivalries. On these levels, we observe the news through whatever version of reporting we have chosen, and then we respond. Our response is often filled with angst and frustration, as what we observed, no matter whose side we are on, is going the wrong way.Enter our social media experience.We tell people what we think and often do so in an unfiltered and harsh manner. We now are chaos contributors as we further provoke the ill will and combativeness we are already fed up with.All of this seems to be a vicious cycle of never-ending unrest. So, what do we do? Check out our October 2, 2023 podcast, “Can We Be Content With Chaos?” for more. We examine the varied kinds of “permitted chaos” God allows to affect our lives and establish patterns of response. In this world, chaos is a given, until God’s kingdom is established. Join us as we face its challenge and find ways to have godly contentment as we cope. This is a journey well worth taking!
To claim the name of Christ and call ourselves Christians means we are claiming ourselves to be separate from the world. This sounds like a noble claim - and it is - though sometimes you’d never know it. Think about how many people make this claim and bear the Christian label but seem to be just like everyone else. This is a sad testimony to how, over time, Christian practices have been severely diluted. In many cases, this watered-down approach is to the point of not even being able to recognize true Christian principles. For someone who has just come to Christ, this can be a serious challenge. Are these new Christians being guided into the process of following Jesus’ footsteps, or to some other examples? What should any and every new Christian be focused on learning and growing towards?Let’s begin with the bottom line.To be a Christian is work, and this work actually begins even before we claim the name of Jesus. The seemingly little-known fact of the matter is, we don’t simply choose to be Christians; rather, we are called to be Christians. We know this because it was a plain statement of Jesus that he gave as a response to some who were grumbling at his teachings. He said, “No one comes to me except the Father draw him.” So, where is the work? It begins with being open to God’s call. Because this call is NOT an audible voice, those who are called need to be attuned to the change God is drawing them to.Our response.Once we are aware of this drawing, our next task is to respond. Jesus informed us throughs parables that responding to the call of discipleship requires an investment of thought and consideration. For many of us, our experience in coming to Christ was energized and emotional. We realized that we were sinners, and we ran towards Jesus for the forgiveness of those sins. While this certainly is a good beginning, it is not what true discipleship is all about. You don’t simply get emotional and then essentially sign a contract that requires you deny yourself, take up your cross daily and follow Jesus!Hearing this approach to being a Christian can come across as depressing. All we have talked about is work, thinking, sacrifice and dying for Jesus. Is it really all just work and effort? Of course not! There is MUCH more to this call. Check out our September 25, 2023 podcast, “I’m a New Christian! Now What?” for more. Along with the work, we also examine the blessings. After all, Jesus said that his true followers would be with him in heaven. He said that God’s spirit would dwell within them and guide them. He said that he would give them rest, that his "yoke is easy" and his "burden is light.” Join us as we look at the whole of the journey that true Christians are called to take. It is so worth it!
As we have discovered from Parts I and II of this series, God is the Mighty One who has power and authority. He is the Self-Existing One who created humanity in His image for the purpose of having a personal relationship with them. Planet Earth was and is to be the eternal habitation of this human family. As God revealed Himself through man’s experiences, many aspects of His character became evident. He is the Supreme and Exalted Sovereign. He is all-sufficient and caring, and He continually provides. Not only is He "Jehovah Elohim" of individuals, but He is "Jehovah of Hosts." He sanctifies, shepherds and brings peace to those who follow Him. He is our rock, our fortress, and through His providence, He provides salvation. This is a mere sampling of the breadth of God’s character as revealed in the Old Testament.New Testament/New DepthWith the depth of explanation of who God in the Old Testament, you would think there would be little to add or clarify in the New Testament. Well, nothing could be further from the truth! The New Testament does far more than expand our understanding of God’s name, nature and character. It opens up a whole level of meaning and gives us a whole new depth of appreciation as well.The way this all happens is really quite simple. In the first two parts of this series, we saw specific and dynamic patterns unfold. The further God’s plan unfolded, the more clearly He was able to be understood. In the beginning, God was the God of power and authority. After all, He created the heavens and the earth. He then became known as the God of relationship as it was revealed that the entire creative process was to accommodate His human creation. Fast forward, and Abraham became a "friend" of God. Fast forward again to when Israel was delivered from slavery and God became the "Lord of Hosts!" From there, He was sanctifier, protector, shepherd, and so much more. As time went on, so the understanding of God increased."Father," a radically new titleNow the New Testament rolls in, and it’s time for Jesus to come as the Messiah. This would represent THE single most significant step forward in all of God’s plan. Jesus would come to cancel all of sin for all of humanity through his sacrifice. Such a world-changing step brought a world-changing view of God along with it. And it all came down to one simple common word that had been used through every generation of humanity’s history: Father.Jesus proclaimed God to be his Father. This had never happened before and would have been a shocking change. More than this, Jesus said that those who followed him would also be able to claim God as their Father! What did all of this mean? Check out our September 18, 2023 podcast, “Who is God? (Part III)” for more. We delve deeply into this amazing description of God and all that it implies. Join us as we work to wrap our own minds around this profound, reverent and inspirational way to better understand God our Father!
So many people believe God is a man-made myth. They see Him as a figment of the imagination of religious zealots who desperately seek some kind of higher power. When you look at mythological gods or the gods of some religious factions, you can certainly see the reasoning for that point. However, when we look at the God of the Bible, it has to be an entirely different story. What other book, what other belief system, gives you such a detailed and specific approach to knowing who God is the way the Bible does? In Part I of our series, we focused on God’s introduction to the world of humanity in Genesis chapters 1 and 2. We then focused on how God revealed Himself to Abraham. As we begin this second part of our series, let’s recap how God has been revealed through creation and Abraham. This will set the stage for the next steps of seeing who God is.
Yes, the account of Exodus is indeed a reliable account from eyewitnesses. It properly narrates the work of God in directing Moses in his God given task of leading the Israelites out of captivity — just as God promised to Abraham, that he would do (Genesis 15:13, 14). Not only did God work mighty acts to deliver Israel, but when in the wilderness at Mount Sinai, God, through an angel, spoke the 10 commandments to all the people of Israel, verbally, out of heaven — the whole camp heard the words. Note the record of this in Exodus 19:25 through Exodus 20:19. (Only later did Moses ascend the mount and bring down the written tablets.)
People who do not believe in God, or question the integrity of the Bible, assume that any reference to such mighty acts of God are false. In which case every thing that seems odd to them in the account given, are taken to be signs of some false narrative.
The Israelites did not walk lined up in single file, or even 20 abreast. They were gathered by tribes, each tribe had their respective leaders, who led their people under the direction of Moses. Regarding the Red Sea crossing, the record is that the Sea was pushed back by strong winds, which would therefore dry a large portion, not a narrow strip. After the Israelites crossed for several hours during the night, the winds shifted, the sea returned, and the Egyptians — who had been held up until the Israelites crossed — pursued them as the sea came back to strength.
Yam sûp/yam suf/yam suph in Hebrew (pronounced yahm soof and translated into English as “Red Sea”) literally means “sea of reeds” and appears many times in the Bible. In a number of these instances, it clearly refers to the body of water we know as the Red Sea (including its two northern fingers, the Gulf of Suez and the Gulf of Eilat or Aqaba).
As to the location of “Yam Suph,” 1 Kings 9:26 uses this expression to refer to what is now called the Gulf of Aqaba, which is the north eastern branch of the Red Sea. Whether the expression “Yam Suph” used in Exodus intends to mean one of the branches of the Red Sea, or another lake north of the western arm of the Red Sea, is an engaging area to discuss — but does not bear on the truth of the narrative. It is apparent that Jesus considered the narrative of the Old Testament respecting Moses as an accurate account, when he referred to them freely (Matthew 8:4, 19:7 among others).
In the notable work by Kathleen Kenyon, “Digging Up Jericho,” 1957, chapter 8, “Nomadic Invaders,” discusses the mysterious Middle Bronze I invaders of Canaan. These are people who crossed the Suez, and left their hand made Middle Bronze I pottery remains across the northern Sinai. Later they journeyed southward to the northern tip of the Gulf of Aqaba, then journeyed north east to the eastern plains of the Jordan, crossed the Jordan, took Jericho, Ai, then fanned out and took Canaan. Kenyon was unable to identify these people, because of the incorrect dating applied in those days — various writers now recognize these as the Israelites.
To learn more about the life of Moses listen to, “What Does Moses the Deliverer Teach Us About Jesus?”
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Whether we like it or not or believe it or not, the presence of powers higher than our human understanding cannot be denied. The debate begins and rages when we try to label these powers. Our human perspectives, belief systems and even how we claim to apply science all come into play here. As Christians, […]
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When Jesus ascended to heaven, he told his disciples in Matthew 28, “Go and make disciples of all the nations.” He told them to baptize these disciples and teach them all that he had taught and commanded them to know and do. Ten days later, God’s spirit came upon the apostles, and this is where […]
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In 2 Corinthians 12:2 the Apostle Paul was given a very vivid vision and revelation of the promised future kingdom rulership which will bring blessing to all people. This verse is complex so it is helpful to break things down to understand what is being said. “I know a man in Christ who fourteen years […]
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Parents and Bible class teachers, this short, animated video helps kids recognize that jealousy only leads to trouble. Subscribe to our channel at ChristianQuestions.com/YouTube and never miss a new video!
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n our last episode, we talked about many big picture aspects of how the humbling and amazing privilege of prayer works. We learned that, as is usually the case with true Christian discipleship, there is much more to praying than talking to God about things and letting him know what we need and want. Today we will focus on the details of our prayer life. We will look at many of those simple questions about the practicality of prayer. Questions like, how do we fit prayer into busy lives? How do we pray when we are not feeling grateful for anything? How do we know if God is answering our prayers or if we are just making up answers?
Revelation is a highly symbolic book that requires careful study to understand what each of the seven seals of the scroll means. The scroll in Revelation first appears in chapter 5:1-5: “And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with […]
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Prayer is an incalculably awesome privilege, and yet it is massively misunderstood. Prayer can easily become a ritual, an almost automatic activity like brushing our teeth. We know we need to do it because we know it’s really good for us. So, we do it at what we think are the appropriate times and in the appropriate ways. Prayer can also become a time of wishful thinking, a time when we essentially tell God how our lives could and should look. It can also become a complaining session, a finger pointing session and even a pity party. Wait, let’s take a breath! Prayer is the opportunity and privilege to talk to the God of all things through His son Jesus. If we are going to use this amazing tool, we want to be absolutely clear as to how it works and why it works!
The new world order will not be one created by man. No one has the power or intelligence to bring harmony out of this chaotic world. We are more divided as a people today than we have been for a long time. There is only one possibility for a true world order. It is one […]
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It can be challenging to feel that even when we want to preach the gospel, we are not living it perfectly and therefore have no credibility to preach it to others. Even the Apostle Paul struggled with similar feelings. In his letter to the Christians in Rome he wrote, “For I do not understand my […]
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It is a natural human response to want to be recognized for who we are and for what we contribute. This is easy to observe. Just look at a small child who does something to be helpful or obedient. When their parent recognizes and praises their behavior, their face beams with delight! While it is positive and nurturing to praise growth and maturity, we also need to be wary. As with anything else that provokes goodness in our sinful world, the simplicity of building another up can be misrepresented and funneled into the ever-growing competition for status among our peers. Now it’s no longer about building up, it is all about establishing our place in the pecking order and fighting our way to be higher up on that ladder. This is NOT a new phenomenon as the Bible has MUCH to say about avoiding it!
In our last episode, we spoke with our good friend and brother in Christ, Howie Clare, from New Zealand. We met him through our Christian Questions ministry several years ago. Howie’s life had forever changed when his wife of 12 years left him with no explanation. To try and help him cope with his profound sorrow and loss, his son suggested he listen to Christian podcasts, and that's how he found us. He not only became a listener, he also reached out to us via e-mail which led to our meeting him via Zoom and studying with him. All of this led to several other changes in his life as his hunger for and enlightenment through scriptural truth drove him to many unforeseen steps and life decisions.
Because the Bible does not specifically address this question, we have to use biblical principles to determine what is right for each of us. Determining whether or not a choice like wearing a bikini is a sin or if it is godly requires the use of both biblical principles as well as determining what our […]
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144,000 is the actual number of those sealed by God that will comprise the church class and bride of Christ (See Revelation 7:4). To some, this appears to be a very small number of those that have faithfully served God. After all, there are many people in the Old Testament who served God despite great […]
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Today we want to talk about freedom. Not freedom in the sense of being released from some form of physical captivity, and not freedom in the sense of being able to express yourself without fear. No, the freedom we want to focus on is bigger and deeper. It is the freedom we can be given […]
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Israel. Just say the name and likely if anyone listening follows anything about events on the world stage, they will have a strong opinion one way or another. This is fascinating because the nations of Togo and Honduras, while not well-recognized in world events, have about the same population as Israel. What is it about this tiny nation on this tiny sliver of land that draws such attention? Biblically, there are thousands of years of history and events that keep Israel in the forefront of world events. From a Christian perspective, we know God had cast them off as a result of rejecting Jesus as their Messiah. So, what’s the story with that consequence? Did Israel lose their standing with God on a permanent basis, or is there hope for their future? If there is hope, what does it look like?
Parents and Bible class teachers, this short, animated video shows us that no one is immune to idolatry in our day. Just because we may not have golden calves in our homes doesn’t mean we don’t focus too much time elsewhere instead of in prayer and Bible study. Subscribe to our channel at ChristianQuestions.com/YouTube and […]
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We have all been wronged by someone. Sometimes the wrong is especially deep and hurtful, and we are debilitated by it. We have all also heard the saying “forgive and forget." The forgiving part sounds like a really magnanimous Christian thing to do. However, it can be deeply challenging, depending upon the hurt we have suffered. The “forgetting” part? Well, that can be overwhelmingly difficult - and in many cases may not even be possible. So, what is a Christian to do? How do we know who and when to forgive? Are the biblical “rules” for forgiving others always the same? What if I forgive and really mean it but then begin to feel like I want to change my mind?
If we make promises, we should keep them. This statement seems simple enough, and yet when we look around, how much confidence do we have in it? Do we see an unequivocal keeping of promises in our political leadership? Do we see it in the business world? The world of advertising or education? Do we even see it in our family and social interactions? In our last episode, we spoke extensively about the fact that God is absolutely a God of promise – what He says, He always does. We as Christians are bound to His promise-keeping standard of excellence as the model for our own words and actions. So, how do we go about raising the bar with our own commitments? What instructions can we find in God’s word that will focus us on keeping our word?
Parents and Bible class teachers, this short, animated video defines the many meanings of the word ‘blessing’ in an easy way. Subscribe to our channel at ChristianQuestions.com/YouTube and never miss a new video!
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As Christians, our faith in God should translate into an unquestionable loyalty and trust. If God says something will be so, it is a guarantee it will happen. While this deep faith in the word of God should bring a powerful comfort to our lives, it's also capable of bringing us serious doubts and concerns. How can this be? If God is as good as His word (and He is), then where do the doubts come from? They arise when we do not understand or misapply His Word. They arise when we ourselves stand outside of the circle of God’s protective providence and seek to claim promises not meant for us. In other words, God’s promises to Christians are only meant for true disciples of Jesus. This may sound like an excuse to some, but it is in fact a basis for how God’s favor works in the lives of His true children.
In John 7:16, 17 we read, “Jesus answered them, and said, ‘My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.’” Jesus felt a deep obligation to make sure he was teaching the […]
The post Why do pastors stray from the Bible and teach their own ideas and opinions? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.
Patience is one of the most understated yet powerful characteristics any human being can have. Most of us think of patience as simply waiting things out – it’s raining and we can’t start the game until it stops, so let’s be patient. While this is a true facet of patience, biblical patience goes much further . The Bible teaches us the kind of patience one needs when going through a hard and perhaps painful experience. This kind of patience adds a factor of endurance to the necessary waiting, as one needs to bear a burden or discomfort for a time. Interestingly, the New Testament adds yet another dimension to the kind of patience we as Christians are supposed to have. As we shall soon see, this kind of patience is all about self-restraint. The question is, am I personally and truly living a life of Christlike patience?
Parents and Bible class teachers, this short, animated video helps kids understand the purpose of rules. Subscribe to our channel at ChristianQuestions.com/YouTube and never miss a new video!
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The Lord’s prayer in Matthew chapter 6 is perhaps the most commonly quoted teaching of Jesus. This prayer is simple and pointed in its focus. “Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name.” This beginning teaches us not only to acknowledge God as Father but to hallow, to reverence, His very name. The […]
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The carcass refers to a freshly slain animal. In this scripture, it symbolizes Jesus’s death on the cross. Jesus is pictured as a slain lamb in Revelation 5:6 (NKJV), “And I looked, and behold, in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, stood a […]
The post What does the scripture, “For wherever the carcass is, there the eagles will be gathered together,” (Matthew 24:28) mean? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.
It seems like it would be a no brainer to say that following Christ and following Christianity today are synonymous. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Imperfect human beings have always been very adept at creating alternative interpretations and approaches to most everything. Christianity is no exception. In Part I of our 2-part series, we began looking at some specific teachings of Jesus. We began holding Christianity up to the light of Jesus’ words and asked how we were doing with this. We continue the process in Part II. Even though we are asking about Christianity, the resounding question that begs for an answer is this: Am I personally choosing to follow Christ and his original teaching, or am I personally settling for some form of watered-down Christianity instead?
The post Is Following Christ the Same as Following Christianity? (Part II) appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.
Parents and Bible class teachers, this short, animated video examines the roles and characteristics of angels. Subscribe to our channel at ChristianQuestions.com/YouTube and never miss a new video!
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When someone says they are a Christian, their claim can be easily interpreted in a variety of ways. Unfortunately, following the name of Christ has been a dramatically devalued description of religion over many centuries. Think back to the Dark Ages when the church mercilessly hunted, tortured and killed non-believers for the sake of “saving souls” in the name of Christ. Think about the smorgasbord of choices one now has available. We can choose a brand of Christianity that suits our lifestyle and fulfills our preferences. Being a disciple of Jesus Christ was not always this way. In the time of Jesus and the apostles, it meant something higher and had an eternal purpose. The question we all need to ask ourselves is simple. Is my chosen brand of Christianity in complete accord with Jesus’ original teachings?
The post Is Following Christ the Same as Following Christianity? (Part I) appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.
As a Christian, taking the time to understand what we think about is a worthy and necessary investment of our time and effort. When you look at anyone who is truly successful at any endeavor, you will always find that one of the common denominators of their success is controlling their minds. In Part I of this two-part series, we spent considerable time piecing together the groundwork that the Apostle Paul laid out in Philippians 4 as a basis for productive Christian thinking. He understood the demands of Christianity and cared enough about his fellow disciples to teach us not only what he knew, but how to apply that knowledge. One major result of his spiritual wisdom was the letter he wrote to the Philippians.
Most of us don’t realize just much of our lives come down to our own personal choices. We have far more power over how we handle our everyday experiences than we give ourselves credit for. Why wouldn’t we claim this power so we can better influence our path? Because we subtly and regularly fall into habits of thinking that lull us into a lukewarm and compliant attitude of submission. The Apostle Paul was all about helping us, as his fellow disciples of Christ, challenge the status quo and reset our minds so we can daily think and choose with spiritual clarity. Much of the letter he wrote to the Philippian Christians focused in on the adverse conditions in life and how to think through them. Examining this letter is the first step to better focusing our Christian thinking!
The Apostle Paul really loved his fellow Christians at Philippi. While on house arrest under Roman guard, he wrote them a comprehensive letter concerning their Christian growth and development. One of his conclusionary teachings in this letter is found in the commonly read verse of Philippians 4:8. Paraphrased it says, “Finally, whatever is true, honorable, right, pure lovely or of good report, if there is anything excellent or praiseworthy, dwell on these things.”
This letter to the Philippians is a tutorial on several of the high standards that true discipleship requires. Paul showed us how to handle limiting circumstances by talking about his own imprisonment. He implored all of his brethren to work through their issues in a unified fashion. He focused us on the importance of leaving our old standards of success behind and instead seeking success in a life of sacrifice. These and many other teachings were all in place to address the building up of a mature Christian mind.
A special listPaul then gave us the list of things he pointed us to and what we should dwell upon. This was no mere listing of nice things to preoccupied us. This was a list of solid, connected, sequential and spiritually-sound priorities. Dwelling on them meant we were to use them as solid foundation stones of our Christian lives.
First on this list was the instruction to dwell on what is true. As we dig more deeply into his teaching, we realize the apostle was pointing us not to general worldly truth, but to godly eternal truth. All of the rest of his “think about this” list had its foundation in this solid beginning. Check out our May 15, 2023 podcast, “We Are What We Think About, So What Are We Thinking About? (Part I)” for more. After comprehensively summarizing the letter to the Philippians, we delve into the meaning of what is true, what is honorable, what is right and what is pure. What we find is the beginnings of a profound and life-altering approach to setting our minds up for true Christian thinking. Join us as we begin to learn what to think about and how to think about it!
The thought that God is a God of anger – especially in the Old Testament – is alive and well. It’s a very convenient thought. All one has to do is select from the many passages in the Old Testament that show God commanding the destruction of this or that people. It’s easy to say He has anger issues and therefore should not be worshipped. The only problem is that this conclusion is in direct opposition to the truth. To grasp the correct thought, we need to begin by focusing on putting God’s anger into its proper context. This basic exercise opens up a perspective on God’s anger that redefines it. Simply stated, God’s anger is an occasionally used tool of His overwhelmingly just, loving, wise and powerful character. He is SO much bigger than He is given credit for.
Parents and Bible class teachers, this short, animated video discusses practical ways for kids to make the right choices. Subscribe to our channel at ChristianQuestions.com/YouTube and never miss a new video!
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We all know someone who has been in some kind of altercation that didn’t end well. When we go back and look at the events, we always want to know who started it. What we are looking for is who initially provoked the other party to cause the chain of events that led to someone on some level being hurt. The point is, provoking one another is not usually looked at as a good thing as we think of things like sibling rivalries or having someone “push your buttons.” However, with an appropriate approach, provoking others can be a powerful tool as it can stimulate them to positive action and conflict resolution. So, how do we do that? How do we provoke others towards everything good and avoid provoking them towards anything bad?
The post How Do We Positively Provoke Others Without Offending Them? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.
Parents and Bible class teachers, this short, animated video highlights the reasons we can rely on the Bible as God’s word. Subscribe to our channel at ChristianQuestions.com/YouTube and never miss a new video!
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The Bible does not contradict with science that the earth is millions of years old. But how long have people been on the earth from the time of the first man Adam? We believe based on Bible chronology that it is around 6,000 years. Neanderthals and other non-human animals with human-like traits could have been in existence prior to Adam and Eve, as animals were created by God first. They could have continued to live simultaneously with humans as well.
Human DNA is passed down from both mother and father. Mitochondrial DNA, however, is only from the mother. The current scientific presumption is that all human mitochondria descended from a single mother. Ironically, this one female ancestor has been dubbed “Eve” or “Mitochondrial Eve.”
Neanderthals had mitochondria like every other living creature who is not bacteria, but their mitochondria clearly were not from “Eve.” Therefore, they are not human but are animals, created at some point according to the book of Genesis. They may have lived at the same time as humans, which would not disagree with the biblical record.
We refer you to an article called “Eve, the Mother of Us All”, for more explanation.
In trying to make them sound human, much is reported that Neanderthals acted in similar ways as humans, such as evidence of flower remains found at a Neanderthal burial site. However, grave practices are not just human, so Neanderthal practices would not automatically put them in the human family. Elephants revisit the bones of their dead and scatter them around. Dolphins and chimps handle their dead with respect and mourning. The records of dogs mourning for their owners are replete with touching examples. The Australian Bower Bird males arrange the nests with an eye to design, color and introducing shiny objects from civilization. These are not signs of being human.
The oldest ACTUAL human is debatable. Of course, creationists are looking for a number around 6,000 years to correspond with the biblical record. As one can imagine, this is a complicated subject. Historically scientists have said humans lived hundreds of thousands of years ago, but there are admitted problems with the dating and recent hypotheses are getting closer and closer to that 6,000 figure.
To learn more about the events surrounding creation listen to,
“What Profound Secret Does Creation Reveal? (Contradictions Part V)
To learn more about how the Bible and science work together listen to,
“Does Science Prove Intelligent Design?”
The post What does the Bible say about Neanderthals? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.
The Bible does not give us the answer, but the question assumes Satan knew or believed it would lead to mankind’s salvation. Had he known that fact he would likely have acted differently. While his ultimate destruction is clearly shown in Revelation 20, the New Testament had yet to be completed at the time of the crucifixion.
He was not privy to God’s plan and possibly viewed the crucifixion as a total victory, and therefore a failure on Jesus’ part for not saving himself and proclaiming himself a king as the crowds expected. Cutting off this Messiah before he had a chance to do anything significant might have seemed like the best way to thwart mankind’s salvation.
While the Old Testament is full of prophecies of Jesus’ suffering and the events leading up to his death, even the learned Pharisees missed the import of what Jesus was doing. For example, while Jesus was on the cross, priests and Pharisees taunted him in Matthew 27:43 by quoting Psalm 22:8.
In the same way the chief priests also, along with the scribes and elders, were mocking him and saying, “He saved others; He cannot save Himself. He is the King of Israel; let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe in Him. HE TRUSTS IN GOD; LET GOD RESCUE Him now, IF HE DELIGHTS IN HIM; for he said, ‘I am the Son of God.'”
Matthew 27:41-43
Not realizing its context, they themselves were fulfilling prophecy and ridiculing their own Savior.
But I am a worm and not a man, a reproach of men and despised by the people. All who see me sneer at me; they separate with the lip, they wag the head, saying, “Commit yourself to the LORD; let Him deliver him; Let Him rescue him, because He delights in him.” Psalm 22:6-8
Perhaps even today, in his arrogance, Satan thinks he can somehow still thwart God’s divine plan. He may think he can degrade enough humans away from God that they would be lost to second death and unable to walk up the highway of holiness in God’s future kingdom. He might consider this a sick kind of victory, wanting to bring as many away from God as possible.
To learn more about God’s plan for mankind and how it relates to Satan listen to,
“Why Doesn’t God Just Destroy Satan?”
To learn more about the prophecies concerning Jesus’ death and his fulfillment listen to,
“When Jesus Said ‘It Is Finished.” What Did He Begin?”
The post Why did Satan want Jesus to die if he knew it lead to the salvation of mankind? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.
“It is finished.” When Jesus said these three words, he signaled an ending. He proclaimed to those who were gazing upon his beaten and crucified body that he had completed a specific set of tasks successfully. He had done what he had set out to do. Looking back on this event, some may wonder, what did he really accomplish? If we are living God’s plan, it sure seems disjointed, broken and worthless. But all they can see are the tragedies of human choices and experiences. As we look more deeply into the final moments of Jesus’ earthly life, we will see how they were a catalyst to change the downward sin and death-ridden course that Satan had begun so long before. We will see that Jesus proclaiming, “It is finished” was also a victorious proclamation of what was to begin!
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The last week of Jesus’ earthly life was both eventful and tumultuous. His riding triumphantly into Jerusalem four days before his crucifixion was a dramatic and unmistakable display of hope and respect by the hundreds of thousands who honored him as he rode. The events that would take place after his kingly entrance into the city would also be dramatic, as the wheels of betrayal and murder would furiously spin towards their grisly end. Through all of this, Jesus never faltered in his character or objectives. Today we will focus on the powerful messages and prophetic fulfillments that came from his inspiring ride into Jerusalem, as its meaning is far deeper than many realize.
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It is a given that life is stressful. We all know that the sheer quantity of input that we are each exposed to from the various parts of our lives is overwhelming. Now come the decisions. Do I watch, do I listen, do I click, do I respond, do I message, do I like? Now comes what is supposed to be the main part of our day, our work, or schooling or caregiving and attempting to do a good job. Next comes our down time, which for many is laughable. It is now in our downtime that we watch, listen, click, respond, message and like, so downtime easily becomes Stress Time. As Christians, we are supposed to have God’s peace covering our lives. I say “supposed to” because many of us have a really hard time finding that peace in the midst of our daily chaos. Where are we going wrong, and how do we correct it?
The post If I Have God’s Peace, Why Am I So Stressed? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.
Parents and Bible class teachers, this short, animated video concisely sums up all 10 plagues with non-scary graphics to illustrate. Subscribe to our channel at ChristianQuestions.com/YouTube and never miss a new video!
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It’s not too often that those who are young adults rise up to be the heroes of the day. Usually they are in the “figuring life out” stage, but occasionally there comes a young adult who is living far beyond that perplexity. David, who would become known as “a man after God’s own heart,” was such a young man. This designation would be made apparent when he visited the battlefront to bring food to his brothers and ended up defeating Goliath. Now, the story of his battle with Goliath is well-known, but the events leading up to that battle? Well, they deserve our attention. Focusing on what David already believed and thought – and what he said and did as a result – will reveal Five Points to a Stronger Christian Life for us. Why not learn how to be more focused on God’s will from a man after God’s own heart?
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Parents and Bible teachers, this short, animated video features key scriptures from Proverbs and then matches them with practical advice for our young people. Subscribe to our channel at ChristianQuestions.com/YouTube and never miss a new video!
The post VIDEO: What Are Some Wisdom Lessons for Children About Our Actions? (Part II) appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.
When God miraculously rescued His people from Egyptian slavery and established Israel as a nation, He put a system of rulership through judges in place that did not include having a king. We all know what happened. The people complained to the prophet Samuel because they wanted a king like everybody else. Even though they were warned of the dire consequences that a monarch would bring, they stood fast in their desire, so God let them have their way. Saul was Israel’s first king, and we all know how that ended. David was their second king, and his life and reign ended with turmoil. Solomon was their third king. His reign began in wisdom and faithfulness and ended in the grip of idolatry. From that time on, Israel’s unity fractured, and they would never have a king to rule over their entire nation again. What happened? Israel and its rulers would teach us how easy it is to throw away great privilege!
The post Am I Throwing Away My Life’s Greatest Privilege? (Part I) appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.
Human relationships are a key factor in human survival and well-being. We need them, and God has designed humanity in such a way as to thrive when healthy relationships are present. In Part I and Part II of this three part series, we drilled down into marriage relationships, as well as family and close friend relationships. We found striking similarities in the “how to” of making these relationships stronger. Much of our input came from 1 Corinthians 13, the “Love chapter.” In our final episode of this series, we now look at our relationships within our Christian fellowship. Though the principles remain the same, what we will find here are some significant differences and challenges unique to our calling to Christ.
The post Ep. 1270: How Strong Are My Relationships? (Part III) appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.
Parents and Bible teachers, this short, animated video features key scriptures from Proverbs and then matches them with practical advice for our young people. Subscribe to our channel at ChristianQuestions.com/YouTube and never miss a new video!
The post VIDEO: What Are Some Wisdom Lessons for Children About Our Actions? (Part I) appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.
In Part I, we opened the door to talking about strong and healthy relationships by focusing on marriage. We looked at what it is built upon, what makes it work, what hinders it and how to stay with it when challenges arise. We discovered a powerful scriptural pattern for success that can be traced to the simple descriptions of what selfless love is and is not in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. Our next set of relationships will focus on our families and closest friends. In many ways, these relationships have a similarity to the marriage relationship and what it stands for and therefore can be nurtured and healed with the same scriptural principles. God’s design in all of this is truly magnificent!
The post How Strongs Are My Relationships? (Part II) appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.
This may sound odd, but for a moment think about your personal relationships like a car. You depend on your car though you generally don’t think much about it. When you get in it you are ready to go, and if it doesn’t start or it breaks down, it creates issues. A lack of attention and maintenance will inevitably bring trouble. Proper maintenance is key to keep it running smoothly and to keeping you happy. Well, our personal relationships are immeasurably more important than our car, so we need to keep them in good working order as well. Because there are so many kinds of personal relationships, let’s start by looking at marriage. What are some basic principles to keep our Christian marriage going and growing?
The post How Strong Are My Relationships? (Part I) appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.
Parents and Bible teachers, this short, animated video features key scriptures from Proverbs and then matches them with practical advice for our young people. Subscribe to our channel at ChristianQuestions.com/YouTube and never miss a new video!
The post VIDEO: What Are Some Wisdom Lessons for Children About Our Character? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.
We all would agree that truth is important. Legally we know it is critical. When you are pressed to speak the truth under oath in the United States, you are asked, “Do you solemnly swear/affirm that you will tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God/under pains and penalties of perjury? As important as this sounds, we human beings are often lazy about truth and even afraid of it. Winston Churchill once said, “Men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing had happened.” So, what is truth? Are there absolute truths? How can we know which truths are reliable and which ones are merely situational?
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There are some questions that are just plain difficult. One of those questions that many believers in God may wrestle with has to do with God seemingly allowing Satan to run the show. Let’s face it, evil stinks and we just want it to go away. Yet, God has continued to let Satan’s influence dominate our world for thousands of years! Most Christians believe God is absolutely capable of destroying Satan but begins to fall short when asked why it has not yet happened. Answers touch on God creating all of His spiritual and earthly intelligent beings with free choice, and this is a great start. The key factor in all of this is seeing HOW God gives each being’s free choice the ability to have fair and just choices.
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Everybody sins. We can’t help it because we are imperfect, and therefore we will inevitably fall. As Christians, we can and should claim the amazing advocacy of Jesus, ask forgiveness, make right what we did wrong and move on. But are there sins that go beyond what Jesus can help us with? Are there “unforgivable” sins? Are there sins that once committed doom us to eternal death? The Scriptures do say such sins exist. The good news is the Bible is specific about what they are and how they work. The difficult news is that some verses are hard to understand, and that can lead to confusion. So, what are sins that go beyond forgiveness, and how can we stay far away from them?
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The Bible is full of examples of God’s love, justice, wisdom, power and plan. It is a fountain of mercy and foresight, and a treasure trove of prophecy. Understanding the magnitude of all these things helps us see God as the Sovereign Creator and Father that He really is. But wait, there’s more! Running through ALL of the descriptions we just mentioned is another facet of God’s character – His grace. The word for “grace”in the Bible has many shades of meaning. When we understand how this word is applied to God in both the Old and New Testaments, we are given a profound glimpse into the depth and breadth of His character. God’s grace is and always has been a game changer. Let’s see how!
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Parents and Bible teachers, this short, animated video features key scriptures and matches them with practical advice for our young people. Subscribe to our channel at ChristianQuestions.com/YouTube and never miss a new video!
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We all know people who are visionaries, you know, the kind of people who change the world around them. They see things others don’t. They imagine possibilities others can’t. This often results in them taking risks in ways others won’t. While we appreciate these trendsetters, most of us are not that kind of visionary. However, we can and should be visionaries for our own lives. So, where do we find the inspiration and guidance for our life’s vision? As Christians, the obvious answer is to look to the Bible. The only problem with this is, we often see the Scriptures through the eyes of our own limitations. Today, let’s look more closely to see if we can find a biblically-motivated vision for our lives that we can really invest ourselves into.
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The rapture is a controversial teaching with its basis on one short set of verses in 1st Thessalonians. It is a teaching that has a wide spectrum of interpretations and applications. This teaching tightly unites those who believe in it, but more and more it terrifies many who have some association with it. In parts I and II of our 3-part series, we began systematically walking through the scriptures in question. As we have attempted to clearly define each element contained in these scriptures, we have seen many of the contradictions and inconsistencies with this rapture teaching rise to the surface. In Part III, we closely examine what it means to be “caught up with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.” Our only objective is to adhere to what the scriptures really teach and walk away from anything else.
The post Do I Suffer From Rapture Anxiety? (Part III) appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.
Parents and Bible class teachers, this short, animated video uses the examples of Jesus to teach lessons of obedience for us today. Subscribe to our channel at ChristianQuestions.com/YouTube and never miss a new video!
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Christmas is such a great time of year! It gives people something to look forward to, something to be excited about. Decorations spring up and brighten our environment. We love giving gifts and we certainly love receiving them. Most of us get some extra time off to be with family or to just be able to do things. The sad thing is the foundational reason behind this great time of year has become less and less relevant. All of this giving and good will stems from recognizing and honoring the birth of the most influential and heroic human being in all of world history. With the birth of Jesus, the world began to change. For most people that change has been imperceptible for the last 2,000 years, but it is happening. How do we know? An angel told us! Did you hear what he said?
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God’s plan for humanity is powerful, positive and proactive and is built upon the ransom price Jesus paid for every man, woman and child who ever lived. This plan is one of great joy! All scriptural events and prophecies point to the unfolding of this plan. As we observed in Part I of this series, the widely-held Christian teaching of the rapture, in all of its varied interpretations, does not seem to fall in line with this plan. Instead of hope, it seems to bring distress and chaos. In Part I, we began systematically looking at the key elements of the scriptures from which this teaching is drawn Our objective is to look at these texts in the context of the Bible itself and not the context of our opinions or our church’s doctrine. Here in part II, we continue to unfold what we believe God’s word actually teaches.
The post Do I Suffer From Rapture Anxiety? (Part II) appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.
Parents and Bible class teachers, this short, animated video lists the many things the holy spirit does to help faithful Christians. It’s an easy-to-understand video that removes the confusion from this special gift from God. Subscribe to our channel at ChristianQuestions.com/YouTube and never miss a new video!
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God, in fact, punished Israel many times for their sins. Shortly after they received the Law through Moses, God warned them, saying, “…if ye will not yet for all this hearken unto me, then I will punish you seven times more for your sins” (Leviticus 26:18). History confirms that this punishment occurred when the Gentile nations dominated Israel for well over 2,000 years.
The prophecy in Hosea compares Israel to an unfaithful wife. It says, “The LORD hath also a controversy with Judah, and will punish Jacob according to his ways; according to his doings will he recompense him” (Hosea 12:2).
Zechariah specifically connects Israel’s ongoing punishment with their rejection of Christ.
“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass…even today do I declare that I will render double [punishment] unto thee”
Zechariah 9:9,12
Near the end of Jesus’ ministry, he lamented as he looked over Jerusalem. He said, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem! Thou who murders the prophets and stones those who have been sent to thee! How often have I desire to gather thy children to me, just as a hen gathers her chickens under her wings, and you would not come! See, your house will be left to you desolate!” (Matthew 23:38).
The fulfillment of this prophecy took place in AD 70 when the Romans destroyed the temple in Jerusalem and killed and enslaved thousands.
It should not be surprising that God would punish Israel. It would be surprising if He did not. The principle is conveyed in Proverbs 3:12. “For whom the LORD loveth He corrects; even as a father the son in whom he delights.” Because of the special relationship Israel has with God, He was required to punish them for their own good, just as any father would.
However, the story does not end in punishment.
After Israel’s time of punishment, Zechariah (9:14-17) describes Jehovah once again defending His people.
“And the LORD their God shall save them in that day as the flock of his people”
Zechariah 9:16
Today, we can witness the evidence that Israel’s period of punishment has ended. They are now a thriving nation, after 2,000 years in exile.
Was Rome punished for crucifying Jesus?
That is a good question. Rome was not in a covenant relationship with God; therefore, their position was different. God was not required to punish them, as He was with Israel. Roman soldiers were the persons carrying out the orders of Pilate; they had no awareness of who Jesus really was. However, there may have been personal consequences for Pontius Pilate. He knowingly had an innocent man put to death.
Britannica Encyclopedia says the following about Pilate: “He was then ordered back to Rome to stand trial for cruelty and oppression, particularly on the charge that he had executed men without proper trial. According to Eusebius of Caesarea’s Ecclesiastical History, Pilate killed himself on orders from the emperor Caligula.”
It is impossible for us to know if this was punishment from God. But even Roman authorities saw his cruelty and punished him accordingly.
To learn more about God’s plan for the Jews listen to, “Is Israel a Thorn in the Side of the World?”
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Christianity is divided into many denominations and groups. These divisions create a wide variety of teachings that elicit a wide variety of reactions. Take the rapture as an example. In its basic form, it interprets the Scriptures to say that Jesus returns with a shout and a trumpet. He raises the dead Christians to him first and then all those faithful who are still living will be dramatically and immediately taken up to him as well. For both Christians and non-Christians, the drama of this view brings eye rolls and disdain from some, excitement and anticipation from some, and all-out fear, trauma and “rapture anxiety” from others. The rapture is a big teaching based upon a few scriptures. The big question is, does this teaching fit squarely with the original Christian doctrine we learn from the Bible?
The post Do I Suffer from Rapture Anxiety? (Part I) appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.
Sometimes the mind wanders during a time of prayer, as it is ideally a comforting, safe and peaceful time. This lends to a lack of focus or even being a little sleepy. Other times, we are trying to squeeze prayer time in as just one more thing to do on our ever-expanding “things to do” list, and other parts of the list creep in and take over our thoughts.
Prayer beads/rosary beads are used by Catholics to count/keep track of repetitive prayers. However, Jesus warned against such prayers:
And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words.
Matthew 6:7: 7
Our privilege of communication with our heavenly Father through His son Jesus is awesome and awe-inspiring. Prayers should not be repetitive, rote, or something to rush through. Prayer beads and other “helps” are not mentioned or recommended in the Bible, so we would instead recommend other techniques to help focus us.
Consider these:
– 1 Thessalonians 5:17 says us to “pray without ceasing,” which tells us that we can pray at all hours, at all times, at all lengths. Perhaps your prayer is at a red light, “Thank you, LORD, for this red light to give me a chance to slow down and contemplate something I am thankful for, such as….” or “LORD, my time is in Your hands, so maybe in Your wisdom this extra time is preventing me from getting into an accident. Thank you.” In other words, we should be in constant communication in the moment, which should help with concentration.
– Keep your prayers short when close to bedtime or at times of particularly high stress. Your mind is less likely to wander or get tired. Don’t wait to pray until everything else for the day is done and you are exhausted. A short prayer here is good, but don’t expect to be able to concentrate on longer prayers at this time.
– Write/type your longer prayers to stay focused.
– Take several deep breaths before starting your prayer to center yourself and give you time to shut the outside world off.
– Consider a routine where some activity is done ahead of time to “signal” to your brain that prayer time is coming up. Maybe that is something physical like doing ten jumping jacks to clear your head. Perhaps that means sitting in a particular chair you don’t normally sit in. My cousin has a “prayer chair” in her living room, and the rest of the family knows not to distract her when sitting in the chair. Maybe you can get up a half hour earlier before distractions set in and choose a scripture or two to meditate on.
– Consider a change of scenery – go for a walk, where you can talk out loud to keep your thoughts on track.
– Prayer is an essential part in the life of a Christian and it is important to keep our prayer life fresh so that we don’t lose connection with God.
For more on prayer listen to, “Will Prayer Change Your Life?”
“What Can We Learn From Jesus’ Final Prayers?”
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The fruit of the spirit listed in Galatians 5 are much more than a recounting of nice things to develop as Christians. They are fundamental building blocks upon which any productive Christian life must be built. Whenever we refer to any of these nine characteristics, let’s remember there are two ways we can view them. Take love, for example, the first fruit of the spirit. Many people can exhibit selfless love in their lives, even if they’re not Christians. However, the “fruit of the spirit” love is based on God’s own example through Jesus, and therefore has a higher foundational meaning. The key to understanding all of these fruits is to see that they reflect God’s ways and not the best of our ways. In Part V of our series, we complete our discussion of this fruit and absorb their amazing impact.
The post Do I Walk in the Spirit or the Lusts of My Human Nature? (Part V) appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.
Parents and Bible class teachers, this lighthearted, animated video takes the viewer back in time to discover what transportation, food, music and entertainment were like in Jesus’ day. Subscribe to our channel at ChristianQuestions.com/YouTube and never miss a new video!
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The key to seeing the Bible’s harmony is to understand that God has a plan that is currently in progress. Yes, Israel is God’s chosen nation and currently does not believe in Jesus. And yes, Jesus is the son of God and faith in him is the only avenue to eternal life. That means either […]
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When the Apostle Paul listed the "fruit of the spirit" in the 5th chapter of Galatians, he placed it right after a nasty list, recounting 15 "deeds of the flesh." This fruit list was positioned as a remedy for any Christian who might struggle with any of those earthly issues. In Part I and II of this series, we examined the depths of sin in that “earthly deeds” list. In Part III we opened up the remedy of the fruit of the spirit and began with love, joy and peace. While these three things seem basic to any Christian, they have deep roots in the teaching and example of Jesus himself. As we continue with Part IV of our series, we address the next three fruits on the list: patience, kindness and goodness. Don’t let the simplicity of these things fool you, as they each have the ability to profoundly change your life!
In our last two episodes, we spent significant time reviewing and understanding the Apostle Paul’s list of the deeds of the flesh in Galatians the 5th chapter. His reason for such a detailed and uncomfortable list was to give us all a clear push forward and away from such things, so we can walk towards living a new life. To walk in Jesus’ footsteps and do God’s will first and foremost should be the most important aspects of any Christian’s daily life. In this episode, we continue examining the Apostle Paul’s profound contrast between the deeds of the flesh and the fruit of the spirit by methodically opening up each of the nine characteristics listed. What will these nine aspects of the fruit of the spirit teach us? They teach what a true Christian life looks like, sounds like and feels like!
The Bible tells us the first humans were Adam and Eve. The rest of the human family have their lineage through them. “Let us make man in our own image and likeness” refers to the cooperative work of God and his first angelic creation, the Word, or Logos in Greek, who later became a human […]
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Adam was created in the image of God. His physical human nature was fashioned in a way that would glorify God by its very existence. Once he sinned, all that changed. What was once a pure reflection of the heart and mind of God, at best became a muddied and defective reflection. Fast forward thousands of years and we find God’s plan in place to clean up this muddied mess. This cleanup comes through Jesus and his true disciples. As Jesus’ disciples, we are tasked with living above our muddied world. In Part I of this series, we opened up the Apostle Paul’s reasoning regarding walking in the spirit and not fulfilling the desires of the flesh. We began examining Paul’s long list of the works of the flesh, in contrast with the fruit of the spirit. Today we continue this journey toward walking in the spirit!
It’s a simple equation with a guaranteed end result. Walk in the spirit and you will not carry out the desires of the flesh. As Christians living in an "anything goes" world, this straightforward statement can be easily overlooked and even ignored. Among the many challenges we face today, being like everyone else is among the most subtle temptations of our human nature. We experience subtle social pressure in our workplace, at school, with friends, family and neighbors. Combine all of that with the never-ending online influence of social media to conform or else be negatively labeled, and we experience an unrelenting onslaught of pressure to conform or suffer. How do we as Christians learn to identify - and then overcome - all that is wrong so we can truly follow all that is right?
"Let go and let God." This simple statement is focused on faith and trust, two fundamental challenges for Christians. We may think it’s easy to have faith, but when we are in times of difficulty, the depth of our true faith is revealed and sometimes revealed as seriously lacking. We may think that we have trust, but when pressed, when we feel like we need answers or changes or insight, our trust becomes scarce while anxiety abounds. All of this can be depressing! We can feel like we are letting God down. The good news is that we are not alone in this struggle to let go and let God. Many of God’s faithful had these same struggles. Because their experiences are recorded in Scripture, we can not only read about their struggle but see how God’s blessing worked in spite of their weakness!
Candy, costumes parties and fun! The Halloween season with all of its excitement and trappings is upon us. On top of the fun and the sugar rush, this is a time of year particularly specializes in seeking to be horrified as another form of entertainment. The party-like atmosphere is generously sprinkled with murder, mayhem, zombies and apocalyptic events - all in the name of thrills. Because of this anything goes approach, Halloween has become an absolute favorite holiday. The question is, should we as Christians celebrate this day? Afer all, its origin is firmly rooted in Paganism. Its practices are firmly rooted in over-the-top behavior. Is it a sin for Christians to celebrate or have anything to do with Halloween?
Sin is a difficult thing to handle. We are constantly challenged to daily live up to godly standards of righteousness. As our social order expands into countless variations of perceived freedoms, there are many questions that need clarifying regarding what is right and wrong in God’s eyes. Today we examine two of those questions. First, is it a sin if I as a Christian get a tattoo? Opinions on this question vary to an amazing degree. Does the Bible guide us on this? Second, is it a sin of I get a blood transfusion? While this is perhaps a small issue for most of us, there are some who have very deep convictions on this matter. What does the Bible say and doesn’t say? Tattoos Tattoos are not just normal to life, they in some ways almost seem like a rite of passage. You decide to express your individuality, so you choose a simple or complex display to put on your body. This display may or may not be visible to the world, but it is your unique signature. What could be wrong with such a thing, especially if you’re a Christian and your chosen ornamentation is a witness to Christ?
The Old Testament does speak out clearly against marking our bodies. As we look into the why of the matter, we find that tattoo-like markings were much more than personal ornamentation in ancient times. Pagan nations often used them as forced labels put upon slaves to mark them as such. They were also used by various peoples to represent spiritual or personal protection. With this background, it is easy to see why God told Israel to avoid such markings. However, do those ancient traditions have anything at all to do with our personal decision to get a tattoo here in the 21st century? Blood transfusions Moving on to an entirely different question, is it a sin if I as a Christian get a blood transfusion? While most of the Christian world does not have an issue with this procedure, there are millions who do. Unlike tattoos, this can be a question of life and death. Why would some denominations of Christians forbid the life saving and life preserving transfusing of blood? They claim both Old and New Testaments speak out against it. Do they? Are the majority of Christians missing an important teaching that these few claim is there?
Check out our October 17, 2022 podcast, “Is It a Sin if I…? (Part III)” for more. We get into the practical and spiritual aspects of tattoos. We look at the scriptures, discuss pros and cons and establish a baseline for thinking this question through. Regarding blood transfusions, we examine all of the scriptures cited by those who forbid this practice. By looking at context and broader scriptural reasoning, the answers to this vital issue become clear. Join us for a fascinating journey into these two diverse but important questions as we find answers we all should know!
Jesus’ true disciples go to heaven. Not only did Jesus make this clear, but several other scriptures show this amazing result of God’s grace upon a life dedicated to walking in Jesus’ sacrificial footsteps. In the first two parts of this three-part series, we uncovered many heavenly privileges, inheritances and responsibilities that these faithful ones will have. However, at the end of our last episode, we left one question unanswered. This question has to do with another group of Jesus’ followers. Several scriptures allude to this second group of followers as being faithful - but not as faithful - as his truest disciples. What happens to them? Do they also go to heaven, or do they have another destiny? Fortunately, the Bible gives us this answer and gives it in surprising detail!
Going to heaven is a really big deal. Last week was Part I of our three-part series on what heaven-bound Christians will be doing when they get there. So far, we uncovered the mechanics of why only chosen ones are privileged to go to heaven. We began to scratch the surface regarding what these disciples of Jesus will be doing. Turns out the job descriptions we focused on were nothing like what most people envision as heavenly life. In this episode, we dig deeply into what the responsibilities of those heaven bound will be. In addition, we will attempt to understand the “why” of it all by connecting several prophecies and scriptures. Our discoveries will reveal absolutely inspiring details and descriptions of how God’s plan is destined to work!
It’s pretty safe to assume that most every Christian looks forward to being in heaven with Jesus if they are faithful to their call of discipleship. While this can be an exciting and positively overwhelming prospect, it can also be a future that is filled with questions. What exactly will the faithful be doing when they get to heaven? How will they spend their time? Many say that the faithful will be continually worshipping God and His son, and there is truth to this. However, there is more. Much more. Understanding what Jesus’ faithful disciples will be doing in heaven requires first putting all of Jesus’ mission in order. If we know what he came to do and NOT do when he walked the earth as a man, we will then know what he has yet to accomplish and how his faithful followers will help him later.
God is all powerful and all knowing. The problem is, we often don’t think about what that really means. Not only has knowledge of God diminished in our day, but respect and reverence for Him are now scarce commodities. Humanity in this technology-driven age is prone to judge without understanding. Our benevolent Creator is an easy target of this. We have discussed many supposed contradictions about God in our Bible Contradictions Series, and we will bring up a few more today. Primarily, we want to look at the relationship between God, us and our hard experiences in life. Does God tempt us? Does God purposely place temptations in front of us as a way to teach or punish? Some say the Bible says yes and others say the Bible absolutely says no. So, who’s right? Let’s actually look at the Bible and find out!
The actions of God in the Bible are an easy target for criticism. It is so easy to look into this ancient book and pick out events that may not look sensible and even make God look bad and wildly inconsistent. Examining these events carefully does reveal truth and harmony - if we are willing to look for it. One such event is the account where God specifically tells Abraham to take his son Isaac and kill him as a sacrifice to Him. This sounds absurd! How can a God of love, compassion and justice just arbitrarily ask someone to murder their son? What possible good could ever come from such an action? And what about other accounts in the Bible that seem to show God as minimizing the value of human life? These are hard questions. The good news is, the Bible has clear and legitimate answers!
The Bible is a really big book. It was written by about 40 people spanning a period of over 1,500 years and in three different languages. Just these facts alone create a likelihood of its writings being misunderstood, misinterpreted and misrepresented. Claims that the Bible is a wildly contradictory book are numerous and easy to find. In our Contradictions Series, we continue to look at these questions and attempt to answer them one by one. Our process is to consider the immediate context of the scriptures in question and the larger context of the Bible itself. We examine the original meanings of the words involved and attempt to assign the meaning that best fits the scriptural point being made. Solving apparent biblical contradictions is possible; we just need to see the Bible as God would have us see it!
To seek and acquire wisdom seems to be a lost art in our technology-laden world. Why spend the time, seeking, gathering, learning, absorbing, internalizing and applying wisdom when you can simply Google it and be told what something means? Why invest time and effort into trying to become a “wise person” when most of your friends and family are likely to disagree with such “wisdom” anyway? Face it, acquiring “godly wisdom” spells social media disaster! While this may be true, we need to step back for a moment and consider some things. While social media may rule the day, godly wisdom is timeless. It never changes, never diminishes and never loses its potency. It is always right and inevitably brings, supports and enhances life. Our first “words of wisdom” for today are: choose that which is eternal!
One of the great Christian challenges of our day is living a God-honoring life in a world that basically thinks you’re nuts. What role should our differences with the world around us play in how we do or don’t fit in with all that goes on each day of our lives? What specific principles do we have that govern our thoughts words and deeds to keep us godly and yet approachable? Jesus’ Parable of the Wineskins answers this. This parable is part of a specific answer Jesus gave to a specific question. His answer also included two other very simple parables. As we will see, these three short examples combine to teach some important lessons relating not only to prophetic events, but to our personal behaviors and choices as well.
Among Christians, some of the most often quoted and beloved Old Testament scriptures are found in Psalm 23. In very few words, these six verses paint a vivid picture of God’s overwhelming care for His children. The imagery of a shepherd knowing and caring for his sheep speaks to our helplessness as we as God’s children attempt to navigate the harsh terrain of a sin sick world. Without our shepherd the tumult of everyday life makes it is hard to find true spiritual nourishment. Without our shepherd we would not find absolute rest and we would always feel vulnerable. Here is the big question. Do I put myself completely and faithfully into the hands of my shepherd Jesus? Do I really trust him for all things? Is Jesus the true shepherd of my life or do I merely give him that title?
Talking about slavery is a sensitive issue, and rightfully so. We live in an age where we recognize that ALL people have rights. We now live in a time where no group of people or any working class should ever be separated from those rights. This was not always so. Many ancient societies survived on the backs of slaves. These were often comprised of conquered peoples or those who were generationally born into servitude. Christianity had its beginnings in the context of such societies. With such inequity, how could Christianity survive and even flourish? Could slaves AND their owners both thrive under Christ? Fortunately, the Bible gives us a powerful view of how this actually worked in those days. Let’s walk through the true story of two men on opposite ends of this spectrum and see how the Apostle Paul helped them both maintain their faithfulness to Christ and each other.
Towards the end of his life, the Apostle Paul found himself a prisoner of the Roman Empire because of accusations some made that he was subverting the Empire by preaching Christianity. Being a Roman citizen gave him certain advantages, like being on house arrest. He was not able to go anywhere, but he was able to have visitors. It was during this time that a runaway slave named Onesimus came to see him. Onesimus was a slave of Philemon, who had been converted to Christianity by Paul. Although a slave owner, Philemon was an active and faithful brother in Christ and was well known for his service to others. Paul faced problems this visit from Onesimus
Roman law stated that harboring a runaway slave made you liable for any losses that runaway cost their master. The penalties for runaway slaves went as far as crucifixion, so aiding them could be interpreted as being complicit in their lawbreaking. There was the matter of just and fair treatment for Philemon. Paul would certainly not want to hurt his dear friend in any way, regardless of Roman law.
It's complicated On top of all this, the Apostle Paul ends up converts Onesimus to Christianity! What should he do now? How do you find the path to doing the right thing for everyone involved without breaking the law? And how do you see to it that the right thing is done when you yourself are on house arrest and cannot personally follow up?
Check out our February 22, 2021 podcast, “How Did the Apostle Paul Handle a Slave Owner?” for answers. We examine the letter that Paul wrote to Philemon on behalf of Onesimus line by line. Then we find wise, spiritually-sound and legally-compliant advice all wrapped up in rock solid compassion and reasoning. We get a powerful glimpse into the heart and mind of the Apostle Paul in a way that is not revealed in any of his other writings. Don’t miss this opportunity to see wisdom unfold that conquers social inequity, wrongdoing and the reconciling of two very different individuals!
As long as no one gets hurt, I can do pretty much whatever I want! Such is the battle cry of our present age. We are so advanced in our awareness and thinking that it has become easy to throw off the once-constricting values of ages gone by and just be in the here and now. In our last “Is It a Sin if I…” episode, we looked at things like how we dress and adorn ourselves, cross-dressing and gambling. On this episode, we look at some deep issues regarding the expression of our human sexuality. When it comes to sex, there are many difficult questions that require diligent answers. Our diligence will be firmly centered around applying biblical teaching to our very advanced world today, so hold on! The clear scriptural answers we will uncover are destined to trigger major tensions with those around us!
Technology, medicine, communication and interdependence allow a previously unimaginable world of seemingly unlimited possibilities of societal advancement and personal fulfillment. Our communication is instantaneous, and our collective demands for entertainment and happiness have never been louder. While some of this has been a blessing, Satan, as this world’s master of confusion, has blurred the lines of morality, resulting in our discovery of new methods for old ways to sin. Our focus as Christians, is to please God and obey His righteous laws as outlined in the Bible. We already know God considers murder, lying and pride as sinful, but what about all the contemporary situations the Bible does not directly address? Do we face gray areas now that never before existed? How can we know what God considers sinful?
Parenting is a difficult and often unpredictable task. In Episode 1238, we laid a scripturally-principled foundation for managing our parental “what ifs” and imperfections. We also addressed the ever-present challenge of growing confidence and competence in our children as we slowly release our parental control over them. With all of this in place, it is now time to delve into several of the hard and practical matters of bringing children up. The structure of our present society extols a path and process of child rearing that is often fundamentally opposed to true Christian beliefs. This leaves us with a lot of questions that may be hard to answer as we seek to apply principles of godliness. The good news is, no matter the question, there is always clear Bible-based instruction available.
Raising children never has been an easy task. Methods for parenting have varied dramatically based on what time in history you are bringing up children. Disciplining children in an “appropriate” way looks entirely different now than it did just a few generations ago. The culture you live in as you raise a family also has a powerful impact. We live in an age and culture of technology, where much of life is easily lived through watching or typing onto the screen of your phone. This convenience carries a great potential cost. Are we allowing technology and social media to not only unduly influence our children, but ourselves as well? Are we Christian parents listening to social suggestions regarding what our children need to the exclusion of going back to the basic biblical principles for those answers?
No matter what age in time we live in and no matter what culture we find ourselves a part of, we all want something good or special for our children. A portion of the book of Proverbs is King Solomon writing to his son. He shares some of the wisdom God blessed him with, his life experiences and his warnings about the pitfalls of growing up. As we read these things, it becomes apparent that little has changed over thousands of years when it comes to loving and protecting our children. What if? While the desire is the same, the experience of raising children has been completely overhauled. Because the world now fits into the palm of your hand in the form of a cell phone, the variety of challenges we face would be unrecognizable to Solomon. One simple example: the parental challenge of managing all of the “what ifs” their child may face. In ancient times, the “what ifs” were about things like crops, herds, weather, warring factions and overall security. Now our "what if" list is endless. What if my child has emotional, learning or physical issues? What if they get bullied or become a bully? Christian parents don't need to be overwhelmed! Just putting the “what ifs” of raising children in perspective is a massive undertaking. While the Bible does not deal with each and every one of them, it does teach us the principles we need to face ALL of them. Interestingly, there is comparatively little written in the Bible about child rearing. The principles Christian parents seek are found in passages that help us cope with the unknown. There is also abundant biblical teaching that shows us how God is our Father and how He parents us. Applying these principles is learning from the best Father ever!
Check out our July 18, 2022 podcast, “Is Parental Discipline of Our Children a Thing of the Past?” for more. We not only handle the “what ifs” of life, we also delve into coping with being a very imperfect parent and appropriate disciplining tactics. Parenting is massively difficult. Join us as we examine its challenges under the bright light of biblical principle and teaching. Parenting will never be the same!
Talking about the Day of Judgment can be difficult. The sad truth is that as magnanimous as the love and mercy of God through Jesus are, the opportunity to fail throughout the Day of Judgment will be very real. God created humanity with free will. The Day of Judgment will be about teaching our race how to use that free will to make righteous choices that lead to eternal life. This will require accountability for all and a heartfelt focus on unlearning and renouncing all things sinful. Because these lessons will be based on the enormous firsthand experiences with sin and death we all have in this age, they will be practical, logical, appealing and learnable. Jesus’ Parable of the Sheep and Goats is a picture of the end results of these lessons.
Last week we examined modern day Paganism and compared it with some of the most basic tenants of Christianity as revealed in the Bible. What we found were two fundamentally different approaches to life, worship and morality. We can see that as Christians, we are absolutely to love those who hold such a contrary belief system to ours, but that does not mean we support the standards they choose to live by. Now, what about Wicca, which is white witchcraft and built on the basis of Pagan beliefs? As Christians, we might simply say that our answer here should be obvious. However, there are claims that the Bible is only condemnatory of black magic and black witchcraft, so Wicca is not included in those verses. Could this be true? What does the Bible really teach on these matters?
PLEASE NOTE We inadvertently moved the definition of one of the Hebrew words under the wrong heading for the on-air presentation. While this did slightly skew two meanings, it does not at all change the clear conclusions of these scriptures. Please refer to the corrected CQ Rewind Show Notes at ChristianQuestions.com and the Christian Questions app.
Is it possible to be a Christian AND be Wiccan at the same time? There are many levels on which this question can be considered and answered. Let’s begin with the basic level of discipleship. Any disciple’s job is to learn from their teacher. They then seek to emulate what they learned in their own daily experiences to their best ability. Wicca is a spiritual system of belief that focuses on your individual free thought and will. It is very much an earth based perspective and similar to paganism, it sees divinity in all things. To be a student of Wicca, a disciple of its philosophy, one must put these principles of following your own will and the revering of nature first. This is all a basis for learning how to perform the magic arts that Wicca offers.
To be a disciple of Jesus means we are always willing to put his example before us in any matter of life. Jesus unabashedly taught us to first and foremost, follow and do God’s will, especially when our own will has different objectives. He also emphatically taught that worship belongs to the one and only God and Father of us all. As Jesus’ disciples we are obligated to put these simple principles of self-denial and focused reverence to God first. This is the very basis for learning how to transform our lives into true disciples who daily live what they believe.
When comparing the basis for Wicca with the basis for Christianity, these fundamental differences cannot be overlooked. Still, there are those who say the two can be combined. The reasoning is built on several approaches. First, Jesus never said anything negative about any kind of witchcraft. Second, the hard Old Testament condemnations of witchcraft and the like were only directed at practices that delved into the dark arts. Wicca they claim is not in that category.
What now? Check out our July 4, 2022 podcast, “Can Christianity and Paganism Work Together? Part 2 for details. We deeply examine those Old Testament condemnations, consider Jesus’ words and put the whole issue plainly on the table. Join us as we walk through the details and find the clearly defined biblical guidance to stand for godly truth.
Our religious world has changed dramatically. In the bygone days of generations past. we had clear lines that marked our differences. Christianity seemed to have clear and unmistakable differences from religions like Hinduism, Buddhism and Druidism. Our "one God and one Savior" approach stood in an entirely different category from the multiple-god eternal journey that mystics and Pagans adhered to. Here we are in the age of technology and some of those lines and distinctions seems to be blurred and fading. There are movements now announcing that we are all really on the same journey of enlightenment and walking side-by-side on similar paths. So, is this a good thing? Should we as Christians embrace these seemingly progressive steps, or should we run the other way?
Tragedy hurts. But a tragedy that involves the utterly senseless taking of the lives of innocent children is a blow to the heart that can send us reeling. Such a blow is hard to recover from and the recent school shooting in Uvalde Texas is a most recent and horrifying example of this profound pain. Heated debates typically spring up after such a tragedy as everyone wants answers as to how to stop such things. One resounding question that comes from believers and unbelievers alike is, how can an all-knowing, all-powerful God see such things happen and just, well, just do nothing? If God is love as the Bible says He is, how do we even begin to understand what so many consider to be His utter lack of attention and intervention in such tragedies?
It’s hard to stay focused, especially when that focus requires attention be given to something that is different and challenging. As Christians living in this 21st century, our responsibility is, as Jesus said when he was only 12-years old, to “be about our Father’s business.” As clear as this objective is, because we are imperfect we sometimes get tripped up and lose our focus. Thank God for His grace given to us through Jesus! What about other times when it’s not just a typical misstep? What about when we fall not just into a careless or impetuous wrongdoing, but into a full-blown choice that leads us towards evil? What do we do to help us come to our senses, and not only retract the wrongdoing, but decisively get ourselves back onto the path of God-honoring thoughts, words and deeds?
We live in an age of tremendous knowledge, phenomenal technology and unprecedented freedom. On one hand, ours is an age where the individual reigns supreme. I can decide what’s right and wrong for me. I can also expect others to make allowances for my conclusions. On the other hand, the Gospel of Jesus Christ tells […]
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The vast majority of Christian belief systems may have a problem. What do they do with the billions of humanity who aren’t true followers of Jesus, but they aren’t terrible people either? These billions try to live a good life by being decent and kind to one another. Many of these have not heard the name of Jesus in any meaningful way. Can we say that God will destroy them for essentially being born in the wrong time and place? That doesn’t make sense! Can we say that they go to heaven when they die? That doesn’t make sense either. Jesus taught us that going to heaven is a call that is difficult and requires deliberate choices. God loves humanity so much that he sent His only son Jesus as our ransom. That being the case, what does happen to those billions who are not good enough for heaven?
God does not reward sin. On the contrary, He abhors it! Satan’s first rebellious thoughts against God will result in his eventual destruction. Adam’s sin of disobedience has and continues to result in the power of sin, evil and death plaguing our world to this day. Enter Tamar and Rahab. These are two Old Testament women who both acted immorally and yet found their way into a very unusual position of God’s favor. They were two of only five women listed in the genealogy of Jesus. How can this be? Did God make an exception for them? What was it they did or didn’t do to have the privilege of having Jesus be a descendant of their blood lines? The answers to these questions are found in the fascinating accounts and decisions of their lives. Who was Tamar? Tamar lived long before the nation of Israel was established. She lived at the time when Jacob and his 12 sons (who would become the 12 tribes of Israel) were alive. Tamar was the widowed daughter-in-law of Judah, one of those 12 sons. Tamar’s sin was to dress up like a prostitute and entice Judah (who was a widower at the time) into sexual relations. Tamar got pregnant, had twins, and one of those twins ends up being in the lineage of Jesus himself. Before jumping to conclusions, it is important to point out that at this time in his life, Judah was no shining example of morality himself. Could two wrongs make something right? Why would God allow the lineage of Jesus to come from such a profoundly immoral ancestry? Who was Rahab? Our next example is Rahab. She lived several generations later. She was a Canaanite woman who lived in the city of Jericho at the time Israel conquered it. Rahab didn’t just dress up like a prostitute, she was one. In spite of her profession, she was instrumental in hiding and aiding the two spies Joshua sent into the city. How did she help them? She lied several times. Rahab and her family were spared from death when the city fell. They were relocated to live with the nation of Israel and Rahab also was blessed with being in the lineage of Jesus. Once again the question arises, why would God use such an person with such a reputation to be part of Jesus’ own ancestry?
Check out our May 23, 2022 podcast, “Why Would God Bless Two Immoral Women?” for more. We put these accounts of Tamar and Rahab in order by assembling and examining the details and their context. There are several profound lessons that this investigation reveals. One very foundational lesson is that no matter how it may appear, God does not condone immoral behavior. On the contrary, He always has and always will plainly condemn it. This foundation opens the door for being able to grasp how God was able to bless these women within the context of their wrongdoing. Join us for a fascinating journey into two rarely talked about biblical accounts that teach amazing lessons!
Apologetics is being able to give an answer for your Christian faith to those who ask. 1 Peter 3:15 says: But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and be ready always to give an answer to every man who asketh you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear. […]
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We all get angry. In today’s social media world, we can easily find a platform to express that anger. Our anger develops when we hear or see something that we interpret as causing fear, frustration or offense. We react to our perception, and the seeds of anger are sown and grown in an instant. Once angry, we often find it justifiable to lash out with our own brand of challenge, retaliation or defiance. Our anger has now grown from a personal internal emotion into a larger and more threatening external action which is usually destructive and not constructive. As Christians, what are we supposed to do with this human instinct? Should we allow ourselves to get angry? Both God and Jesus got angry, so does that give us permission?
Anger doesn’t just happen on its own. On the contrary, it is generally seen as a secondary emotion. It engages because we have felt something else that provokes us to anger. According to the article in Current Topics in Behavioral Neurosciences, “Deconstructing Anger in the Human Brain,” by Gadi Gilam and Talma Hendler, there are three primary emotions that can drive us towards anger:
Real or imagined threat such as physical or psychological pain Frustration due to goal obstruction Perceived personal offense due to unfair treatment, violation of social norms, insults, rejections, criticism, and the like.
Why is it important to know this? As Christians, we are just as susceptible to feeling threatened, frustration, and perceived personal offenses as anyone else. However, we are specifically given a much higher standard than others to manage our anger. While the Scriptures tell us being angry is not necessarily wrong, that is only the beginning of the story. The Bible also reveals different levels of anger, and we are specifically instructed to never engage in some of them. We can learn from God's example of anger If we observe the many biblical accounts where God was angry, we see a pattern. God’s anger was in a broad sense always focused on humanity's rejection of His righteousness - and therefore of Him. Because we know God does have a plan for all, we can understand His expressions of anger as for the ultimate good of humanity. God’s anger was and is a tool of His righteousness. We can learn from Jesus' example of anger There were a few times in Jesus’ ministry when he got angry. Very angry. When we look at what he said and what he did, it can help us understand what appropriate anger should look like. Here’s a hint, it is not easy to achieve! Check out our May 16, 2022 podcast, “I’m a Christian and I’m Angry. What Now?” for more. We observe how anger works on a physiological level and how our physiology automatically engages our emotions. Anger is instinctive. We can choose whether its drive will be a force of constructive contribution or a force of destruction and disaster. The anger we see in our world now is primarily destructive. Join us and learn how to stand against that tide!
In our last episode, we deeply explored the human soul. We saw that both the Old and New Testaments clearly teach that humans ARE souls and don’t HAVE souls. We further confirmed that the Bible is explicit about the destiny of the human soul being death, as that was the irrevocable penalty for sin given to Adam at the beginning. As surprising as all this might sound, it is all verified in Scripture. We will now consider the human spirit. What is it? Is it a tangible being or an intangible essence? Is it a life force all of its own? Are the soul and spirit the same? Is the human spirit immortal, or can it die? These are complex questions. As with the soul, the answers can be found in the Bible, but only if we are careful to consider both the Old and New Testament records together. Wind, breeze, breath = spirit The words for “spirit” in both the Old and New Testaments primarily mean a wind, breeze or breath. This sounds simple and basic until we look at how these words are used. The Hebrew word is usually translated as some variation of wind or breeze when used in the context of nature. The simplicity ends there. The same word is translated “spirit” when referring to God’s spirit. Of course, God’s spirit is so much more than some breeze or wind. His spirit was the moving power in creation. His spirit inspired the Old Testament prophets to write and speak. It was the power behind the New Testament miracles of Jesus and others. His spirit dwells within New Testament Christians to guide us in our lives. Spirit of man The same words for wind and breeze in the Bible are also used to describe the spirit of man. There are many descriptions of what man’s spirit does. The human spirit can be sorrowful. It can ponder, it can seek out God and His will, be impatient, grow faint and be worthy of imitation. We can serve God with our human spirit. With all of these specific applications the Bible gives to our spirit, we can now begin to address its makeup. Is the human spirt the same as human soul? What happens to it when we die?
A comprehensive look at the biblical descriptions of our spirit clearly reveals that our soul and spirit are in fact very different. So, what does this mean? Check out our May 9, 2022 podcast, “Where Do the Human Soul and Spirit Go When We Die? (Part II)” for more. The Old and New Testament words for spirit are cited nearly 700 times in Scripture. We examine several of these verses to understand the varied uses of these words. We focus in on the human spirit's origin, makeup and fate. What we find is a surprising yet logical explanation of our spirit. Join us and learn the power, purposes and destiny of your own human spirit.
Do human beings HAVE souls or ARE they souls? Do human beings have a spirit? If so, what does that mean? Or, are we really spirit beings temporarily confined in a terrestrial body? What happens when we die? Do our soul and spirit die? Do they go someplace, or do they stay together? Religions, cultures and philosophy have weighed in on these questions for untold centuries. The answers we've come up with are as varied as the peoples of this planet. How can we know who is right? If we objectively look into the Bible to define the human soul and spirit and what happens to them at death, it is possible to find concrete guidance and answers. Why take a biblical perspective? Because it is ancient reasoning written over many centuries that has proven itself historically accurate, morally sound and prophetically true. Definitions, please To understand the human soul and spirit, we first need to define them. Part I of this series focuses on the soul. While it seems like the human soul can be tricky to define, it doesn’t have to be. The Bible is a really long book written over many centuries. Throughout its pages there are continual references to the soul. If we are patient enough to put these references in order and use them to verify one another, we can end up with a clear biblical message. The problem is, we as humans too often and too easily carry our preconceived ideas of biblical interpretation into our study. Do we HAVE a soul or ARE we a soul? As we might expect, the account of God creating man is the first time we are introduced to the human soul. The surprising thing is the way this creation of Adam is simply worded. It says in Genesis 2:7 that God formed a body from the elements of the earth and breathed the breath of life into that body. The next detail is deeply significant. The account says man became a living soul. It didn’t say he was given a soul; it says he became a soul. But do we have an immortal soul?
Digging a bit further, we find this word for soul simply means "a breathing creature." This is not the image of what most Christians believe a soul to be. Further, the other living creatures in God’s original creation are referred to by this same word for soul. This would mean that we are souls just like the animal kingdom! What do we do now?
Check out our May 2, 2022 podcast, “Where Do the Human Soul and Spirit Go When We Die?" (Part I) for more. We carefully lay out how the Bible describes the human soul. We cross reference that definition by comparing the Old and New Testaments. What we find out about the human soul is surprising and clear. We then take that same discovery trip through the Scriptures to clarify what happens to the human soul at death. Again, there is surprising simplicity in the biblical message. Join us for Part I of this 2-part series and uncover life changing biblical truths about the soul!
Any and all sin brings dishonor to Christians and the cause of Christ. Sexual sins just tend to be more noticeable. Singling out just sexual sins might make us forget to look inwardly to see what our own obvious and secret sins are. The Scriptures are specific that any sexual relationship other than between a […]
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Nobody likes to suffer. Nobody wants pain, turmoil, uncertainty, tragedy or sickness to take up continual residence in their lives. When a Christian suffers by facing hard things in their daily experience, it is easy to look at it as punishment. We see these harsh experiences as a signal that something is wrong and expect them to sap the joy right out of our lives. Suffering is easily seen as have little to no redeeming value. We think that it signals that God has ceased protecting us, and that means trouble. Turns out, the Bible has a lot to say about suffering, trial and punishment. It explains in great detail the role suffering plays in our lives, and the how and why of punishments that come from God. Why? When Christians ask about the suffering that comes to us in our lives, we often ask the simple question why. Why is this happening? Why can’t it be different? Why me? While these are important questions, they really can’t be answered until we understand the basis of suffering in our lives. This understanding is made clear when we stop looking at our own trials, difficulties and mishaps and instead look at Jesus. Why did Jesus suffer if he was perfect? Jesus suffered - and he suffered a lot. Why? He was perfect and therefore certainly didn’t need any kind of punishment! So, why suffer? On the contrary, Jesus preached the gospel - the good news - that would be for all people. With such a universally positive message, why did he have to go through the insults, the contradictions, the accusations and threats from those who opposed him? At the end of his ministry, why did he have to go through the humiliation, the false testimonies, the beatings, the whippings, and finally crucifixion?
Jesus suffered because that was part of the price that needed to be paid to bring full salvation to humanity. By willingly suffering, Jesus assured us he knows by his own experiences what the consequences of sin look like and feel like. This gives us confidence in Jesus on a very human level. He went through the kinds of things we go through and ALWAYS overcame them. If Jesus could so willingly embrace such hard suffering for the sake of God’s plan, then we are called to embrace it as well. “If we suffer with him, we will also be glorified with him” Romans 8:17.
We can now see that much of our Christian suffering is for the purpose of growing in Christ as we walk in his footsteps. But what about when we sin? What about God punishing us? Check out our April 25, 2022 podcast, “Am I Being Punished or Favored?” for more. God’s discipline in our lives is an integral part of our Christian growth experience. We dig into the why and how of this discipline, as well as several perspectives regarding the handling of our Christian suffering. Suffering is a privilege! Join us as we learn how to rejoice in all aspects of our discipleship.
When thinking about world-altering events, there is one that stands alone as the single most powerful world-changing event in the history of humanity. It is the raising of Jesus from the dead. Many call this Easter Sunday. When this event occurred so many centuries years ago, the vast majority of the world had no idea of its significance. Today 2,000 years later, most still don’t have a clue. Jesus’ resurrection sealed the future hope of every man, woman and child who ever lived by guaranteeing them their own resurrection. Even more than this, Jesus’ resurrection also changed individual lives back then as it still does today. After the Apostle Peter abandoned Jesus in his greatest hour of trial, Peter needed the renewing power of Jesus’ resurrection. We too can falter as Peter did. How can we claim that same renewing power? Could this be us? We all experience faltering faith at some time or other. Imagine being told that you were likely to do something really bad, something you would never dream of doing. You think, “No way will THAT ever happen !” You go about your business and then look up later and realize that you did exactly what you thought you would NEVER do! And to top it off, not only did you do it; you did it with energy and flare! As bad as this example feels, what Peter did when he denied that he even knew Jesus on the night before Jesus’ crucifixion was far worse. The depth of his failure rightfully shook him to his very core. It would have intensely shaken or even broken any one of us as well.
The only one not shaken by Peter’s collapse was Jesus himself. As a matter of fact, Jesus knew Peter’s weakness would manifest long before it happened. Jesus informed Peter of what was to come and invested significant time into teaching Peter several fundamental lessons before his debacle occurred. You might wonder, if Jesus knew Peter was going to deny him, why even bother with teaching him? Wouldn’t his lessons fall on deaf ears? Teaching now. Understanding later. One of the many profound things about Jesus’ mind and character was that he always focused on the big picture even while attentively handling the minute details before him. Jesus’ teachings dedicated to Peter were not meant to bear fruit that night, they were meant to change Peter later. It would not be until Jesus had been crucified, in the grave for three days and resurrected that those lessons would even begin to touch Peter. More than that, Peter’s failure, Jesus’ lessons, and the resulting victory were put there to aid our faltering faith as well.
Check out our April 18, 2022 podcast, “Can Jesus’ Resurrection Revive My Faltering Faith?” for more. Because we fail like Peter did, our paying attention to all that Jesus did for him can be transformative for us. Join us as we watch Jesus’ wisdom, love and compassion unfold and rebuild Peter. It’s a recipe for how Jesus can - by the power of his resurrection - take our failures and bring us to victory!
“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Ephesians 6:12 Here the Apostle Paul prepares us for our spiritual warfare as Christians. He makes the point that we need to be strong not in our own […]
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In all of human history, there has never been an event with the magnitude and drama of the nation of Israel being freed from their harsh slavery in Egypt. Millions of people and countless flocks literally walked away from generations of harsh servitude. God guided them to their freedom after the 10th plague and through the establishment of the Passover. This Passover event was to be remembered and celebrated year after year for all of their generations to follow. And the whole deliverance-from-Egypt experience was mentioned countless times throughout the history of the Old Testament. Why? Why were these things such vital things to not only remember but to appreciate? It turns out that these things provide massive insights for Christians as to how God’s plan really works! A new calendar Not too many events in all of world history can you look at and see a whole new calendar being established because of them. When God told the Hebrews it was time to leave their Egyptian slave masters, He marked this event by establishing a “sacred calendar.” Before going any further with the details, this tells us just how significant their freedom would be in God’s mind and plan. The first dates to be recognized on that sacred calendar would be the 10th and the 14th of the month Nisan. Interestingly, neither of these were the date they were actually freed from slavery. Both dates had to do with a lamb. The month of Nisan On the 10th of Nisan each enslaved Hebrew household was to choose a lamb from their herds. The chosen lamb (or goat) was to be the best of the herd. It was to be without any defect, a year old and male. Each household was to slaughter that lamb four days later on the 14th. They were to eat it and put some of its blood on the outside doorframes of their homes. Why so much focus on the meal of a lamb when they are about to be freed from generations of slavery? The deliverance millions of Hebrews would experience would not come as a result of a revolt or a war. Their freedom would come because of the lamb. The lamb would be the centerpiece of Israel’s Passover, Israel’s deliverance, that would for thousands of years be celebrated on the 14th of Nisan.
Check out our April 11,2022 podcast, “Why Should Christians Care About Israel’s Deliverance From Slavery?” for more. We piece together many of the fascinating and meticulous details of this first Passover. We then open the floodgates of biblical testimony that show how the Passover was a profound picture of God’s plan of salvation through Jesus. The lamb, the meal they ate, the manner in which they ate it, the sparing of the firstborn and the deliverance of the nation all told a bigger story. Join us for this amazing journey into Israel’s amazing deliverance from slavery that painted a detailed picture of how salvation in Jesus works.
Talking about the end of the world is scary. The amazing thing is that predicting it has been going on for thousands of years. Quoting a few lines from a 2009 Smithsonian Magazine article: “An Assyrian clay tablet dating to around 2800 B.C. bears the inscription: Our Earth is degenerate in these later days; there are signs that the world is speedily coming to an end; bribery and corruption are common; children no longer obey their parents; every man wants to write a book and the end of the world is evidently approaching." So, does the Bible actually tell us how the world will end? It doesn't, but the more appropriate question is, does it give us prophecies that describe how the world will dramatically change? Absolutely! We are not piling on to the mountain of end-of-the-world predictions here; instead, we are seeking to interpret world-changing events as prophesied in Scripture. Dramatic Bible prophecies Sometimes Bible prophecies can be really cryptic and mystifying, especially when they speak of the things like the earth collapsing or melting. We can look at what is being described and easily draw the wrong conclusions. The 46th chapter of Psalms is such a prophecy. It tells us of raging ocean waters, mountains shaking and falling into the sea and the earth melting. People seem to gravitate to the drama of these kinds of descriptions. They are the types of things you see in those end times, apocalyptic movies. As Bible-believing Christians, we have to ask ourselves if such statements in Scripture should be taken literally or figuratively. So, does Psalm 46 tell us how the world will end? According to this prophecy, will the physical earth be turned into a molten mass of liquified elements? Will all life cease to exist? If we say yes, then we have to answer the question of why. Why would God create this world, inhabit it with humanity, allow sin, and then bring a Savior only to utterly destroy it? Would this reveal a God of love, wisdom, justice and power, or a God of chaos, reactions and rage?
Fortunately, God reveals Himself to be the God of love, wisdom, justice and power. His stated intention regarding the earth is that it will remain forever (Ecclesiastes 1:4). That being said, what does having the mountains fall into the raging sea mean? It means trouble - world-changing, chaos-causing trouble.
Check out our April 4, 2022 podcast, “Does the Bible Tell Us How the World Will End?” for more. We examine the language Psalm 46 and define what these scriptural symbols mean. We then follow how these symbols apply in our present day. The conclusion is startling! We are here and now living in the time of this prophecy’s dramatic fulfillment. While this can be scary, it can also be comforting. Join us as we put the pieces together and watch God’s masterful plan unfold!
We live “in” the world but are not “of” the world, as our citizenship is in heaven. Here we are “ambassadors” for Christ. In all cases, we want to be God-honoring. There are several basic principles that come to mind. One is found Isaiah 50:4, “The Lord God hath given me the tongue of the […]
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Most Christians are very aware of Satan’s influence in our world today. We know he is opposed to God and His will at all turns, and as the "god of this world" (2 Corinthians 4:4), he will ferociously fight to keep all he has laid claim to. What we don’t often think about is how we as individual Christians fit into the intensity of Satan’s raging against God. The Scriptures tell us that his objective was and continues to be usurping for himself the authority that ultimately belongs to the Most High God. Anyone and anything that in any way shape or form stands in the way of Satan’s fight over his perceived authority is fair game for his unrighteous anger. As Christians, we love God supremely and seek to daily walk in the footsteps of our Lord Christ Jesus. This blessing means we are also Satan’s prime targets. What now? Satan as a roaring lion The Apostle Peter’s illustration of Satan going about as a roaring lion seeking someone to devour in 1 Peter 5:8 is a powerful one. Peter had firsthand experience regarding the power of Satan’s attacks when he denied the Lord three times before Jesus’ crucifixion. Jesus warned Peter that Satan was after him (Luke 22:31-32) and that he had prayed for him. Jesus knew Satan would exploit Peter’s moments of weakness and attempt to reframe them as a life of failure. Satan lost that battle and as a result, Peter warned us to be watchful. Do you hear the roar? Lions roar for a variety of reasons. They roar to warn their pride of danger, to scare off an intruder, another lion or a predator. A lion’s roar can be devastatingly loud, and it can invoke acute fear and panic. Satan as a roaring lion is unmistakably hunting down the followers of Jesus. His objective is to stifle the work of Christ that is being accomplished through us. He will stop at nothing to intimidate, discourage, or cause us to panic in fear. He knows that his time and his dominion are both limited. What happens when you corner a predatory animal? They attack with a destroyer’s ferocity.
Satan’s attacks on the disciples of Christ can take place in a variety of ways. His typical approach seems to be to lie in wait for the everyday trials that come to us as we strive to be like Jesus. His objective is to turn those trials into traumas and to get us to focus on things other than following Christ.
Check out our March 28, 2022 podcast, “How Is Satan Trying to Devour Me?” for more. We examine four specific ways Satan as a roaring lion seeks to get into our hearts and heads. We look at several real-life examples of what it means to stand up against the lion’s roar. The Bible tells us to wear the Armor of God, but fighting Satan requires us to be armed inwardly as well outwardly. Join us as we focus on standing our ground in the battle for our Christian lives!
Hope is a critical part of the human experience. Without it, our lives would be overrun with despair, doubt and difficulty. It's intertwined in every part of any experience that contains even the smallest measure of doubt. Without it, we would end up meeting the uncertainties of each day with our own internal and unanswerable uncertainties. The results would be disastrous! The fact is there are different interpretations of what this kind of optimism really is. If we place our expectations in seriously questionable ideas, circumstances or people, we will undoubtedly end up with high levels of disappointment. So, how do we keep true hope alive? For Christians, it all begins with striving to understand what biblical hope really is. Once we grasp this, we begin to see that hope in its most complete form is absolutely transformational.
First and foremost, let’s establish the difference between a true hope and a wish. When we wish for something, we have an emotional attachment to whatever that thing or circumstance is to be a reality. I can be having a bad day and wish it would end. I can be short and wish I was tall. I can apply for a job that I am underqualified for and wish I would get it. None of these wishes have a direct link to the reality of my life. Developing and banking on wishes generally brings us disappointing results. Genuine hope is different The New Testament word for hope means "expectation." Hope from a biblical standpoint, then, has its basis in truth and not in any emotional desire for something to be real. Biblical hope is based on things that are outside of ourselves. It is based on principles of righteousness and godliness. And it is based on the fact that God does have a plan. Biblical hope is something to aspire to because it works. It requires effort and constancy on our part, which is a far cry from the emotionalism of a wish.
With such a stark difference between hopes and wishes, you’d think we would avoid the entire wish thing and hold onto the solid expectations that hope brings. Theoretically this is doable, but practically this is challenging. It is far too easy to dilute true biblical hope with generous portions of my own desires and perspective. It's just too convenient to take sound scriptural principles and prophecies and customize them to fit my personal viewpoint.
Check out our March 21, 2022 podcast, “How Do We Keep Hope Alive?” for more. We lay out the awe-inspiring scriptures that reveal how God shows Himself to be the fundamental basis of all biblical hope. We look at the several steps needed to not only lock on to truth-based biblical hope, but also how to apply it along the way. Finally, we look at the hopelessness of our world and uncover how to be filled with hope in spite of the mess we are in. Join us! Genuine hope is something you don’t want to live without!
It was a movable tent where the Israelites could be in contact with God’s presence as they wandered in the wilderness. Watch this short animated video with your children to learn more about the tabernacle.
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As Christians, we all fail. We all think, say or do things that are out of harmony with God’s will and way, and this can be really frustrating. So, what can change those failures? Will focusing on having more faith make a difference? The answer to this is both yes and no. Having more faith can only make a difference if we understand what faith really is. For many, having Christian faith is professing a belief. It is looking towards Jesus and choosing to be his follower. While this is appropriate and necessary, it's only a beginning. True faith is far deeper. When we look at both the Old and New Testaments together, we see a very different description of faith. This description shows us how we can use true and genuine faith to help take us from failure to victory. So, how does faith work? We often classify our Christian faith into the categories of intellectual appreciation and heart reliance. Let’s be clear - faith does belong in these categories, as it is very much an internal foundation for our discipleship. We live in a time when God does not show His presence as readily as He did in biblical times. This makes it important to really know God and Jesus with our minds as we grasp what salvation and redemption are all about. Just as important, we need to feel the impact of God’s love and Jesus’ leadership in our hearts as well. For many of us, these things signal strong faith that can lead us through difficulties. However, there is much more to faith than this. And...action! Faith’s frequently overlooked ingredient is action. The Old Testament is filled with accounts of individuals who stood head and shoulders above others when it came to faithfully following God’s will. Their examples were so inspiring that the 11th chapter of Hebrews was dedicated to citing many of their “living by faith” examples. Did you know? If you look up the word “faith” in most translations, it only appears twice in the entire Old Testament! This is in comparison to appearing 229 times in the New Testament. The Old Testament covers about 4,000 years of human history and the New Testament covers about 100 years of history. So, how do we learn faith vs. failure lessons from a period of time when faith is hardly mentioned?
It all comes down to understanding how faith was expressed in those ancient days. Check out our March 14, 2022 podcast, “Can Faith Take Me From Failure to Victory?” for more. We discover what a life of faith actually meant in Old Testament times. We examine several aspects of how Joshua, the man appointed by God to lead Israel into the land of Canaan, lived his faith. All of this gives us a broader comprehension of the value and application of life faithfully lived in a God-honoring way. Join us as we learn to see how faith can bring us to victory when we fail!
Part I of this important topic focused in on some harsh Old Testament accounts that featured God pronouncing death and destruction to those who perpetrated great evil. Bible skeptics parade these accounts as proof that God is merciless, evil and even sadistic. While the Old Testament does put these kinds of judgments into perspective, the ability to draw a full conclusion regarding God’s purposes is not complete. We need the rest of the story. We need to understand how the New Testament is built on top of - but does not replace - the Old Testament. Today, we continue looking into the whole Bible to accurately measure God’s love against His wrath. What we will find is the rest of the story as we apply the role Jesus played as a man to all those who suffered and died before his earthly mission. Not so fast... Understanding God’s wrath requires a willingness to look at both the Old and New Testaments as a continuous unfolding of the mind of God. This approach reveals the depth of thought, preparation and wisdom that has gone into God’s plan ultimately unfolding. Instead of looking at specific events that can bring us to a point of judging God, we should rather locate the specific big picture principles being taught by those events. What about Sodom? A good illustration of this is the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah back in Abraham’s time. These cities were destroyed as a result of their horrendous evil. Interestingly, when Jesus references the city of Sodom, he does so in a positive light. He says that if the miracles he performed were seen in Sodom, they would have not been destroyed and that they will have an easier time in the Day of Judgment. To the skeptic, this would prove that God is arbitrary, as it intimates that they were salvageable. Just show them miracles! Why all the darkness? God’s plan is so much bigger than the simple Band-Aid of a miracle. His focus is on the eternal opportunity that His plan gives ALL of us through Jesus. To understand God’s wrath in relation to God’s love, we need to recognize that God allowed the darkness of the sin that plagues this world. Why would He allow something so destructive? Because it is a necessary experience that shows the futility of life without godly righteousness. God’s bottom line is to use the foul experiences of sin to teach all of humanity the necessity and advantage of obeying His ways and His words.
Check out our March 7, 2022 podcast, “Is God’s Wrath Stronger than His Love? (Part II)” for more. We identify what the pathway through this sinful world leads to. We highlight the amazing promises God made on behalf of humanity so many thousands of years ago. God’s wrath is His intentional way of showing all of us the darkness and destructiveness of sin. His love was intentionally expressed through promises and through Jesus paying the price that sin required. Join us and see how these God-honoring puzzle pieces of God’s character fit together.
Why does God allow sin’s destructiveness to plague this world? Watch this short vlog then listen to the full podcast of the same name for more details.
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There are MANY things in the Bible that are easily misunderstood and therefore easily misrepresented. Perhaps the most singularly misrepresented subject in the entire Bible is the nature of God Himself. There are many who accuse God of being angry, vengeful, cruel and unjust, especially because of the Old Testament. They write Him off as unworthy of respect, and laugh when the New Testament presents Him as just, loving and merciful. The contradiction, they say, is untenable and glaring. When we read certain Old Testament verses without explanation or context, we can begin to identify their perspective. What we know based on the study of scripture and history, is that they are wrong. God DOES show anger, wrath and harshness in the Bible, but there is a plan behind it if we are willing to search it out! When the nation of Israel was released from their slavery in Egypt, they were instructed to go the land of Canaan. God had promised them this land would be their homeland. The only problem was, there were seven other nations already occupying it. The solution? God told Israel to wipe out those seven nations, and that He would lead the annihilation. He did. Israel conquered the land of Canaan and established it as their homeland. Let’s pause a moment. As Christians, how can we justify such actions? How can we in good conscience stand behind a God who seems to be so arbitrary when so many lives are at stake?
The good news is, we don’t have to stand behind such a one-sided story. Why? Because the actual account contains a myriad of other details that entirely change the meaning of this account. The first point of significance is this: 400 years before this destruction occurred, God spoke to Abraham in a dream. He told him that the sinfulness of the Canaanites was growing and their evil would come to its full measure 400 years later. This foresight of God reveals many things
First, it tells us that God is not arbitrary in His wrath. It tells us that He will release His righteous anger only when the circumstances call for it. Second, it shows us that God understands the effects of sin upon humanity. He knows that if given time, sin will slowly and methodically peel away any remnants of righteousness from those who reject Him.
Check out our February 28, 2022 podcast, “Is God’s Wrath Stronger Than His Love? (Part I)" for more. We track the historical demise of the Canaanite people and find their horrifying and degraded condition. We examine several other accusations regarding the wrath of God and put them in historical and scriptural context. The bottom line is, when we look at the things God did that seem so dark, we need to be willing to back up and see their broader context. God IS just and God IS love. Join us for Part 1 as it unveils the issues we then explain more fully in Part II.
How can we see God’s wrath in context? Watch this short vlog then listen to the full podcast of the same name for more details.
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In the 2,000 years since Jesus walked the earth, Christianity has in some ways progressed but in many ways fragmented. Depending on the doctrine or ritual you are looking at, you can find groups with a laser focus on it or a minimized approach to it. The early Christian ritual of the “laying on of hands” is a good example of this dichotomy. Some of us centralize its importance while others of us see it as a thing of the past. If laying on of hands was central, why was it NOT used consistently? If it was of little significance, then why was it used at all? The fact is, the act of laying on of hands was clearly present in the Old Testament. The apostles did plainly use this ritual several times. So, what is the bottom-line application of laying on of hands for Christians living today? Purposes in the Old Testament The Old Testament reveals that laying on of hands was used in ancient times in relation to several important functions:
As a symbol of passing on a patriarchal blessing, as in the case of Israel with his grandsons Ephraim and Manasseh in Genesis 48. As a symbol of dedicating one to a position of spiritual authority and responsibility, demonstrated in Numbers 8. It also came up in an instance of healing in through Elisha in 2 Kings 4.
The point is, this ritual had a clear foundation of acceptability and importance as Jesus later came on the scene. What about Jesus? Jesus did lay hands on others, but he was not consistent. While there are several accounts of him healing this way, there are also several accounts of him healing without touch. Jesus even healed when the sick individual was not in his presence. While Jesus did lay his hands on children to bless them, he also blessed others by just his spoken words.
If we move on to examine the laying on of hands regarding the apostles and disciples, we see the same inconsistency. They sometimes healed though laying on of hands and sometimes didn’t. Sometimes they conferred Christian authority and responsibility upon others using this ritual and sometimes didn’t. They were even inconsistent when it came to being the conduit for followers to receive the holy spirit. If our primary examples of Jesus and the apostles didn't display a clear example regarding this ritual, then what are we supposed to do?
Check out our February 21, 2022 podcast, “Should Christians be Practicing “Laying on of Hands?” for more. We trace how and why the Jewish importance of this ritual transferred to Christianity. We examine the New Testament inconsistencies regarding laying on of hands and find the reasons behind them. Most importantly, we look at what our responsibilities are towards laying on of hands today. The question of whether or not we should use this ritual is important and the Scriptures do give us a clear answer. Join us for a fascinating journey into an important foundation of Christianity!
The Old Testament reveals many uses for laying on of hands. Watch this short vlog then listen to the full podcast of the same name for more details.
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When it comes to understanding your marriage relationship, there may not be a more revealing question to ask than, “What do I say when I talk to my spouse?” We make a life-altering decision to marry, and the passion behind it is clear and solid. We see it as a "forever" passion. Time passes and this passionate decision can become a commonplace part of life, one we don’t give much thought to. Then kind of like putting on your most comfortable pair of shoes or sitting in your favorite chair, your marriage becomes just another element of life you absentmindedly rely on to provide you comfort. As you talk to your spouse, your words perhaps subtly at first begin to reflect reaffirming your own comfort instead of being interested in their experience. So sad and too often, so true! Think about this! We communicate with our spouses through our words, actions, innuendo - and what we choose to focus on as important. These communications reveal the condition of OUR OWN HEARTS. Just by looking at these simple things, how would we say we’re doing with our spousal dialogue? Consider that somewhere around half of all marriages end in divorce and countless others are unhappy. With all of this in mind, it is evident that strong and healthy spousal communication is the exception and not the rule. Why is this the case? Living in the age of technology, the short (and I might add depressing) answer is this. There is too much else that we allow to demand our attention. We are so busy with working, challenges, social media, kids, friends, personal interests, politics, causes and distractions that we lose sight of our spouse. Because there is so much to see, hear and respond to we spend far less time, energy and emotional investment on the most important person in our lives. Why? Because they are an assumed part of our life that can easily be handled on autopilot. When we do finally try and communicate, it is often done to express dissatisfaction or anger. Now that is a lose-lose approach!
Check out our February 14, 2022 podcast, “What Do I Say When I Talk to My Spouse?” for more. We look at several scriptural principles and examples to give us a solid foundation from which to communicate. Two kinds of love can drive healthy relationships, so we talk about how to keep them in focus. We delve into the “why" and “how” of our conversations and where they so easily get sidetracked. We examine the most important thing that needs to be conveyed to our spouse. Here’s a hint: It is NOT telling them how we feel or why we might be mad. THE most important thing has little to do with us at all. A happy relationship is fundamentally dependent on strong communication. Join us and gather some of the tools necessary to build that foundation!
Most marriages are unhappy or end in divorce. Watch this short vlog then listen to the full podcast of the same name for more details.
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As Christians, we are truly blessed. Having given our lives to Jesus, we are assured that all of our experiences are overruled for our best benefit. This is not to imply we can just coast along as though we were given a ticket for some magical ride to heaven riding on fluffy clouds of comfort. On the contrary. Being a Christian is hard. We are expected to work in the service of God through Jesus on a regular daily basis. We are also expected to be accountable for what we do or don’t do. In the Parable of the Talents, Jesus shows us that we are given specific work to do for him, and that we have exactly what we need to get the job done. So, the question is, how am I doing? What godly things have I been given to do, and am I daily working at accomplishing them?
In the Parable of the Talents, a master is traveling to a faraway place. He gathers his servants to him and gives them each a large sum of money to work with while he is gone. Upon his return, he demands an accounting of their activity in his absence. To those who have worked profitably, he doles out a generous reward. To those who have not, he doles out a punishment. Jesus is represented by the master in the story. He spoke this parable to prepare his followers for his inevitable departure to heaven. There are several points of significance in this story, but we will only touch on parts of two:
This master turns over his "wealth” to these particular servants in his absence. He implicitly trusts them to be responsible for the profitable investment of all his money. So, what did this wealth of Jesus that he handed over to true Christians represent? Several things. Perhaps the most obvious application of this wealth is the gospel. Jesus’ very presence for his earthly mission was “glad tidings of great joy to all people!” In his absence, this message is no less glad and no less important. True Christians are tasked with protecting the integrity of this message while spreading it to the world.
The master distributes his wealth to his servants according to their individual ability. This one seemingly small detail ends up being of powerful importance. Jesus left his followers with a lot to handle, and yet he didn’t leave them with too much to handle.
Check out our February 7, 2022 podcast, “What Am I Doing with What God Has Given Me?” for more. We lay out the several aspects of what this entrusted wealth means. The discussion continues about the implications of being given responsibility according to our ability. We address the accusation in the parable that the master is a harsh man. This story is a blueprint for handling our Christian responsibilities and talents. Don’t miss its inspiration and encouragement!
Matthew 26:29 reads, “But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.” It is necessary to first establish the meaning of the cup. On one occasion (Matthew 20:20-28) the mother of James […]
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There are examples in the Bible where human features are used to describe God, like having a face. Watch this short animated video with your youngsters to find out more about what God looks like.
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In Galatians 3:13 the Apostle Paul said, “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the Law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone that hangs on a tree.’” From this we see that Jews were actually under double condemnation. When father Adam sinned he brought God’s curse upon […]
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When Jesus gave the Sermon on the Mount, he changed everything. All that the people of Israel had ever heard before this was related to the Jewish Law and much of that teaching had been corrupted by their religious leadership. Jesus sat on a hillside teaching his disciples, allowing anyone to listen in who had a mind to hear. For those who did, he unfolded transformational instructions to become his true disciples. The import of the simple statements he began his sermon with, now known as the Beatitudes, is eternal. Last week we began to unpack these Beatitudes and covered the first three of the seven. Here in Part II, we cover the last four. What deep lessons and instructions did Jesus use to describe his own character as a model for ours? A quick recap... In Part I of our 2-part series, we labeled what being “blessed” really means. We spoke in detail about “Blessed are the poor in spirit" (humble), “Blessed are those that mourn” (those who grieve) and “Blessed are the meek” (teachable). These three characteristics lay a very solid foundation on which to build a Christian life. The next three, “hungering and thirsting for righteousness” being “merciful” and being “pure in heart” are also steppingstones to a dramatic conclusion. Understanding the progressive nature of these six beatitudes gives us a far deeper appreciation of what Jesus wants us to be. It is important to realize that appreciating the depth of the Beatitudes unlocks an understanding of the challenges of a Christian life. Each and every experience we have - be it happy or sad, inspiring or crushing - ties into these seven characteristics. The further you go through this list of these Beatitudes, the more difficult it is to apply the character trait. Beatitude #6 - for the mature Christian Take the sixth beatitude as an example, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” Purity of heart is not something we come to Christ already possessing. As a matter of fact, the exact opposite is true. We come to Jesus because we make mistakes, we say bad things and we act out of pride or jealousy, or anger or selfishness. All of these are symptoms of an impure heart, and we are loaded down with them. We need Jesus because we need forgiveness for our sins. To develop a purer heart is to work at purging out the sinful thoughts, words and actions from our lives. Purity of heart is not a function of mere desire. It is a result of hard work, humility and discipline over a very long time.
Check out our January 24, 2022 podcast “Is God Happy With My Attitude? (Part II) for more. We establish a clear order and connection for all of the Beatitudes. We focus on the last one, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God.” We reveal why this particular characteristic of peacemaking is at the top of this profound list. To be a true Christian requires work. Join us and learn how these seven character traits can focus that work to best honor God!
How do we incorporate the beatitudes into our lives? Watch this short vlog then listen to the full podcast of the same name for more details.
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As a Christian, we want to strive for spiritual excellence in all things. The Scriptures tell us that we are walking epistles and are judged by our actions and our words. The Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 3:2 “You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everybody. “ By […]
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Arguably, the most well-known sermon in the world is the Sermon on the Mount, delivered by Jesus over 2,000 years ago on a mountainside near the Lake of Gennesaret and Capernaum. It was his longest recorded sermon, covering important topics like loving your enemies, anger and murder, adultery and divorce, how to fast and laying up treasures in heaven. His audience was his disciples plus a curious crowd, attracted by his ability to perform wondrous miracles. The sermon began with several deceptively simple “blessed” statements called the Beatitudes. These statements are actually a profound foundation for all of Jesus’ teachings. They show us not only how to frame our view of life, they also show us how we are to treat those around us with godly grace. Just who was Jesus talking to? One of the key factors in understanding the Sermon on the Mount and its introductory Beatitudes is knowing who Jesus’ audience was. When we look at the scenario, we see Jesus sitting on a hillside surrounded by countless people who came to hear what he had to say. While it seems obvious that Jesus was talking directly to those masses, it is not the correct conclusion. The context before and after the Beatitudes were spoken clearly indicates that he was, in fact, directly addressing only his disciples.
This fact raises several relevant questions:
Does this mean the Beatitudes don't apply to the average person? Why speak these things with so many people around if you aren't intending them to benefit?
To answer these, we make several observations: Jesus was wise. He always knew who was listening. He knew who he was specifically addressing and why. Throughout his ministry, he frequently focused on one segment of a group while intentionally allowing others to listen in. Why? He knew the principles of godly righteousness he always taught should be heard by all, even if they would not fully understand them. The Beatitudes fit beautifully into this explanation. Jesus DOES want all people to recognize, love and honor God. He wisely knows the vast majority who may listen are likely mere curiosity seekers. For them to be able to simply hear, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” is a positive thing. It points to the all-important basis of personal humility as a way for God to deal with us and for us to be true disciples of Christ. While the full depth and meaning of these words escapes the casual listener, it does impact and change those who would truly follow Jesus.
Check out our January 17,2022 podcast, “Is God Happy with My Attitude?" (Part I) for more. We begin with defining the profound meaning of being “blessed” and then carefully examine each of the first three Beatitudes. We find so much more than a list of inspirational sayings. The seven teachings of Jesus are actually a lynchpin for a successful Christin life. Join us for Part I as we begin this journey into the mind and life of Jesus. This will help us to understand what our lives should look like. Part II picks up right where we left off, so don't miss this important 2-part series.
The Beatitudes frame our lives! Watch this short vlog then listen to the full podcast of the same name for more details.
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It is easy to live with bitterness. I am not suggesting it’s initially comfortable, but I am suggesting that being bitter towards one or many people or circumstances is considered acceptable. We know it’s acceptable because if we pay attention, we will see that the harsh and angry results of a bitter temperament are widely encouraged. Bitterness can enter at every turn and enters easily and stealthily. Once in, it quietly takes root, masked as what we might consider justifiable anger or a justifiable reaction to wrong, or simply a justifiable defense of one’s own self. Then it grows – quietly and under the surface at first so that we get comfortable with it, until one day we wake up and it rules our life.
Bitterness is more destructive than we like to think for several reasons: It reformats the way we see the world If I have been terribly wronged by someone’s purposeful action and suffer lasting consequences, bitterness can be natural and understandable. Allowing my bitter feelings to be at home in my heart is easy, as they provide a way for me explain away my now stagnating life. This produces comfort. Once we get comfortable with something, we no longer question it. Without my conscious permission, my life perspective has now changed. I see the world differently. Over time, I will inevitably be presented with several opportunities along the way to ease that bitterness, but I will most likely reject them as disruptive or useless. It destroys our lives is through its complexity Being bitter often brings us to being sad, disillusioned, angry and disappointed. Each of these are challenging symptoms all on their own. Routing out any one of them can be a mammoth challenge. Even when we do manage to get one or more of these under control, we still have the root cause of bitterness alive and intact within our hearts.
In the New Testament, the Bible basically defines bitterness as poison. How much poison are we willing to live with? You can dilute poison with lots of water, but are you still willing to drink it? Are we willing to rationalize and say that our bitter feelings are not as bad as someone else’s, so we’re okay? The Bible frames being bitter as a significant target for Christians to overcome and not tolerate.
Check out our January 10, 2022 podcast, “Am I Too Bitter to Be Better?” for more. We look at several biblical examples of bitterness to see what drives them and what can derail them. What we find is both alarming and hopeful. First, we find that bitterness can upend our lives in ways that we might never have thought of. But we also find that there are many things we can do to dig down and root out our bitterness. Join us for a journey of growth and change as we seek to root out the poison of a bitter heart.
The New Testament defines bitterness as poison. Watch this short vlog then listen to the full podcast of the same name for more details.
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The Hebrew word translated into English as “prudent” here is found in the Strong’s Concordance as reference #7919, śāḵal: https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h7919/kjv/wlc/0-1/ כַל sâkal, saw-kal’; a primitive root; to be (causatively, make or act) circumspect and hence, intelligent:—consider, expert, instruct, prosper, (deal) prudent(-ly), (give) skill(-ful), have good success, teach, (have, make to) understand(-ing), wisdom, (be, behave self, consider, […]
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The source of the phrase, “The devil is in the details” is a bit unsure. It is thought to be a derivation of the phrase “God is in the detail,” thought to be from an old German proverb sometime in the 1800’s. Whatever the origin, both phrases are profoundly true. As we begin a new year, we often look to get things in order, so that we can improve our quality of life. For a Christian, this is a great practice but is also one that should be approached with a measure of caution. Why? Because the devil CAN be in the details! Just because we decide we want our lives to be better does not mean we will automatically go about it in a God-honoring way! So, what do we watch out for? How can we be sure to have the details of our desires be more appropriate, have godliness written all over them and no trace of the devil? What do we know about the devil? The devil is a spiritual being not of this earth. But through several prophecies, the Bible tells us a fair amount about his heavenly position and responsibilities. These prophecies reveal he was called a “morning star.” This was a very high rank among all of God’s created beings. They also tell us how he was given a measure of oversight over the earthly creation. All of this adds up to Satan being in a natural position of powerful and influence over humanity. This became obvious when he deceived Eve in the Garden, and she followed his direction rather than God’s specific instruction. How is the devil in our details? The nature of Satan’s rebellion against God is prophetically revealed in Isaiah 14:12-14. These verses describe not only his mindset, but his objectives as he sought to be like God. When we couple the prophetic history of Satan with his blatant rebellion against God, we end up with an alarming influence over humanity that is evil. The unfortunate conclusion from all of this is that the devil is not only in the details of our lives, he is naturally in those details. This means his rebellious characteristics of arrogance, deception and subtlety have an indelible effect on the human race.
We as humans often look to make decisions to improve our lives and focus our ambition, especially at the beginning of a new year. Knowing what we know now, we need to proceed with wisdom, as we want to have God in the details of our lives and not Satan. Check out our January 03, 2022 podcast, “Is the Devil in the Details of My Life?” for more. We look at four specific aspects of Satan’s desires. We compare his desires with our typical human attempts to make our lives better. What we find is reason for caution and hope. Caution, because it is painfully easy to give in to the devil’s way of doing things by always putting ME first. Hope because these things are recognizable and changeable! God belongs in the details of our lives. Let’s make sure He is there!
Technology brings the world to the palm of your hand. This means we are bombarded with voices. Worldly voices of opinion, anger, politics, perspective, ego, trends and personal interpretations of morality. If you have technology in your life, it is virtually impossible to completely shut these voices out. On the other hand, we have the voice of God through His Word and through His people. This voice is powerful but quiet. It is relevant but subtle; nourishing but it seems outdated. It is transformative in a very positive way, but it is also laughed at as out of touch. So, how do we identify the voices around us and then intentionally choose whose will influence us to listen? The voice loop Our morality as humans is directly related to the voices we choose to listen to. It is woefully easy to get stuck in a “voice loop” where we allow certain voices, certain perspectives, to circulate nonstop in our minds. This results in two tragic consequences:
We probably don’t even know it’s happening. We have become accustomed to and comfortable with the voices we have chosen. They are now part of the furniture of our minds. Our conscious thoughts accept them as unequivocally belonging. These voices affect our behavior, leading us to something called “moral disengagement.”
Moral disengagement is a cognitive mechanism that detaches our internal moral standards from our actions, allowing us to engage in unethical behavior without feeling distress. Historically, one of the most dramatic examples of this was Nazi Germany. The Nazi propaganda of that time labeled Jews, Gypsies and others as less than human. The victims were seen as rats. This voice loop became so pervasive that it led to a systematic attempt to exterminate these "vermin." It’s called genocide and became acceptable.
What does this atrocity have to do with us? Unfortunately, more than we might be comfortable admitting. Our “voice loops” likely include a lot more dehumanizing language than we might be aware of. Now, we can say that we’d never resort to genocide, and I hope that is true. The more piercing question is, are we on the same highway as those who became so morally disengaged that they consciously and efficiently destroyed millions of lives?
Check out our December 27, 2021 podcast, “Whose Voices Are You Listening To?” for more. We look at seven mechanisms of moral disengagement, beginning with dehumanization. We apply these mechanisms to how our tech-driven world shapes us and find some disturbing trends. Next, we apply these mechanisms to several people in the Bible who had power and influence. We find striking similarities! With all of this unsettling material to pour through, we also present sound scriptural principles to help us manage these difficult challenges. If the idea of being involuntarily fed destructive voices on a regular daily basis is disturbing, then join us. We face the issues of influence with faith, courage and godly solutions!
The voices we listen to are directly related to our morality. Watch this short vlog then listen to the full podcast of the same name for more details.
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The accounts in Matthew and Luke do have differences that need to be investigated. Mark and John do not describe Jesus’ birth. Matthew tells us that after the birth of Jesus an angel appeared to Joseph and told him to flee to Egypt to avoid King Herod’s plan to murder the children of Bethlehem. After […]
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So, what is Christmas about? Well, that depends on who you are. For some, Christmas is traditionally a time for family and friends. It’s a time when we are more likely to put aside the stresses of our daily grind and give a little more, smile a little more and notice what is around us a little more. It is a time to slow down and have gratitude. For others, it is a time of gifts, parties, decorations and entertainment. Spending goes into overdrive and the excitement rules the day. It is a time to speed up and be everywhere. For Christians, Christmas should be a time for gratitude as we reflect on the birth of our Lord Jesus. While we can do the family and friends things and also be part of the excitement and entertainment, how can we maintain our focus on the most important thing? How can we define the most important thing? For me, it’s simple. I believe the most important thing is that the Bible not only reveals the voice of God, it also reveals that He has a plan. This plan is built around the fact that He knew humanity would sin. This sin would lead to eternal death. God pre-arranged a solution for this problem, and that solution would give every human being who ever lived a true opportunity for life. The solution's name is Jesus. God’s plan of redemption and reconciliation through Jesus IS the most important thing. 400 years of silence Leading up to this most important thing was a pretty unnoticeable process. The Old Testament quietly ended, which meant God was no longer talking to Israel through prophets. Malachi was the last of those Old Testament prophets, and his final written words described the conditions for Jesus to arrive on the scene. Four-hundred years later, the angel Gabriel appears to Zacharias, the soon to be father of John the Baptist. And the New Testament is born!
God’s most important plan was now ready to bring the most important feature into focus. As the New Testament unfolds, we see how God orchestrated the events that lead to Jesus’ birth by way of His holy spirit and of angels. We will see how He designed the announcement of Jesus’ birth through angelic proclamation, accompanied by a magnificent chorus of countless angels. We will also see how God protected the child Jesus. This protection was enacted through several angelic messages. All of this added up to God providing powerful care so the greatest life ever lived could begin.
Check out our December 20, 2021 podcast, “How Do We Keep Christmas About Jesus?” for more. We tell the story of Jesus’ birth with particular focus on the extraordinary providences of God along the way. The lesson here is dramatic. Our ability to keep Christmas about Jesus is deeply enhanced when we understand how profoundly God took care of the details surrounding his birth. Join us and hear the story that began the life that changed everything!
God designed our earth for humankind to enjoy it forever in His future kingdom! Watch this short animated video with your kids to learn more.
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Outside of some deeply philosophical debates, the idea of human beings having inherent freedom of choice seems to be a generally acceptable premise. Free will makes us special. The capacity of conscious choice establishes humankind in a unique category in relation to the rest of life on our planet. When human beings interfere with the freedom of choice of other humans, the consequences are usually dark. We end up with things like oppression, slavery and dictatorships. Does God ever interfere with our freedom of choice? Does He ever override an individual’s chosen pathway and force them onto another one? Some scriptures seem to indicate this, but is it? How do we understand the value and application of human choice in God’s ultimate plan?
Because the debates over free will are so varied, we will focus on free will as defined by three conditions:
The ability to do otherwise. This is the basis of free will, as it describes the fact that a choice exists because there are at least two alternatives. Control over one’s choices. We cannot be considered to be making a choice if we do not have personal say over the choices. Responsiveness to reasons. If my choice is based on “the luck of the draw,” I cannot be said to be choosing anything. Instead, I am simply accepting a result without any personal response to drive that acceptance.
When we look at the Bible, we can observe that God definitely gave humanity the gift of free will. This one thought can raise many questions regarding our relationship to God. For instance, if God gave us free will, then why doesn’t He give us better options to choose from? For the vast majority of humanity, the choices they are faced with always seem to be a mixed bag of good and bad no matter which way they go. If God loves us as we say He does, why isn’t there more quality in our daily choices? Does God ever influence our choices so they really aren't ours anymore? There are several scriptures that seem to indicate this is the case. If true, then is God contradicting the gift of free choice by taking it away from some?
Check out our recent podcast, “Do We Really Have Free Choice?” for more. We wade through the complexities of having a free will and discover the profound reasons that God gave such a gift to humanity. We look at several biblical examples that appear to show God overriding someone’s choices to find out what really happened. Finally, we put the whole equation together and discover how the whole freedom of choice thing fits into God’s plan. Free will is an extraordinary privilege. Join us as we uncover its power and place in the human experience!
The scriptures clearly state that Jesus is the son of God, not God Himself. On many occasions Jesus said that God had “sent me.” (See Matthew 10:40; Luke 4:8; and many others) Jesus was sent by God to accomplish the work of salvation. When telling the disciples he would soon leave them, Jesus said, “…I […]
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The Bible is a complicated book. It is a book of many books written in several languages over more than 1,500 years by the hand of about 40 individuals. It contains history and prophecy, as well as spiritual, moral and legal guidance. Its content is relayed in the form of historical records, letters and proclamations. It contains symbolic and metaphorical language. Some teachings are in story form, some are illustrated by example, and others are expressed by way of rigid law. The Bible contains catchy phrases, exaggeration, long genealogies and profound truth. Intertwined in all of this is the word of God and the message of His divine plan of all ages for all of humanity. So, where does one start – how does one start to find a way to understand what it is saying?
It’s tempting to figure that we can understand the Bible by simply reading through it. While we always advocate reading the Bible, reading it as you would a typical book will not bring deep comprehension. On the contrary, such an approach is likely to bring confusion. The Scriptures are far more than a simple story filled with plot twists. They are a collection of historical, prophetic and instructional records meant for different people at different times. What's the context? There are several Bible study methods that help dissolve some of the mysteries of its meaning. For our purposes here we will focus on just one: Context. Context has several levels, especially when we are attempting to understand a book as complex as God’s Word. First there is the context of time and place. When was the text in question written, to whom was it written and why? Knowing the people, the times and circumstances of a passage makes it come alive. The several simple context questions we can ask are a beginning step to our understanding. Context in relation to the other verses Knowing about the people and the times of Scripture opens the door for larger contextual questions. These can be more intricate but also serve a broader purpose. What about examining a Bible verse and placing it in the context of other verses that address the same specific subject? When we ask this kind of context question, we open the doors of understanding on a whole new level. Now we have a second verse and its context to help us understand our initial verse. Pursuing this method of understanding brings us into the realm of topical Bible study. This is where it gets exciting!
Check out our December 6, 2021 podcast, “Are There Secrets to Studying the Bible?” for more. We lay out several practical ways to unlock the inspirational teachings of the Bible. Did you know that all Scriptures should not be applied to all times in history? Have you ever wondered what should be taken literally and what is symbolic in the Bible? And how to figure out what the symbolic words in the Bible mean? Join us as we answer these questions and more. Learn about the Bible as you never have before!
God doesn’t “send” any bad things to us. Watch this short animated video with your children for more of an explanation!
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By mentioning the flood and Sodom and Gomorrah some may think God should bring destruction on this world. We do live in a sinful world. And the scriptures describe a time of trouble such as the world has never seen (See Daniel 12:1). However, there is much more to God’s plan than destruction. The purpose […]
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Near-death experiences (NDEs) are common. They have been reported from cultures and religions worldwide for hundreds of years. In this near-death scenario, there is usually a dark tunnel with a warm and calming light at the end. Often there are deceased relatives waiting in that light to receive the person going through the experience. Sometimes the person feels and sees themselves leave their body. At Christian Questions, we have always held that the Bible teaches that death is the absence of life. Could these NDEs be shedding a different light and proof on this subject? Are these experiences showing us a gateway to the supernatural, or could they in any way be physiological? One way or another, NDEs prove something. This question is, what? Millions have reported having an NDE The drama of an NDE is hard to match. There are so many millions of people who have reported them, and their reports frequently indicate a vivid sense of reality. People not only remember having the experience, they remember its details and sensations in extraordinary detail. Because these experiences are common throughout the world and across all religious borders, we need to pay attention to their message. As we acknowledge the commonality of such events, it is also important to recognize that all NDEs are not pleasant or peaceful. Some people are unfortunately terrorized and traumatized by what they report. What do NDEs tell us? Curiously, when you compare the details of these experiences, they seem to gather into categories based upon cultural or religious beliefs. One example of this is the reports that during an NDE, people see their lives panoramically flash before their eyes. While this description of a life review is extremely common in western cultures and Judeo-Christian faiths, it is entirely different in some eastern culture and religious circles.
The Hindu NDE accounts may consist of having someone read the record of the dying person’s life (called the “akashic record”). In Hinduism, a traditional belief is that the reading of a person’s akashic record occurs immediately after death. This concept is widely believed by Hindus all over India. The common western culture panoramic life review does not appear in accounts from India. So, why is this significant?
Check out our November 29, 2021 podcast, “Is a Near Death Experience a Glimpse of Heaven?” We address this core question regarding what an NDE is on several levels. First, we establish a scriptural basis for viewing such experiences. As this story unfolds, it really looks like we are dealing with massive contradictions. The Bible is specific about what death is, and the commonality of near-death experiences seems to indicate a fundamental difference between the two. When we open the door of medical and scientific evidence all of this changes. Join us as we combine biblical perspective with science, medicine and practical application and come up with a fascinating and harmonious conclusion! We also recommend Episode 1201: Can the Dead Communicate With Us?
Every Christian wants to be faithful in living their life with thankfulness. One immediate question that arises is, what causes us to be thankful? What life experiences bring us to gratitude? Most of us would answer that we feel appreciativeness when things fall into place or when a hard experience yields a righteous result. These are great times to give honor to God, but what about when the opposite happens? What kind of acknowledgment do we give to God when our opportunities are cut off for no good reason? Would we be grateful if we were singled out to have our personal freedoms to spread the gospel stripped, and we were instead literally locked in our house? The Apostle Paul was. The last several years of his life were mostly spent as a prisoner of Rome. What was his secret to rejoicing?
As a Christian, we never want to be in a situation where we end up fighting against God. Yet, we may end up in this position more often than we’d expect. To fight FOR God is to stand for His principles, His Plan and His purposes as outlined in Scripture. This sounds simple, but it really isn't. We find ourselves fighting against Him when we are misinformed or misguided and we take a stand for something that is less than godly. Sometimes we mistakenly or purposefully misrepresent God’s word or focus on motivation that is less than spiritually pure. It is easy to look at our thoughts and preferences and interpret them as “God’s will” for us and then pursue them with confidence. So, how do we know if we are really on God’s side or someone else’s in these circumstances? Are we or aren't we? To determine if we are fighting against God is not as easy as you might think. Loving God does not automatically make us lifetime members of the "I fight for God Club." This dilemma is aptly displayed in what we know about the life of the Old Testament prophet Jonah. Jonah was a mouthpiece of God. He was chosen to bring God’s messages to the people and to bring them in line with the Creator’s righteous ways. Jonah was told by God (notice he was told, not asked) to preach to the city of Nineveh about their sinful ways. The end result was that Jonah DID preach but he did NOT want to. Jonah fought for God in his mission but fought against God in his heart. It is sooooo subtle As odd as this sounds, this is a common challenge, as fighting against God can happen in a variety of different ways. The Bible gives us examples of the creative subtlety we as humans use to appear as spiritually-minded when we are actually going in a different direction. One example of this creative subtlety has to do with identifying and calling out legitimate issues. We can observe someone being wrong or unjust while working in God’s service. We might react to this with focus and indignation. Perhaps we present evidence to show how it is fighting against God, and we would be right. We can and should demand change. The subtlety begins here, as the change we demand fits our personal agenda and not a higher godly agenda. We initially stood for God, only to fight against Him in our proposed solution to the problem.
Check out our November 15, 2021 podcast, “Am I Fighting For or Against God?” for more. We look at several biblical examples of how we can end up fighting against God, even when we don’t mean to. Identifying when and how we fight against God is one thing, but searching out ways to prevent it is another. Join us for some very practical scriptural tactics that can help us overcome our broken, human approach to godliness. Let’s fight the right fight!
Determining if we are fighting against God is not so easy. Watch this short vlog then listen to the full podcast of the same name for more details.
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We always say that prayer changes things - and it does. Jesus was emphatic about this and even gave us an example of how to pray in what is known as “The Lord’s Prayer.” With prayer, as with so many parts of Christian doctrine, the core value of what the Bible teaches easily gets lost in the interpretive value of our own human perspective. Because of the imperfect human part of the equation we create many questions. What about those circumstances where someone prays for what they need, and they simply don’t get it? Is the problem that God is not listening or that He doesn’t want them to have what they need? Is the problem that this person not praying appropriately? How does this lifeline to God really work? Who gets such direct access to God? The first question to address has to do with accessibility. Does anyone have the ability to communicate with God at any time they desire? Should it be a general human expectation to be able to ask God for what we feel we need or for what we want? If this entitlement were true, then we would have several apparent conclusions to recognize. Our observation is that the overwhelming majority of us see their prayers as unanswered. This would then mean that God either does not hear all that well or He is completely uncaring. A quick look at the Bible confirms that neither of these conclusions is true.
There are many scriptures that describe God as “with the contrite and lowly of spirit” (Isaiah 57:15) or “hearing the prayer of the righteous” (Proverbs 15:29). These texts are teaching us that God is a willing listener but only in some circumstances. Righteousness and humility always come to the top of the list when understanding who God will respond to. Whenever righteousness is a qualification for anything in Scripture, we know it specifically means being right before God. While our own good standing in our worldly environment is good, it lacks the godly reverence needed for God to hear us. Who really benefits? What about those whose prayers God does hear? Do their petitions really make a difference in their own lives and the lives of others? This is a hard question to answer. The Bible does give us many examples of those who bring matters to God seeking His intervention. These examples do indicate that God is listening and responding. So if that is the case, then exactly how does this work? If our petitions to God do bring results and changes to those we are praying about, does that mean if we don’t ask then God won’t help them?
Check out our November 8, 2021 podcast, “Why Aren’t My Prayers Being Answered?” for more. We dig into what the whole communicating-with-God equation is built upon and look into how the Bible says it works. This is a fascinating journey into an important, very popular and yet sorely misunderstood subject. Understanding prayer and following its scriptural guidelines is a life changer! Don’t miss it!
It seems like wisdom has become old fashioned and obsolete. When I think of wisdom, I think of a thoughtful approach that is not driven by self-interest. I think of quiet observation that seeks to understand the people, the facts and the circumstances before weighing in with answers. When I think of wisdom, I think of my Grandma Helen. She lived a hard life and yet judged no one, always found a way to help and contribute and continually guided others towards their best and most integrity-filled path. When I think of wisdom, I think of Jesus. I think of his everyday life, his teaching, his obedience to his Father and his selflessness. When I think of wisdom, I don’t ever think of our day and our tech-driven, opinion-heavy and reaction-riddled approach. What happened? Where did we go wrong? It's very different from intelligence Intelligence implies the ability to acquire and process knowledge and to be able to take that knowledge and put it to good use. This is a wonderful characteristic to have as it provokes order and growth. While wisdom benefits from intelligence, it dives much deeper regarding the application of knowledge. It is both experience and maturity- based. Its application of what it has observed and processed can be an enormous catalyst for positive change. A good leader can be intelligent, but a great leader must be wise!
Jesus displayed a level of godly wisdom in his life and ministry that was rare to say the least. We can trace at least four distinct characteristics of being wise that Jesus displayed. The first of these is understanding. Without true understanding of a circumstance or a person, being wise barely has a chance to see the light of day. The problem here is that it’s far too easy to judge what we don’t understand, and this always produces unwise conclusions. Jesus taught us in Matthew 7 to beware of such uneducated judgment regarding our brother. The consequence for such an action would be to be judged with the same harshness we doled out. Wisdom needs understanding to flourish and understanding needs wisdom to be accurate. It's rare There are several other characteristics of wisdom that make it such a sorely needed but rarely-observed commodity in our 21st-century world. Check out our November 1, 2021 podcast, “Is Anyone Listening to the Wisdom of the Bible?” for more. We examine several important scriptural examples. There is breathtaking inspiration in watching someone like King David learn it through hardship - and then live it. There is also heartbreaking sadness in watching his son, King Solomon, attain lofty wisdom only to see it drain away when his priorities became distorted. The highest and most influential wisdom can only be grasped when we center it on the highest godly principles of Scripture. Join us for an enlightening conversation about the life-changing influence wisdom can have. It will be time well-invested!
Our shared human experience is linked by extreme grief at the loss of a loved one. COVID-19 has unexpectedly killed millions of people around the world, often with no time opportunity for meaningful closure. When a child dies, or a loved one dies tragically or simply passes away from sickness or old age, we want to know, where are they? Are they hurting? Are they okay? Our emotional devastation can cause a desperate search for assurances that they are in a good place. The urge to communicate with the dead through a medium or psychic has been around since ancient days. But have the dead found a way to communicate directly with us? Could they be reaching out to us using common things like butterflies, coins or birds? How should we handle such a tempting yet comforting idea? Spontaneous After-Death Communication An after-death communication (ADC) is a phenomenon that takes place when people have lost a loved one or someone they knew. They are having significant issues with that loss and claim the departed individual appears to and/or communicates with them in some way. This appearance is spontaneous and not a result of intentionally trying to communicate on the part of the grieving one. It usually happens in a dream or in that liminal state between sleep and wakefulness. The overwhelming majority of these visits bring the comforting message that the deceased one is okay. They assure the one suffering from the loss that they can move on. These ADCs are referred to by many as “gifts from heaven.” Induced After-Death Communication To complicate the issue, there is form of ADC called an IADC, or induced after-death communication. This type of communication only happens while undergoing EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy). EMDR specifically manages very bad memories due to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The results of these "visits" while undergoing EMDR therapy are strikingly similar to other ADCs. There is reassurance and peace, as well as a sense of being able to move on. Some report also feeling hugged by the deceased individual.
So, what is really happening here? Are the dead really reaching out to the living with messages of comfort? This is an enormous question and answering it requires a detailed approach. Check out our October 25, 2021 podcast, “Can the Dead Communicate with Us?” for more. We carefully represent what is being reported regarding ADCs by listening to those who have researched them. One source is a psychologist who offers EMDR therapy. Several years ago, he stumbled on the ADC experience while working with a military veteran suffering from PTSD.
We take the experiential input that so many have reported, paying close attention to the emotional factors of loss and grief. After considering the medical observations and explanations regarding EMDR, we put it together against the backdrop of biblical reasoning. What we find is a thrilling and fascinating conclusion. Join us for this journey and discover some of the amazing gifts God has given us! We also recommend Episode 1206: Is a Near-Death Experience a Glimpse of Heaven?
Life can be difficult and unpredictable. It can be full of insecurity, unexpected disappointments, and events that press and overwhelm our coping skills. All of this can bring us to places that make us want to run from our reality. We instead engage in a pseudo-reality that makes us feel better - at least for the moment. Enter the pathway to potential addictive behavior. It often begins as a subtle escape, or a convenient distraction, or a thrilling experience. Destructive addictions always end in several layers of disaster. At the top of the addiction casualty list is our character, integrity, family, friends, work associates, and often our financial standing as well. What should we look for and do to avoid or remedy the destructiveness of addiction? Party City Nobody sets out in life with the goal of becoming some kind of addict. At least, that's what our guest Merrily said about her own life. Merrily is a dedicated Christian woman who painfully worked through her own addictions to drugs and alcohol many years ago. In telling her story, she shared how the road towards addiction looked more like a road to excitement and acceptance. Even though this road seemed to be continually headed towards “Party City,” it was littered with warnings and caution signs. The problem is, when you are traveling so fast you don’t have time to think about those signs along the way. A perceived need or desire Just because we are Christians we cannot relax when it comes to awareness about and protection against these kinds of things. Addictions always begin with a perceived need or desire. They are fed by compulsive behavior, which in and of itself is not always a bad thing. A compulsion can be an irresistible urge and if those urges are to righteously act in the direct service of God, then let’s go! However, we all know that such an urge is much more the exception than the rule. The bottom line is that we need to be painfully aware of the direction our compulsions are pointing us towards.
As Christians, there is much we can do to identify and destroy addictive behavior. One simple and powerful key in this fight is perspective. We need to go through each action of each day remembering who we are and what we are called to. Being a disciple of Jesus is a whole mind, whole heart and whole body commitment. Anything and everything we focus our attention on must fit within that description.
Check out our October 18, 2021 podcast, “Could an Addiction Block My Christian Growth?” for more. We follow Merrily’s inspirational story of being trapped by addiction, falling, bottoming out and recovery. Several scriptural principles are laid out to help us whether we are heading into trouble, in trouble or broken. We learn about the power of accountability and the transformational properties of contentment. Addiction is a serious and sometimes deadly issue. Join us for a stark look at its nature and the relief that is found in recovery!
When Jesus was being questioned by Pilate in John 18:37, he told him, Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice. Pilate’s answer was an important question because he asked, What is truth? This brief interchange brings us to similar questions. How do we know that we are people of the truth? Do the groups we follow, be they centuries old denominations or newer Christian sects, hold to the “truth” Jesus spoke of? How much of what we are being taught is based on biblical truth versus denominational tradition, and how much is just plain opinion? And to pile on further, at the end of the day, does any of this even matter?
Truth does matter. Jesus spoke of knowing the truth and the truth setting us free. As Christians, understanding where to find that truth is a subjective search. What denomination do you belong to? What belief system do you follow? Answering these questions will reveal what sources you go to in order to find truth. The challenge here should be evident. If you are a member of a major, centuries-old denomination and I follow an independent Christian group, our sources will be different. Does tradition bring us truth? Although the centuries-old approach has longevity on its side, its potential issues stem from that very thing. Centuries bring the comfort of tradition, and it is easy to assume that tradition is the bedrock of truth. However, if we are brave enough to examine the history of Christianity, we will see that far too many traditions have led to far too much despicable and thoroughly unchristian behavior. All done in the name of Christ.
Newer, more independent-thinking Christians also have serious issues to contend with regarding truth. The primary challenge on this end is independent thinking, ideas and interpretations can easily bend the truth of the gospel to what I prefer it to read. If we’re not careful, the throwing off tradition can become a major trap of pride and personal agenda instead of a sincere search for truth. So, what do we do? We go back to the beginning. We go back to the Bible and the Bible alone. Long before there were the traditions of the churches, and long before we had to opportunity and temptation to interpret the gospel to our own liking, we had the sure word of God. We had the Old Testament in place, and we had the New Testament focusing on Jesus and being lived and written by those who knew him.
Check out our October 11,2021 podcast, “Are My Christian Beliefs Based on Truth or Error?” for more. We examine the biblical record concerning the inspiration of Scripture versus the coupling of tradition and Scripture. Looking at Christian practices, we found some seem to assume more authority than the Bible allows. We also investigate women teaching in the church and how our churches are organized, all through the lens of Scripture. What we find is surprising and enlightening.
Every Christian loves Jesus and every Christian wants to be acceptable to him. None of us ever wants to take his sacrifice on our behalf for granted. We don’t want to fall into a pattern of complacency where we don’t appreciate the blessings he gives us. While these are all well-stated intentions, we need to dig in much deeper to see how to make them well-lived principles. How do we actually live our love for Jesus, and what role does passion play in that life? Where do the dangers of complacency lurk? Is all passion positive? Is feeling content really expressing a lack of appreciation for what God does for us? Fortunately, the Scriptures give us very clear answers to all of this! Are I spiritually complacent? To be complacent is to be in a self-satisfied state with little or no awareness of deficiencies or danger. This is a really easy and appealing state of mind, as it focuses on everything being just the way we want it to be. The lack of awareness issues that come with it can be easily ignored by simply smothering them with our feelings of satisfaction. Out of sight, out of mind.
This is obviously a dangerous place to live if we are Christians. The very idea of self-satisfaction is in direct contradiction to our stated focus of following Jesus. The Pharisees reminded us of how blinding complacency can be. Of all the people in Israel, they had the best education and the best access to their Holy Scriptures regarding the coming of their Messiah. When Jesus arrived they rejected him, choosing to rely on their power and position instead of the prophecies in God’s Word. They were just too comfortable to see the error of their ways. That comfort caused them to lose God’s favor. Can I be too passionate? Passion is the other side of the story. Passion is a strong feeling, be it positive or negative that can drive us to action. We all have experienced our own passion. We have also seen it in others. One obvious observation that needs to be clearly stated is that all passion is not good. As a matter of fact, most of our passions tend to bring us down dark roads that often dead-end at regret. Why? Most passion is emotion-driven, and many of our emotions are self-centered and riddled with sin.
So, how are we supposed to be passionate about Jesus if passion can be just as bad as complacency? Check out our October 4, 2021 podcast, “Am I Passionate or Complacent About Jesus?” to expose the pitfalls of complacency. We break down and discuss how passion works. How can we find godly and compelling motivation to put Christ-centered passion in place? Managing the passions in our lives can be just as challenging as avoiding the complacency traps that surround us. Join us for this enlightening journey towards true discipleship and true passion for Jesus!
The mythology of Lilith is first mentioned in ancient Babylonian demonology as a class of winged female demons that attacks pregnant women and infants. The myth migrated to the world of the ancient Hittites, Egyptians and Greeks. The earliest surviving mention of her name appears in the Sumerian epic poem, Gilgamesh, a hero who slays monsters […]
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The word “curse” is overused and under comprehended. Cursing can mean using words that are not acceptable to repeat in public. To curse can mean to call upon a perceived other-worldly power for the purpose of harming someone or something. Cursing can also mean the expression of great disdain and loathing for people or things. In Part II of our 3-part Curses Series, we observed in great detail how to properly understand cursing, especially the curses of God in the Old Testament. Today we dive into curses in the New Testament to find the differences and similarities with the Old Testament. Several people “cursed” in the New Testament, including Jesus. What does it all mean to us here and now? Are curses real today and if so, what should we do? Jesus cursed! The idea that Jesus “cursed” people or things can be a disturbing one. To understand what is meant by this, it is important to focus on the usual areas of concern, definitions and context. The Jesus uses when he talks about curses is a convincing one. It means to “execrate” (to have great loathing for) by analogy, to doom. It comes from two Greek words that include a sense of calling down harm upon someone or something. In the pagan Greek and Roman culture of Jesus’ day, this word would carry a sense of gods and magic being involved. In Jesus’ case, it had everything to do with God’s will and God’s judgments. What about that fig tree? The day after Palm Sunday when Jesus rode triumphantly into Jerusalem, he saw a fig tree and proclaimed it to become fruitless from that day forward. The following morning the tree was withered. Jesus, by the power of God’s spirit, “cursed” this tree to dramatically show that Israel (symbolically represented by the fig tree) would lose their favor with God, as they would reject and crucify Jesus. There are several other times Jesus uses this specific Greek word for curse.
The Apostle Paul also wrote several times about curses. He referenced Israel and the “curse of the Law,” as well as referencing curses regarding Christians who misrepresent or walk away from the gospel. What did he mean? Check out our September 27, 2021 podcast, “Can Christians be Cursed and Curse Others?” Curses Series (Part III) for more. We carefully categorize which words for curse mean what so that we can understand the messages behind them.
Also, we get practical for today’s world. Directly confronting the idea of curses existing today, we lay out what that means for Christians. This is tougher than you might think, because there are many scary and erroneous views that have influence in Christian culture. Can Christians be cursed? Do Christians have the authority to curse others? These important questions can only be answered by comprehensively understanding what the Scriptures really teach. Join us as we uncover the Bible’s truth on curses in the New Testament and what we as Christians need to know and do today!
Apostle Paul in Romans 7:15-20 says, “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I […]
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If a Christian is supposed to rebuke sin with the word of God, but Jesus said to forgive 70 times 7, how does this work? We must first distinguish between God’s forgiveness and our forgiveness. God forgives the sinner’s actual sin if that sinner asks God to do so and is repentant. We can only […]
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“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” Matthew 7:7-8 “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that […]
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We will mention one instance in the Old Testament that is illustrative of your inquiry. 1 Samuel 15:2-3 states, “This is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘I will punish the Amalekites for what they did to Israel when they waylaid them as they came up from Egypt. Now go, attack the Amalekites and totally destroy […]
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Our God is a God of order. Psalm 89:14 says that righteousness and justice are the very foundation of His heavenly throne. This means that all He does must be based in what is right and just. While some of us may look at this through fearful eyes, this is actually great news. It means God is and always will be dependable and trustworthy. If this is the case, why did God seem so over-the-top angry in the Old Testament? Why did He seemingly curse not only wrongdoers, but the generations that followed them as well? Did these “curses” of God work the same way the curses of our day are said to work? Were they a wishing of evil upon someone or something? Did God give anyone the authority to curse others? The idea of a generational curse can be daunting From the sound of it, somebody does something deemed bad or evil and the response to that action is to strike their children, grandchildren, greatgrandchildren and so on with some dark and even sinister retaliation. Such treatment reeks of injustice, revenge and nastiness. The problem here is that in the Old Testament, God has pronounced generational consequences, but they are often interpreted as generational curses. There is a massive difference between the two. Such a gross misinterpretation of Scripture results in a serious misunderstanding of God’s character.
How do we know this is the case? How do we know God isn’t cursing generations of people for what they didn’t do? It all comes down to understanding what curses mean in the Bible, beginning in the Old Testament. This is no easy task. In the Old Testament alone there are over a dozen words that are translated “curse.” To really know what the Jewish Scriptures teach, we need to gain a comprehensive understanding of who cursed what, to what end result and what it really meant. The first curse The best place to start this investigation into Old Testament biblical curses is at the beginning. The first curse pertaining to humanity was when God pronounced the curse upon the ground for Adam’s sake. While this was a serious consequence, it is also critical to remember that this curse was proclaimed within the context of God’s previous blessing. The key thought here is that God was proclaiming a consequence for sinful actions and not “cursing” Adam in the sense that pagan beliefs would have us believe.
Check out our September 20, 2021 podcast, “Am I Living Under a Generational Curse? Curses Series (Part II)” for more. We examine several different accounts of God’s “curses” in the Old Testament and see exactly what they were intended to accomplish. Putting all of this in order ends up being a fascinating journey of discovery. We learn the thinking behind God’s procedures and consequences. We uncover a level of wisdom and justice on the part of Jehovah God that rises high above the typical idea of revenge that people say God has. Join us; there is much more to this than meets the eye. Did you miss Part I? We laid a lot of groundwork worth exploring.
Are we living in God’s kingdom right now? Understanding the timing of God’s kingdom requires an understanding of how salvation works. The subject of the two parts or phases of salvation is crucial for understanding God’s beautiful plan of the ransom for all. Although Jesus died for everyone, His blood was first applied for His […]
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We are not of the opinion that there will be a one-world government ruled by the antichrist, prior to the great time of trouble spoken of in Daniel 12:1. The term antichrist is mentioned in 1 John 2:18, 22; 4:3 and 2 John 7. But some other references to “antichrist” are “the man of sin,” […]
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The Bible tells us Mary was Jesus’ mother, and God was his father, (not Joseph). Matthew 13:55-56 and Psalms 69:9 indicate that Mary and Joseph had four sons and several daughters after Jesus was born. Because they all had the same mother, these siblings were half brothers and sisters to Jesus. “Isn’t this the carpenter’s […]
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If Jesus didn’t need to be baptized for repentance or remission of sins and was already begotten of the holy spirit, why was he baptized? It is true that Jesus was a perfect sinless man who was not in need of John’s baptism, which was for repentance of sins. John’s baptism was done in order […]
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The history and cultures of our world have brought us to where we are today. Many various cultures have fueled wonderful traditions, solid communities and exemplary progress. But many cultures have also brought us darkness, superstitions and strong desire to harm those they see as enemies. Enter the worldwide phenomena of curses. To quote from Wikipedia, “A curse is any expressed wish that some form of adversity or misfortune will befall or attach to one or more persons, a place, or an object.” We find the existence of curses all through human history and across a multitude of cultures. So, where do curses come from? Are they real? Should we be afraid of being cursed? Does God curse people? As we think about curses and their dark intentions, it may come as a surprise to realize that God was the one to introduce curses to humanity. Now, don’t jump to conclusions here! All the talk about curses today is centered on the idea of purposefully wishing someone to be harmed. God NEVER has or will He ever wish harm on anyone. This might sound like a contradiction. How can God “cursing” someone or something be different in intention than what everyone else thinks? It all comes down to the meaning of the words for “curse” we use now and the words used back in ancient times.
When Adam and Eve sinned, God came before them to proclaim consequences. God “cursed” Satan and also “cursed” the ground, for Adam’s sake. The word for curse in both cases means “to execrate.” Great - what does that mean? Execrate means “to feel or express great loathing for.” A major factor in God pronouncing the consequences for the Garden of Eden sins was Him expressing His deep disdain for the sins committed. These “curses” from God were not wishes for harm to come. They were expressions of the harmful consequences of sinful actions taken. Am I cursed? So, what does this mean for the curses we might be afraid of today? Are they real? If we feel we may be cursed, are we under a spell or the power of some mystical force? The short answer to this complex question is no. We believe our perceptions of these circumstances have far greater influence than what might be true. We draw this conclusion because we believe the Bible, science, psychology and biology overwhelmingly support it.
Check out our September 13, 2021 podcast, “Are Curses Real? Curses Series (Part I)” for more. We touch on some historical examples of curses in the world. Then we examine how feeling you are in control or out of control of your future weighs in feelings of being cursed. We look at the Placebo Effect and the Nocebo Effect. And do you know how our character traits affect our acceptance of curses being real? We even visit the genetics of inherited reactions to stimuli. In all of this, we cite specific scriptural guidance to help us cope with our fears. Anxiety over curses is real, but don’t let that anxiety keep you from finding the faith and courage to overcome! In Part II, we specifically deal with the idea of generational curses handed down to us through our ancestors.
He died. More precisely, the dying process began, kind of like a time bomb was set.
This was God’s warning: But from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day
The Hebrew word “day” in Strong’s Concordance is #3117 and the word has a wide variety of meanings – everything from the warm hours of the sun, from sunrise to sunset, a 24 hour day, or a specific period like a year or a lifetime. It is the same way we use it today.
For example: “In my grandfather’s day, they did not have electricity.” You would not understand me to mean that Grandpa did not have electricity only for one 24 hour period, but instead, it meant back when he was young and vibrant – some period of time during his life.
For example: “In the day of King Xerxes…” means the time period of his rule, not a 24-hour day.
In other places of the Bible, that exact same Hebrew word is translated: time, continually, afternoon, evening, month, months, season, space, times, yearly and many others.
We know from other Scriptures that the punishment for sin is death: Romans 6:23: “The wages of sin is death…” and that ALL sin Romans 3:23: “For ALL have sinned and come short of the glory of God,” therefore all of us are dying from the moment we are born. We are all in the dying process due to the original sin of Adam.
He didn’t die physically so it stands to reason that it had to be spiritually dead (separated from God).
God did not strike Adam dead at the exact moment of eating the fruit, as His great plan of the permission of evil (for a limited time only) would now be set in motion. This would involve allowing Adam and Eve to populate the earth, allowing mankind to learn the consequences for sin and yearn for an ultimate reconciliation with God. But they were removed from the Garden and would now be cursed, all of their children immediately dying at birth.
We know that all who sin eventually die, as we are told that in Romans and other places in the Bible. However, as you wrote, they absolutely had a spiritual separation from God, as the communication they once had was now withdrawn and they were “on their own,” so to speak.
Throughout the Old Testament, however, God found certain men and women of faith with whom He was able to intimately communicate. Genesis 5:21: Enoch “walked with God.” Genesis 17:1: God to Abraham – “walk before Me.” We know heroes of faith like Noah, Moses, Joseph, Isaac, Jacob, David, Rahab and others described in Hebrews 11 had a very vibrant spiritual relationship with God (long before Jesus was ever born).
For their faithfulness they often received physical rewards such as land, family and cattle. They are promised a future reward in the resurrection as rulers and leaders in God’s kingdom on earth.
But there is a clue to your question in Hebrews 11:39-40: “And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.”
They receive a good reward, but the reward of the true Christian follower of Jesus will be better. “They without us should not be made perfect,” tells us that their future is dependent upon the future of those true followers, also called in Scripture “the church class,” “the bride of Christ,” “the 144,000” of Revelation, and other descriptions.
This is the path we are striving for, the path that Jesus made possible. We are assured that all who have ever died will be raised back on earth in the kingdom – the Bible speaks of the resurrection of the dead in many, many places.
“…Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is done in heaven…” Matthew 6:10
Through Christ, we now have the opportunity to “run for the prize of the heavenly calling,” as the Apostle Paul describes in Philippians 3:14. This special class will have the reward of immortality
“Be faithful unto death and I will give you a crown of life.” Revelation 2:10
To learn more about why sin exists in the world listen to, “Is it God’s Fault We Have Evil in This World?”
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Each experience that Abraham had since God told him to leave Ur with his family increased his faith and trust in God. By the time he was asked, many years later, to sacrifice the promised seed (Isaac), God knew that Abraham’s faith in Him and in His ability to raise the dead had solidified to the point where Abraham would be able to obey this seemingly strange request.
So, why did God ask Abraham to do such a deed if He knew what the end result would be? We believe that it was not for God’s sake, but for Abraham’s. By obeying God’s command, Abraham proved to himself that his faith was not just verbal, but was an active faith, even to the point of death.
Next to Jesus, Abraham is probably the Christian’s greatest example of faith.
To learn more about why God asked Abraham to sacrifice Isaac, listen to, “Does the Bible Contradict Itself?” (Contradictions Series, Part II)
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When someone dies, it’s as if they have gone to sleep.
When Jesus’ friend Lazarus died, Jesus described him as “sleeping.” Do you remember last night when you were asleep? Probably not! Death is like sleep; you don’t feel or know anything.
Ecclesiastes 9:10 says, “Whatever your hands find to do, do with all your strength, because there is no work, planning, knowledge, or wisdom in the grave where you are going.”
This Scripture says nothing is happening when a person is dead.
- They aren’t doing anything.
- They aren’t thinking anything.
- They can’t feel anything.
Genesis 2:7 tells us that a human being is made up of two parts: dust from the ground and the breath of life that comes from God.
To make this easier, let’s call the dust a “physical body” and the breath “the spark” that only God knows how to make. You need both in order to be alive.
Together, these two parts make up what we call a “soul.”
If you take away either of these parts, the soul dies – meaning, the person dies.
To help illustrate this, think of a lightbulb. The lightbulb is the body and the spark is the electricity. When you turn on the light, electricity floods the bulb and it turns on. But if you turn the switch off, the light goes out.
That’s what it’s like when someone dies. The person’s soul does not continue living. It is NOT flying around, visiting or scaring people and it doesn’t transform into an angel, because that’s not what the Bible tells us. Instead it’s like the person who died is sleeping, just waiting to be brought back to life in God’s future Kingdom.
There is another special group of faithful believers who follow Jesus now, and as a reward they will go to heaven when they die to help Jesus carry out God’s plans for His kingdom on earth for the rest of mankind to enjoy
So, what happens when we die? Some wait in the grave to be brought back to life in the earthly kingdom. Others go to heaven. The Bible promises us that everyone who has died will come to life again. We can thank God for the promise that in His kingdom, we will see all of our loved ones again who have passed away.
To learn more about what happens when we die listen to, “Do People Turn Into Angels When They Die?”
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To understand the meaning of Isaiah 26:14, we need to look at it in the context of the entire 26th chapter. Isaiah 26:1 opens by proclaiming, “In that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah.”
We believe that this scripture speaks of a future time, the dawn of the Millennial age, when Israel will be the first to recognize the establishment of Christ’s kingdom on earth. Verse 9 reads, “When your judgments come upon the earth, the people of the world learn righteousness.”
This scripture refers to the Judgment Day where people will be rewarded for righteous behavior and chastised for wrong doings. In that day all who have ever lived will have an opportunity to come forth from their graves and learn righteousness. Even those who have done evil in their past lives will have ample time to make amends for their past sins. (See John 5:28-29.) However, if, after a period of time, they continue to do evil, they will be destroyed in the second death. (See Isaiah 26:10-11.)
Then, in verses 13 and 14 the Prophet turns his attention away from individuals and on to the plight of the former ruling governments of this world.
“O LORD, our God, other lords [governments or systems] besides you have ruled over us, but your name alone do we honor. They are now dead [no longer in existence], they live no more; those departed spirits do not rise. You punished them and brought them to ruin; you wiped out all memory of them.” (Isaiah 26:13-14)
We believe the “dead” in these scriptures do not refer to people, but to evil governments, systems, or powers [“other lords”] that will never be allowed to rise again, or come back into power. In the Millennial age and beyond, mankind will be ruled from above by Christ and his church. This new government will be merciful and just and will last forever. We learn of this celestial government in Isaiah 9:7.
“Of the increase of his [Christ’s] government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.” Isaiah 9:7
To learn more about Judgement Day listen to, “Will Sinners Be Happy on Judgement Day?”
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Christianity waits for the return of Jesus. Depending on your doctrinal beliefs, you may be looking for his return to bring incredible drama and life changing moments – things like earthquakes , destruction, anarchy and a rapture. While we can see scriptural evidence to support SOME of these things, we want to be careful about just viewing his return through dramatic and traumatic events. The Bible gives us several prophesies that indicate many details about the method of Jesus' return. These details point to his return being revealed in a much more subtle and unnoticeable way. How can he return in a covert manner and yet “every eye shall see him”? Isn’t this a blatant contradiction? Let’s look at the Scriptures and see how the harmony of these things shines through! A mysterious return There are many scriptures that show us Jesus’ return would be a mystery. Forty days after his resurrection, on the day of his ascension, he told his disciples the timing of the restoration of Israel was beyond their knowledge. It would remain a mystery to them. We know that Israel’s restoration would be as a result of Jesus’ return, as he told us that in the Parable of the Fig Tree in Matthew 24:32-33. A few verses later in verse 36, Jesus said no one would know when he was coming. The Apostle Paul confirmed this by describing Jesus’ returning in the same covert manner as how a thief in the night arrives. All of this adds up to no one knowing he had returned until he was already present. So will all see him or not? How do these conclusions square with the drama of other scriptures surrounding his return? What about “descending from heaven with a shout”? And seeing him “coming in the clouds”? What about “every eye shall see him”? Are we saying that the sensational events the Christian world wait for are not real? NO. We are saying there is much more to the return of Jesus than most of us take the time to consider.
It is inspiring to know all of these things can and do harmonize. To unlock this scriptural harmony, we need to view the return of Jesus as a process - not just a series of breathtaking events on a single day. Interestingly, Jesus himself specifically described his return as a process. The problem is that his explanation is a bit veiled due to the questionable translation of a few key words.
Check out our September 6, 2021 podcast, “Could Jesus Return Without You Knowing?” for more. We carefully examine the translation issues that veil the clarity of some key scriptures. We sort out the several manifestations of and events relating to Jesus’ return. Then we put things in a logical scriptural order to see how his return sequentially unfolds. All of this adds up to a deep and inspiring look at how much the Bible reveals about Jesus coming back. Join us and see if this all makes sense to you. It could change your life!
So, what does it mean to be a Christian, and how do I know if I am doing it right? What happens if I am doing it wrong? Is there a clear-cut standard? Will Jesus be disappointed in me if I fall short? Am I expected to change who I am, or develop who I am? Is my life supposed to be about everyone else, or do I just need to really love Jesus? Am I in line to get everything I want, or do I have to give everything up? How often do I have to go to church? Should I pursue a career? Do I have to study the Bible all the time? While defining success or failure as a Christian is not an exact science, it is a vitally important understanding to have. As we address these questions, our objective will be to find the biblical answers that can guide us to living our daily lives in accordance with God’s will and word through Jesus. What are we measuring against? To measure success or failure as a Christian, we need to understand the beginning basis of being a Christian. Jesus himself said in John 6:44 that nobody comes to him unless the Father first draws that person. Jesus also warned those who would follow him of the hardships they would face. He talked bluntly about "carrying your own cross." In those days, this would have been a horrifying image of pain and suffering. He also spoke clearly about counting the cost of a Christian lifestyle. These plain statements by Jesus simply tell us that discipleship begins with God drawing us. It continues with us answering that call with an eyes-wide-open weighing of its cost. Now we have to live as a disciple This is hard to do, as it touches on every aspect of our lives. So how do we measure success or failure here? Perhaps the first of many questions we need to ask ourselves is, how serious am I about being Jesus’ disciple? Measuring our seriousness can be done by observing our outward lifestyle and actions. What does who I spend time with and what I do with my time and resources say about me? The Bible gives us several markers along these lines. Our succeeding or failing as a Christian can be revealed by comparing these biblical standards with our lifestyle. Do you like what these comparative results show you?
Many of us will not be happy with what we see. Does this mean we are failing as Christians? Check out our August 30, 2021 podcast, “Am I Failing as a Christian?” for more. We delve deeply into these hard comparisons and several others as well. Most importantly, we open the door to working on where we fall short. Just because we may have lived a substandard Christian life yesterday does not mean we have to settle for it today. Join us and build an understanding of what discipleship really means so we can all clearly focus on “walking the walk” of Jesus and not just “talking the talk.”
Never in the history of humanity have we had such a profound ability to communicate with others. From the palm of our hand, we can see and speak with individuals and groups all over the world at anytime of day or night. We can message, share and “like” in countless ways. Yet, never in the history of humanity have we been so disassociated, disconnected and dysfunctional. We are more polarized, more self-centered and more alone than we ever have been. So, how did we get here and how do we fix it? How do we find our way through this technology-driven world and actually connect with others? As Christians especially, what do we need to do to be connected with those around us in a way that can bless and encourage them? What does "communicate" mean biblically? Let’s begin by figuring out what it means to communicate. In the New Testament, the words translated into our English "communicate" are very different than we might expect. Their meaning has to do with much more than talking and much more than being able to make a point. They have to do with giving, usually in relation to supporting others who are in a disadvantaged state. When the brotherhood stepped up and supported those in need, it is spoken of as a sacrifice that is pleasing to God (Hebrews 13:16). We therefore see Christian communication as actively reaching out into another’s life by words or actions to build them up. How did Jesus communicate? To learn to be effective communicators, we first look to the example of Jesus. What we find is a clear “how to” template to model our communication efforts. Jesus knew how to tell stories, ask questions and was able to reach out and heal diseases by God’s power. He also communicated through words and actions with laser-like focus. While we cannot do the miracles he did, we can communicate with the intention of being a positive and healing presence in the lives of others.
While Jesus is our best example, it is important to realize that strong communication is a very customizable process. Because we are all different in relation to our temperaments, experiences and perspectives, we need to be flexible in our approach. The Apostle Paul was a striking model of this flexible approach. While out preaching the gospel in Athens he came across a harsh reality. As he responded, he showed us how to take what could have been a volatile experience and turn it into a positive one. What are the details? Learn the Communication Effectiveness Traits Check out our August 23, 2021, podcast, “How Can I Effectively Reach Out and Connect with Others?” for more. We introduce several Communication Effectiveness Traits that can seriously help us along the way. We outline Paul’s mastery of many of these traits as he dealt with what could have been a hostile audience. Effective communication is a result of many important tools being used together. Join us and fill your toolbox with these vital instruments. Everyone benefits!
To live a life as a disciple of Christ is to live a life of discipline and focus. We are walking in Jesus’ footsteps, and that means there are many things we need to do. After all, by his teachings and examples, Jesus wrote the book of our faith. So, what did Jesus expect from his followers regarding his gospel and a world full of unbelievers? When he ascended to heaven and gave us what is known as the Great Commission, what was he instructing? Are we responsible to get the good news of the gospel message out? Or are we responsible to get all the unbelievers in? If we are not sure of what he was instructing, how can we know if we are doing a good job? Jesus’ Great Commission to his followers contained several directives After revealing that the restoration of Israel as a nation under God was some time in the future, he listed them:
First was a reminder that God’s spirit would come upon them. This would give them power and direction to do God’s will beyond anything they ever knew. Next was the instruction to be witnesses for him, beginning in Jerusalem, through Israel, to neighboring lands and all the earth. This showed the small beginnings and the expansive nature that their witness efforts were to follow. They had to begin in Jerusalem because that is where the spirit would begin to guide them.The next directive Jesus gave tends to be somewhat misrepresented. He told them he had been given all authority, and they were to therefore, “...make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the son and the holy spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20).
Many Christians look at this as a command to go out and convert the world, but that is not what it says. Jesus is telling his followers to find disciples from within all those nations in which they are preaching the gospel. There is a significant difference between these two interpretations. The first essentially says you need to convert the world, while the second says you need to preach throughout the world and convert as you go. We are saying it is NOT Christianity’s responsibility to convert the world to Christ now.
While this conclusion may seem radical, it does have wide scriptural support. Notwithstanding, it also creates many large-scale questions as well. Do people not need to hear the gospel in order to be saved? What about the teaching of an eternal hell? Check out our August 16, 2021 podcast, “Are Christians Supposed to Convert the World?” for more. We further examine the details of this Great Commission. We also delve into several other New Testament teachings that support the concept of not having to convert the world now. The sound biblical evidence we find directs us to a broader and inspiring understanding of the power of Jesus and the gospel. Join us for this unforgettable journey!
Forgiveness is a tough thing. The times we need to forgive are usually the times we are in no mood to forgive. It can be easy to say, “I forgive you,” but are those words reflected in my thoughts, emotions and actions? Do I say those words out of mere obligation or to just end an uncomfortable exchange? What does it mean to forgive someone anyway? Does my forgiving someone who wronged me release them from the consequences of the wrong? Is it supposed to make life go on as if the wrong never happened? Am I still obligated to forgive if the person who wronged me doesn’t care about being forgiven? So many questions that can only be answered by understanding how the Bible defines forgiveness. What does it really mean? To “forgive” can mean several different things, even in the Bible. The most dramatic biblical definition of forgiveness is that of granting freedom or a pardon. Someone has broken a law and they are legally pardoned. This means they are no longer liable to the consequences of their crime and they can walk free. In the New Testament, this particular word for forgiveness is only and appropriately applied to Jesus’ sacrifice. Adam sinned and we are all born into that sin and live lives guilty of that inherited sin. Jesus came and gave his perfect life in exchange for Adam’s and made a pardon available to us through that gift.
In Scripture, when we “forgive” others, we are not pardoning anything. Another word for "forgive" in the New Testament has to do with sending something away from you. While the meaning here is not as dramatic as freedom or pardoning, it is still a formidable task. Think about an experience you have had where someone wronged you. Think about the physical pain, or the trauma, or the emotional upset, or the ripple effects they caused. Now imagine yourself pushing those things away from you so they are no longer relevant. Go ahead, close the door on them! This little exercise probably didn’t get you very far, did it. Why? Forgiveness is hard, that’s why.
To forgive - to truly send the unrest someone’s wrong has caused you away - takes more than an impulse or a thought. It requires a serious commitment to living a forgiving life. Jesus showed us how difficult a forgiving life can be when Peter asked him if forgiving his brother seven times in a day was enough. His answer was no, forgive seventy times seven! I hope you are not counting!
Check out our August 9,2021 podcast, “Did I Really Forgive Them?” for more. Jesus told us we need to be forgiving in order to be his followers. We isolate the meaning and challenges of truly forgiving someone. We walk through the steps and thinking needed to be forgiving. Finally, we focus in on the benefits of such a decision. Join us as we tackle what can be a difficult but profoundly positive and life-changing experience. This is absolutely a journey worth taking!
As Christians, we are constantly faced with the challenge of doing the right thing in a sinful world. We are bombarded with input and suggestions that can easily cloud the simplicity of what the right thing is. Once we get the right thing in focus, the next challenge is to do that right thing the right way. Often, the right way is NOT our natural or preferred approach. The problem? Our handling of what is right in God’s eyes is ALWAYS subject to Satan’s attacks. These attacks can come from external forces, but often his most destructive attacks come from our own fallen thinking and desires. Essentially, Satan can effectively lay siege to our spiritual lives by opening doors to try and accomplish spiritually right things in a humanly sinful way. We need a battle plan to defend against Satan! Beware the siege! In the ancient days of Scripture, laying siege to a city was a long-term conquering strategy against those who lived inside the city walls. This was a loathsome way to be attacked, as it induced isolation and fear. Starvation and loss of life were also expected outcomes from a siege, and not just for those inside the walls. Add in the ramps, tunnels and catapults and you have the makings of what could be a years-long military entanglement. None of this was good.
In an obscure Old Testament account, the peaceful and faithful Jewish city of Abel was besieged by Joab, commander of King David’s own army. The king commanded him to chase down a treasonous man who ended up hiding in the city of Abel. This ill-advised siege was set to produce untold damage destruction and death upon countless innocent people. Had it not been for an unnamed and wise woman stepping in, this story would have ended in tragedy. So, what does all of this have to do with defending against Satan’s attacks? Plenty!
Check out our August 2, 2021 podcast, “What’s My Battle Plan to Defend Against Satan’s Attacks?” for details. We look at this amazing true story and put its profound lessons into an allegory format. What if the main characters and the city in this account could represent our own personal struggles to be faithful to our Christian calling? What if there was a message here for us regarding the quiet yet potent power of God’s spirit in our lives? Beware attacks from Satan! As Christians, we are always striving to be on the side of righteousness in God’s service. While the desire to serve and protect our spiritual calling is vital, it is even more vital to observe how we do this. We often talk about the importance of doing the right things. Unfortunately, we less often focus on doing those right things the right way. Satan is a formidable foe and he WILL use our own self-will and ego to undermine our focus on living a sacrificial Christian life. Join us for this unique story and learn to defend against pursuing God’s will our own way.
The call of Christianity is unique. It is a call to sacrifice and humility, a call to the subduing of one’s own will in favor of God’s will. While there are many noble purposes in this world and many humble and dedicated people, a Christian is called to the ultimate purpose of eventually reconciling the world back to God. Even more unique than that, Christians are called to become a "new creation," based on the indwelling of the holy spirit. This is a grace-based privilege and something we need to have a clear understanding of, as well as the deepest respect for. Why does God’s holy spirit dwell within His chosen ones? What does it do for us, and more importantly, what doesn’t it do for us?
God’s spirit is of paramount importance in Scripture and is revealed in the Bible’s second verse as the power that drove creation. As we progress through the Bible, two things become clear:
God's power appears often The way it functions definitely changes as the Bible and God’s plan progress.
This is an important factor in determining how the holy spirit works now in our day. Trace how God's power functions in human beings - How has it changed over time? God’s spirit is directly spoken about in relation to people once in Genesis and once in Exodus. The first is Joseph when Pharaoh - of all people - remarks that God’s spirit must be in him. Joseph had just miraculously interpreted a forgotten dream of Pharaoh’s. In Exodus, a craftsman named Bezalel is plainly proclaimed by God to have His spirit. God’s purpose in this was for Bezalel to craft furniture artwork and embroidery for the Tabernacle. These two examples give us a good insight into how God’s spirit affected humans in the early days. God’s power was essentially loaned to those who needed to do very specific things for Him.
Once Jesus comes on the scene, the role of God’s power working in humanity changes dramatically. The fact that the spirit rested upon Jesus in the form of a dove just scratches the surface regarding the spirit’s role. Jesus was filled with the spirit. He taught, he reasoned, he healed and he raised people from the dead because the power of God dwelt within him.
Interestingly, the apostles also had similar experiences as a result of the spirit dwelling in them. Does this mean we should be having the same experiences? Check out our July 26, 2021 podcast, “Do We Have the Purpose of the Holy Spirit Backwards?” for more. We follow the patterns laid out by the Scriptures to show us what God expects of us in these End Times. We also observe what the Bible reveals we should expect from God’s spirit. The fascinating thing is, the biblical answers may be surprising. Join us and see!
What are we supposed to do? What do we do when we have done something - either on purpose or by accident - that causes someone excessive harm or loss, or even tragedy? How do we go on, how do we face our family or those we have hurt? How do we live with ourselves? Crushing guilt can bring us into a place of dark and misery-ridden hopelessness. It can make our life feel joyless and pointless. The good news? As Christians, we have access to God through Jesus. While they won’t miraculously lift us out of the mire of crushing guilt, they will, if we let them, give us direction, strength and hope. We just need to be willing to do the necessary work in faith. So, how do we get there from here? We’ll start with the story of someone who has been here and is now walking this difficult road to acceptance. A car accident changed everything Jennifer has been married for almost 20 years and is a mom of four. About five years ago, the trajectory of her life changed when she was in a car accident that took the life of another. Though not criminally negligent, Jennifer did cause the accident. She now must live with the reality of someone’s death happening as a result of something she did. Jennifer is intimately familiar with the overwhelming consequences of crushing guilt.
The first thing we need to know is that we cannot take the consequences of our guilt away. We can try and ignore them. We can pay them lip service. Or we can even try and redirect the blame for the wrong done away from us. Yes, we can do all these things, but inevitably none of them will help us alleviate our guilt. The only way to productively and decisively manage crushing guilt is to work through it. We need to face it in all of its misery, confusion and hopelessness so we can sort it out. Her painful story This is by no means an easy or even a welcome task. On the contrary, the time and effort needed can be daunting. But there is good news! Not only do we have biblical guidance as to how to navigate through this mess, we also have Jennifer and other real current-day examples to help us through. Check out our July 19, 2021 podcast, “How can We Overcome Crushing Guilt?” for more. We listen to Jennifer unfold her journey beginning with the trauma of the accident. She walks us through the stages of growth that brought her to a point of healthy and godly acceptance.
As a backdrop for her story, we look at two Psalms of David written about a specific tragic event in his life. One Psalm tells the story of plowing through the guilt, and the other tells the story of what the victory over guilt looks like. We can overcome the crushing guilt in our lives. Further, we can also learn to pass on the value of our learning experience to others. Don’t miss this opportunity to unlock hope!
People believe in the Bible to varying degrees. Some of us see it as the unerring word of God while others see it as an account of history, wisdom and standards. Still others see it as sprinkled with both wisdom and folly. Then we have those who see no value in it at all. For the most part, one of the common threads that all who know something about the Bible seem to share is the belief that it speaks of God’s wrath and apocalyptic events. While these are true perceptions of the Bible, they are by no means a complete picture. How can we know what the "End Times” are and when they start? What kinds of things happen during these times? Is there any tangible proof of the End Times that can establish the credibility of Bible prophecy to the skeptic? Where do we start with all of this? We live in the End Times We know this because of prophecies from the Bible. Now, many would say that Bible prophecy can be easily misinterpreted. It does often speak in symbolic terms about some nebulous future time and proclaims some event that is hard to understand. So, we can see where such skepticism comes from. Yet, we know that Bible prophecy is sound. What if there were some prophecies that were able to be understood because the facts of our day support them? What if these prophecies could be accepted not because they are from the Bible, but because they are obvious and in plain sight? There are such prophecies! In the 12th chapter of Daniel, he is prophesying about the End Times. We all know that according to the Bible, the End Times are a time of significant change. Daniel’s prophecy includes the statement that humanity will be “running to and fro and knowledge will be increased.”
These ideas can be perceived as over-generalized conjecture until we look at the facts. In his book Critical Path, (1982) Buckminster Fuller coined the phrase “Knowledge Doubling Curve.” He reported that worldwide knowledge was thought to have doubled once every century until 1900. By the end of World War II, it was thought to be doubling every 25 years. Now it is thought to double every 13 months! Surely, anyone viewing these facts must admit we live in a unique time of increasing knowledge never before experienced!
As dramatic as this factual confirmation of prophecy is, there is even stronger and more compelling evidence that biblically proves where we are in the stream of time. Check out our July 12, 2021 podcast, “Are We Living in the 'End Times'?" for more. We lay out numerous details of the Daniel 12 prophecy already mentioned. We carefully examine another crystal clear and often-repeated biblical prophecy that points to the present time as well. Ours is a remarkable time in history as we witness Bible prophecy unfolding. Join us and see for yourself what historical specifics we should know about and what current events we should be watching.
Jesus changed the world when he came to earth as a man over 2.000 years ago. His character, teaching, miracles and wisdom were and still are unmatched anywhere and anytime. As impactful as his first coming to earth was, he was very specific to let his followers know he would be returning again. Many who look at the prophecies of the second coming see them as foretelling a time of calamity and trouble. While these expectations do carry elements of truth, is the return of Jesus to earth for the purpose of mayhem and destruction? We believe the answer to this question to be an unequivocal no! Further, we believe the reasons for his return are wrapped up in the carrying out of God’s loving plan for all humanity. The plan of God Every Christian will tell you that God has a plan and Jesus is the centerpiece of that plan. Yet, most of us look at Jesus’ return to earth as a wholesale destruction of those who did not accept him as their savior. Let’s evaluate this for a minute. Jesus’ first coming was to save the world. He offered his life as payment for sin. Since then, MOST of the world has not heard of Jesus, and therefore have no path to salvation. So, his coming to save the world was a failure for most of humanity. Does this sound right? Further, many of us see his second coming as the final destruction for that mostly-failed first coming. There is obviously something very wrong with this approach.
Is the presence of Jesus in both timeframes two parts of the same mission?
What if we look at both advents on earth as two parts of the same mission? What if we looked more deeply into the Scriptures and found that everything Jesus did 2,000 years ago was connected to his return in our day? Let’s consider just one “what if” example. Jesus paid the price for Adam’s sin when he came the first time. Romans 5:18 clearly states that all humanity suffered the condemnation of Adam’s sin. They would, therefore, ALL be given justification because of Jesus’ sacrifice. What if Jesus’ second presence was for the purpose of applying that justification to all those who are not his called-out ones? What if the trouble that accompanies Jesus’ return was to destroy the satanic influences in the world - and not the people?
Whether this approach sounds intriguing or outrageous to you, please check out our July 5th, 2021 podcast, “What Are the True Reasons for Jesus’ Return?” for more. We look at several specifics of the mission of Jesus from two centuries ago. We examine:
the price he paid the healing he did the salvation he offered to Israel the calling out of a people for his name
We trace how the Bible shows us each part of his ministry - as a precursor of or a preparation for - his return. Seeing Jesus’ second advent in this scriptural light changes everything. Join us and watch as God’s plan for all humanity unfolds!
The world has changed dramatically! We now live in a time where diverse opinions and beliefs are coming under fire if they conflict with what is deemed as acceptable “social narrative.” In more and more circles, traditional Christian values of God first, fidelity in marriage, morality based on absolutes and mutual respect are under attack. We face the potential of being seen as “haters” because we stand for things the world does not like. While being seen as contrary to the world’s perspective is nothing new, the potential for being cancelled is. The momentum and ferocity that our current “cancel culture” has garnered is becoming frightening. Is Christianity destined for cancellation? How should we as Christians be responding? Should we be speaking out or flying under the radar? Should we be fighting fire with fire? What is it? According to an explanation from gotquestions.org, cancel culture is the modern social attitude that controversial speech or behavior must be punished through public shaming, silencing, boycotting, firing, bankrupting, de-platforming, etc. The result is that the offender’s influence, presence, and/or reputation is “cancelled out.”
The idea that “controversial speech or behavior” must be punished, begs for clarification. There is no law breaking implied, only a different way of viewing or responding to some issues deemed to be sensitive. Think about how Jesus spoke against the Pharisees because they had perverted the Law of God. He was right to make them uncomfortable with his words and actions. Because they were the ones in power their version of punishing him was to have him crucified. They cancelled Jesus, so they thought, but his resurrection and the establishment of Christianity proved otherwise.
Our present cancel culture has not yet resorted to murdering those whose speech or behavior is controversial. We have resorted to damaging them in in a wide variety of ways which include financial and social ruin. What are we doing? How can we claim to be so sensitive and inclusive while being so reckless and unjust with those who see things differently? What is the Christian's responsibility in these matters? Are we to fight cancelling with cancelling by hitting those who would cancel back with the same self-centered and emotional reactions? Of course not. Should we just pretend that none of this is happening unless we are forced to deal with it in our own personal experience? No. Should we call it out and make a scene to garner support to stop it? Be careful.
Check out our June 28, 2021 podcast, “Is Christianity Being Cancelled?” for more. We walk through real cancel culture examples and look at what our Christian responsibility and focus should be with each. We discuss the profoundly important question regarding whether or not Christianity itself is in danger of being cancelled. But most importantly, we ask the “what about me” questions. What should I do, how should I prepare and what should I expect? Cancel culture is real. Learn how to stand up to it as a disciple of Christ.
To “challenge” Jesus and succeed is not something you hear about every day, so let’s clarify what we are talking about. Jesus was a speaker of God’s word and a doer of God’s will. Inevitably, challenging this would be a futile effort. When we say “challenge” we mean not following an expected pattern. There were a few instances in the ministry of Jesus where someone did not exactly follow Jesus’ set patterns regarding healing and they were blessed anyway. On this episode, we investigate another unnamed woman of the Bible. The Syrophoenician woman spoken of in Matthew 15 and Mark 7 was one of these people. This unnamed Gentile woman did not accept a seeming denial from Jesus when she asked for her daughter to be healed. Jesus complied with her insistence and she was blessed. What was her secret and what can we learn? Jesus was her only hope Jesus had ventured into the non-Jewish territory of Tyre and Sidon to rest. After he entered a house in which to find that rest, a loud and emotional woman showed up, begging and yelling to see Jesus. Her daughter was demon-possessed and she was at her wits end. She knew Jesus unexpectedly coming to her hometown was the one chance she had to rid her child of this evil experience. She wasted no time and expended all of her desperate energy to get his attention. He just had to help! But it wasn't the time for the Gentiles There was a significant challenge that stood between this woman’s pleading desire and her daughter being healed. They were Gentiles. Jesus came to be the Messiah of the Jewish nation. He came to fulfill the Jewish Law and be the deliverer of the Jewish people. The woman and her daughter were not scheduled to receive the Messiah’s blessings just yet.
So, what happens next? Several things of great impact. The woman does get to talk to Jesus and he does heal her daughter, though it was not a simple path to get to that resolution. Who is the real hero in this exchange? That depends on who you talk to We believe the woman showed heroic faith in Jesus, and he rewarded it with heroic and miraculous healing. Some say it is just the woman who was the hero because she “straightened Jesus out.” They say that Jesus showed bias against her, even racism.
Who is right? Was Jesus bigoted in his approach to her? Why would anyone even say such a thing? Check out our June 21, 2021 podcast, “Who Successfully Challenged Jesus?” for answers. We look at the entire account in its context. Then we follow this woman’s hysterical introduction and observe how she responded to Jesus with extraordinary faith and conviction. We learn why Jesus said the things he said to her. This is much more than a story of somebody being healed by Jesus. It is a practical lesson that teaches us how to take our own raw desperation before our Lord to find the answers and comfort we seek.
The Bible is full of inspirational accounts of such female heroes of faith like Abigail, Mary and Esther. It also gives us the cautionary tales of the infamous like Jezebel and Delilah. But there is a class of special women in the Bible – both virtuous and sinful – whose stories are told without mentioning their name. Often they are associated with well-known men who are named, yet they themselves remain anonymous. Who were these women and what do their experiences mean to us? Today’s focus will be on one of those infamous yet unnamed women, the wife of Potiphar. Her role in Scripture is primarily defined as the seductress who pursued Joseph when he was a slave in her household. While there was nothing honorable in her actions, there are significant lessons we can learn from them. Seduction Joseph was a strong, brilliant and very handsome young man in his 20's when he was a slave in Potiphar’s house. Potiphar was an influential officer of Egypt. He recognized Joseph’s work ethic and ability, so he placed him into his highest trust. Joseph became the overseer of the entire household. Potiphar’s wife also noticed Joseph, and she wanted him as her lover. When her proposition was plainly rejected by Joseph, she began to seduce him. Day after day she attempted to entice him to be with her, and day after day Joseph resisted. Sound familiar? Fast forward to our day and this game of seduction Potiphar’s wife was playing sounds all too familiar. Because we are overtly loose with our sexuality and because we are so infatuated with ourselves, seducing someone into giving us want we want is commonplace and easy. Why shouldn’t we be able to have this thing, or that success, or that specific person? I deserve it! When it comes to being with that desirable one, I can make them want me as well. Do I do this? As Christians, where do we fit into all this? Is it ever appropriate to use any form of seduction to get what we want? The short answer to this lies in the basic definition of seduction, which has to do with disloyalty, leading astray and false promises. Clearly, none of these descriptions aptly fit a true Christian character. It has been said “the devil is in the details,” and that is painfully true when it comes to really understanding how seduction actually works.
Check out our June 14, 2021 podcast, “Can I Get What I Want Through Seduction?” for more. We lay out “The 11 Deceptive Tactics of Seduction” as detailed in an article by Peter Krol. These tactics range from manipulating the very subtle nuances of life to brash and overt advances. They include commandeering some of the simple and seemingly harmless things in life. Things like food and spiritually-based activities can become tools of ungodly desire and passion. Seduction can be subtle as easily as it can be overt. In every case it is scary. Join us to be forewarned and forearmed!
We all make judgments, even when we are not thinking about it. If you are listening to this podcast, you are right now deciding whether to keep listening. If you are reading this blog, you are right now considering whether or not to continue reading. This verifies that judging is an important exercise, for it helps us determine what is worth our time and what is not. For the record, I believe you will find this podcast a worthy investment of your time, so do stay with us! Now, what about judging others? Ah, this is a little trickier. The Bible actually tells us emphatically NOT to judge others and with the same passion it tells us TO judge others. Why the seeming doublespeak? It all comes down to two things. Obviously the “what” of our judgment is important. But more importantly, we need to be aware of the “why” of our judgments. Judge not...? While teaching the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus famously said in Matthew 7:1: “Do not judge so that you will not be judged.” Many read this as a blanket command from Jesus to never judge others. This is not remotely close to the meaning of the instruction of Jesus. First, we need to realize there are no less than seven different words for "judgment" in the New Testament. The meanings of these words range from merely scrutinizing a person or situation to the finality of a pronounced judgment. The New Testament uses these various words to show us different levels of judgment, as well as when to and when not to judge others.
Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 7 had everything to do with the damage that comes from arbitrary judgment. This damage is common and happens when we measure someone’s character or actions by using our own feelings and bias rather than facts. To paraphrase, Jesus was saying: "Who do you think you are, going about judging others when your own faults are so painfully obvious?" He further tells us that we are liable to harsher judgment from God when we dish it out to others.
Does this mean we should never reach out to help someone when we observe their faults? Isn’t being helpful the "Christian" thing to do? Yes, but it MUST be done in a Christian manner! This is where the challenges of appropriate judgment begin to be understood. Mutual judgment is an appropriate and valuable exercise, but it has clearly defined boundaries as well. If - what - why Check out our June 7, 2021 podcast, “Is It Ever Right to Judge Your Brother?” for more. We lay out the meaning of several New Testament words for "judgment." We examine the character guidelines that help us determine if we should personally be in a position to judge. We look at several biblical examples of what circumstances require us to apply Christian judgment. Finally, we seek to understand the why of these judgments. Judgment is tricky. There are times it needs to be done and there are many times when I should NOT be the one doing it!
Life can be difficult. We are surrounded with issues, events, opinions, politics and posts that continuously bring us stress and strain. As if this isn’t enough, we add to the frenzy by putting up self-designed roadblocks to block our own way! Why would we do that? Why would we make things harder for ourselves? Turns out that this is a common thing. The imperfect human mind can create all kinds of coping mechanisms that keep us from dealing with perceived trouble. While this sounds good, the problem is that our avoidance of perceived trouble often leads us directly into the path of real trouble. Essentially, we can at times become our own worst enemy. The bad news is we easily and often sabotage ourselves. The good news is, because we do this to ourselves we can also learn how to change that behavior. Automatic Thoughts and Distortions In a book entitled The Self-Esteem Workbook, by Glen R. Schiraldi, PhD, we found the self-damaging thought processes we often cling to are called “Automatic Thoughts and Distortions.” “Making Feelings Facts," “Rejecting the Positive” and “Catastrophizing” are examples of the several thoughts and distortions we can face each day without even realizing it. Why are these things so insidious? First, it is because they are thoughts. Our everactive minds produce thoughts at an unfathomable rate. We are in a constant state of determining which of these numerous thoughts are worthy of our attention. Automatic thoughts – those that occur without conscious effort - usually are most powerful.
Being continually influenced by automatic thoughts is one thing, but when you add distortion to those thoughts the frustration party begins. How can we expect to cope with the hard realities of life when our mind is automatically feeding us seriously distorted interpretations of the truth? What’s worse is these automated distortions come in all shapes and sizes! The answers! Fortunately, answers are available if we look for them. To help us understand how “Rejecting the Positive” works, we look at the Apostle Peter in his dramatic experience with Jesus and walking on the water. The moment he took his eyes off of Jesus, off of the source of his stability, he began to sink. What Peter focused on determined what his outcome would be! There is much we can learn here, not only form Peter’s fears but also from the stability of Jesus as well. The bottom line is that most of us have choices regarding the automatic thoughts we struggle with. We end up being our own worst enemy.
Check out our May 31, 2021 podcast, “Am I My Own Worst Enemy?” for more. We address seven of these automatic thoughts and distortions one at a time with Bible in hand. As each of these distorted views of our lives has its own unique challenge, so each answer has its own unique suggestion. This conversation can be a real eye-opener. It can help us to see what is driving our reactions and responses and compare that answer with the facts of our Christian walk. Please join us on the pathway to more clearly understanding our personal thoughts.
It is a competitive world out there! I need to focus and to stop at nothing to make my mark. I will apply myself to get the job I want, the life I desire and the status I deserve, while engaging in the leisure and entertainment I crave. Wow! While this description can be of someone who is truly success-motivated and has specific goals, it can also be a warning for us. As Christians, we should applaud motivation. But at the same time, we are alert to fend off the destructive poisons of pride and ego. How do we do both and still have a chance at succeeding in this world? Is it our Christian destiny to be continuously overlooked for that promotion, that opportunity or that position? As usual, applying the Christian principle of humility in this world is bewildering and can be discouraging as well. However, once we get our arms around how Jesus handled this, the whole confusing matter becomes clear! Where did the sick guy come from? Hmmm..... We know Jesus was a humble man. We also know he was bold. How do those two characteristics work together? The context of Jesus’ parable about the guests at a wedding was a good example. Jesus was invited to the home of a very influential Pharisee for a Sabbath dinner. While this was an elegant occasion, Luke tells us the Pharisees in attendance “watched Jesus closely.” This meant they were planning on testing him. Jesus handled this test by healing a sick man who “just happened to be there” on the Sabbath while simultaneously silencing his Pharisee observers. Jesus showed them humility by doing what God wanted him to. He showed them boldness by confronting their challenge. Larger lessons These actions were the beginning of larger lessons on success through humility. As Jesus observed the Pharisees jockeying for the seats of highest honor at this meal, he unfolded the parable. His lesson was simple. Stop presenting yourselves to your peers with a self-proclaimed splendor and instead take a seat of humility. Allow your value to be recognized by others on its own merit. In the end, it will be God who exalts those who are humble - and that is the most important thing.
What can this simple parable of Jesus teach us today about success and humility? If we are willing to look, there are many profoundly practical lessons we can learn. First and foremost is the simple lesson of self-awareness. Know and focus on who we are, and not on what we would like others to think we are. While the concept is simple, executing it in a world full of peer pressure and instant communication is another story.
Check out our May 24, 2021 podcast, “Can Humility Keep Me From Success?” for more. We build on the practicality of knowing who we are and examine current day examples of how to apply it. We explore several other aspects of biblical humility from Jesus’ parable and find surprising practicality for today. Join us to see how success and humility can lead us to living a fulfilled Christian life.
Truth matters. This is something I imagine we would all agree upon and yet we seem to rarely get to the truth. Why? Because we bicker with and debate those who see things differently based on our different versions of the truth. Enter exaggeration. It is a tool of language to make a point, sway an opinion, build up our ego and embarrass others. Exaggeration by definition has within it seeds of truth, but they are suffocated by the fabrications built upon and around them. The ninth of the Ten Commandments is focused on not lying about others. It is about the necessity for truth on all of our interactions. When God said, “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor,” did He also mean, “You shall not exaggerate about anything your neighbor has said or done”? Do we need to be on our guard when it comes to exaggeration?
At first glance, this ninth Commandment sounds like its primary application is in a legal sense. Don’t lie about your neighbor when they could suffer unrighteous punishment because of it. While this is a necessary application of “you shall not bear false witness against your neighbor,” it only scratches the surface. This Commandment is, in actuality, a sweeping statement about our standards of behavior in everyday life. Slander is a part of this As God’s Law to Israel is further explained in Leviticus, we see that slander was absolutely included as a forbidden action in this ninth Commandment. We can easily think that we are safe here. As Christians, we would never slander anyone, no matter how much we may dislike them. But let’s think further. When you slander, you speak an untruth about another person or group. Is there a difference between this and when we exaggerate as we talk about someone? Exaggeration can be good or bad Let’s be clear, all exaggeration is not bad. We can exaggerate as we embellish a story for the purpose of making someone laugh. Laughter is good, and as long as we are not misrepresenting someone in our humor, bring it on. We can exaggerate when we tell our spouse our love for them is as "deep as the ocean" or as "bright as the sun in the sky." Such poetic proclamations can be powerful bonding expressions, so long as we are genuine about our affection. It is when we exaggerate about someone and it misguides other’s impressions and conclusions about them that gets us into trouble. It is here that exaggerated responses can degrade into bearing false witness.
Check out our May 17, 2021 podcast, “Is There a Difference Between Exaggerating and Lying” for more. The subtleties of lying and exaggeration are examined so we can better put our speech in order based on scriptural principles. We discover a biblical account that shows how “bearing false witness” can even be insidiously accomplished without words. We discuss how minimizing can be a tool of exaggeration and bearing false witness. To exaggerate can be fun and upbuilding or it can be utterly destructive to our Christianity and to others. Join us and learn the difference!
Study the rest of the Commandments with us to see how they are still valid for Christians today.
Have you noticed how blurred the world has become? It has become increasingly more difficult to locate and abide by any life guidelines that represent clear boundaries and a clear direction forward. The eighth Commandment was simple: “You shall not steal.” This was a clear directive to not take what is not yours. Fast forward society several thousand years and we have quotes that call that simple statement into question, like this one: “It’s not stealing if you don’t get caught.” Then there is the more philosophic approach like this one from Mohsin Hamid: “You see, it is my passionately held belief that the right to possess property is at best a contingent one. When disparities become too great, a superior right, that to life, outweighs the right to property. Ergo, the very poor have the right to steal from the very rich.” What exactly is our Christian responsibility regarding stealing? How definitive are the guidelines, and are there any grey areas? Steal = Kidnap The first thing we notice about this “You shall not steal” Commandment is how broadly it applies. In Exodus 21 - the very next chapter after the 10 Commandments were given - we see the same word for "steal" in the 8th Commandment translated as “kidnap.” Exodus 21:16 tells us the penalty for kidnapping, for stealing any person, is death. What a serious consequence! Other aspects of stealing outlined by God’s Law given to Moses had to do with the general business of life and with buying, selling and trading. The penalties in these cases were still serious, as stealing from your neighbor was also stealing from God. When someone stole the ability to feed your family (such as the taking of an ox that plows the fields or sheep that supply wool) the penalty was much more serious. Stealing from your neighbor on any level led to major consequences. And in the New Testament? Let's look at the New Testament and the teachings of Jesus. Here stealing was still a serious crime against your neighbor. Interestingly, Jesus focused us on the “why” of thievery and not the “what.” He plainly said it is driven by a corrupted and sinful heart. And he didn’t reserve this association just for the most serious thefts. Ouch! This should make us look inwardly. Do we in any way have some level of corruption in our hearts?
Then there is the age-old question about stealing: Is stealing still wrong if I have no choice? Check out our May 10, 2021 podcast, “Is It Still Stealing if I Deserve It?” for more. We deal with this question in a way that may be surprising. We also wade through the many other issues that tend to complicate the simple right and wrong nature of stealing. The bottom line here is simple yet challenging: being a Christian requires a high integrity approach to even the small things in life. This needs to take place in a world that really doesn’t care. Join us as we gather the principles and inspiration to stand for things that matter! Study the rest of the Commandments with us to see how they are still valid for Christians today.
Let’s set the record straight right from the start. As Christians, God does NOT want us to suffer! Having said that, we know He does want us to learn and grow and mature. This means he will permit us to suffer and will use it as a tool to serve our eternal welfare. Now, what about the rest of the suffering experienced by everyone else? The answer is essentially the same – it is part of the permission of evil, which will be an eternal lesson for all. While these are good lessons, how do we cope with our individual suffering here and now? There are two groups of people who are suffering that we want to talk to today. There are those who may know of and appreciate Jesus and there are those who have dedicated themselves to follow him as his disciples.
In Matthew 11:28 Jesus famously invites all who are "weary and heavy-laden" to come to him so he can give them rest. While this invitation is comforting and encouraging, understanding it requires a deeper look. The first thing we notice is that it is an open invitation. Jesus had just finished talking about how those with power and influence tended to reject his teaching and miracles. He thanked God that the beauty of the salvation he was bringing was so readily received by the everyday people. I am exhausted! To be weary and heavy-laden means you are exhausted and overburdened. This simple description fits so many of us here and now. Even though our world is amazingly advanced, stress and suffering are rampant.
We are:
-challenged with physical things like illness and aging
-burdened with financial stresses like job loss and too much month at the end of our money
-pressured with social conformity and political unrest
We face emotional traumas like broken families, severed relationships, and loneliness. Our struggles include psychological things like depression, anxiety, phobias and mental illness.
Because we know that our time in Christianity is not a time of healing, how can Jesus give us rest? What can he possibly do for us with physical healing off the table? Check out our May 3rd 2021 podcast, “Does God Really Want Me to Suffer?” for more. We look carefully into what Jesus can do for whom. The bottom line here is that there are two different answers as to what Jesus will do for us, depending on our relationship with him. In both cases, there is really good news.
So, does God REALLY want us to suffer? The answer is no! That being said, the next logical question is then why doesn't He take our suffering away? The responses here are bigger than a one or two-line explanation. More than that, they are very encouraging and uplifting as well. If you are suffering in any way and are looking to God and Jesus for relief, please join us for this important conversation. Seeing our suffering with biblical understanding can absolutely help us to cope!
God does have a plan for the destiny of humanity. He always has. Think about it – God created man as the crowning feature of the earth’s system of life. Man was given dominion over the planet, sin entered and the whole thing seemed ruined. The thing is, God knew sin would enter. He knew man would fall. The journey through sin was to be part of an eternal education experience for all of humanity. In Part I of our series, we established that the Bible teaches the earth not only abides forever, but it will be housing humanity throughout that eternity. We also established that the pathway to heaven is available by invitation only. Walking that path requires life-long faith, sacrifice and obedience. While acknowledging we are sinners and loving Jesus are wonderful steps to take, they don’t get us to heaven. While these scriptural truths are enlightening, they raise MANY questions about the afterlife. What about hell? And what are all those unsaved people doing on earth? What about Judgment Day? Where will most of humanity end up in the afterlife? The concept of an eternal burning hell of torment is a massive question when considering the destiny of humanity. There are several scriptures in the teachings of Jesus that certainly seem to support it. But think about this concept it relates to the rest of the Bible. If hell is the destiny for those who disobey God, why did God tell Adam that the penalty of sin was death? Did God not tell the truth? If eternal torture is factual, then why was it not described at all outside of Jesus words and two symbolic scriptures in Revelation? Why did the Apostle Paul emphatically state “the wages of sin is death”? Why does the rest of the New Testament not seem to care about such a dramatic consequence?
If we take these questions and investigate the Scriptures in question with diligence and integrity, this whole issue begins to reveal itself. What we find is biblical logic and doctrine that debunks this false teaching. While this may be a relief, it adds more questions. Once you take away the belief that unbelievers will be eternally tortured, what do you do with them? Are they simply able to exist with out consequences? How fair would that be? Do they just cease to exist? How could that be fair for those who never heard the name of Jesus? Enter the Day of Judgment! Understanding the biblical reality of how this period of time works solves all of these issues. Check out our April 26, 2021 podcast, “Did God Make Heaven and Hell Humanity’s Destiny? (Part II)" for more. On top of giving clear biblical direction on the hell of torment issue, we define what Judgment Day is and what it is not. We review the scriptural perspective on what really happens in the afterlife to all the unbelievers throughout history. The result is a crystal-clear picture of how God’s plan will treat believers and unbelievers in the future. Don’t miss how all the details fit together and reveal an inspirational and God-glorifying picture!
The general consensus in Christianity is that there are two paths, two destinies that await humanity. First, there is the heavenly bliss of being with Jesus. After all, Jesus himself said he was preparing a place for his followers in heaven and that he would bring us there. Second, there is the fiery torturous eternal existence of hell. This is reserved for everybody else who did not follow Jesus. While this “two destiny” approach may sound simple, it does not stand the test of scrutiny. For starters, the fact is the vast majority of humanity has not known or accepted the name of Jesus. Does this mean God’s careful creation of humanity “in His image” was a resounding failure? And what about planet Earth? If it is doomed for a fiery end, then why did Jesus tell us to pray for God’s kingdom to come on earth? These are just the beginning of some big questions, so let’s see if we can find big biblical answers! Is the earth burned up or not? To best comprehend the eternal destiny of humanity, we need to look carefully at Bible prophecy beginning with earth. Some scriptures seem to indicate the earth will be burned up and every living thing upon it will be destroyed. While this sounds disturbing, the good news is that it is simply not true. On the contrary, we believe the earth will be an eternal habitation in a perfected state in the future. How can we say this when 2 Peter 3:10 reads “…the earth and its works will be burned up.”?
The key is understanding what is literal and what is figurative in Scripture. How would we respond to the skeptic who says we can determine something to be figurative to make it fit our narrative? The answer here is to have integrity. Not just personal integrity. We also absolutely need to maintain the clear and consistent teachings of God’s word from beginning to end. The Bible tells us what is true if we allow its message to surface!
Check out our April 19, 2021 podcast, “Did God Make Heaven and Earth Humanity’s Destiny? (Part 1)” for more. We dig into several Old Testament prophecies written at different times, in different places by different prophets. We find is a crystal-clear narrative that explains not only what will happen to earth, but why it will happen. These biblical texts are an absolute key in understanding the destiny of humanity in God’s plan. How do you REALLY get to heaven? With the question of earth settled, we next take a scriptural look at heaven. Who goes to heaven, why do they go and what do they have to do to qualify? The bottom line is: If we want to know where the righteous and unrighteous of humanity go for eternity, we need to understand what is real and what is not according to the Bible. Join us for this revealing two-part discovery series!
No one wants to be lonely. It is a sad and painful state of being that daily grows more and more common. There is a major difference between being alone and being lonely. To be alone is to be without anyone to engage with. This can be a productive place to be when in the right frame of mind. On the other hand, we can feel isolated in a crowded room or when we are with family and friends. We can be lonely at work, at play and even at church. Perhaps we are lonesome when with our spouse or when engaged in social media. Loneliness is not dictated by outward circumstances, rather it is driven by our interpretations of our experiences and our perceptions of our environment. To be lonely is to feel unimportant. It is to be convinced we do not belong and that we in some way, are unacceptable and even unwanted. Loneliness can be overwhelming. Fortunately, there are ways to combat it! Failure? If we are stuck in a lonely corner of our lives, the last thing we want to do is to let others know. Such an action is far too risky, as it brings on the anxiety of a further sense of rejection. We don’t want to hear, “Pull yourself together!” or "Get out there and meet someone!” While these statements may be meant as encouragement, they feel like judgment and enhance our fear of failure. Loneliness, therefore, is a self-fulfilling prophecy. Feeling lonely provokes actions of loneliness and expectations of continued isolation. How do we begin to break down this destructive pattern? Approach #1: Prayer We suggest five action steps for Christians. The first is prayer. Why? Prayer is a private experience. No one needs to know about it which relieves us from the ever-present sense of judgment we feel. Think about this – God ALREADY knows we are desperately lonely. He ALREADY knows how we arrived at such a state of mind. The purpose of approaching God through Jesus about our isolation is not to inform God of what is happening but to say it. The purpose is to humbly admit to our heavenly Father the extent of our misery and to place our experience into His eternally-capable hands. We begin to seek His will in coping with it.
While taking such a first step requires the courage to be honest and humble before God, its benefits can be dramatic. Understanding ourselves through the lens of God’s mercy and love can help us develop the fortitude for the next steps. Check out our April 12, 2021 podcast, “How Do I Cope With Overwhelming Loneliness?” for more. We round out the approach to and benefits of prayer. The next four steps are introduced, seeing how steps two and three are basically private and therefore less daunting. Don’t miss this opportunity for profound and practical insight. Loneliness does not have to rule our daily life if we learn how to cope with it!
As Christians, we unequivocally herald the death and resurrection of Jesus as being the absolute centerpiece of our faith. Further, we claim that the entire purpose of our Holy Bible is focused on these events as its primary message. These descriptions are overwhelmingly accurate. But why? Many Christians will answer that we are saved as a result of Jesus’ death and resurrection, and this is true. Others will say these events are proof of God’s loving plan for humanity, and this is true as well. Let’s now take the time to look at these spectacular events through a different lens. Let’s observe them through the lens of change. What changed and will change in heaven as a result of Jesus’ death and resurrection? What changed and will change on earth? The answer on both counts is...plenty! Shocking change What if I told you the death and resurrection of Jesus were the greatest change agents in all of the history of all of God’s creation? Would that seem like a stretch? In this recent podcast we examined the effects of these events from four very specific standpoints. We found a staggering amount of scriptural evidence to support this claim. Sons of God The first of the four areas the death and resurrection of Jesus dramatically changed is focused on our world today. Before these events, God dealt exclusively with His chosen people of Israel. Their relationship with Him was based on His sovereignty over them. Israel had to follow the rites and rituals of the Law to maintain His favor. After Jesus, a new way opened up. It is a way that enables us to be called "sons of God." This change is far more dramatic than most give it credit for. Previously, Adam and Jesus were the only humans to ever be called God’s sons. But now because of Jesus’ faithfulness, God’s spirit can dwell within us. That opens the door to sonship.
Further, remember that the gospel call became an invitation that could be heard worldwide. The name of Christ stands for positive influence, even though it has been tarnished and misused by powerful denominations over time. Think of how much better a place the world is as a result of true Christianity.
These things just scratch the surface of the changes that the death and resurrection of Jesus brought to our world today. We haven’t even considered the changes that have occurred within the spiritual realm. There is a present spiritual battle between good and evil raging everyday. Jesus stands right in the middle of it! Check out our April 5, 2021 podcast, “How Did Jesus’ Death and Resurrection Change Both Heaven and Earth?” for more. We outline how both the earthly and spiritual realms are different. More importantly, we look into the future and see how both will change in the future because of Jesus. Don’t miss this conversation, as it will deepen your reverence for our Lord and Master!
If you were going to die tomorrow, how would you spend your day today? Jesus faced that very serious question 2,000 years ago. His answer was obvious. He would spend that entire evening with those whom he was closest to. He would prepare them, teach them and encourage them, for what was coming would be shocking and horrifying. The world of the disciples would be shattered, and he wanted them to be as ready as their imperfect minds could allow them to be. What he taught them that night through his words and actions was extraordinary. Even though it is not possible for us to get our arms around the depth of Jesus’ compassion, wisdom, love and clarity of mind, we are going to try anyway. What we find is pure spiritual inspiration. Final insights before the crucifixion The Gospel of John, Chapters 13-16 are a unique view into the heart and mind of Jesus the night before he was taken to be crucified. They represent a detailed recounting of the several hours that Jesus had with his most faithful disciples in the upper room and beyond. John began writing his record of these events with a specific introduction. He told us that Jesus knew it was his time to die, and even more significantly, he told us Jesus knew he was going back to the Father. How could he know he was going back to the Father when he had not yet withstood the horrors of crucifixion? How could he know he wouldn’t break under pressure?
It is hard to exactly determine how Jesus knew he wouldn’t break under the pressure of the cross. It is much easier to understand what he was doing with that knowledge in final hours of freedom as a man. Jesus used these precious final hours of freedom to protect and prepare followers. He protected them by telling them of the trials they would face in the immediate future. Knowledge is power if we choose to apply it and the disciples were given that power. Even though they all faltered, the power of Jesus’ words provided a solid foundation for them to all recover upon. The preparation Jesus provided was epic He knew these individuals who were with him the night before his crucifixion would be the very foundation pillars of Christianity. So, he taught them. He taught them how to be leaders when he washed their feet. He taught them what the price of Christianity was by foreshadowing their coming persecution. He taught them how connected they were through the illustration of the vine and the branches. He taught them about the role God’s spirit would play in their everyday lives. He taught them to love one another as he loved them.
These lessons barely scratch the surface. Check out our March 29, 2021 podcast, “How did Jesus Prepare His Disciples for His Death?” for more. No group of followers were ever given so much to work with. Join us as we uncover their lessons and join them in being prepared!
21st century Christianity can be confusing. With all of the denominations and interpretations and approaches to Scripture it is hard to fathom they all claim to represent the same thing. So, what is the bottom line? Is being a Christian - a true Christian - a difficult way of life, or is it a privileged way of life? Does following Jesus place demands on you that are unreasonable to the average person? Or does it promise and deliver some kind of abundance that the average person would notice? Does Christianity fundamentally change you? Or does it help you be the best person you think you can be? Is following Jesus an exclusive calling of those who would do the hard work? Or does it work by way of general knowledge and discovery? Let’s see how Jesus describes what following him looks like and what it produces. Compare As we look at Christian life here in the 21st century, it is easy to notice a significant difference in how it works when compared to 1st century Christianity. Now we have sweeping individuality available in our churches. Now we are encouraged to find a church that suits us, that we are comfortable with. Back then, you became a Christian because you became a believer in Jesus and his sacrifice, and it was all about truth and salvation. Now our Christianity is easily focused on fitting into our comfort zone of service or praise or worship or giving. Back then, Christianity was focused on fitting the varied disciples into the mold of living for Christ. In short, modern Christianity is a far cry from original discipleship.
Does this mean that Christianity, which we will call discipleship, is a hard and unyielding mold we are forced into? Not at all! Make no mistake, there are difficult mountains to climb and challenging changes in character to accomplish. But these formidable tasks should not be allowed to overshadow the magnitude of blessing opportunity and growth that discipleship floods us with. Peace, joy and overcoming When Jesus tells all who are weary and heavy laden to come to him for rest, he means it. His promise is to show us how to navigate our world by leaning on him for grace, strength and inspiration. The Bible promises peace, joy and overcoming to those who become Jesus’ disciples. There are Scriptures that promise our highest needs being met and being led through our crises. Who wouldn’t want all that? Still, discipleship is a steep and narrow pathway.
How do we put these two seeming extremes together and make sense of following Christ? Check out our March 22, 2021 podcast, “Does Being a Christian Have to Be Difficult?” for answers. We walk through the hardships of discipleship and match them with its blessings and privileges. What we end up with is a clarity of purpose and a straightforward understanding of the why behind it all. Following Christ is not for the faint of heart, but it is the most blessed decision you can ever make!
Ancient biblical history paints a very specific picture of the world regarding morals and ethics. In the days of the Jewish Law, there were unmistakable lines that anyone of Jewish descent knew they simply should not cross. Just as lying, stealing and murder were lines not to cross, committing adultery was one as well. Fast forward to our world today, and what do we see? Adultery not only sounds old-fashioned, it is common and even sometimes encouraged. There are websites that exist for the purpose of making it easy to find someone to have an affair with! As Christians, how should we look at all of this? Should we determine that the Law is outdated and adjust to modern-day thinking? Should we focus on the Law and what Jesus taught and condemn everyone else? Is there a middle ground? "You shall not commit adultery" is the seventh Commandment It is a simple, straightforward statement that leaves no ambiguity. According to the Old Testament Jewish Law, committing adultery was punishable by death. This may seem harsh to us here in the 21st century. There are several things we overlook when we quickly judge ancient laws and practices, especially those of biblical origin. First, life back then was much more basic and survival was tenuous. You became an adult and had a family. You dedicated yourself to your role in providing for that family because life and death risks surrounded you. Things like adultery were an affront to the basic survival of your family and community and were simply not tolerated. There was too much at stake! What about spiritual adultery? Even though we focus on the severe destruction physical adultery brings, there is another kind of adultery mentioned in the Bible - spiritual adultery. In the Old Testament, it had to do with Israel’s infidelity toward God. God spoke through the prophets about the betrayal Israel engaged in by “playing the harlot.” They worshipped and followed pagan gods while pretending to honor Him. How was this adultery? It was all about violating a sacred commitment, just like the act of physical adultery blatantly violates the sacred covenant of marriage. In both cases, there is a physical walking away from the one to whom you are bound and attaching yourself to another.
Check out our March 15, 2021 podcast, “Is Adultery Really That Wrong?” for so much more. We delve into God’s amazing justice and mercy in dealing with adulterous Israel. We open up Jesus’ words on this Commandment and find that he challenges us much more deeply than the Old Testament Commandment. Jesus speaks to the very heart of what causes adultery and raises the bar for every Christian to live up to. His words are both inspiring and daunting! We also uncover what spiritual adultery looks like in the New Testament - and it isn’t pretty. It is disturbing that the symptoms of such infidelity to God are very much present in our modern-day Christianity. Join us as we learn some of the most important faithfulness lessons of our time! Study the rest of the Commandments with us to see how they are still valid for Christians today.
The first four of the Ten Commandments all have to do with humanity’s relationship to God. These directives came first because our relationship with God should always be the driving factor in our lives. The fifth Commandment focuses on our relationship with our parents and is fashioned after the first four, with honor and respect being paramount. “You shall not murder” is the sixth Commandment. This is the first of the Ten Commandments to focus us on our relationship with all other human beings. It is a simply stated, emphatic directive teaching us about the sacredness of human life. It sets the stage for the rest of the Commandments. But it is not as simple as it sounds. Its importance cannot be overstated! Further, Jesus not only taught its importance, he also dramatically expanded its meaning for his disciples. We will find “You shall not murder” to be a life-governing principle in every corner of our experiences.
Life under the Old Testament Law was in many ways a very black and white experience. The Ten Commandments were concise statements as to how we should act towards God, our families and everyone else. Obey the Commandments and God blesses you, break the Commandments and God is angry with you. “You shall not murder” seems like a no-brainer We all should know this, right? Few ever consider why God made this simple statement part of the ten most basic laws He ever gave to humanity. Old Testament First, this particular Commandment has to do with the taking of another’s life outside of acts of war, protection of person and property, and as a consequence of harsh crimes. It is all about an individual taking justice into their own hands. Usually, such an assumption of power is based on hate, jealousy or rage and is not just. Second, this Commandment is making obvious to all humanity that God created humanity in His own image. It is as though God is saying, "You are My children. I directly created you to have dominion on this earth. Human life is sacred in My eyes, so do NOT haphazardly destroy it!" New Testament Understanding God’s perspective helps us dramatically when we fast forward to the New Testament and observe what Jesus taught. Jesus took the “You shall not murder” Commandment and explained it to his disciples in a higher and far more challenging way. He introduced the idea of murdering someone’s character or reputation by the way we talk to them. Not only that, he talked about the accountability for such words in a very pointed way.
Why would Jesus do this? Why would he make “You shall not murder” about what goes on in our heads and with our words? Check out our March 8, 2021 podcast, “Could God Convict Me of Murder?” for more. We dive right into Jesus’ words to find the lessons. Then we look at all the things we as Christians need to be wary of. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how to take the high road in preserving the lives of others rather than damaging them! Study the rest of the Commandments with us to see how they are still valid for Christians today.
As Christians, we face the potential for deep trouble each and every day. Why? We live in an age of knowledge, choice, technology and accessibility. This would all be thoroughly awesome, except for one thing. These opportunities come with a healthy dose of what I will call an “entitlement of excess.” Because we can, we therefore feel we must. Many of the myriads of things available to us are good and healthy. We can learn to garden, sew and carve wood by watching videos online. We can be part of several social communities without the disadvantage of distance. Amazingly, we can learn about other cultures, appreciate art and music from anywhere, read, absorb and watch to our heart's content. So, how much is too much? Where should we draw a line, and more importantly, why should we draw lines?
You'd think the question of good things potentially becoming bad would be easy for Christians. Colossians 3:17 tells us, “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.” This seems so simple – do whatever you are going do with thankfulness to God and in Jesus' name, and you are fine. Keep Jesus in mind and carry on! While there is powerful truth in this, it is far from complete. Can we take advantage of others? What if we are blatantly taking advantage of others and doing it in the name of Jesus? Is that okay? Of course not! What if we are supporting an organization we know does bad things but supports what we think are good and godly causes? Is that okay? Still no, but perhaps this is not as easy to determine. What if we are engaged in good and healthy human activities that directly or indirectly interfere with our Christianity? Is that okay? Hmmm, we may need to think about this. How much do they interfere? Is it really interference or is it just minor inconvenience? Is it really that bad? The “Is it really that bad?” question is a life-altering query. How are we make Christian decisions, assessing the countless ways we can occupy our time? How do we clearly quantify when something that starts out worth our time and effort but ends up being an unprofitable path to continue on? To adequately answer these questions, we obviously need the Bible. More than that, we need the relevant Scriptures put in order to follow their guidance. Don't miss downloading our Decision Tree here Check out our March 1, 2021 podcast, “Can Good Things Ever be Bad?” for more. We put the complex process of finding godly guidelines for all aspects of life into a Decision Tree. We pose the important questions and attach Scriptures to them as guidance. Then we put the several levels of questions needed to secure a God-honoring answer in sequence. The result is a roadmap to guide us with every life decision regarding things like friends, leisure, research, curiosity and hobbies. We can choose if the good things in our lives remain good. Join us and find out how!
Talking about slavery is a sensitive issue, and rightfully so. We live in an age where we recognize that ALL people have rights. We now live in a time where no group of people or any working class should ever be separated from those rights. This was not always so. Many ancient societies survived on the backs of slaves. These were often comprised of conquered peoples or those who were generationally born into servitude. Christianity had its beginnings in the context of such societies. With such inequity, how could Christianity survive and even flourish? Could slaves AND their owners both thrive under Christ? Fortunately, the Bible gives us a powerful view of how this actually worked in those days. Let’s walk through the true story of two men on opposite ends of this spectrum and see how the Apostle Paul helped them both maintain their faithfulness to Christ and each other.
Towards the end of his life, the Apostle Paul found himself a prisoner of the Roman Empire because of accusations some made that he was subverting the Empire by preaching Christianity. Being a Roman citizen gave him certain advantages, like being on house arrest. He was not able to go anywhere, but he was able to have visitors. It was during this time that a runaway slave named Onesimus came to see him. Onesimus was a slave of Philemon, who had been converted to Christianity by Paul. Although a slave owner, Philemon was an active and faithful brother in Christ and was well known for his service to others. Paul faced problems this visit from Onesimus
Roman law stated that harboring a runaway slave made you liable for any losses that runaway cost their master. The penalties for runaway slaves went as far as crucifixion, so aiding them could be interpreted as being complicit in their lawbreaking. There was the matter of just and fair treatment for Philemon. Paul would certainly not want to hurt his dear friend in any way, regardless of Roman law.
It's complicated On top of all this, the Apostle Paul ends up converts Onesimus to Christianity! What should he do now? How do you find the path to doing the right thing for everyone involved without breaking the law? And how do you see to it that the right thing is done when you yourself are on house arrest and cannot personally follow up?
Check out our February 22, 2021 podcast, “How Did the Apostle Paul Handle a Slave Owner?” for answers. We examine the letter that Paul wrote to Philemon on behalf of Onesimus line by line. Then we find wise, spiritually-sound and legally-compliant advice all wrapped up in rock solid compassion and reasoning. We get a powerful glimpse into the heart and mind of the Apostle Paul in a way that is not revealed in any of his other writings. Don’t miss this opportunity to see wisdom unfold that conquers social inequity, wrongdoing and the reconciling of two very different individuals!
...And they lived happily ever after! This is such a promising and bliss-filled ending that is sought after and hoped for by so many. Who wouldn’t want the prospect of happiness and contentment as a recipe for their married life in all their coming days? The truth of the matter is that at the rate present-day society is going, this dream - even for a Christian marriage - is a mere fantasy for most married couples. I know this sounds harsh, but the reality is, there are two things about marriage that most of us do not understand. First and foremost, it is not a love-driven relationship, but a commitment-driven relationship that is fed by love. Secondly, it is a lot of work. Though it sounds hard, even daunting, it is profoundly worth the effort! So, how hard should we be willing to keep this commitment? How unbreakable and important are the “’til death do us part” vows we took? The Bible is filled with all kinds of promises Some are between God and humanity, or between God and individuals. Others are between nations, and others are between families or individuals. These promises can vary in sacredness according to how the parties make them. Rest assured, whenever God makes a promise, it is more solemn than anything we can imagine. So, what about the promises we make to one another? Sacred promises in the Bible are called covenants The word comes from an ancient ritual having to do with walking between the two halves of a slaughtered animal to seal the agreement. Afterwards, the animal was eaten in a feast symbolizing the unity of the agreement. Marriage is not only called a covenant in Scripture, it is called a “covenant of God.” This means that God was invited to witness the making of the agreement. It is written in Genesis regarding the union of Adam and Eve that the man and woman became one flesh. Jesus later adds that what God has joined together, let no man separate.
These details make it clear that the Bible defines marriage as the highest and most sacred promise two human beings can make. Sound a bit scary? It should! What are we supposed to do now that we know this? If we are struggling with marriage, what does God expect? What if we have done sinful things to dismantle our marriage, is there a specific path we should take? What do we do if we have lost our spouse? How do we handle the sacredness of what we had?
Check out our February 15, 2021 podcast, “How Vital Are My Vows of Marriage?” for more on Christian marriage. We address all these questions with scriptural principles. We also review the sacredness of several of God’s own promises to model the kind of focus we should have with our covenants. Finally, we look into the depths of what we can do to keep any marriage strong and growing. Marriage is no small task. It challenges you, presses you and changes you. It also can bless you in ways you never thought possible. Find out how!
Two of the most dramatic lives recorded in the Bible belong to Moses and Jesus. The heroics of Moses life extended over a lifetime of 120 years, whereas Jesus’ heroics were all accomplished within a 33-year lifetime. Despite the dramatic time differences, there are startling similarities between these two deliverers. Moses’ life was recorded and detailed in four Old Testament books of the Bible. Jesus' life was recorded and detailed in four New Testament books. Both of them were plainly or prophetically referenced throughout the entire Bible. They each executed the two greatest deliverances in the history of mankind – Moses walked his people out of Egypt, and Jesus ransomed the entire human race from sin. This all just scratches the surface! As we look into specific events of Moses' life as deliverer of a nation, we will see inspiring revelations into the life of Jesus as deliverer of the world. Comparing Moses to Jesus makes for a revealing Bible study, as there is an extensive list of striking similarities between the two. The Bible points to comparisons Moses told Israel there would come a prophet from among them who would be like him. The Bible unequivocally tells us he was speaking about Jesus. This revelation by Moses invites us to investigate the significant comparisons between these two leaders. By Moses prophesying that Jesus would be like him, it stands to reason that Moses' life would a be pattern for Jesus’ life. Sure enough, we find that the similarities from the beginning to the end of these two lives are staggering.
For example, think about the simple comparisons between these two lives in relation to their birth and infancy. Both Moses and Jesus were born at times when Israel was not a free nation. They were both were born to parents who were faithful to God. As infants, both of their lives were under threat by the present governing powers of their time. Even though Moses was raised as an Egyptian prince, his birth parents had a powerful influence on him. Parenting and nurturing a deliverer is no easy task, and God chose parents who were up to the task. Moses grew up, left Egypt and renounced his Egyptian upbringing. Jesus was taken to Egypt for protection from Herod and literally came out of Egypt just as Moses did.
Check out our February 1, 2021 podcast, “What Does Moses the Deliverer Teach Us About Jesus?” for more. We compare the characters of Moses and Jesus and look at their leadership. This episode even includes a comparison of some of the miracles they each performed. Why would God tell us so much about Jesus by way of Moses’ experiences? There are many reasons, not the least of which is to remind us that God always had a plan. God foreshadowed the actions and responses of Jesus as the world’s savior in Moses’ life as deliverer of Israel. The message here is one of great comfort. God has everything in His ultimate control. He does not need to make things up as He goes; rather, He creates His plan and watches it unfold!
“Words mean things” is a simple and powerful truism that certainly applies to our study of God’s word. In our mistranslation podcast series, we have endeavored to establish how much a text of Scripture can be changed by the mistranslation or misunderstanding of a single word. Every word of inspired Scripture can and should be scrutinized for its meaning. Mistranslations occur sometimes by accident, sometimes because of preconceived belief and sometimes to deliberately deceive. Confusion is the foundation of deception. Satan likes nothing better than planting seeds of error and seeing them called truth. But by God’s grace, we are blessed with all the needed tools to examine and clarify nearly all questions of mistranslation and misunderstanding. Of course, the holy spirit works with us in our continual search for the truth. Love, love, love You would think that something as straightforward as the English word “love” in the Bible would not raise any mistranslation alarms. Sadly, this is not the case. It turns out that our one English word “love” is translated from several Greek words with very different meanings. These different Greek words can mean anything from a benevolent selfless love, to the fraternal affection of team members, to the love of a family. What kind of love does God have for Jesus or for the world of humanity? How about the kind of love Jesus had for those closest to him, or for us? What kind of love are we supposed to have for whom? All these questions can be easily answered when we look at the original words and their meanings. Knowing the answers to these questions dramatically changes our understanding of our Christian calling.
How about the word used for “God” in the Bible? Here again, you would think it would be easy and that the word god would mean “God in heaven,” and that would be it. Nothing is further from the truth. This word has many scriptural applications, some of which are surprising. As we begin to uncover its varied usage, our understanding of the descriptions of God can become more well-rounded. We begin to see how the Bible uses some concepts of royalty that were familiar to the people of the time to describe God himself. God's name This brings us to the name that God has given us by which to address Him. Even though this name appears over 6,000 times in the Bible, many translations hardly ever translate it! Why? What is there about God’s name that keeps it hidden? Jesus' return Check out our February 1, 2021 podcast, “Has the Bible been Mistranslated and Misunderstood? (Part V) for more. We clearly address these several questions regarding scriptural accuracy and meaning. We also delve into another mistranslation issue that changes everything about the major prophecy of Jesus’ return. What if the Christian world's current anticipation of Jesus’ return was based on a key mistranslation? Based on the original meaning of specific Greek words, what should our expectations of his return look like? Join us to find some unexpected answers! If you missed the previous parts of this series, start with Part I to begin your study...
For any Christian, understanding the Bible and its message should be of paramount importance. The fact that the Bible is a collection of books and letters written in ancient times by various authors presents a challenge to this understanding. We need to learn what is authentic, what is mistranslated and how it all harmonizes. We continue our exploration of how we got our Bible, and how the process of translation from the original languages requires precision in order to get the truths God intends. This is a necessary exercise because the Bible is the foundation of our faith. We depend upon an accurate and honest assessment of what it teaches so we in turn can believe and spread the true gospel message.
In the three previous parts of this series, we focused on several big questions about the Bible that never seem to go away:
Why are some writings included in the sacred text and others excluded? Who were the decision makers regarding acceptable text, and what was their criteria? How did some verses or portions of verses get inserted into the Bible that weren't part of the original text? Did Jesus really believe in the Old Testament? What words are translated or interpreted in a way that is out of harmony with their true meaning? How would we know? What tools do we as individual students of the Bible have available to help us to personally study these things for ourselves?
Unicorns? Mistranslations can be small enough to be a nuisance and important enough to shake the fabric of one’s doctrinal belief. In this Part IV of our series, we considered both kinds of issues. Here is one example of a smaller issue: Did you know the King James Version of the Bible talks about unicorns? Turns out it mentions these fabled animals eleven times! So, what’s the truth of the matter? Is the Bible confirming that unicorns are real? If so, what does that do to the Bible’s credibility?
Several larger mistranslation issues have a direct bearing on fundamental Christian belief. Across the vast majority of Christian denominations, we find an unquestioned acceptance of how our churches are organized. Christianity has systems in place that are logical, cover needs and seem simple and practical. A deep study of Scripture and the ancient languages used reveals a simple yet significant misapplication of a specific word regarding church organization. Apply the correct meaning and watch what it changes!
Check out our January 25, 2021 podcast, “Has the Bible Been Mistranslated and Misunderstood? (Part IV)” for more. We look at several smaller mistranslations to find true meaning. Sometimes the difference is insignificant. But more often than not, the true meanings enhance the Bible’s harmony. We also examine another huge translation issue having to do with the major doctrine of what happens after the average person dies. Finding the truth on this opens our eyes to the Bible’s authentic message. Don’t miss this opportunity to be able to see some biblical truths for the first time! Continue your studies with Part V...
To honor your father and mother is the 5th of the Ten Commandments given to Moses for Israel. Like all of the other Commandments, this is a very old-fashioned and worn-out sounding principle. I mean, we all know that we should respect our parents to some degree, but are we supposed to let them run our lives? What exactly is entailed in honoring parents? And what if your parents were not good parents? Maybe they were absent, or worse. Does our present age of overwhelming personal freedom and choice override this ancient law? Can honoring your parents in some circumstances be detrimental to them and you? Fortunately, the Bible does put all of this in order. It provides us with sound reasoning and direction so we can enthusiastically fulfill this Commandment.
When God gave the Ten Commandments, the first four were all about honoring Him as Creator, God and Deliverer. Did you ever wonder why the very next Commandment was about honoring parents? God as their sovereign was guiding them as to how to establish a successful nation. His point was plain. God must ALWAYS be first as He delivered and established them as a nation. Parents must then be honored in a similar fashion, as they were the life givers and providers for every individual in that nation. Often when God reminded Israel that He comes first, he also reminded them to honor their parents as well. According to God, these two Commandments are inseparable. What about bad parents? The big question arises when we think about parents who, unfortunately, are not good people. What if they lead evil lives and do ungodly things? Would God really want us to honor them? This seems like it would be contradictory, but it really isn't. According to the Bible, the word for “honor” relating to our parents has to do with prizing or valuing something. When we “prize” something, we care for it. We are not careless with it and we are not impatient or half-hearted in its care. Our honor for parents who have been or are destructive should be this way. It should reflect our determination to do what is ultimately best for them in the eyes of God. This does NOT mean blindly following their evil thoughts or desires!
Check out our January 18, 2021 podcast, “What Does Honoring Your Father and Mother Look Like?” for more. We list several practical examples of what honoring a bad parent looks like and does not look like. For many of us, this is a powerful, eye-opening conversation. We also talk about what honoring parents who are God-honoring themselves looks like. This is so much more than listing out nice things to do for them. Honoring our father and mother is a foundational principle of a high-functioning society. God made it clear that if we lose this generational honor, we eventually lose our ability to hold onto that which is righteous for all. Join us and reclaim the value of the family unit! Study the rest of the Commandments with us to see how they are still valid for Christians today.
Last week we talked about perseverance as an essential aspect of our Christian lives. We saw that persevering means much more than simply hanging on when things are tough. It means we set our hearts and minds on moving forward, no matter how small the steps might be. We examined some Isaiah scriptures that gave us a glimpse of what Jesus’ own focus - what his “game face" - looked like. And we established that we need perseverance in many areas of life and discussed it in the context of our trials and afflictions. We heard the story of Jonathan, a 14-year-old young man who is persevering through a serious case of Scoliosis. Today, we expand the scope of our perseverance conversation as we look at the persecutions and tests of loyalty every Christian must endure. We do this both scripturally and through the stories of Lorain and Fred, two mature Christians whose life experiences pressed them to persevere in ways they never saw coming. Lorain's story Lorain was a dedicated Christian whose focus was always on serving God. Several years ago at age 36, she was struck with Multiple Sclerosis and her life’s trajectory dramatically changed. We recently caught up with her and observed her experiences and growth. What we found was an amazing story of perseverance. She helped us to understand that sometimes our life requires us to approach it like a soldier who is always preparing for or facing battle.
As Christians, we are sometimes called upon to persevere through persecution. Often this persecution comes from those who are close to us, from friends, associates and even family. This is difficult, as there is usually no place to hide when this happens. How do we handle it? Like Lorain, we soldier up. We fight these battles by wearing the armor of God as instructed in Ephesians chapter 6. Here’s the thing - our mission may not be to vanquish someone persecuting us. It may be to instead witness our Christian character to them. Our mission as soldiers is to do what God would have us to do and not what we feel like doing. This can only happen when we apply Christian perseverance to this fight. Fred's story Fred was a happily married, dedicated Christian when nine years ago his wife died suddenly and without warning. This experience broke many parts of him, but it didn’t break his faith. Fred shared with us how over years he picked up the pieces and reset his life’s direction. His perseverance was and is like that of a farmer. Slowly, methodically and according to Scripture, he did the work to cultivate Christian growth and maturity. His story is one that helps us understand how our perseverance should be solely focused on our loyalty to God through Christ.
Check out our January 11, 2021 podcast, “How Can I Persevere When Life Gets Tough? (Part II)" for more. Not only is this journey thoroughly inspiring, it is deeply educational as well. Mastering Christian perseverance is one of the secrets to living a fulfilled life. Join us and get on the path to victory!
Perseverance is not something we talk about much anymore. It sounds like an old word from some other time in history. Now we talk about making demands and our personal perspectives being instantly and unquestioningly accepted by those around us. We now live in a society where it is not about hard work or building something from the ground up; it is about claiming whatever anyone else has as mine simply because I have a voice. It's too bad. In history, the greatest positive changes in all the world happened largely because of perseverance. Gandhi persevered, Martin Luther King, Jr. persevered, allied soldiers in the World Wars persevered. Jesus not only personally persevered, he taught us how to do it ourselves. Perseverance vs. Endurance It is easy to confuse perseverance and endurance because they are similarly defined. When we think of endurance, we might envision someone or something that weathers the test of time and pressure. The Parthenon is an ancient Greek temple that has endured history and stands to tell a story. When we think of perseverance, we might envision someone who has progressed through a difficult challenge against the odds. It has been said that Thomas Edison had 1,000 failed experiments before he invented the light bulb. The key here is the thought of progressing towards something versus the thought of weathering a storm. Perseverance is an exercise in movement. This subtle difference carries with it a world of meaning. Meet Jonathan Depending on what we are facing, the act of persevering can look like many different things. For Jonathan, a 14-year-old young man, perseverance looks very specific. Jonathan has a serious case of Scoliosis, a curvature of the spine. Many cases of this disease are relatively minor, but the serious ones like Jonathan’s become debilitating and lead to necessary surgery. Jonathan needs to exercise up to two hours a day, seven days a week to try and keep it from getting worse. If any one of us were faced with a demanding regiment of two hours per day of doing anything, we would be challenged. For this young man, the challenge is not just physical but mental as well, as he must continue to stay motivated. How does he do that?
Check out our January 4, 2021 podcast, “How Can I Persevere When Life Gets Tough? (Part I)” for more. We hear Jonathan explain his journey of faith, discipline and perseverance and find several nuggets of inspiration along the way. We also examine how the Bible describes perseverance. This is also revealing. Several scriptures in our common translations sound “nice” and “encouraging” are actually serious calls to action.
Christian faithfulness is squarely built upon persevering. To walk in Jesus' footsteps is by definition perseverance. Join us for Part I of this 2-part series as we uncover the many aspects of what a persevering life looks like. Come with us on this journey of discovery, growth and inspiration!
Compromise can be so misunderstood. On one hand, we as Christians should be standing for and living a compromise-free life. Nothing should ever water down our life principles of sacrifice. Walking steadfastly in Jesus’ footsteps must always be our immovable goal. On the other hand, there are times and places when compromise is not only an option but a necessary and spiritually-based choice of righteousness. Because we are all imperfect we will inevitably come across circumstances where it is not a lowering of our standards, but a raising of them. How then do we tell the difference? What makes some compromises good and others just plain wrong?
To differentiate good and bad compromise, we need to understand two fundamental questions:
What are we compromising about? This is a broad area, and we need to be alert. The general bottom line is our compromises can include a myriad of subjects but must never go down one particular road. That road is the compromise of godly principles. These are NEVER up for grabs! This might sound like am easy issue, but we need to be careful. It is far too easy to confuse those things that are solid godly principles with those things that are personal preferences. Sometimes we want something to rise to the level of principle that simply does not belong there. Fortunately, there are many Scriptures that help us see the difference. Who are we compromising with? Let’s be clear, this is not going to be a clear night and day answer, except for one detail. As Christians, we should be reasonable and willing to engage in give and take with people from all walks of life. The one exception is making a deal with the devil. While this sounds like an obvious thing to avoid, it is far more subtle that we might think.
Moses is a great example of how to manage this. When he was preparing to lead the Hebrew slaves out of Egypt he was following God’s direction. He took his specific instructions and appeared before the mighty Pharaoh of Egypt several times. When we observe what took place in those interchanges, we learn several profound lessons regarding appropriate compromise. This may have looked like a classic power struggle. It was really a process that revealed the mighty Pharaoh’s lying, deceit and weakness. It also revealed the importance of NOT compromising when godly principles are at stake.
Check out our December 28, 2020 podcast, “Has My Christianity Been Compromised?” for more. We examine how to avoid the entrapment of making deals with the devil. We describe the danger of falling into four specific traps, the fist of which is being an Incognito Christian. Just as important, we list many compromises that are not only acceptable, but spiritually healthy to make. Don’t miss this opportunity to lay out the whole concept of compromise and understand when to proceed and when to run!
Christmas has changed. While the holiday has always had many non-Christian aspects it seems as though the Christ based pieces of the tradition are ever fading. In its place we have Santa, reindeer, trees, gifts, lights, ornaments, food, family and for this year, social distancing. Now most of those things are not bad, with the notable exception of the social distancing. In fact, they do tend to bring a cheerful sense to our lives. Putting Christ in Christmas is about much more than good cheer – it is about a message of glad tidings of great joy, and it’s for all people! How do we get back to focusing on bringing joy to the world instead of just a moment of emotional excitement? Gifts! Gifts are a great way to bring Jesus back to the center of Christmas, but not in the way you might think. Let’s focus in on some of the key individuals surrounding Jesus' birth and observe the gifts they were given. We will find their gifts are bigger and more important than we can imagine. We will also notice these gifts were not given without the massive responsibility to care for them.
Let’s touch on Mary, for example. She was young, not of noble birth, and not counted in any social circle as significant. On the contrary, she was a simple woman who was betrothed to Joseph, a humble carpenter. He was from the city of Nazareth. And everyone knew that not much good came from that city. Mary and Joseph did display one outstanding feature: They were both humbly dedicated to serving God by following the Jewish Law to their best ability. Their humility and drive to serve God must have been profound, for they were chosen of God. He chose them to be the people through whom the world’s salvation would be nurtured. For Mary, this would begin with a miraculous, fearful and life-changing event. Not many people in Scripture were ever visited by an angel. Fewer were given tasks by those angels. Only Mary was told by an angel that a miraculous human life would be conceived in her, and that she would be the mother of the long-awaited Messiah! It is mind-boggling to think of how to process the news of such a gift. It is beyond imagination to think about how you manage the responsibility of such a gift!
Mary’s gift from God was to serve Him in a very unique way. As footstep followers of Jesus, our gift is also to serve God in a unique way. While the differences are obvious, the similarities are profound. Check out our December 21, 2020 podcast, “How Do We Keep Jesus at the Center of Christmas?” for more. We detail both Mary and Joseph’s gifts and responsibilities as well as the gifts of a few others. What we find are examples of our gifts from God, and how to glorify Him as we accept them. Don’t miss this opportunity to keep His son Jesus at the center of Christmas!
In part 1 of this two-part series, we discovered several very clear scriptural statements and lines of reasoning that showed us we are justified by faith. Having established that, the most obvious next question is, what about works? How does the Bible define “works of faith”? Is it a work of faith to go to church, or is that just a result of faith? Is financially contributing to your church considered a work of faith, or is it just a good thing to do? Are there certain things every Christian is required to do, or is it all based on who you are? To what degree is our pathway to heaven based on works? How do we know if we are doing enough? The bottom line is, you can't live a life of faith without works. As Christians, we often to get focused on a specific scriptural phrase and make it the centerpiece for our belief system. This can be a good or bad thing. To focus on the scriptural phrase “God is love” is a good thing, as the rest of the Bible powerfully confirms this. The flip side is when we point out that the Bible says we are "justified by faith" and end it there. Another Scripture says that God justifies, so does that mean faith doesn’t? James repeats that works are part of justification. Does that mean God and faith play no role? Of course not.
If someone says you need food to survive, they’re right. Someone else says you need water to survive, and they are right. Yet a third person says you need shelter to survive, and they are also right. The fact is, you need all three. Similarly, you simply cannot live a justified life without
faith in the ransom of Jesus God applying that ransom to you individually, and then doing the works of a justified person.
So, what are the works a true Christian must engage in? It turns out there are many and varied. We see evidence of these works of faith throughout the entire New Testament. Jesus began our understanding of them by showing us a big picture approach. When he taught the Sermon on the Mount, he said his followers were to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Basically, he was telling us that we have powerful influence on the world around us. We need to work at preserving godly righteousness by being “salty” and lighting the way to godliness by shining out God’s truth through our lives.
These are the big picture start. Check out our December 14, 2020 podcast, “Is It Faith or Works That Gets Us to Heaven? (Part II)” for more. We uncover many of the Christian works we are called upon to do and lay out the details on what they require. Join us as we walk through the practicality of actually being a Christian!
I’m a Christian. I have been called by God to follow in Jesus’ footsteps. I believe that as a sinner, I cannot do anything to earn God’s favor. Jesus’ sacrifice gave me a standing before God that I could not have had without it. So, what now? Jesus promised that all his true followers would be with him in heaven, but what does that mean for me? Do I just focus on building my faith and not works, as it says in the book of Ephesians? Should I be living my life with ever-greater expectations that God’s providence will always come through and answer my heartfelt prayers? Or should I primarily focus on works and not faith, as it says in the book of James? Should I be out and about, always doing things to show that I am a person of faith? How can something that should be so simple be so confusing? The Reformation The debate over what justifies a believer has raged for hundreds of years. The biblical phrase, “The just shall live by faith” became the rallying cry of the Martin Luther Reformation in the 1500s. As a result, the Protestant movement was formed and never looked back. When you think about that Scripture it would seem the conclusion of living by faith over works would be a no brainer. Of course, it is not. Contradictions? As a matter of fact, the Bible says three seemingly contradictory things about being justified. All three are in the New Testament. Romans 5 says we have been justified by faith. Romans 8 says it is God who justifies us. James 2 says we are justified by our works. Let the head scratching begin! Being faithful as a Christian depends on being justified. If something as basic as the way we are justified is in question, how can we have confidence in our journey? The good news is there is a sound and clear biblical explanation for all of this. The challenging news is, the answer is not necessarily plain and obvious.
It all has to do with the meaning of being justified. Here again, there are details that seem to cause trouble. Consider that Abraham was spoken of as being righteous before God. While we look at this as a good thing, we also realize that he wasn’t a follower of Jesus, and therefore was not invited to heaven. What now? Check out our December 7, 2020 podcast, “Is it Faith or Works That Gets us to Heaven? (Part I) for more. We break these challenges down one at a time. We examine the words and their context in a broad-based approach that brings us logical and harmonious answers.
The conclusion is that the just do live by faith. So, what about works? What about God’s role? Parts I and II together show how the harmony works, and what it means for you and I as we follow Christ.
Usually this time of year signals having a more festive outlook on things. Having the American holiday of Thanksgiving behind us and Christmas approaching signals cheerful, generous and pleasant interactions. Decorations, excitement and goodwill prevail! Usually. Then there was the year 2020 which brought a pandemic to the world, the likes of which had not been seen in a hundred years. Good cheer is overrun by depression, happiness is crushed by anxiety and anticipation has turned to foreboding. We are all currently stuck in the mud of uncertainty and often spin our wheels in frustration, only to sink deeper. COVID-19 has brought our fears of what was unknown nine months ago into the light of what is known. And that feels even more terrifying. The answer to this dilemma is in plain sight but not easily understood. It is gratitude. Seriously, gratitude properly understood and applied is life-changing! Here come the eye rolls. When you mention being thankful, the knee jerk reaction of many ranges from completely ignoring the suggestion to eye rolls. Unfortunately, we tend to see gratitude as an exercise in triviality. Politely say you are thankful for food, family, friends, shelter and health and be done with it. This way you don’t offend anyone. You participated in the formalities. Now you can get back to your own world of self-centered distractions. While this has become a socially-acceptable response to the gratitude challenge, it is also a sad misrepresentation of thanksgiving. The problem? Platitudes, not gratitude. We have allowed platitudes to take the place of sincere gratitude. A platitude is a word or phrase that is trite or stale. It is spoken to cover the bases of responding without having to think or be sincere. Platitudes are common – we all use them. In the book of Isaiah, platitudes are described when God is scolding Israel for worshipping Him with their words and not their hearts. This was unacceptable to God because it was not genuine.
True gratitude is life-changing. Now, you can say that phrase is a classic platitude, and it certainly can be! The test here is to see what is behind the phrase. Is it spoken to pacify or to clarify? Check out our November 30, 2020 podcast, “How Can We be Thankful After the Year We’ve Had?” for more. We examine gratitude from both a biblical perspective and a practical 21st century perspective.
What we find is nothing short of inspirational (and no, that’s not a platitude either). We uncover powerful scriptural instruction regarding the nature of thanksgiving. Then we share some practical real life personal lessons that have helped us deepen our own gratitude. We follow the story of a woman whose three-year-old son was diagnosed with a debilitating disease. Her reactions, responses and retelling of her story are riveting. Gratitude is not an emotion, it is a state of mind. Join us to open the door to accessing its secrets!
In part 2 of our series, we reviewed a list of tools Bible students can use to study the original languages of Scripture. These tools enable non-experts (like us) to unlock the Greek and Hebrew of the Bible to understand what the original inspired words mean and how they are used. Then we examined "spurious" texts - writings that are not part of holy writ but are additions that came into manuscripts over time. Next, we looked at several poorly-translated texts and how these can be identified. Lastly, we reviewed the role of interpretation in translations we can agree on. On this episode, our trek of discovery continues with a further review of Bible mistranslations that camouflage important details of the Bible’s true teaching. Once again, our single goal here is to understand the will and mind of our Holy God by harmonizing every text in Scripture. Did Jesus Really Say That? Have you ever wondered if all the words attributed to Jesus were his actual words? Just asking this question can cause anxiety. After all, if the words of Jesus are not authentic then our faith, by definition, would be called into question. The bad news is that we not only have some words with questionable authenticity, we have some events as well. The good news – the very good news - is that these are few and far between. And they don’t seriously damage Jesus’ main message. To have a true understanding of the Bible, we need to look into these things and follow the path of verifiable evidence.
One of the most unusual issues with Bible mistranslations had to do with the Apostle Paul. In one of his writings he quoted the Old Testament, which was a very common thing for him to do. The unusual part was that he misquoted the verses. How could this have happened? Because he misquoted his source, do we still consider that particular teaching of his as inspired by God? Check out our November 23, 2020 podcast, “Has the Bible Been Mistranslated and Misunderstood? (Part III).” We delve into the fascinating issues with Jesus’ and the Apostle Paul, and other questions rarely-asked questions. Bible Numerology Does the Bible as God’s inspired Word have a way to tell us if it is complete? Is there some internal formula that lets us know all the books it contains are all of what God intended us to have? Bible Numerology, the study of numerical relationships in Scripture, has some fascinating answers for us. While this may be an area skeptics become vocal on, think about this. God is the Creator of our universe and its systems. We as tiny human beings have “discovered” that the universe is run in accordance with mathematical principles. If God’s universe works in accordance with numbers, then is it such a stretch to see that His Word, which reveals His plan to us, is numerical as well? Join us in our discovery of the Bible’s amazing and authentic teachings! Continue on with your studies in Part IV...
Can we know about mistranslations without being students of ancient Hebrew and Greek? Watch this short vlog then listen to the full podcast of the same name for more details.
In Part I of our series, we examined the evidence that the Bible is an historically-validated document. Ancient manuscripts like the Dead Sea Scrolls demonstrate that what we have today in Scripture is amazingly faithful to the original. We ended that conversation by reviewing modern translations and the question of what are considered the most accurate transitions into English. Today our trek of discovery continues with a review of biblical texts with significant rendering differences from one translation to the next. This can be a hard study and may provoke both emotional and intellectual disagreements. Our single goal here is to understand the will and mind of our Holy God. What about the languages? A glaring question arises as we breach the understanding of ancient languages used to assemble our Holy Bible. How can we possibly do this without being students of ancient Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek? What assurance can we have that what we are researching will bring us truth? The answer here is two-fold. First, we have the existing works of hundreds of scholars over hundreds of years who were and are experts in these languages. Their work was done in different times and with different approaches. When there is a general consensus on hard questions reached in these circumstances it becomes very meaningful. Second, we are blessed to live at a time when we have some amazing study helps available at our very fingertips. Concordances, Interlinear Bibles, Dictionaries and Commentaries all contribute to our ability to find truth.
If this sounds overwhelming, let us help you with that. Check out our November 16, 2020 podcast “Has the Bible Been Mistranslated and Misunderstood? (Part II)”. We break down how these study helps work while keying into the ancient language expertise so readily available. This puts us in a position to examine Scriptures - not as experts but as well-informed students looking for truth. What we find is remarkable! Some Scriptures we have always read without any second thought are incorrectly rendered in the Common Version. For instance, we found evidence that parts of 1 John 5:7-8 were added after the fact. In the King James Version, these verses read as follows: “For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.” A big question is what parts do NOT belong in the Bible. A bigger question is why! How do we know for sure something was inappropriately added to the Holy Text?
Obviously, this is a conversation that needs to be engaged in with great care. Our respect for the Holy Word of God demands our diligence as we consider these things. We invite you to join us for Part II of this series as we consider several texts that have been altered. This is a journey you may never forget! Continue on with your studies in Part III...
The Bible is the foundation of our faith. We believe it to be the mind of God expressed to humanity. Its purpose is to tell us things we cannot deduce from nature - like where we come from, how we got to the present time and where we are going. The Bible shows us the heights of the plans and purposes of God and the depths of the experiences of sin and death. It shows us right and wrong, light and darkness, and answers questions about eternity. This book is a compilation of writings by many authors over a span of over 1,600 years. In spite of all of its wisdom, history, insight and prophecy, many questions swirl around the Bible's authenticity. How were its individual books chosen? Why are there so many translations? Why is there so much disagreement about its message? How do we KNOW it is the inspired word of God? Join us now as we embark on a search to discover the origins and development of our Bible. What's the canon? Let’s start by considering how the books in the Bible got there. To do this, we need to consider what’s called the "canon of Scripture.” The basic definition of “canon” is a standard, as in a standard of measure. What we find is there were three basic principles for a book to be considered part of the Bible. First, the book had to have been authored by a prophet, apostle or someone associated with them. Second, the book had to clearly be in line with the other books of the Bible. Third, it had to be widely-accepted by early church leaders as being inspired by God. Jesus regularly quoted from the Old Testament It is interesting to note that Jesus clearly recognized the Old Testament and its books as his guide. He quoted several of them and oftentimes referred to them as “the Scriptures.” This gives great credibility to the Old Testament. In fact, the Old and New Testaments are the two best attested works in all of ancient history.
Now that we have an inkling of how the books in the Bible got there, we need to ask about the books that didn’t make the cut. Why would the Gospel of Peter and the Gospel of Thomas be left out? And what about other books like the Book of Enoch? While we’re at it, where does the Apocrypha (a series of Old Testament books that is in some but not most Bibles) stand? Are these books flawed or somehow out of favor? If so, why?
Check out our November 09, 2020 podcast, “Has the Bible Been Mistranslated and Misunderstood? (Part I) for more. We delve deeply into these questions and search for answers that are not only logical but historically authentic as well. Reviewing historical facts and evidence and figuring out how the Bible came to be can be a complex endeavor. The great news is that along with that complexity, you will find a profound journey that can deepen your faith. Don’t miss this opportunity to be inspired while learning about the foundations of your beliefs! This important series continues with Part II...
Politics. It’s a word that represents a world of power, prestige and problems. It’s a word that conjures up anger, division and disrespect. It is a word that often gives us a sense of retreat and uncomfortable acceptance. Sometimes I think we forget that the ideal perspective of political power is to serve the needs of the people. With the utter lack of tolerance society seems to have embraced in dealing with political and social issues, what role should a Christian play? Are we supposed to pick the side we think is most just and righteous? Are we obliged to stand for principles? If so, what principles and what about the need for compromise? Would that change anything? What would Jesus and the apostles do if they lived in our time? What should we do to best stand for our beliefs and discipleship? Christians under Roman rule Both Peter and Paul wrote down advice as to how Christians should respond to the governmental powers of their day. Much of what they said had to do with respect for authorities, as they are in place to promote doing good. This is interesting as they were under Roman rule. Though they did have strong religious freedom, they were also limited as to how they lived their lives politically. It looks like both Peter and Paul were telling the young Christian church to appreciate what they had, be good citizens and be faithful to God always.
Fast forward about 2,000 years. What does this mean for us here and now? Many of us live in countries of greater freedom than the early Christian church of the 1st century CE. Does the fact that our freedom is markedly different create an environment of more complex responsibilities? I would say the answer is an unequivocal yes. What are we supposed to do? So, what is required of Christians in this age of freedom? Are we to participate in politics as a good citizen should? Should we stand apart from those things because Christ is our King and we live for his kingdom? While figuring out these questions is difficult, where we set our foundation on which to build our answer is not. It all comes down to Christian liberty. While we are to make decisions in our lives according to this liberty, we are also warned to not let our liberty be used inappropriately.
Application of our Christian liberty is reflected in our attitude. So, with all the wrangling in the world of politics, how are YOU doing with that? Are you able to stay above the fray? Are you on the winning side of the battle of emotions versus principles? Can you accept the conscience of your brothers and sisters who see the whole political involvement issue differently? Check out our November 2, 2020 podcast, “Are We Supporting the Right World Leaders?” for more. We break down the principles Christians need to be righteous and we insert the profound teachings of Jesus at every step. These are powerful lessons for difficult and trying times!
Life and death can be confusing, and we generally fear the death part of the equation. We all want life to mean something. For Christians, that meaning comes through what we do with the one life we are now living. By focusing ourselves on being like Jesus in the here and now, we make the world around us better. By God’s grace and if we are faithful, we have an eternity with Jesus later. For those who believe in reincarnation, it is very different. They see this life as one stop in a massive cycle of lives that eventually will produce a purification and unification in a god-like state. So, if Christianity is all about attaining perfection and reincarnation is essentially about the same thing, are they compatible?
In Part I of this series, we spent significant time establishing the nature of the human soul as mortal. The Scriptures are clear that when created, Adam became a living soul; he wasn’t given one. Having established this may clear things up for us, but it is far beyond the belief systems of the billions who believe in reincarnation. So, what do these people believe? How do they see humanity, the soul, earthly life and the spirit world?
While I admittedly do not have any personal experience with this belief, I will attempt to explain what I have learned from research. Simply put, reincarnation encompasses the belief that we are inherently spiritual beings having an earthly experience. The implication is that each and every “soul” is on an individual journey to spiritual fulfillment. Reincarnation into another human or a lower form of life is a step forward or backwards as you pursue pure spirituality. After undisclosed tens or hundreds or thousands of these changes, the end result for each is supposed to be godlikeness. What about the evil eye? Check out our October 26, 2020 podcast, “Ghosts, Reincarnation and Humanity – What’s Real? (Part II) for more. We look into some actual reincarnation claims and more of its philosophy. We also discuss the huge role that amulets and “evil eye” jewelry play in our human desire to ward off evil influences. Turns out that these types of physical trinkets have been credited with protective powers for thousands of years, across many cultures. How should we as Christians treat them?
This is an enormous topic! We also answer the many claims some make that the Bible - and specifically Jesus - teach reincarnation. We look at the Scriptures in question, consider their context and attempt to answer the questions with scriptural harmony. Our podcast ends with a side-by-ide comparison of the spiritual journeys that reincarnation and biblical Christianity offer. This comparison highlights the many differences between the two philosophies. We look at the individual experience reincarnation describes compared to the human family experience the Bible adheres to. What we find in all of this is remarkable and inspiring. Join us and see for yourself!
Are ghosts real? Is reincarnation a legitimate process in the patterns of life? For billions of people in our world today, the answers to one or both of these questions is a resounding yes. It all has to do with the mystery of what happens after we die. Life is precious, and because we cannot physically see what happens after death, humanity longs for an answer to our mortality. For all the ages that humanity has existed, we have found explanations to bridge the gap between what we know and what science cannot confirm. For many, there is what they consider substantial evidence in defense of these beliefs. Is there a way to know the truth about these things? As Christians, the best we can do is use the Bible as our basis. To the best of our ability, we will address what is brought forth as evidence with our clearest thinking. The Bible does not support a belief in ghosts While there are isolated scriptural events one can argue about, (we will touch on these later) we need solid proof. The best place to start is at the beginning. It would seem reasonable to base our understanding on the clearest biblical statements we can find. Ideally, we also want to access the cleanest context available. We want one that assures us there are no unexpected details that would alter meanings. It is no surprise that the Bible supplies such statements and context. The statements come from God Himself The context is regarding the basic rules and consequences given to Adam. There is NO better source and context because this is where it literally all began. God creates man from the “dust of the ground” and gives him rules for living. The rules are violated and God specifically says that Adam will die. God gives no indication of the body dying and a soul living on. He is emphatic that Adam, the man as a whole, will return to the elements from which he came. This simple statement of God is verified in many other Old and New Testament Scriptures. It is telling us that ghosts don’t exist because humanity is actually dead after they die.
What about the resurrection? And heaven? What about the supernatural? All these things remain intact according to Scripture and need to be understood in their proper context. The key matter for us now is what do we do with the idea of ghosts. One potentially major biblical contradiction here is the account of King Saul going to the witch of Endor and having her summon the prophet Samuel from the dead. How do we explain that?
Check out our October 19, 2020 podcast, “Ghosts, Reincarnation and Humanity – What’s Real? (Part I)" for more. We carefully examine and answer the King Saul debacle, dive deeply into Scriptures on life and death and discuss what roll demons play in all these things. Part II deals with reincarnation. This journey is not for the faint-hearted, but it is an important journey well worth taking.
When God gave the Ten Commandments to Moses, He set a standard that would influence the world for ages to come. Those ten statements of direction summed up all of what humanity would need to live godly and productive lives. The first two of those Commandments were to have no other gods before God himself and to not create and worship idols. While we know what these things meant for ancient Israel, what do they mean for us? Are we, as Christians, bound by those Commandments? If so, how? What does having other gods look like in the 21st century? And what about idols? Back in those days, people chiseled them out of wood or stone. We don’t do that anymore, so how would making and worshipping idols fit into or day?
Why did God make the First Commandment about Him? It is not a sign of arrogance, but it is a sign of authority. After all, God is THE Creator and therefore worthy of ALL praise and honor. His worthiness reminds us of our need to give Him our unbroken allegiance. “Having no other gods before Me” is the unquestioned basis for the other nine Commandments. Without this singular focus on our Creator, Christians cannot possibly build a balanced, integrity-driven personal and spiritual life.
Having said all this, having other gods before God is deceptively easy. This can happen in a very imperceptible way because it has to do with what we worship in our hearts. It is a simple and natural thing to prop up loyalty and allegiance to many things in ways no one ever sees. Other gods can take the form of people or power. They can also be things like success, ego and social position. Adopting another god to occupy the Father’s rightful place in our hearts undermines God’s sacred and rightful ascendency. This can only lead to compromised thinking and behavior.
So, what about the Second Commandment that tells us not to make and worship idols? What is the difference here? Violating this is the outward manifestation of having already violated the First Commandment. You will only make an idol to something that you already have put in a place of honor. Idols in today’s world are vastly different than idols of ancient times. While we don’t carve them out of wood or stone, we certainly and easily collect them in the form of possessions, pictures and symbols.
Check out our October 12, 2020 podcast, “Do I Have Other Gods and Idols in My Life?” for more. We clearly define what having other gods and idols looks like today. We then walk through a profound scriptural reasoning from the book of 2 Peter that reveals a process for keeping our allegiance to God intact and vital. Everything about our world today draws our loyalty away from its rightful owner, and we really have to fight this trend. The battle is winnable if you know how. Join us for a winning strategy! Study the rest of the Commandments with us to see how they are still valid for Christians today.
Conflict is everywhere! This is not necessarily a bad thing, as proper conflict management at every phase of our lives provides some of life’s most fertile growth experiences. The problem is, we are NOT taught how to manage our conflicts. In the first of our 2-part series, we listed and discussed the Five Degenerating Stages of Conflict. We saw plain evidence that we generally approach our conflicts with personal opinions, preferences, passion and a desire to win. What tends to get overlooked are the solid, emotionless principles of truth and righteousness. If you look at the social and political conflicts in our world, you will see the sad and chaotic results of such an approach. So, how do we turn the tables? As Christians, how do we rise above the fray and manage the conflicts before us with godliness and grace while firmly standing for what is right? The answers are straightforward, sound and scriptural!
The first part of this series focused on the problem of conflict. It outlined in detail how easily and destructively conflicts generally end up as private wars with no resolution in sight. In this second part, we focused on keeping that degrading process from developing. Curtailing the dismantling of relationships resulting from out of control conflicts is, to say the least, a daunting and extreme mission. For a Christian, success is only possible if we read, adopt and follow the powerful biblical strategies we have at our fingertips. This may sound easy, but it’s not. Where do we start? While the Bible contains answers for a world full of problems, it is not written like a self-help book. You can’t just go to the Table of Contents and look up the “Conflict Resolution” chapter. Our approach needs to have two parts:
We need to understand what the real problem is that we are trying to solve. To proactively solve the conflicts we may have with others, our focus should be on ourselves and not the conflict. There is a big question we must answer before applying any biblical strategies. “Am I willing to sell out to biblical principles above my own feelings and opinions for the sake of resolution?” If we are determined to adopt a yes answer, the scriptures are poised to fill in the strategy. This brings us to the second part of our approach... Open the book!
A powerful set of Scriptures to guide us through conflict resolution is found in James 4:7-10. Merely reading these texts probably won’t do much for us. Instead, we need to absorb their wisdom within the context of our conflicts. Check out our October 5, 2020 podcast, “Can Biblical Strategies Resolve Serious Conflicts? Part II” for more. We review the naturally-degenerating stages of conflict and examine scriptural principles to apply at each and every stage. We ask the hard questions and find additional biblical principles to answer them. Biblical strategies CAN resolve serious conflicts. The only question is, how willing are we to find and apply them?
Wearing a mask when you go out. Cleaning and sanitizing anything and everything all the time. Social distancing. Avoiding crowded places. Working from home or not being able to work at all. Seeing friends and family on Zoom instead of in person. It is enough to make the strongest among us to feel battle worn. We are edgier, suffer higher levels of anxiety and are lonely. All of this because of COVID-19, a microscopic virus.
How small is this virus? For a very unscientific illustration, imagine flatly stacking up eight sticky notes equals about 1 millimeter in height. A micron is one one-thousandth of that height. It would take about eight coronavirus particles to equal one micron! That means you could stack up 8,000 COVID particles, and they would be equal to the eight sticky notes that are a millimeter thick. How can something so minute turn our lives upside down? As Christians, how do we cope? How is your spiritual immune system? Because we are talking about a virus, it’s logical to talk about becoming immune to it. While we cannot control COVID-19’s physical effects, we certainly can be proactive about its negative emotional and spiritual effects. This is not easy, but it is possible if we focus on enhancing our spiritual immune system. Spiritual immunity comes from our faith and its source, the Bible. Resetting our mind on these things is a critical first step to managing the widespread fallout from the pandemic. RESET Whenever you reset anything, you bring it back to its foundational starting point. For Christians, this boils down to rehearsing and repeating the "why" of our faith. We are Christians because we are sinners and inherently cannot stand righteously before God. Jesus’ ransom sacrifice changed that. Our faith in him and our following in his steps grants us sonship to God. What does this have to do with managing the issues of the pandemic? Everything! As God’s sons, we are thereby able to stand knowing His providence is guiding our experiences. What better immunity booster can there be than having God’s hand in your everyday?
With this resetting of our minds, we can now access the practicality of dealing with the specifics of our COVID experiences. What if:
you lost your job or your business is in jeopardy of folding? your kids are seriously challenged with distance learning? you or your family members become ill? you lose a loved one? the isolation from all this distancing is bringing you to depths of anxiety or depression you have never experienced? your marriage or family relationships are being strained?
Check out our September 28, 2020 podcast, “Is Your COVID-19 Christianity Still Being Tested?” We look at these serious issues and delve into how to work through them. The bottom line is simple: As Christians, you and I are being tested through this pandemic, yet God never gives us tests beyond our capability. That means His victory in our lives is waiting to be found. Let’s find it together!
Conflict is everywhere. Small children need to be guided through conflict when they learn about sharing and scream, “...But that’s MINE!” Adolescents could use some serious education through conflict when they begin to believe their parents are ignorant and rebelliously demand their way. Adults (especially spouses) need practical coaching when they clash with one another’s viewpoints on issues of importance. When it comes to social issues and politics, most of us - whether we know it or not - are desperate for direction in our deep conflicts, for without it we will destroy one another. The point is obvious. Conflicts abound at every stage of life and in most every circumstance in life. What can we do? How do we not just cope but overcome all of this conflict? Fortunately, the Bible is full of conflicts and therefore full of solutions! Stages of conflict The good news is all conflicts are not the same. The bad news is most conflicts end up in the category of not only unsolvable but massively destructive as well. Why would this be? To get a clear look at this, let’s look at the characteristics of a conflict that can be solved. According to John Maxwell, well-known leadership author and teacher, this kind of conflict is at the “Remedy Stage.” Here, there is not only a desire to fix the problem, but it is accompanied by commitment and belief. The two sides work at communicating. This sounds like a good recipe for success, and it is! So, why do most of our conflicts seem to degenerate into frenzied, unholy wars? Winners and losers Consider the simple thought that we don’t want to solve our conflicts; instead, we just want to win. The difference between finding a fair and equitable resolution to a conflict and overpowering the other side is incalculable. The conflict resolution we’re focusing on is about coexisting with fellow human beings in our own society. We’re not talking about sports competition or a matter of national security. Therefore, winning in a conflict situation triggers competition while resolution triggers communication. Winning triggers the naming of a loser, while resolution triggers trust. Winning triggers the demeaning of the other side, while resolution triggers respect. When we just want to win in our conflicts, we are really saying we simply don’t care about those on the other side.
So, what do we do? Check out our September 21, 2020 podcast, “Can Biblical Strategies Solve Serious Conflicts? (Part 1)” for more. We begin by exploring many of the ways conflicts can arise and identify trends that bring us towards or away from resolution. We invest significant time examining the five degenerating stages of conflict and give scriptural examples of each.
Conflict resolution is rapidly becoming a lost art in today’s world. This two-part series is designed to plainly put the issues on the table and determine appropriate Christian responses. We ALL deal with many conflicts in life, so why not learn how to address them in the godliest ways possible?
Jesus did a lot of teaching in parables. He chose this method primarily for the purpose of hiding his real meaning from the public in fulfillment of a prophecy in Isaiah. Occasionally, he spoke a parable meant for his disciples. The story of the Wise and Foolish Virgins is such a case. We know the story is about some of the virgins being prepared and the other virgins who were not, so is that the point? Turns out this just scratches the surface! This parable was a story to prepare them for the coming centuries. More than that, it was a story that Jesus used to outline what those who would be faithful to him would be like. This parable not only describes the character of the faithful, it is a major prophecy that has reached its fulfillment in our day! Symbolism Christians have a wide variety of interpretations relating to the Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins because of some specific details. First and foremost is the symbolism regarding the virgins themselves. In wedding traditions of ancient times in Israel, these ten individuals were associated with the bride-to-be. One task was to await the arrival of the bridegroom. Because the bridegroom obviously pictures Jesus himself, one would think the bride to be would picture his faithful followers. Many Christians adhere to this assumption and interpret the parable accordingly. With the symbolism of the virgins, however, we see it very differently.
We believe this parable to be a lesson for all of Jesus’ true followers throughout the last 2,000 years of the gospel being preached. We see this as a story given to illustrate the experience of the true gospel church, not the experiences of individuals. With this in mind, looking at the symbolism of the lamps, the oil and the vessels is a whole different story. Why such an interpretation? It is an obvious conclusion once we back up and view the larger context of the parable. Jesus' return Jesus spoke this on the heels of his prophecy about his return. At the beginning of Matthew 24, his disciples asked him three pointed questions. One of those was when he would return. Jesus knew there would be long and difficult years before this event. He warned his followers to be accepting and alert. This was not just a message for them, it was a message for every Christian down through the age who would be begotten of God’s spirit.
Check out our September 14, 2020 podcast, “What Does Jesus Expect From Us?” for more. We put the details in place as we absorb the prophetic nature of this parable. We drill down into the details and see what Jesus is saying he expects from his followers. The lessons are plenteous and practical. Gain a sense of some of the quiet history of the true church. Hear what Jesus has always expected from his followers - both then and now - and walk away refreshed!
Slavery. It is a function of a sin ridden imperfect human race. When we hear of people being slaves the reality of what that means has a dramatic range. There was the inhuman harshness of Egyptian domination over Israel and the enslavement of Africans a few hundred years ago. Then there were the Roman and Greek versions of slavery. There was the indentured servitude of several cultures. In all cases, it is easy for us who live in the 21st century to look back and wonder why. We think we know better. Here’s the problem – at this very moment, cruel and heartless slavery still exists. It includes the abuse of minors, sex trafficking and other forms of inhuman behavior. We know that God has allowed it to occur among his chosen people. What kind was it, and why did He allow it? Sometimes you wish you had different words to describe circumstances. Depending on the time in history and depending on the culture, the word "slavery" is a good example. Go back to the time when Israel was enslaved in Egypt and we begin a good comparison. Israel developed as a nation within Egypt because of Joseph’s society-saving actions to prepare for seven years of famine. His family was respectfully moved to Egypt and flourished. Generations later, the Egyptian king became afraid of their numbers. His solution was to enslave them – the whole nation. That slavery became cruel and heartless. With God’s power, Moses led Israel out of their cruel bondage and they became independent. The slavery they experienced was the horrible and heartless kind we think of when we hear the word slave. Why would God permit such a thing? It might be surprising to note that under the Laws God gave Israel, they were allowed to have slaves of their own. There are two primary reasons why:
All of society worked that way. Those who did not have land or flocks had to sustain themselves. Those who had debts or loss had to get by. There were no steady 9 to 5 jobs then; instead, there was servitude. I place myself in your service and my family has food and shelter. God was specific in His Laws about NOT treating slaves the way Israel was treated in Egypt. If you were a slave in Israel, you rested on the Sabbath Day and were considered part of the household. There were Laws that prohibited slaves from being abused. With its required compassionate treatment, this slavery conjures a very different meaning that is still hard but not cruel.
Check out our September 7, 2020 podcast, “Why did God Allow Slavery in the Bible?” for more. We expand on the Old Testament biblical principles and digest the New Testament perspective on the matter. We also address modern 21st century slavery which, believe it or not, is a massive, rampant, world-wide problem. Slavery is and always has been a big issue. Listen in to gain a strong biblical perspective so you can stand more firmly in such an evil day!
Every Christian group proclaims what they believe to be the Gospel of Jesus Christ, as we all claim to follow his leading and his life. The problem arises when we compare our doctrine, principles and life objectives with one another. Simply stated, it all just does not line up. There are SO many variations of Christianity; it is safe to say that we can find disagreement on just about any aspect of what Christianity is. The age-old question is, who's right? How do I know that the view of Christianity I adhere to is sound? How do I know that what I stand for is truly a God-honoring belief system? The only way we can think to answer these questions is to look at Christianity solely based on Scripture. Let’s put aside tradition and try to eliminate our bias and see how God’s word describes the Gospel of Jesus! The gospel did not start with Jesus While there is no question about his central role in it, the good news was put in place when sin entered. In proclaiming consequences for sin, God in a veiled way told Satan that the seed of the woman would destroy him. The New Testament book of Hebrews tells us that Jesus will do exactly that. The point is that God proclaimed the remedy for sin before Adam and Eve had a family. Because Adam sinned willfully and Jesus died for him, we can see that the unborn family of the sinful Adam was already under the blood of Jesus. There are MANY Scriptures supporting this concept. All of humanity will have a legitimate opportunity for life! Traditions Throughout the history of Christianity, traditions have grown. In many cases, they have replaced the core values of the original message. Facing this debacle presents two challenges. First, we need to be courageous enough to willingly and thoroughly examine the original gospel. The Scriptures must be allowed to stand on their own message. Second, we need to be willing to let go of any teaching or tradition that according to Scripture we conclude is false. This is hard in light of Christianity’s long denominational history of belief systems. Why would we even question their adherence to the gospel?
The most direct answer to this comes from the New Testament itself. Jesus, Paul and Peter, Jude and John all warned about the message being corrupted over time. They warned us to be diligent in our adherence to truth. Check out our August 31, 2020 podcast, “Does Christianity Preach the Gospel?” for more. We examined and challenged several common Christian teachings in light of the Bible. Then we looked at things like speaking in tongues, healing and financial support. Analyzing the way these things were exercised in the early church, we compared their use today. We also looked at the teachings of hell and prosperity, seeking the New Testament for clarity. Do you have the courage to examine such things? This journey is not for the faint of heart!
How is Christianity supposed to be organized? If you look at the countless denominations we have today, you will see a wide variety of interpretations regarding leadership. With some, it all boils down to one individual leader. With others, it is a committee of several. In many cases, those in authority have the responsibility of delegating who is to oversee each of the local congregations. With so much variety, have you ever wondered if there is actually a right way to do all of this? If we’re able to go to church and feel blessed, does it even matter?
What did the early church do? How did they decide which church leaders would lead where? Did the apostles give us a God-sanctioned system to perpetuate leadership for the flock all down through the age until now? Jesus set the example The first and perhaps most important aspect of Christian leadership is what Jesus himself dramatically instructed. The night before his crucifixion, his apostles were discussing amongst themselves who would be greatest in the kingdom. When they sat down to eat, Jesus as their teacher and master, humbly washed their feet. His message was simple: I am greater than all of you, and yet I am humble before all of you. Any greatness you may strive for or achieve requires you express this same kind of humility.
Jesus would teach them many things that night, but no other lesson was so profoundly demonstrated as their feet washing.
The New Testament describes Christian leadership by using a variety of words. We read about pastors, bishops, overseers, elders and shepherds. We first ask if these all represent different positions within a hierarchy in the church. Most of Christianity has adopted this approach, but what if this system was not the intended result? What if the New Testament writers (Paul and Peter specifically) had something else in mind? To find out, we need to see how these responsibilities are written about and their requirements. What is meant by "ordain"? Another critical aspect of Christian leadership is how it is decided who is put in a position of responsibility. Today when we think of church leaders, we think of individuals who are “ordained” or appointed. The Bible does say to “ordain” elders in every church, but was it by the same process we use today? Remember, there were no seminary schools in the early church. This means the logistics of finding and placing congregational leadership was entirely different. Here again, we need to understand what the intentions of the New Testament writings were.
All we have done here is raise a lot of questions! Check out our August 24, 2020 podcast, “Does My Church Leadership Have it Right?” for answers. We examine the meanings of pastor, bishop, elder and the others to see how these responsibilities dovetail together. Then we dig into the process that Paul specifically relayed to the churches about how their leadership was to be established. We find what we believe to be simple and inspiring biblical truth. Listen in and tell us what you think!
When God gave the Ten Commandments to Moses, they were in a specific order. Did you ever wonder why the last Commandment was to not covet? To covet in its most basic sense is “to have a strong desire for” something. What was there about the human propensity to want that God saw fit to leave it as the final thing to remember? Because wanting spiritually good things is good, we must assume that all coveting can’t be bad.
The key here is figuring out where to draw the line. Are there degrees of goodness or evil attached to what and how we covet? Fortunately, the Bible provides us with ample evidence so we can not only perceive where the line is, but we can also learn how to stay away from it.
In Genesis, when God created the Garden of Eden, it says every tree was “pleasing” to the eye. The word for “covet” in the tenth commandment is the very same word as “pleasing” in Genesis. This means God built humanity to possess this characteristic of desire, so it's natural and healthy to have it. The problem with coveting or delighting in something is not the fact that we do it; rather, it is the object of that emotion. Coveting is a sin of the heart It develops on the inside where others cannot necessarily see it. Biblical history tells us Satan was the original coveter. He is prophetically spoken of in Isaiah as having his mind and heart set on raising himself up to the level of God. He focused on his throne being in the place of God’s throne. Satan, then known as Lucifer, desired something that was not and could not be his. He wanted God’s power and place taken from God and reserved for himself. This is the kind of coveting the tenth commandment warns us about.
Israel’s tenth commandment focused on not coveting several things specifically relating to our neighbor. This focus reinforces two important points:
It confirms that all desire to want or delight in things is not evil, as “coveting” is not categorically condemned. It tells us just how bad it is to want your neighbor’s house, or spouse or life. The difference here is important. It reveals how a healthy desire for something can become dangerous when that desire has jealousy and obsession attached to it.
In the New Testament, being covetous is always and alarmingly associated with the worst kinds of sins. So, how do we put all this together? Check out our August 17, 2020 podcast, “Thou Shalt Not Covet – Is it Wrong to Want?” for more. We break down the details of what the 10th Commandment warns against. We pinpoint the pattern that always exists when we inappropriately covet and uncover scriptural remedies. Coveting, having a desire, can be really detrimental. But it can also be a powerful motivator for good. Learn the difference so you can live the difference! Study the rest of the Commandments with us to see how they are still valid for Christians today.
We live in volatile times. Justifiable demonstrations about justifiable concerns are overshadowed and even hijacked by those who simply seek anarchy and overthrow. We are descending into a tribal approach to our issues. If you do not agree with my perspective and my group, then you are considered a bigoted outsider who deserves to be shunned and put down. As sad as this is, it is nothing new. Back in Jesus' day, similar issues existed and even served as standards for living! Fortunately for us, Jesus spoke a simple story about the Good Samaritan that shook this unholy standard to its very core. His story was a response to the simple question, who is my neighbor? It seems vitally appropriate that we relisten and relearn the lessons Jesus’ simple story of the Good Samaritan.
Everyone knows the basic story of The Good Samaritan. He is a guy who, while traveling on the road, comes across a Jewish man who has been robbed and beaten. The Samaritan rescues him by taking him to a nearby inn, caring for him through the night and paying for his care for another two days. If that were the whole story, it would be a wonderful and inspiring reminder of what human compassion looks like. But there was more to this story – much more. A deeper agenda A lawyer stimulated Jesus to tell this story. He asks Jesus about the Jewish Law, and Jesus replies with scripturally supported clarity. But the lawyer is not satisfied, as he seems to have a deeper agenda than just conversing about the loftiness of the Law. He is the one who asks Jesus, “Who is my neighbor?” Because Jesus sees a deviousness in this lawyer’s questioning, he answers him by telling the parable of the Good Samaritan. Samaritans and Jews In Jesus’ day, the Samaritan people and the Jewish people were very much at odds with one another. Even though they shared the same heritage, each looked upon the other with disdain. The two peoples had major differences along political, religious and moral lines. One Bible commentator reported that if a Samaritan man even touched a Jewish man, he would seek the nearest body of water to jump into for cleansing! Jesus spoke this parable because of the lawyer’s question. He framed the characters in the story to draw his audience into the drama. The meaning of this story is profound, for it shows a Samaritan man treating his cultural enemy as he would treat his friend.
Check out our August 10, 2020 podcast, “Do I Treat You as My Neighbor?” for more! We delve into the details of all the little things the Samaritan did to become a humble hero. We examine the reactions of other Jewish men who passed by the beaten man before the Samaritan got there. Most importantly, we assemble and dwell on the lessons of what it means to be a neighbor to our fellow human beings. This simple story of compassion can serve as a gentle yet jarring wake-up call. Who is YOUR neighbor?
Religious faith is widely accepted as contrary to reason. It is assumed to be built upon mystical and even fantastical thinking. It is thought that religious faith, when put to a test of reasoned criticism, would fail miserably. This conclusion may be true regarding many different religious systems in our world. We can’t speak for any faith except Christianity and Judaism as taught in the Bible. Regarding biblical faith, it is our firm stance that it will not only stand up to a reason test but is entirely dependent upon reason to exist. These conclusions are exactly opposite from what is generally accepted as true. To support them we will begin a reasoned look at what biblical faith is, how it is meant to work and why it brings value to life.
Mark Twain once said, “Faith is believing what you know ain’t so.” For many, this statement sums up their perception of Christian faith. It is basically saying, we understand that religion requires belief in what we all, deep down know is simply not real. While this may be a widespread and popular perspective, it is also very flawed and unfortunate. What people who are opposed to living a life of faith assume is not at all what the Bible describes as a faith-based life. The problems begin with the definition of faith A common English language definition of "faith" is believing in something without proof. Contrarily, the Bible defines faith as to believe something because you have sufficient proof. It is not fanciful, wishful or emotional; rather, it is a sound conclusion based on the weighing out of evidence. It’s no wonder there is such a gap between the opposing sides of this argument. We are talking about two completely different things!
Enter the concept of reason which includes duly weighing the facts and evidence of a matter. Those who see living by faith as foolishness conclude reason is in direct opposition to that lifestyle. They see the engagement of logical fact-based analysis as a surefire way to rightfully destroy any perceived credibility of faith. On the other hand, those who see faith as a basis for their daily life see reason as an integral part of the formula. They see facts, logic and thoughtful conclusions as necessary ingredients to their faith structure. Can both sides be true?
Check out our August 3, 2020 podcast, “Is Faith Built on Reason or is Reason Built on Faith?” for more. Let's put faith and reason in perspective from a Christian perspective. We examine how reason is traced through biblical commentary on things like the order and complexity of the universe. Next, we look at the intricacy of the planet Earth and that of our physical being, documenting what the Bible reasons on these things. Faith and reason need each other. The Bible is specific as to how they work together in a Christian’s life. Bible truth is built on reason and faith is built on Bible truth!
Our society is so advanced we can access the world from the palm of our hand. It is so sophisticated we can communicate our thoughts globally in an instant. But it is so self-absorbed we can design a reality with our own ego at its center. In the ancient history of the Jewish nation, the third of the Ten Commandments said not to take God’s name in vain. We typically think of people using the name of God in a flippant, careless or disrespectful way as taking His name in vain. While this is true, it is NOT the point of the Commandment. On the contrary, all of what society has become presents a much more accurate picture of what taking God’s name in vain is all about. The fact is, it has become painfully easy to disrespect God. What should we be looking out for?
Taking God’s name in vain is not about words. That would be too shallow, and frankly, too easy. When we think about the Ten Commandments, we need to realize they were given to God’s chosen people as a primary guide for living. The first three are all about how His people were to perceive God and what God was to expect of them. The first commandment, to have no other gods in life but God himself, was about an internal decision of loyalty. The second, to not have any idols in one’s life, was about external actions of allegiance. The third, to not take God’s name in vain, was about a lifestyle of genuine godliness. It's way more than just OMG The phrase “take God’s name in vain” has the meaning of carrying the name of God as a label for your life in an empty or hollow way. It means you talk about upholding God’s name, but what you do does not fulfill your words. You are essentially leading others to see you as godly when in fact your priorities are far from God. To Israel it meant to live under the Law of God but not to live by the law of God.
To be blunt, taking God’s name in vain is to be a hypocrite. This is a serious charge. It is easy to look at biblical examples in both the Old and New Testaments and point out such hypocrisy. It is much harder to just stop, look in the mirror and start asking ourselves about how we personally handle God’s name. And how does our church handle God’s name? Ten words of Jesus Check out our July 27, 2020 podcast, “What Does It Mean to Take God’s Name in Vain?” for more. We examine several biblical examples of failure along these lines and look for lessons. We ask the hard questions about the details of our own lives as we cope with the godlessness of 21st century living. Most importantly, we look for solutions. We reveal ten words of Jesus that put this whole treatment of God’s name issue in perspective. Ten words of Jesus. Don’t you want to know what they are? Study the rest of the Commandments with us to see how they are still valid for Christians today.
Christian praise and worship. As with many things subject to interpretation, you will find different applications of these things within the Christian community. For some, praise and worship are expressed in music. This drives their gatherings and feeds positive emotions towards God. For others, they include music and inspiration. They play a significant role in their gatherings as a focusing element for being open to God’s word. Others still have praise and worship in a smaller role. Who is right? Does it matter? Are these two parts of the same thing or are they entirely different? How do I know if I am paying enough attention to praising God? Am I living a life that expresses an attitude of worship? So, what is worship anyway? Is it reverently focusing on God while attending a service? Does worship thrive on emotions drawn from hymns and psalms being sung and recited with others? Is it a state of mind or a state of being? If you want to understand true Christian worship, you’d probably open your Bible to see what Jesus said about it. Surprisingly, when it comes to worship, Jesus never even mentioned it his followers. Not once! In fact, the only time he taught about worship was to a Samaritan woman while having a conversation at a well about what Jesus called “living water.” In spirit and in truth The Samaritan woman brings up the traditions of Samaritan worship of God in the mountain and the Jewish practice of worshipping God in Jerusalem. Jesus’ response is surprising to her and revealing to us. He tells her God’s true worshippers will now worship Him "in spirit and in truth." Jesus is saying that true connected worship of God will no longer be bound to any location. Because Jesus was here, worshiping God will now be different. After this conversation, Jesus never again teaches specifically about worship.
What are we supposed to do with this? Learn! The whole concept of worship is much bigger than many of us might think. While the Greek word means "to bow low," the New Testament application of this action applies to how we live. Understanding this will also give us a better sense of what it means to praise God.
Praise is another huge part of this conversation. While it is a deeply important aspect of our Christian lives, it too has a different look and feel than what we see in the Old Testament. Check out our July 20,2020 podcast, “Are Praise and Worship Necessary To Be a Faithful Christian?” for more. We set the firm foundation of what worship means on a daily basis to the Christian and then consider the role of praise. We address the similarities and differences of Old and New Testament praise and focus on its power in our lives. Our worship and praise can lift and encourage others while focusing us on fulfilling God’s will daily. Most important, our worship and praise can honor God. What’s better than that?
Everybody needs money. Like it or not, it is one of the driving forces that contribute to a successful life. As Christians, we all know we need to be aware of how we handle our money. We also look to Jesus for the core values of our entire lives, so observing what he said about it is big. It has been said that 40 percent of Jesus’ parables had to do with money. While Jesus DID talk about it regularly, he wasn’t necessarily teaching about it more than anything else. Consider that in all of Jesus’ recorded experiences and teachings, we have NO example of Jesus ever having money or even touching it!
So, why would we want to learn about it from someone who never had any? Because he is Jesus! And because he holds the keys to eternal riches. He demonstrated exactly how it should be used and how to avoid becoming its slave! Was Jesus Anti-Money? At first glance, it could be easy to conclude that Jesus was an anti-money teacher. In Matthew 6:19 he emphatically taught us to not store up treasures on earth. He said such treasures were subject to being physically corrupted and spoiled. His point was that earthly treasure cannot hold its value in comparison to heavenly treasure. For a Christian, this should be a “mic drop” moment of reasoning. We simply cannot argue with this comparison. Does this mean Jesus was against money? Does it mean he was against saving for the future? Was he against owning property and having possessions?
No on all counts.
Regarding money and treasures, Jesus was teaching us to be heavenly focused while being earthly responsible. What does that mean? Let’s take the example of paying taxes, something we are all faced with. Because Jesus was the son of God and because his kingdom was not of this earth, he was a traveling preacher. Once his ministry began, he didn’t earn a living. Instead, he spent all of his time teaching and healing. When approached about paying the Temple tax to support the Jewish faith, he paid it. When asked about paying taxes to Rome, his simple answer was to give to Caesar what is his and give to God what is His. Jesus was showing us how to be heavenly focused while being earthly responsible. Consistent on the Money Message In Matthew chapter 6, Jesus continued his teaching about handling earthly money and treasures by laying out seven points of reference with which to build our approach. Check out our July 13, 2020 podcast, “What Did Jesus Teach Us About Money?” for more. We uncover these points of reference as we review several of Jesus other teachings regarding money. What we find is a remarkable consistency in his message. Jesus not only taught us much about fiscal responsibility, he also taught us powerful lessons regarding generosity and charity. Listen in and find out how to apply his ageless principles from the original source for Christian money management!
Racism does not happen by accident. It can be taught and exampled to young and unknowing hearts and minds. This is troubling. Even more troubling are the maladies of ignorance, prejudice and bigotry that must be present and flourishing to feed and sustain racist thinking and actions. As Christians, the mere thought of any of these things having a home in our hearts or minds should send shivers of distress and fear through our very souls. In Part I of our 2-part series on racism, we dissected ignorance, prejudice, bigotry and racism with the eyes of knowledge and the mind of understanding. Next we seek to look at them with godly wisdom and our highest godly intentions.
Wisdom. It is a simple word that carries a profound meaning. To be wise is to have knowledge, to understand that knowledge and to apply it. Wisdom’s application of knowledge reflects not merely a fact based righteousness. It reflects a compassion-driven character as well. Wisdom stands above the fray and is independent from emotion. When it comes to the racial tensions of our present day, wisdom is rarely called upon. Why? Why wouldn’t we want to follow wise and thoughtful perspective? Justifiable emotion Thomas Sowell, an American economist and social theorist once said, “The reason so many people misunderstand so many issues is not that these issues are so complex, but that people do not want a factual or analytical explanation that leaves them emotionally unsatisfied.” It's hard to imagine a more emotional topic than racism. When dealing with the potential of your entire race being relegated to the trash heap of inferiority, you get emotional. When you're being unjustly accused of devaluing the essential humanity of an entire race, you get emotional. All this emotion is justifiable... but should it be actionable? Should we gather with those of like reaction and hurt? Hide behind the walls of our frustration? Close the door of reasoned dialogue to those on the outside? No! Enter wisdom Wisdom has the courage to seek the thinking of others and listen. It has the tenacity to find the facts, wherever they may be hidden, and examine them in their entirety. It has the good sense to draw all this input together and conclude an integrity-based course of action. We cannot even begin to deal with racism without wisdom.
Check out our July 6, 2020 podcast, “How Should Christians Respond to Racism? (Part II)” for more. We seek the highest godly wisdom we can find in order to sort through this confusing and volatile pile of trouble. This podcast presents Ken's commentary. He is a black American man whose experiences and individual wisdom with racial profiling and prejudice provide needed insight. Observing the deep wisdom of Scripture, we study how the early Christian church dealt with serious racially-charged issues. We can learn to ease the racial tensions we face in our individual lives, but it requires working together!
George Floyd is dead. Needlessly. His life ended as a result of the uncalled-for brutality of a police officer. This killing has resonated throughout the United States, as well as the world. It has put some of society's hardest issues in front of our faces. Peaceful protests decrying racism and injustice have occurred all over the world. Angry riots, looting and yes, more killing has also erupted. The issues are ugly, serious and relevant. What are we struggling with? Is it racism? Is it bigotry? Prejudice? Ignorance? As Christians, we need to be open and honest when it comes to truth. So, what is the truth about society's struggles? What is the truth we as Christians should be standing for? Words matter To appropriately engage in a discussion about racism, we need to begin with simple truths. These begin with the simple thought that words matter. Let’s look at the word “racist.” Whether we just hear about racism, accuse someone of it or are being accused of it, we cannot help but react emotionally. Racism at its core is the wholesale devaluing of an entire race of people. It is believing that they are - merely because of the color of their skin - inherently less valuable and less capable than others. This belief system is not just flawed at every level, it is morally repugnant as well. As Christians, we need to stand as far away from this malady as we possibly can.
Where does racism come from? How does one arrive at such a distorted viewpoint? Aside from racist tendencies being taught (which is a whole discussion in itself), racism has at its center the characteristic of ignorance. Ignorance in a broad sense is a universal human condition. We ALL lack knowledge, education and awareness in many areas of life. The bad news is we generally don’t know what we don’t know. This makes it easy to remain ignorant. Regarding matters such as racism, ignorance is the soil that fertilizes the prejudice and bigotry that grow it. Ignorance is one of those words that matter. Understanding it gives us the opportunity to be aware of power. The good news is ignorance is a VERY treatable condition! Ignorance - Prejudice - Bigotry - Racism As pervasive as ignorance is, it only represents the tip of the racism iceberg. Check out our June 29, 2020 podcast, “How Should Christians Deal with Racism? (Part 1)” for more. We begin by establishing a sound biblical perspective on racism and partiality. Advice in Proverbs points us to attaining knowledge, understanding and wisdom. We follow the journey of Karetta and Tekiya, two Black American women who live with anxieties and fears that an average white individual may never think about. We also seek comprehensive understanding of ignorance, prejudice, bigotry and racism. These are important words that matter. They describe pieces of a broken heart condition that unjustly marginalizes others. Please join us for this two-part series. The path to conquering racism begins with understanding how it grows!
The spectacular biblical account of David reveals him as a warrior for God, as he protected God’s principles and righteousness. See the first episode of this series for more. It also reveals David as a man of mighty faults. He committed many grievous errors with sad consequences. We explored one of these in our second episode of this series. Most importantly, David was also a man who never stopped trying to do better and inspire the people he led. He truly was God’s warrior, a man after God’s own heart. Know this: true warriors for God never were and should never be limited to just men. Abigail's example Abigail is one of the treasured women of the Bible who was also one of God’s warriors. When faced with potential slaughter, she calmly deescalated serious tensions, saving many lives. Her love for God was unmistakable. The example of Abigail's behavior under pressure commands attention and respect. This beautiful woman is an inspiring example.
Life is a series of experiences and choices. When a new event happens that is harsh and catches us off guard, we often simply react based on our surprise and emotion. This generally is not the best course of action, and we usually end up with a bigger issue as a result. David fell into this trap. He was taken advantage of and insulted. His reaction was fierce – rage-filled warrior fierce. He gave no thought to choosing a righteous and integrity-filled response in place of the rage. The stage was set for death and disaster until Abigail, a godly woman of Israel, stepped up. She stood in front of David’s speeding train of anger and caused it to screech to a halt. Preparation from God This sounds like the drama from an adventure story, but it's better because it’s true! What we really want to know is what happened for Abigail to be able to avert disaster? Turns out there were many things in both David and Abigail’s lives that led them to this dramatic moment. For David, his pathway had already been filled with drama. Up to the point of his fateful meeting with Abigail, he had slain a giant and served King Saul as a mighty warrior. David had become fast friends with Jonathan, the son of the king. Saul then turned on David. He was now an exile in his own country, hiding in caves for his very life. All these experiences fed David all he needed to make right choices in tough times.
Check out our June 22, 2020 podcast, “What Does it Mean to be a Warrior for Truth?” for more. We put the pieces of David’s life in order leading up to what would be a destiny-defining moment. We observe Abigail’s being thrust into the role of not just peacemaker, but wise and godly counselor as well. Their story gives us a genuine grip on handling our own anger and rage. It helps us to see the value of those worthy of trust. It reminds us of the consequences of unbridled emotion.
David was a hero and anointed to become the king of Israel. Long before he assumed the throne, he defeated Goliath in battle, contributed to the sovereignty and protection of Israel and faithfully served under King Saul. All this happened before he was 25 years old. Though he became a fugitive when King Saul turned on him, he never betrayed the king or God. Many years later when he finally became king, he was a mighty and God-focused leader.
This almost sounds like a happily ever after story, but it is not. David committed some horrible sins along the way that created havoc and cost lives. His sins are some of the most well-known in all of Scripture! With so many bad choices, how did David maintain a godly perspective? How did he continually fight for God’s purposes? What can we learn from the rollercoaster of David’s life to enhance our attempts to be warriors for God?
David’s faith, courage and fidelity to God had been seriously tested in the many years from the slaying of Goliath to his crowning as king. The lessons he learned along the way were significant in number and scope. Once David was king, he led and protected the people of Israel convincingly. This shepherd/poet turned hero, turned warrior, turned exile, turned king showed his loyalty to God and love for the people at every step. Things could not have seemed to be any better for Israel and especially for David himself. Bathsheba It was then that the subtle trap of power and complacency was sprung. We all know of the story of David’s sins with Bathsheba. It's common knowledge how David fell prey to his own desire. That desire so hideously warped his conscience and loyalty to God. His fall was epic, and his crawl back to God’s grace and favor was inspiring. The Ark of the Covenant We often lose sight of the many other experiences that David had as king. This is unfortunate, as we can't define a man by a few short periods of his life or one landmark experience. David’s legacy must include his incredible journey to bring the Ark of the Covenant back to Israel. The Ark represented the presence of God. As such, needed to be properly restored to its sacred position. This account again reveals David’s profound love for God as well as the mistakes he made in showing that love.
David’s experiences overflow with life-changing lessons. One of the most spectacular and yet unsung stories of his life was how he uniquely served God near its end. Check out our June 15, 2020 podcast, “How Can I Fight for God’s Purposes Like King David?” for more. We uncover some amazing details of all these accounts and see their hidden lessons. Putting this all together, especially with David’s godly end-of-life devotion, really shows us why he was called "a man after God’s own heart." Listen in and get to know David like you never have before!
What do you envision when you think of a warrior? Someone engaged in conflict or struggle? A soldier, discipline, a fighter, training, bravery? King David was one of history’s great warriors. He possessed all of those warrior attributes, and yet he was also a shepherd, poet, musician and songwriter. Tender-hearted and humble, he was faithful and loyal to God, yet guilty of serious breaches of the confidence God had placed in him. He ascended up to the heights but also descended down to the depths. He gained Divine approval in many things and also received severe Divine condemnation. Though he was wholly devoted to God, he also indulged in the sins of the flesh. David’s story is the story of every man, illustrating what God can do with our weaknesses and failures. Shepherd - Poet - Warrior - King The iconic account of David’s journey began when he was a teenager. From the very first mention of him we see a young man of character. This young man is chosen to replace the errant King Saul and become the second king of Israel. You wonder what qualifications he had. He was a shepherd-poet who had mastered the art of keeping predators away from his sheep with a slingshot. Well, none of these things qualified him for kingship. What did make him worthy was his potential. His heart for God, his faith and his boundless devotion showed a character that could grow into such a massive responsibility.
The story of David growing into a kingly ruler has many chapters. One of the earliest and most notable of these is the battle with and victory over the giant Goliath. While we all know the basic story, we generally overlook the hidden truths of how this battle came to be and exactly how David won. Once you understand the two warring nations and the roles of the main characters, David becomes a man of even greater courage and honor! A covenant of friendship Another part of this giant slayer's journey towards kingship had to do with a simple friendship. David developed a powerful bond of brotherhood with Jonathan, the son of King Saul. Sounds simple enough until we realize that Saul’s disobedience removed God’s favor from him. He also knew that David was chosen to replace him. Saul descended into madness and made David the target of his evil obsession. How did David survive? Jonathan’s friendship delivered him. How did Jonathan remain loyal to his father and to David at the same time? That is a worthy question!
Check out our June 08, 2020 podcast, “How Can I Be a Giant Slayer Like David?” for more. We dig into the powerful and mostly unheralded character of Jonathan to find timeless principles of loyalty. We examine the depths of David’s passion for God. This passion would grow in him throughout his entire life and be expressed in a myriad of unlikely circumstances. Grasping David’s unyielding heart for God shows us why he became king. It also provides a basis for appreciating the hard knocks of kingship we will focus on in the next part of our Warrior Series!
As Christians we are always reminded of the importance of sacrificing our own will to do the will of God. Our faithfulness is a direct result of the effort we put into our sacrificial lives. The Old Testament overflows with regulations and propriety regarding making sacrifices to God. These include not only animals sacrifices but grain, oil and other things as well. In short, sacrifice is an enormous part of the entire Bible. Why? Were sacrifices to be made to get God’s attention? Is sacrifice in the Old or New Testament there to show God we are sorry for our sins? What about the principle of obeying God’s will? How does that fit in? Can we obey without sacrificing and can we sacrifice without obeying? If we were to put obedience on one side of a scale and sacrifice on the other side, which would carry more weight?
Does this really have to be a big deal? Can’t we just say “Look, God wants you to follow His directions and He wants you to give Him stuff to show you are paying attention!” No! Why not? Because neither of those statements even remotely reflects the truth of the matter. Let’s start with what obedience actually means. The Old Testament word carries the sense of “hearing intelligently.” This is important because it implies comprehensive understanding when we are given God’s instruction. Clean your room! When a child is told by their parent to clean their room, why would they comply even if they don’t want to? Is it because they reason that a clean room reflects their respect for their family and themselves? Do they think about how important it is to establish good habits and discipline when young? Probably not! Most likely they clean it because they don’t want to get in trouble. They are obeying for the most basic reasons. They follow through because they know it is ultimately the path of least resistance.
The broadest way to describe biblical sacrifice is the bringing of an offering, the bringing of something before God as a gift. As Christian adults, we often look at our fulfillment of the “sacrifice” part of our lives as being fulfilled by things like going to church. We figure that if we engage in praise, worship and learning on somewhat of a regular basis, we are covered. What we are really doing is being like that child who knows cleaning their room is less trouble than not cleaning it. We are finding an easy way to do what is required. We are not listening intelligently.
Check out our June 1, 2020 podcast, “Is Obedience More Important than Sacrifice?” for more. It turns out this whole obedience and sacrifice equation is taught throughout all of Scripture. What’s more, it is applied in a variety of ways to a variety of people. The end results are powerful lessons on how to actually please and honor God, not just on Sunday, but every day. This is something we all should know more about!
One of the Ten Commandments was to “remember the sabbath to keep it holy.” As Christians, we are always saying the Ten Commandments are still a necessary part of God’s Law that we should keep. So, why do the vast majority of Christians have their “day of rest” on Sunday when the sabbath God set up for His people was Saturday? Are we really saying to keep only nine of those Ten Commandments? Are we being too creative with God’s word? What should we learn from the fact that no New Testament Scripture officially moves the sabbath to Sunday? Is the “rest” of a Christian different than the “rest” referred to in the Jewish Law? Are Christians required to cease from all work on their sabbath? The template was drawn Any conversation about the sanctity of this day needs to begin with how the whole day of rest idea started. As things with ancient beginnings related to humanity go, the Sabbath Day is right up there with the oldest on record. The account of creation is specific, and God Himself was the template from which the sabbath was drawn. Once God finished the work of the six days of creation, He rested. Not only does Genesis 2 tell us He rested, it tells us He sanctified the seventh day. This means He set it apart for the purpose of holiness. Its role in Jewish Law Fast forward to the time of Moses and the giving of the Ten Commandments, and we see the day of rest played a central role in Jewish Law and tradition. Remembering this day and keeping it holy was the fourth of the Ten Commandments. These ten guidelines for living were literally carved in stone. They represented the basis for all of the Laws of Israel. Not only was the seventh day of every week to be holy, God also required other "rest" days of His people throughout the year. In short, the sabbath was a central way to commune with God. How does Jesus fit in? Enter Jesus. He comes along and not only announces that he is Lord of the Sabbath, but he also says the sabbath was made for man. What does that mean? Additionally, Jesus often healed on the sabbath, which his detractors used to accuse him of doing unlawful work on that sacred day of rest. Was Jesus himself turning the traditions of the sabbath upside down?
Check out our May 25, 2020 podcast, “What does the Sabbath Look Like for Christians?” for more. We recognize the power of this day and carefully observe how Jesus himself treated it. More importantly, we trace why he did the things he did and what it all meant to his followers. New Testament Christians did not keep the Sabbath Day as the Jews of their time did. Walk with us as we uncover the beautiful pearls of wisdom that explain what the sabbath is supposed to mean for Christians. This journey can add sacred value to your life! Study the rest of the Commandments with us to see how they are still valid for Christians today.
Life can be a real challenge when we are pressed by personal anxiety or depression. These things can not only burden our days, they can constrict and suffocate our very moments. As difficult as living is under these circumstances, think about the overwhelming confusion anxiety and depression would bring to a child. They begin to see the world through eyes of fear and uncertainty. They lose interest in things that used to excite them and have no idea why this is happening or what to do about it. Our kids withdraw, they lash out and they feel alone.
Anxiety and depression in kids is a real thing. It is far more common than we would like to think. For parents, it is a fearful and confusing issue of life. How do we deal with it and try to understand it? How do we become the best parents possible to help our children to cope? What do we do? There are a few experiences in life that every parent absolutely never wants to have to face. These belong in the “Please, anything but this” box of life events, as they represent dread and uncertainty. Having our kids experience serious emotional issues or mental illness are two items from the box. Seeing these things emerge into our real-life experience feels like a nightmare come true. It is a “this can’t be happening” moment. Our reality changes, and we now have to do something. But what?
In a recent podcast we talked to a social worker who specializes in treating kids who are experiencing depression, anxiety and other issues. Taryn’s expertise and experience with kids and their families were like bright lights in a dark and threatening cave of uncertainty. Taryn didn’t take away the actual issues and challenges that are inherent with these emotional difficulties. She did, however, give us a foundation of understanding and a pathway to follow. She provided hope because she shined a light on the issues. Listen. Listen. That was the overriding theme of her expertise and experience. Listen, learn, validate and apply. As a parent, any kind of mental health issue with our child can go from overwhelming to manageable if we participate in this process. This takes both humility and courage because the path to a healthy family is winding and often steep.
When you think about it, these messages and lessons are in the forefront of our Christian experience. As Christian parents, we know the value of seeking input from the Bible. We know the value of fellowship and vulnerability when faced with hard challenges. For the sake of our kids, we need to apply these spiritual principles to our families so we can guide them appropriately. Check out our May 18, 2020 podcast, “How Do We Cope With Anxiety and Depression in Our Kids?” for more. We take five basic principles of strong Christian parenting and apply them to managing these deep emotional issues. With Taryn’s help and a strong scriptural base, we find powerful hope and direction. Please listen to the rest of this timely series: Part I and Part II.
Everyone at times in their life feels anxiety. Sometimes it is a simple reaction to having to do or say something that we would rather avoid. Other times it is a more powerful reaction that lingers and may even cause us interrupted sleep or a lack of focus. These are feelings of anxiety. They are common and they are solvable. The big issue comes when the anxiety we face becomes a crippling and exhausting current of fear. It sweeps us off our feet and pulls us away from our normal routines with an overwhelming riptide-like intensity.
For some of us this anxiety can last for months, years or a lifetime. For a Christian, the piercing questions that may rise from this are, where is my reliance on God? Does my crippled response to this fear prove my faith to be nothing more than words? Am I a hypocrite? Hard question like these deserve strong and decisive answers and today we will find them!
There is no better way to try and answer hard questions like these than to talk to someone who has personally walked the crooked and uneven road of anxiety. Kylie Odetta, a Christian and brilliant singer and songwriter has walked such a road. We were able to catch up with her and listen to her story. It was both captivating and revealing. Kylie's story Kylie’s story begins in the same place so many others with anxiety begin. She had always been a sensitive person, feeling emotions very deeply. She then went through a hard transitional experience along with some other family issues. It was at this point the small and gnawing fears of life that had quietly collected over time all suddenly became real. Each and every little fear now barreled to the front of her mind and planted itself in a life-altering position. She went from being the creative, sure and outgoing Kylie to living in the trapped spaces of her fearful and overwhelming thoughts.
This same pattern of experience is tragically true for millions and millions of people. For many, when anxiety presents itself it systematically takes their lives as its captive. Fortunately, there is great news about all of this as there are many available approaches and many kinds of answers. As we listened to Kylie’s story develop, we uncovered tools in the form of "anxiety-breaking building blocks."
Check out our May 11, 2020 podcast, “Does My Anxiety or Depression Invalidate My Christianity? (Part II).” We apply the learning and foundation received from Part 1. We then combine it with the very practical and relatable building blocks from Kylie’s story plus Scripture here in Part II. The result is HOPE. Whether you yourself experience anxiety or someone you care about does, there is hope. Whether you do or do not need medication in your struggles , there is hope. Listen in, be fueled with this hope and then put it to work! Click here for Part III about depression and anxiety specifically in children.
For many of us, daily life is a secret struggle. Some of us go through the motions of our daily routines while inwardly carrying overwhelming fear and anxiety. We don’t want to share what we feel as it is not only embarrassing, it is impossible to describe. For others of us, even our daily routines at times are themselves overwhelming. We feel as though we are thoroughly alone and relegated to a place of gloom and darkness. There seems to be no answer. Often it feels like there is no hope. I am describing anxiety and depression.
While these challenges are incredibly common, they are also incredibly misunderstood. As Christians, we face these kinds of issues just like everyone else. The question is, what do we expect? Do we expect our faith to be like a magic pill that can make things better? Do we expect ourselves to be diminished in God’s eyes because we can’t “feel” our faith? What does God expect? What is possible for us to expect?
The first step in trying to manage anxiety and depression is to try and understand what we are dealing with. To best do this, we turned to professionals and interviewed two sisters (identical twins, no less) who are APRN’s in psychiatry. Jane and Joan Landino were with us throughout this episode and plainly explained many aspects of anxiety and depression the average person just doesn’t know about. Their input and insight are enlightening and refreshing. What's the difference between anxiety and depression? Both anxiety and depression can be debilitating. In my own words, anxiety can be like a creeping fear that finds you and latches on to your everyday. You don’t really know why its there. You can’t really explain it logically. You go through your days and this unwelcome intruder follows you around, even as you engage and accomplish things. To me, anxiety is a little bit like termites - present but unseen. It is basically non-descript as it eats away at your heart and mind.
Depression is very different. Again, in my own words, depression deflates you. It takes the air out of your tires. It makes it feel as though moving forward requires far more effort than you can muster. The fears of anxiety are now in overdrive, and it feels like there is an ever-growing weight to any and all aspects of life. While anxiety plagues you as you push your way through life, depression derails you and makes you want to check out of normal activities.
What does all this mean for a Christian? Plenty. Check out our May 4, 2020 episode, “Does My Anxiety or Depression Invalidate My Christianity?” for more. The good news is, these things are more common than you think and more treatable than you might imagine. As a Christian, your faithfulness to God and following Jesus is not judged on whether you have anxiety or depression. On the contrary, God’s mercy is available to help us walk through whatever our trials and circumstances may be. Listen in, find hope and then head to Part II for more!
As Christians, we are clearly taught to live our lives in harmony with God’s will and His ways by following in the footsteps of Jesus. We all know this challenge is one we can never fulfill with perfection. We all have experienced failure along these lines. Because we are imperfect, God expects us to fail, and yet He blesses us. Does this mean He accepts us as we are? Does this mean our sinful thoughts and actions can actually be sources of blessing? How many times have you made mistakes in judgment or action, yet still saw God’s blessing and providence come through? How do we properly interpret our experiences to reflect what God is blessing us for and leading us through? Is this a no-win scenario? Let’s get right to the point: our sins can never produce blessings! On the surface this perspective seems to be harsh, even cruel. No matter what we do in this human life, we can never be rid of our sinful nature. If our sins cannot produce blessings, then it seems we are in an absolute no-win scenario. It feels like this idea of our sins never producing blessings is a proclamation of doom. Because I sin, God cannot bless me. Do we miss the mark? Nothing is further from the truth! To understand how this works, we need to understand that sin according to the Bible means “to miss the mark.” Translation: any thought pattern that ends up with less-than-perfect conclusion is inherently sinful. Any action performed with less-than-perfect execution is inherently sinful. We are always “missing the mark” even though we are desperately trying to hit it! While this sounds depressing, it is actually where we begin to see the seeds of blessing being sown.
Understanding what it means to be blessed by God is the other critical piece that needs to be put in order. Blessing in Scripture does not necessarily equate to ease or the accumulation of stuff. While these things can be an outgrowth of blessing, they are grossly overrated as evidence of God’s care. Turns out that for God to bless us and for us to bless God (It is the same word in the Bible for "bless") has everything to do with appreciation. The magnitude of this thought in conjunction with understanding what sin is cannot be overstated.
Check out our April 27, 2020 podcast, “Can Our Sins Ever Produce Blessings?” for more. We take a deep dive into the role our efforts to please God play in the sin/blessing equation. We look at a national sin of Israel and trace God’s ability to bless His people in spite of it. We highlight a personal sin of someone with great power and influence, and trace God’s blessing as a result of repentance. We also get practical with the personal sin of someone most of us don’t know much about and again see how blessings follow. In all these cases, it is NOT the sin that produces blessing. Finding out what DOES bring God’s blessing will brighten your day!
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc. The virus itself is bad enough, but for most of us the havoc comes from what has been put in place to keep it from spreading. Jobs have been lost, social, religious and family gatherings are all on hold. We are supposed to just stay home. It feels like we have had enough. Boredom, restlessness, anxiety and depression are becoming our daily companions. Our personal desperation will likely continue to increase, as there is no clear-cut pathway yet revealed to ending this chapter of life. What do we do? As Christians, how do we manage the rules that hinder our worship? The over abundance of editorialized information? The isolation, the anxiety and the fear that drags on?
Let’s take a few steps back and put all these things in order so we can have a plan and work that plan. Should we be defiant? In these unprecedented and tricky times, we as Christians need to be sure of where we stand. What is our position as local governments are asking (and sometimes telling) us to not meet together for worship? Are we compliant or defiant? Do we cite the Apostle Peter when he was taken by the authorities and told not to preach? In Acts chapter 5 he boldly said, “We must obey God rather than men!” Should this be the Christians’ battle cry in these uncertain times? Actually, no!
There is a world of difference between what Peter was dealing with and our current conditions. He was preaching the word to enlighten unbelievers at his own peril. We, on the other hand, are wanting to meet together with other believers for our own benefit. We potentially put others in peril as we risk the spreading of a highly contagious virus. A spiritually-minded Christian should embrace the value of sacrificially protecting others, especially the elderly when we have opportunity to do so.
What about isolation?
How about handling isolation? How do we as Christians go about managing such a foreign task? Once again, the Scriptures present us with a clear pathway to follow. In several of the Apostle Paul’s writings he gives us solid foundation points to be able to cope with isolation. After all, he knew all about isolation and showed us how to make the most of it.
Check out our April 20,2020 podcast, “Should the Coronavirus Change My Christianity?” We delve deeply into managing isolation and hear from a faithful Christian woman in her 80’s about how she does it. Then wee tackle managing the information that is thrown at us everyday and learn techniques to parse through it. We hear from a Christian woman who is a DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practitioner) on handling the fear, stress, anger and loneliness we may be fighting. This episode lays out the profound scriptural beauty of how and why God permits evil, sickness and death. The bottom line is this: We are inviting you to let us walk with you through these hard and trying times. Together we can not only make it, we can shine the light of God’s love along the way!
Easter Sunday is a widely celebrated holiday. It is a day that represents life. For Christians, it represents life in its highest form because it is about the resurrection of Jesus. It is far too easy to lose the deep meaning of Jesus’ sacrifice and victory in the commotion and fanfare of Easter eggs, the Easter Bunny and Easter chocolate. As Christians, we know Jesus’ resurrection was a world-changing experience, but was it a personal, life-changing experience for me? How does the fact of Jesus being in heaven again with God affect me every day? To trace the kind of changes his resurrection can have on us, we need to look at the kind of effect it had on some who were there and experienced it first-hand. What did they see? What did they change?
Being a witness to the most sensational events in human history has to have an impact! Never in the experience of mankind had anyone ever been killed, raised from the dead and come back as a being with spiritual powers. Further, no one else had ever walked among others and then was raised to heaven before many witnesses. In this episode, we highlighted the experiences of a few who were there for the whole thing. They were followers of Jesus, they saw the crucifixion, they heard about the empty tomb and they had encounters with the risen Lord. In a very short period, their faith went from shattered to sure. The road to Emmaus Just one of theses examples is the account of the two disciples walking to Emmaus on the day Jesus’ tomb was discovered to be empty. Sad and confused, they walked that seven-mile trek and tried to piece together the crucifixion with their dashed hopes for the future. As the story relates, a stranger observed their sorrow and began to walk along with them. He shared prophecies and reasoning that helped then to see these events as God’s will. We know that this stranger was Jesus himself, but their eyes were initially shielded from that truth. Once they found out, their lives were changed! What about me? Even though I wasn’t there to physically witness these events, I am here now to be a spiritual witness to these things. What kind of changes can I see in myself as I embrace the reality of Jesus being raised? He is now at the right hand of God, so where does that put me? Has my life been clearly and outwardly transformed as a result of what I see?
Check out our April 13, 2020 podcast, “Jesus is Raised. How Does that Change Me?” for more. We continue to break down the story of the road to Emmaus as well as several others. How did Jesus ease his followers into acceptance of his miraculous resurrection? How did they grow and respond as a result? And again, what about me? How can I daily learn to live Jesus’ resurrection?
Jesus is our hero. His example, his teachings, his works and his faithfulness are absolutely legendary. They provide a flood of inspiration for anyone who would want it. To think of Jesus as being troubled in mind seems to be completely contrary to what we think of our Savior. After all, the book of Hebrews says he was "holy, innocent, undefiled and separated from sinners." How could he have anxiety? The fact is, there were three recorded instances in his life where he was troubled. Were these experiences a show of weakness or doubt? Did Jesus have some flaw we never talk about? No and no! What these experiences do show us is the amazing fortitude, courage and godliness of the man Christ Jesus. Troubled? What exactly does it mean when we say Jesus was "troubled"? The specific word used in the New Testament for the three experiences we discuss has an array of meanings. It can mean seriously uncomfortable, as John the Baptist's father was when he was suddenly visited by the angel foretelling John’s birth. It can mean agitated, as Herod was when he was speaking to the three wise men about their search for the newly born “king” whose star they had followed. It can also mean terrified, as the apostles were when they first saw Jesus walking on water. The point is, being troubled is not just a feeling of emotional unrest; it refers to a deep sense of discomfort.
Throughout the four Gospels we see many differing depictions of Jesus. He was often calm and humble. Yet, he was also challenging and cryptic. Jesus was overwhelmingly loving and compassionate. Yet, he was also firm in speaking hard truths. He had unwavering courage, sometimes sought peace and serenity, and he also became angry, very angry. Yet, throughout his entire ministry we never saw him troubled or with anxiety - until his earthly ministry was almost complete. Interesting timing We all feel the pressure and anxiety when we are faced with a seriously important deadline approaching. Our minds race, our heartbeat increases and maybe our palms sweat as we strive to finish our work. We put in whatever extra time is needed, check the details and make sure everything is in order. Then we check again as we weigh our efforts against what is being required of us. Jesus was no different. Not surprisingly, his three troubling experiences were all within the last month of his earthly life.
With the deadline he was facing and the magnitude of the work he was tasked with completing, we also need to examine what and who Jesus was up against. Satan knew Jesus had come to take the dominion of earth from him and was trying to stand in Jesus’ way. Satan would not go down without a fight. Check out our April 6, 2020 podcast, “What Things Troubled Jesus?” for more. We lay out these three troubling experiences, find the pattern of Satan’s influence and observe the profound victory Jesus achieved. This is a rarely heard lesson for the ages!
Social distancing. Three months ago, if you had heard that term you may have thought it was describing someone who was a loner or someone who swore off social media. Now we not only all know what it means, we feel its meaning and it is frightening. I was in the grocery store today, and on the floor of the line for self-checkout there were tape lines six feet apart so shoppers could more easily avoid contact. The novel coronavirus – COVID-19 - has arrived. It is potent, fearsome and sneaky. Because of its presence the entire world has been altered socially and economically in a matter of a few months. As Christians, what are we supposed to do with this pandemic? What should we know, how should we act and most importantly, is this virus connected to God’s plan?
How often do our thoughts turn to God in a negative way when the world is in a panic about a disaster? Whether it is a tsunami or a hurricane, a series of wildfires or a pandemic, we seem to generally conclude that God must be punishing us. The current COVID-19 pandemic has already brought several Scriptures into focus on social media to support this reaction. So, is this God’s wrath? Blessings? Curses? To set a foundation for an answer, we need to ask a question. When things are generally good in the world – when hurricanes and floods are fewer and earthquakes are more sporadic - do we ever say that such times are God’s blessing on the world? We don’t! We basically ignore those things. Why, then, should this pandemic be God’s curse? If we don’t give Him credit for good things, then it is inconsistent to blame Him for the bad things. COVID-19 was not sent by God!
Make no mistake, this is a fiercely contagious virus. It has a very high mortality rate for a specific age range of people who have one or more other health conditions. Mortality notwithstanding, it is clear this virus does not discriminate as to who it infects and how much suffering it can cause. As likely as the coronavirus is to cause panic, misinformation and social media editorializing regarding the facts are even stronger panic drivers. What should Christians do we do with boatloads of 24-hour information we have access to? What is our responsibility? How should we be thinking and acting? Beacons of light Check out March 30, 2020 podcast, “Does the Coronavirus Fit into God’s Plan?” for more. Determining fact from fiction is critical to understanding what is really happening. We talk about this serious, worldwide issue through the lens of relevant medical facts. We then carefully verify the application of that information to build a truthful perspective. As Christians, we not only address a prophetic viewpoint to consider, we also delve into what our Christian responsibilities are. Join us as we seek to do what Jesus did - be beacons of light in a foggy world!
As Christians, we often talk about the necessity of forgiveness. We need to be forgiven and to forgive others. When it comes to talking about mercy, we always seem to focus on God’s mercy. Rightly so. God’s mercy is a resounding theme throughout the entire Bible. His eternal wisdom and plan could not even exist unless His mercy was, is and will be in place. So, if being merciful is such an important part of God’s plan, and Jesus came and mercifully gave his life for Adam’s sin and redeemed the world, what about me? How does mercy fit into my life? Am I a merciful Christian? What does mercy really mean, and how do I know how and when to use it? 70 x 7 The Apostle Peter asked Jesus how often he should forgive his brother for continually sinning against him. As a proposed answer to his own question, Peter offered a solution I am sure he thought was generous. Should I forgive him up to seven times? Jesus' answer was a clear and eye-opening response. He said (and I am dramatizing this) seven times – are you kidding? You should forgive him seventy times seven! As Christians we look at this answer and are genuinely moved at how much love and compassion was expressed by it. We are in awe of the standard that Jesus set. Even more than 70 x 7 Sadly, we are missing the main point. The seventy times seven answer was only the warm-up statement – merely an introduction. The parable he spoke after those words was the main point. Unfortunately, not many of us can call that parable and its lessons to mind. Why? Because the Parable of the Unmerciful Servant was a harsh story that can be a little hard to understand. On the surface, it does not seem to easily fit in with the magnanimous lesson of forgiving seventy times seven.
Jesus spoke this parable to teach us about mercy. A basic definition for mercy is to give unmerited opportunity to another. It is kindness that opens a door to one who is undeserving. We don’t talk much about mercy. As a result, it seems to be a lesser-noticed sibling of forgiveness and grace. We frequently bask in the relief of being forgiven for our sins. We rejoice in the glory of being given grace - God’s unmerited favor. But without mercy, neither forgiveness or grace could be attainable. Without mercy there is no gospel and there is no coming kingdom! Mercy drives all of it!
Check out our March 23, 2020 podcast, “How Merciful Am I?” for more. We establish what God’s mercy is and how it is a template for the mercy we are supposed to live by. We explore why Jesus used this particular story as a teaching tool. One of the many gems of truth we uncover is this: forgiveness can never be complete without mercy as its basis. Has your ability to truly forgive others ever been challenged? You just might need a better understanding of mercy!
Burnout is nasty. As we found out in Part I of our two-part series, it can demoralize and diminish the efforts and quality of care from medical professionals and first responders. But it doesn't stop there. Even though the rest of us may not have other’s lives in our hands, burnout is more than capable of continuing to ruin lives...if we let it. The good news about this ever-growing and worrisome phenomena is that it can be handled. For regular people who get overly inundated with the unrelenting pressures of work, family and social issues, there are answers. Or, if we find ourselves feeling like we are drowning under the weight of Christian responsibilities, there are answers. The really good news is these answers have both biblical and medical foundations!
Our focus on burnout in medical professionals and first responders in Part I gave us a foundation. Part II continued building by focusing on you and me and the daily challenges we encounter through our jobs and life experience. We saw the exact same debilitating process at work. Oour burnout heroes: Moses and Elijah There is no better way to understand this power of burnout than to see it displayed in the life of some of your heroes. If they can be debilitated by its affects, then we are certainly vulnerable as well. Moses and Elijah were two Old Testament heroes of faith who stood head and shoulders above the people of their time. Moses triumphantly delivered over two million people out of slavery. He did it through faith, obedience and courage. They literally walked away from their captivity. Elijah faced off with an evil king, stood alone against 450 prophets of the false god Baal and walked away with a resounding victory for the one true God.
We love the heroism of these stories. What we often don’t pay attention to is the stories after these victorious events. God would continue to require more of these leaders, and they both experienced burnout in the aftermath. n fact, in the depths of their burnout experiences, both Moses and Elijah even despaired of life. This really shows us how insidious burnout can be. It can creep into and take over the lives of the most powerful, faithful and courageous heroes. Lessons to fight back The experiences of Moses and Elijah teach us profound lessons to help us fight back against burnout. Some of those lessons have to do with understanding our limitations and being open to receiving the right kinds of help. These things may sound easy to do, but they are the exact opposite. Observing the stories of our two heroes makes this challenge plain. When in the throes of fighting burnout, we become blind and deaf to the solution-oriented things around us. All we are capable of seeing is what our own mind is open to and what our own eyes can observe.
Check out our March 16, 2020 podcast, “How Do I Avoid Burnout? (Part II)” for more. There are concrete answers to this serious dilemma and we list them out. Moses and Elijah show us even higher levels of heroism as they each overcame their burnout experience. Don’t miss how this is done!
It is a common saying that the two things you can count on in life are death and taxes. While that might be true, there is another thing lurking in the background of the lives of more and more people every day: BURNOUT. With all of the overstimulation a technology-based society produces, we are set up for burnout. With what seem like ever-increasing job demands, we are set up for burnout. Personal communications are instant, always available and on multiple platforms, and we feel we need to respond instantly as well. This sets us up for – you guessed it – burnout. This is just what applies to us - the average, "go to work and make a living" person. Medical professionals, first responders, military men and women – all set up for this scary precedent! This is serious. What can we as Christians do to recognize, respond to and relieve this dangerous pattern in our lives and the lives of others? Looking at the medical field To be able to overcome burnout, you first need to understand it. Looking at the medical field, we find detailed explanations of how it works. We also find lots of practical experience. It turns out, the people who help us understand it are also the ones who suffer greatly from burnout themselves. As part of our journey to crack the burnout code, we interviewed a Christian medical professional who has suffered from it. Hannah’s story set a foundation of experience for us, upon which we could build practical knowledge. Health care industry - everyday burnout - spiritual burnout We chose to observe burnout as affecting three different categories of people. First are the health care professionals, first responders and military personnel. These are the men and women on the front lines, who have the lives of others in their hands. Their burnout is associated with always needing to do the right thing in very imperfect circumstances, and often with less than adequate support. Second, there are the rest of us who find burnout as a result of our jobs, our lives, disease, trauma and unforeseen circumstances. The third category we labeled as spiritual burnout, meaning feeling isolated and far from God as you strive to serve Him. Looking to Job for answers The good news is that the same basic principles of burnout recovery apply to each of these three specific categories. To illustrate this, we used the example of Job, the Bible character who tragically lost everything. He burned out but in the end remained faithful to God. How did that happen? Where did he go wrong and what did he do right?
Check out our March 9, 2020 podcast, “How Do I Avoid Burnout? (Part 1)” for more. Between Hannah’s medical and Christian insights and Job’s tragic losses and unhelpful “comforters,” we find many points of reference to build upon. The bottom line is: walking the path towards burnout is a pressure-filled journey that pulls us away from our best selves. Walking away from it is possible but challenging. In Part 1 of our two-part series, we help you discover how to succeed. Don’t miss this vital input to prepare you for Part II!
…And they lived happily ever after! While this fairy tale ending makes us feel all warm and fuzzy, it doesn’t help us to prepare for reality. The fact is, marriage is hard. Having a bad marriage is much easier. Think about why. Two people make a promise to one another before God to be - for the rest of their lives - completely faithful to each other. Theoretically, we think this is not unreasonable because when we marry, the bonds of love are powerful. Then life happens. Stress, jobs, children, changes, finances, likes, dislikes, opinions, moods - all of the human things that life is made of show themselves. You wake up one day and that bond of love that once looked impervious has faded into the shadows of everyday experience.
One of the basic questions we as Christians need to ask ourselves is, upon what are our marriages based? While the gut reaction answer would be things like love, compatibility and common goals, the real answer has a deeper basis. Marriage is a promise...but not just any promise. For a Christian, marriage is a covenant of God, which makes it a promise agreed to with God as witness. This simply means we are committing ourselves to a life-long contract of fidelity in the most sacred environment possible. Christian marriage is therefore based on commitment and not compatibility.
While this might sound limiting and even scary, it is actually really good news. It provokes us to work hard when things become challenging, to not throw it the towel when we may feel like giving up. A promise made in the presence of God is always worth fighting for! Keeping a promise made in the presence of God always brings ultimate spiritual blessing, even when our personal lives are challenged.
Now let’s get practical. How do you fight for something you don’t feel is worth it? What would make you want to protect something that seems to not only be causing you pain, but suffering as well? The answer, which may sound corny at first, is LOVE. The fact is, it is possible to love your spouse even when you DON'T love them! We need to get our heads around this unlikely approach. Once we do, we can begin to make a significant difference in the quality of our daily married lives.
Check out our March 2, 2020 podcast, “I Don’t Think I Love My Spouse Anymore. What Now?” for more. We lay out answers, but not from the viewpoint of being idealistic. That would be far too easy. On the contrary, we walk through the true story of a Christian woman who is currently in a difficult marriage. She honestly explains her daily challenges, the development of her thinking, and the conclusions and solutions she is finding. This difficult story helps us be realistic while also seeking God’s higher ways to manage these hard circumstances. There are answers when life gets difficult. Join us to find them!
There is no denying the New Testament - and actually the entire Bible - is all about Jesus. His sacrifice for humanity is proclaimed from Genesis to Revelation. He IS the key to the gospel. Having said this, the life and writings of the Apostle Paul dominate much of the New Testament. His experiences and teachings are pronounced, and in the eyes of many, go too far. Critics see the Apostle Paul as a combatant against the gospel of the kingdom Jesus taught. The basis for their criticism is the way Jesus reflected the role of the Jewish Law and the way that Paul essentially wrote it off. How do we manage this? Was Paul at odds with the core values and teaching of Jesus? Jesus vs. Paul? One of the big debates in the early church raging on even today is whether or not Paul threw out the Jewish Law that Jesus not only followed but confirmed in Luke 16:17: "But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one stroke of a letter of the Law to fail." Critics argue that Jesus never said Christians DON'T have to fall in line under the Law's many requirements. On the other hand, Paul was clear that the new Gentile converts would NOT be subject to all the Law's requirements like circumcision and food restrictions. Who was right? Aren't we all taught that at least the 10 Commandments are valid in their admonitions to love God, love our neighbor and so forth? Moral - Ceremonial - Judicial The key to cracking this case is understanding that the Jewish Law was divided into three parts: moral, ceremonial and judicial. The moral law of love, as expressed in the 10 Commandments, will never be replaced. It remained in play for both Jew and Gentile. In God’s future kingdom, it will stand as a beautiful requirement for all of mankind. Shadow vs. Reality Not only did the ceremonial parts have to do with cleanliness of people and food, but also how the Israelites atoned for their sins with sacrifices. Special sacrifices were required year after year in order to temporarily “cleanse” them of sins. This allowed a relationship with the heavenly Father to continue as long as the people remained in that clean state. These are recorded in great detail in the Old Testament. In hindsight, we see these foreshadowed the monumental sacrifice of Jesus that allowed the early Christians to have a relationship with God. This applies to Christians throughout the age - right down to you and me. The comparison between the “shadow” of the literal ceremonial events with how Jesus fulfilled them as the reality of the shadow is striking and faith-inspiring. Paul explains in many texts how Jesus replaced this part of the Law.
After Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection, the ceremonial parts of the Law were no longer necessary to have a relationship with God. (And they were completely obsolete after the Temple burned down in 70 A.D.!) What about the judicial parts of the Law? These had to do with pronouncing and administering the consequences to breaking the Law. But with the ceremonial parts obsolete, the judicial part would necessarily shift to personal responsibility of how we are judged and how we judge others. On this point, it is easy to show how Jesus and Paul agreed.
Christianity was not to be a sect of Judaism. Jesus’ death and resurrection changed everything – except the fundamental law of LOVE. Listen to our podcast from February 24, 2020 called, “Did the Apostle Paul Contradict Jesus?” It is the last of our four-part series on the Apostle Paul and really brings the details of the controversy front and center. Paul lived, breathed and taught Jesus and the gospel 24/7. He devoted his life to being a faithful steward. What an example for all of us!
For every Christian, Jesus is THE example, leader and fulfiller of our faith. We continually gain inspiration from his perfect example and unselfish sacrifice. When we think about a less-than-perfect Christian example, most of us go to the Apostle Peter or the Apostle Paul. Both men showed us how to achieve spiritual victory through imperfection. They both had failures, regrets and doubts, and yet they were faithful. These challenges endear them to our hearts. They give us courage to work through our own imperfect experiences. Knowing this, it can be hard to believe there are many who see the Apostle Paul as an interloper, one who hijacked the gospel message. These accusations begin with disregarding the authenticity of his apostleship. They say Matthias, as a replacement for the traitor Judas, was appointed as the 12th Apostle long before Paul’s conversion.
The "pro-Matthias" argument is worth respectfully considering. After all, it is true there is no written record of either God or Jesus confirming Paul's apostleship. We only have Paul himself saying he is an apostle along with a claim by his friend Luke in the book of Acts. To be fair, there is no written record of either God or Jesus confirming Matthias' apostleship, either. But Acts 1:26 says Matthias "was added to the eleven apostles." With a plain biblical statement like that, why look further? Wait! Well, because there is a lot more to find once we look closer at the context. Jesus was very specific in his instructions given before his crucifixion and right before his ascension: they were to WAIT. Just wait. Don't make any decisions, don't run away, just wait. Pentecost was only ten days away. Once they received God's influence and power, the holy spirit, it would guide them into knowing what to do next. It would give them the power to do miraculous things in order to advance Christianity around the world. Casting lots Instead of waiting, Peter met with about 120 disciples to pray and elect a replacement for Judas, even though it was not necessary or required to be done at this time. Two candidates were proposed and the group "cast lots," an Old Testament method of determining God's will. (The option of "neither" candidate was not proposed.) Later on the road to Damascus, our resurrected Lord Jesus dramatically and emphatically appointed Saul as a "chosen vessel." Just like the other 11 Jesus-appointed apostles, Paul was called a "witness."
Check out our podcast, "Paul or Matthias. Who Was the Real 12th Apostle?" that aired live on February 17, 2020. We reviewed the points of debate for and against the Apostle Paul as being the authorized 12th Apostle of Christ. The evidence overwhelmingly showed us his rightful place. Our faith was strengthened by looking into these important details of the early church. What do you think of our conclusions?
(See Part I of this topic.) In many ways, the Apostle Paul was like a magnet. Over the last 2,000 years, his preaching, teaching and writing have attracted countless millions to seek out what being a Christian really means. He was a leader in every sense of the word. He lived his faith to Jesus Christ without reservation, and Christians throughout the age have been inspired by his example. This same Apostle Paul was also a magnet for trouble. His ministry way back then drew incredible conflict and persecution - it even led to his death. Today the same controversy surrounds his legacy. While so many of us cling to his example and teaching, others are repelled by him and label him as a self-contradicting, hypocritical deceiver. Who is right? Was Paul a teacher of truth or contradiction?
The Apostle Paul is a Christian icon. He essentially wrote half of the New Testament as he carried the gospel far and wide. He suffered dramatically for his faith, was challenged regularly by those in authority and even stood up to the Apostle Peter when it was needed. When you read his words, you cannot help but see his love for God and undying devotion to Jesus. With all of the good he did, there are many who 2,000 years later claim he was a self-absorbed, self-contradictory man. They make lists of the things he said and wrote and seem to relish in his apparent instability. Did the Apostle Paul contradict himself? Did he say different things to different people just to gain their favor? The only way to find out is to examine the accusations one at a time!
Saul of Tarsus was on his way to Damascus to persecute the Christians there. Suddenly his journey was interrupted by a blindingly bright visit from the Lord Jesus Christ himself. The exchange Saul had with the mighty risen Lord completely changed his life. Saul would soon be known as Paul. He would become the Apostle to the Gentiles. This simple story is surrounded by controversy. Aside from the challenges to prove what happened, the hardest skepticism comes from the telling of the story itself. This is just the beginning of the many inconsistencies people say overshadow the authenticity of Paul’s Christian life. Inconsistencies or details with an easy explanation? The account of Paul’s conversion appears three times in the book of Acts. The first telling is more or less an historical recounting. The other two were a record of Paul’s own telling. The problem is in the details. The three accounts seem to blatantly contradict each other with important details. Did everyone journeying with him fall to the ground when this light appeared, or was it just Paul? The skeptics say that depends on which version you read. Did everyone hear the voice of Jesus or just Paul? Again, they say it depends on which story you read. The critics' points are well taken. Because the story of Paul’s conversion can be so easily called into question, the truthfulness of his Christian life is questionable as well. Did Paul make it up as he went along? This is only the beginning. Was Paul a people pleaser or a true servant of Christ? Was he a deceitful or an honest minister? Those who have written him off boldly claim that these and other accusations can be proven by Paul’s own words! Can they? Are these inconsistencies proof of a great deception?
Check out our February 03, 2020 podcast, “Does the Apostle Paul Contradict Himself? (Part 1) for more. We carefully and methodically take each of these accusations apart to see what they are made of. We look into context, definitions and the several other factors for various Apostle Paul contradictions. There are answers. They are logical, and they are harmonious. Take this journey with us and then head over to Part II for more.
The Christian belief in being “born again” can be at the very least confusing. Does it mean you get to restart your life, kind of like a do-over? Is it beginning a brand new life lived in a brand new context? Does being born again mean you are the same person with the same issues, or are you somebody different? Is it living a new spiritual life in place of our present physical life – “once in grace, always in grace”? Does being born again actually mean what we think it means? To figure this out, we need to not only have a clear understanding of context, we also need to have a good sense of some specific Greek words and how they are used. Two words We need to be clear on the definitions of two little words - the difference between comprehending a deep biblical truth and latching on to a fabricated story. The story of these two little words begins with Nicodemus, a wise and respected leader among the Jewish leadership of his day. Even though his counterparts inwardly and outwardly despised Jesus, Nicodemus saw something different. He saw a learned, wise and compassionate man who not only always knew what to say, he also knew what to do. In Jesus he saw a healer and a teacher, a man connected to God. Nicodemus sought Jesus out under the cover of nightfall. He was seeking the answers needed to better understand this man he had observed from a distance. A powerful truth When Jesus spoke to Nicodemus, he told him far more than Nicodemus could have anticipated. Once Nicodemus proclaimed he knew Jesus was a man from God, Jesus responded. There was no small talk. Instead, Jesus simply proclaimed a powerful truth. He said that to see the kingdom, one must be “born again.” To Nicodemus, this statement was entirely perplexing. His response showed his confusion. To us, this statement contains those two little words that carry so much meaning - you must be “born again.”
On the surface, it seems like this is a no brainer, after all they are simple words with obvious meanings. The problem arises when we look into the ancient language in which these words were originally recorded. We find marked differences. For instance, the word for “born” in Greek is the exact same word for “begetting.” When talking about a masculine role in the reproductive process, the word means "to beget." When talking about a feminine role in the process it means to be born.
What does all this mean? Check out our January 27, 2020 podcast, “Are Christians Really Born Again?” for more. We walk through the entire conversation where Jesus taught Nicodemus. We trace what Nicodemus knew and what he was missing. We find what meanings apply where and then paint a picture of the actual lesson Jesus taught. This is a really fascinating journey with a really powerful conclusion. Don’t miss it!
We know every Christian wants to go to heaven. The real question is, does every Christian know what is required to get there? Last week we began to talk about the several important elements God has put in place. These define not only His plan in general, but they clearly show us what the Christian call is all about. We found some very legal pieces to the puzzle, as well as some very practical pieces. It all boils down to two things: First, there IS a well-defined path to heaven. Second, for the rest of the world not going to heaven, there also IS a path to salvation. Its destination is earthly, but with many similarities to the heavenly path. Now let’s put all of these pieces in perspective! What about glory? Let’s start by talking about glory, which is generally perceived as a destination. We usually associate glory with heaven, but in the Bible, glory covers a broad spectrum of results. There is the glory of men in their imperfect state that some strive to have. In contrast is the glory of immortal life in heaven that Jesus’ followers strive for. Glory as represented in the Bible can be found in many different endeavors. It does not have to be godly to be sought after; it just needs to be appealing. This begs the question; is there any truly God-honoring glory for the billions of humanity who are not following Jesus as his disciple? The answer here is a surprising yes. What about heaven? How can this be when Jesus spoke so plainly about heaven as the key destination? It all comes down to understanding what the scriptural teaching regarding the destiny of different groups of people. Based on last week’s podcast, we know God’s plan of salvation entails four necessities required to get to heaven: redemption, justification, reconciliation and sanctification. While these things bring glorification to Jesus’ followers, we cannot discount what those very same things can do for everyone else.
The Bible speaks plainly and often about the positive effects of redemption, justification, etc., on the non-believing world. One reason so many who believe in Scripture don’t see this is because it is in many ways veiled. There are, in fact, many prophecies which point to the salvation of the “everybody else.” Because they are prophetic Old Testament utterances, they not only get less attention, they are also hard to understand.
Check out our January 20, 2020 podcast, “What Three Steps will Get Us to Heaven? (Part 2) for more. We compare how God’s plan unfolds with those who follow Jesus and those who don’t. While the differences in these two groups are dramatic, the similarities are profound. Follow along with us as we trace specific prophecies that reveal what the path of those who don’t believe now will look like later. Watch God’s plans and purposes unfold out from His word! This is a journey worth taking.
So, what does the road to heaven actually look like? If you look across the wide spectrum of Christian beliefs you will find far more variety in the answer than you might have thought. You would expect all of the answers to include believing in Jesus - and that's a good start. However, the Bible gives us several other qualifiers for being on the road to heaven, and this is where the confusion begins. The fact is, going to heaven is NOT merely about what one believes. As a matter of fact, being on this journey is not something we can just one day decide to do! Heaven IS possible, but what steps must be taken? Salvation God’s plan can be explained by understanding the biblical meaning of six words. While these words reflect the journey to heaven, they also reveal so much more. SALVATION is first on the list. It describes the overall picture of God’s plan. God knew sin would arrive through the influence of Satan and that His human creation would suffer its terrible consequences. Because God knew this all ahead of time, He also had a plan in place to counteract the deadly effects of sin. His was a plan of SALVATION. This plan that would satisfy justice and bring his human family back to the opportunity for eternal life. By understanding what this first word means, we begin to understand the mind of God. Redemption and Justification So, what about heaven? We all know God’s plan provided Jesus as the ransom price for the sin of Adam. This has to do with REDEMPTION, the second of the six words you'll have to listen to podcast to hear about. Jesus did far more than simply pay the price for Adam. In accordance with God’s will, he drew followers to him who would be willing to live lives of sacrifice as he did. To these he promised the opportunity of a heavenly reward. No follower could be considered for this privilege unless they were first called by God to JUSTIFICATION, the third word on the list. Christianity uses this word as a basis for going to heaven.
JUSTIFICATION in the Bible is unique. Today when we say someone has justification for doing something, we mean they have ample reasons behind them. We don’t necessarily agree that their reasons are absolutely righteous, but we acknowledge they are actionable. On the contrary, to be justified in the Bible is to be made right before God. This is only possible because of the ransom of Jesus.
Does this mean when we are justified we are acceptable in God’s sight? What about SANCTIFICATION? What does it mean? How does it fit in with being right in God’s eyes? Check out our January 13, 2020 podcast, “What Three Steps Will Get Us to Heaven? (Part 1)” for more. Then head over to Part 2 for the full picture. We decipher these life-giving words, put them in context and clearly lay out how the pieces fit together. Following the heavenly call is a life-long endeavor. Why not find out how it all works?
Life is often measured by time. Our society is hyperfocused on immediate gratification, which means we don’t want to have to wait. We don’t want to have any interval pass before we get what we want. We have scheduled events, appointments, work hours, lunch breaks and periods for sleep. All of these things are time-driven. We celebrate birthdays, holidays and vacations - all of which are driven by the calendar – a tool for measuring time. With such a complete dependency on the clock, what would make us think God’s plan for humanity is any different? How often do we hear people complain that if God exists and is all powerful, why doesn’t He….? Let’s look at time, seasons and ages and what parts they play in God’s master plan!
While Solomon’s wisdom seems to be leaning towards an “It doesn’t really matter what we do” kind of thinking, let’s consider another approach. In verses 16 and 17, he reveals that wickedness is rampant in its dominance of righteousness but God is going to judge both. This is significant for two reasons. First, it adds a measure of responsibility to each of our actions. Second, it gives us an assurance of God’s awareness. The world is barreling down the road of self-destructive and egotistical thinking and actions. Solomon is saying, in spite of this, it is all within the power and permission of God Himself. Looking through God's eyes Now, if we go back and look at all of the things Solomon said had their time, we can see them with different eyes. What if we began this review with the conclusion that God has everything in control? We could then read there is “a time to kill and a time to heal” in the context of God’s timing and not our own. It is so easy to see things like killing, hatred, weeping and mourning and become exasperated…and even hopeless. After all, we look back over our own lives and the lives of those before us, and it’s always the same and never gets better!
Check out our January 6, 2020 podcast, “Why Does Time Matter in God’s Plan?” for more. We break down each comparison Solomon makes. Then we put them all into the context of prophecy and God’s plan. A coherent story is told. It is not only a story of the unfolding of God’s plan, it is also a reminder of God’s time clock. Death, dismay and destruction all look different through the eyes of eternity!
Yup! It’s another New Year and that means another opportunity to start some things that are new, different and good for us! It also means we consider stopping (or at least reducing) those things in life that aren’t so good for us. It all sounds so easy, except for one little detail that can be expressed in one little word: habits. Breaking old and establishing new habits is one of the hardest challenges most individuals face. This is difficult because, by definition, making and breaking habits is making and breaking instinctive behavior. The first thing we need to do is to know what to change and why. While this is an important beginning, the next step is to know how to change, and that is where our work and focus actually begins. Every habit begins with a thought It can be a small thought, even a passing thought. What happens is, this thought – this impression finds some kind of appealing reaction within us. It can then begin to grow. The more we entertain it, the more likely it will take up residence in our minds. The tricky thing is that this process is not necessarily a fully conscious one. Our subconscious mind can be working on something, and once it is presented to our conscious thinking it has enough appeal to be pursued. Thoughts are directly related to beliefs Think of it this way – when a thought is developed fully enough in our minds it then has the authority to actually change existing beliefs. This is an important transition because all habits must have belief behind them. This may sound odd, especially when it comes to bad habits. Think about it, if we absolutely know a habit is bad then why can’t we change it overnight? It doesn’t change because it is an engrained belief that has tenacious staying power! Even if we see and acknowledge that the habit is bad for us in the long run, that does not change the belief in the gratification the habit provides in the short run.
The bottom line is: habits are not only difficult to make and break, they hold our destiny in their hands. Look at the most accomplished athletes, scientists, medical professionals or musicians, and you see a combination of talent, passion and discipline. These things make that person immensely successful because they are all put into service by habitual thinking and actions. In these cases, the results of this process can bring quality and excitement to the lives of many.
Check out our December 30, 2019 podcast, “Should My Habits be Kept or Broken?” We detail the thinking and behavior aspects of habit making and breaking. Much more than that, we reveal the four other characteristics that every habit affects in our lives. Habits are powerful drivers. They can actually dictate the level of success or failure we have in every aspect of life. Find out what you can do to raise your own levels of success by raising the levels of your habits!
When we talk about the “spirit” of something, we are trying to describe what that something was intended to look like or result in. Let’s take the spirit of a law. Whatever that law may be interpreted as meaning, or however it might be applied, needs to be checked against what the law was actually intended to allow. It is far too easy to have a personal agenda and take the words of that law, rationalizing them into fitting what we want them to mean. This is an unfortunate result of selfish thinking. The same is true with Christmas. The lights, the movies, the decorations, gifts, fanfare and food all tend to take away from the simplicity of the true spirit of Christmas. So, what is the true intention of the Christmas holiday, and how do we pay our highest respect to it?
Christmas is about Jesus, and it begins with giving. Even though it is the wrong time of year (a subject for another time), we see his birth as its center. Why does the Bible gives us so many details about how Jesus came into the world? Because it was a complex and glorious matter that needed to be understood. Jesus in his pre-human form was, by the power of God, to be reduced to an embryo. This took supernatural power and supernatural communication to those who would be involved, specifically Mary and Joseph. God’s plan in all of its miraculous complexity was accomplished through humble humans. These things reveal a major part of the true spirit of Christmas as being expressed by giving. So much giving! Think about all of the giving involved here. God’s plan was one that gave hope as He gave His son. Mary gave herself over to ridicule and doubt to acquiesce to the will of God and become the mother of Jesus. Joseph gave himself over to following angelic direction. This was was anything but natural and logical, marrying Mary and raising Jesus as his own son. Jesus reduced himself to the form of a human so he could eventually give that life and lift all of humanity out of sin. This is not the kind of giving we are used to at the Christmas season that entails fun and gifts, surprises and smiles. No, this is profound giving on every level. It is giving that is in place to bless and to obey. It is giving that provides life.
Giving and receiving are just the beginning of what the true spirit of Christmas is made of. There are many other qualities that especially shine at this season. Check out our December 23, 2019 podcast, “What is the True Spirit of Christmas?” for more. We look at several other powerful lessons from the experiences surrounding Jesus’ birth. People often say that Christmas is a magical time. We would like to suggest that its true meaning makes it much more of a transformative time. Don’t miss this opportunity to have that transformation go to work in your life!
To live is to decide. No matter who you are and what environment you live in, you will most likely be pressed with making an untold number of decisions. These will directly influence how your life will unfold. This can be a scary thought because no one wants to make decisions that are bad! Yet, most of us don’t seriously put in the time and effort to be sure the path we chose is good. How can this be? Much has to do with the way our minds work, social pressure and our desire for comfort. As Christians, we need to be keenly aware of these challenges, because our choices are supposed to always be in line with God’s will and Jesus’ footsteps. How must we think and what must we do in order to keep our decisions in line with all that would bring glory to God?
The human mind is very predictable when it comes to decision making. No matter who we are we, our minds have some degree of pre-programming built into the process. This is an instinctive efficiency measure. It cuts out the need to consciously process every little decision about every little thing. This can be both a very good thing and a very bad thing. It all comes down to what information our pre-programming is based upon. Is it based upon ethical and righteous thinking that seeks to do only that which is godly? If so, we are indeed positioned for sound decision making. Is it based upon previous experience, emotions and the influences of peer groups? If so, we are typical and unfortunately set up to begin our decision making on the wrong foot.
To have a better grasp on making the kind of decisions a true Christian should, we need to understand two things:
We need to know how to identify what drives our default decision making process. We need to establish what principles we will always strive to abide by, as well as what influences we will seek to ignore.
There are several very revealing biblical accounts that help us to unravel all of this. King Solomon is a great place to start. He became the wisest man in all the earth and then descended into selfishness and idolatry. In some ways, his story is a paradox, as it seems that foolishness would naturally precede wisdom. Yet, Solomon’s experience was the opposite. Once we understand how and why he lost his grip on godliness and wisdom, our own decision making processes are easier to identify.
Check out our December 16, 2019 podcast, “How Do I Know My Decisions Are Right?” for more. We pull apart Solomon’s story along with experiences from Samuel the prophet. We add some wise counsel from James and Paul. To top things off, we look at some of Jesus’ teachings and uncover an unmistakable process for godly decision making. Life is too valuable to experience without access to the best decision making tools. Listen in and walk away better equipped!
Right is right and wrong is wrong! A few generations ago, morality and ethics seemed simple: There were things you knew you should and should not do. There were principles you knew needed to be present when it came down to making appropriate decisions. There were societal consequences for stepping outside of those lines. Now morality seems to have gone rogue. The idea of ethics seems to have been redefined to fit personal preference. Now we say, “Right is right.” But we really mean is, “Right is what I feel is right for me. There isn’t much that's wrong, except when you try and infringe on my personal feeling of what’s right!” What happened? Does the whole concept of sin need to be re-evaluated?
In the Bible the word for sin simply defined means “to miss the mark.” The implication of this definition is plain. Anything less that hitting the precise target – anything less than perfection - is sin. When we look at this very black and white concept, it is nothing short of depressing. None of us are capable of such continued excellence, so we are all destined to wallow in imperfection. By God’s grace, we have the great gift of the sacrifice of Jesus which ultimately balances that equation. While this is a relief - an eternal relief - how do we in our everyday life keep the temptations of sin at bay? Information is everywhere to help us We live in a world where information is everywhere. We can use this information to help us be better armed against all that contributes to our being desensitized to sin. Unprecedented knowledge of the Bible, psychology and society enable us to be forewarned against the ever- growing number of ways this desensitization can happen. While this is good and encouraging news, the bad news looms even larger. But the enemy is always one step ahead Sin is an insidious enemy. In spite of all that we can and do know, this enemy has a way of keeping itself one step ahead. While we want to easily label the things of darkness as “dark,” society comes along and demands we change our perceptions. No longer is it easy (or even acceptable) to see life through the eyes of right and wrong. We are now required to see life through the prism of individuality. Each of us has somehow garnered the right to proclaim what we as single individuals will adhere to, regardless of any previously-valued standards. This continually moves the target, which in turn makes missing the mark not only more common, it now becomes more confusing as well.
How do we actually recognize sin and re-sensitize ourselves to it? Check out our December 9, 2019 podcast, “Have We Become Too Desensitized to Sin?” for answers. We trace the path societies have gone down that has them embrace darkness as light. We look at three simple steps that trap us on that dark path and how to avoid them. We also answer to difficult question as to whether Jesus accepts us as we are. Sin is your armed and ready enemy. Arm yourself to fight back!
We are going about our lives doing the best we can when suddenly we are receiving criticism for our talk, dress, actions or beliefs. Now what? Are we immediately defensive? Do we hurl back insults and accusations? Or do we cave internally, feeling really bad about ourselves and finding it hard to recover and move forward? Not wanting to change stops our growth process. Defensiveness might come from either pride or insecurity – both of which need to be recognized and managed. We know we can always get better, so how do we take the pain of a jarring critique NOT as a roadblock or defeat, but use it as a tool to build our Christian character? The Criticizer Let’s face it, there is power in criticism. If you are the criticizer, you wield a tool that can be used for building or demolition. It is you who decides what you are looking to accomplish, and your decision is boldly proclaimed in the delivery of your critique. Are you cutting, demeaning and sarcastic? If so, you are shamelessly focused on picking another apart. Are you tactful, truthful and kind? If so, you are gracefully focused on building another up. Unfortunately, most of us usually don’t stop to think before we criticize. We criticize as a reaction without thinking much at all. The end result of this kind of criticism is usually destructive. The Criticized We always envision the power of criticism as being held entirely in the words and delivery of the criticizer. Have you ever stopped to consider the great, even life-changing power the one being criticized holds? Think about this. When someone criticizes us, their power is that of an offer and really no more. They offer a battle or an insult or an observation or even a suggestion. Once the criticism is delivered, their power has ended. If I am receiving criticism, I now have all the power. I take that offer and decide how to handle it. I have the power of application and conclusion.
The bottom line is, we can choose to do something constructive with even the most harshly delivered criticism. Our first tool for handling it is sincerity. Do I really want to get better? Am I willing to look whatever legitimate truth might be hidden within someone’s vitriolic words and filter it out for consideration? Do I have the courage to accept that which is helpful and graciously discard the rest?
This is just the tip of the iceberg. Check out our December 2, 2019 podcast, “How Can Criticism Help us Grow?” for more. We looked at biblical examples of criticism received and ignored. We find examples of how NOT to dish back the kind of criticism we might be given. We talk about finding and standing on the solid and godly middle ground of response. Whether you are inclined to fold your arms and fight back, or to run hide and carry the wounds of receiving criticism with you, there are answers you need to hear!
This of the most basic manners we teach our kids. We generally start by instructing them how to appropriately make a request for something and how to graciously receive it. How do you ask? “Please!” What do you say? “Thank you!” These two simple communication tools (which incidentally seem to have been misplaced in our social media world) are not merely expressions of good manners, they are declarations of good character! As we approach the American holiday of Thanksgiving, we want to focus on being thankful in a way that goes beyond typical platitudes. How can we be truly and deeply thankful - even when our life experiences are difficult and harsh? How can we make true thankfulness a way of life and not just words of praise?
We often think of gratitude as an act of reciprocity – someone does something that has positive benefit and we show appreciation by being thankful. While this is a good place to start, true gratitude can be expressed for many wider and deeper reasons. Take loyalty for example, the ongoing experience of having someone exhibit life-long loyalty towards us. True gratitude is not expressed in a simple gesture of thanks to them. It is expressed in our transformedlife actionsthat their loyalty affords us. This kind of thanksgiving makes us better, as it continually draws us up to a higher standard and quality of life.
As we begin to understand the broad application gratitude can have, we need to pause and consider its role in our hard life experiences. Pain and thanksgiving are not bvious partners. As a matter of fact, some of our greatest gratitude experiences are driven by pain and suffering leaving us. This is the gratitude of relief, and it is important and appropriate. As Christians, it is our charge to rise to higher levels of thanksgiving. A verse in 1 Thessalonians instructs us, “In everything give thanks.” The obvious implication here is to grow into an attitude of life that is able to express thanksgiving not only when a bad experience ends, but as we are going through it as well.
How do we do this? Being thankful in the midst of pain and suffering is not natural, it is not easy and it is, frankly, not even expected by our peers. Yet, this is our goal. Check out our November 25, 2019 podcast, “How Can We Be Thankful When Life is So Hard?” We not only walk through biblical principles of gratitude and its application, we also share a dramatic personal testimony from a Christian woman. This woman lives with chronic and severe pain daily and has for years. It has completely changed her life and essentially taken away many of her previous opportunities. In her testimony she recounts how she has learned to accept this hard way of life. She also shares the new-found power and privilege she has been given because of this trial. Do not miss this inspiring view of gratitude!
It’s funny how certain fanciful images make their way into the human mind and somehow become a part of our belief foundation. Case in point – someone dies and the next thing we know, we visualize them standing before those massive and ornate “pearly gates” of heaven. Once issued their wings and harp, we see them as having “made it” into eternal bliss. Or how about the common and comforting idea that someone who has passed is now an angel looking down on us and protecting us? Do human beings REALLY turn into angels when they die? What about angels - can they ever turn into people? Are these ideas based on the Bible or do the Scriptures tell us something else about life after death?
Most of us never think about God’s heavenly and earthly creation as having been designed in several distinct levels of existence. Why? Because we don’t stop to ask the right questions and instead make assumptions about how human nature functions. Unfortunately, these assumptions have to do with tradition and what we see in the movies, not actual biblical writing. Humans becoming angels when they die is one of those traditions, with no basis in Scripture. How do we know? Earthly creation We begin with a basic premise that God’s creative process has clear-cut classes of creation within nature. These are relatively easy to define by looking at the creative days in the book of Genesis. While this account is not detailed or complete, it is an outline from which we can gain specific direction and insight. It describes the sequential appearance of atmosphere, earth and water. Grass, plants and trees begin to grow. Then the waters bring forth sea creatures. Birds are created, then the earth brings forth land animals. We get a sense of orderly hierarchy. There is a dramatic difference between how the earth "brought forth" animals versus God specifically creating humanity to have dominion over the rest of creation. There are planes of existence in the earthly creation. Heavenly creation The record of the creative days does not give us insight into the creation of angels, as we are earthly and not even remotely connected with their beginning. But we are given some clues as to what spirit beings are like, including that they are mortal. Quoting from Psalms, the book of Hebrews explains man was made "a little lower than the angels." There is no bridge between the earthly and angelic natures where one can morph into the other. We are told of different kinds of spirit beings, with God at the very top as immortal and divine. There are planes of existence in the heavenly creation. With very few exceptions for very specific reasons, natures do not change.
The Bible's narrative can be summed up in four words: Paradise lost; paradise restored. It is the details in the middle that tell just how that will miraculous work will be accomplished. Check out our November 18, 2019 podcast, “Do People Turn Into Angels When They Die?” for more. We discuss what mankind actually lost and how it will be restored. (Hint: Man never "lost" a spiritual body to restore.) If Jesus' followers don't become angels, what is the heavenly reward they are promised in the New Testament all about? It is so much more than you might have thought!
As Christians we follow Jesus. His life story is told in the New Testament of the Bible and we rightfully focus on those books. Sometimes though, our focus brings us away from the rest of the story – the Old Testament. We think, why do we need all of that Jewish history? Why do we need to know who conquered whom and how all the rituals worked that God required of the Jewish nation to show their loyalty to Him? The fact is, we NEED the Old Testament and we need it badly! This need is dramatically illustrated in the Tabernacle – the portable tent and furnishings the Jews carried with them during their 40-year wilderness experience. The story the Tabernacle tells is a breathtaking example of God’s care and His foresight.
It is probably hard to relate to Israel way back 3,600 years ago. They were miraculously delivered from the horrible slavery of Egypt and were now in the wilderness. They were brought to the land of Canaan, the land they had been promised but were too scared to take it. Even though God had assured them of victory, they shied away from the fight. As punishment, God sent them to wander in the wilderness for 40 years. How would they survive? God would provide for them in many ways beyond their own imaginations. The Tabernacle was a physical manifestation of God's presence How would they know God was with them? How would they know God had not just left them there to die? Here is where their Tabernacle came into play. This Tabernacle was kind of like a Temple on wheels for worshipping God. Wherever and whenever they were to set up camp, this portable Temple was to be set up in the middle of all their tents and herds. One of the amazing details of this structure was that the people could literally see God’s presence. By day, there was a dark cloud that stayed over its holiest room, and it turned to a pillar of fire by night. What’s more amazing is they knew when they were to pull up camp and move because the cloud moved first!
There are multiple “why” questions that surface here. Why did they need this structure? The fact is, no one was even allowed in the two holy rooms except the priesthood. Why was this portable building so precisely constructed? Exact dimensions and details were given for every part of this building. There was lots of gold overlay work and beautifully embroidered linen coverings that could only be seen from the inside. Why did this building have such unusual furniture?
Check out our November 11, 2019 podcast, “Should Christians Care about the Jewish Tabernacle?” for answers. With our special guest, Tom Ruggirello, we look at the Tabernacle’s details, construction, measurements and building materials. What we find is treasure map of sorts that shows us God’s love care and requirements for His people, both Jewish and Christian. This Tabernacle is about YOU – find out its message!
Have you ever heard the expression “putting out the fleece” when referring to someone trying to make a decision? Its origin comes from an unlikely biblical hero from an unremarkable tribe. He was the youngest of an insignificant family. Yet, Gideon was chosen by God to do a mighty work – to free Israel from the cruel oppression of the Midianites and Amalekites. Getting such an unnoticed individual to do works of such greatness took providence and patience on God’s part. Gideon needed to develop a God-based confidence to boldly move forward and stand against enemies of immense power. The story of this man’s journey inspired a nation and left a trail of lessons for us to apply in our everyday Christian walk.
When it came to Israel, God was specific and predictable. From the time they became a nation when Moses led them out of Egypt, God’s approach was always the same: Accept My guidance, follow My Laws and keep Me first and I will bless you. Make light of My guidance, ignore My laws and descend into idolatry and you will suffer consequences. When Gideon arrived on the scene, Israel was blatantly idolatrous and had gone through seven years of being terrorized by enemies. God determined it was time for deliverance, and Gideon was to be their vessel of salvation. How the victory was won One of the two basic themes of Gideon’s story is the counterintuitive nature of how the victory is won. It begins with Gideon himself. As he is called into God’s service by way of a visit from an angel, Gideon’s response sets the tone. He basically says, "Who are you calling a 'valiant warrior'? I am insignificant! You must have the wrong guy!" Yet the angel persists and gives him a task that will lead to war with an enemy who is overwhelmingly more powerful than Israel.
Gideon does what he is assigned to do and promptly has his life threatened. This small action seems senseless and makes it look like Gideon is picking a fight with the toughest, meanest warrior around. Why does God begin and follow through in this experience this way? It is the counterintuitive approach that says, "When I am on God’s side, the odds are always with me." The odds were seemingly stacked against him The second basic theme of Gideon’s story is his continued need for assurance. God gave Gideon a nation-changing task of conquering an enemy whose soldiers at the time of battle would outnumber Gideon’s small army 450 to one. To be able to consciously go into battle with such ridiculous odds stacked against you, reassurance becomes a major necessity. Check out our November 4, 2019 podcast, “Who Was Gideon?” for more. We examine the extraordinary requests Gideon makes of God to help him be sure of his actions and see how God responds. We look at the equally mind boggling, and on the surface ridiculous, requests God makes of Gideon to secure victory. Gideon’s valiant and godly behavior in the face of impossibility is an inspiration. Be part of it!
The world is scary in a lot of ways. There is an “anything goes” mentality surrounding us. This gives us the feeling there is no buffer between us and the dark, worldly or spiritual influences that exist. One of these dark influences is reflected in the rising popularity of satanism. When we hear that word – satanism – we may form a frightening, even hideous image in our minds of dark occult and bloody sacrifice-based rituals. This image is most likely a serious distortion of the truth. Does this mean we are defending satanism as a wholesome practice? Absolutely not! It does mean we want to know exactly what we are dealing with so we can understand how to keep ourselves and others from being manipulated by ungodly influences. Satanism is something to stay away from, but not for the reasons you may think! Do satanists worship Satan? Generally, satanists don’t worship Satan, or for that matter, even believe he exists. At the outset this can easily sound like a contradiction of terms. How do you build a belief system around that which you freely acknowledge is not even real? The answer to this is quite simple. Anton LaVey created “satanism” and brought it into the public eye in 1966 when he established “The Church of Satan.” His premise was not to promote the worship of Satan but instead to promote the personal human application of what Satan (a mythical symbol in his mind) stands for.
As Christians, when we look at what Satan stands for our conclusions will inevitably differ from those who want to emulate his principles. We see his multiple names described in Scripture and get a sense of his character. The name “Satan” means adversary – one who opposes another. “Adversary” does not have to be inherently bad, as opposing that which is evil is both necessary and good. In Satan’s case, the Bible tells us he is standing in opposition to God, the benevolent Creator of all things.
Another description used for Satan is “the devil,” which literally means “one who exposes to shame or blame by means of falsehood and misrepresentation.” If we are honest, this description cannot be twisted into describing a valuable characteristic that is worth following. It has no redeeming value either personally or socially. By just reviewing these two descriptions, our conclusion is obvious: Satan is opposed to the light of God.
Contrary to these conclusions, a satanist sees Satan as a pioneer, inventor and a counterbalance that creates change. Satan is seen as setting the social climate for modification. The satanist view elevates individualism and rational human thinking above all else. It sees Satan as exampling these things in his own story. What are we supposed to do with all of this? Check out our October 28, 2019 podcast, “What is Satanism?” for answers. We examine satanism and its principles. Then we measure it against what we believe are principles of true light. This reveals the subtleties and pitfalls to which we are all susceptible. Know what you stand for and against...and why!
How often do we hear of someone who just seems to have everything going wrong in their lives? They suffer loss, they have physical ailments, they are deeply distressed and their life seems to be going nowhere. Sometimes when we are that suffering person, we may begin to wonder, what did I do to deserve this? Is God mad at me? Am I cursed? When in dire circumstances these can be very human questions that actually have the ability to unravel our faith. We can easily allow seeds of doubt to be planted in our hearts which leads to becoming unnerved in our minds. Bottom line, if we weren’t thrown off by our circumstances, we can certainly be derailed by our reactions. Does God really get mad at us? As Christians, does He ever curse us? Weren't Adam and Eve cursed? Even though we may not think so, the idea of God cursing individuals is actually a strange one. I say that because when we look in the Bible to find a history of God’s curses, it does not read the way we might expect. Let’s start with Genesis and the serious sins of disobedience Adam and Eve committed. When it came down to proclaiming consequences God began with Satan. The deceiver was in the form of a serpent and God did curse him, relegating him to the dust of the ground. When it came to Eve and then Adam, he did not curse them. He punished them, but there was no curse upon them. God did, however, curse the ground because of Adam. This curse implied that the ground outside of the garden would not have the same natural fertility as the ground in Eden. Essentially, God’s gift of a life-sustaining environment for his human family would need much more of their own effort to keep them going. Wasn't Cain cursed? The same basic theme is applied when Cain killed his brother Abel. The only curse recorded was again upon the ground and not upon Cain himself. So, what’s the point of all this? It is to establish that God (while He does use curses in some places) is not some curse-happy Dictator who vindictively spoils peoples' lives when they make Him unhappy.
Now let’s go back to the question of our personal pain and hardships. God does NOT curse us with suffering. On the other hand, a strong case can be made that He actually is blessing us because of and through these things. Check out our October 21, 2019 podcast, “My Life is Full of Suffering – Am I Cursed?” for details. Once we firmly establish what curses really are, how they work and why they are there, we then address suffering. We open up how the Bible speaks of trials, pain and trauma coming from many different kinds of experiences. We look at these hardships, weigh them in the context of God’s grace and reveal His extraordinary blessing and providence in their wake.
Most Christians will tell you that once you are called to Christ, it means you are called to be "footstep followers of Jesus." While this description is easily given, it is not so easily explained. How can we walk in his footsteps as a disciple when we are really nothing like him? He was perfect, we are not. He gave his life as a ransom for Adam and therefore bought back the human race from sin. We have no such mission or value. Jesus performed miracles and taught profound lessons. We can just appreciate his miracles and spend our time absorbing what he taught. So, what is following Jesus all about? In his own words, Jesus told us to deny ourselves. What does that mean? Are we supposed to live in a way that makes us never do what we want to do? The Apostle Paul said, "I die daily." What did he mean?
We usually think about loving Jesus and being his disciple as two ways to describe the same thing, but this isn't a complete conclusion. At one particular point in Jesus' ministry he was speaking to the crowds that flocked around him. Regarding being his true followers, he told them there would come a point they would end up on the outside looking in. Jesus explained their reaction would be one of shock and surprise. They would recount to him their interactions with him and their following along with him, but Jesus' response would be, “I never knew you!” Are we followers or just fans? This tells us discipleship entails much more than familiarity and appreciation. It requires a changing of one’s life and an overhauling of one’s most basic priorities. Jesus himself described the path required to follow him as a "narrow way," a way few actually find. His continual teaching and personal example regarding serving others, being humble and seeking God’s will above all else verifies this. What Jesus didn’t expand upon regarding being his footstep follower, the Apostles and writers of the New Testament did. Based on all of this, has our conclusion changed regarding loving and appreciating Jesus in comparison to actual discipleship?
Even if this is enough to give us pause, we also need to consider the basic question of how discipleship actually begins. Is the decision to follow Jesus an entirely personal decision, one that you might discuss with close family members? While this IS part of the discipleship process it is not the beginning of it.
Discipleship actually begins with God Himself. The Bible plainly tells us He is the one who decides who has opportunity to follow Jesus and who does not. This simple statement opens the door for a whole host of new questions!
Check out our October 14, 2019 podcast, “Jesus Died For You! Are You Dying For Him?” for answers. We examine what discipleship is, how it starts and how it progresses. We break down the basic discipleship decision, what true devotion looks like and how to access genuine discipline. Putting these pieces together reveals the mosaic of what a true follower of Jesus looks like. This is an image we all need to see!
Being uprooted can mean a lot of different things. It can be the onset of a disease or disability, the loss of a job or loved one or experiencing a difficult trauma. Maybe it is a change of location - a physical move or perhaps an emotional jolt that makes us reset our thinking. Being uprooted is by definition unexpected, unwelcome and uncomfortable. It messes up our lives! Christians might like to think that because we have God working in our daily experiences, we are going to be shielded from such things. This is entirely untrue. On the surface this might seem disappointing, because nobody wants to go through experiences that mess everything up! The good news is that uprooting experiences, especially for a Christian, can be some of the greatest tools of our lives!
How do we change a difficult, uprooting kind of circumstance into a tool for growth? While there is no magic potion that alters the reality of our experience, there is something powerful we all can access. Perspective. Perspective does not have any power over the uprooting challenges we may face. It does not take away an illness, cancel out an emotional loss or reverse a job change. So, if perspective can’t change the undesirable circumstances we are facing, what good is it? Turns out that perspective can, if we let it, alter our destiny. Ask the right question When faced with hard circumstances - even as people of faith - we often react with some bewilderment. It is easy to blurt out that age-old question of frustration, “What does God want from me?” We can all sympathize, as we have all felt this way at one time or another. Here one of the great hidden truths of life regarding the questions we ask comes into play. We can never get the right answers unless we are asking the right questions! It is in this moment where perspective has its power. Instead of asking, “What does God want FROM me?” we should consider asking, “What does God want FOR me?”
With this subtle yet mind altering change, we are suddenly looking for how God will walk us through an experience rather than wondering why he dropped us into it. We can now see the uprooting we face with assurance rather than bewilderment. We are acknowledging that God has a reason behind it. This is perspective beginning to shine!
How do we put this all together to have an impact? Check out our October 7, 2019 podcast, “How Do You Handle Being Uprooted in Life?” We walk through several biblical examples of individuals being uprooted. We observe how each of these uprooting experiences was different in the way they came about. They all had diverse reasons for happening. Most importantly we trace God’s “why” for these heroes of faith and how that “why” can easily apply to us as well. Uprooting happens! Make it work for you!
One of the very basic tenets of Christianity is the belief that God does not change. We see him as omnipotent, above the fray and the embodiment of clear vision and intention. As such we believe that when God’s plan has been put in motion it is a universally unstoppable force. Enter the concept of prayer. Not only are we instructed to pray for and about things, we are shown several scriptural examples where prayer seems to have changed God’s mind. How can these things be? Why would we pray if God has already decided and how is it even possible to change the mind of He who is unchangeable? Does prayer change God's mind? The answers, as is usually the case, are not found on the surface. They are rooted in the depth of scriptural meaning and provide profound biblical insight into the extraordinary character of God! What about the Scriptures that say God changed His mind? Here we are commenting on the mind of God and whether or not it is changeable. It’s easy to look at the Bible and see some Scriptures that say God changed His mind and think, “Well, that settles it. God is changeable therefore ultimately NOT reliable. This means He is not to be trusted or followed. But it is silly to go down that road. Why? These accounts were written 2,000 to 4,000 thousand years ago in an ancient language. We are reading about the Creator of the universe – the being who was there before anything else was. We have the audacity to conclude, based on these few sentences in question, what the whole character of God is based upon. Silly! A better approach Why not take this approach: Read these Scriptures within the context they were written. Examine the words and find their clearest meanings for the time and circumstances in which they were used. Understand who is speaking, who is being spoken to and why. Then put those findings against the backdrop of what we know through other Scriptures about God. With all these ingredients in the mix, we certainly have a much better chance of finding the truth of the matter.
Think about this. You made up your mind to build a bridge. As you go through the designing and engineering processes, you lay out the steps for construction. During the actual construction process, one of your trusted engineers comes to you and says, “I think following Plan B instead of Plan A will better reflect all you want this bridge to accomplish." You have faith in this engineer’s dedication to the project, so you follow his suggestion to use Plan B. Did you change your mind? No! Did you change the method with which you accomplished what your mind was set to do? Yes!
Check out our September 30, 2019 podcast, “Can Our Prayers Change God’s Mind?” for more. Follow along as we examine the Scriptures that speak about God “changing" His mind. As we uncover the true meanings of those verses, we also discover greater depth to the character of God. This is a conversation worth having!
Sometimes we have people in our lives who seem to create difficulty wherever they go. This can be for a variety of reasons including the fact that WE could be actually attracting such folks into our experiences. For now, let’s assume there are some people who simply live unhappy and unfulfilled lives. In their search for feelings of significance they become a drain to others! Being in their presence diminishes hope, poisons happiness and upsets relationships. Their influence quietly becomes a centerpiece or even an obsession in our daily experience. What do we do? Walk away? Tell them off? Mount an attack of our own? What is the Christian thing to do? How does the Bible guide us through such extreme circumstances of dealing with toxic people? What about turning the other cheek? When faced with toxic people, it seems one of the “go to” Scriptures for any Christian is Jesus' famous words in Matthew 5 where he advised us to “turn the other cheek.” The assumed implication here is that we are supposed to rise above whatever the demeaning behavior or words are. We are to be the bigger person and “just take it.” While we are supposed to be gracious in such difficulties, the idea of becoming someone’s doormat is far from what Jesus was teaching us.
How did Jesus himself manage the toxic accusations and behaviors of those who sought to undermine his ministry? In the end, we know he absorbed their vitriol. He willingly experienced torment, torture, crucifixion and death. Amazingly, he willingly did these things for the benefit of those who hated him! However, during his 3 1/2-year ministry, Jesus handled those same people and their anger in a very different way. He talked to them and responded to their questions. He witnessed the truth to them. Jesus did NOT enter into their game. He did NOT absorb their accusations and insults; he handled them instead. Jesus never considered himself to be the person they accused him of being. He always saw himself through the eyes of his Father. Our natural reactions are likely not righteously appropriate. Understanding how Jesus handled the toxic behavior of those who so vehemently wanted to ruin him is a huge step. It gives us a basis for managing the difficult relationships we undoubtedly have to cope with. We learn our natural reactions to toxicity are usually not the healthiest responses. We need to become aware of the difference between emotional convenience and what is righteously appropriate.
Check out our September 23, 2019 podcast, “How Do You Deal with Toxic People?” for more. We address several key principles to deal with toxicity and how to be conduit for communicating through the mess. We talk about the differences between absorbing and handling the abuse. Most importantly, we talk about the fact that we have a choice. Will you continue to welcome toxic behavior whenever it shows up, or will you choose to set boundaries and repel its poison? You decide!
This continues our series on Bible Contradictions. The life of Jesus as a man on earth was filled with wonder, teaching and miracles. His obedience to his Father’s will was the centerpiece of his mission, as he came to pay the ransom price for Adam. Critics say Jesus’ earthly life was also filled with contradictions. They say these discrepancies are reasonable cause to doubt the validity of what he did, taught and stood for. They also point to these inconsistencies as proof the Bible is not the unerring word of God. Once again, we will look at some of the Scriptures the critics bring up and examine them. Our objective is simple – find out what these several citations actually mean in the light of context, history and common sense! Wasn't his name supposed to be Immanuel? These contradictions surrounding Jesus began even before he was born! One particular discrepancy has to do with his name. When Mary got pregnant the angel Gabriel appeared to both Joseph and Mary separately. This angel, sent from God in heaven, specifically tells them to name the child "Jesus." This is easy and understandable so far. In the Gospel of Matthew Chapter 21, Matthew adds this was to be a direct fulfillment of the Isaiah prophecy about a virgin conceiving. Again, understandable...until Matthew tells us the name of the child would be “Immanuel.” Why wasn’t Jesus named Immanuel? Why did an angel of God tell them to name him Jesus, in direct contradiction to the prophecy? Which is right? Looking at this issue from where we sit today can raise a legitimate question regarding the integrity of Scripture. And this is just one of the multiple problems regarding Jesus’ life and ministry. Several other questions deal with easily-traceable things like time and place. For example, when did Jesus start his teaching? Was it before or after John the Baptist was put in prison? (The Bible seems to say both.) What about after Jesus was baptized? Two of the gospels say he went into the wilderness for 40 days to fast and pray. The Gospel of John seems to indicate he was at a wedding three days after his baptism. What about the temptations in the wilderness? The two Gospels that list them put them in a different order!
When we have these issues listed out for us in this way, it can really look daunting. Why are there so many things, often simple things, that don’t seem to make sense? The good news is, these things DO make sense! Check out our September 16, 2019 podcast, “Contradictions (Part VI): Do the Accounts of Jesus’ Life Contradict Themselves?” We meticulously cover every one of the questions we have alluded to here, as well as some others. We found that each and every issue has a logical, scriptural and context-based answer. These answers are not only solid in their reasoning, they solve the potential doubts that can easily arise when someone challenges your faith by waving these Scriptures in front of you.
This continues our series on biblical contradictions. Genesis is the first book of the Bible and its foundation. It lays out for us the origin of the intricacies of our world, as well as the origins of the human race. Morality is introduced, and this book takes us through the first few thousand years of the human experience. Genesis - particularly the creation account - is profoundly important to our understanding of God and our place in His universe. Critics of the Bible seem to love this creation account. They are quick to point out that in its very first chapter the book presents itself as not only wildly contradictory, but clearly unscientific as well. They conclude it is simply a collection of tales and imaginations. Are they right? Does the creation account support fanciful stories to give the ignorant something to hold onto, or is it actually based in fact?
The very first verse of the Bible reads, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth...” These few words lay the foundation for both great misrepresentation as well as great truth. The trouble in this verse comes when we assume a subject is being spoken of that isn’t. “In the beginning...” - what beginning? Many take this as the beginning of the universe, as it says "God created the heavens and the earth." Nothing could be further from the truth! If we would only read a few verses down we would discover that the word "heavens" is actually referring to earth’s atmosphere. Once we understand this, it is easy to see “In the beginning” is not universal. It is only about the establishment of earth as a life-supporting planet.
Once we know the creation account in Genesis is only about the earth, we can then begin to grasp its details. Critics are quick to point out the order of creation is flawed in the six creative days. They say that light/the sun was obviously created on the first day and then again claims to be created on the fourth day. Further, they read the creation of the fourth day to include the moon and stars. If they are right, this would reveal several dramatic contradictions of the Bible against itself, not to mention science.
Check out our September 9, 2019 podcast,“Contradictions (Part V): What Profound Secret Does Creation Reveal?” for details. We carefully go through the supposed Genesis chapter 1 discrepancies and put the account in order as it is meant to be read. We then look at Genesis 2. This chapter seems to be in direct and blatant contradiction of the first chapter! What we find here is not only a logical answer it is a profound truth about the character of God.
The biblical account of creation is far deeper and more in tune with science than the average person may think. Unraveling these connections requires not just thought, attention and study; it requires a desire to know the truth. Follow along with us on this path as we unfold these conclusions. It is a journey worth taking!
This continues our series on biblical contradictions. Ask any Christian and they will tell you one of the greatest - if not THE greatest - events in all of biblical history is the resurrection of Jesus after his crucifixion. We laud this event as the undeniable guarantee that God’s plan for the world’s salvation is entirely unstoppable. This event not only sealed the ransom payment as received, it also sealed the fate of Satan as well. With so much riding on this event, you would think the narrative given us in Scripture would be the most crystal clear account in the entire Bible. That is NOT the case. The event is recorded by all four gospels and each of them seems to contradict the others! Why so many resurrection contradictions? Those who seek to destroy the Bible’s credibility are quick to say these discrepancies are proof of the Bible’s fallibility. Are they? Let’s take them one at a time and find out. Eyewitness Accounts There are several details of the early morning Jesus was resurrected that the four Gospels report with marked differences. Before getting into any of those differences, it is important to note the existence of inconsistencies actually lends to credibility. Let’s look at the reasoning. The Gospel of Luke reports there were at least five women who showed up early that morning to anoint Jesus body. None of those women actually wrote any of the accounts. The Gospel writers would have had to interview any number of them to get their story. Have you ever heard two or three people report a traumatic event in exactly the same way? Of course not! What makes us think that they would have been any different?
Some may say if the Bible is the infallible word of God we say it is, this kind of inconsistency would not appear. Actually, the opposite is here again true. The Bible never seeks to alter any character’s perspective or to hide or spin their behavior. Such dishonesty would take away the authority of Scripture. Instead, we have reports from several eyewitnesses collected for us to merge into one larger narrative. The approach would then be to pool all of the details that seem contradictory and produce the sequential account. Mary Magdalene Mary Magdalene is the one individual who appears in all four accounts of Jesus’ resurrection. She is the one who had seven demons cast out of her. Mary’s complete dedication to honoring Jesus after his death is one of the lynchpins of this dramatic event. The book of John particularly focuses on her story. Her experience becomes the baseline for putting the several versions in order. Check out our September 2, 2019 podcast, “Contradictions: (Part IV): Why So Many Contradictions Surrounding Jesus’ Resurrection?” for the details. We not only examine all of the supposed discrepancies between the Gospels, we use them to build the logic and sequence the event. What some claim is such a contradictory problem is actually a touching and powerful story!
This continues our series on biblical contradictions. See Part I and Part II for more. We all need foundational principles to believe in and solid ground to stand on. Human nature thrives where such a firm base can be found. Achievement can flourish when there is unflinching belief, in a relationship, the science of a matter or one’s own talent. For Bible-believing Christians, this foundation does not get any more significant than the unwavering character of God Himself. All that we stand for relies on the truth of who God is and what drives Him. It is this very foundation of God’s own character that many critics boisterously attack. Accusations fly, claiming the Bible itself condemns our God. They claim it shows the contradictions about God in His actions, flaws in His character and general confusion about what He wants from us. Let’s be honest, there are several Scriptures that certainly seem to expose contradictory views about God. What do those texts really say, and are we willing to accept truth over opinion?
While there are several areas critics claim the Bible sends mixed messages about God, we will only mention a few for now. First is the general accusation that God is a God of confusion. They say it would be so easy for God to just reveal Himself, answer everyone’s questions and make everyone happy. While this is a nice storybook-like approach, it really has no basis in reality.
God is a God of plans and purposes. The vast majority of these are too big and complex be known by everyone right here and now. Think about this: You have a fair understanding of basic algebra. You pick up a textbook on Advanced Calculus and begin reading. You become totally confused. Just because you are confused does not mean the textbook is confused – it is simply beyond your grasp. Perhaps the apparent confusion surrounding God can be viewed in the same way.
Second, let’s look at the Ten Commandments. The second commandment states God’s people are not to have any graven images. Not too much further along in Israel’s wilderness wandering experiences, God instructs Moses to make an image. It was an image of a serpent to be lifted up on a pole as a focal point for specific healing. This absolutely seems to contradict the very commandment God Himself gave to those same people. Not only does this seem to blatantly undermine God’s own commands, it is done by the authority of God Himself!
Was God contradicting Himself to Israel and to us with this action? Check out our August 26, 2019 podcast, “Contradictions (Part 4): Does God Contradict Himself?” We thoroughly examine this particular issue and find the scriptural proof for what was really going on. We also examine God's anger. Is His anger in direct contradiction to being a God of love? And what about the question some raise as to whether or not God forsakes His people? We look at all of these questions and more and present you with honest, scripturally-based reasoning. Don’t miss it!
It is a sad thing to say, but slander and gossip are easy. They are. Whether by spoken word or social media interaction, we are set up to say things, write things and imply things about others without recourse. For some reason we think it is okay to slam those we don’t like with twisted facts and partial truths. It is looked upon as cool or even clever to attack those whom we see as our opposition with innuendo and unverified stories! Wait a minute – we need to ask ourselves – do I consider myself to be a moral person? Am I a professed follower of Christ? Do I ever contribute to this mess by dishing it out OR receiving it? Let’s face it, any participation in this kind of slanderous and evil behavior is in no way and under no circumstances EVER justifiable for any Christian or moral person! How do we stop it?
Based on the actual meaning of the word, the kindest definition of "gossip" we could come up with is "hushed, idle and careless talk." Gossip is the creating or repeating of things that should not be said because they are not true, not the whole story or because they are no one else’s business. Gossip happens easily and sometimes unintentionally. In short, gossip is everywhere. Slander is more of a spoken-out-loud misrepresentation of someone with the intention of damaging that person’s character, reputation or record. It is much harder (though not impossible) to slander someone unintentionally. Like gossip, slander also seems to have taken up permanent residence in our daily lives.
The Bible is very blunt about these things and heartily condemns them at every turn. In the New Testament there are several lists of the worst kinds of behavior Christians should run from. We are warned that engaging in these things can keep us out of God’s kingdom! It is amazing to see the consistency with which both gossip and slander make appearances on these lists. The lesson here is obvious. We need reminding to avoid what is not only hurtful but easy to get involved with. How can we be sure we are NOT engaging in gossip and slander? There is no better way figure this out than to tell a true story. Check out our August 19, 2019 episode, “If I Slander and Gossip, What Does That Say about Me?” We tell the heart-wrenching story of a Christian woman who slandered someone. She describes the chaos and destruction she caused by speaking a few simple words. Her candid account shows the emotional havoc she brought upon others and herself. It reveals how close her life came to ruin. It reviews the many practical steps she necessarily took to learn why her words were so damaging and how to own what she said. Her story also brings us to the victory that came to her through prayer, study, humility and action. We are easy prey for gossip and slander. Don’t get caught by surprise!
Jesus died for our sins, and if we believe in him we will go to heaven. This common Christian belief that ties Jesus’ sacrifice and our salvation up into one neat package sounds simple, but it actually raises many questions. What does it mean to “believe” in Jesus? Is belief in his teachings the point or is it believing in the fact of and reason for his death? What is salvation? Is it just praying the Sinner’s Prayer? It it a change of heart or a complete life overhaul? Does everyone who experiences salvation go to heaven? What about Jesus praying for God’s kingdom on earth? To sort this all out, we need to look at how the Bible says the pieces go together. First, we need to understand Jesus’ ransom and the specific role it plays. Once this is in place, understanding salvation becomes much easier!
Let’s be clear. The ransom Jesus paid for our sins as he was crucified on Calvary’s cross is entirely different from the salvation that comes to each of us afterwards. Understanding they are two completely different things is a critical step in being able to comprehend God’s plan for humanity. What do we know about Jesus’ sacrifice? Plenty. First, it was a "one size fits all" event. There are many Christian theories about how this works, so let’s go past them all and get to the main point. The simple and scriptural reason for Jesus’ ransom being once for all is that he died for Adam’s sin. Romans chapter 5 makes this clearly known and also explains that because we are the posterity of Adam, our sins are also included.
What does this mean for salvation? While salvation is squarely built upon the sole foundation of the ransom, it works in an entirely different way. Here again, there are many Christian theories at work but for the most part do not adequately answer many of the hard questions. What about people who lived before Jesus – what is their link to salvation? What happens to those who never had the opportunity to hear the Gospel or meet a Christian? Are they simply cut out of the reach of being saved? Does salvation work the same way for everyone? The Bible is very clear as it deals which every one of these difficult and important questions.
Check out our August 12, 2019 podcast, “Are Jesus’ Ransom and Our Salvation the Same?” for the details. The scriptural and logical pathway to clarifying salvation is surprisingly easy to follow. Walk along with us as we dispel interpretations and theories that attempt to make salvation a "one size fits all" package. Follow our scriptural reasoning as we consider the many texts that open salvation’s wide application. Understand the radically different results being saved brings, depending upon who is claiming it. As you see the Scriptures revealed on this subject, it is sure to be a light bulb experience! Don’t miss it!
Jealousy and envy are often very secret sins. We invite them into our lives and harbor them deeply in our hearts where they fester and grow. One day we look around, and if we are observant, we realize we are seeing our world through different and damaged eyes. Jealousy and envy not only damage our personal character and outlook, they can easily damage our relationships and our perceptions of others as well. What brings us to the place where these things creep in and take hold of our very lives? How do we recognize them, and how do we take steps to not only fight back but overcome and defeat them?
First, is there a difference between jealousy and envy? A good working comparison is: Jealousy is the emotion that occurs when we anticipate or feel the loss of something of great value to us. The key point here is that you are experiencing an actual loss or the loss of something you fully expected to have. Envy is the emotion that occurs when we experience an extreme desire for something someone else has. The comparative point here is there is no actual loss; rather, the emotion stems from seeing and wanting someone or something that is out of reach. It is unfortunately very easy to have both of these insidious emotions plaguing us simultaneously.
Sadly, we are far too often willing to accept jealousy and envy as part of life. We allow them to take root in our hearts figuring they are natural and therefore somehow tolerable. Nothing could be further from the truth! Both the Old and New Testament writings are pointed on this subject. They call out jealousy and envy for what they are – sins – grievous sins. The Bible is explicit in its descriptions of the damage they do.
A graphic example is the dedicated Christian woman we had on our podcast with us to discuss jealousy and envy. All of her life she had a deep-rooted desire to be a mom. She married the right man, also a deeply dedicated Christian. They settled into and built a good life together and then discovered they were not able to have children. That discovery in and of itself was completely devastating. What happened after was even worse, as jealousy and envy crept into her heart and mind. It seemed as though everyone was getting pregnant, and the sense of loss coupled with discontent just grew. She found herself out of place in her own life.
What did she do? How did she find her way back to a godly and gracious mindset? Check out our August 5, 2019 podcast, “Am I a Jealous Christian?” and hear the story yourself. This courageous woman laid out very the specific, scripturally-based steps she took to beat back the monstrous and debilitating effects that jealousy and envy wreaked in her life. This is a story of victory and a story you don’t want to miss!
The New Testament gives us a clear picture of Jesus replacing the Old Testament Law as our path to life. As Christians we all agree with this, and yet so many of us still follow parts of that old Jewish Law. Why? Are certain aspects of it supposed to be carried over? Are we required to keep the Sabbath or tithe? What about “honor your father and mother”? Shouldn’t we always do that? With these particular questions on the table, we might conclude that Jesus didn’t really override the Law but instead just made some major adjustments. Can that be true? Fortunately the New Testament makes this all clear. It all comes down to what Jesus did and did not do...and the answer is powerful!
Christianity is obviously founded upon the sacrifice of Jesus. The opportunity to follow him was given to both Jews and Gentiles. Because Jesus was obviously Jewish himself, the question of what to do with the requirements and sacrifices of that Old Testament Law has been discussed and disagreed on for centuries. The Jewish Law had been the centerpiece for communion with God for many centuries before Jesus came. Letting go of it was an epic challenge for many Jewish Christians.
The New Testament book of Hebrews emphatically tells us the blood of bulls and goats offered as Old Testament sacrifices could not take away sin. Those offerings provided a temporary bridge to harmony with God, and as such, needed yearly renewal. Jesus was THE sacrifice necessary for the sins of the world. That sacrifice was done once, and it was done for all. This one scriptural point clearly tells us that Jesus actually replaced the need for those temporary things. Does this provide absolute proof Jesus lifted the requirements of the Law from the shoulders of Christians? Sort of!
Jesus’ offering of himself did emphatically cancel the need for continual sacrifices required by the Jewish Law. This change helps us understand the removal of the rituals of the old Law. Interestingly, some Christians do still hold onto some of those old rituals such as tithing and physical abundance. This is actually counter-productive to the whole idea of following in Jesus' footsteps. Seeing it all in context and in the words of the Apostle Paul will make this plain.
What about the moral aspects of the Law? Did Jesus take those away as well? Check out our July 29, 2019 podcast, “Does the Old Testament Law Apply to Me?” to find out. We look at how Jesus handled several aspects of moral living, quoted directly from the Law. We examine several Scriptures that inform us on the differences between the works of the Law and a life of faith. We also pinpoint why the Law came to humanity and how it actually dovetails with the purpose of Christianity. Though these teachings may seem basic to some and irrelevant to others, they provide a sturdy foundation for the building of Christianity. That is a lesson we all need!
Most people seem to have a sense there is something beyond this life, that death is not a permanent end. This “sense” is expressed in a myriad of differing beliefs about life and death. Every Christian denomination believes in the resurrection of the dead, but the similarities stop there. Looking at the Scriptures we find a complex and easily-confused story of how the resurrection works. First, when we look at the word that describes being raised from the dead, it actually has a surprising meaning. Secondly, we need to ask who gets resurrected? When does it happen? Is it all at once, one at a time or in groups? Are all those who are resurrected receiving the same treatment? With all of these questions and varied beliefs, let’s see if we can follow the Bible’s reasoning.
The Old Testament has a surprising number of references to the resurrection. This tells us two things. First, it lets us know that resurrection was a part of God’s plan right from the beginning. This is a comforting thought, as it verifies the power and foresight regarding humanity God had from the start. Second, the Old Testament resurrection references tell us those ancient faithful ones before Christ looked forward to being raised. This expands our vision and expectations as to what coming back from the dead is all about. It clarifies that Jesus’ sacrifice really is for all mankind at all times.
As common as resurrection is in the Bible, it turns out it is not that easy to understand. Jesus raised several people from the dead, but technically he did NOT resurrect them. While this sounds contradictory, it actually makes perfect sense. What Jesus did with the 12-year old girl, the widow of Nain’s son and Lazarus was resuscitate them. He revived their lives to the same fallen state as they had before they died. This is in contrast with THE resurrection that happens in the last days. At that time people will be raised to life in an entirely different environment. Of course, this is not nearly as simple as it sounds. Any individuals raising will be entirely dependent upon which category of resurrection they qualify for. While this may sound ominous for some, it is not.
Check out our July 22, 2019 podcast, “What is the End Times Resurrection About? How Does It Work?” for details. We lay out the several different resurrections revealed in the Bible. We look at who is raised when, and what they are raised to. This journey of discovery brings us to an enlightened and powerful understanding of how God’s plan works. The most important conclusion is: Every human being who ever lived experiences a resurrection that gives them opportunity. This opportunity for all is based on the sacrifice of Jesus and it brings accountability to each and every person. What better plan could there be than that?
We have all done wrong. We have all had to come to grips with our actions and deal with the consequences. In short, we have all had to experience the opportunity for repentance. So, what is repentance anyway? Does it mean we carry the results of our sins with us every day as a reminder of the destructiveness of what we did? Is it saying we are sorry and then moving on? Does being repentant, especially for big sins, have to be renewed like a subscription? Once we are truly sorry for whatever it is we did wrong, can we ever expect to be happy again? Or are we now destined for a sober-minded existence? The good news is, repentance IS a powerful tool for healing AND happiness. We just need to know how to use it!
The biggest thing about repentance is understanding what it really is. It's easy to envision repenting for a wrong by saying we’re sorry. Suppose we re-tweet, post or forward something damaging about someone that was a skewed version of the truth. We realize it and let them know we shouldn’t have done it. Are we done? We apologized and told them we really didn’t mean to hurt them, so it should be over, right? Let’s all move on and leave the harshness or misunderstanding behind us.
Sorry to say (there I go saying I’m sorry) this does not even begin to approach what true repentance is. All we are doing here is expressing regret. We are pausing long enough to consider an action that didn’t sit well in our own mind. We want to be rid of the unsettled feeling. Nice for us but of no real long lasting value.
On the other hand, repentance in its truest form is one of the single most powerful decisions we as human beings can make. It is all about reversal. It takes the pause that regret gives us and transforms it into a full-fledged "stop and consider" moment. Once we decide to go down this road, we are then called upon to act. Our stop and consider moment can now become the catalyst for a reversal of direction. This action seeks to remove or repair the wrong we have done. It also takes the wellbeing of the wronged individual and makes it our priority. Repentance begins healing.
It turns out the Bible is a complete textbook on repenting in an appropriate way. God even has the prophet Isaiah give the entire nation of Israel a lesson on what fake repentance looks like and how to achieve the real thing. There are also many dramatic personal examples of real repentance in the Bible as well. Check out our July 15, 2019 podcast, “How Do I Live a Repentant Life?” for more. We not only take apart these important examples but also focus on what we need to make our own repentance genuinely work. Talk about learning something important!
Jesus was and is evidence of God’s love for humanity. The proof is not just in the fact that he came to ransom us from sin and death. It is also displayed in how he taught us God’s plan. Still, it is admittedly hard to grasp what God’s plan is about especially when he spoke in parables. Two weeks ago we looked at the first two of a string of five parables Jesus spoke to a very diverse audience of God’s people. As a whole, all of those stories were designed to show God’s love for His creation. They were also to demonstrate to God’s chosen their responses to that love. This proved to be a two-edged sword as those responses (evidenced by our two parables today - the Prodigal Son and the Unjust Steward) were sometimes really bad. So, does Jesus pointing out glaring weaknesses in God’s people actually display God’s love?
One of Jesus’ more famous parables is about the Prodigal Son. We continued Part II of our “Does God Love Humanity” series (See Part I) by putting this story in its proper context. This is something that rarely happens! Most Christians interpret this story as depicting the journey of sinners as they rebelliously run away from God. While this understanding certainly gives us inspirational lessons, it is NOT the main point. Jesus used the two sons in the story to show that the nation of Israel at that time was divided into two main camps. The older more “stable” son depicted the religious leaders, the Pharisees and Scribes. They were great at portraying an outward appearance of loyalty to God’s Law. The younger rebellious son depicted the average people who were just going about life marginalizing God’s Law.
This story is actually about the entitlement mentality of both sons. While it speaks of the younger son’s wonderful recovery, it is also a story of selfishness and resentment. So, why are we talking about this parable in the context of God’s love for humanity? Because it shows us how God has always kept the eternal welfare of humanity in His heart. He sent Jesus as the necessary ransom price, but that was not the only thing He did. God’s plan also gave Jesus the platform to show us where we were going wrong. Even though Israel was God’s chosen people, they weren’t acting like it. Jesus told them why. He also told them what they should be doing to get back in line with God and the Law.
The next story Jesus told was that of the Unjust Steward. At face value, this parable contains some strange events. The account detailed exactly what was about to happen to the Pharisees. It told them what their attitude should be. Check out our July 8, 2019 podcast, “Does God Really Love Humanity? (Part II)” for more. We trace the consequences God put in place for His chosen people and uncover how necessary they were. While based on just actions, God’s plan for His human creation has a very caring and fatherly approach. Join us to see how it works!
We live in a time and place where we are blessed with freedom of speech. This means we have freedom to preach! Preach what? The Gospel of Christ of course! Now, depending on your perspective, the “good news” of the gospel can mean a wide variety of things. When we present Jesus to someone, are we showing them the true gospel? Is physical abundance and blessing or escaping from a burning place of torment the point? Is having your sicknesses healed or experiencing powerful emotions of peace and safety the point? Jesus and his apostles showed us what the gospel was and is - and to be honest - it looks a lot different than many claim it to be. Let’s take a critical look at the essence of the gospel as we have this time of unparalleled freedom to share it with others.
Looking from the outside in, it is easy to see how the gospel can look like it is born out of contradiction. Forget the countless denominations of Christianity. The New Testament itself makes numerous statements to support this challenge. Many Scriptures talk about “few are chosen,” “the narrow door” and “few there be that find it.” Many other Scriptures are plain in their proclamation that the gospel is “good news for all,” Jesus is the satisfaction “for the sins of the whole world” and “the knowledge of the Lord will cover the earth.” So, which message is the true gospel? Is it about a select few or every human who ever lived?
To provide a sufficient answer, we need to step back and see the big picture. All Christians agree that Jesus is the absolute centerpiece of the gospel. The real question is - was the gospel hope introduced when Jesus came 2,000 years ago? While Jesus made the message plain in his words and actions, he did not originate it. Think how often he said he was saying and doing what his Father told him to. Think how often he quoted the Old Testament and how that helped us see what the work and experiences of Jesus would be like. All these things tell us that the gospel had its foundations and beginnings long before Jesus came. As a matter of fact, the good news is clearly evident way back at the beginning of Genesis.
Check out our July 1, 2019 podcast, “Preach the Gospel! What does that Mean?” for more. Follow along with us as we break down the development of the gospel message. We also capture details of how it was spoken and where it was focused. In all of this, the most fascinating and revealing biblical understanding is in regard to the breadth of its reach. We find amazing scriptural support for the fact that the gospel really is and will be for every human being who has ever lived. While this thought may be controversial to some, we truly see it as the epitome of the Good News of Jesus Christ!
One of the most famous Scripture says, “God so loved the world, He gave His only begotten son” for it. For many, the obvious follow up response is, "Great! Then why is the world more messed up now than ever before?" In truth, God does love humanity. His love is expressed in a profound and eternal plan. While understanding this plan may be challenging, it certainly is not impossible. On many occasions Jesus showed us the magnitude of God’s love and plan. But he showed us in story form. We will look at a series of parables. These are stories Jesus used in Luke 15 and 16 to trace the power and grandeur of God’s love for all of us. By carefully following the symbols in the parables, we can clearly reveal their meaning!
In Part I we uncover the Parables of the Lost Sheep and the Lost Coin. These are both found in Luke 15. The Lost Sheep story is almost universally interpreted that Jesus as the shepherd leaves his 99 sheep behind in the pasture He goes to find the one sheep who strayed away. We love the feeling we get when we see a picture of Jesus accounting for every last one of his flock. The parable goes on to describe a celebration in heaven over the finding of a lost sinner. While such an interpretation provides a wonderful picture, we think it's really missing the big picture of God’s love for humanity.
In the parable, the 99 sheep are described as not needing repentance. Think about the human family. Can we honestly think of 99 individuals in all of history who did not need repentance? There was in fact only one, the man Christ Jesus. That being the case, we realize that the parable's convenient interpretation does not match the words of Jesus in that parable. To find the true meaning of the story we need to be sure we put all of the clearly-stated pieces of it in order.
When we assemble those pieces appropriately. We find a powerful picture of God and His love for the entire human race. Rather than focusing on just one sinner, the parable is actually focusing on an entire race of sinners. It shows us that God not only loves us, but He through the obedience and sacrifice of Jesus holds all of humanity as sacred. What could be better than that?
Check out our June 24, 2019 podcast, “Does God Really Love Humanity? (Part I)” for more. (Then check out Part II!) See how the details of this Lost Sheep story fit together into a powerful narrative of God’s care for us. Further, see how the parable of the Lost Coin follows suit with the same general message but from a whole different perspective. Jesus taught in parables to purposely be mysterious. He also said his true followers would be privileged to understand things others could not. The clear message? God’s love for humanity is genuine, pre-planned and eternal!
The whole idea of fatherhood seems to have changed. In this age of one-parent families in which the present parent is overwhelmingly the mom, we accepted and embraced minimizing the need of a living-at-home dad. I certainly understand not wanting any child to feel inferior because they don’t have a dad in their life, but does that justify marginalizing every dad? So, what is the role of fatherhood? Are there principles and practices of fathering that are concrete and should never change? How do we take the “old-fashioned” scriptural ways and apply them to men raising children in the 21st century? What are the most important things Christian dads should be aware of? How do fathers raise their children in an age where we have now begun to pronounce masculinity as toxic?
Over 20 percent of children in the United States are raised in homes without a father. Other statistics show that dropping out of high school, teenage pregnancy, crime and incarceration rates are excessively higher among individuals who come from fatherless homes. These statistics are tragic but telling. In spite of the resounding and mounting resistance to the whole idea of manliness within a family, one thing should be clear: We need fathers – strong men who care for, go out of their way for and lead their families.
For Christians, a curious question arises out of this dilemma. With fatherhood as such a lynchpin to social success, why doesn’t the Bible have full chapters about it? Certain texts give fathering advice. Some examples are specific verses in Proverbs and sections in the books of Ephesians and Colossians that give sound advice. Why not more? Because fatherhood was a natural expectation for men back then. It was a disgrace to poorly support your family and a rare occurrence to be an absentee dad. Jewish and Christian Men in ancient times knew their place was not only with their families, it was to lead them in a godly way.
The best way to find deep and profound scriptural advice for fathers is to examine a good father from those days. Check out our June 17, 2019 podcast, “Is Fatherhood Still Vital?” for more. We closely observe how Joseph was called upon to be the father of Jesus. We typically see Joseph in almost the same way we would view an “extra” in a movie. Sure, he was there, and sure he had something to do with the story, but Mary and Jesus were the main characters. News flash! Nothing could be further from the truth! Joseph’s fatherhood story reveals clear and specific lessons regarding the “how to” of fatherhood. It is also an inspirational look at a man who willingly took on a monumental task of historic proportions.
Fatherhood is crucial. Whether we are a dad or not, we still need to understand what it requires and how it works. Once we embrace the principles of being a dad, we can use them in our experiences to encourage, to support and even lead others to a more fulfilling life!
Christian unity. It has such a reassuring sound to it. To be unified in Christ is to be in a position of not merely mutual acceptance but in a position of locking arms and co-laboring for the accomplishment of something far bigger than any one of us. The problem is the reality in which we live. There are so many approaches and opinions on what Christianity is and even stands for, the idea of unity gets lost in the confusion of doctrines and denominations. Is the state of Christianity supposed to be like this? What do the Scriptures say Christian unity really is? What should we be doing to accomplish it? When do doctrine, character and tradition belong together? When are there legitimate reasons for such things to divide?
Jesus was pretty clear when it came down to how his followers were to treat each other once he was gone. The lessons he taught on his last night before crucifixion were not only inspirational, they were pointed. First was the example of washing his disciple’s feet. Jesus, the Lord and Master of all, was the one to get down on his knees and serve his followers with this most humble hospitality ritual. The takeaway was clear – none of you should think himself too good to do the most menial things while serving another. Jesus gave us this lesson to be a foundational principle for our unity as his followers. The other experiences of that last evening together only served to enhance Jesus message - I am leaving and you all need to serve, rely on and support each other. Be unified!
Reviewing these lessons makes Christian unity seem simple and straightforward. Unfortunately, it is not. Jesus also warned us that “wolves in sheep’s clothing” would come in among his flock to destroy them. To make matters worse, the rest of the New Testament is full of further warnings regarding the dangers Jesus’ followers would face throughout the age of the gospel message. Smooth talking and wordly-minded leaders would challenge Christian unity. Vain philosophies and false doctrines woudl test Christian unity. The Scriptures tell us that seeking unity with those who promote such things is not only counter-productive, it is downright dangerous!
With all of this being said, it sounds like Christian unity cannot be a reality. We submit it not only is possible...it is required. How do we bring these two conflicting thoughts into harmony? Check out our June 10, 2019 podcast, “We are Christians, But Are We United?” for more. We take a practical look at what Christian unity is supposed to be built upon, and what it should produce. We also identify the things that make it difficult, and he things that alert us to avoid even trying. It requires wisdom and insight to be unified in the way Jesus showed us. Follow along with us and learn where to begin!
Several weeks ago (see Part 1) we began a journey down what might be considered a tricky path as we took a first step towards addressing an enormous subject – perceived Bible contradictions. This is a huge undertaking, not only because of the Bible’s very nature, being ancient and authored by several over many centuries, but because of the emotional reactions from the opposing sides as well. Many people and groups have “exposed” what they have concluded are blatant contradictions within its pages. They are not shy about advertising their findings – just look online! Then there are those of us who do believe that the Bible IS the inspired word of God and are convinced that the scriptures are sound and harmonious. Part 2 of the task we are taking on is simple – address these reported contradictions one at a time in an effort to clear up what we believe are errant conclusions. Really?!?! The Bible has in its pages many accounts that upon reading could easily leave you scratching your head and wondering why God would do THAT. Because of this, many assert the God of the Old Testament was basically a monster. They conclude this based on their interpretations of several Scriptures they say show God as a bloodthirsty sovereign. One such example is the account of God calling Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac. What kind of God would require such a thing? The answer they give is only a monstrous ruler would do that.
I agree. Only a monster would do that. Let’s remember one detail that seems to be continually overlooked regarding this story. That is, God never intended and did not allow Abraham to do any harm to his son Isaac. As a matter of fact, God had an angel standing at the ready and an actual sacrifice available to fulfill His request. So, was God just toying with Abraham? No. There are many reasons for this whole scenario to have unfolded in this way. We will touch on just one.
Abraham was called to follow God out of an environment of deep and monstrous idolatry. In that environment, sacrificing children to some stone or wooden image was a very common occurrence. God called Abraham to be loyal to Him and to no other. In God’s demonstration of His love and power, He dramatically showed Abraham that He was a God who did NOT desire or require the taking of innocent life. He instead was the preserver of such life. This would be dramatically demonstrated again thousands of years later when Jesus (a descendant of Abraham and Isaac) gave his life to redeem the lives of all humanity.
This is just one example with only a small piece of reasoning attached to it. There are several others, some even more dramatic than this! Check out our June 3, 12019 podcast, “Does the Bible Contradict Itself? Part II” for more. We look at how God really views things like human sacrifice, killing and lying. Walk with us for a reasoned approach on these difficult Scriptures and see for yourself!
We have all seen arrogance. Sometimes it comes across as ultimate confidence and a sense of indestructibility and we might admire it. Sometimes it comes across as a cocky, self-absorbed perspective and we are appalled by it. The point is, whether we are looking at someone in their self-proclaimed loftiness in a positive or a negative way, we are still seeing an ego gone awry. Having addressed what we see in others, we now need to look in the mirror. Are we, in our blessed positions of Christian faith, arrogant because we believe that we have the truth of God’s word? Be careful with this answer, because in some ways it might be a trick question! Is there a difference between arrogance and confidence, personal pride and being pompous?
Let's being with our fundamental question - should a Christian ever have pride? The surprising answer is yes – and that obviously needs an explanation. In most cases when "pride" is mentioned in the Bible, the original Hebrew or Greek words mean "arrogance," "majesty," "conceit" or "bragging." These things bring out an image of one who is over the top all about themselves. No Christian in their right mind would ever see this as a way to present themselves to the world around them - much less to God. So, what about pride in a job well done or satisfaction in the progression of a task or treasuring the accomplishments of another? These things are appropriate, as they are contrary to the biblical meanings we just discussed.
The key to all of this is ego. Is what I am elevating a direct boost to my perception of how others should laud me and my influence? Or is what I am elevating something that others can appreciate and be inspired by? This is harder to answer than it might seem. If I have done a good thing in the sight of many, what are those who observe taking away from the experience? They see me as having succeeded in a great thing. Am I trying to fill them with awe towards me because I am so incredibly talented and accomplished? Or am I showing them the value of hard work and discipline when faced with a daunting but important task? These questions help us to drill down to discover the foundation of our actions.
Check out our May 27, 2019 podcast, “Am I an Arrogant Christian?” for answers. We talk about what provokes arrogance and give several amazing biblical examples. Each example has a remedy built into it. We look at the absolute need for leadership and examine the potential pitfalls that can arise for both leader and followers. We also delve into the most insidious kind of arrogant behavior. In many ways this behavior is shocking because it is not usually anticipated. We look at how it works, uncover the surprising ways it manifests itself and kind of people it affects. Understanding how pride gets out of hand and how it damages all is the first step to avoiding its consequences.
The King James Bible says righteousness and judgment (although this word judgment should more accurately be translated as "righteousness") are the foundation of God’s throne. This picture language shows us that God does indeed judge everyone, and everything and His judgments are based on that which is right and equitable. So, how does it work? Does God have a “rubber stamp” approach as He looks at people, governments, institutions and angels that proclaims “Guilty!” or “Innocent!”? Not at all! On the contrary, God’s approach to and methods for judgment are varied and even complex. How do we sort all this out? Who gets judged when, how does it happen and what are they scrutinized for? How do we decipher God’s patterns of judgment so we can appreciate His unbiased conclusions?
To begin, let’s focus in on how God judged the nation of Israel at the time of Jesus. Here they were going along as God’s chosen people existing under Roman rule when this guy shows up preaching and baptizing. His message was, "Prepare, because someone is coming who will change your life." John was, of course, paving the way for Jesus’ own ministry, but he also was laying the groundwork for God’s judgment as well. He plainly told the spiritual leadership in Israel that God would cast them off if they did not respond to Jesus. Did they listen? No. Did God cast them off right then? No, but this did serve as a significant warning and was also a sign of mercy.
Jesus shows up and begins to preach, heal and draw crowds. Right from the start, the Pharisees follow, question, debate and judge. Jesus not only has answers for them, his reasoning on and knowledge of the Law is superior to theirs. Did they listen? No. Did God judge them and cast them off right then? No, but their personal experience with Jesus, his teachings and miracles for a three-and-a-half year period did build a significant case against them. At the end of Jesus’ time, they and their nation would, in accordance with God’s judgment, be proclaimed desolated.
What does this tell us about God’s judgment? While it was appropriately hard it was also appropriately merciful. Not only were they given ample time before they were judged, God also did NOT cast them off forever, for they were His chosen people and He had made a promise to Abraham that all would be blessed by those people.
God’s treatment of the nation of Israel clues us in to his treatment of all other classes of humanity. We find that whenever He judges He always has an equitable and merciful basis for it. Check out our May 20, 2019 podcast, “Does God Judge Everyone the Same Way?” for details. We address some of the many hard questions that arise about how God judges; what happens to babies who die and what where do people go who have never ever heard the name of Jesus. The answers make so much sense when we understand God’s judgments as He meant them to be!
There is probably no role we as humans play that is more taken for granted than that of being a mother. From carrying the unborn to feeding and protecting the newborn to nurturing the toddler to teaching the child, she quietly continues. From understanding the adolescent to challenging the young adult to supporting the independent adult to caring for the grandchildren, a mom simply goes about the business of building and enhancing life. She rarely if ever gets time off, does not get paid and often does not receive much in the way of gratitude. Yet she perseveres, driven by the deep and scarcely understood motivation of selfless, protective and cultivating love. It is time to stop, observe and appreciate the love, power and influence of moms!
We always seem to portray the classic motherhood picture as one of love and forgiveness. This is a true representation but barely scratches the surface regarding the depth of character needed to support such things. In our recent podcast we listed 12 qualities of a Christian mother (referenced from a third party), opening a treasure trove of insight. These qualities are not only based in the reality of daily needs when parenting but are also based in scriptural principle to equip anyone - be they a mother or not - as a sound nurturer.
The first of these qualities is to possess a keen sense of discernment. Simply stated, to discern is to be able to judge well. There is far more to this than one would initially think. Judging well means not only seeing what is happening but perceiving the surrounding circumstances and putting the whole matter into a manageable perspective. This is often something a mother is faced with multiple times in a day. Think of the intuitiveness one would want to have while raising an adolescent. On top of patience, a positive attitude and thick skin, a mother relies on insight. Does the description “she has eyes in the back of her head” sound familiar?
Alongside the observations of current motherhood advice we have the sage inspiration of Scripture. There are many mothers spoken of in the Bible. Often their stories seem to be “by the way” additions to some larger narrative. If we take the time and give attention to these sideline details we will find some remarkable examples of child rearing bravery, faith, insight and hope.
Check out our May 13, 2019 podcast, “Is Motherhood Still Vital?” to put this all together. We walk through the 12 qualities (only one of which we touched on here) attaching a real current Christian mom’s experience to each. We also examine the stories of five biblical moms who are rarely referenced to learn of practical ancient wisdom. When we combine current mothering experiences with scriptural history and example, we inevitably find lessons and direction that apply in all circumstances. Motherhood IS vital. Let's appreciate and support it more fully!
(After this, head over to Part 2 for more.) The Bible is a big, complex and deeply misunderstood book. It was written over a period of 1,500 years by up to 40 authors. It was written in three different languages. To make matters more complicated, it has been translated a myriad of times through the last few thousand years and has suffered the unfortunate treatment of being altered along the way by some of its translators. Many (especially atheists) have enthusiastically pointed out numerous glaring contradictions in its pages. In the midst of all this, we confidently proclaim the Bible is the inspired and harmonious word of God! Who is right? Is the Bible contradictory or can each and every contradiction be explained? Let’s get straight to it. There are passages in the Bible that speak in a detailed fashion of how the young man David slew the fearsome warrior Goliath in an epic one-on-one battle. We all know the story and never hear of anyone questioning its scriptural authenticity. But did you know that there is another text that says someone else killed Goliath? Now what do we do? Do we just say that other Scripture is wrong? If so, then what about the whole premise that the Bible is the inspired word of God? The questions can easily begin to mount as this type of contradiction is very attractive to those who just can’t wait to disprove and dishonor Scripture. So, who killed Goliath? To address this issue and the many other biblical “contradictions” some seem to advertise, we need to have a clear and logical approach. First, it is always important to step back from whatever detail is being examined and make sure the big picture is understood. Is the detail in question a primary factor of an event or an historical recounting done after the fact? In the case of the “who killed Goliath” question, the text appeared later as part of a broad summation. Could there be an error on the part of a copyist that gained credibility by simply being recopied many times? What about the words in the suspicious text? What are their ancient definitions and which one of those meanings applies in that particular context?
There are several other considerations to be aware of as we seek to understand such “contradiction,” including ancient cultural matters and different points of view by a given stories' reporters. Check out our May 6, 2019 podcast, “Does the Bible Contradict Itself? (Part 1)” to find out more. We address the “Goliath” issue along with several others. Follow along with us as we figure out what the issues are, how they got there and how to reason our way through them to come to a reasoned conclusion.
The bottom line for us as Christians is, the Bible IS God’s word. It is harmonious from Genesis through Revelation, and its details as they were originally delivered are in complete agreement on every level. Let’s do what we can to set the record straight!
Why criticism? We don’t like it. For the vast majority of us, receiving it invokes feelings of angst, anger and resentment. Being criticized usually ends in a sense of being defeated and often leads us to resentment and a desire to lash out at whoever has been critical to give them a taste of their own medicine. These are bad results no matter how we view them. Have you ever noticed how much more free-flowing being critical is than grace and kindness?
Even so, it may come across as somewhat shocking how important criticism is in Christianity. It turns out that we all need to be shown our faults, weaknesses and inconsistencies in order to be better followers of Jesus. The key is in why the critical observations are made and how they are delivered. Once we understand these two things, we can then be open to the masterful art of positive criticism!
The amazing thing about criticism is that if given properly, it can produce excellence, extraordinary motivation and champions. By the same token, criticism given improperly can produce anger, retribution and failure. It is revealing how the same action can produce completely opposite results. This begs the question – why? There are two primary reasons for this discrepancy. Understanding them brings great insight into the giving and receiving of criticism.
Criticism can be SO good or SO bad: Reason #1: Why is it being dished out? Are we criticizing someone because we simply don’t like them, we’re getting back at them or we want to see them crash and burn? If so, chances are our critique is founded in emotion, vitriol or jealousy.
On the other hand, we might be critical because we disagree and are looking for resolution, or we are really trying to help. We are likely motivated by their well-being and the betterment of all involved if we seek to be constructive to build them up. Show me the reason for a critical expression and I will show you the likely destiny of that critical expression.
Reason #2: The delivery. Usually the way we communicate any critique has to do with our motivation. Does my delivery have significant emotion? Am I pressing extra hard to watch my criticism recipient quiver with fear, or do I have some fear and trepidation of my own based on my concern for that person’s well-being? Show me how a criticism is delivered and I will show you a story of dysfunction or a story of concern.
Check out our April 29, 2019 podcast, “Should Christians Criticize Anyone?” for more. We have here only scratched the surface regarding the power of criticism. How do we handle public or unjust critiques? More importantly, how do we deliver criticism in a way that not only helps the recipient but also glorifies God? These are things we need to know!
You can learn a lot about someone if you know how they pray and what they pray for, especially when they are in the midst of crisis. When we are in trauma, do we suddenly reach up to God with greater fervor and feelings of faith than we normally would? Do we focus just on ourselves and our need for help and put all else aside? On the last night and day of his human life, Jesus offered three distinct prayers to his Father as his human life was in its final traumatic chapter. We all know the end of this story brings unequivocal victory over sin and death. By examining these three prayers, we can also better know the heart, mind, devotion and strength that led to achieving such a victory. Prayer #1: The first of Jesus’ final three prayers in the Bible is his chapter-long petition in John 17. If you've ever wondered what Jesus’ life was about, what was most important to him and how he thought, just read this prayer. It not only shows us who Jesus was and is; it also serves as a manual for how to pray when your world is about to come crashing down around you. This was a prayer of preparation, as it took place during the last calm moments of his life. It was just he and his faithful followers together before they entered the garden of Gethsemane. Jesus prayed out loud so they could hear him and join in with his heartfelt petition. What he said to his Father tells an incredible story. Prayers #2 and 3 There are few recorded words for Jesus’ other two prayers, but they were no less impactful and profound. His Gethsemane prayer was one of pleading as he felt the weight of coming experiences and responsibilities overwhelm him. This prayer was repeated several times and was immediately followed by his betrayal. It is amazing how many lessons we can learn from so few words! Jesus' prayer on the cross is similar. The few words he spoke do only begin to reveal the magnitude of power and hope he was communing with his Father about.
What is also profound is the prayer that no one ever talks about – the "Prayer that Never Was." During the mounting intensity of his experience, Jesus alludes to a petition he chose not to offer. When we stop and consider the unfathomable power this unspoken prayer would have unlocked, it causes us to stand in an even greater awe of his sacrifice and love.
Check out our April 22, 2019 podcast, “What Can We Learn From Jesus’ Final Prayers?” We walk through the principles of preparation Jesus modeled for us in his John 17 prayer and break down the clarity and intensity of his Gethsemane prayer. We then observe and appreciate his last prayer on the cross and reveal its deep and hope-filled meaning. If you really want to know Jesus, know how and why he prayed!
What comes to mind when you think about the Last Supper? Perhaps you envision the famous Leonardo da Vinci painting which captures the moment Jesus revealed there was a traitor in their midst. Maybe you focus on Jesus helping his apostles to prepare for the trauma of his coming crucifixion. Perhaps you dwell on Jesus washing his follower’s feet, or maybe it comes down to the simple ritual he asked them to keep in remembrance of him. The fact is, the events of those few hours give us a profoundly deep glimpse into the heart and mind of Jesus and his overwhelming loyalty to those who followed him. As we find with any biblical account, there are details buried within the story telling of the four Gospels that make these events come alive on a level a quick reading would overlook.
The first details that seem to be easily overlooked are in relation to the location of the Last Supper. The account tells us that Jesus instructed his disciples to go find a man carrying water and follow him to the house he enters. There they would be welcomed to gather in an available upper room. Did you ever stop to think how this happened? The bottom line is, there was likely no strange miracle, but rather the foresight and prearrangement of Jesus himself. The point? Jesus knew by Scripture that his time had come and set up his last meal and time of fellowship ahead of time. This shows us how much he cared for those who were with him.
The resounding theme of the entire Last Supper evening was Jesus’ thoughtful, heartfelt and wise care for his followers. Here he was facing a night of unfair accusations, scourging and mocking, and his most pressing thoughts and actions were focused on others. We all know about the tender and humble lesson Jesus taught by washing his followers' feet, but do we all know and remember that Judas, his betrayer, was there and had his feet washed also? Stop and think a moment about the kind of character and heart one would need to possess to be able to genuinely wash the feet of the person bent on betraying you.
Another profound aspect of that fateful evening was how Jesus painstakingly prepared his followers for the coming betrayal. Until you combine all four of the Gospel accounts of this evening into one narrative, it is impossible to appreciate the meticulous care Jesus gives to revealing the betrayer’s identity to his faithful followers. Further, the four combined Gospels give us insight into how Jesus gave Judas every opportunity to see the rewards of faithfulness and the folly of betrayal.
Check out our April 15, 2019 podcast, “What Happened at the Last Supper?” for more. The story comes alive as we walk through the details of not only what happened, but HOW it all happened as well. Following the thinking and actions of Jesus with his disciples on that night brings a new level of appreciation for our Master’s character and sacrifice. What could be better than that?